UM, PKU hold Frontiers Science Center Joint Symposium
UM, PKU hold Frontiers Science Center Joint Symposium – Science News Today – EIN Presswire
Global action and innovation in nuclear science to transform agrifood systems
Vienna – The enhanced capacity and expanded applications of nuclear technologies are helping scientists worldwide increase production and ensure sufficient, nutritious food for all, said Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), today.Speaking at the opening of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Science, Technology and Applications, Qu emphasized FAO’s six-decade collaboration with the IAEA.“Over the past 60 years, FAO and the IAEA have established a strong partnership that has led to many successes,” he said. ‘’We have collectively made significant efforts and put forward resources to advance global food security and nutrition, and sustainable agricultural development, through the safe and appropriate application of nuclear science and technologies.’’The FAO Director-General highlighted key achievements of the FAO-IAEA partnership, including nuclear-based plant mutation breeding, which has developed crop varieties with higher yields and greater climate resilience. Similarly, nuclear techniques have been applied to combat transboundary animal diseases, enhance soil fertility, and support food safety through irradiation technologies that reduce spoilage and prevent food-borne illnesses.As global hunger persists with around 733 million people experiencing hunger worldwide—Qu urged stakeholders to accelerate their efforts in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) and other SDGs. In this context, he underscored the importance of nuclear science to “produce more with less”, in a world that is reaching a population of 10 billion.“There are no easy answers, but our joint strength is that we know what works: climate-adaptive and smart technologies, improved resilience, and widely accessible and affordable science-based solutions are proven ways to build efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems”, he underscored, calling the conference a strategic opportunity to strengthen partnerships and accelerate progress.Qu also highlighted the recently launched and FAO-hosted G20 Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty and called for collective and urgent action “from Lab to Land, from Paper to Production” to implement evidence-based policy and champion innovative solutions.At the Ministerial Conference that takes place until 28 November, FAO will also highlight the Atoms4Food Initiative, launched in 2023 jointly with IAEA, which leverages nuclear technology to provide tailored solutions for food security and sustainable agriculture.Global south for agrifood innovationAt a side-event organized by the Embassy of China “Atoms for a better home and global south”, Qu underscored the importance of global cooperation and knowledge sharing to address the complex challenges facing agrifood systems worldwide.The FAO Director-General explained the multifaceted nature of food security. He highlighted the importance of not only ensuring food availability but also its accessibility, affordability, and nutritional value. He also stressed the need for a diverse food system, moving beyond basic staples to include nutritious and functional foods.Qu also commended the potential of countries in the Global South such as China, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and Argentina to share their expertise and technology with other nations to enhance global food production and security.FAO plays a crucial role in South-South and Triangular Cooperation by facilitating knowledge and technology exchange between countries. This includes sharing successful agricultural practices, promoting innovation, and building capacity to enhance food security and sustainable development.At the event, country representatives and International Organizations shared initiatives and experiences on peaceful uses of atomic energy for development, including medical isotopes production, radiopharmaceuticals, nuclear medicine, irradiation processing, and mutation breeding.
Reduction and revamp of business rates among chamber budget requests
The reduction and review of business rates is among the requests of the Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce (AGCC) ahead of the Scottish Government’s budget.The call comes ahead of finance secretary Shona Robison laying out her tax and spending plans next week.Ahead of its publication, the chamber has written to the finance secretary with a series of requests, chief among them relating to the non-domestic rates paid by businesses.“Up-front, local business property taxes, calculated on the basis of location and square footage as opposed to business performance and profitability, put many companies with the requirement for premises at a huge competitive disadvantage,” said chief executive Russell Borthwick in the letter.Mr Borthwick – who said brick-and-mortar businesses are left at a “competitive disadvantage” compared to online firms – pushed for relief for hospitality businesses to “ease immediate pressures” along with a reduction in the rates paid by those in the “most adversely affected sectors”.But he also pushed for a longer-term reform, saying: “We would like to see the UK and Scottish Governments taking a holistic review of business taxation to determine whether local business rates are stimulating or hindering productivity.“The scope of this review could include consideration of whether a balanced system of local and online sales taxes would provide a fairer alternative to the out-of-date nondomestic rates regime.”Elsewhere, the Chamber called for a “simplified” income tax system, adding that higher rates in Scotland compared to other parts of the UK was “making it harder to attract and retain senior talent”.“We would urge you to take a pragmatic approach that prioritises boosting economic growth and productivity as a more effective way to increase revenues and living standards,” the letter said.The chief executive also pushed for reform to the planning process for energy developments, the ramping up of the £500 million Just Transition Fund, investment in infrastructure, housing arts and culture and higher education.The recent decision to increase the employer contributions to National Insurance, Mr Borthwick said, could have a “chilling effect” on charities offering services to the public sector.He urged the Scottish Government to lobby Westminster “for an exemption from the NI increases for third sector organisations delivering essential public services and explore other ways to mitigate the impact on frontline services”.The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.STV News is now on WhatsAppGet all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Follow STV News on WhatsAppScan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Turkmenistan hosts international business forum dedicated to 30th anniversary of cooperation with Visa
Today, November 27, the International Business Forum “Visa Payment Technologies Forum: 30 Years of Innovation and Digital Transformation in Central Asia and Turkmenistan” started in Ashgabat. About 100 delegates from various countries are taking part in the event.
