Latest news with #Born
LeMonde
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- LeMonde
Bruce Springsteen in Le Monde: From disillusioned singer to anti-Trump activist
There is the singer who, for five decades, has taken his audience on a journey − from feverish rock anthems to harmonica ballads − "on the streets of a runaway American dream." And there is the president who, through decrees and diatribes, has promised his voters to "make America great again." Bruce Springsteen and Donald Trump, at 75 and 78 years old respectively, represent two contrasting visions of America that are now clashing – fiercely. During a European tour that brought him to France from May 24 to 31, the Born in the USA singer took aim at Trump, accusing him, as he said on May 24 in Lille, of being "corrupt and incompetent." In response, the Mar-a-Lago resident lashed back, calling him a "jerk" and a "dried out prune." Springsteen, who grew up in a working-class New Jersey family, seems to particularly irk the current president and New York-born "son of," likely because the singer conveys the pain and nostalgia that Trump exploits so relentlessly: one of small towns living in the shadow of declining factories. Searching through Le Monde 's archives is like traveling upriver. Springsteen's role as a disillusioned voice of America emerged as early as this newspaper's first article on the singer − published on November 22, 1975 − on the occasion of the release of his third album, Born to Run, which brought him worldwide fame. Claude Fléouter was captivated by the artist – "Bruce Springsteen seems to have come straight from [Times Square]" – and even more by his music, which he described as being "Thrown, shouted and howled out with fury and sensuality, [with poetic rush]," and as full of "passions and fantasies." To Fléouter, the album captured "the atmosphere of a New York street."
Irish Examiner
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Examiner
Cupra Tavascan review: sleek electric SUV impresses with sporty drive and standout design
Cupra will be a 'name' in due course, but right now not enough people know about it Brand recognition is a vital component of any manufacturer's raison d'etre and the motoring sphere is no different from any other endeavour where selling to Joe and Jane Public is essential to success. But if Jane and Joe have no idea about your product line-up, then you're in a spot of bother. For Cupra, the SEAT sub-brand for which the parent Volkswagen Group has lofty ideas, that's a big issue right now. Factor in the intention of its VW masters to launch Cupra as a standalone marque to the US within the next decade, then brand recognition becomes altogether more important for those charged with making it a success. As we have pointed out on numerous occasions when writing about this excellent new brand, this lack of public awareness about the marque and its products is both bewildering and dumb. If you're not out there pushing the metal, then the metal is not going to sell itself. And the thing is that Cupra does have a lot to say about itself – excellent model line-up, competitive pricing and individual product which is as good as if not better than that of the parent company. Indeed – and it has been obvious for some time – that subsidiary companies such as Skoda, SEAT and now Cupra are if not necessarily leaving equivalent VW products looking dull and uninspired by comparison with what they are making, then they are certainly making better cars. But, the reason why Cupra – with its 'four-legged spider' logo and copper-coloured body inserts and alloy wheels – has come into existence is, in reality, because the powers that be in Wolfsburg realised that it was probably going to be impossible to change the brand perception that accompanies the SEAT brand. Sadly, the Spanish marque, has always been associated with the lower end of the market and no end of brand manipulation was going to change that perception. So, what to do? Well, the easy answer was simply to reinvent it. Cupra is that reinvention. Oddly, though, what has emerged is something that will potentially challenge the VW badge itself and it will be interesting in the years to come to see how Wolfsburg copes with that challenge. But enough waffle. The Tavascan is named, like all SEAT and Cupra models, after towns or locations across Spain (in this case a small village in the heart of the Pyrenees, near the border with France). It is solely an EV, like its sibling the Born, and it is Cupra's stab at that most awful of automotive segments, a Coupe SUV. In fairness, looking at it, it does not immediately come across as one of those terrible, but more like a simply sleek SUV. It is a good-looking thing and your eye is caught more by its body curves than the heavily sloped roof, which isn't that heavily sloped really. Cupra Tavascan stylish interior There is an element of drama about the car's appearance and its looks purposeful and modern, despite the fact the designers have relied heavily on older design tropes (clam-shell-y bonnet, Avant Garde light clusters front and rear), fat wheel arches and swoopy creases and folds along the flanks). The interior too dares to be different and is, nominally, a feast for the eyes. There's a unique Y-shaped element which emerges from the centre console between the front seats and melds into the dash and creates a futuristic vibe. On the one hand, this design's adventurousness is daring and different; on the other, it is let down by the materials used to create it, but more of that later. Passenger space