SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — In an era of rising authoritarianism, at the heels of a six-hour martial law decree that unfolded while many South Koreans slept, something noteworthy happened: Democracy held. The past week in Seoul, officials and academics warn, is what a threat to democracy looks like in 2024. It's a democratically-elected president declaring martial law over the nation he leads, asserting sweeping powers to prevent opposition demonstrations, ban political parties and control the media. It's members of the military attempting to block lawmakers from exercising their power to vote on cancelling the power grab. And here's what it took to defeat President Yoon Suk Yeol 's lurch toward government by force: Unified popular support for democracy. Legislators storming the National Assembly past midnight, live-streaming themselves climbing over fences. A politician grabbing at a soldier's rifle and yelling “Aren't you ashamed?” until he retreated. And finally, decisively, Parliament assembling a quorum and voting unanimously to cancel martial law. It was a victory for a hard-won democracy — and for the idea that checks and balances among branches of government must work to counteract each other's ambitions, as the American founders wrote in the Federalist Papers in 1788. But as the drama played out in Seoul, the scaffolding of democracy rattled around the world. In other countries, the grab for power might have worked. Other would-be authoritarians might have been better prepared than Yoon. In deeply polarized societies — the United States, for example, where Republicans are staunchly loyal to president-elect Donald Trump — there might not have been decisive support from the public or the opposition. The military might have used force. And the members of the legislature might not have voted as one to snuff out the attempted takeover. “President Yoon's attempt to declare martial law reveals the fragility of the rule of law in divided societies, especially those with governments in which the chief executive cannot be easily dismissed by the legislature," said Tom Pepinsky, a government professor at Cornell University who studies backsliding among democracies in Southeast Asia. Notably, he said in an email, “No members of President Yoon’s own party were willing to defend his actions in public." Nevertheless, Yoon’s surprise attempt to impose martial law revealed both the fragility and resilience of the country’s democratic system. Within three hours of his stunning announcement to impose military rule — claiming the opposition was “paralyzing” state affairs — 190 lawmakers voted to cancel his actions. In so doing, they demonstrated the strength of the country’s democratic checks and balances. Yoon’s authoritarian push, carried out by hundreds of heavily armed troops with Blackhawk helicopters and armored vehicles sent to the National Assembly, harked back to an era of dictatorial presidents. The country’s democratic transition in the late 1980s came after years of massive protests by millions that eventually overcame violent suppressions by military rulers. Civilian presence was again crucial in shaping the events following Yoon’s late night television announcement on Tuesday. Thousands of people flocked to the National Assembly, shouting slogans for martial law to be lifted and Yoon to step down from power. There were no reports of violent clashes as troops and police officers. “We restored democracy without having a single casualty this time,” said Seol Dong-hoon, a sociology professor at South Korea’s Jeonbuk National University. It’s virtually impossible for any leader of a democracy to pull off a transition toward martial law without a public willing to support it, or at least tolerate it. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, who narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 presidential election, attracted millions of views as he began live-streaming his journey to the National Assembly, pleading for people to converge to the parliament to help lawmakers get inside. The shaky footage later shows him exiting his car climbing over a fence to get onto the grounds. The vote at the National Assembly was also broadcast live on the YouTube channel of Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik, who also had to scale a fence to get in. Yoon’s sense of crisis clearly wasn’t shared by the public, whose opinions, Seol said, were shaped predominantly by the shocking videos broadcast to their devices. “Ultimately, democracy is all about moving public opinion,” he said. “What was most crucial in this case was that everything was broadcast live on smartphones, YouTube and countless other media.” Opposition lawmakers are now pushing to remove Yoon from office, saying he failed to meet the constitutional requirement that martial law should only be considered in wartime or a comparable severe crisis — and that he unlawfully deployed troops to the National Assembly. On Saturday, an opposition-led impeachment motion failed after most lawmakers from Yoon’s party boycotted the vote. Yet the president’s troubles persist: The vote’s defeat is expected to intensify nationwide protests and deepen South Korea’s political turmoil, with opposition parties preparing to introduce another impeachment motion when parliament reconvenes next Wednesday. Han Sang-hie, a law professor at Seoul’s Konkuk University, said the martial law debacle highlights what he sees as the most crucial flaw of South Korea’s democracy: that it places too much power in the hands of the president, which is easily abused and often goes unchecked. Political scientists call what happened in South Korea an “autogolpe” — a “self-coup” — defined as one led by incumbent leaders themselves, in which an executive takes or sponsors illegal actions against others in the government. Yoon qualifies because he used troops to try to shut down South Korea's legislature. Self-coups are increasing, with a third of the 46 since 1945 occurring in the past decade, according to a study by researchers from Carnegie Mellon University and Penn State University. About 80% of self-coups succeed, they reported. In 2021, a power grab by Tunisian President Kais Saied raised similar concerns around the world after the country designed a democracy from scratch and won a Nobel Peace Prize after a largely bloodless revolution. In the United States, some have expresed worry about similar situations arising during the second administration of Donald Trump. He has vowed, after all, to shake some of democracy's pillars . He's mused that he would be justified if he decided to pursue “the termination of all rules, regulations, and articles, even those found in the Constitution.” That’s in contrast to the oath of office he took in 2017, and will again next year, to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution” as best he can. Nearly half of voters in the Nov. 5 election, which Trump won, said they were “very concerned” that another Trump presidency would bring the U.S. closer to authoritarianism, according to AP Votecast survey data. Asked before a live audience on Fox News Channel in 2023 to assure Americans that he would not abuse power or use the presidency to seek retribution against anyone, Trump replied, “except for day one," when he'll close the border and “drill, drill, drill.” After that, Trump said, "I'm not a dictator.” Kellman reported from London.
