Latest news with #Stamp
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sweet Blind Kitten with ‘Marshmallow Mittens' Does the Biggest Jumps and It's Too Cute
Sweet Blind Kitten with 'Marshmallow Mittens' Does the Biggest Jumps and It's Too Cute originally appeared on Parade Pets. Blind cats can be so happy. You might think life would be harder on them, or that they're not as happy because of their disability, but it's just not true! Blind cats can live long, healthy, and incredibly happy lives, no matter if they're born that way or go blind later in life. On Sunday, June 29th, one adorable little blind kitten captured everyone's hearts. Not only is he blind and happy as can be, but his little paws look like they were dipped in a jar of fluff! In case you were wondering, he uses those marshmallow mittens for evil: Every single thing about @hoiteytoitey's video is absolutely perfect to me. The big jumps, the music, the fact that his name is "Stamp." If I could have him in my life, I would!Stamp is only a foster in this house, but he's having a great time and can stay as long as he needs. He's actually currently there with his sister, Zip, and they're looking to be adopted out together into a loving forever home! They were found back in April and have been there since. Neither of these cats were born blind: when they were found, they had severe health issues that included eye infections. They did everything they could, and while they were ultimately able to save one of Zip's eyes, both of Stamp's were removed. He's adjusted perfectly well, and honestly, he doesn't seem to miss them. He and his sister still get into all of the trouble in the world, and when Stamp "detects" a threat, that's when he pulls out all the stops. Hops for days, this guy! Don't worry, though. He apprehends threats like it's nobody's business: If you'd like to adopt Stamp and Zip, they're currently available! They cannot be separated, so you will have to adopt the pair, but that's perfect. Between them they've got a single eye, a single brain cell, and a whole lot of heart! 🐶🐾🐾 Sweet Blind Kitten with 'Marshmallow Mittens' Does the Biggest Jumps and It's Too Cute first appeared on Parade Pets on Jul 2, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade Pets on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Business Times
09-06-2025
- Business
- Business Times
GCB market could reel from trade tariffs and business uncertainty.
[SINGAPORE] Owning a detached home in a Good Class Bungalow (GCB) Area is arguably the ultimate status symbol for the super rich in land-scarce Singapore. Located in leafy residential enclaves, these homes can be great for living and entertaining. They are also good stores of value, enabling owners to potentially enjoy robust capital appreciation. Recent GCB Area bungalow deals include the purchase by Diona Teh, a daughter of the late tycoon Teh Hong Piow, who founded Malaysia's Public Bank, of a Tanglin Hill area bungalow for S$93.9 million; and shipping entrepreneur Guo Ningbo's purchase of a Leedon Park detached home for S$45.8 million. The late pioneer architect Alfred Wong's Bin Tong Park GCB Area bungalow was also recently sold for S$45 million. As economic growth prospects dim due to trade uncertainties, could some of the fizz come off this much coveted segment of the housing market? There are 39 gazetted GCB Areas, of which the most prestigious include Chatsworth Park, Cluny Hill, Dalvey Estate and Nassim Road. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Tuesday, 12 pm Property Insights Get an exclusive analysis of real estate and property news in Singapore and beyond. Sign Up Sign Up Bungalows in GCB Areas have to follow strict planning conditions to preserve their exclusivity and low-rise character. For example, a minimum plot size of 1,400 square metres or 15,070 square feet (sq ft) is stipulated as the planning norm for newly created bungalows in GCB Areas. GCB Area detached houses are also subject to generally more stringent development guidelines than bungalows outside GCB Areas, including maximum site coverage of 45 per cent. There are around 2,700 bungalows in GCB Areas and the stock of such homes is seen to be relatively stable. Typically, only Singapore citizens can buy a landed property in a GCB Area. One may need to spend S$35 million to acquire an old GCB Area bungalow, which sits on 16,000 sq ft of land, plus incur Buyer's Stamp Duty of over S$2 million. Building a new 12,000 sq ft home could cost an additional S$10 million. Doubtless, scarcity value and Singapore's draw as a place to live and invest for the super rich support lofty prices of GCB Area bungalows. Nonetheless, US President Donald Trump's trade tariffs could hurt prices of GCB Area bungalows. To correct trade imbalances with partners and bring manufacturing jobs back to the US, Trump is erecting trade barriers. Superpowers US and China are locked in intense competition. Much uncertainty surrounds how negotiations between the US and various trading partners will unfold as the US moves away from embracing multilateralism and free trade. Tough business and stock market outlook Against the above backdrop, corporate earnings in diverse sectors and economic growth in many countries including export dependent Asian nations will be significantly affected. Business owners in disparate fields such as consumer goods, finance, logistics, pharmaceuticals, resources and technology may find the going tough and see their wealth accumulation slow or net worth