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Kazakhstan capitalizes on geopolitical shifts to emerge as Eurasia’s transport and logistics hub

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:48:52 GMT

Amidst a complex web of geopolitical shifts, Kazakhstan is emerging as the veritable powerhouse in Eurasia’s transport and logistics landscape. In his previous state-of-the-nation address on Sept. 1, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev set an ambitious objective for Kazakhstan to become what he called a “full-fledged power” in this field, writes Assel Satubaldina in Business, International.With its vast landmass and strategic location at the crossroads of continents, Kazakhstan’s ambitious goal is becoming a reality, contingent upon strategic investments. Kazakhstan, the world’s largest landlocked country, possesses significant untapped potential in transport and logistics. Its strategic geographical location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, abundant natural resources, and proactive infrastructure development plans make it a promising hub for regional and international trade. In his Sept. 1 address, Tokayev tasked the government to bring the share of the transport and log...

Sharks’ David Quinn erupts after latest blowout loss. But what solutions are left?

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:48:52 GMT

The San Jose Sharks had hoped that the lopsided losses that had been all-too-frequent through the first three-plus weeks of the season were in the rear-view mirror.But for this Sharks team, those types of nights can never be too far behind, especially when it shows up with no willingness to compete, and zero intention of battling in any of the three zones.The Sharks played their worst first period of the season on Wednesday, allowing four goals in just over 18 minutes in what became a 7-1 loss to the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena, marking the fifth time in 19 games that San Jose has lost by five or more goals.“Unacceptable hockey. Pretty much lost the game in the first period,” Sharks winger Anthony Duclair said. “We weren’t ready to go, and that’s just unacceptable.”The Sharks had mostly been competitive since general manager Mike Grier met with his players on Nov. 6 to stress how intolerable the just-completed losses to the Vancouver Ca...

Une agence avec tous les voyants au vert

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:48:52 GMT

Notre newsletter quotidienne sur les enjeux de lobbying et de transparence en France.Par PAUL DE VILLEPINAvec ALEXANDRE LÉCHENET et OCÉANE HERREROInfos, tuyaux et mini-drames à partager ? Ecrivez à Océane Herrero, Aurore Gorius, Alexandre Léchenet et Paul de Villepin | Voir dans votre navigateurLE MENU DU JOUR— Nouveau patron, nouveaux objectifs : l’Ademe se met en ordre de marche.— Les sénateurs en mode mission budgétaire impossible.— Niel prend la pose avec Breton pour rendre Paris plus IAtelligente.Bonjour à toutes et à tous, “ferme ta boite à camembert” ! Allons, mais non, nous ne vous invectivons pas de bon matin, mais vous signalons que la controverse sur l’emballage des fromages est désormais close. Empaqueté, c’est pesé. Hier, les eurodéputés ont définitivement “sauvé” les boîtes en bois des camemberts, pont-l’évêques ou autres monts-d’or, menacées par une nouvelle réglementation pour verdir les emballages, comme on vous le narrait la semaine dernière. EN...

Far-right leader Geert Wilders wins Dutch election

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:48:52 GMT

SCHEVENINGEN, Netherlands — The anti-Islam, Euroskeptic radical Geert Wilders is projected to be the shock winner of the Dutch election. With almost all votes counted, in a dramatic result that will stun European politics, his Freedom Party (PVV) is set to win around 37 of the 150 seats in parliament — more than double the number it secured in the 2021 election, according to exit polls. Frans Timmermans’ Labour-Green alliance is forecast to take second place, winning 25 seats — a big jump from its current 17. Dilan Yeşilgöz, outgoing premier Mark Rutte’s successor as head of the center-right VVD, suffered heavy losses and is on course to take 24 seats, 10 fewer than before, according to early results.A win for Wilders will put the Netherlands on track — potentially — for a dramatic shift in direction, after Rutte’s four consecutive centrist governments. The question now, though, is whether any other parties are willing to join Wilders to form a coalition. Despite emerging ...

Zach LaVine sits out against Oklahoma City Thunder with right foot sprain: ‘I try to play through everything’

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:48:52 GMT

Zach LaVine missed his first game of the season for the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday as he sat out the first of four road games with a foot injury.LaVine described the injury as a midfoot sprain in his right foot. He began to notice pain in his right foot during the first home game against the Miami Heat on Nov. 18, cutting the tape off his foot at halftime in an attempt to alleviate discomfort.“During the Miami games, it was bugging me,” LaVine said. “Obviously, just trying today, it felt the same if not worse. Did a lot of warmups, a lot of treatment over the last couple of days. It didn’t feel right. Giving it a day, see how it feels. We’ll figure it out and get me feeling better.”LaVine played through discomfort in the second Miami game on Monday, but said adrenaline kept the injury from inhibiting his movement throughout the game. He averaged 13 points and 5.5 assists across those two games, taking a lower volume of shots than usual as the Heat...