Key figures from the financial sector spoke at the plenary session, including the Chairman of the Board of the State Bank for Foreign Economic Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Vice President of “Visa”. In their reports, they emphasized the importance of digitalization and the introduction of innovative technologies in the banking system of the region. Anton Borozdin, Senior Director of Business Development in Central Asia at “Visa”, noted that Central Asia and Turkmenistan are becoming a center of attraction for new technologies and digital solutions, which contributes to the development of payment technologies and accelerated economic growth.
Borozdin paid special attention to two key factors of technological breakthrough: artificial intelligence and youth. Visa has invested more than 10 billion USD in the development of AI technologies, focusing on personalization of financial services and transaction security. Statistics confirm the region’s potential: 79% of entrepreneurs are seeking to enter international markets, and 72% of consumers are ready to make cross-border purchases. In Turkmenistan, the number of bank card users has grown by 41% in four years, the number of terminals has increased by 12%, and the number of Internet banking users has exceeded 1 million.
The region’s younger generation is a key driver of change. People under 35 are three times more likely to use mobile banking apps, preferring online services to traditional bank branches. Their average annual credit turnover reaches 18 000. Visa representatives emphasize: Central Asia is ceasing to be a technological periphery, turning into an independent center of financial innovation. The region not only adapts global trends, but also creates its own unique solutions that can be scaled worldwide.
Books You Should Buy Everybody On Your List This Christmas Season
A version of this post originally appeared in Evie Solheim’s newsletter The Girl’s Guide.
Books are the gift that keeps on giving, so I think it’s only fitting to share a Christmas gift guide that centers on books, with options for children from one to 92.
I tried to pull together a truly diverse selection of books for all the friends and family members in your life. There are many reasons why you may want to give a book to a loved one: because it’s a physically beautiful object, or because it contains knowledge you think will help them in their daily life, or because it tells a story you want to share with the giftee. Whatever your reason, I hope you find some inspiration on this list!
For the Children
Who says Santa Claus can’t bring a book or two when he comes down the chimney? For children 3 and under, Tiny Hands Hymns by Hannah Estes is a board book that makes a great bedtime story. Every page features a verse from a classic hymn, from “Amazing Grace” to “Crown Him With Many Crowns.” Our two-year-old daughter is a huge fan of Tiny Hands Hymns and requests it every night — she’s already picked up the words to half of the hymns. The Tiny Hands series includes the Tiny Hands Prayers and Tiny Hands Promises board books as well.
Reading stories together is really fun, but it’s also amazing to watch kids learn to love reading independently. The Hank the Cowdog series by John R. Erickson is great for readers who are ready for chapter books. Boys, girls, elementary schoolers, middle schoolers — everyone loves Hank and his hilarious adventures on his family’s Texas ranch. You can get a set of the first 10 books in the series (there are more than 80 total) on Amazon.
Of course, audiobooks are another great way to help children learn to love literature. Allow me to introduce you to the Yoto Player, which is definitely on my daughter’s wish list this year. Parents who want to minimize screen time but still want their children to have access to music and audiobooks need to try Yoto, which acts like an indestructible, portable, and easy-to-use CD player (but it’s also so much more). The original Yoto Player is $99.99, and the Yoto Mini is $69.99. Yoto has a huge library of classics to pick from, with works by authors including Rudyard Kipling, Roald Dahl, and Beatrix Potter. The Yoto Player does not need Internet access to operate. You can read a more in-depth review of the product here.