Actor Tommy Flanagan has disclosed his intentions to move back to Scotland after 25 years in the US in the wake of Donald Trump' s massive election win. The star, known for his roles in hit shows and films like Gladiator, Peaky Blinders , and Sons of Anarchy, joins a host of Hollywood celebrities who have expressed their dismay at the political shift to the right in America. The 59-year-old said: "It's time to come home. I want to come back here. I've been away too long. I think it's time to move back to Scotland. I've been in the US for over 25 years and it's time to come home, especially after Trump getting back into the White House." Married to Dina and father to 12-year-old daughter Aunjanue, Tommy is eager to return to live and work in Scotland after spending more than two decades in the US film and television industry. Speaking to The Daily Record , he shared: "I'm based over there and my home is over there. It's time to get away from that Trump. I don't want to say I want to leave America because of him but it's not made me want to stay, put it that way. It's disgusting so we'll see. If I start talking about it I'll go f***ing mental. But it's not good." He also reflected on his connection to his homeland, stating: "I don't feel I've been gone that long to be honest with you, I really don't." Despite currently calling California home for the past quarter-century, he added: "I was on my way back years ago and then my daughter came along and she was born over there though she is Scottish. I want to bring her over here." Tommy, originally from Easterhouse, bears distinctive facial scars from a knife attack outside a nightclub where he was DJing. After being assaulted by a gang attempting to rob him, he was persuaded to try acting by his friend Robert Carlyle while recovering in hospital. He gained fame in Mel Gibson's 1995 film Braveheart and Lynne Ramsay's Ratcatcher, and played Cicero alongside Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix in Ridley Scott's 2000 film Gladiator. His other roles include Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2, Alien vs Predator, The Game and Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle. He is perhaps best known for his role as outlaw biker Flip 'Chips' Telford in the crime drama TV series Sons of Anarchy from 2008 - 2014. Having arrived in Glasgow at the weekend to present his friend, casting director Des Hamilton, with an Outstanding Contribution to Craft award at a star-studded BAFTA Scotland awards, Flanagan also revealed he has signed up to begin filming Guy Ritchie's latest project. Lock, Stock and Two Barrels and The Gentleman director Ritchie has enlisted him to join a star-studded cast that includes Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan and Tom Hardy for The Associate, a London-based gangster series The Associate which will air on Paramount+. Tommy said: "I just got back to present an award to my best pal Des Hamilton for Outstanding Contribution to Casting. He's a phenomenal guy. He's been a friend of mine the past 40 years. It's a pleasure to be that and to be in my hometown. "I'm about to start something with Guy Ritchie and Tom Hardy. I start that in December and I've a few things next year. "They haven't put any press out yet so I won't talk about it. Big Des is casting it, of course he is. He gets all the good stuff." The actor, eager to return to UK filming for The Associates next month, added: "I'm here to give the award to my pal Des and I'm back to work here and what I want to do and bring my daughter over here as soon as possible. She is a big Celtic fan like her father and she's proud to be Scottish." "She doesn't know what she wants to do yet. She's a wee fashionista at the moment with baggy sweaters and big jeans and all that. She thinks she knows everything. She's great. "I will be in Scotland. I think I've been gone long enough."Today's fortune: Dec. 19, 2024 Published: 19 Dec. 2024, 07:10 Audio report: written by reporters, read by AI Read what today holds in store for you under the 12 signs of the zodiac, each represented by an animal. Our astrologer Cho Ku-moon explores saju (the four pillars of destiny) and geomancy for your prospects on wealth, health and love while offering advice on the direction of your luck and fortune. Check the year of your birth for today’s prediction. Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024 (Nov. 19 on the lunar calendar) Rat Wealth: average Health: average Love: generous Lucky direction: west 1936: Parents rarely win against their children. 1948: Familiar things bring the most comfort. 1960: Eat well even if you lack an appetite. 1972: Protect and value what you already have over seeking new things. 1984: Align with your superiors’ expectations. 1996: Focus on learning rather than immediate profit. Ox Wealth: average Health: average Love: generous Lucky direction: south 1937: Reminisce about the past and share stories. 1949: One way or another, it’s all the same. 1961: Old things often prove to be the best. 1973: Avoid overambitious investments. 1985: You might gain new insights while working. 1997: Avoid dismissing elders as outdated or irrelevant. Tiger Wealth: steady Health: healthy Love: joyful Lucky direction: north 1938: Cherish traditions and respect them. 1950: Prioritize yourself before worrying about others. 1962: You might be lucky with food today. 1974: Useful information or proposals may come your way. 1986: Expect progress rather than setbacks. 1998: Pursue your goals with passion and energy. Rabbit Wealth: steady Health: healthy Love: joyful Lucky direction: east 1939: A peaceful day awaits you. 1951: Expect a relaxed and leisurely day. 1963: Things you are working on may proceed smoothly. 1975: Unplanned tasks or opportunities may arise. 1987: Build mutually beneficial relationships. 1999: Your image and reputation may improve. Dragon Wealth: good Health: strong Love: united Lucky direction: southeast 1940: Everything may feel perfectly aligned today. 1952: Follow your heart — it’s the right time. 1964: Preserve and secure even small gains. 1976: Unity and collaboration are the keys to success. 1988: Progress comes through blending ideas and efforts. 2000: Broaden your network and strengthen connections. Snake Wealth: average Health: average Love: generous Lucky direction: east 1941: There’s always something new to learn. 1953: Explore using technology like the internet or smartphones. 1965: Your morning might be more productive than your afternoon. 1977: Do not skip meals, even if you’re busy. 1989: Avoid rushing — act with caution and precision. 2001: Dress warmly rather than prioritizing style. Horse Wealth: average Health: average Love: generous Lucky direction: south 1942: Focus on letting go rather than accumulating. 1954: Release old things to make space for the new. 1966: Stick with what you know and trust. 1978: Do not think only you can handle a task — delegate wisely. 1990: Foster positive relationships with those around you. 2002: Take care of yourself before worrying about others. Sheep Wealth: average Health: average Love: generous Lucky direction: west 1943: Eat well and maintain a positive outlook on life. 1955: Smiling brings good fortune. 1967: Approach tasks with enthusiasm. 1979: Keep your good deeds discreet. 1991: Embrace competition as an opportunity. 2003: Stay confident but avoid arrogance. Monkey Wealth: steady Health: healthy Love: happy Lucky direction: north 1944: Today is always the best day. 1956: Your life may feel filled with happiness. 1968: Achieve your goals and enjoy a sense of fulfillment. 1980: Dreams may come true. 1992: Luck may favor you in unexpected ways. 2004: An exciting and uplifting day awaits. Rooster Wealth: steady Health: healthy Love: romantic Lucky direction: east 1945: A day filled with both giving and receiving affection. 1957: Regardless of conflicts, your spouse is the best. 1969: Trust your spouse for family harmony. 1981: Mutual understanding may bring progress and ease. 1993: You may get to do something you truly enjoy. 2005: Positive developments in romantic relationships. Dog Wealth: average Health: average Love: social Lucky direction: north 1946: Nothing particularly good or bad will stand out. 1958: Life’s challenges are more similar than they appear. 1970: Differences in perspectives may arise with others. 1982: Meetings or appointments might fill your day. 1994: New experiences or changes may occur. 2006: Foster good relationships with friends. Pig Wealth: spending Health: cautious Love: conflicted Lucky direction: west 1935: Avoid eating cold food. 1947: Worrying won’t solve problems — let it go. 1959: Silence is better than unnecessary words. 1971: Listen more and speak less. 1983: Keep record of promises in writing. 1995: Hard work may not always get immediate recognition. 2007: Use kind and polite words in all situations.
