Latest news with #TikTokers
Business Recorder
5 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
The ‘Soft Power Brigade'
Soft Power. Hard Power. America is master of both. America's soft power flows from Hollywood, Brands, Corporations, Universities, etc. Hard power comes from the Pentagon. Till recently soft power ascendant. However, President Donald Trump disagrees. He 'and his followers' believe only financial and military power matters. Earlier on in history Count Bismarck stated 'the current problems facing Europe cannot be resolved by democracy. Only by blood and iron'. Hence the sobriquet way: The Iron Chancellor. As of now the whole world is obsessed with soft power and branding. We have 8.2 billion people, each an individual brand. We have brand ambassadors, influencers, IG followers, TikTokers, etc. The great success story in our part of the world is the UAE, and especially Dubai. How a desert backwater, within 70 years, rose to be a great financial, tourist and vacation destination. Great strategic thinking has gone into 'Project UAE'. Soft power projection has played a major role. In the 1960s/70s, Sheikh Zayed al-Nahayan and Sheikh Rashid al-Maktoum understood that along with other elements soft power would play a major role. Sheikh Zayed Al-Nahayan, in the early 1960s, would visit Karachi and enjoy a dinner at the Karachi Boat Club with his hosts (a famous business family of Karachi). Today the Al- Nahayan brothers, led by MBZ, have a vast fortune, estimated at USD 1.7 trillion. They are probably the richest family in the world. Their imprimatur appears all over the world – especially in the Middle East, the Levant, Africa and South Asia. Pakistan had a good soft power launch in 1947. The legacy colonial culture was a good help. In the 1950s/60s Pakistan was projecting a good image – safe streets, imported and local entertainments, clubs, night clubs, ladies entering the work force, Karachi as an airline hub. To the west, Iran was projecting money, power and glamour to the world. In Afghanistan, King Zahir Shah was also projecting soft power. Then things went awry. The region was plunged into a cocktail of revolution and counter-revolution. Since 1988 Pakistan has been making erratic attempts to regain 'Soft power'. Back and forth. Tug of war. The soft power industry 'of Pakistan' has been trying to play a national role, but impediments arise with remarkable frequency. Across the eastern border, the Indian soft power industry is super charged. I am not talking about the current venom spewing out of the media and talk shows. The Pakistani models, actors and other showbiz personalities are doing a great job. Despite the harassment they face, they solider on. YouTube is prefaced with headlines like 'Bold', 'Sharamnak', 'Vulgar'. Whenever I scroll down, it's pretty ordinary stuff. Malaika Auora, the Bollywood diva, exhibits more skin in one episode than our starlets do in a whole drama series. The corporate women of Pakistan are writing a glorious new chapter in management. The ladies in parliament and politics are doing well. This is all part of soft power. The recently concluded 10th PSL unleashed tremendous soft power for the world to see. Great sports, great event execution, great branding. Kudos to HBL and all the other advertisers that participated. Pakistan's leadership team, both in uniforms and mufti, must understand that the Pakistan's armed forces can deal with any military threat. As recently demonstrated it is the soft power that is lacking. Perhaps the Field Marshal can commit a brigade to safeguard vulnerable people that are working to develop soft power for Pakistan. Hence, the title of this article. All actions have some unintended consequences. After the recent clash with India, I see a certain power shift in the senior ranks of our military establishment. The second most sought-after job (after the Chief) may well be the Director General of ISPR. This job gives a brand, face and name recognition and identity to the chief of ISPR. This is a very good asset to senior Generals about to retire and looking at post-retirement options. Let us see how the dynamic works out. The godfather of the Soft Power strategy, Joseph Nye, passed away on 7th May 2025. I had attended two lectures delivered by him. R.I.P. Mr. Nye. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
New York Post
11 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- New York Post
TikTok's secret for getting snatched this summer? A $33 weighted vest from Amazon
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. Skip the shapewear and pass on the overpriced pilates. TikTokers have discovered a heavy-hitting hack for shedding pounds fast, and it won't weigh down your wallet as much as that Equinox membership or the new juice cleanse your bestie swears by. That's right. The latest obsession is a good, old-fashioned weighted vest — a rubber, modernized version of the sandbag your dad strapped to his back in his makeshift garage gym back, circa 1995. For those less familiar, the Zenus Weighted Vest is available on Amazon, offered in a weight range of six to 30 pounds, and suddenly, it's everyone's favorite fitness find. 