is very generous — especially for those in the rear where neither head or leg room are compromised by the supposed 'coupe' look or the panoramic roof — and the boot is huge too. The one caveat is that the materials used – despite plenty of eye-catching copper inserts – don't feel as premium as they might. They are too hard and scratchy for the premium feel that is being sought here. Otherwise, the seats are fantastically comfortable and the tech levels – including the huge 15' touchscreen – are very impressive, although we would have liked a non-integrated climate system and button controls for same. But stuff like the Sennheiser stereo system also adds heft to the package. Driving it, however, is where its winning character comes into play – it's a hoot. Now, that's not something we've often said about EVs; sure, some of them are light-switch fast, but most don't have the handling nous necessary to make that palatable. This one does. The engineers have done a thorough job on the front and rear suspensions – MacPherson struts at the front and multi-link rear setups – have been finely calibrated and it shows. This thing handles like the sporty entity Cupra wanted it to be and not like your regular sloppy mid-sized SUV. With the steering having been specially engineered to provide more driver feel and engagement and, allied with the suspension tuning, the Tavascan packs the necessary ride and handling punch to please even the most demanding driver. The all-new Cupra Tavascan Work has also been done to give heft to the braking system – something we found to be wanting on the recently reviewed Born. Here, they are reassuringly responsive and do their job well. Add that to 286 bhp whack coming from the 210-kW electric motor – powering the rear wheels – on our 'Endurance 6' specced model and you have something very engaging indeed – much moreso than either the excellent Skoda Enyaq or the disappointing Volkswagen ID.3. There are, of course, a choice of driving modes – and you even get a 'Cupra' button t-on the steering wheel which promises more grunt but doesn't really deliver much. As is so often with EVs these days, you're best off sticking it in 'comfort' mode and leaving it at that. But then you've got the Tavascan's range and re-charging prowess, both of which are impressive. The official range is 546km, but you can feel certain you'll get close to 500 km at least without being overly careful, while the 20-80% charging takes about half-an-hour. So far, so good. So, what are the downsides? Well, this car is actually made in China and therefore subject to EU tariffs introduced last year – even before 'Tariff' Trump swung into action. That makes it quite an expensive car for the mid-size SUV segment, but we can expect to see some inventive sales pitches here to soften that blow somewhat. The other downside is the quality of the interior materials; for a supposedly premium vehicle, they're just not up to the job and detract from what is an otherwise excellent package. Once more with a Cupra product, we have something here which is tantalisingly close to being a five-star product but falls just shy. That they're getting so close to excellence promises much for the brand and its future. This 'experiment' gets more interesting by the day – now all they need is for the general public to actually know and understand what they're up to. Read More Opel Grandland EV review: electric SUV offers good range and undercuts hybrids on price
Borneo Post
23-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Shell LiveWire champions Sabahan entrepreneur's sustainability journey
Saila (front centre) with her team and community. KOTA KINABALU (May 23): In a world grappling with mounting environmental challenges, certain individuals rise to transform problems into purpose. One such visionary is Saila Saidie, founder of LJD Corporation, a social enterprise based in Sabah that's redefining waste management through community empowerment. LJD Corporation is an accredited social enterprise that turns plastic waste into meaningful, handmade products. It runs a mini recycling and upcycling centre in Kampung Kepayan Baru, equipped with machines like a plastic shredder, sheet press, and injection machine with a mould. 'We work closely with informal waste collectors, particularly those at the Kayu Madang landfill, many of whom reside in Kampung Lapasan, just 15-minute drive from our centre,' Saila said in an interview. 'We also collaborate with communities from Kampung Keliangau, Kampung Tenggiling, Kampung Sinulimbai, Kampung Lobou, Kampung Bukit Permai, and Kampung Rakyat Baru — all nearby.' LJD Corporation buys plastic waste from these communities and trains villagers like women and youth to turn it into ethnic-inspired accessories and eco-products like keychains, coasters, and earrings. 'A big part of our work is built on a circular model,' Saila explained. 'For example, women entrepreneurs donate leftover plastic straps from their woven handbag activities, which we repurpose into new items, ensuring nothing goes to waste. 'Some of our best product designs come from close collaboration with lecturers from the Academy of Arts & Creative Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sabah. 