Latest news with #West
Memri
an hour ago
- Politics
- Memri
'The State Duma Has Proposed Banning...'
"The State Duma has proposed banning..." – this phrase, like a broken record, has been topping the news about Russian legislative activity for years. It seems that there is nothing left that our parliamentarians could not try to ban, and with severe consequences for violators! But now they have set their sights on something sacred – everything! An initiative has been "wandering" in the corridors of the State Duma for a long time, trying to eliminate freedom of choice. Deputy Speaker of the State Duma and former ombudsman for children's rights Anna Kuznetsova is lobbying for a bill aimed at eradicating "destructive ideology as a whole." Can you imagine the scale? Two volumes of research have already been prepared with the support of the Ministry of Science! It turns out that all of this is laid down in presidential decree No. 809 "On approval of the Fundamentals of state policy for the preservation and strengthening of traditional Russian spiritual and moral values." Until now, the decree was recalled to cite the list of "traditional values," so beloved by officials and clergy. And now, if Kuznetsova's initiative is implemented, ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING can be banned! After all, "fundamentals" are not a joke, but a "strategic planning document in the sphere of ensuring national security of the Russian Federation." Everything is serious! Elvira Kikhareva They Intend To Ban Almost Anything The list of "traditional values" in itself, it seems, is quite decent: life, dignity, patriotism, family, humanism, justice... Who would argue? But, as they say, the devil is in the details! It turns out to be a cognitive dissonance: either this is a traditional value, or a tool of the West for the destruction of sovereignty (and everything Western, in the opinion of the Russian elite, is pure evil). After all, for some reason, the State Duma is in no hurry to discuss how to implement these values. It is much easier to ban something! And here comes the decree, which lists all the "enemies" that threaten our values: extremists (they are those who go out to the squares with a poster saying "no to war"), the media (numerous liberal publications that have been dispersed and banned by the authorities), the United States, and even some organizations and individuals within the country. Well, you get the idea – enemies are everywhere! At the same time, the very concept of "destructive ideology" is vague to the point of impossibility, which allows it to include absolutely everything that the Kremlin does not like. As a result, they intend to ban almost anything, and punish violations to the fullest extent of the law! Who benefits from this? Yes, everyone who wants to curry favor with the authorities, the "experts" of Putin's pool, and, of course, law enforcement agencies. After all, it is much easier to catch "violators of ideology" than real criminals! Sleight of hand – and no miracles! But in addition to the "bans" that Russians are accustomed to, there are also proposals. According to parliamentarians, they are very useful. Russian lawmakers, no doubt motivated by concern for the welfare of citizens, have recently decided to expand the practice of forced labor for those who have committed minor offenses. Of course, this has nothing to do with the desperate shortage of labor in the economy, which the government modestly estimates at two million people. Just a coincidence... So, the State Duma, in a fit of extraordinary generosity, on July 8 adopted a package of amendments that effectively introduce forced labor as a new type of punishment for as many as 45 articles of the code. Now, if you accidentally cause moderate harm to health or, say, involve a minor in innocent pranks, the court will happily give you the chance to work for the good of society in a correctional center for up to five years. It is especially touching that "corrective labor" will also be applied to economic articles. Did you delay your employees' salaries for three months? Welcome to re-education through labor! Did you falsify reports? No big deal, forced labor will help you realize the depth of your fall. The authors of this "brilliant" initiative claim that forced labor has an exclusively positive effect on crime prevention. Convicts, as one, demonstrate simply inhuman motivation to work, acquire valuable skills and, of course, are spiritually enriched. It seems that it is time to open a network of free labor camps – those who want to will certainly line up! We Get A Clear Example Of Slavery As Russian legislative practice shows, at least in these few seemingly sarcastic, but in fact very symptomatic examples, any expansion of state powers can lead not only to selective application of the law in relation to citizens of a particular country, but also to the desire to expand these powers in foreign, neighboring, sovereign territories. Undesirable officials, leaders of neighboring states, entrepreneurs, oppositionists or simply "wrong" citizens can end up in a correctional center for far-fetched reasons, be expelled from the country or forcibly sent to the front for the sake of someone's geopolitical ambitions. Today, there is practically no one to protect them