19 jili slot Jimmy Carter dies: The 39th U.S. president and global humanitarian was 100As the New York modern and contemporary auctions come to a close, one story in particular has captured public attention. The art world, and the world in general, are being driven bananas by Maurizio Cattelan’s Comedian (2019) – a work made of, well, a banana duct-taped to a wall. (It’s been a big week for bananas, with leaked emails having emerged detailing the intense phobia of the fruit suffered by a Swedish government minister. Rakewell apologises for any distress this article might cause.) Sotheby’s sold the work, which may or may not be a satire aimed at the art market, for $6.2m with fees. It is not so much the price, however, which excites Rakewell, but what the buyer has said he will do with the work. Justin Sun, the Chinese crypto entrepreneur who bought the work, has said that ‘in the coming days, I will personally eat the banana as part of this unique artistic experience, honouring its place in both art history and popular culture’. Your roving correspondent is unclear how digestion can honour art history but looks forward to the result, while also hoping that a period spent in Customs and Excise does not result in the fruit disintegrating into a rotten, mashed version of its former self. Mr Sun is not the first art collector to put an art object to use in a surprising way. Liu Yiqian, fresh from making a fortune on the stock exchange (though he seems to make much of having been a taxi driver), bought the Meiyintang ‘chicken cup’ in 2014 from Sotheby’s, which was described by the auction house – in terms that just pulled back from hyperbole – as ‘arguably the most celebrated porcelain throughout the centuries’. This cup, made during the Chenghua era (1465–87), entered Mr Liu’s collection for $36m. He promptly decided to use the cup for a nice brew. Perhaps the actions of Sun and Liu are in fact markers of respect. Artists have long used edible materials in their work – in Urs Fischer’s Faules Fundament (Rotten Foundation)! (2017), the natural process of decay is precisely the point. Viewers of Felix Gonzalez-Torres’s Untitled (Portrait of Ross in L.A.) (1991) were encouraged to eat the sweets that made up the artwork. And then there is the work of Dieter Roth. In the 1960s Roth incorporated chocolate into his work and started to make sculptures out of bread. Again, decay and the time it took was part of the work, though, as Rakewell can attest, this has posed something of a problem for the institutions where the work is kept. Rakewell once saw a Roth being restored, not for any fading of colour or form but because weevils were working their way through the sculpture. Perhaps Justin Sun is being neither naive or disrespectful by eating the $6m artwork he has just bought. It might be that he is simply adding a new layer of meaning. Or maybe Comedian has another joke still to tell. Subscribe to get unlimited and exclusive access to the top art stories, interviews and exhibition reviews. The Dutch artist was a dab hand at painting spuds, but why haven’t more artists been inspired by the terrific tuber? A 19th-century artist spent decades creating this remarkable pomological collection A feud in Fife involving a single-minded outsider artist and his unhappy neighbour gives Apollo’s roving correspondent cause to reflect

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Xiaomi appears poised to enhance its flagship model, the Xiaomi 16, with the highly sought-after periscope telephoto lens. This anticipated feature could significantly enhance the device's competitiveness in the increasingly saturated premium smartphone sector. Xiaomi might bring this much-needed camera upgrade with Xiaomi 16. More Details: https://t.co/07qR7rpmbZ #Xiaomi16 #Xiaomi #technews #XiaomiHyperOS2 #xiaomicarnival @Xiaomi — Sumeet Jannu (@sumeetkumarp) December 30, 2024 The information originates from the well-known tipster Smart Pikachu, who indicated that Xiaomi is actively considering the incorporation of this advanced camera technology into the forthcoming model. This development would rectify a notable limitation of its predecessor, the Xiaomi 15, which did not include this capability. Many users expressed disappointment regarding the lack of a periscope lens in the Xiaomi 15, as it restricted its zoom functionality and overall photographic performance. Should these speculations be validated, the Xiaomi 16 may finally provide the robust zoom features that numerous Xiaomi enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting. Periscope lenses are renowned for their exceptional optical zoom, achieved by redirecting the light path at a 90-degree angle, thereby offering significantly enhanced zoom ranges without sacrificing image quality. This technology has become a defining characteristic of many leading