Latest news with #NGA
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Cézanne the modernist influencer in NGA blockbuster
Modernist artworks from Germany's Museum Berggruen are on show in Australia for the first time, including big names such as Cézanne, Matisse and Picasso. Cézanne to Giacometti: Highlights from Museum Berggruen is the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra's winter blockbuster show. The museum collection has been touring internationally while its Berlin building is closed for renovation, and the exhibition has already visited half a dozen cities and been viewed by about a million people. But the Australian version is different - it's no out-of-the-box show, instead integrating art from giants of European modernism with works by Australian artists. The result is a story of the dynamic exchange of 20th century artistic ideas over decades and across the world, and the development of modernism in Australia. "I think it is the most accomplished and the most meaningful venue so far in the entire tour in terms of research into art history, because of this dialogue," said the head of Museum Berggruen, Dr Gabriel Montua. More than 80 works from the museum sit alongside 75 works from the national collection, by artists such as Russell Drysdale, Grace Cossington Smith and Dorrit Black. The exhibition opens with Cézanne's experiments in form and perspective, on show with works by Australian artists like Drysdale and Ian Fairweather, who were influenced by his innovations. Rarely seen works by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque show the breakthroughs of Cubism, hung with Australian artists such as Dorrit Black, Grace Crowley and Roy de Maistre. There are sections devoted to Paul Klee, Dora Maar and Henri Matisse, while a sculpture by Giacometti measuring more than two metres high represents the first time a such large scale Giacometti has been displayed down under. All of the artists in the exhibition ultimately come back to Cézanne's innovations, according to NGA curator David Greenhalgh. "He is the figurehead who inspired so much of what came after," said Greenhalgh. "There's a real sense of a lot of these artists looking at one another and deriving inspiration from one another." The Berggruen collection is the life's work of art dealer Heinz Berggruen, who fled Germany before World War II and sold his collection to the German state in 2000, ensuring it would be available to the public. Many of the artists he collected were deliberately removed from German art collections, because they were deemed degenerate during the Nazi reign. The exhibition opens Saturday and runs till September 21. AAP travelled to Canberra with the assistance of the National Gallery of Australia.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Real Betis vs. Chelsea, UEFA Conference League: Live blog; highlights
Welcome to the UEFA Conference League final, the fourth ever! We're facing proper opposition for the first time in this entire competition, and to the winner will go all the spoils! Should we win, we would become the first team in Europe to win all the UEFA competitions. Enzo Maresca has chosen to rotate the defense (except Cucurella) alongside the goalkeeper, keeping the midfield-five the same. Jackson comes back in at the top. Advertisement Here we go! Real Betis starting XI: Adrian | Cardoso, Bartra, Natan, Antony, Ezzalzouli, Bakambu, Fornals, Isco (c), Sabaly Substitutes from: Vieites, Perraud, Altimira, Lo Celso, Ruibal, Mendy, Ortiz, Flores, Garcia Chelsea starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Jorgensen | Cucurella, Badiashile, Chalobah, Gusto | Enzo (c), Caicedo | Madueke, Palmer, Neto | Jackson Substitutes from: Sanchez, Bergstrom, Tosin, Colwill, Acheampong, James, Amougou, Dewsbury-Hall, George, Sancho, Nkunku, Guiu Date / Time: Wednesday, May 28, 2025, 20.00 BST; 3pm EDT; 12:30am IST (next day) Venue: Stadion Miejski, Wrocław, Poland Referee: Irfan Peljto (on pitch); Jérôme Brisard (VAR) Advertisement On TV: TNT Sports (UK); CBS Sports Network, TUDN (USA); Sony TEN 5 (India); SuperSports Football Plus (NGA); elsewhere Streaming: discovery+ (UK); Paramount+, TUDN (USA); Sony LIV (India); DStv Now (NGA) LIVE BLOG Be excellent to each other, and party on, dudes! More from
Yomiuri Shimbun
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Japan Games Organizers Propose Major Reforms;Demography, Infrastructure Challenge Sports Festival
Yomiuri Shimbun file photo The Japan Sport Association's expert panel, which compiled reform proposals for the Japan Games, meets on March 10. The Japan Sport Association (JSPO) convened an expert panel to discuss the future of the Japan Games, the country's largest sports event, and to compile a set of proposals aimed at ensuring its long-term sustainability. These proposals advocate structural reforms to enhance the event's national profile and prioritize the revitalization of host cities, with a newly formed organization overseen by the JSPO at the heart of these efforts. A key feature of the proposals is the strong recommendation that the JSPO recognize the discretion of local governments. The proposals seek to enable flexible operations and cost reductions tailored to the circumstances of host cities, with options including: (1) relaxing standards for sports facilities to reduce construction costs, (2) spreading out the timing of events by sport to make it easier for top athletes to participate, (3) allowing multiple prefectures to host events (with some sports considering permanent venues), (4) simplifying opening and closing ceremonies, including the possibility of using