from tyranny – they should have thought about this earlier. As a result, we get a clear example of slavery: people are forced to live according to pre-written rules under the threat of punishment and a constant feeling of anxiety. And this is completely incompatible with the proclaimed values of freedom, justice and humanism. The growth of state control over life and the suppression of dissent, which we see in the example of Russia, create an atmosphere of fear and suspicion. In such an environment, a constructive dialogue between the authorities and society is practically impossible, and any disagreement is dangerous for "national security." It is especially alarming that such practices are increasingly justified by ideological cliches about "traditional values" and a "special path." These slogans serve as a cover for authoritarian methods of governance and suppression of freedoms under the pretext of the uniqueness of national character, allegedly incompatible with Western democracy. Leading The Multi-Million Nation Into A Dead End However, history proves that rights and freedoms are universal values, independent of geography or culture. The desire for justice, equality, and dignity is inherent in every person, regardless of nationality and beliefs. Attempts to justify restrictions on rights by referring to a "special path" and the adoption of dubious laws are just a disguise for the usurpation of power and the protection of the selfish interests of the ruling elite. Ultimately, a strong and prosperous state can only be built by respecting rights and freedoms. An open society with guaranteed freedom of speech, assembly and an independent judicial system is the basis of the economy, science, and culture. Otherwise, the country is doomed to many years of stagnation, and legislators have no choice but to continue to strengthen control, passing more and more odious laws that help to preserve and extend their influence, but lead the multi-million nation into a dead end. *Elvira Vikhareva is a renowned Russian opposition politician based in Russia. In 2023, she was poisoned with heavy metal salts.
Business Journals
2 hours ago
- Business
- Business Journals
Billionaire Paul Singer's hedge fund strikes deal with tech giant
The deal comes on the heels of West Palm Beach-based Elliott Investment Management acquiring an 8% stake in the firm valued at $1.5 billion a few months ago.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jerry West explained why he doesn't believe Wilt slept with 20000 women: "Wilt had a tendency to elaborate things and make him bigger than life"
Jerry West explained why he doesn't believe Wilt slept with 20000 women: "Wilt had a tendency to elaborate things and make him bigger than life" originally appeared on Basketball Network. Wilt Chamberlain shattered basketball records at a pace the sport, and quite literally, the whole world, had never seen before. From the night he dropped 100 points to the absurd stat lines that still sit untouched, the man was a walking myth. But how much of this is actually true? His dominance felt almost fictional, even when it was backed up by box scores and game film. For all the absurd feats he put together on the hardwood, the one number that continues to follow him didn't happen on a court. In his 1991 autobiography "A View From Above," Chamberlain claimed he had slept with over 20,000 women in his lifetime. The math alone was enough to make headlines. The story, whether intended as truth or self-made legend, instantly became part of the Wilt persona. And for decades, people have gone back and forth on whether it was even remotely possible. Jerry West, one of Chamberlain's closest teammates during their time with the Los Angeles Lakers, wasn't buying it. "In our last two or three years together, once Elgin Baylor retired, we played two more years. He and I, when we were on the road, he was a really nice guy…" the man behind the NBA logo explained in his interview on the "JAXXON PODCAST." "Wilt has a lot of serious talks about things, and we would have dinner in each other's room after games and stuff, that's why I don't quite believe the story. Wilt had a tendency to elaborate things and make him bigger than life. And he told me that he drove from New York City to San Francisco in 24 hours. No chance!" West added. West made it clear that he admired Wilt as a teammate and friend. But even with all the time they spent together, there were things he never quite bought into. West and Wilt were close as teammates During their time in Los Angeles, West and Chamberlain helped carry the Lakers into a new era. After Elgin Baylor retired early in the 1971-72 season, the West-Wilt duo steered the team on a historic run, winning 33 games in a row and eventually securing the NBA title. That championship would be the first and only title of West's playing career, and it marked Chamberlain's second ring after his lone win with the Sixers in 1967. The two legends were the faces of the franchise for those final years and spent countless hours together, from plane rides, in hotels, to dinners on the road. And while West has always spoken candidly about Chamberlain's accomplishments on the hardwood, he also remembers the not-so-shiny moments that revealed a different side of the big man. Which is