smartphones, allowing users to capture remarkable close-up images of distant subjects with outstanding clarity and detail. The potential addition of a periscope lens is merely one of the intriguing prospects for the Xiaomi 16. As per the tipster, the device is also anticipated to maintain the favored 6.36-inch compact display size, which has garnered positive feedback since the Xiaomi 13. This dedication to a more manageable size distinguishes the Xiaomi 16 from many of its bulkier rivals, making it an appealing choice for those who favor a more portable device. Although specific details remain limited, the Xiaomi 16 is expected to build on the solid foundation established by its predecessor. The Xiaomi 15 featured impressive specifications, including a 1.5K AMOLED flat TCL C8 LTPO display, the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, and a 4610mAh battery with 90W wired fast charging. Additionally, it was equipped with a 50MP triple-camera system featuring Leica optics. Also Read: Samsung cuts production of Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Z Fold 7; Report

Who Owns Toyota And Where Are Its Vehicles Built?New Delhi, Dec 30 (IANS): The share of Ola Electric fell around 3 per cent on Monday after some fresh high-level exits at the company, including its Chief Marketing Officer Anshul Khandelwal and Suvonil Chatterjee, Chief Technology and Product Officer. On Monday, the share was trading less than Rs 86 apiece, after falling nearly 3 per cent. Khandelwal and Chatterjee stepped down from their roles at the company, effective December 27, citing personal reasons. Both executives initially joined Ola's ride-hailing business before transitioning to Ola Electric Mobility. Several top executives of the company have tendered their resignations this year as the company faces mounting pressure. N Balachandar, Group Chief People Officer, left the EV company in November after overseeing HR for Ola Electric, Ola Cabs, and Krutrim AI. In October this year, Ravi Jain, Business Head of Krutrim AI, and Sidharth Shakdher, CBO of Ola Mobility, left the company. After a blockbuster sales figure in October due to the festive season, Ola Electric vehicle registrations dropped by 33 per cent in November. According to Vahan portal data, the number of registrations of Ola Electric vehicles in November fell by 33 per cent on a month-on-month (MoM) basis to 27,746 units. In October last year, this figure was more than 40,000 units. Due to fewer registrations, the company's market share dipped to 24 per cent in November, which was 30 per cent in October. However, the company still maintains the first position in the electric two-wheeler market by sales. Bhavish Aggarwal-led Ola Electric has seen volatility in sales in recent months. The reasons for this were attributed to increasing competition in the market and poor service and product quality.

Empowering Africa with solar-charged electric bicycle conversion kitsCaitlin Clark honored as AP Female Athlete of the Year following her impact on women's sports Caitlin Clark has been named the AP Female Athlete of the Year after raising the profile of women’s basketball to unprecedented levels in both college and the WNBA. She led Iowa to the national championship game, was the top pick in the WNBA draft and captured rookie of the year honors in the league. Fans packed sold-out arenas and millions of television viewers followed her journey on and off the court. Clark's exploits also put other women's sports leagues in the spotlight. A group of 74 sports journalists from AP and its members voted on the award. Other athletes who received votes included Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles and boxer Imane Khelif. Clark’s only the fourth women’s basketball player to win the award since it was first given in 1931. Soprano Angel Blue sings her first Metropolitan Opera 'Aida' in a new production Angel Blue, one of the most admired singers of her generation, is headlining the Metropolitan Opera’s first new production of Verdi’s “Aida” in 36 years. The 40-year-old takes on the title role of the enslaved Ethiopian princess torn between love for an Egyptian warrior and loyalty to her country. It’s a part that comes weighted with history, especially for a Black soprano at the Met, where Leontyne Price embodied the role from her first performance in 1961 until her retirement in 1985. Blue tells The Associated Press she’s long looked up to Price, and directors who have worked with her say the singer is ready for the challenge. Blue’s Met debut in ‘Aida’ will happen New Year’s Eve. Centuries-old angels uncovered at Boston church made famous by Paul Revere BOSTON (AP) — Conservators have uncovered eight angels in a historic Boston church that counted Paul Revere as a bell ringer and played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War. The