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The Citizen
2 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
#MandelaDay2025: [VIDEO] Boksburg honours Madiba with acts of kindness
Businesses, charity organisations, Ward 32 Clr Marius des Vos and other individuals in Boksburg joined forces to participate in a series of acts of kindness to celebrate the life and work of the global icon, the late Nelson Mandela. This as the world marks International Nelson Mandela Day under the theme 'It's still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity'. Boksburg Civic Centre At the Boksburg Civic Centre, various local businesses converged on the lawn where they, in celebration of Mandela Day, handed out thousands of hot dogs, fruits and snack packs with sweets and other treats to thousands of the needy and vulnerable members of the community. Beneficiaries received more than just food. They were also treated to an uplifting live performance by a local saxophonist throughout the about four-hour-long event. According to one of the event organisers, Aida's Denver Ramnath, they fed approximately 3 000 people with more than 5 000 hot dogs, sweets, fruits and soft drinks from the various local businesses. 'We just want to thank the local businesses that contributed to the success of today, taking time out of their busy schedule to feed the less fortunate than us in the community. This is our annual event, and every year the initiative gets bigger. Businesses are committed to making it a success, as it is just our small way of giving back to the community on Mandela Day. 'It's heartwarming to see smiles, especially the children's faces as they receive and enjoy their food.' Why Mandela Day matters 'We are doing this because Madiba's life and work left an indelible mark on us as society, and these heartfelt gestures are our small way to show gratefulness.' Around the world, organisations and individuals are dedicating at least 67 minutes of their time to uplift communities, reflecting the 67 years the first black president spent in jail as well as his contribution to the struggle for democracy. Also Read: #MandelaMonth: Tell us what's on your mind At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Winnipeg Free Press
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Fringe reviews #6: You enter the venue and immediately trip over the fourth wall
CANCER WIFE Sherri Elle Theatre Projects Creative Manitoba (Venue 22), to Sunday, July 27 ⭐⭐⭐ What would you do if someone you'd just started dating received a life-altering health diagnosis? This one-woman performance follows an unnamed character as she struggles through such a scenario, supporting her partner through his leukemia treatment while trying to make space for her own fears and uncertainties. Written and performed by Sherri Elle, Cancer Wife crams in a wide variety of themes at a breakneck pace. Unfortunately, many plot points are brought up and then left unexplored within the 60-minute runtime. The timeline occasionally feels unclear, and the narrator is never given the space to become a fully developed character. Elle brings a lot of emotion (and a strong singing voice) to her performance, and there are several moments where her monologue effectively drags the audience through her character's innermost confessional thoughts. But a more casual speaking style undermines the script's power, and it rushes past some weighty life decisions without examining their long-term impact. — Matt Schaubroeck DRAG ME TO THE OPERA Aida Cupcake Presents Centre culturel franco-manitobain (Venue 4), to Saturday, July 26 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ There's more sweetness than a bonbon in this autobiographical musical written and performed by drag queen Aida Cupcake (a.k.a. Calgary's Steven J. Morton), who has a mellifluous tenor voice as smooth as honey. Aida delivers a compelling one-hour narrative chronicling her journey to becoming an international opera singer, exploring the way the question 'Can I plausibly pursue this?' haunted her, preying on artistic insecurities and self-doubt. She peppers her monologue with a series of famous arias from Mozart to Puccini, seamlessly changing wigs and costumes like a chameleon. One of the most gut-wrenching scenes comes when she recounts the death of her father, breaking into deeply felt Dido's Lament in which all lines between art and real life blur. However, just when you think you know how this gender-bender is going to end, Aida surprises us all (no spoilers here) with the dramatic flair worthy of a diva. Now at peace, she ultimately discovers her true, authentic voice before one final confection from Donizetti's The Daughter of the Regiment, nailing every one of her treacherous high Cs and performing with military zeal. — Holly Harris HOUDINI: THE MAN, THE MYTH, THE LEGEND. Oddly Entertainment Centre culturel franco-manitobain (Venue 4), to Sunday, July 27 ⭐⭐⭐ Local performer Brett Oddly's opening show was fraught with jitters over a hastily assembled attempt to meet the promised hour of entertainment. Still, what unfolded — a reproduction of some of the beloved illusionist and stunt artist Harry Houdini's greatest escapes — was fulfilled with skill. In between some factoids are dispersed — not much of a deep dive, but some curious and distressing facts about straitjackets are included, and the ultimate wrangle out of one is a grand finale. A testament to the last-minute machinations was the performer's off-the-cuff remark that the hardest part of the show was remembering he was supposed to be Houdini. Such is Oddly's charm that it came off as