Latest news with #MasterClass
Observer
19-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
An Omani make-up artist's journey from Oman to international runways
In the shimmering limelight of international fashion weeks, Khadija Ibrahim Al-Naimi's name has become synonymous with elegance, precision, and perseverance. Her journey from a small-town girl in North Al Batinah to a celebrated makeup artist featured at London and Paris Fashion Weeks exemplifies the extraordinary ability of passion, resilience, and talent to transcend borders and stereotypes. Breaking into the world of professional makeup artistry is rarely a straightforward path. Globally, aspiring makeup artists often face numerous obstacles—a saturated market, the need for a foundational skill set, establishing a unique signature style, and navigating the unpredictable landscape of fashion and beauty. In Oman, where the beauty industry is still evolving, these hurdles are even more pronounced. Khadija's story resonates with many who have had to overcome societal expectations, limited resources, and the struggle for recognition. 'Starting out was tough,' Khadija recalls. 'There weren't many recognised makeup artists in Oman, and breaking into the international scene seemed impossible at first. It took years of dedication, continuous learning, and resilience.' Her journey underscores a universal truth: success in this field demands more than talent—it requires relentless perseverance and a willingness to continually adapt. Establishing a Foundation: Formal Training and Continuous Development One of the common requirements for success, both locally and globally, is formal education complemented by ongoing professional development. According to industry standards outlined by recognised organisations like the International Make-Up Association (IMA) and professional development platforms such as MasterClass and Coursera, a successful makeup artist must master a comprehensive skill set that includes colour theory, anatomy, skin care, and specialised techniques for different face shapes and skin types. Khadija's commitment to excellence saw her seeking professional training across Lebanon, Bahrain, and other countries, learning advanced techniques that most aspiring artists only dream of mastering. Such international exposure not only honed her technical skills but also broadened her stylistic horizons, enabling her to adapt to various cultural aesthetics and client needs. In the high-stakes environment of Fashion Week, a makeup artist's skill set is scrutinised more intensely than ever. During these global events, artists must deliver flawless looks at lightning speed, often under extreme pressure and with models and clients from diverse backgrounds. The requirements are exacting: impeccable skin finishing, innovative styles that complement runway concepts, and the ability to evolve swiftly as trends change. Fashion Week is a career-defining platform—an opportunity to showcase technical mastery and creativity to industry leaders, designers, and potential clients worldwide. For Khadija, her successful participation in London Fashion Week four times and her recent appearance at Paris Fashion Week not only validated her skills but also positioned her as an international talent. From Local Salons to Global Recognition Khadija's endeavours reflect this commitment. Starting from humble beginnings in her family's home, she transformed her hobby into a full-fledged career through persistent learning and refining her craft. Her decision to pursue specialised training internationally allowed her to develop a signature style defined by elegance, meticulousness, and versatility—attributes highly prized in the fashion industry. Today, her brand, Dar Al Khaleej, boasts multiple salons and a thriving bridal boutique, Dar Al Khaleej Royal. Her work has earned her awards for Best Beauty Salon in North Al Batinah and Best Makeup Artist in Oman. Despite her accomplishments, Khadija remains grounded, continually seeking new opportunities to expand her expertise and influence. her excellence as the Best Makeup Artist in Oman and for her salon's outstanding services, exemplify how industry acknowledgement can propel careers further. Such accolades reinforce her reputation both locally and regionally, creating opportunities for collaborations with renowned designers and international ventures. For Khadija, her repeated appearances at London Fashion Week and her recent debut at Paris Fashion Week exemplify her rising global stature. She exemplifies the emerging new breed of African and Middle Eastern makeup artists making their mark worldwide. Her journey from humble beginnings to participating in the world's most prestigious fashion events highlights the importance of skill, resilience, and industry recognition.