angels were painted in the early 18th century but painted over in 1912 as part of a renovation of the Old North Church. Inspired by research showing the existence of at least 20 angels, conservators for the past four months have been removing the white paint that covered the eight angels located on the balcony's arches in the church sanctuary. The public is now able to view them. Swiss Olympic snowboarder Sophie Hediger dies in avalanche, aged 26 Swiss Olympic snowboarder Sophie Hediger has died following an avalanche at a mountain resort. The country's skiing federation says the incident took place at the Arosa resort in Switzerland. The 26-year-old Hediger competed at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics in the women’s snowboard cross and the mixed team version of the same event. Hediger achieved her first two World Cup podium finishes in the 2023-24 season. Her best result was a second place in St. Moritz in January. NFL on Netflix: Christmas Day games are a 1st for streaming giant Netflix will have one of its biggest days since the site launched in 1998 when it carries two NFL games for the first time on Christmas. “NFL Christmas Gameday on Netflix” kicks off with a two-hour pregame show at 11 a.m., before Pittsburgh hosts Kansas City. Baltimore faces Houston in the second game. The streaming giant agreed to a three-year contract in May to carry Christmas Day games. Magic and lights draw crowds to an alpine village in Washington state for Christmas LEAVENWORTH, Wash. (AP) — Freshly baked pretzels, shining tree lights and sleds in the snow lend a ruddy warmth to an unlikely collection of Bavarian-themed chalets in the mountains of Washington state. Decades ago, the town of Leavenworth was a near ghost town, one of the poorest parts of the Pacific Northwest. The mines and the sawmill had closed, and even the railroad left. That’s when desperate business owners took a serious gamble -- reinventing the community in the vision of an alpine village. More than half a century later, the result brings tourists from near and far -- especially during the holidays, when Leavenworth takes on the flavor of a German Christmas market. Bill Clinton is hospitalized with a fever but in good spirits, spokesperson says WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Bill Clinton was admitted Monday to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington after developing a fever. The 78-year-old was admitted in the “afternoon for testing and observation,” Angel Urena, Clinton’s deputy chief of staff, said in a statement. “He remains in good spirits and deeply appreciates the excellent care he is receiving,” Urena said. Packers clinch playoff berth with 1st shutout in NFL this season, 34-0 over Saints GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Josh Jacobs gained 107 yards from scrimmage and scored a touchdown for a sixth straight game as the Green Bay Packers clinched a playoff berth while producing the first shutout of the NFL season, 34-0 over the hapless New Orleans Saints. Green Bay improved to 11-4 and earned its fifth postseason appearance in six years. New Orleans played without injured quarterback Derek Carr and running back Alvin Kamara. Rookie Spencer Rattler started and went 15 of 30 for 153 yards with an interception and a fumble. The Packers have won nine of their last 11 games. Prosecutors withdraw appeal of dismissed case against Alec Baldwin in fatal movie set shooting SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico prosecutors won’t pursue an appeal of a court’s decision to dismiss an involuntary manslaughter charge against Alec Baldwin. The actor had been charged in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during a rehearsal on a movie set outside Santa Fe in October 2021. Special Prosecutor Kari Morrissey withdrew on Monday the appeal of a July decision at trial to dismiss the charge. The decision to drop the appeal solidifies the decision by Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer halfway through trial to dismiss the case on allegations that police and prosecutors withheld evidence from the defense. An all-Filipino crew is set to make history in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race SYDNEY (AP) — There have been plenty of “firsts” in the history of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race which was first held in 1945. An all-Filipino crew of 15 sailors will make it another when the annual ocean classic begins in Sydney Harbor on Thursday. With veteran sailor Ernesto Echauz at the helm, Centennial 7 will embark on the 628-nautical mile race. The boat itself is no stranger to the race. Previously, the TP52 yacht was known as Celestial and claimed the Sydney to Hobart overall handicap victory in 2022 under Sam Haynes after being runner-up the year before.