Hundreds of German police raid properties of Hamas supporters in Berlin and across the country

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:48:52 GMT

BERLIN (AP) — Hundreds of police officers searched the properties of Hamas members and followers in Germany on Thursday morning following a formal ban on any activity by or in support of the militant group.The German government implemented the ban on Nov. 2 and dissolved Samidoun, a group that was behind a celebration in Berlin of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel.Germany’s domestic intelligence service estimates that Hamas has around 450 members in the country. Their activities range from expressions of sympathy and propaganda activities to financing and fundraising activities to strengthen the organization abroad. “We are continuing our consistent action against radical Islamists,” German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said. “By banning Hamas and Samidoun in Germany, we have sent a clear signal that we will not tolerate any glorification or support of Hamas’ barbaric terror against Israel.”The raids, which mostly took place in Berlin, were meant to enforce the bans ...

Net Zero Industry Act: Boosting clean technologies in Europe 

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:48:52 GMT

Europe is lagging behind in the deployment of clean energy technologies but a new EU initiative called the Net Zero Industry Act aims to improve the situation.The case for supporting clean energy technologiesThe deployment of clean energy technologies, such as solar and wind energy installations but also carbon storage, is essential for reaching the EU's 2030 and 2050 climate targets.According to a 2023 report by the International Energy Agency, if countries around the globe fully implement their energy and climate pledges, the market for key clean energy technologies could increase more than three times by 2030 compared with its current value and jobs in the sector could rise from six million today to 14 million.However, Europe largely imports these technologies, while countries outside the EU have stepped up their efforts to expand their clean energy manufacturing capacity.The objectives of the Net Zero Industry ActIn March 2023, the European Commission proposed the Net Zero Indus...

Paris crowned best-hidden bar city in the world

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:48:52 GMT

A new study by Radical Storage analysed the numbers of speakeasies in each city, Google reviews, and the number of followers on Instagram to create The Speakeasy Index. Key findings:Paris is the speakeasy capital of the world, with the highest score on our index (9.42/10), boasting numerous hidden bars to choose from.There are 16 speakeasies in total in Paris, second on the list is Bangkok with 11 speakeasies, followed by London with 10.London, Sarajevo, and Berlin are home to some of the world’s most hidden speakeasies with fewer than 400 Instagram followers and Google reviews.Paris’s most secretive speakeasy is Le Bistrot Des Cinéastes, with under 500 Instagram followers.Sydney is Australia’s top speakeasy spot, while Dubai and Singapore offer the best-hidden drinking spots in Asia. Finding a great place where they can relax and grab a drink on holiday is an important part of many travellers' holidays.  Many large cities across the globe have some wonderful hidden bars (...

Dear Abby: How can I get my wife to give my car keys back?

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:48:52 GMT

DEAR ABBY: Three years ago, with the support of my wife, I voluntarily gave up driving. I have some minor memory problems and depth perception issues.Related ArticlesAdvice | Dear Abby: I’m dreading talking to this girl’s parents about the cheek situation Advice | Dear Abby: I’m on the verge of blowing up at my boss over my unofficial duties Advice | Dear Abby: The bride has no room for all the gifts she wants Advice | Dear Abby: They dated for a month, and now she’s threatening to reveal his private business Advice | Dear Abby: I’m tired of my husband telling me that he doesn’t intend to change I leave the house only when I walk the dog or my wife drives me somewhere. Being practically housebound has caused my mental health to deteriorate.I would like to revisit this driving privileges issue with my wife. I will propose that I enroll in a remedial driving school to re...

Five-bedroom home in San Ramon sells for $3.9 million

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:48:52 GMT

5355 Cypress Hawk Court – Google Street ViewA spacious house located in the 5300 block of Cypress Hawk Court in San Ramon has new owners. The 8,216-square-foot property, built in 2002, was sold on Nov. 2, 2023. The $3,900,000 purchase price works out to $475 per square foot. This two-story home presents a roomy floor plan, featuring five bedrooms and six baths. The property is equipped with central A/C. Additionally, the home provides an attached three-car garage, granting ample space for parking and storage purposes. The property’s backyard showcases a pool.Additional houses that have recently been sold close by include:A 3,472-square-foot home on the 3500 block of Rosincress Drive in San Ramon sold in June 2022, for $2,975,000, a price per square foot of $857. The home has 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms.On Laurelspur Loop, San Ramon, in October 2022, a 4,251-square-foot home was sold for $2,930,000, a price per square foot of $689. The home has 4 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms.In August 202...