vulnerable as opposed to a bait and switch. — Lara Rae I HOPE YOU KNOW Interstellar Theatre Company Creative Manitoba (Venue 22), to Sunday, July 27 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Patiently tapping their fingers on a suitcase before the audience takes its seats, queer theatre student Niko (Adia Branconnier, 17) arrives at the station ahead of schedule, but as always, the train is late, and so is a straggling passenger: Niko's father (Mike Branconnier), who awkwardly wraps his child in a side-hug before a blazingly original, unabashedly open and side-splittingly funny hour-long trip to Toronto's Union Station. Written by the teenage performer — a two-time winner of the Scirocco Drama Manitoba high-school playwriting program — I Hope You Know announces Adia Branconnier as a major talent. While the younger Branconnier's acting chops, both comedically and dramatically, are excellent, their father proves to be a skilful scene partner, often communicating his character's discomfort, regret and hope for forgiveness with only the whites of his eyes. The production makes wise use of background noise, mixing raindrops, clacking train tracks and the distant clatter of Old Market Square to imbue each moment with the space and time necessary to process a brilliant fringe debut. — Ben Waldman LYSISTRATA R-G Productions One88 (Venue 23), to Sunday, July 27 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ It might be surprising that 2,400-year-old jokes can still get laughs today, but such is the power of phallic humour. Some not-so-nuanced wordplay and stiff props earned many laughs in this comedic retelling of an all-woman sex strike that tries to usher in peace, in direct opposition to their husbands' penchant for more military solutions. A large troupe does its best with the source material, with sometimes uneven delivery but no lack of enthusiasm for the punchlines. Some awareness of the original plot might help fill in some narrative gaps that were quickly glossed over, but no homework is required to appreciate the absurd antics. Clocking in at a lean 50 minutes (not the 75 advertised) the script occasionally felt rushed and lacked much of the source material's social commentary. Sticking largely to Aristophanes' original story brought some millennia-old jokes to life, but the current global situation driven by certain warmongering men might have given a sharper, more modern perspective on this classic. — Matt Schaubroeck MOMS MOMS MOMS: A BURLESQUE COMEDY DD Brassiere PTE — Colin Jackson Studio (Venue 17), to Sunday, July 27 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Performers DD Brassiere and Your Mom Kathy let it all hang out as they combine the sensual art of burlesque with comedy. The middle-aged women say they're doing the show to get some time away from their kids (DD has one, Kathy has three) and let loose. And they sure do. The duo sing, dance, drink wine, tell jokes and anecdotes (including a serious story about an overdose) and get naked — Manitoba Naked, DD says, noting the women were going to use pasties over their nipples, which now can't be exposed after breastfeeding. The 60-minute production is akin to a variety show with each performer taking the spotlight to do a bit of standup and stripping — to much hooping and hollering from the boisterous crowd, who were treated to some literal eye-popping reveals. And if you think Your Mom Kathy — a self-described larger MILF — isn't a good burlesque name, she claims the top categories on Porn Hub would say different. — Rob Williams THE MONKEY'S PAW Stumble Upon a Story Asper Centre for Theatre and Film (Venue 10), to Sunday, July 27 ⭐⭐⭐ Winnipeg's Stumble Upon a Story troupe adapts the 1902 horror story by W.W. Jacobs using masks and puppetry, and a reading of the story for good measure. If you're not familiar with the horror classic, it's about an old couple who come into possession of the titular artifact, taken from an elderly visitor as he attempts to toss the thing into the fire. It grants the bearer three wishes, but the wish involves an unanticipated sacrifice. Jacob's much adapted and copied story relies on plucking at the reader's imagination, so it's a solid idea to adapt the story to the stage for two performers (Sarah Higgins and Jo Dixon) clad in robes and masks. But perhaps it's too much of an abstract thing, factoring the hypnotic music and sound design by Darin Janzen. The Monkey's Paw is a horror story first, and any production would need a jolt or two to counter the slow ritualistic music and action and the dark cool atmosphere of the venue, all of which conspire to soporific effect. — Randall King NERVOUS BREAKDOWN IN G MINOR Lewis Rawlinson Théâtre Cercle Molière (Venue 3), to Sunday, July 27 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ A vulnerable young gay man aspires to be a concert cellist, but the trauma of a Mormon upbringing, drug use and psychological distress put his dreams on hold. Given the abdication of dignity that can come along with elite pursuit, owing to the historic amount of abuse in classical music against anyone who isn't a cis male, the cure can be worse than the disease. Their loss. Here is a brave queer soul finally living his best life: a story well told by the Chicago-based actor-musician, interspersed with well-handled Rachmaninoff in the titular minor key. — Lara Rae NEUROHILARITY EXPOSED Neurohilarity Planetarium Auditorium (Venue 9), to Saturday, July 26 ⭐⭐⭐ 'When I get nervous, I talk about trains. And baby, I'm always nervous.' That quip by Adam Schwartz, who has autism, typifies the self-affirming tone of this hour-long