indoor venues, and (5) reviewing the number of participants and events in consideration of the host municipalities' preferences. All of these measures aim to reduce the burden on host municipalities. The proposals also urge the establishment of a new organization to oversee the operation of the Games, with the aim of passing on operational expertise. The Japan Games began in 1946 as a prefectural team event and have grown into a large-scale annual event, with approximately 27,000 participants competing in 40 sports during the autumn and winter events. The autumn main event rotates among prefectures, with the 2034 Okinawa event to mark the end of the second cycle. The Japan Games, which began immediately after the war, have improved athletic ability and sports facilities in each region. They have also developed social infrastructure and revitalized local economies by spurring infrastructure development. However, from the start of the second cycle, the large sports facilities needed to meet the capacity requirements for each event began to face issues such as the need for renovation due to ageing or even the necessity of new construction. Following the collapse of the bubble economy in the 1990s, host cities began to voice concerns about the financial and operational burdens associated with hosting the event. In response to calls for reform from the National Governors' Association (NGA), the JSPO formulated a reform plan in 2003 centered on simplifying operations. In 2006, the summer and autumn games were merged into a single event, and in 2008, the number of participants was reduced by 15%. Nevertheless, even after these reforms, the burden of hosting the Japan Games remained too great for some local governments. The NGA became increasingly frustrated with this situation. In April 2024, the association's chairman, Miyagi Gov. Yoshihiro Murai, stated regarding the Japan Games: 'Abolition is one option. We need to pause and consider whether the current approach is appropriate. Should we stop having all prefectures take turns to host all events in one location once a year?' In response to this harsh critique, which went so far as to mention abolishing the Games or reviewing their annual schedule, the JSPO set up an expert panel to consider the future of the Games. From September last year, members selected from among local government officials, sports governing bodies, athletes, media representatives and the business community held three meetings and compiled the latest proposals. Among the proposals' key points is the decentralization of the event schedule. Currently, the winter games are held within a five-day period from December to the end of February, and the main games are held within an 11-day period from mid-September to mid-October, as stipulated in the hosting criteria guidelines. The reason for concentrating the Games within a certain period was to generate interest in the host city and create a festive atmosphere. However, problems arose, such as top athletes prioritizing other competitions held at the same time, and the concentration of events placing significant strain on accommodation and transport. Decentralizing the event schedule (year-round hosting) would make it easier for top athletes to participate and even out demand for accommodation and transportation. As a result, greater attendance and economic benefits are expected. Additionally, multiple sports events could be held at the same facility at different times, which would help avoid the need for new construction. Regarding the host locations, bold proposals were made. Where hosting in a single prefecture is difficult, suggested solutions included hosting in multiple prefectures to reduce the burden on individual host locations or fixing the host location for certain sports. A fixed venue could become 'sanctified,' as Koshien Stadium is for high school baseball, which is expected to enhance the event's appeal to spectators. In response to these proposals, Murai issued a statement saying: 'The proposals take into account the opinions of the National Governors' Association and are commendable. We sincerely hope that discussions and deliberations with the NGA will continue in good faith.' Nagano Gov. Shuichi Abe, who attended the meeting of experts on behalf of the NGA, stated, 'We appreciate that our concerns were discussed with many people.' Regarding the JSPO's contribution to operational costs, he added: 'No specific direction has been indicated. We will continue to discuss this with great interest in the future.' He expressed optimism about the development of the discussions. The philosophy of the Japan Games is set forth in a document titled 'A virtuous cycle between top athletes and local sports: Creating a future for people and communities.' Part of the text says: 'The Games are a national festival in which everyone involved in sports, whether participating, watching or supporting, plays a leading role, contributing to the development of people and communities in Japan and helping to solve social issues.' In the past, the Japan Games contributed to infrastructure development across the country. However, declining birth rates, an ageing population and strained local finances mean it is now more important than ever that the Japan Games continue its efforts to develop human resources, contribute to local communities and implement structural reforms that address social issues through sport. The JSPO, which is now beginning to implement its reform plans, has a heavy responsibility. Political Pulse appears every Saturday. Yuji Kondo Yuji Kondo is a senior writer in the Sports Department of The Yomiuri Shimbun.