'It's day two of walking with a weighted vest until you can't find my waist,' TikTok creator @coachedby_casey declared in a brief clip of her marching away with her vest on the treadmill. The video has amassed over 800,000 views and is one of millions of #WeightedVest videos flooding the internet. While the consensus remains that 10,000 steps a day is satisfactory, TikTokers swear that lugging around extra pounds during their walks is helping them slim down fast. Some are even suiting up for domestic duties, sweeping, scrubbing, and decluttering while working up a sweat. 'If you want to lose weight for the summer, walk. If you want to lose weight faster, walk with a weighted vest,' another fitness influencer candidly explained to his followers. Some of his favorite styles are designed by the ZELUS brand — 'They do a great job with the weighted vests… good quality and stitching.' In another viral clip, one TikToker revealed her 40-pound weight loss before and after videos, attributing the results to nine months of walking with her vest. In the caption, she admitted she was skeptical at first, but decided to give it a shot, and the rest was history. While it seems the TikTok generation believes they've finally unearthed the secret to losing weight fast, wearing a weighted vest to lose weight is not necessarily a new revelation. Athletes have been training with weighted vests for years, menopause doctors back them for bone strength, and a 2006 health study published in the National Library of Medicine found that using a weighted vest can increase the metabolic costs and relative exercise intensity. So maybe it's technically old news, but if you're after that summer glow and want your jeans to slip on without a shimmy, this vest might be the best weigh to hit those goals fast. Amazon If you're suddenly curious about the weighted vest trend, the ZELUS design is a great place to start; double-striched, easily adjustable, armed with reflective stripes, two storage pockets, durable neoprene rubber fabric, and cushioned shoulder straps, the ZELUS is suited for hundreads of workouts, so you can go the extra mile no matter wherever you take it. Snag one from a sea of sleek styles and varying weights for up to 15% off now. Looking for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping Post Wanted. This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson's Blueprint Longevity Mix to home gym elliptical machines to Jennifer Aniston's favorite workout platform – often with her adorable one-year old daughter by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.
Newsweek
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Tears at Dog's Bedtime Routine from Puppy to Adult: 'Nothing Has Changed'
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. A Staffordshire bull terrier's bedtime tradition has captured hearts online, with a viral video showing just how much (and how little) has changed since he was a tiny pup. The dog's owner, who posts under the handle @rocco_the_blue_staffy, shared touching footage of their dog Rocco—a gray Staffordshire bull terrier—following the same nightly ritual from the age of 8 weeks to now, aged 2. In the first clip, baby Rocco energetically leaps into his dad's arms after hearing the question: "Do you want to go to bed?" The video then cuts to present-day Rocco, now a fully grown and considerably larger dog, still happily being scooped up and carried to bed in the same loving fashion. The video, which received 41,800 likes and 774,200 views on TikTok, features the text: "8 weeks to 2 years and still do the same night night." The caption reads: "Rocco as a baby to now nothing has changed." Staffordshire bull terriers, according to the American Kennel Club, are known for their courage, intelligence, and affection. Often called "nanny dogs," they are particularly good with children and thrive in loving homes where they can form strong bonds with their humans. Establishing a bedtime routine like Rocco's can be key to ensuring dogs feel safe and secure. As Pooch & Mutt explains, a consistent routine helps dogs wind down and associate certain cues, like a phrase or a specific time, with sleep. Bedtime rituals might include calm activities, a last toilet trip, and making sure their sleeping area is inviting and peaceful. While it might seem unusual to carry a full-grown dog upstairs, it's perfectly manageable with the right technique. Dogs Trust advises placing one hand under the dog's chest and the other supporting the back legs to lift safely, avoiding strain on the animal's back and joints. TikTokers couldn't get enough of Rocco's nightly cuddle. A stock image showing a Staffordshire bull terrier asleep on a bed. A stock image showing a Staffordshire bull terrier asleep on a bed. CBCK-Christine/iStock / Getty Images Plus "You sir are what every dog owner should be like. We only have them for such a brief amount of time, they deserve all the love you can give," one user commented. "Staffies are my absolute favorite dogs, they're so loving," wrote Claire. "I've spent the last 13 years sleeping on the corner of the bed while our staffy sprawls out all over the bed," joked Sam. "I had to buy a super king bed to fit my two Staffies in our bed—they sleep horizontally," another added. Newsweek reached out to @rocco_the_blue_staffy for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? We want to see the best ones! Send them in to life@ and they could appear on our site.
