$5m project to transform Vanua Levu tourism

Travel

[Source: Investment Fiji / Facebook]

Construction work has started on the $5 million Korovatu Mountain Top Resort in Vanua Levu, promising to elevate the area as a premier travel destination.

Korovatu Mountain is located 26 kilometers from Labasa Airport.
Chinese tourism developer Ma Xian Lin first visited Fiji as a tourist in 2018 and was struck by the beaches and scenic beauty of Vanua Levu.Article continues after advertisement

Recognizing its untapped potential, he envisioned the Koro vatu Mountain Top Resort as a unique attraction on 155 acres of land.
The developer says the Korovatu Mountain Top Resort will feature a mini cable car, mountain top steps, and swimming pools, including a cantilever swimming pool, offering tourists a truly unique and memorable experience.

[Source: Investment Fiji / Facebook]
He says he started working on the project in 2022.
“I hope the government will support my project, improve the road, and supply water.”
The construction of the tourism attractions is expected to be completed within a year, while the development of the hotel group is projected to take five years.
The developer adds that around 20 people are expected to gain employment following the completion of the project.
Investment Fiji Chief Executive Kamal Chetty says he is impressed to see the Korovatu Mountain Top Resort come to life.
Chetty visited the project site along with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Manoa Kamikamica during the Northern Division tour yesterday.

Elon Musk is acting as if he were the co-president-elect of the United States and is starting to cause annoyance

Technology

Elon Musk was confirmed by Donald Trump as a member of his cabinet to lead a new Department of Government Efficiency alongside Vivek Ramaswamy, which will be known as DOGE. The Tesla owner has shown a close relationship with the president-elect since the campaign phase, their ties have been so strong that supposedly, he was on the phone line with the president the day after the elections, when he spoke with the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky.PUBLICIDADMusk was one of Trump’s biggest financial backers during his presidential campaign, donating at least 200 million dollars. Sources revealed to NBC News that the billionaire’s closeness and presence has been so constant that it is causing discomfort “in the Trump orbit,” as they have felt him to be dominant.PUBLICIDAD”The sources (anonymous) said that Musk’s almost constant presence at Mar-a-Lago in the week since Election Day had begun to wear on people who have been in Trump’s inner circle longer than the tech billionaire and see him overstepping his role in the transition,” the media outlet said.Some people believe that Elon Musk is overstaying his welcome at Mar-a-Lago, where he traveled last week and has not left Trump’s side, accompanying him in calls and meetings. According to sources close to the Trumps, he is behaving like “a co-president,” and “makes sure everyone knows it.”Donald Trump y Elon Musk Elon Musk saluda a Donald Trump en el evento de campaña realizado en Butler, Pensilvania, el 5 de octubre, luego donde meses antes atentaron contra la vida del candidato republicano. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) The alleged airs of grandeur of the owner of X are such that one of the informants familiar with Donald Trump’s inner circle reported that “he takes a lot of credit for the presidents’ victories. It sounds like he’s trying to make President Trump feel indebted to him, and the president doesn’t owe anyone anything”.Another person said that Elon has an “opinion on everything and anything”. He expresses his ideas so strongly that he is starting to annoy those around the president-elect. “He wants to be seen as having an opinion on everything (even if he doesn’t),” a source said.The aforementioned media outlet indicated that, even though they have tried to get Musk’s opinion on these allegations, he has not responded.Elon Musk and Donald Trump, “great friends”Karoline Leavitt, spokesperson for the Trump-Vance transition, said in a statement that “Elon Musk and President Trump are great friends and brilliant leaders who work together to make America great again. Elon Musk is a once-in-a-generation business leader and our federal bureaucracy will certainly benefit from his ideas and efficiency.”Donald Trump explained that the work of the DOGE Department, which Musk will lead with Ramaswamy, is to pave the way “for my administration to dismantle government bureaucracy, reduce excessive regulations, eliminate unnecessary expenses, and restructure federal agencies.”The president-elect stated that “DOGE” “will provide advice and guidance from outside the government.”

