分类: society

  • Controversial Dilbert cartoonist Scott Adams dies aged 68

    Controversial Dilbert cartoonist Scott Adams dies aged 68

    Scott Adams, the visionary cartoonist behind the globally syndicated ‘Dilbert’ comic strip, has passed away at 68 following a prolonged battle with prostate cancer. His former spouse, Shelly Miles, emotionally announced his passing during a live broadcast of his podcast ‘Real Coffee with Scott Adams’ on Tuesday.

    Adams launched the satirical workplace comic in 1989, creating an enduring cultural phenomenon that would eventually appear in over 2,000 newspapers across 65 countries. The strip’s protagonist—a perpetually frustrated yet competent engineer navigating absurd corporate environments—resonated deeply with office workers worldwide, spawning numerous best-selling books, an animated television adaptation, and video game spin-offs.

    His professional achievements included the prestigious National Cartoonists Society’s Reuben Award in 1997 and multiple Newspaper Comic Strip Awards. Beyond cartooning, Adams authored several self-help publications including ‘How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big’ and ‘Reframe Your Brain,’ leveraging his background as a trained hypnotist.

    The cartoonist’s later career became overshadowed by controversy when numerous publications, including the Washington Post, discontinued his strip in 2023 following racially charged remarks. Adams had characterized Black Americans as a ‘hate group’ during a podcast segment, comments he subsequently defended as hyperbolic rhetoric taken out of context.

    Former President Donald Trump commemorated Adams on Truth Social, praising him as ‘a fantastic guy’ who ‘bravely fought a long battle against a terrible disease.’

    In his final days, Adams had been receiving palliative care at home after his cancer metastasized to his bones. He had openly discussed his deteriorating condition with listeners, noting on January 1st that recovery was improbable due to paralysis and progressing heart failure.

    His podcast concluded with a posthumous message read by Miles: ‘I had an amazing life, I gave it everything I had. If I got any benefits from my work, I’m asking that you pay it forward. Be useful, and please know I loved you all to the very end.’

  • Dubai: Surprised by hefty fines on your car? Police explain how to prevent accumulation

    Dubai: Surprised by hefty fines on your car? Police explain how to prevent accumulation

    Dubai motorists encountering unexpected traffic fines during vehicle registration renewal now have multiple resolution pathways available, according to recent police announcements. Brigadier Jumaa Bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Traffic Department at Dubai Police, detailed these options during a recent appearance on Dubai Radio’s Direct Line program, addressing growing concerns about accumulated penalties.

    The department has implemented flexible payment solutions to alleviate financial burdens on drivers. Motorists can immediately settle fines through official Dubai Police digital platforms, partner banking institutions, or authorized payment services. For those requiring financial accommodation, an installment plan option exists through the Dubai Police application and website. Brigadier Bin Suwaidan clarified that ‘upon payment of the initial installment, the traffic file block is immediately lifted, enabling vehicle registration renewal and other services without interruption.’

    A critical preventive measure emphasized involves maintaining updated contact information within the traffic file system. This proves particularly relevant for households with multiple drivers using a single registered vehicle. ‘When contact data remains current, SMS notifications deliver immediate violation alerts to the registered owner,’ Bin Suwaidan explained. ‘This facilitates oversight of vehicle usage and promotes responsible driving behavior among all users.’

    Concurrently, Dubai Police have intensified noise pollution enforcement through advanced radar technology. These sophisticated devices, strategically positioned in residential zones requiring tranquility, now operate with 30% increased sensitivity. The systems automatically detect excessive vehicle noise, including intentional engine revving—even when vehicles are stationary at traffic signals.

    Brigadier Bin Suwaidan addressed concerns from drivers of unmodified vehicles receiving citations, stating: ‘The radars specifically target sound misuse, not vehicle modifications. Sport cars and other high-performance vehicles naturally produce significant noise when accelerating, which triggers detection.’ He confirmed the enforcement remains narrowly focused, resulting in limited violations thus far, and operates without human intervention to ensure objectivity.

  • Government agencies announce regulations of online hiring information

    Government agencies announce regulations of online hiring information

    In a significant move to combat fraudulent hiring practices, five Chinese regulatory bodies have jointly announced stringent new measures governing online recruitment platforms. The comprehensive framework targets commercial human resources services and digital hiring portals, requiring formal certification before these entities can publish employment information or offer recruitment services.

    The coordinated effort involves the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, the Office of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Public Security, and the National Financial Regulatory Administration. This multi-agency approach underscores the government’s commitment to creating a transparent and trustworthy digital employment ecosystem.