'We're especially grateful to Dr Lilian Lee, Dr Victor B Pangayan, and other dedicated lecturers who have continuously supported our innovation journey.' Saila said her designs, which reflect Sabah's culture and resilience, have reached international markets such as Singapore, Brunei, New Zealand, and the Netherlands. LJD Corporation has also become a learning site for visitors, including students from MSU College and various other institutions. Saila Saidie Humble beginnings Born and raised in Kota Kinabalu with deep roots in the highland town of Tambunan, Saila's upbringing instilled in her values of compassion and resilience. Whilst holding a Degree in Sports Science, her professional life led her to nearly a decade in journalism, allowing her to observe the intricate relationship between business, environment, and societal challenges. This first-hand exposure ignited a desire to shift from reporting on problems to actively crafting solutions. Today, as a wife and mother, her work is further fueled by the desire to create a cleaner, more just world for her daughter and future generations. 'Though I earned a degree in Sports Science from UiTM Shah Alam, my path led me to journalism, where I spent nearly a decade covering business and environmental issues,' she detailed. 'That chapter of my life gave me a deep understanding of the challenges we face as a society, especially when it comes to waste and inequality. Over time, I felt a growing urge to move from documenting problems to becoming part of the solution. 'While working as a journalist, I often wrote about the climate crisis. But one day in 2019, while driving past the water villages in Sembulan, I saw hundreds of moulded plastic bottles floating under the houses. 'It hit me hard — the system is broken, and not enough is being done to fix it. That was my wake-up call. 'Later that year, I met Viviantie Sarjuni, who is now the CEO of Sabah Creative Economy and Innovation Centre (SCENIC), and she introduced me to the concept of social enterprises. 'Back then, it was still a foreign idea to many people in Sabah, but to me, it felt like a calling. I wanted to build a business that created jobs and tackled plastic pollution at the same time.' Saila during her win as one of the Sabah state winners for Shell LiveWire Malaysia 2022. Shell LiveWire catalyst Saila's journey took a significant turn in 2022 when she discovered the Shell LiveWire Sabah programme through Facebook. Recognising the programme's alignment with LJD's mission, she promptly applied and was selected as one of the top five winners in Sabah for 2022. 'The mentorship was life changing. The team at Shell believed in me even when I was still figuring things out,' Saila recalled. 'They taught me how to frame LJD not just as a business, but as a powerful solution for plastic waste and poverty in Sabah. 'Something the CEO Satu Creative, which the implementing partner for Shell LiveWire Malaysia, Ahmad Azuar Zainuddin, said still sticks with me: 'Your network is your worth.' Since then, I've made a conscious effort to attend networking events and connect with people who inspire change.' A truly memorable moment from the programme involved the RM10,000 grant, which enabled LJD to purchase its first small sheet press machine. This singular investment allowed the company to expand its workforce to 30 artisans, many of whom were students from ASTIF at UMS, facilitating the launch of their first product line. The surreal moment of seeing their products, made from landfill plastic, showcased in Amsterdam after SCENIC purchased them in bulk, solidified their growing impact. Shell LiveWire's impact extended beyond funding, providing LJD with essential structure and equipping Saila with the mindset of a founder, enabling her to think about scaling, pitching, and measuring impact. This propelled the company from operating a single small machine to managing a comprehensive mini recycling centre, reinforcing Saila's conviction that 'business can be a force for good.' LJD Corporation sells its products directly to over 8,000 followers on TikTok. Growth and evolution since 2022 Since 2022, LJD Corporation has experienced significant growth in both its impact and visibility. Its social media presence has surged, with over 8,000 followers on TikTok, where they now sell products directly. A crucial memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with Universiti Malaysia Sabah empowers villagers in Kampung Kepayan Baru and surrounding areas through skills training and income generation. Partnerships have also expanded to include institutions like UiTM Sabah and MSU College. Workshops have emerged as a significant income stream, with collaborations forged with government agencies to deliver recycling and upcycling sessions across Sabah. 'One of our proudest achievements with ASTIF UMS was winning a Gold Medal at INNOZILLA 2024, an innovation exhibition and competition organised by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM),' Saila enthused. This prestigious event brought together participants, experts, industry leaders, and changemakers working towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 'The recognition reaffirmed that our grassroots work can contribute to global impact.' Saila with her products. Towards a cleaner future Currently, Saila observes a noticeable evolution in Sabah's sustainability landscape since 2022. 'More people are aware of sustainability and are actively looking to reduce plastic waste,' she noted. 'More people are aware of sustainability and are actively looking to reduce plastic waste. 'Social entrepreneurship is no longer a strange term, and more young people are coming forward with sustainable ideas. Educational institutions and government agencies are also more open to collaboration than before.' Nevertheless, challenges remain in the form of funding, which Saila says has always been the biggest hurdle for any business. 