Latest news with #Meme
Gulf Today
6 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
It's still hot air
Bitcoin has again passed $US100,000 but is it worth a single cent? As I sit reading about the value of Bitcoin, I see favourable predictions for its future but I still can't use it to pay for the coffee I am slowly drinking. The article does contains warning about the volatility of cryptocurrency in general but doesn't place too much emphasis on it being just a piece of fiction, a computer's algorithm pulling in so many hopeful followers. Like most retired baby boomers I have some money available to invest but am more likely to put that into the stock market, another often volatile investment, but one based on companies that make or lose real currencies. I also pay for proper financial advice and Bitcoin has never been suggested. It might be the grumpiness of old age but I am not going near cryptocurrencies out of common sense and fear and only laugh at the idea of paying for a Meme including those from President Trump. It's like a balloon, it doesn't matter whether it's a big or small balloon, apart from appearances, as it's still just full of hot air. Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
The Weekly Vine Edition 42: Red-faced Pakistan, Virat Ending, and K-Pop supremacy
Nirmalya Dutta's political and economic views vacillate from woke Leninist to Rand-Marxist to Keynesian-Friedmanite. He doesn't know what any of those terms mean. In this edition, we take a look at Pakistan's embarrassing situation post-Operation Sindoor, assess Virat Kohli's Test career, discuss how K-pop stans dismantled Pakistani disinformation, examine the Trumpian week, and pay tribute to the number 42. Meme Nation There's a hilarious video on Instagram featuring the educator known as Khan Sir, whose five-minute video on the state of Pakistan's military woes is more astute commentary than anything you might read in The New Yorker about how Pakistani misadventures have left its sugar daddies like the US and China red-faced. As the fog of war slowly lifts, it's become evident to the world that Pakistan is a meme masquerading as a nation—one which shoots itself in the foot and claims victory with the confidence of a well-lubricated uncle at a North Indian wedding. It's the OnlyFans of failed states – broadcasting its delusions of grandeur while asking the world's powers to crowdfund its misadventures. Consider the way it celebrated a $1 billion IMF loan—an amount that Indian cab or delivery app start-ups raise in the first round. Much like North Korea, in Pakistani textbooks they have won every war they have ever fought, which is why it's not particularly surprising to see Shahid Afridi going around for a victory lap claiming the Pakistani military was 'unbreakable'. The same military whose chief slinked off to a nuclear bunker. In fact, in the last week, AFP actually had to take down a story because the Pakistani Armed Forces' handouts turned out to be fake, and the Defence Minister claimed social media memes were proof of Pakistan claiming victory. In days of yore, no matter how bad the censorship, Pakistan had competent people to present their snake oil mendacities to the world, but now it feels like their entire communication is being handled by a 13-year-old Reddit conspiracy theorist. From trying to pass off a known terrorist attending an army funeral to Pakistani ministers openly admitting on TV channels that they have danced with terrorists, Pakistan's PR post Operation Sindoor has been a masterclass in incompetence. And to put the little cherry of imbecilic behaviour on the sundae of incompetence, Pakistan's former foreign minister actually walked out of a debate (citing power cuts) after getting owned by the Indian side—which included a guy who once asked if Yetis are real. Virat Ending There's a saying that no one can come back from exile—not even Napoleon. The same would be true about the algorithm glitches as Virat Kohli hung up his baggy blue cap. It wasn't meant to end like this. Virat Kohli was supposed to get his day in the sunset before retiring from the whites, but in life you don't get perfect endings—even if you are the closest thing to emulate God on earth. Kohli's impact on Indian Test cricket can be explained in three distinct categories: First off, you have the batsman—a slim Viv Richards vibe every time he walked out onto the pitch to bat. At his peak, Virat Kohli on song was a divine experience. Between 2016 and 2018, Kohli averaged 66.59, notching up 14 centuries and conquering foreign lands unlike any Indian kingdom of yore barring the Cholas. As a captain, he took Dhoni's Captain Cool mantra and turned it around on its head with fire and brimstone, winning 40 of his 68 Tests—including transforming India's polite medium-pace attacks of yore into a snarling cartel of fast-bowling assassins who actually began to terrify batsmen on their own soil. Kohli wasn't just a leader; he