showcase for four standup comics under the banner of Neurohilarity, a Winnipeg organization that promotes neurodiverse artists. The comedians take ownership of their awkwardness and poke fun at the behaviours that accompany their ADD, ADHD or autism, from poor impulse control and hyperfixations to being terrible at small talk and fibbing. The funniest set is by Rollin Penner, who was diagnosed with ADD in his 50s and is so forgetful and distractible that he can't quite recall what food one of his kids is 'deathly allergic' to. Carole Cunningham confesses to having a 'closet of shame' for her abandoned hobby supplies. Danielle Kayahara describes herself as 'a wallflower who's bad at telling lies.' It may be unpolished, but Neurohilarity Exposed demonstrates how laughter really can take the sting out of differences. — Alison Mayes TESS TALKS The Tess Effect Planetarium Auditorium (Venue 9), to Sunday, July 27 ⭐⭐⭐ ½ The five Canadian storytellers who compose this TED Talk-inspired show — Sally Scott, Nicolette Richer, Tessa Emery, Marc Dionne and Theo — met during a retreat called Flying Soulo at the Hollyhock Cortes Island Retreat Centre in B.C., which is where these stories were born. They kept in touch and now, they are baring their souls at the fringe. Addressing everything from depression, pelvic pain (and the painfully long journey for answers) and a midlife sexual awakening to an ayahuasca trip and a journey into the abyss, these stories are vulnerable, touching and quite often funny, delivered by engaging people. Not everyone on the bill is as comfortable with their material as others, however, and some of the tellers are on the quiet side. At 66 minutes (a shade shorter than the 75 advertised in the program), it also feels a bit overlong. But if you're looking for relatable tales of humanity and heart, this is your show and these are your people. — Jen Zoratti
The National
3 days ago
- Business
- The National
Regional cruise sector remains resilient in face of Red Sea tensions
A cruise industry leader has said he expects passengers to be largely undeterred by "geopolitical issues" facing the region, despite a major operator halting planned trips going through the UAE. Dominic Noranho, regional manager for sales and marketing at Cruise Master, a Middle East agency representing more than 24 cruise operators, spoke of the tourism boost the sector provides and said the safety of those on board remained paramount. The cruise industry has become a key component of regional tourism, with more than 150 cruise liners visiting the UAE each winter. Mr Noranho said 95 per cent of those on board fly in from elsewhere. 'Generally, geopolitical issues are something that does not affect the attitudes of passengers from this part of the world,' he said. 'Cruise lines deploy these ships in this part of the world to boost tourism and bring inbound customers into the Middle East to experience the destination. 'For all cruise lines, the utmost priority is safety of the crew and the passengers. 'They will not jeopardise it in any way, and on a commercial perspective, the insurance costs are going to be really high for them to operate when it comes to such scenarios.' He spoke after German cruise operator Aida announced it was to cancel its planned Orient cruises with the 3,300 passenger capacity Aidaprima, to and from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, in the 2025-26 winter season. The giant 18-deck, 300-metre-long floating hotel with a smiling face painted onto its bow has become a familiar sight in Dubai's purpose-built cruise terminal. Parent company Aida announced all associated transfer cruises in fall 2025 and spring 2026 will also be cancelled due to regional safety concerns. Since November 2023, more than 70 commercial vessels have been attacked in the Red Sea by Yemen's Houthi rebels, with two vessels sunk. The attacks have forced merchant ships to take longer routes around Africa to avoid potential flashpoints, with the cruise industry also suffering disruption to regular tourism routes. In a statement, Aida Cruises said it was committed to long-term planning and due to the currently uncertain situation in the Middle East, would not be offering UAE cruises this winter, deploying vessels to Northern Europe and the Canary Islands instead. 'With this decision, the company aims to provide its guests with reliable clarity about their vacation trips in the coming winter season as early as possible,' a representative for Aida said. Most cruises unaffected Those booked on cruises transiting through the UAE have been offered a cancellation voucher worth 10 per cent off the price of previous cabin bookings, redeemable until September 30, 2025. Despite the Aida cancellations, other cruise operators contacted by The National said they were planning to continue winter bookings as normal. Bookings for winter cruises that usually depart from the UAE in December typically begin in mid-September, so Mr Noranho said it could be too soon to tell if there is likely to be further disruption. 'In the routings of what MSC, Costa and Celestial currently have within the Arabian Gulf that is purely touching only the GCC countries, I don't see a concern there,' he said. 'Most of the cruise lines deploying their ships here in the Middle East have stopped sailing via the Suez Canal, and they are coming all the way around Africa, which makes the cost of repositioning also expensive. 'It's quite natural when the operational costs go up, the ticket cost also would go up, but that has not led to customers shying away because it's not such an exorbitant cost for them to decide not to travel. 