PM Anwar: AI, technological progress hollow without closing digital divide

Technology

LIMA, Nov 15 — In a world increasingly dominated by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technologies, the Malaysian government also recognises that bridging the digital divide is crucial for equitable development across all segments of society.Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said, while acknowledging Malaysia’s ability to attract huge investment in these areas, the government is also aware of the challenge of ensuring that its emerging economy remains competitive, equitable, and sustainable.“If you want to ensure that an emerging economy succeeds, remains competitive, and sustainable, then it has to be through a quantum leap. And AI is the answer for that, for the matter of digital transformation.“But there are also concerns that needs to be addressed. First, the digital divide. We can’t talk about the modern economy without trust, humanity, justice and democratisation of access,” he said at the APEC CEO Summit in a session titled, “Opportunities and Challenges in the AI Revolution”, here Thursday.Other panellists in the session were Microsoft vice-president of Data & AI, Zia Mansoor, Vobile chief executive officer Yangbin Wang, and Google vice-president, government affairs & public policy, Karan Bhatia.Also present at the session were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and International Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.The event that took place at the Grand National Theatre of Peru was moderated by APEC Business Council (ABAC) Canada member, Jan De Silva.Hence, while Malaysia has made significant strides in building its digital infrastructure, further investments are necessary to ensure that all citizens have access to the tools and resources that will allow them to thrive in the digital age.This requires a concerted effort to bring connectivity to remote areas, build digital literacy, and create opportunities for all Malaysians, regardless of their geographic location, said Anwar, who is also the finance minister.“All opportunities provided to urban areas must also be available to rural and heartland communities. It requires additional infrastructure investments and I don’t think we can avoid that,” he said.Besides the infrastructure, which is more of a hardware in the ecosystem, the software part of it must be given equal priority, Anwar pointed out.“We have Islam as the majority of the population, we have Christians, Buddhists, Hindus and many others, so we must ensure that digital technologies align with the nation’s values of humanity, justice, and ethics.“Therefore, Anwar highlighted that the issue of data protection, the input that we provide or place into AI is pertinent,” said the prime minister.This includes safeguarding against biases in AI algorithms, ensuring transparency, and protecting citizens’ privacy, he stressed.Hence, to ensure that AI technologies are developed and used responsibly, Malaysia seeks to develop a balanced approach that promotes innovation while safeguarding human dignity and ethical principles.He said while the West, particularly the United States and Europe, has been at the forefront of AI development, Malaysia is committed to ensuring that it can remain competitive without being overly reliant on any one region.This means adopting a neutral stance in choosing the best technologies and solutions, whether they come from the United States, China, Europe, or other parts of the world, Anwar said. Malaysia’s approach will be centred on what is most beneficial for its people and economy, while also maintaining sovereignty over its digital future, he said, adding that the key to Malaysia’s strategy is the concept of “centrality”, which emphasises the country’s role as a major player in the global digital landscape.Anwar said Malaysia aims to be at the crossroads of innovation, drawing from the best practices and technologies from around the world while maintaining control over its digital and technological future.Earlier, De Silva said Malaysia’s digital transformation journey has been truly impressive, attracting global attention and investment from leading technology giants with digitalisation access exceeding 97 per cent of the population.“Your digital economy is so well positioned for remarkable growth,” she said when introducing the prime minister at the hall.De Silva was referring to investments of almost US$17 billion (RM76 billion) that have been coming in from global tech giants like Amazon, web services, Google, Microsoft, Oracle and others, as Malaysia forges ahead in its high-growth digital economy. — Bernama

1 Star of the Movie ‘Heretic’ Left Mormonism

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

The horror movie Heretic is one of the most prominent depictions of Mormonism in popular culture. One of the stars of the film was once a Mormon. Another was friends with Mormon missionaries while the movie was being filmed. 

How ‘Heretic’ tried to explore Mormonism in an authentic way

Heretic is about a pair of Mormon missionaries: Sister Barnes (played by Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (played by Chloe East) who get kidnapped by a creep named Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant, revealing he should have been playing villains all along). Unlike other religious horror movies like Rosemary’s Baby or The Exorcist, Heretic contains a lot of dialog about religion and its role in society. While the film critiques all the major Abrahamic religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, and various ancient paganisms, it saves most of its ire for Mormonism. Interestingly, the film isn’t exactly coming from outsiders. 

The movie was directed by A Quiet Place writers Scott Beck and Bryan Woods. During a 2024 interview with GQ, Woods discussed the film’s leads and their relationship to Mormonism. “They wanted to keep everything grounded, and wanted to find that authenticity that they know,” he explained. “Chloe has friends to this day that are missionaries on missions right now, so she was texting them while we were filming.

“And I think Sophie, who had left the church earlier in her life, and who has family members that are in and out, it definitely helped layer her performance as Sister Barnes — somebody who grew up in the church, but has this lingering question of, ‘Is it real?’ or ‘Do I fit in here?’ and ‘What do I believe?’”

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Why the movie took the right approach to Mormonism

Perhaps the movie’s Mormon connections explain its tone. There’s a line between attacking a religion and attacking religious people. Heretic reheats a lot of New Atheist talking points when it critiques Joseph Smith and his church, but it has a lot of empathy for the Mormon missionaries.

That’s for the best on a sociological and narrative level. Empathy is generally a good thing. On top of that, Heretic would not work if it centered on characters who the audience didn’t like.

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Why the directors felt making ‘Heretic’ came with special responsibility

Woods felt like Heretic had to be good simply because Hollywood is struggling to adapt to the age of streaming. “There’s no question that every filmmaker right now feels an immense responsibility to deliver, to keep movies around,” he said. “It’s a privilege and a major responsibility to keep exciting people.”