For the Non-Fiction Reader
It’s funny to give an avid reader a book with “How to Read” in the title, but How to Read a Book: Advice for Christian Readers by Andy Naselli is anything but frivolous. This book is in my to-be-read pile but comes highly recommended by my husband Nick. Is reading simply about input — creating lines of 0s and 1s in your brain with the information you need to be smarter than everyone else? Or are you shaped by what you read in a way that’s profound and even spiritual? Naselli covers this and more in How to Read a Book, which was published this year.
A good biography can feel as intimate and exciting as a novel. Many people have a renewed interest in the British Royal Family thanks to Netflix’s hit series “The Crown,” which features the late Prince Philip as a major character. A few years ago, I gave my husband a copy of Young Prince Philip: His Turbulent Early Life by Philip Eade, and he really enjoyed it. “The Crown” briefly explored how Prince Philip’s tragic childhood shaped him into the tough, adventurous man he became, and this book gives readers a fuller picture of a most interesting life.
For friends and family who self-identify as political junkies, I’ve got a few more biography recommendations. Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson has become even more of a must-read thanks to Musk’s involvement with the incoming Trump administration (read a full review of the book in The Federalist here). In light of Trump’s non-consecutive re-election to the presidency, A Man of Iron: The Turbulent Life and Improbable Presidency of Grover Cleveland by Troy Senik is now a very timely read (something the author of the 2022 biography is likely celebrating). And if you want to be a little more on the nose, Donald J. Trump: A President Like No Other by Conrad Black is a thorough look at Trump from a very prolific biographer and historian.
For the C.S. Lewis Aficionado
Yes, I’m devoting an entire section to C.S. Lewis-related books, because I can. Obviously, Lewis is not writing new books, but he continues to inspire contemporary writers. I recently reviewed Canon Press’ new release My Dear Hemlock by Tilly Dillehay. The novel puts a twist on Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters — in it, the diabolical Madame Hoaxrot gives instructions for tempting a Christian woman. Women in any stage of life will find My Dear Hemlock both entertaining and edifying. Read my full review here.
Growing up, I read the The Chronicles of Narnia series over and over again. I even read Pocket Companion to Narnia: A Guide to the Magical World of C.S. Lewis by Paul F. Ford like a book, even though it’s designed to function like an encyclopedia. Pocket Companion is truly the perfect companion to The Chronicles of Narnia as it will help young readers keep track of characters and kingdoms, as well as enhance the important themes in Lewis’ original work. This is a great gift idea for a preteen or teen!
I’m currently reading Lewis’ The Ransom Trilogy, a science fiction series that he published before The Chronicles of Narnia. The trilogy is composed of Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, and That Hideous Strength. Over the years, more and more readers have turned to The Ransom Trilogy to make sense of our modern world, and any C.S. Lewis fan would love a hardcover set of these three books on his or her bookshelf. There are one-volume sets of the trilogy on the market, but I think this three-volume set from Exodus Books would be a great gift. You could even pair it with Life on the Silent Planet, edited by Rhys Laverty, a new collection of essays examining this underrated Lewis masterpiece.
For the Gourmand
Call me old-fashioned, but I vastly prefer using a recipe from a cookbook to using a recipe on my phone or laptop. If I could only pick one cookbook to give to friends and family for the rest of my life, it would be 100 Recipes: The Absolute Best Ways To Make The True Essentials by America’s Test Kitchen. I still have a lot to learn in the kitchen, and this cookbook’s explanations of the “why” behind techniques make me feel like I’m getting my own mini cooking class. The recipes range from basic to very involved. That means there is a recipe for the perfect scrambled eggs, but there’s also a recipe for the best pot roast ever (believe me, I’ve tested quite a few pot roast recipes, and they are not all created equal!). There are also several recipes for desserts and international foods.
Since 100 Recipes is a fairly inexpensive cookbook, that means you can splurge on some fun add-ons too. Since this is a book lover’s gift guide, a literary apron could be fun — check out Etsy for this Jane Austen-themed apron or this canvas heart motif apron. And of course, don’t forget a cookbook stand — this stand from Williams Sonoma is beautiful and affordable.
Do you think your giftee may already have a copy of 100 Recipes? Check out my 2023 cookbook gift guide here for more inspiration.