New York Times
10-07-2025
- Business
- New York Times
How small provision added to Donald Trump's ‘Big Beautiful Bill' affects taxes for sports bettors
A small provision added to President Donald Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' — that came to light days before the president signed the bill into law July 4 — could have a major impact on sports betting. The small change could force some bettors to pay income tax even in years when they have net losses and could significantly hike the tax burden on professional sports bettors. Advertisement The provision nearly escaped notice until alarm began to spread on X just days before Trump signed the bill into law. 'Not to be hyperbolic, but it's an extinction of professional sports betting,' a gambler who goes by the pseudonym Jack Andrews told The Athletic. Andrews is a professional gambler with a popular YouTube channel and a contributor to a MasterClass on sports and gambling. 'It is the end of my career, potentially.' One sentence of the 940-page bill says gamblers can deduct only 90 percent of their annual losses, instead of 100 percent, which has been the norm. What does that mean? Before now, when gamblers reported their betting income, they would take their gross winnings, subtract their gross losses and then report the net amount as their taxable income. Now, they're allowed to subtract only 90 percent of those losses, which means they appear to have more income, even though they don't actually have that money. That 10 percent change amounts to a whole lot if you're dealing with huge numbers. Andrews told The Athletic that, in a year, he makes between $7 million and $10 million in gross winnings. 'If it's $7 million as gross winnings and it's $6.6 million as net losses, then I have a $400,000 net,' Andrews said. 'But if it's $7 million of gross wins and you can only deduct the $6.6 times 90 percent ($5.94 million), now you have $1 million that the government sees as your net income versus $400,000. I'm looking at probably a 35 percent tax rate, so about $350,000 in tax. So now I'm paying $350,000 in taxes on a $400,000 actual income. And that's not worth it.' The bill also means that even in losing years, some gamblers might still owe income tax. For example, if you win $100,000 and lose $100,000, you can deduct only $90,000 of those losses, meaning you will owe taxes on $10,000 of income even though you did not take home any money. Advertisement The biggest impact will be on people who gamble as a professional career. These professional gamblers — some of whom are known in the industry as 'sharps' — record every wager, how much they win and lose, and report all of it in their taxes. Professional gamblers tend to wager large sums of money with small margins, which can lead to a significant profit over a year. (If you wager $100 million and lose $99 million, you still made a profit of $1 million.) These gamblers aren't just trying to win more bets; they're trying to make money even after covering the costs of betting, including cuts from casinos and taxes. 'It's going to be disastrous for them,' Nathan Goldman, CPA and tax professor at North Carolina State University, told The Athletic. 'It's going to devastate the Nevada economy. The professional gamblers bring a lot to that economy.' 'Gambling operates by the 80/20 rule, maybe 90/10,' Andrews said. 'Ninety percent of the business comes from 10 percent of the players, the VIPs.' And in Nevada, alarm bells are sounding. Rep. Dina Titus (D-Nev.), whose district includes Las Vegas, has already introduced a bill to reverse the change (more on that in a minute). 'I think this is something that a lot of people make a livelihood off of,' Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), who co-sponsored Titus' new bill, told The Athletic. 'We know people who are working at the unions or the casinos and in these industries whose livelihood will be affected.' This week, many are looking at the IRS' definition of a gambling 'session,' which typically means you can report your net winnings or losses from a whole night on a casino floor, rather than reporting every game you played while inside the casino. But with sports betting, every bet is one session. Advertisement If bettors can stretch that interpretation to say, a day, a week, etc., they could have more control over how they report their taxable income. 'I think you're going to see three types of people,' Zak Zimbile, CPA, told The Athletic. 'Those who continue to gamble and report incorrectly, those who continue to do it and adjust their definition of what a session is, and those who might completely stop altogether, which might be your high-volume, low-margin people.' Amateur sports bettors — people who make casual bets on sports betting apps such as BetMGM or FanDuel — might not feel the effects. At least not unless they get audited. 'A lot of people don't even understand that they owe taxes on gambling,' Goldman said. 'But if a bettor gets audited and the IRS reviews their sportsbook account balance, they could say, 'Wait a minute, you bet $100,000 throughout the year, you won $50,000 and lost $50,000, you actually have taxable income of $5,000.'' The deduction rule came from the Senate Finance Committee, chaired by Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho). After the bill was approved by the House on May 22, the Senate Finance Committee introduced revisions June 16. The final version of the legislative text was released by the Senate on June 27 and passed by the Senate on July 1. The bill was then rushed back to the House to meet Trump's timeline, passed in the House on July 3 and was signed into law by Trump on July 4. Many in the gambling world woke up July 1 to news of the change, and it took days to become widespread. Speculation online about the reasons for the provision has run wild, ranging from straightforward accounting explanations to conspiracy theories that sportsbooks were behind the change in an attempt to eliminate sharp bettors or that the provision benefits new prediction market firms such as Kalshi, which are seen as rising competitors to sportsbooks. Advertisement 'You can deduct your full losses under this bill if you're one of these predictive sites because those aren't technically online betting sites,' Khanna told The Athletic. Prediction markets are not regulated and operate differently from sportsbooks but allow users to put money on future outcomes, similar to traditional betting. 