    Under the new regulations, platforms must ensure all published hiring information meets standardized authenticity and legality requirements. The notice explicitly prohibits the artificial inflation of platform traffic through illicit use of recruitment data. Additionally, platforms must implement rigorous real-name verification systems for user registration while prominently displaying qualification credentials on user homepages.

    The regulatory framework extends to tighter management of online accounts offering employment services, with authorities pledging immediate action against unlawful or inappropriate conduct. This represents a systematic effort to protect job seekers from misleading advertisements, fraudulent schemes, and unethical recruitment practices that have plagued some digital hiring platforms.

    These measures reflect China’s broader digital governance strategy, balancing technological innovation with necessary regulatory oversight to ensure fair and secure online environments for all citizens.

  • Mother of 4 sons killed in Abu Dhabi crash on long road to recovery: Family

    Mother of 4 sons killed in Abu Dhabi crash on long road to recovery: Family

    A devastating road accident in Abu Dhabi has left an Emirati family grappling with unimaginable loss as a mother begins her arduous journey toward physical and emotional recovery. The tragedy occurred on January 3rd when the family vehicle crashed during a return trip from Liwa, resulting in the immediate deaths of three young boys aged 5 to 14 and their family maid, with a fourth son succumbing to injuries the following day.

    R.R., the mother who survived the catastrophic collision alongside her husband and 10-year-old daughter, has been discharged from medical care after undergoing multiple surgeries. While her physical condition shows gradual improvement with reduced facial swelling and diminished eye redness, she continues to wear a cast on her hand as she navigates the profound emotional trauma of losing all her male children.

    Family members describe the psychological toll as particularly concerning during initial days when R.R. demonstrated an inability to express grief. A breakthrough occurred when encountering a young cousin resembling one of her deceased sons, triggering an emotional release that relatives acknowledge as a necessary step in the healing process. “She had been trying to stay strong for her husband and family,” revealed a close relative. “The emotional catharsis provided crucial relief, though the path toward acceptance remains lengthy.”

    The family faced additional challenges in managing the aftermath, including the delicate task of informing the surviving daughter about her brothers’ deaths. The revelation was carefully orchestrated by the girl’s uncle, followed by a visit to the burial site where the family collectively mourned. The funeral service itself attracted hundreds of attendees, with the injured father insisting on hospital discharge to attend in a wheelchair.

    Currently residing with relatives, the family plans to travel to India while requesting privacy during their grieving process. Relatives have advised changing contact details to minimize intrusive communications, emphasizing the need for spiritual support rather than public attention as they confront their life-altering loss.

  • Night view of Central Street in Harbin

    Night view of Central Street in Harbin

    Harbin’s iconic Central Street has emerged as a spectacular nighttime destination during the city’s current winter tourism surge. Captured through aerial drone photography on January 12, 2026, the historic boulevard dazzles visitors with its brilliant light displays and diverse European architectural styles that create a mesmerizing atmosphere after dark.

    The pedestrian thoroughfare, recognized as one of Heilongjiang province’s premier attractions, showcases an extraordinary collection of architectural influences including Baroque, Byzantine, and eclectic European designs that reflect Harbin’s unique cultural heritage. These historic structures provide a stunning backdrop for the elaborate lighting installations that have become a major draw for tourists.

    This winter season has witnessed unprecedented visitor numbers to Central Street, with the illuminated nightscape becoming a particularly popular attraction. The colorful lighting scheme enhances the architectural details while creating a warm ambiance against Harbin’s cold winter environment. Tourism officials note that the nighttime economy along Central Street has significantly contributed to the city’s seasonal tourism boom, with extended shopping hours and special evening events catering to the influx of visitors.

    The phenomenon represents part of a broader trend in northern Chinese tourism where winter destinations are leveraging unique cultural assets and creative lighting to extend visitor hours and boost local economies. Central Street’s combination of historical architecture and modern light technology has established it as a model for successful urban tourism development in cold climate regions.

  • UAE: New system to update marriage, divorce records automatically

    UAE: New system to update marriage, divorce records automatically

    The United Arab Emirates has inaugurated a groundbreaking digital transformation initiative that automatically updates marriage and divorce records through its new ‘Emirati Family Data’ package. This innovative system, jointly developed by the Ministry of Justice and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security, represents a significant advancement in government service efficiency.