For the Francophile
It’s me, I’m the francophile! You could probably convince me to jump off a cliff by saying, “It’s what the French are doing.” Home Sweet Maison by Danielle Postel-Vinay and Bringing Up Bébé by Pamela Druckerman are two of my favorites of the genre I like to call “American goes to Paris and learns she’s been doing everything wrong.” Postel-Vinay’s book discusses the philosophy underpinning how we arrange our homes, and therefore, our lives. Druckerman’s book discusses the French philosophy of integrating children into family life rather than centering them in family life.
So there you have it. More than a dozen books that would make great gifts for the readers (and aspiring readers) in your life! May you have a Merry Christmas.
Evie Solheim is a soon-to-be mom of two, freelance journalist, and author of newsletter The Girl’s Guide about what she wishes she knew in her early 20s. She and her husband, Nick, live in West Virginia. Evie’s work has been featured in The American Conservative, Newsweek, and FoxNews.com.
How to legally prepare your business for the holidays
By Taalib Saber
As the holiday season approaches, the nation prepares for one of the busiest sales periods of the year. Promotions, special deals, and heightened online activity make this an ideal time to attract new customers.
However, customer attraction also brings unique legal challenges. Whether you’re launching seasonal marketing campaigns or handling increased sales, you must ensure local, state, and federal compliance to safeguard your brand.
Here are some key legal tips that you should consider as you navigate this terrain.
Define clear terms and conditions for promotions
Promotional deals, discounts, and limited-time offers are incredibly powerful tools that boost engagement and attract new customers. But without clear terms and conditions, they can also lead to misunderstandings and even legal disputes. To avoid any issues, be explicit about eligibility criteria, timeframes, redemption limitations, and any exclusions.
By clearly defining these terms upfront, you not only protect your business from potential disputes, but also build credibility with your customers, who appreciate transparency. Any agreement you draft should have well-crafted and explicit terms and conditions to avoid ambiguity regarding your promotion.
Protect your brand with trademark and copyright compliance
The holiday season inspires creativity. However, businesses must avoid infringing on copyrighted or trademarked materials belonging to other brands. Using copyrighted holiday graphics, music or phrases without permission can lead to stalled sales and eventually, to costly lawsuits.
Additionally, ensure that your original content is protected, too, by registering your trademark, if applicable. Originality not only prevents legal troubles but also strengthens your brand’s reputation in the marketplace.
Prioritize data protection and compliance
In today’s digital age, gathering customer data is like gold, but it is extremely sensitive information and comes with responsibility. Data breaches are costly and can damage your reputation beyond repair, especially if customer data is mishandled.
To comply with data protection laws, only collect essential information, securely store it, and have clear privacy policies outlining how data is used. Failing to protect customer data can lead to hefty fines and loss of customer trust, so taking steps to enhance your data protection practices is crucial.
Manage increased demand with secure supplier agreements
The holiday season can put a strain on your supply chain, and managing inventory is key to keeping customers satisfied and protecting your business. Review and update your supplier contracts well before the holiday rush to clarify terms around inventory, delivery timelines, and contingencies for potential delays. If demand exceeds your expectations, having a well-refined agreement ensures you have the support needed to fulfill orders. Additionally, understanding the penalties or provisions in case of supplier defaults can save your business from unexpected costs and help you plan better.
Adhere to advertising laws
While it may be tempting to use bold claims to stand out, remember that advertising is subject to strict regulations. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires that businesses avoid false or misleading advertising. This means any claims you make in your holiday campaigns, from product benefits to limited-time offers, must be truthful and verifiable.
Failure to comply can result in fines, legal action, and/or a damaged reputation. Transparent advertising not only keeps your business compliant but also helps to foster customer loyalty.
Legal readiness strengthens customer trust and brand integrity
Preparing your business legally for holiday promotions isn’t just about avoiding fines, penalties, or sanctions – it’s about building a foundation of trust with your customers. When your promotions are legally sound, customers can shop confidently, knowing that your brand prioritizes transparency, safety, and reliability. In the competitive holiday market, these qualities can set your business apart.
By setting clear terms and conditions, safeguarding intellectual property, protecting consumer data, securing supplier relationships, and adhering to advertising laws, you’re taking concrete steps to ensure that your holiday promotions run smoothly. Legal compliance may not seem as festive as holiday decorations, but it’s the cornerstone of a successful, resilient, and trustworthy business strategy.