'I just think that they were looking for revenue. Who's going to be for standing up for betting?' 'It's very popular to tax gamblers,' Goldman said. The Joint Committee on Taxation estimated that the gambling tax provision would generate over $1.1 billion in additional revenue over eight years, although some question this estimate. 'You're going to have a lot of professional gamblers stop being professional gamblers,' Goldman said. 'It's only $1.1 billion if everyone continues doing the exact same thing as before.' Politicians are scrambling to determine whether they can reverse this change. Monday, Titus introduced the FAIR BET Act, which seeks to restore the 100 percent deduction rate. Titus says there is bipartisan support, but it's too soon to know whether it will truly gain traction. FAIR BET Act by @RepDinaTitus is out. Language gets right to the point. First reported by InGame. — Fairplaygov (@fairplaygov) July 8, 2025 Titus argues this bill is a threat to legal betting and will drive professional gamblers to unregulated, illegal markets. 'We should be encouraging players to properly report their winnings and wager using legal operators,' she said in a statement. 'The Senate change will only push people to not report their winnings and to use unregulated platforms.' 'If (VIP bettors) realize this creates a glass ceiling above them, they won't want to gamble anywhere it would show up on their taxes,' Andrew said. 'All gambling income is taxable, no matter where or how it's done, but regulated gambling definitely is more likely to create a paper trail than offshore or underground gambling.' Advertisement The American Gaming Association, which lobbies for casino and sportsbook operators, initially applauded the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' in a post that drew ire from gamblers online. The organization has since thrown its support behind Titus' legislation. 'We are committed to working with Congresswoman Titus, other congressional leaders, and the Trump Administration to restore the long-standing tax treatment of gaming losses,' an AGA representative told The Athletic. When asked whether the AGA raised concerns about the provision, a representative from Crapo's office told The Athletic, 'The legislative text was released very widely and publicly June 16 via press release, posted on the website, reported on, etc. The American Gaming Association raised concerns with Sec. 899 of the bill. Not the 90 percent threshold.' 'If they didn't know of the tax change language between June 16, when it was published by the Senate Finance Committee, and when it hit social media around July 1, that's pretty damning,' Andrews said.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Yahoo
False report of shooting scatters crowd of thousands from downtown Spokane just as fireworks start
Jul. 5—Thousands of panicked people in downtown Spokane to watch the Fourth of July fireworks fled Riverfront Park late Friday after false reports of an active shooter quickly spread through the crowd. Just after 10 p.m. before the start of the official fireworks, the big band MasterClass was finishing up its set in the Lilac Bowl, east of where Washington Street cuts through the park, when people began to rush from the western side of the park. Some yelled that there was an active shooter. With the band still playing, many of those sitting on picnic blankets in the Lilac Bowl began to flee in response, grabbing their children and belongings, as the official fireworks began. Meanwhile, someone with a microphone on the stage warned the crowd to take cover. A minute or two later, the fireworks were halted as sirens began to sound in the background. A "possible physical altercation near the clocktower" likely led to the false report of a shooting, Spokane police said in a news release. Officers, some in tactical gear quickly responded to the Clocktower. About 10 minutes after the initial rush of the crowd, police announced near the Clocktower that that there had not been a shooting and that fireworks would resume. The false reports of a mass shooter, causing panic at the annual fireworks display follows the shooting of three firefighters by an active shooter in Coeur d'Alene less than a week earlier. In May 2024, the Armed Forces Torchlight Parade in downtown Spokane was halted after a shooting at a convenience story along the route. Tara and Todd Huffman, of Nampa, Idaho, were in the Riverfront Park crowd not far from the Clocktower when they heard something that sounded like a firecracker. "Someone said, 'Did you hear that pop?' and then suddenly people just started running that way, in all directions," Tara Huffman said. The Huffmans didn't flee because they were confident that there was no danger, but they said at least half the crowd began to flee in short order. "They didn't even know what they were running from," Todd Huffman said. Some in the crowd said they experienced panic and rushing people. Others experienced an exit that was more orderly. By the time fireworks restarted before 10:30 p.m., there was only a scattering of people left. Even many of those still in the park who knew the report was false were no longer in the mood for patriotic revelry and continued to leave.