why, when it comes to stories that feel stretched beyond belief, West isn't afraid to call it what it is. A bit overblown, out of proportion. Related: Pau Gasol on how difficult it was to tell Kobe Bryant he would leave the Lakers: "He was very supportive and he understood" Shaq also isn't buying this crazy statistic The Logo isn't the only Hall of Famer who has called "cap" (modern lingo for a lie) on Wilt's most infamous claim. Shaquille O'Neal is one of the few who genuinely tried to follow in Wilt's footsteps in the City of Angels, but even The Diesel isn't quite convinced the most infamous claim holds up. While he's always respected Wilt's game, Shaq simply can't stay silent about the almost impossible math behind this "statistic." "Nope, that's impossible. Because first of all, he didn't have no cell phone. So how you meeting 20 women a day?" O'Neal said a while back on "The Big Podcast." It's a fair point. In today's world, with dating apps, direct messages and personal branding, the idea of meeting that many people still feels ridiculous. In Wilt's time? It pushes past even the most ludicrous imagination. In the end, the legend of Wilt the Stilt is already big enough. The numbers he put up on the court still feel surreal. Whether or not the off-court total is even remotely close, we'll never know for sure. We'll leave that one to the reader's fantasy. Related: "It wasn't two minutes" - Jerry West on how long he watched Kobe Bryant's pre-draft workout before deciding to pick him This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jerry West had no patience for NBA stars who constantly "bit--" at refs: "They start bit–-ing from the time they get into the league"
Jerry West had no patience for NBA stars who constantly "bit--" at refs: "They start bit–-ing from the time they get into the league" originally appeared on Basketball Network. Over the years, we've heard all kinds of takes from former players on what the modern NBA lacks: too soft, too friendly, too flashy, not enough defense, the list goes on. But when a guy like Jerry West, the man who saw it firsthand as a player, then relived it all again as a heck of an executive, gives his two cents, it holds tremendous value. And just before his passing, the man whose silhouette represents the league's logo made it clear there was one particular thing he couldn't stand about today's stars: the constant complaining, especially from the players who are just finding their footing in the big boys' league. "Basketball players… They have their own world they live in, because they watched, they learned from the older players. They learned one thing that I wish they wouldn't have — they start bit–-ing from the time they get into the league," West said during his recent appearance on the "JAXXON Podcast." "It is difficult to keep your concentration in the league. It's for the officials, I would throw anyone out of the game. If you don't respect me, how can I respect you?" the Logo added. West said exactly what he saw The legendary Hall of Famer didn't sugarcoat anything. This wasn't a grumpy old man ranting about how things were better back in his day. He just said it plainly as he saw things happen. Before there were private jets, luxury recovery rooms, and all the mind can imagine and the money can buy, there were trailblazers like Jerry. He wasn't just the legend of the game; he set the path for others to follow. And he expected the same focus and discipline from the generations that came after him. What West took issue with wasn't just the occasional reaction to a missed call. It was that same old boring thing where a player waves his hands, nagging and complaining. It's not just that it slows the game down or makes it less enjoyable to watch (and it sure does, whatever someone might say), but it diminishes the authority of the referee, and, in an instance, the whole Luka Doncic example There's no question the NBA has changed. And in many ways, for the better. The league is more global, more open-minded, and more player-empowered than ever before. But with that evolution come some unwanted things, like "bit—ing," as Mr. West mentioned. Even some of the brightest stars today aren't immune to those habits. Take Luka Doncic, for example, one of the most gifted players in the league who is now leading the same Purple and Gold West suited up for and being at the top of the MVP ladders for multiple campaigns in a row. But even with all that brilliance, he's become known for his constant back-and-forth dialogue with officials. His frustration with calls, or lack thereof, disrupts the game rhythm and often goes against his own team. And, most importantly, it's not the view to behold. And to be fair, West wasn't calling out names. He didn't have to; those in question know very well. The trend is widespread enough that even casual fans can see it. And it does take away from the beauty of the game. The respect should be one thing all the players should strive for, and it sure has to go both story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
The Irish Sun
4 hours ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Iran threatens to ramp up enrichment of nuke-grade uranium AGAIN – just 24 days after Trump bombed ‘Mount Doom' facility