'The way the UAE in particular has positioned itself as a cruise hub for cruise lines passing through the region has made this a key aspect of the tourism industry today.' Red Sea tensions Cancellations of cruise routes due to tensions at sea are not unprecedented. In May 2024, Seabourn Cruise dropped Red Sea ports from its 90-day Grand Africa voyage, while Holland America Line also followed with changes to its world cruise on board Volendam to avoid the same waters after consultations with security experts. In 2019, P&O Cruises scrapped its winter programme to Dubai and the Arabian Gulf due to terrorist attacks on shipping tankers in the Straits of Hormuz. At the time, P&O Cruises president, Paul Ludlow said the detention of a British-flagged tanker by the Iranian authorities heavily influenced the decision. "The safety of our guests and crew is absolutely paramount and given our UK status, coupled with the uncertainty in the region, we had to make this difficult decision,' he said. According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the global cruise industry is currently in a rapid growth phase. Cruise liners around the world carried 31.7 million passengers on holidays in 2023, with 37.7 million expected in 2025 and a further 10 per cent increase forecast by 2028. The industry, however, has been criticised for overtourism by flooding already popular coastal communities with thousands of extra tourists, as well as for its environmental impact. More than 350 extra cruise shops are under construction or due to take to the seas to meet the growing, projected demand with Gen-X and Millennials leading the market. In its annual State of the Cruise Industry report CLIA highlighted the industry's economic impact, by contributing $168 billion to communities and supporting 1.6 million jobs. 'The report shows that cruising continues to be one of the most dynamic and resilient sectors in tourism, growing in line with strong demand for cruise holidays, particularly among younger generations and new-to-cruise travellers," said Bud Darr, president and chief executive of CLIA.
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Satellite Images Show New Trump Resort Emerge in Middle East
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Recent satellite imagery reveals significant progress at one of the Middle East's most high-value coastal real estate projects, where Trump-branded villas are being developed above the Gulf of Oman. Newsweek contacted real estate developer Dar Global and the Trump Organization for comment. U.S. President Donald Trump has handed over his multiple global business interests to his family while he is serving as president, but his critics say potential conflicts of interest remain. Why It Matters The megaproject, called Aida, sits atop cliffs roughly 430 feet above sea level near Oman's Yiti beach, and aligns with the country's Vision 2040 aimed at diversifying the country's economy beyond oil through high-end tourism and foreign investments. A centerpiece for the project is Trump International Oman—a $500 million resort anchored by a 140-room luxury hotel and an international-standard golf course. The project reflects the Trump Organization's deepening footprint in the Gulf, with country leaders also forging close political and security ties with the U.S. president. Oman has been acting as a mediator between the U.S. and Iran on nuclear talks. Drag slider compare photos What To Know Spanning over 3.5 million square meters, the coastal project is being built through a joint venture between Saudi Arabia's Dar Global, a London-listed real estate developer, and Omran Group, the state's authority overseeing tourism investment in Oman. Dar Global said in its July digital newspaper issue that "significant progress is underway at AIDA." Located about 15 minutes from Oman's capital, Muscat, the resort is within reach from major Gulf tourism hubs, such as Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Aida, which combines upscale residences, hotels, and recreational facilities secured financing from the National Bank of Oman in February. The company is developing the Trump Cliff Villas, upscale sea-view homes tucked near the Trump International Hotel. A three-bedroom villa is being sold at over $1 million, according to real estate developers' websites. DarGlobal is developing a signature resort in AIDA, a $4B landmark 130m above Muscat. With luxury villas, a Trump Golf Course, a world-class hotel, & a hanging nightclub, AIDA redefines elegance while preserving nature. #DarGlobal #AIDA #Trump #Oman — DarGlobal (@dar_global) January 3, 2025 Dar Global is also building the Trump Tower Jeddah, a 47-story-tower on the city's corniche scheduled for completion in 2029 and the Trump International Hotel and Tower Dubai, featuring the world's highest outdoor pool. What People Are Saying Ziad El Chaar, CEO of Dar Global said in February, as quoted by Kanebridge News business platform: "As a milestone project AIDA is not only slated to elevate the luxury real estate offering of Oman but also deliver tangible economic growth by attracting investment, creating jobs, strengthening the tourism and related sectors." Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization said in 2024: "We are thrilled to introduce Trump International Oman with Dar Global, marking a new era of sophistication, impeccable service, and exclusivity, elevating Oman as a premier global destination." What Happens Next The first phase of AIDA, focused on core infrastructure, is due for completion by 2027. Trump International Oman is expected to open by December 2028.