IOL News
23-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
100-year-old WWII veteran becomes world's oldest bodybuilder
100 year old Andrew Bostinto has clinched the title of being the World's Oldest Bodybuilder. Image: Instagram In a remarkable feat that transcends age and stereotypes, Andrew Bostinto, a 100-year-old World War II veteran, has etched his name into history by becoming the world's oldest bodybuilder. The US National Gym Association (NGA) announced this milestone, shining a spotlight on a man whose journey has inspired many and exemplifies dedication to health and fitness. Fondly referred to as the "godfather of natural bodybuilding", Bostinto is not only the recipient of this illustrious title but also the founder of the NGA, which stands as the oldest and most reputable natural bodybuilding organisation since its establishment in 1979. As a not-for-profit entity, the NGA advocates for a sport characterised by purity and dedication, advocating for athletes who commit to abstaining from performance-enhancing drugs. Bostinto's journey in bodybuilding spans decades, with this recent achievement occurring after he competed in a men's physique contest, shattering the previous Guinness World Record held by Jim Arrington, who last competed at the age of 90. Alongside his record-breaking title, Bostinto's contributions during WWII earned him the Bronze Star, a testament to his service and resilience, qualities he has undoubtedly carried into his athletic career. Natural bodybuilding stands as a commitment to authenticity, a movement eschewing substances like anabolic steroids, insulin, diuretics, and human growth hormone. Competitors assert their status as "natural" by adhering to the stringent guidelines laid out by various sanctioning bodies. However, the realm of natural bodybuilding is not devoid of controversy, with debates surrounding nutrition, training regimens, and grooming practices that many perceive as extreme for any athlete. Furthermore, the integrity of natural bodybuilding is sometimes complicated by instances of athletes claiming natural status while having previously failed drug tests. This ongoing dialogue raises questions about the true meaning of being "natural" in a sport that demands rigorous discipline and skill. The methods for doping detection in the sport include urinalysis and polygraph testing, with federations often administering tests on competition day or shortly before. Each organisation defines its own regulations, determining the length of time an athlete must remain drug-free, ranging from immediate pre-competition requirements to stringent lifetime commitments. Such conditions aim to uphold the integrity of the sport and protect its athletes. Following Bostinto's record-setting moment, netizens took to social media to congratulate him on his extraordinary achievement. User @elainacarrera celebrated his determination, stating: 'What a beautiful example of fighting the good fight in this life!! 💪🙌 Yes, yes! Someone here said it perfectly: the godfather of natural bodybuilding still at it!! What a testament to the sport! Cheers to longevity! 👏👏' Another admirer, @nutratroy, expressed a desire for Bostinto's life story to be depicted in cinema: 'Major congratulations, Andy! What another accomplishment on your journey 🙌🔥. Should make your life's story a motion picture! 🏆.' Meanwhile, @chancegwyen echoed the sentiments of many, exclaiming: 'The godfather of natural bodybuilding still showing how it's done! 💪🏼🏆💪🏼🏆.' Bostinto's triumph goes beyond just lifting weights; it serves as an inspiring narrative about the indomitable spirit of humans, challenging the notion of ageing and health. As he continues to champion natural bodybuilding, his legacy demonstrates that passion combined with hard work can defy age and inspire countless individuals worldwide.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Palantir (PLTR) Lands $1.3B Pentagon Win as AI Goes to War
Palantir Technologies (PLTR, Financials) just scored a major defense expansion. The Pentagon raised its contract ceiling for Palantir's Maven Smart System to $1.3 billion through 2029, up from $480 million, marking a $795 million vote of confidence in AI-led battlefield operations. Project Maven, launched in 2017, is the military's frontline AI tool for scanning satellite and drone footage to flag and track threats. Since taking over its geospatial functions in 2022, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) has pushed the system into wider use. Adoption has exploded. More than 20,000 active users now rely on Maven four times the number from March. NGA also signed a new $28 million contract to expand access further. The speed is what's turning heads. One unit recently slashed its sensor-to-target time from hours to minutes. Army leadership now wants Maven to help troops make 1,000 battlefield calls in a single hour identifying, verifying, or dismissing threats in real time. William Blair analysts say adoption has blown past forecasts, and NGA Director Vice Adm. Frank Whitworth called Maven the Pentagon's marquee targeting program. The system is built on a tight-knit collaboration between Palantir, combatant commands, and about a dozen subcontractors a digital team sport, as Whitworth put it. Investors betting on AI in defense now have a front-row view of what scaled battlefield automation could look like and Palantir's role in insider trades for PLTR. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