    The integrated digital platform enables seamless data exchange between government entities, proactively updating family records and Emirates ID cards without requiring separate applications or physical visits to service centers. This transformation ensures unprecedented data accuracy, accelerates processing times, and enhances the reliability of the national data infrastructure while substantially reducing administrative burdens on UAE residents.

    The initiative aligns strategically with the leadership’s declaration of 2026 as the ‘Year of the Family’ and marks a major milestone in the government’s ambitious ‘Zero Bureaucracy’ program. By fostering digital integration across multiple agencies, the system supports family stability and improves quality of life through streamlined governmental processes.

    Mubarak Ali Al Neyadi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice, emphasized that the package embodies the government’s commitment to inter-agency digital collaboration and represents a proactive approach to developing shared services that simplify family-related procedures. The system operationalizes the ‘one-time data request’ principle, significantly enhancing the efficiency and quality of judicial and legal services.

    Major General Suhail Juma Al Khaili, Acting Director-General of the General Directorate of Nationality, affirmed that the initiative reflects the Authority’s dedication to providing intelligent, customer-centric services that prioritize needs-based design while improving institutional integration and overall quality of life for Emirati families.

  • Frozen waterfalls bring winter magic to Jinan

    Frozen waterfalls bring winter magic to Jinan

    The Jiuru Mountain region in Jinan, Shandong province, has undergone a breathtaking metamorphosis into an icy paradise, captivating visitors with its stunning winter phenomena. As temperatures plunged dramatically across eastern China, nature’s artistry emerged across the mountain’s cliff faces where cascading waterfalls have transformed into magnificent frozen sculptures.

    The geological formations provide a perfect canvas for winter’s touch, with layered ice structures creating transparent, intricate patterns against the rugged rock backgrounds. This dramatic interplay between solid stone and crystalline ice produces visual contrasts that define Jiuru Mountain’s unique winter appeal. The natural spectacle has established the destination as a premier cold-weather attraction, drawing photographers, nature enthusiasts, and winter sightseers to witness the seasonal transformation.

    Local tourism authorities note that the frozen waterfall phenomenon occurs under specific meteorological conditions when temperatures remain consistently below freezing while moisture continues to flow from mountain springs. The resulting ice formations vary daily depending on temperature fluctuations and water volume, creating an ever-changing natural exhibition throughout the winter months.

    The mountain’s accessibility and proximity to Jinan’s urban center make it an ideal destination for day trips, offering city dwellers an opportunity to experience dramatic winter landscapes without extensive travel. Visitors are advised to wear appropriate footwear for icy conditions and time their visits for optimal lighting conditions when sunlight illuminates the translucent ice formations.

  • Ancient Rome meets modern technology as tourists visit restored, frescoed home via livestream tours

    Ancient Rome meets modern technology as tourists visit restored, frescoed home via livestream tours

    ROME — In a groundbreaking fusion of archaeological preservation and digital innovation, one of ancient Rome’s most exceptionally preserved residences is now accessible to the public through immersive livestreamed tours. The House of the Griffins, dating back to the Republican era (2nd-1st century B.C.), has remained hidden beneath Emperor Domitian’s palace on the Palatine Hill since the 1st century A.D.

    Discovered during early 20th-century excavations, this aristocratic dwelling represents a remarkable time capsule from Rome’s Republican period. The domus derives its name from the magnificent arched fresco depicting two griffins—mythical eagle-lion hybrids—that adorn its interior. Additional artistic treasures include vibrantly colored faux marble designs and sophisticated three-dimensional cube mosaics, comparable in quality to the finest Pompeian residences.

    Due to its fragile underground location accessible only by a steep staircase, physical visitation poses significant conservation challenges. Instead, the Colosseum Archaeological Park has implemented an innovative solution: trained guides equipped with head-mounted smartphones conduct live virtual tours, transmitting real-time footage and expert narration to visitors above ground.

    Project chief Federica Rinaldi notes that while the specific inhabitants remain unknown, the residence’s prime hilltop location and exquisite decoration confirm its status as ‘a domus of the highest standard.’ The virtual access strategy serves dual purposes: protecting delicate frescoes from humidity and carbon dioxide exposure while providing unprecedented public access.

    Commencing March 3, weekly livestreamed tours in Italian and English will be available by reservation, requiring a supplemental ticket beyond standard park admission. This initiative forms part of a broader EU-funded effort to distribute tourist traffic beyond the overcrowded Colosseum and Forum areas, showcasing the archaeological park’s extensive cultural heritage.