CNBC
30-06-2025
- Business
- CNBC
44-year-old CEO: This No. 1 trait separates the best employees from most other people—'I didn't get here' without it
A certain type of employee stands out from their peers, says Klutch Sports founder and CEO Rich Paul: someone who believes there's no limit to what they can do. Employees who are open to trying new projects at work — or who always raise their hand for opportunities, even if they've never done them before — are more likely to be noticed and rewarded by bosses, says Paul, who gained public recognition as NBA superstar LeBron James' agent and founded his sports agency in 2012. That's especially true for early career professionals and recent grads, Paul tells CNBC Make It. "Try to learn as much as you possibly can and have as much range as you possibly can," says Paul, who also hosts a class on MasterClass called "The Dealmaker's Mindset" that released on June 9th. "There's so much to do. You should never be [bored at] work."Paul learned this lesson firsthand, he added. Before becoming a sports agent, the Cleveland-native hustled to make ends meet. As a kid, he made money playing dice in the neighborhood. He worked at his dad's convenience store, where he learned about entrepreneurship, and built a local clothes-ironing business, he told "The Tim Ferriss Show" in October 2023. At age 21, Paul was running a jersey resale business — sometimes selling out of the trunk of his car — when he met James at an airport and struck up a friendship, he told The New York Times in October 2023. He worked as James' unofficial assistant for about five years before landing a role at Creative Artists Agency, one of the world's most well-known talent agency businesses, working under James' then-agent Leon Rose. After about four years at Creative Artists Agency, Paul founded Klutch Sports Group in 2012. His company now represents athletes including James, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson. "I didn't get here because I wanted to be a sports agent. Actually, that was the furthest thing from my mind," says Paul. "But I got here [by] not being complacent and understanding that I have no limitations in terms of my capabilities, and I can start in any role that I'm being asked to play." You can show your ambition at work by simply telling your boss that you're interested taking on new, challenging or exciting projects, says Jenny Wood, a bestselling author and former Google executive. "Agreeing to take notes for every team meeting or showing up early to help decorate for an office party," may not get you the promotion or raise you're looking for, Wood said in December. But "raising your hand to increase a given metric by 20% or volunteering to help drive a reorg and present it to leadership" can make you more successful, she said. If want to do a job you've never done before, you can tell your boss about your curiosity and eagerness to learn. Executives from Bill Gates to Mark Cuban say inquisitiveness is crucial to success, especially in the age of AI. "I can pretend that I'm gonna be able to predict where AI's going and the exact impact on the job market, but I'd be lying, I have no idea," Cuban said in October. "But I do know that I am gonna pay attention, and be agile, and be curious, and be able to adapt."