decline. As Asian business titans and their family members are key drivers of demand for trophy GCB Area homes here, the chilling effects of worsening business conditions could weigh on demand for such homes. Add to that, many of the super rich are heavily exposed to global financial markets. Weaker equities markets due to uncertain corporate earnings outlook and risks of recession in major economies could hurt the net worth of wealthy families and temper their appetite for big ticket property buys. Uncertainty and caution Moreover, uncertainty linked to abrupt and disruptive changes in the US' trade policies and heightened mistrust among nations as they become more assertive on their self-interest, may drive the wealthy to raise their cash holdings instead of tying up funds in relatively illiquid chunky physical property. A wealthy person may want to have more cash on hand to help deal with sudden cash flow difficulties in a business or declines in dividend income because of a global shock. Importantly too, people may be more keen to make big ticket buys when they are optimistic about the future and vice versa. If the super rich grow increasingly cautious and pessimistic on economic prospects because of disruption to the global trading system as well as America's retreat from providing security to allies and championing free trade, they could hesitate to commit to paying princely sums for GCB Area houses. No Covid pandemic-like recovery Certainly, the onset of the Covid pandemic induced much panic and fear among the super rich. Yet many billionaires and multi millionaires flourished during the pandemic as numerous governments generously helped business owners and interest rates fell. Critically, as effective vaccines rolled out, many businesses and economies recovered from the pandemic's dark days. As the US retreats from globalisation, businesses and stock markets may not reap the benefits of interest rates falling sharply, fiscal purses opening up to aid businesses or a new and effective trading system emerging rapidly. Many vendors will likely be firm with asking prices for their prized GCB Area homes. However, some vendors may have weaker holding power because of hits taken to their businesses and investment portfolios. In addition, recurring ownership-related costs of GCB Area homes, such as maintenance expenses and property tax, can be substantial. Excluding any rebate, the annual property tax of an owner-occupied detached house in a GCB Area with Annual Value (AV) of S$200,000 amounts to S$38,220. The annual property tax of the said home for a non-owner-occupier is S$61,200. A home's AV is the estimated gross annual rent of the property if it were to be rented out, excluding furniture, furnishings and maintenance fees. Might GCB Area bungalow owners face stiffer property taxes if fiscal spending rises to help deal with the fall-out from higher US tariffs? As it stands, property taxes on homes here are progressive with higher rates applying to pricier homes. GCB Area homes here will retain their shine especially as Singapore's safe haven premium may rise in an increasingly messy world. Still, as deglobalisation, rising business uncertainty and geopolitical tensions dim prospects for many of the super rich, their buying appetite for pricey GCB Area bungalows could weaken.
Arab Times
29-05-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait's Ministry of Finance wins Sharjah Award for Public Finance
KUWAIT CITY, May 29: Kuwait's Ministry of Finance has been awarded the Sharjah Award for Public Finance 2024–2025 in the institutional category, recognizing it as a distinguished entity in delivering financial services. The award was granted among participants from 17 countries. Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment, Noura Al-Fassam, stated in a press release on Wednesday that this recognition adds to the Ministry's growing record in modernizing financial services. She emphasized that it reflects the ongoing collaboration across ministry departments to improve financial performance and enhance service quality. Al-Fassam affirmed the Ministry's commitment to further developing its financial services, in alignment with Cabinet directives aimed at digitizing services and achieving full digital transformation. According to the statement, Undersecretary Aseel Al-Munifi accepted the award on behalf of the Ministry. The Ministry's submission included its digital payment platform for government services—which supports local and credit card payments, the Stamp application, electronic wallets, Gulf cards, and Apple Pay— as well as a prepaid credit card project enabling government agencies to carry out online purchases, pay government fees, and manage financial obligations efficiently. The Ministry noted that the award affirms its leading role in advancing financial legislation, modernizing government payment systems, and adapting to rapid changes in revenue collection and procurement. These developments are part of broader efforts to streamline documentation processes through digital platforms. Held biennially, the Sharjah Award for Public Finance is organized under the patronage of Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairman of the Executive Council. The award ceremony was presided over by Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Central Finance Department, and attended by ministers, undersecretaries, department heads, and representatives from the financial sector across the UAE and other Arab countries.