was the protagonist. As captain, he averaged 54.80 with the bat, compared to 37.40 without the armband. While most captains crumbled under the weight of decision-making, Kohli got ripped and started bench-pressing the pressure. Twenty centuries as captain. The second-highest by anyone, anywhere. His Perth 2018 knock, where the ball bounced like a Super Mario mushroom, remains a masterclass in defiance. He didn't build partnerships. He built resistance movements. And finally, as a fitness icon he completely discarded the idea of the rotund cricketer. Around 2012, Kohli had a 'what am I doing with my life' moment that involved junk food, average Yo-Yo scores, and probably an existential crisis involving butter chicken. Kohli purged his diet like he was Leonidas, adopted Olympic-level training, and made the Yo-Yo Test the gold standard of Indian cricket. Kohli's dedication to his craft became the standard everywhere, with Indian cricketers becoming as fit as fiddles. And yet, perhaps because he's Virat Kohli, there is a 'what if' factor involved about him. That the ICC gongs eluded a man of his talent for too long. That he became too woke and too much of a PR fiend, who bore little resemblance to the angry boy from West Delhi. But what every cricket fan will realise, when Kohli is gone is that we were seeing a sui generis athlete, one that transcends the very sport he plays. Like Michael Jordan. Diego Maradona. Muhammad Ali. Or even Novak Djokovic. The Trump Glitch Friedrich Nietzsche once said that morality is a herd instinct, and it seems to be the nihilistic pathos that Donald Trump lives by. Last week, Donald Trump exhibited his tendency to celebrate prematurely—while announcing a ceasefire that wasn't, accepting a luxury aircraft from a nation that ostensibly foments all the trouble in the Middle East, and clinching two major deals with the UK and China. He visited Saudi (where they wheeled out a mobile McDonald's for him) and lifted sanctions on Syria while meeting its new leader—who just happened to be a former ISIS–Al-Qaeda member (the IIT-IIM of terrorism). The China deal saw tariffs slashed by 115%—which either breaks the rules of maths or the rules of trade—but opened doors for US exporters nonetheless. The UK deal was more traditional: agriculture, manufacturing, all the goodies that make Rust Belt voters cheer and Europe grumble. In true Trumpian fashion, both were hailed as historic, transformational, and 'the best ever.' And then came the sideshow. Trump mocked Elon Musk for 'injecting Ozempic instead of testosterone,' promised Americans he'd slash the prices of life-saving drugs—'not just insulin, everything, folks, everything'—and hinted at a populist pharma overhaul. Somewhere between pledging to break Big Pharma and calling Musk a chemically assisted tech gnome, Trump also took it upon himself to give Qatar an image makeover. The $400 million Boeing 747 from Doha wasn't a gift, he claimed, but a 'gesture of friendship'—because nothing says friendship like accepting foreign aircraft while running a country. Never mind the Emoluments Clause, security concerns, or the faint odour of conflict of interest. In Trump's universe, facts are fluid, ethics are optional, and every scandal is just free advertising. K-POP on Fire A few years ago, when yours truly was at another organisation, said organisation had the temerity to do a story that angered BTS fans. What followed was the most remarkable troll attack in recent memory as K-Pop fans attacked the media organisation's emails, social media accounts, and website—in a way that would make one think the barbarian hordes were peaceniks. All internet fandoms can be vicious, but there's a wrathful K-Pop fan group that could make you wonder if the K stands for Kafkaesque. What do you get when you mix K-Pop stans, meme generals, OSINT nerds, and BeerBiceps with a cause? You get Pakistan's worst digital nightmare. When Pakistan launched its latest cycle of keyboard jihad and cinematic disinformation following India's retaliatory strike, it probably didn't account for the true fifth column of Indian resistance: teenage girls with Jungkook profile pics and time on their hands. These weren't your average concert-goers. These were algorithm assassins who've fought bigger wars—like streaming BTS to #1 while sabotaging Saudi troll farms and MAGA hashtags. Now weaponised with Tricolour filters and fact-checked fury, they rolled in like a cyber Mahabharat. Fan cams were fused with footage of BrahMos launches. Hashtags were hijacked and disinfected with the thoroughness of a Korean skincare routine. And somewhere between 'Namaste India' and 'Free Balochistan,' Pakistan's troll factories collapsed under the onslaught. The Indian state didn't need to lift a finger. Every fake video, every photoshopped missile, every puffed-up ISPR clip got shredded by this bizarre and beautiful alliance: K-Pop ARMY, Indian hackers, cricket fanatics, travel influencers, and