    Park director Simone Quilici emphasized that this approach represents ‘a great occasion to value the full territory of the park,’ demonstrating how technology can simultaneously preserve ancient artifacts while enhancing public engagement with historical treasures.

  • Australia to hold day of mourning for Bondi shooting victims on January 22

    Australia to hold day of mourning for Bondi shooting victims on January 22

    Australia will observe a national day of mourning on January 22nd to honor the fifteen victims of the devastating mass shooting at Bondi Beach. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the solemn commemoration, which will be marked by flags flying at half-mast nationwide under the unifying theme ‘light will win’.

    The December 14th attack, which targeted a Jewish Hanukkah celebration and represents the country’s deadliest mass shooting in three decades, has triggered profound national introspection. The incident has raised critical questions about antisemitism, public safety failures regarding the protection of Jewish communities, and has catalyzed government commitments to strengthen firearm regulations.

    Organized in collaboration with Jewish community representatives, the memorial gathering will serve as a moment of collective remembrance. The Chabad of Bondi, hosts of the original festival, described the event as an opportunity to honor those lost, support the injured and their families, and collectively reaffirm values of compassion and solidarity.

    In response to mounting public pressure, Prime Minister Albanese has authorized a royal commission—the highest form of government inquiry—to conduct a comprehensive investigation. This probe will examine potential intelligence failures, the proliferation of antisemitic sentiment within Australia, and all circumstances surrounding the attack.

    The alleged perpetrators, Sajid Akram and his Australian-born son Naveed, have brought scrutiny upon national security protocols. Despite being flagged by intelligence agencies in 2019, Naveed Akram—now charged with terrorism and fifteen counts of murder—was deemed not to pose an imminent threat and subsequently dropped from surveillance.

    In the tragedy’s aftermath, Australian authorities have initiated substantial policy reforms, including a major gun buyback program described as the most significant since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre reforms. This initiative forms part of a broader crackdown on both firearm accessibility and hate speech, addressing systemic vulnerabilities exposed by the Bondi Beach shooting.

  • Hunt for gunman after Corsican exile is shot dead at mother’s funeral

    Hunt for gunman after Corsican exile is shot dead at mother’s funeral

    In a brazen act of violence that has shocked the French island of Corsica, former separatist leader Alain Orsoni was assassinated by a single gunshot while attending his mother’s funeral on Monday afternoon. The 71-year-old, who had spent years living in exile in Nicaragua, was struck in the chest by a long-range shot as the cemetery service concluded in his native village of Vero.

    Corsican prosecutor Nicolas Septe confirmed the tactical precision of the killing, noting that the fatal bullet was fired from a distance and resulted in rapid death. The shooting occurred moments after the burial ceremony had concluded, creating a scene of profound trauma for mourners already grieving the loss of Orsoni’s mother.

    Father Roger-Dominique Polge, who officiated the service, expressed horror at the violation of the sacred moment: ‘We’d just finished burying Alain’s mother—it was a moment of pain and grief. Suddenly we hear a gunshot and Alain falls down dead. In the middle of a cemetery, after a religious ceremony, I ask where are we, what kind of home are we living in?’

    The investigation has been assigned to France’s specialized anti-organized crime units, including the Marseille-based regional crime office. Early evidence suggests connections to recent gangland killings targeting associates of Orsoni’s son, Guy, who is currently serving a 13-year prison sentence for the attempted murder of a Petit Bar gang member in 2018.

    Orsoni’s life was marked by both political activism and criminal notoriety. A charismatic figure known for his singing voice and nationalist fervor, he rose to prominence in the 1970s Corsican independence movement. He founded the separatist Movement for Self-Determination (MPA), which achieved electoral success in 1992, though Orsoni was barred from taking office due to campaign violations.

    His complex history included participation in a 1980 gun attack near the Iranian embassy, the kidnapping and presumed murder of his brother in 1983, and multiple prison sentences. After fleeing to Central America in 1996 amid violent splits within nationalist circles, he later returned to Corsica to serve as president of football club AC Ajaccio, surviving an assassination attempt weeks after his 2008 appointment.

    Despite being aware of persistent threats to his life—four of his associates were killed within a two-year period—Orsoni maintained a defiant stance toward his safety, telling Le Figaro in 2012: ‘I’m not afraid of dying. I don’t wake up every morning thinking I’m going to be killed. I live a normal life, without a squad of bodyguards.’

    The assassination has highlighted the enduring power of criminal clans in Corsican society and raised urgent questions about organized crime’s influence on the island.