NEW YORK (AP) – Investigators are searching for clues that could help them identify the masked gunman who stalked and killed the leader of one of the largest United States (US) health insurance companies on a Manhattan sidewalk, then disappeared into Central Park. UnitedHealthcare Chief Executive Officer Brian Thompson, 50, died in a dawn ambush on Wednesday as he walked to the company’s annual investor conference at a Hilton in Midtown, blocks from tourist draws like Radio City Music Hall and the Museum of Modern Art. The killing, and the shooter’s movements in the minutes before and afterward, were captured on some of the multitudes of security cameras present in that part of the city. One video showed him approach Thompson from behind, level his pistol and fire several shots, barely pausing to clear a brief gun jam while the dying health executive tumbled to the pavement. Other security cameras captured the initial stages of the gunman’s escape. He was seen fleeing the block across a pedestrian plaza, then escaping on a bicycle into Central Park, where he vanished. Police used drones, helicopters and dogs in an intense search, but the killer’s whereabouts remained unknown late into the night. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said that while investigators had not yet established a motive, the shooting was no random act of violence. “Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target,” Tisch said at a news conference. “From watching the video, it does seem that he’s proficient in the use of firearms as he was able to clear the malfunctions pretty quickly,” NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said. Police issued several surveillance images of the man, who wore a hooded jacket and a mask that concealed most of his face and wouldn’t have attracted attention on a frigid winter day. Some of the photos were taken at a coffee shop shortly before the shooting. The police department offered a reward of up to USD10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction. “Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him,” the insurer’s Minnetonka, Minnesota-based parent company, UnitedHealth Group Inc, said in a statement. “We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.” Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News that he told her “there were some people that had been threatening him”. She didn’t have details but suggested the threats may have involved issues with insurance coverage. The police chief in the Minneapolis suburb where Thompson lived Eric Werner said his department had not received any reports of threats against the executive. Investigators recovered several nine millimetre shell casings from outside the hotel and a cellphone from the alleyway through which the shooter fled. They were also searching Thompson’s hotel room, interviewing his UnitedHealthcare colleagues and reviewing his social media, Kenny said. Police initially said the shooter rode into Central Park on a bicycle from the city’s bike-share programme, CitiBike. But a spokesperson for the programme’s operator, Lyft, said police officials informed the company that the bike was not from the CitiBike fleet.US President Joe Biden on Sunday said deposed Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad should be "held accountable" but called the nation's political upheaval a "historic opportunity" for Syrians to rebuild their country. In the first full US reaction to Assad's overthrow by an Islamist-led coalition of rebel factions, Biden also warned that Washington will "remain vigilant" against the emergence of terrorist groups, announcing that US forces had just conducted fresh strikes against militants from the Islamic State organization. "The fall of the regime is a fundamental act of justice," Biden said, speaking from the White House. "It's a moment of historic opportunity for the long-suffering people of Syria." Asked by reporters what should happen to the deposed president, who reportedly has fled to Moscow, Biden said that "Assad should be held accountable." Biden -- set to step down in January and make way for Republican Donald Trump's return to power -- said Washington will assist Syrians in rebuilding. "We will engage with all Syrian groups, including within the process led by the United Nations, to establish a transition away from the Assad regime toward independent, sovereign" Syria "with a new constitution," he said. However, Biden cautioned that hardline Islamist groups within the victorious rebel alliance will be under scrutiny. "Some of the rebel groups that took down Assad have their own grim record of terrorism and human right abuses," Biden said. The United States had "taken note" of recent statements by rebels suggesting they had since moderated, he said, but cautioned: "We will assess not just their words, but their actions." Biden said Washington is "clear eyed" that the Islamic State extremist group, often known as ISIS, "will try to take advantage of any vacuum to reestablish" itself in Syria. "We will not let that happen," he said, adding that on Sunday alone, US forces had conducted strikes against ISIS inside Syria. The US military said the strikes were conducted by warplanes against Islamic State operatives and camps. Strikes were carried out against "over 75 targets using multiple US Air Force assets, including B-52s, F-15s, and A-10s," the US Central Command said on social media. Earlier, Biden met with his national security team at the White House to discuss the crisis. Assad's reported departure comes less than two weeks after the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group challenged more than five decades of Assad family rule with a lightning rebel offensive that broke long-frozen frontlines in Syria's civil war. They announced Sunday they had taken the capital Damascus and that Assad had fled, prompting celebrations nationwide and a ransacking of Assad's luxurious home. A Kremlin source told Russian news agencies that the deposed leader was now in Moscow, along with his family. The US military has around 900 troops in Syria and 2,500 in Iraq as part of the international coalition established in 2014 to help combat the Islamic State jihadist group. It has regularly struck targets in the country including those linked to Iranian-backed militias. Tehran was a major backer of Assad's government. Biden also confirmed US authorities believe the American journalist Austin Tice, who was abducted in Syria in 2012, still lives. "We believe he's alive," Biden said, but the US has yet "to identify where he is." bur-sms/mlm

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