Taalib Saber is an attorney and owner of The Saber Firm.
2024 movies and TV shows to stream while enjoying your Thanksgiving leftovers
After filling up on turkey, pumpkin pie, and all of those tasty side dishes, finding a comfy spot on the couch to relax is definitely the move once guests have gone their merry way, or you’ve made your merry way back to your place. As we head into the final few weeks of the year, there are a ton of new TV shows and recent movie releases now available on streaming to catch up on as you dive into all of those leftovers. From sci-fi epics to family-friendly sequels and more, here are 10 movies from 2024 to stream over Thanksgiving break, plus five bingeworthy shows.2024 movies to streamGlen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones in “Twisters.”Universal Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures, & Amblin Entertainment1. ‘Alien: Romulus’[embedded content]Halloween may be in the rearview mirror, but if you’re in need of a good scare with some sci-fi flair, check out the latest installment in the “Alien” franchise. Set in between Ridley Scott’s 1979 “Alien” and James Cameron’s 1986 “Aliens,” director Fede Álvarez takes the helm for “Romulus,” which once again features spacefaring colonists fighting for their lives against the dreaded, face-hugging Xenomorphs. Starring Cailee Spaeny, the new flick earned 3 stars from Globe film critic Odie Henderson, who called it “the best ‘Alien’ movie since Cameron’s first sequel.” Available on Hulu2. ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’[embedded content]Will Smith and Martin Lawrence returned this summer for another round as Miami’s gun-slinging detectives Mike and Marcus in “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.” In the franchise’s fourth installment, the dynamic duo is on the run from some shady characters and must clear their names and restore the honor of their late boss, Captain Conrad Howard (Joe Pantoliano). “This by-the-numbers hat tip to ‘The Fugitive’ even gets its own Tommy Lee Jones clone in the guise of FBI agent Judy Howard,” played by “Better Call Saul” star Rhea Seehorn, “who relentlessly pursues our heroes with more than one score to settle,” Henderson writes in his 2½-star review. Available on Netflix3. ‘Challengers’[embedded content]One of the steamiest films of 2024, “Challengers” is a tennis drama with a sexy spin, thanks to a love triangle among stars Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist. Directed by Luca Guadagnino and filmed around the Boston area, “Challengers” focuses on a trio of tennis players whose personal lives mingle with their athletic ambitions, leading to a fiery face-off on the court. “It’s tennis match as ménage à trois,” the Globe’s Mark Feeney writes in his 2½-star review. Available on Amazon Prime Video and MGM+4. ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’[embedded content]The Marvel Cinematic Universe got a much needed shot in the arm with “Deadpool & Wolverine,” which brought the Merc with a Mouth into the same onscreen, multiversal playground as Captain America and the Hulk. Ryan Reynolds reprised his role as the katana-wielding antihero, this time teaming up with a variant of Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine (albeit as a different version that has not yet appeared in the “X-Men” films), along with other superheroic misfits from past Marvel franchises. Feeney writes in his 2½-star review that the fourth-wall-breaking flick “is an extended (and very bloody) live-action Bugs Bunny movie, with Deadpool in the role of Bugs.” Available on Disney+5. ‘Despicable Me 4′Acton-raised actor and former “The Office” star Steve Carell just can’t quit Gru, returning to the now-reformed villain for a fourth time in the latest “Despicable Me” entry. As Gru tries to embrace family life with his girls and his wife, Lucy (Kristen Wiig), old nemesis Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell) is back in his life to cause trouble. A fan of the franchise’s “Minion madness,” Henderson, who “proudly” declares his love of those yellow menaces in his glowing review, gave the family-friendly sequel 3 stars. Available on Peacock6. ‘Dune: Part Two’[embedded content]As one of the year’s highest-grossing box office hits, director Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part Two” had fans flocking to theaters. Picking up in the aftermath of the first installment, Timothée Chalamet’s Paul Atreides looks to lead the Fremen of Arrakis against House Harkonnen, the forces that killed his father and took control of the planet from his family. Also starring Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, and Josh Brolin, the sci-fi epic now has a prequel series, “Prophecy,” which recently debuted on HBO. Available on Max7. ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’[embedded content]In a year of sequels, prequels, and in-between-quels, “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” brought the post-apocalyptic thrills to theaters in 2024. Anya Taylor-Joy plays a younger version of the fierce Imperator previously played by Charlize Theron in 2015’s “Fury Road,” with director George Miller shining the spotlight on the character’s action-packed origin story. Henderson writes in his 2½-star review that “Furiosa” is filled with “exciting action set pieces, all of which show Miller’s unmatched, preternatural skill at staging motor vehicle-inspired chaos.” Available on Max8. ‘Inside Out 2′“Inside Out 2″ was by far the biggest winner at this year’s box office, becoming the highest-grossing animated film of all-time and the highest-grossing film overall of 2024 so far. Once again Amy Poehler stars as the emotion Joy. The Burlington-raised actress is joined this time around by a few new faces like Dorchester native Ayo Edebiri, as Envy, as they look to help the now hockey-playing Riley (Kensington Tallman) adjust to high school. Henderson writes in his 3-star review that “all the voice talent is good here, including the returning Poehler.” Available on Disney+9. ‘Thelma’[embedded content]Writer-director Josh Margolin gave audiences one the year’s biggest surprise hits with “Thelma” this summer. June Squibb, the 94-year-old actress, gets her first leading role in this hilarious action-comedy about a senior citizen who seeks revenge against a phone scammer. Also starring the legendary Richard Roundtree, “Thelma” earned 4 stars from Henderson, who called it “one of the year’s best films.” Available on Hulu10. ‘Twisters’[embedded content]This past summer of sequels found another surprise hit in “Twisters,” from director Lee Isaac Chung, a follow-up to Jan de Bont’s 1996 cult classic action flick. While the latest weather disaster film doesn’t feature any returning cast members, the new crop of storm chasers played by Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, and Anthony Ramos shine as they face down tornados in the name of science (and YouTube views). Henderson gave “Twisters” 2½ stars in his review, writing that it “lives up to the sequel maxim of being louder, larger, and busier.” Available on Peacock2024 TV shows to streamAyo Edebiri and Jeremy Allen White in “The Bear.”FX1. ‘The Bear’[embedded content]Not caught up on “The Bear” yet? Now’s the perfect time. Find that spark of culinary creativity with your leftovers courtesy of Carmy (Jeremy Allen White), Sydney (Ayo Edebiri), and the Beef gang, who have transformed their Chicago joint into a fine-dining destination entering season three, which premiered this summer. While the latest installment doesn’t boast any chaotic holiday hoopla like season two’s unforgettable “Fishes” episode with Jamie Lee Curtis, the Berzatto matriarch does return for a more heartwarming appearance this season. “It’s a very good TV show, still, with first-rate portraiture,” former Globe TV critic Matthew Gilbert lauded in his review. Available on Hulu2. ‘Hacks’[embedded content]No one’s been able to catch Jean Smart yet at the Emmys, as the acclaimed actress has won the award for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series for all three seasons of “Hacks” so far, including this year. For those who haven’t tuned in yet, the series centers around Smart’s Deborah Vance, a stand-up comic legend, and the budding bond with Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder), a young writer, as they help each other with their comedy careers. “Their evolved dynamic has helped to make season 3 a joy,” Glibert wrote in his review of the latest season. “The show has a new warmth, and something to root for.” Available on Max3. ‘Only Murders in the Building’[embedded content]Hulu’s comedy murder mystery continues to bring the laughs and the big-name stars, with the likes of Zach Galifianakis, Eugene Levy, and Eva Longoria all joining the fun this season. Meanwhile, Selena Gomez, Steve Martin, and Martin Short are back as the unlikely trio of true crime podcasters turned sleuths who must embark on a new investigation. Ahead of season four’s debut this past summer, the Globe’s Don Aucoin wrote that the show “deserves the fervent following it has attracted since its debut in 2021.” Available on Hulu4. ‘Shogun’[embedded content]No show earned as much acclaim in 2024 as FX’s “Shogun,” which set an Emmys record by taking home 18 awards this year, including the nod for outstanding drama series — a first for a Japanese-language show. Based on the James Clavell novel of the same name, “Shogun” follows Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada), a powerful leader at odds with his rivals in 17th-century Japan, finding an unlikely ally (and pawn) in English sailor John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis), who becomes entangled in Japanese politics and palace intrigue. “The visuals are stunning, the storytelling is tight, the clashing and coinciding of agendas is brutal and engaging, and the performances are consistently strong,” Gilbert wrote of “Shogun” in his look at some of 2024’s top shows. Available on Hulu5. ‘Slow Horses’[embedded content]In addition to all the great outfits, acclaimed actor Gary Oldman also continues to shine as the curmudgeonly Jackson Lamb in Apple TV+’s “Slow Horses.” The British spy series, which has already been renewed for a fifth and sixth season, just wrapped its fourth season in October, continuing the odyssey of Oldman’s Lamb as he leads Slough House, a purgatory for wayward agents looking to get back into the espionage saddle. The show’s third season scored nine Emmy nominations in 2024, earning the win in the outstanding writing for a drama series category for the episode “Negotiating With Tigers” penned by Will Smith. Available on Apple TV+Matt Juul can be reached at [email protected].