IRAN has again threatened to ramp up enrichment of its near-weapons-grade uranium stockpile just days after being bombed by the US. It comes after Israel said some of Iran's nuclear fuel 10 A satellite view shows an overview of Fordow underground complex after the US bombings on June 21 Credit: Reuters 10 This satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies shows a close view of the Isfahan nuclear technology in Iran after US strikes Credit: AP 10 This picture shows a general view of the Isfahan nuclear power plant in 2005 Credit: AFP 10 Tehran admitted that But it said the bombings will not deter the regime from enriching uranium, which they claim is for peaceful civilian use. The uranium in question is enriched to 60 per cent - way above levels for civilian use but slightly below weapons-grade. That material, if further refined to 90 per cent, would Read more on iran Alaeddin Boroujerdi, a member of the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Commission told Mehr News Agency: "We will never give up our legitimate right to enrich uranium. "Enrichment is a sovereign right that we will continue to pursue based on our national needs. "Bombing cannot erase this knowledge — it will only come back stronger." It comes as the UK, France and Germany have agreed to restore tough UN sanctions on Iran by the end of August if there has been no concrete progress on a nuclear deal. Most read in The US Sun Ali Velayati, an adviser to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was quoted as saying by the state news agency IRNA: "If the negotiations [with the US] must be conditioned on stopping enrichment, such negotiations will not take place." Boroujerdi added: "We will in no way succumb to the West's demands for zero enrichment." The UN's top nuclear watchdog International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) warned Iran could . Doubts remained whether Iran quietly removed 408.6 kgs of uranium from its most sensitive sites before the US strikes - potentially hiding nuclear material elsewhere in the country. Trump rips critics & insists 'bombs went through like butter' at Iran sites An Israeli official told The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, did not express concern about the remaining stockpile and said any attempt to recover it would be detected by the Israeli intelligence. They also said that Israel would have enough time to attack Iran's nuclear facilities again if the regime tries to recover it. But it was not clear immediately if the strikes - which hit Iran's Fordow nuclear enrichment plant, Natanz and Isfahan nuclear facilities - were able to wipe out the entire stockpile of enriched uranium. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi admitted Iran could still have stockpiles of enriched uranium, saying: "We don't know where this material could be. 10 10 The moment a GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) hit the earth in the test footage "So some could have been destroyed as part of the attack, but some could have been moved. So there has to be at some point a clarification," he said in an interview with CBS. "We need to be in a position to ascertain, to confirm what is there, and where it is and what happened," Grossi said. Satellite imagery showed trucks moving out of Fordow in the days leading up to the attack - leading to speculations that Iran moved some of its underground uranium stockpile. US and Israel, as well as independent experts, agree that all of Iran's working centrifuges at Natanz and Fordo — some 18,000 - were either destroyed or damaged beyond repair. DOOM & BOOM Satellite imagery appeared to show construction work at the Fordow Nuclear Enrichment facility in Qom, near Tehran. Heavy earthmoving equipment can be seen working near the impact craters caused by US GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs. Excavators and cranes can also be seen working, while more construction trucks are visible on roads leading to the impact points at the site. A new access road between the site's northern tunnel entrance and one of the impact craters can be seen after Israel said its air force struck Fordow to "disrupt" access to the site. David Albright, a US weapons expert, 10 Construction activity post-bombing at Fordow as of June 27; annotations by The Sun Credit: Maxar via Reuters 10 A satellite overview shows earthmoving at the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Facility on June 27; annotations by The Sun Credit: Maxar via Reuters The 12-Day War began on June 13 when Israel launched The Israelis also brilliantly orchestrated Operation Red Wedding - 30 Iran retaliated by launching daily salvos of ballistic missiles across Israel, but failed to hit any strategic targets. Less than a fortnight later, Trump The US military 's flagship B-2 Spirit stealth bombers dropped more than a dozen The bunker-buster bombs were used to hit Iran's Fordow Nuclear Enrichment Plant. Iran, which vowed to hit US military bases across the Middle East, sought its revenge by launching missiles at Al-Udeid Air Base - America's biggest military station in the region. 10 President Donald Trump speaks from the East Room of the White House in Washington after the strikes 10 President Donald Trump and his national security team meet in the Situation Room during the bombings Credit: White House