New York Post
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Columbus Short's wife gets restraining order, accuses actor of roughing her up for years
Actor Columbus Short's wife, Aida Abramyan-Short, has been granted a restraining order after claiming he drunkenly choked her during a heated argument on the same day he claimed she kicked their 10-week-old puppy. A judge signed off on Aida's request for a temporary restraining order Monday after she claimed the 'Stomp the Yard' actor had attacked her while she was doing laundry at their home on July 7, according to court documents obtained by TMZ. Aida claimed her husband, 42, had been heavily drinking and started yelling at her to not 'slam the f–king door b–ch,' before shouting that her 'mouth is gonna get you in trouble.' She claimed things got violent soon after. 5 Actor Columbus Short's wife, Aida Abramyan-Short, has been granted a restraining order after claiming he drunkenly choked her during a heated argument. @callmemrsshort/Instagram Aida alleged the 'Scandal' star pushed and grabbed her before putting both hands around her neck to choke her. She claims the situation escalated enough that she screamed, 'My husband is choking me, help!' to a neighbor and pleaded with them to call the police. Aida provided the court with photos showing her with bruises, scratches, and a black eye that she said was from the alleged abusive altercation with her husband, the outlet adds. She claimed the actor has a 'severe' drinking problem that makes him get violent. She claimed that his alleged hot-headed behavior led to his being arrested for DUI. Aida further alleged that the 'Cadillac Records' actor has been abusive to her in front of their children, and feels they wouldn't be safe if left alone with him. 5 A judge signed off on Aida's request for a temporary restraining order Monday after she claimed the 'Stomp the Yard' actor had attacked her at their home. @callmemrsshort/Instagram While the judge granted her a temporary restraining order, her request for temporary sole custody of their two children was denied. The Post has reached out to Short's reps for comment. Aida's court filing comes a week after Short himself was already granted a temporary restraining order against her. 5 Aida claimed the 'Scandal' star pushed and grabbed her before putting both hands around her neck to choke her. @callmemrsshort/Instagram The 'Stomp the Yard' actor claimed Aida kicked and threw their 10-week-old puppy, then attacked him on the same day she now told the court he choked her, TMZ reported. Short claimed he confronted her about roughing up the young pup, which led to her hitting him multiple times in the face, busting his eye open and drawing blood. The actor claimed she had been abusive towards the dog since he brought it home on June 21. 5 The pair have been married since 2016 and share two kids together. Getty Images He further alleged that during the attack, concerned neighbors heard Aida 'screaming very loudly as if she was being murdered,' and called the police. However, when cops arrived at their home, they saw he was bruised and placed her under arrest. The 'True to the Game' actor also claimed his wife is verbally abusive to him in front of their kids, and has even threatened to use a knife against him in the past, according to court documents. Short and Aida have been married since 2016 and share two kids together. 5 Short played Harrison Wright in the hit ABC show, 'Scandal.' AP In 2018, the actor was sentenced for allegedly striking Aida during an argument, TMZ previously reported. In 2014, he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor domestic violence as part of a no-jail plea agreement with his ex-wife, Tanee McCall.