NYU to expand science and tech footprint at 770 Broadway
(Kaleo Zhu for WSN)
NYU will take over a 1.1 million-square-foot office space located at 770 Broadway, directly above Wegmans Astor Place, to expand its programming in science and technology.
University spokesperson John Beckman said in a statement to WSN that the location was chosen for its proximity to other NYU buildings. The site is less than a 10-minute walk from the Silver Center and the Brown Building, both of which house most of the university’s laboratory facilities.
“770 Broadway is an exciting and important development, critical to fulfilling NYU’s bold aspirations in science and tech,” Beckman said. “We look forward to finalizing this transaction and then sharing more about our plans.”
Under its lease with Vornado Realty Trust, NYU will pay a portion of the $700 million loan upfront and rent the space on an annual basis. Steve Roth, CEO of the real estate company Vornado Realty Trust, had said that he expects negotiations with the university to close in January. Roth also said that without the advanced payment, the space averages around $100 per square foot — slightly above Manhattan’s median price. NYU will not have the option to buy the building until the 30th and 70th year of the lease.
Students and staff who use the building will share the space with Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, which has downsized its presence but will continue to lease around 500,000 square feet of the office space.
NYU ranks as one of Manhattan’s largest owners of private property, surpassed only by Columbia University. Its property in the borough consists of 95 addresses that have a combined value of nearly $2.5 billion — making it the city’s wealthiest private landowner.
The university has been pushing new STEM-related initiatives for several years. The most recent purchase comes after the university pledged to invest $1 billion in its current engineering facilities and faculty at the Tandon School of Engineering, which include the 3 MetroTech Center — a 10-story, 350,000-square-foot building in Brooklyn. NYU is also expanding its College of Arts & Science into a new site at 25 W. Fourth St., set to open next semester.
Contact Kaitlyn Sze Tu at [email protected].
“Money Heist” Director Starts Filming Netflix Movie About Karlag
ASTANA – Miguel Ángel Vivas, the acclaimed Spanish director of “Money Heist” (“La Casa de Papel”), has started filming “The Truce” (“La Tregua”), a Kazakh-Spanish movie about Karlag under an exclusive Netflix contract, the Karagandy Region administration’s press office reported on Nov. 26.
Photo credit: gov.kz. Click to see the map in full size. The map is designed by The Astana Times.
Karlag, short for Karaganda Corrective Labor Camp, was one of the largest labor camps within the Soviet Gulag system. Established in 1931, it was located in the Karagandy Region of Kazakhstan.
The film will tell about the hardships faced by people during the 1930s-1950s and the resilience of human dignity despite the daily struggle for survival. The atmosphere of Karlag will be conveyed through costumes, props, and sets created after extensive research in archives and museums.
The director placed his bet on the actors’ skills. The leading roles in the new film will be taken by Miguel Herrán, who played Rio in “Money Heist,” and Arón Piper, who played Ander Muñoz in the Netflix teen drama series “Elite.” Among Kazakh actors are Dina Tasbulatova, Altynai Nogerbek, Sergey Ufimtsev, and Farabi Akkozov.
Miguel Ángel Vivas, the acclaimed Spanish director of “Money Heist” (“La Casa de Papel”), has started filming “The Truce” (“La Tregua”), a Kazakh-Spanish movie about Karlag. Photo credit: gov.kz
Initially, the movie was planned to be filmed in Kazakhstan, but later plans changed – a replica of Karlag was built near the Spanish city of Bilbao.
“We are aware that it is impossible to accurately reproduce the entire setting – the Kazakh steppe, – but we have made every effort. Our team has studied a huge amount of documents; a colossal amount of work has been done by a group of production designers. It was a challenge, but we did everything possible to recreate a piece of Kazakhstan here in Bilbao,” said César Benítez, the director of Plano a Plano, the production company behind the film.