Daily Mail
18 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
The beach destination dubbed the 'Maldives of Europe' - with £2 pints, cheap flights and crystal-clear sea
The Maldives is one of the world's dreamiest holiday destinations and a popular choice for honeymooning couples. But the islands tend to come with a pretty hefty price tag, particularly as the majority of accommodation options are luxury resorts. However, if the islands seem a little beyond budget, there's a European destination where you could get a similar feel for far less money. TikTokers @theresortcouple posted a video where they say tourists will 'find the European Maldives in the cheapest country'. They recommend Ksamil, an enchanting seaside village in Albania, as a budget alternative to the Maldives. The TikTokers say they love Ksamil's 'crystal clear water and white sand beaches' and describe it as the 'most breathtaking place'. Lonely Planet has previously described Ksamil as having some of Albania's best beaches. The travel guide explains: 'South of Saranda, the unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera, and within striking distance of the Greek border, Ksamil has an excellent location. 'The three small islands in its turquoise bay are an easy swim or boat ride away, and there are always fewer people here than on the busier town beach.' Ksamil's best-rated beach on Tripadvisor is Ohana Beach Bar, which has a 4.4 out of 5 star rating. A tourist describes it as a 'clean and nice beach'. Tourists can also explore an incredible historic landmark while they're in Ksamil. Butrint National Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is just 11 miles from the seaside village. The ancient ruins are more than 2,500 years old and include a Hellenistic-era theatre and early Christian monuments. And a holiday in Ksamil will cost a lot less than travelling to the Maldives. According to Wise, the average cost of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Albania is just 1,000 lek/£8.50. Meanwhile, a pint of domestic beer costs just 249 lek/2.13 and a cappuccino comes in at just 164 lek/£1.40. To reach Ksamil from the UK, British tourists will need to fly to either Tirana in Albania or Corfu in Greece. The village is around a four hour drive from Tirana while tourists can take a ferry to reach it from Corfu. The ferry trip takes around half an hour and will drop tourists in Saranda, a popular Albanian seaside resort, that's under half an hour away from Ksamil. But Ksamil isn't the only European holiday destination to be described as a cheaper alternative to the Maldives. A gorgeous island off the coast of Antalya in Turkey has previously been described as the 'Turkish Maldives'. The island has been celebrated for its 'powdery white sand' and 'crystal clear waters'.
Business Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Business Times
Therapy in a box? ‘Kidults' turn to Labubu & Pop Mart for comfort
[SINGAPORE] If you thought Pop Mart's viral toy empire was powered solely by Gen Zs and TikTokers, think again. In Singapore, it's the 40-somethings – middle-aged professionals juggling careers, kids and caregiving – who are also driving the collectibles boom. Based on a recent poll by online marketplace Carousell, 42 per cent of users in its Hobbies and Toys category are aged 41 and above. Even more striking: 40 per cent of these older collectors report spending more than S$1,000 annually on collectibles, just behind the 26-30 age group at 56 per cent. Their favorite collectibles? Labubu, followed by Mofusand, Prismatic Evolutions, Crybaby, Pokemon, Lego and Jellycat. For these midlifers, collecting is more than a hobby – it's a much-needed coping mechanism. With names such as Happiness and Serenity, Labubu's latest plushies series is all about making people feel good. PHOTO: POP MART Just ask Valerie Koh, deputy director of Arts House Limited and mother of four, who owns more than a hundred Pop Mart toys. 'After a stressful day, you buy one and you feel better. It's that simple,' she says. She admits to buying at least one blind box a week, sometimes more, since her kids also enjoy the toys. Her current obsession? Crybaby, which she hangs on her designer bags. 'They're just cute little things that make me happy. They're little mood boosters for adults with disposable cash.' Pop Mart certainly knows this: Its latest Labubu plushies series has characters called Happiness, Serenity and Hope, while its latest Space Molly series is inspired by emojis. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up Both men and women of a certain age are seeking solace in Labubu. PHOTO: AFP Emotional benefits galore Dr Hannah H Chang, associate professor of marketing at Singapore Management University, is not surprised by Carousell's findings. 'People in their 40s are among the most stressed,' she explains. 