'Machines, training, and infrastructure don't come cheap. We've had to be creative and lean, selling consistently, reinvesting profits, and staying grounded in our mission. 'We've received support from organisations like SCENIC, DIDR, APPGM-SDG, UMS, MEDC and many more. I'm especially thankful to Datuk Ewon Benedick, he once bought out all our stock to support women at the Tekun event and has been an ongoing supporter of our work.' LJD is currently constructing a larger 1,250 sq ft Community Recycling and Learning Centre, envisioned as a hub for youth training, corporate workshops, and co-working space for local crafters. 'Right now, one of our biggest challenges is the need to build a larger centre. Our current space is no longer enough to meet the growing demand for training, production, and community engagement,' she highlighted. For aspiring young entrepreneurs, Saila offers concise yet powerful advice: 'Start with a purpose. If you're solving a real problem, you're already halfway there. 'Don't wait for things to be perfect; just start. Build your network, ask for help, and don't be afraid to fail.' She emphasizes that LJD began without a blueprint, propelled by 'heart and hustle.' The products made from landfill plastic have been showcased in Amsterdam. In her final message, Saila advocates for kindness—to the environment, to others, and to yourself. She firmly believes in Sabah's untapped potential: 'If we work together across backgrounds and communities, we can turn waste into opportunity and give dignity back to those who've been overlooked.' Saila's journey exemplifies how a former journalist, driven by purpose and community spirit, can build a thriving enterprise that not only addresses environmental issues but also uplifts and empowers those at the grassroots. Shell LiveWire Malaysia is back again this year and calls out all entrepreneurs from Sabah to be a part of this exciting initiative that can be a game-changer for budding entrepreneurs. Register today at and live your dream! lead Shell LiveWire Malaysia
The Print
22-05-2025
- Science
- The Print
US is facing brain drain. India must decide if it's ready to welcome back scholars
In the 1930s, many of the displaced scientists from Germany went on to make ground-breaking contributions—only now, on foreign soil. Among them, Albert Einstein, James Franck, and Erwin Schrodinger were already Nobel laureates, while five more won the Nobel Prize later for the work they did abroad. Their acceptance in the UK and the US was partly helped by dedicated organisations set up specifically to support their relocation. It is an undisputed fact that the innovation culture in the US and Western Europe in the post-war period led to their rapid economic growth, and this group of migrants played an important role in promoting such culture. In recent times, reports have emerged that many academicians are looking to migrate from the US to other parts of the world. The present geopolitical situation may not be as grave, or as delicate as it was in 1933 Germany, but a perceived threat to academic freedom is prompting many academicians to consider relocating. A recent survey carried out by Nature magazine confirms that the brain drain may already be underway in the US. More than 75 per cent of a large number of scientists said that they were looking to move at the earliest opportunity. The year 1933 witnessed the beginning of an exodus of scientists, academicians, and intellectuals from Germany. The scale of the exodus, and the quality of people who left Germany, mostly to the US and Western Europe, was so significant that they deeply influenced the development of Western Europe and America in the post-World War II period. History might repeat itself, again. Inviting scholars to India Interestingly, some of the leading academicians had even considered migrating to India in the 1930s. One such person was Max Born, who went on to win the Nobel Prize in physics in 1954 and was American physicist J Robert Oppenheimer's mentor. Born spent six months during 1935-1936 at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, at the invitation of Indian physicist CV Raman. Raman had recently moved to IISc and was keen to attract global talent to the institute. When Raman offered Born to move to Bengaluru in 1935, initially for six months and later permanently, Born had no hesitation in accepting the invitation. Indeed, Born's six months in Bengaluru were marked by a series of lectures by him and deep academic discussions with Raman and his colleagues. Similarly, when Pt Madan Mohan Malaviya understood the plight of intellectuals in Germany, foreseeing the immediate need to act, he offered Albert Einstein to visit the newly established Banaras Hindu University. This was in anticipation that Einstein would be pleased with the academic environment at the BHU, and eventually might be persuaded to accept a faculty position there. Both Raman and Malaviya had exceptional foresight on the contemporary situation and were willing to invite outstanding individuals to their institutions. Also read: Who's responsible for the state of India's history? Propaganda, profits & influencers US brain brain If the brain drain does happen now, it could undermine the US' position as the world's most innovation-friendly country—and as its largest economy. Independent analysts have commented on both these aspects. Consequently, countries in Europe have taken swift action on the perceived brain drain from the US. For example, the French President Emmanuel Macron has