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
I'm a Michelin-trained chef with 11 Guinness World Records — 3 kitchen knives I recommend for the average at-home cook
A good chef's knife is an indispensable tool in any kitchen. A high-quality knife can tackle any sort of culinary task, from chopping herbs and dicing onions to mincing garlic and cutting proteins. A sharp knife not only speeds up meal prep, but it also makes cooking more enjoyable. Unless you're a professional chef, selecting the right knife can feel daunting. What's better: German blades or Japanese knives? Is high-carbon stainless steel important, or will a less expensive ceramic knife suffice? Wallace Wong, a Michelin-trained chef, content creator and 11-time Guinness World Record holder for speed slicing, says that if you invest in good-quality, durable knives, you only need two of them in your kitchen: a large knife and a small knife. "If you buy a really nice knife, you never need to buy another one again," the TikTok star tells Yahoo Canada. Wong, a Mississauga-born chef, has found internet fame — and landed his own MasterClass — for his knife skills. His most viral TikTok video has garnered nearly 150,000,000 views on the platform. Outside of social media, Wong has appeared on shows including Fridge Wars, Top Chef Canada, Chopped Canada and Bake it Possible. Needless to say, he knows a lot about knives. Some cheaper ceramic knives are "actually really good," but if you want to get a good-quality, professional-grade knife, "you should budget for at least $100," he explains. Whether your budget allows for $50, $100 or room to play, we asked Wong for his top knife recommendations for the average at-home cook — plus the essential tools needed to keep your knives sharp and well-maintained. Scroll below to shop his recommendations. "If you're a general home cook or someone who doesn't cook very often, ceramic knives are actually really good because they're very sharp and they stay sharp," Wong tells Yahoo Canada. "They do sometimes crack and break [if you're not careful], but they are very inexpensive." That said, "they're not meant to be sharpened or put into the dishwasher because they can crack," he warns. They won't last nearly as long as stainless steel knives, but if you're sticking to an under-$50 budget, "they're a good option." The Vos Ceramic Knife Set from Amazon Canada includes three commonly used ceramic knives: a 6" chef's knife, a 5" santoku knife and a 4" paring knife. The set has more than 5,000 reviews on the site and a solid 4.3-star average rating. "Zwilling has the Gourmet line and Twin Master line," both of which are "great options for under-$100 knives," Wong says. "If you budget for $100, that's when you will get a knife that will stay pretty damn sharp." The problem with knives under that $100 mark is that they "end up dulling really quickly," he says. Then, you end up buying another cheap knife because the first one you bought is "too dull," and the cycle repeats. The ZWILLING TWIN Master 9.5" Chef's Knife is made in Spain and NSF-approved (an NSF certification is a process that ensures products meet strict standards for public health protection). It has an ergonomic, non-slip handle and 57 Rockwell Hardness (a measure of a material's resistance to indentation). "I am a very big fan of Japanese knives," Wong tells Yahoo Canada. If you're getting into "Japanese brands and Japanese steels, you're in a very good spot." A high-quality Japanese knife is "like a piece in your wardrobe that you can use every day — it can match everything." "If you buy a really nice knife, you never need another one," he adds. If you're keen on Japanese knives, Wong recommends trying one from Miyabi. Miyabi knives can cost $1,000s for a set and a single chef's knife will set you back a few hundred dollars. That said, if you're willing to invest in cookware, Wong believes you can't go wrong with Japanese knives — they're the "crème de la crème." Miyabi's 8" Gyutoh Knife is handcrafted in Seki, Japan and features 48 alternating layers of stainless steel in a spark Damascus pattern. To keep your knives sharp, "never throw [them] into a dishwasher or a drawer with other knives or utensils," Wong advises. "Either put them into a knife sheath or sleeve — something that protects the blade — or use a magnetic strip."If and when your knives do go dull, "a honing steel is what I like to use," he says. "It doesn't sharpen your knife, but it straightens the blade. As you're using a knife, over time, it microscopically starts to warp." Those slight curvatures are what causes it to dull over time. If you use a honing steel to upkeep your blades, "it will help a lot." While a honing steel is excellent for daily maintenance, a whetstone is a handy tool if your knives require a little more TLC. Wong recommends honing your knives every time you cook and using a whetstone every few weeks to polish your blades. If you do that, "you're more than good." Similar to investing in a high-quality knife, a solid whetstone should "last a long time." "I've had my [whetstones] for over a decade," Wong says. A whetstone is "what sandpaper is to a woodworker, [...] they fine-tune polish" your knives.