'They often have young kids and ageing parents. They're at the age where they have a lot of responsibilities at work – but at the same time, they also have a stable salary with which they can easily afford a toy that typically costs between S$15.90 and S$24.90.' These toys offer emotional benefits for the buyers – relief from daily burdens, as well as reminders of simpler times when they were kids and had less to worry about. 'So they buy these toys to find some semblance of control and joy in a small object – and that can be a surprisingly powerful emotion,' says Dr Chang. The phenomenon of 'kidults' has certainly been gaining ground. 'The pandemic was tough on everyone, but now there's the tariff wars that may likely impact economies and jobs. People in their 40s are among the most worried about the future right now – so it's no surprise they're turning to toys for escapism,' she adds. Mega Space Molly's latest Emoji series focuses on capturing people's moods. PHOTO: POP MART Pop Mart's financials reflect this trend. In 2024, the Chinese company's net income rose 188 per cent to 3.1 billion yuan (S$555 million), with full-year sales more than doubling to 13 billion yuan. Sales of The Monsters dolls, including Labubu, rose to three billion yuan in 2024 compared with 368 million yuan before. Crybaby, another fast-growing intellectual property product, had a more than 1,500 per cent increase in related revenue. Pop Mart's marketing genius Pyron Tan, another married 40-something, has been collecting Labubu long before the craze. He had early models, including the Labubu X Sml figurines, which he sold for five times their original price. 'I think I bought them for around S$40 and sold for about S$200 – though I recently saw a similar piece on Carousell with an asking price of S$1,699,' he says. An early collector of Labubus, 44-year-old Pyron Tan has been able to sell some discontinued figurines at four or five times the retail price. PHOTO: PYRON TAN But the creative professional insists he isn't in it for the money. 'I buy what I like. But if the price goes up, I might choose to let it go.' He then uses the profits to pay for his next toy. 'For me, buying toys helps me destress. It is self-care – part retail therapy, and part making up for the fact that I didn't have a lot of toys when I was growing up.' Like Tan, 76 per cent of Carousell respondents aged 41 and above in the survey have been collecting for more than five years – well before the global Labubu craze took off in 2024, sparked by a spontaneous endorsement from Thai pop star Lisa. Interestingly, 14 per cent of these midlifers started collecting only within the past year, suggesting that the Lisa effect has spread to a minority of 40-somethings who previously didn't even collect toys. Dr. Chang believes none of this is accidental. 'Pop Mart is very smart about identifying and responding to emerging demographics,' she says. 'They've ramped up production of their small plushies that double as fashion accessories – popular not just with teenagers but with adult women. They're cute, collectible and wearable, so you can feel you're part of a community when you carry it around.' Carousell's recent poll shows that people aged 41 to 50 are the biggest users of its Hobbies and Toys category. GRAPHIC: CAROUSELL At the same time, the brand caters to serious collectors with premium figurines that sometimes increase in value, while also reimagining the online shopping experience. Its digital feature, Pop Now, lets users shake their phones to partially reveal what's inside a blind box – bringing the tactile thrill of in-store shopping into the digital realm. 'I've never seen anyone replicate that experience so successfully,' says Dr Chang. Add free delivery for orders above just S$47.70 – eliminating the common gripe of shipping costs – and it's no surprise that sales have soared. 'They hold my feelings' Jasline Ng, another working mother in her 40s, doesn't just buy blind boxes – she sometimes purchases entire collections at one go. With more disposable income than younger collectors, she sources for rare models on Carousell and TikTok, gifts blind boxes to her friends and relatives, and dresses up her Labubus in pretty outfits. Midlifer Jasline Ng and her daughter bond over Labubu and Crybaby. PHOTO: JASLINE NG 'These toys make me feel young,' she says. 'They connect me with different age groups and conversations. Whenever I see someone else carrying a Labubu or Crybaby, I feel connected to them – like we're part of the same community.' Some have called her childish. But she doesn't care. 'My daughter loves the Crybaby cherry magnets. She says it represents the two of us sticking together... Overall, these toys give me emotional support. It's like Crybaby is holding my emotions for me. If I feel sad, it reminds me it's okay to cry.' For Ng, Koh and Tan, Pop Mart toys aren't just playthings – they're therapy sessions in a box.