already extended an open invitation to the best brains to relocate to France. Is India prepared to accept a large number of talented academicians—and that too, at short notice? The situation in the 1930s was quite different than that of today. Back then, a few responsible individuals had the foresight and courage to make such decisions. Moreover, universities and institutions in India had just begun to be established, creating space and opportunity for many to find a place within them. Despite this, Raman had faced serious hurdles in bringing Max Born on a long-term engagement. On the other hand, the academic organisations are much more mature now compared to the 1930s. The maturity has also brought unintended bureaucratic hurdles in spotting outstanding talent and offering positions in our institutions. A new and innovative approach may be necessary if India truly wants to take advantage of the situation and attract the best global talent. The government can set up special-purpose mechanisms and rapidly implement decisions on exceptionally talented academics to return. Many newly established private universities, possibly free of the bureaucratic processes, may take the lead. Undoubtedly, attracting such outstanding individuals, considering the current peculiar geopolitical situation, will only have a positive long-term impact on the growth of the Indian economy. Only time will tell if India seizes the opportunity or lets it slip away once again. Shekhar C Mande is the retired Director General of CSIR and currently a professor at the Savitribai Phule Pune University. He tweets @shekhar_mande. Views are personal. (Edited by Ratan Priya)
7NEWS
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- 7NEWS
Trump posts altered video of himself hitting Bruce Springsteen with a golf ball
The feud between US President Donald Trump and veteran rock star Bruce Springsteen escalated Wednesday after the commander in chief posted a doctored video to social media showing him hitting the singer with a golf ball. In the posts, shared to the president's Truth Social and X accounts, Trump is shown hitting a golf ball. The video then shows a clip of Springsteen, 75, tripping at one of his shows and rolling as he falls onto the stage. A golf ball appears to be added into the second clip as if Trump was responsible for hitting Springsteen and making him fall. The post comes as the president and the Born in the USA singer have publicly traded barbs after Springsteen's comments last week during the opening show of his European tour. 'The America I love, the America I've written about, that has been a beacon of hope and liberty for 250 years, is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent and treasonous administration,' he said. He went on to accuse the Trump administration of 'abandoning the world's poorest children to sickness and death ... taking sadistic pleasure in the pain that they inflict on loyal American workers,' and rolling back civil rights in the United States. Springsteen will include his comments about Trump on an EP he's releasing of the recent concert, according to Variety. Initially, the Trump administration replied with a statement, saying that 'the 77 million Americans that elected President Trump disagree with elitist and out-of-touch celebrities like Bruce Springsteen.' Trump later responded to the comments on Truth Social, saying Springsteen was 'overrated' and a 'jerk'. 'Never liked him, never liked his music, or his Radical Left Politics and, importantly, he's not a talented guy — Just a pushy, obnoxious JERK, who fervently supported Crooked Joe Biden, a mentally incompetent FOOL, and our WORST EVER President, who came close to destroying our Country,' Trump wrote. Springsteen isn't the only musician to speak out about Trump, or the only one to be on the receiving end of Trump's wrath. Last week, Trump posted about how Taylor Swift, who recently finished a massive two-year, record-breaking tour, is no longer 'hot' ever since he posted that he hated her following her endorsement of former Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris. 'Has anyone noticed that, since I said 'I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT', she's no longer 'HOT?'' Trump wrote Friday. Representatives for Springsteen did not immediately return a request for comment. White House spokesperson Steven Cheung said in an email to NBC News: 'When this loser Springsteen comes back home to his own City of Ruins in his head, he'll realize his Glory Days are behind him and his fans have left him Out in the Street, putting him in a Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out because he has a severe case of Trump Derangement Syndrome that has rotted his brain.' A representative for Swift declined to comment but directed NBC News to a article, which reported that Trump's daughter Ivanka Trump attended Swift's The Eras Tour after the president's said that he hates the singer. Other musicians such as Neil Young and Pearl Jam singer Eddie Vedder have come to the defense of Springsteen and Swift. 'Bruce and thousands of musicians think you are ruining America. You worry about that instead of the dyin' kids in Gaza,' Young wrote on his website. 'That's your problem. I am not scared of you.' During a concert in Pittsburgh on Sunday, Vedder said that Trump's response to Springsteen has nothing to do with the concerns he raised. 'All that we heard were personal attacks and threats that nobody else should try to use their microphones or voice in public or they'll be shut down,' Vedder told the crowd.