Photo credit: gov.kz
“The Truce” marks the first Netflix project with active involvement from Kazakh actors, producers, and coordinators. General producer Amanat Konakbayev emphasized the film’s potential to promote international cooperation.
“In the current conditions, when the world is facing challenges and searching for common ground, such projects show that art can unite,” he said.
Filming will take two and a half months, and the filmmakers hope to showcase the movie at major category-A film festivals.
BHS Alum Jessica Simoni Combines Passion for Flowers, Eye for Design into Her Own Business
For as long as she can remember, Jessica Simoni has loved flowers.
She loves how they smell, how they can provide comfort, how they can bring hope, how they can liven up a room or how they can just simply put a smile on your face.
She knows how important the right floral arrangement can be to one’s wedding day – an event her and her husband experienced a little more than a year ago in October of 2023. It was during the planning for her wedding when her love of flowers and sharing that passion with others was the spark for a life-changing decision.
“When I was looking for wedding florals, and I found a great florist, but I just felt like there is not a lot of modern-day florals, what we see today,” said Simoni, who is a 2015 graduate of Bridgeport High School. “So, I started this new endeavor to bring modern floral design to the area.”
That new endeavor led to the creation of Simoni Floral Design LLC – her own business out of her home in Clarksburg where she lives with her husband and their dog and cat. She turned their basement into a workspace where she both creates and designs.
Her approach may differ than that of some florists as Simoni has incorporated her experience from the interior design world.
“My background and my degree are in interior design,” she said. “I graduated from WVU in 2019 and lived in Pittsburgh just over two years and worked in the high-end residential market, so I was around flower install for big projects as well as the furniture we designed, so I just feel like I’ve always been around flowers and loved the creativity of it.
“I loved flowers as a little girl. I think they bring a freshness to a space and that goes back to my interior design background. We never finished off a room without some type of fresh plant or vase of flowers.”
When it comes to picking a favorite flower, Simoni said she couldn’t choose just one.
“I love a hydrangea, that’s a really good staple flower,” she said. “I love ranunculus and peonies. And you can’t go wrong with a good garden rose.”
She also realizes there is no wrong answer when it comes to picking a favorite flower. There’s a lot to choose from, what’s in season is always a big factor and there is no one “right” way to create a bouquet or arrangement or centerpiece. She simply wants to offer an option to customers that is built around her passion and design background.
Simoni Floral Design is still in its infant stage. The business license was secured, the LLC obtained a relationship with a wholesaler in Pittsburgh has been forged, sourcing from local farms is in the works and a lot of time has been spent learning and planning in addition to some creating.
“This has been my beginning year, I’m getting my footing,” Simoni said. “There is a lot to figure out when it comes to owning your own business and I’m learning as I go. My projected future, my 10-year dream would be to have my own brick and mortar flower shop, but you have to start somewhere.”
There are big plans in place for February of 2025 as Simoni is targeting Valentines Day as her first big holiday for business. That by no means should suggest she hasn’t been able to share her talents with customers already though.
Currently, Simoni Floral Design is offering services for wedding florals, event florals and “just because” florals. More information about those services can be found HERE
Simoni said she has made some bouquets here and there. One of her friends was doing a photo shoot for a kitchen she installed in Bridgeport, so Simoni designed a centerpiece for her.
The photographer for her wedding was looking for some new branding photos, so Simoni did a bouquet for her.
Just a few weeks ago she did a marketing project along with The Groove Coffee Shop in White Hall, where the first 20 customers received an arrangement from Simoni along with their coffee. Working in conjunction with local businesses is something she enjoys and hopes to continue doing.
“I do really love the creative side of it,” Simoni said. “This is still a form of design, and I just want to help make people happy. There has been a learning curve, and I hope to get a wedding, do the holiday and continue to grow from there.
“I’m excited to look back, a year from now, to see how much has changed and how much I have learned.”
For more information on Simoni Floral Design, visit the website, as well as Facebook
Editor’s Note:Top photo shows Jessica Simoni, owner of Simoni Floral Design. Second photo is of a large pastel bouquet she made for a Morgantown photographer. Third photo is of a bouquet in a vase that Simoni created this fall and bottom photo shows the arrangement Simoni put together for a joint event with The Groove Coffee Shop.