NEW YORK , Dec. 18, 2024 /CNW/ - Galaxy Digital Holdings Ltd . (TSX: GLXY) ("Galaxy") announced that its affiliate, Galaxy Asset Management, ("GAM"), reported preliminary assets under management of $6.1 billion as of November 30, 2024 . The 26.3% increase in preliminary AUM compared to the prior month was primarily driven by market appreciation. Assets Under Management ("AUM") (a)(b) (in millions) 9/30/23 12/31/23 3/31/24 6/30/24 9/30/24 10/31/24 11/30/24 Funds (c) $2,305 $3,098 $4,378 $3,983 $4,207 $4,417 $5,577 Opportunistic (d) $1,612 $2,078 $3,440 $520 $429 $403 $510 Total $3,917 $5,176 $7,818 $4,503 $4,636 $4,820 $6,087 (a) All figures are unaudited. AUM is inclusive of sub-advised funds, committed capital closed-end vehicles, seed investments by affiliates, affiliated and unaffiliated separately managed accounts, and fund of fund products. Changes in AUM are generally the result of performance, contributions, withdrawals, new mandates, and acquisitions. (b) AUM for committed capital closed-end vehicles that have completed their investment period is reported as NAV plus unfunded commitment. AUM for quarterly close vehicles is reported as of the most recent quarter available for the applicable period. AUM for affiliated separately managed accounts is reported as NAV as of the most recently available estimate for the applicable period. (c) "Funds" line item consists of AUM held in GAM's Passive, Active, and Venture funds. (d) "Opportunistic" AUM are near-term or mid-term engagements to unwind portfolios managed by GAM. Additional information regarding GAM can be found on our website at https://www.galaxy.com/asset-management . About Galaxy Galaxy (TSX: GLXY) is a digital asset and blockchain leader providing access to the growing digital economy. We serve a diversified client base, including institutions, startups, and qualified individuals. Since 2018, Galaxy is building a holistic financial platform spanning three complementary operating businesses: Global Markets, Asset Management, and Digital Infrastructure Solutions. Our offerings include, amongst others, trading, lending, strategic advisory services, institutional-grade investment solutions, proprietary bitcoin mining and hosting services, network validator services, and the development of enterprise custodial technology. The company is headquartered in New York City , with global offices across North America , Europe , and Asia . Additional information about Galaxy's businesses and products is available on www.galaxy.com Disclaimers GAM is an affiliate of Galaxy Digital Holdings Ltd., a company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX"). The TSX has not approved or disapproved of the information contained herein. SOURCE Galaxy Digital Holdings Ltd.Nitrile Gloves Market to Grow by USD 3.54 Billion (2024-2028), Driven by Hygiene and Safety Concerns in Healthcare, AI Driving Market Transformation - Technavio
If it ain't broke: Many large companies and organizations are often ridiculed for using outdated computers, but not every business requires the latest digital technology. Case in point: a bakery in Indiana has been photographed processing sales using a Commodore 64. This isn't the first time a 21st-century business has been spotted using the top-selling 1982 PC, as the device remains beloved by enthusiasts today. Photos have recently surfaced showing that Hilligoss Bakery in Brownsburg, Indiana, uses a pair of Commodore 64s as cash registers. While running a business on a 42-year-old PC might seem unusual, the device likely has sufficient processing power to ring up orders of donuts. The pictures, originally taken in 2010, recently reappeared on social media. The C64s were also visible in another photo from 2021. Hilligoss Bakery appears to have a strong reputation, boasting a 4.7 rating on Google Maps and a 4.4 on Yelp. Apparently, a Doughnut shop in U.S. is still using a Commodore 64 for business. pic.twitter.com/i7gO90JAZ4 The Commodore 64, released in 1982, apparently remains the best-selling individual PC model of all time, with estimated sales between 10 and 17 million units. Priced at $595 upon release (approximately $1,945 in 2024 dollars), the system featured a 1 MHz CPU and 64KB of RAM, hence its name. While most of the C64's 10,000 software titles were games, it also supported business software, which companies like Hilligoss Bakery continue to use. It's unclear whether the bakery has been using the Commodore 64s since 1982, but it's possible, given that the business has been operating since 1974 and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Must read: The Commodore Story: Gone But Not Forgotten This isn't the only instance of businesses clinging to the Commodore 64. The Commodore USA Facebook page highlighted another example in 2016: an auto repair shop in Poland that has used a Commodore 64 to balance driveshafts since at least 1991 – even surviving a flood at one point. In certain cases, using older technology can reduce costs and offer security through obscurity. For instance, Southwest Airlines avoided the infamous CrowdStrike data breach by continuing to use Windows 95. However, maintaining and repairing vintage equipment can pose significant challenges. Fortunately, the enduring popularity of the Commodore 64 ensures that replacements, restorations, and repairs are still possible. Last year, a dedicated modder demonstrated that it's feasible to build a new Commodore 64 from scratch using replacement parts. Additionally, a modern recreation of the device, released in 2019, supports original software and connects to modern displays via HDMI.DraftKings Promo for NBA Friday: Bet $5 on Any Game to Win $150 Bonus
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