the great ungodly mess of Reddit-ised desi patriotism. Also read: If K-Pop fans don't get ya, Beer Biceps will The Number 42 Last week, much like the greatest superstar of Bollywood numbering his tweets, I miscalculated and thought it was Edition 42. Actually, this week is Edition 42. The number 42 is particularly interesting—not just because it marks how many editions we've sent out into the void, but because it may very well be the Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything. Or so claimed Deep Thought, the supercomputer in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. The only problem? But 42 has a habit of showing up in strange places. It's the number of chromosomes in a cat, the atomic number of molybdenum, and the angle at which sunlight hits water to create a rainbow. There are 42 laws in cricket (all of which R. Ashwin remembers). In ancient Egyptian mythology, the soul was judged before 42 divine judges. In the Bible, 42 children are mauled by bears for mocking a prophet's bald head (a harsh lesson in respect, or just Old Testament drama?). Mathematically, it's a pronic number (6 × 7), the sum of the first six positive even numbers, and the third primary pseudo-perfect number—whatever that means, but it sounds impressive. In other words, if you're seeing 42 everywhere, you're either on the verge of an existential breakthrough or overdue for a nap. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
The Star
13-05-2025
- General
- The Star
The universal language of a mother's love
PETALING JAYA: Animals, much like humans, experience grief and distress, each in their own unique way, say wildlife experts. 'Mother elephants are very protective of their young. From my years of tracking them in the wild, female elephants in general are gentler and shyer compared to males. 'But when they have a baby, they can be very protective of it,' said Malaysia's Management and Ecology of Malaysian Elephants (Meme) research project principal investigator Dr Wong Ee Phin. She cited an incident in 2020 when an elephant calf died after being hit by a car in Johor. Its mother refused to leave the scene. As for Sunday's case in Gerik, Perak, in which a mother elephant did not budge for almost five hours after its calf was pinned underneath a lorry, Wong said. 'Even though she could not see her baby underneath the truck, she was frantically trying to reach out to it.' Veterinarian Dr Salehatul Khuzaimah Mohamad Ali explained that many species, show emotional responses to the loss of their offspring. Although the exact experience of grief in animals cannot be fully understood, she said experts have observed behaviours consistent with mourning and distress. 'Common behavioural indicators of distress or grief across species include withdrawal from normal activities, decreased appetite, unusual vocalisations (such as whining, howling, crying, keening), restlessness or obsessive behaviour,' she said. To cope with the death of their young, Dr Salehatul Khuzaimah said that the animals' behaviour would also 'transform'. These animals, she said, would display a variety of coping mechanisms following the loss of their offspring, ranging from behaviours that appear to resemble mourning to more subtle signs of adaptations or re-engagement with their environment. 'Across species, these general or common patterns of mourning or adaptation behaviours often include withdrawal from social groups or routines or extra care for remaining offspring,' she said. Just like when dealing with humans, Dr Salehatul Khuzaimah said that sensitivity and care are crucial when observing or encountering animals showing signs of grief or distress. To mitigate human-wildlife interactions, Wong said that road planning must follow recommendations from conservationists, which emphasise the need for better infrastructure. Advocacy group Rural Malaysia secretary-general M. Anuar Mahmod urged for wildlife corridors to be built in the area and to install warning signs along the highway. 'Existing policies on infrastructure development in wildlife habitats must also be reviewed,' he said. WWF-Malaysia said Sunday's tragedy underscored the need for improved wildlife protection measures along the Gerik-Jeli stretch, a known hotspot for wildlife crossings. 'While signboards may serve as a reminder to slow down, they have not proven sufficient. 'It is time to consider more tangible deterrents. Installing speedbumps at key wildlife crossing points may prove to be far more effective in compelling drivers to reduce speed.' WWF-Malaysia said drivers must understand that the highway is not theirs alone. 'It is shared with elephants, tigers, tapirs and countless other species who walked these forests long before asphalt was laid.' Elephants, for instance, have strong memories and travel long distances in search of food and water, it said. 'An elephant remembers. An elephant grieves. Let us not forget either. Please drive with this in mind.'