Morocco World
17-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
German Official Commends Morocco as ‘Strategic and Reliable' Migration Partner
Rabat — Germany's special federal government delegate for migration agreements, Joachim Stamp, has commended Morocco as a 'strategic and reliable' partner in managing migration issues. Stamp made these remarks during the third meeting of the Permanent Moroccan-German Migration Group held in Essaouira. During the meeting, Stamp recalled the robust partnership between the two nations and their shared commitment to strengthening migration cooperation. 'Our collaboration with Morocco is built on mutual respect and a common vision that views migration as a driver for development,' he said. The German official spoke of the Moroccan community's valuable contributions in Germany, describing their presence as an enrichment to German society. Meanwhile, he pointed to Germany's new skilled immigration law, allowing for more opportunities for young Moroccans seeking to work, study, or train in the European country. Speaking of bilateral economic ties between the two countries, Stamp expressed satisfaction, particularly in renewable energy, referring to the German-supported wind energy projects in Essaouira. The meeting focused on cooperation regarding both regular and irregular migration, with special attention given to promoting legal mobility pathways and developing joint initiatives that position migration as a catalyst for mutual development. Marking the third meeting between the countries on migration issues, the recent meeting reflects growing bilateral cooperation between Morocco and Germany. Both countries have been exploring economic, security, and cultural cooperation opportunities to level up their bilateral ties. Read also: Morocco, Germany Reiterate Determination to Boost Security Cooperation In 2024, both countries showed a willingness to boost their economic collaboration, as Morocco's Minister of Industry Ryad Mezzour participated in the 3rd Africa Trade and Invest Forum in Frankfurt. The Moroccan minister's participation constituted an opportunity to hold discussions with German industry leaders to explore cooperation opportunities in sectors like green hydrogen, automotive manufacturing, and advanced industrial technologies.
Calgary Herald
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Calgary Herald
Calgary Stampeders rookie camp: Day 1 brings excitement, hope and top draft pick Damien Alford
Article content In 42 games, including 28 starts with the Orange, Alford made 67 catches for 1,291 yards — an average of 19.3 yards per catch — and seven touchdowns. His most productive season came in 2023 when he had 33 receptions for 610 yards and three scores. Article content Alford then transferred through the NCAA portal to Utah, but his late arrival there meant just four games played with the Utes in 2024, and he did not record any stats. Article content 'Obviously, there were some questions around his 2024 season at Utah,' said Stampeders director of Canadian scouting Dwayne Cameron. 'We were comfortable with the answers that we got both from Syracuse and Utah, and so it was an easy pick for us.' Article content Alford signed Tuesday with the Stampeders after recently attending rookie mini-camp with the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs and turning down at least one other invite to another NFL mini-camp. Article content 'The Stampeders drafted me first — they wanted me here and needed me here,' Alford said. 'So it was a no-brainer for me to come to Calgary now. Article content Article content Linebacker Fraser Sopik, 28, has announced his retirement from football after five CFL seasons. Article content A fourth-round draft pick by the Stampeders in 2019, Sopik re-signed with the club in February after spending two seasons in the CFL's East Division — one with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and one with the Toronto Argonauts — but is retiring due to an injury suffered during the off-season. Article content 'I could not thank the Calgary Stampeders more for drafting me in 2019 and giving me the opportunity to come back now,' said Sopik, who was inked by the Red and White to be a starting linebacker for 2025. 'Although it did not work out how I wanted it to, Calgary is a first-class organization and I am honoured to have been a Stamp.' Article content In 71 combined regular-season contests with the Stampeders, the Tiger-Cats and the Argonauts, Sopik had 90 defensive tackles, including four tackles for losses, 45 special-teams tackles, five sacks, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and four knockdowns. He was crowned a Grey Cup champion with the Argos last November. Article content Article content 'Fraser is the type of guy that every team wants on its roster,' said Dickenson. 'He got hurt and got a little surgery, and he's not going to be able to play at least for a while. Article content Article content • Wright is in training camp as part of the CFL's QB internship program. He starred with Calgary's Ernest Manning High School before his U SPORTS freshman season last year with the Saskatchewan Huskies. Article content • Alford's inking completed the signing of all of the Stamps' 2025 draft class. The others putting their name on contracts were OL Christopher Fortin (first round, eighth overall), QB/RB Quincy Vaughn (second round), DB Anton Haie (third round), LB Nicky-Alexander Farinaccio (fourth round), WR Vyshonne Janusas (fifth round), RB Ludovick Choquette (sixth round), OL Matthew Stokman (seventh round), DL Max von Muehldorfer (seventh round) and DB Ashton Miller-Melancon.