Beck seems to have put his all into the movie as well. “It’s the way that we designed Heretic, to have these moments where hopefully you’re terrified, but other times you’re laughing at some off-color remark that Mr. Reed says, and you’re feeling that course through the audience in a way that enhances the experience,” he explained. Whether you like the film or not, it certainly feels like the directors, actors, and screenwriters put a lot of work into it. In a world full of cookie-cutter horror movies, Heretic feels like an original product. 

The plot of Heretic might be off the wall, but the lead actors give it an air of authenticity. 

Christmas markets in Budapest open this Friday, bringing festive cheer and tourist appeal

Travel

The beloved Christmas markets in Budapest are set to open on 15 November, showcasing the city’s renowned festive spirit and drawing visitors with their unique charm. Iconic locations like St. Stephen’s Basilica and Vörösmarty Square will host markets featuring local artisans, seasonal delicacies, and cultural programs. The Advent season is an essential tourism driver, with Budapest joining a long-standing European tradition that captivates travellers year after year.Christmas markets in Budapest open tomorrow
Budapest will see its major Christmas markets open on 15 November, marking the beginning of a festive season that draws both locals and tourists, Világgazdaság writes. The famed Advent Basilica market, previously voted Europe’s best Christmas market four times, will once again transform St. Stephen’s Square with holiday decorations, artisan stands, and festive cuisine.

Photo: FB/Advent Basilica

Photo: FB/Advent Basilica Budapest

A short walk away, Vörösmarty Square will light up with its own classic market, Vörösmarty Classic Xmas, adding to the city’s holiday offerings. The Városháza Winter Adventure Park and Christmas Market will also open the same day, ensuring a variety of seasonal attractions.
Photo: www.facebook.com/BudapestChristmasFair

Buda Castle District also party of the festive scene
These markets are part of a centuries-old tradition, dating back to the late 1200s, that has evolved into a significant tourist draw across Europe. Budapest’s holiday spirit is complemented by other major markets in Vienna, Prague, and Bratislava, all easily reachable by car or train. Budapest’s festive scene also extends to the Buda Castle District, where cultural events, family days, and concerts add to the seasonal experience.
To make the markets more accessible, organisers have implemented price caps: daily dishes at both St. Stephen’s Basilica and Vörösmarty Square will be available for a fixed price of HUF 1,600 (EUR 3.94), and there will be thematic meals that will not exceed HUF 2,500 (EUR 6.15). This move aims to ensure affordability for all visitors.
Photo: www.facebook.com/budapestchristmasfair
Attendees can enjoy traditional treats such as kürtőskalács (chimney cake), mulled wine, and various seasonal dishes while browsing the handcrafted goods offered by local artisans. The city’s Christmas markets promise to provide a rich blend of festive atmosphere and cultural enrichment, enhancing Budapest’s status as a key destination during the holiday season.
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Former Military Officials Tell Congress America Has Secretly Recovered Alien Technology

Technology

“As the saying goes, the truth is out there.”Congress MenFormer military officials have once again claimed, despite the Pentagon’s declarations to the contrary, that the United States has recovered alien technology.As NPR reports, these latest House Oversight Subcommittee hearings contained claims both bombastic and pragmatic as ex-government officials insisted that the truth is out there.Chief among these witnesses was Luis “Lue” Elizondo, a former Defense Department intelligence official who says he worked on a clandestine UAP project prior to the establishment of a more public-facing office during the start of the Biden Administration.”Advanced technologies not made by our Government — or any other government — are monitoring sensitive military installations around the globe,” the whistleblower and author wrote in his submitted testimony. “Furthermore, the US is in possession of UAP technologies, as are some of our adversaries.”Despite suggesting a global alien tech arms race, Elizondo’s most recent testimony seemed strikingly pared down from past claims he’s made. Earlier this year, for instance, he insisted that the government had a program meant to “trap” extraterrestrial crafts, and was forced to admit that a so-called alien “mothership” photo he presented at a conference in early November was faked.Secret SaucerAlongside the ex-Pentagon official was another of the usual UAP suspects: retired Navy admiral Tim Gallaudet, who now leads a consulting firm that searches for alien crafts underwater.During his testimony, Gallaudet recounted that nearly a decade ago, he witnessed an “unidentified object exhibiting flight and structural characteristics unlike anything in our arsenal.”Later, he says he received a video in his work inbox of a purported UFO — now known as the “Go Fast” video, which was declassified and publicized via the Freedom of Information Act in 2019 — only for it to disappear the “very next day.”These creduility-straining claims from former Pentagon officials were tempered by testimony from former NASA space policy executive Michael Gold, who told the Congressional subcommittee that the best way to get to the truth about ETs is science and de-stigmatization.”As the saying goes, the truth is out there,” Gold said. “We just need to be bold enough and brave enough to face it.”More on UFOs: Retired NASA Astronaut Urges Government to Investigate “Compelling” UFO ClaimsShare This Article