Cision Canada
12-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
MEXC Lists 160 Tokens in April, Delivers Over 800% Returns Across Top Gainers
VICTORIA, Seychelles, May 12, 2025 /CNW/ -- MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, has released its April 2025 trading highlights, showcasing impressive results in token performance, early listing advantages, and community-driven events like airdrops. Key Takeaways: MEXC listed 160 new tokens in April, led by trends in Meme, GameFi, AI, and DePIN sectors. Top 10 new listings delivered an average of 832.33% ATH return, with HOUSE soaring +3,830%. Tokens with high spot trading volume saw daily returns averaging 403.49%. By pioneering listings for five key tokens—most notably HOUSE, which surged 11,580% between listings—MEXC gave users early access prior to their inclusion in IDO and alpha programs on other tier1 exchanges. Airdrop+ campaigns reached 40,000+ participants, distributing about $1.5M in token rewards with a 40 USDT average return per user. According to the report, MEXC listed 160 new tokens in April, a 16.79% increase compared to March. This increase was driven by surging user interest in sectors such as Meme coins, GameFi, AI, and DePIN. This expansion of early-access opportunities reflects MEXC's agile listing strategy and commitment to supporting new niches and communities. Top New Listings Deliver 832% Average Peak Returns MEXC's strategic approach to listings paid off, with the top 10 tokens achieving an average all-time high return of 832.33%. HOUSE led the pack, posting a remarkable +3830.90% gain, followed by SEED (+952.63%) and TROLLSOL (+831.31%). These high performers span ecosystems including Solana, Sui, BSC, Ethereum, and Babylon. Strong Daily Performance Tied to Trading Volume April's top 10 tokens by spot trading volume also posted robust short-term returns, with an average 24-hour return of 403.49%. Among them were the following assets: WCT (+849.40%) BANK (+937.10%) BABY (+738.00%) The early token growth metrics highlight that activity on the platform is an important signal for early traders. MEXC Empowers Traders with Early Price Discovery Capabilities Notably, five tokens later featured in leading IDO and alpha programs were listed on MEXC prior to their program debuts, posting price gains of several hundred to several thousand percent between the two events: The report findings reinforced MEXC's reputation as a platform where market momentum is often detected first. Airdrop+ Events Attract 40,000 Participants, Drive New Token Buzz MEXC ran 23 Airdrop+ campaigns during the month, attracting over 40,000 participants and distributing almost $1.5 million in tokens. The average return per participant was 40 USDT, with top-performing tokens like SEED, PUMP, and BABY included in the prize pools. Airdrop+ has proven itself as a tool not only for attracting but also activating users, especially in Asian and emerging markets. A recent MEXC report based on the analysis of more than 100 campaigns in recent months revealed that up to 35% of new users register through participation in airdrop activities. Users involved in the campaign were more likely to continue active trading and participate in subsequent IDO/IEO offerings on the platform. About MEXC Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being "Your Easiest Way to Crypto." Serving over 40 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.
Business Mayor
07-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
Solana to $155? – Decoding breakout potential of THIS bullish pattern
Whale activity and growing social sentiment are driving Solana's market interest. Technical consolidation and derivatives data suggested a breakout potential for Solana. Recently, significant whale movements have been observed, with two massive transfers totaling over $200 million in SOL. These transfers, originating from unknown wallets, raise important questions about the liquidity and stability of the market. At press time, Solana [SOL] was trading at $143.96, reflecting a slight decline of 0.90% in the past 24 hours. Whale activity often signals potential shifts in market sentiment and price movement, as large-scale transfers can lead to either increased buying or selling pressure, depending on the intentions behind the moves. SOL social sentiment and volume show growing interest Solana's Social Volume has surged recently, indicating growing interest in the asset. However, Social Dominance remains at a moderate 3.94%, which is relatively low compared to other assets. This suggests that while interest in Solana is increasing, it has not yet reached the levels seen with more dominant coins. If the trend continues, more retail investors may be drawn into the market. As a result, this could lead to higher demand for Solana and potentially drive prices upward in the near future. Source: Santiment Solana's derivatives market has seen a noticeable rise in volume, with $9.35 billion traded in the past 24 hours, marking a 12.88% increase. Although Open Interest (OI) slightly decreased by 0.89%, options volume rose sharply by 411.70%. This indicates a strong rise in speculative trading. Additionally, Options OI grew by 21.19%, suggesting that investors expect significant price movement soon. Read More Soar to New Heights with Larry Crypto: The Meme Coin with Wings Therefore, market participants are positioning themselves to capitalize on potential price changes, signaling that a major move might be on the horizon. Liquidation data shows more longs being liquidated than shorts In the past 24 hours, Solana faced $3.57 million in liquidations, at press time, with long positions being liquidated more than short positions. This indicates a market correction. Liquidating long positions triggers price adjustments, leading to increased volatility as trades close. Additionally, liquidations on major exchanges like Binance and OKX have intensified market instability. Traders should remain cautious, as current data suggests a short-term downturn. However, this environment may also create opportunities for others looking to enter the market. Source: Coinglass Technical analysis reveals consolidation with breakout potential At the time of writing, Solana was consolidating between key support at $136.14 and resistance at $155.28, forming a possible 'cup and handle' pattern. While the price remains in a descending channel, it is compressing within this range, suggesting that a breakout could occur if buying volume picks up. A breach above $155.28 could signal the start of a bullish trend toward higher levels. Traders should watch for volume confirmation and price action to determine the breakout's sustainability. Source: TradingView Is SOL poised for a breakout or continued consolidation? Solana is consolidating within a clear range, but whale activity and rising social and derivatives interest hint at a potential breakout. Liquidation data indicates continued volatility, yet if Solana holds its current levels and surpasses $155.28 resistance, an upward price movement could follow. Traders should watch these key levels closely for any momentum shifts.
