Donald Trump Seeks Court Order to Reinstate Twitter Account

Donald Trump (left) has asked a federal judge in Florida, USA to force Twitter to hand back his account that was suspended after the January 06 insurrection at the US Capitol. 

Lawyers for Trump filed for an injunction on Friday against the social media giant and CEO Jack Dorsey over what it said amounted to a violation of the former president's First Amendment protections. The filing argues that Democrats coerced Twitter into removing Trump from the platform that serves as important means of transmitting news and information. It pointed to past court rulings that called the Internet "the modern public square". 

The legal action is the latest in the lawsuit that was initiated by Trump in July against social media companies that had removed him from their platforms. The complaint pointed to past remarks by prominent congressional Democrats calling for Trump to be suspended from Twitter for making misleading and inflammatory remarks.

So, there is no freedom of speech in that country, after all! 

Yesterday, Celtic carved a 2-1 victory over Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership. 

Kyogo Furuhashi chested in a deserved opener in the eleventh minute but the other side equalized in the fifty-sixth minute. Fortunately, Jota scored the winner in the eighty-fourth minute. 

Celtic’s win ended a run of nine domestic away games without victory and gave their campaign a much-needed shot in the arm. They’re still in sixth place but Ange Postecoglou's side have closed the gap on league leaders Hearts to five points with a much-needed three points. 

Next, Celtic go to Motherwell on October 16.

And in another match at Anfield between Liverpool and Manchester City, both teams drew 2-2.

Jurgen Klopp‘s men were disappointing, especially when they got pinned back in their own half for forty-five minutes. 

But in the midst of a lackluster performance, we witnessed the individual brilliance from Mohamed Salah. First, his dazzling run down the right wing before sliding a pass through for Sadio Mane to score in the fifty-ninth minute. And secondly, his lightning flight past half the City team and finishing the chance himself in the seventy-sixth minute. 

Of course, the Citizens too scored a brace (69, 81) to even the score. 

We ended up with just one point in this Premier League encounter but really, we can’t complain as the Reds struggled to exert their authority on the pitch.

Deaths From US Police Violence Undercounted

The American public is already familiar with the rampant police brutality that is happening all across the country.

According to a September 04, 2019 feature “What the data say about police shootings” in the journal Nature, police officers fatally shoot about three people per day on average, a number that’s close to the yearly totals for other developed nations. This is the United States of America alright! 

But here’s another damning fact. Most deaths from police violence in the United States over the past four decades have been undercounted in the federal government main database, according to a study conducted by University of Washington researchers and published in The Lancet. 

The US National Vital Statistics System recorded police violence as playing a role in 13,700 deaths from 1980 to 2018, the study’s authors said. But by examining three non-governmental, open-source databases, they estimated the true total was more than 30,800, or 55.5 percent of those killed by police. 

The study noted that the undercounting was highest for non-Hispanic Black Americans, at 59.5 percent; followed by 56.1 percent for non-Hispanic white people and; 50 percent for Hispanic people – raising questions about how race affects medical examiners and coroners record deaths. 

It also found that Black Americans are 3.5 times more likely to be killed by police than white Americans. 

The study is one of the most comprehensive examinations ever of police violence in the US, and comes after widespread protests broke out across the country in 2020 following the high-profile killings by police of unarmed Black people, including George Floyd who died after a police officer knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes.

Covid Deaths Surpass 700K in the US

The United States reached its latest heartbreaking pandemic milestone when it surpassed 700,000 deaths from Covid-19 on Friday. 

On that same day too, Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics report that their experimental antiviral pill molnupravir (MK-4482, EIDD-2801) may be a big help protecting patients infected with Covid-19. 

Clinical trial data from an interim analysis 29 days after the study began showed that 7.3% of 385 patients who received the antiviral were either hospitalized or died from Covid-19, compared with 14.1% of the 377 patients who received a placebo. Meaning, the drug "reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by approximately 50%" for people with mild to moderate Covid-19. 

Molnupravir is an investigational, orally administered form of a potent ribonucleoside analog that inhibits the replication of SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of Covid-19. The drug which was originally developed for the treatment of influenza at Emory University was quickly licensed by the two drug companies. 

"This is the most impactful result that I remember seeing of an orally available drug in the treatment of a respiratory pathogen, perhaps ever", Dr. Scott Gottlieb (right), former commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration, told CNN's Anderson Cooper on Friday. "I think getting an oral pill that can inhibit viral replication – that can inhibit this virus – is going to be a real game changer".

According to Dr. Daria Hazuda (left), chief science officer with MSD, Merck's label operating outside of the US and Canada, molnupiravir “actually gets incorporated into the genetic material of the virus and introduces errors”. 

I am taking all of the above with more than a pinch of salt. I have this impression that Big Pharma are rushing to bring out new drugs to make quick profits.

And in football, there’s wonderful news coming in from Madrid, Spain. I'm reporting this only because it involves Luis Suarez. 

Reigning champions Atletico Madrid went level with Real Madrid at the top of La Liga and inflicted further damage on Ronald Koeman's struggling Barcelona with a deserved 2-0 win yesterday. 

Suarez played a part in the opener in the twenty-third minute and then he slotted in against his former club in the forty-fourth minute to give Atletico the three points.

No Time To Die Earns $22M in Two Days

In Bond’s home market, the UK, "No Time To Die" grossed a confirmed $6.6 million on Thursday, accounting for 94% of all box office there. 

This is the third-highest opening day of the Bond franchise, 14% above "Spectre" (Monday opening), and just 30% behind "Skyfall" (Friday opening). 

The Daniel Craig-starrer launched with the widest theatrical release of all time in the UK and Ireland. It’s playing in 772 cinemas across 3,600 screens, and will have 9,000 daily shows over the weekend. 

According to Deadline on Friday, full numbers for Wednesday and Thursday show MGM/Eon/Universal’s James Bond pic No Time To Die at a cumulative $22 million through two days of release at the international box office. That includes $20 million from just Thursday in such markets as the UK, Brazil, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. 

Pundits are already anticipating the movie will ignite the international box office and generate at least $90 million over the weekend (Friday to Sunday). For “No Time to Die”, to achieve this would be impressive because it wouldn’t be far off from its latest franchise predecessors, 2015’s “Spectre” ($123 million debut internationally) and 2012’s “Skyfall” ($109 million debut internationally). 

I couldn’t believe I was rooting for Everton today!

But then again, it’s a no-brainer because (1) they were up against the Red Devils and (2) Rafa Benitez (right) is an ex-Liverpool manager! 

The match ended in a 1-1 draw though. Three Premier League games without a win for Manchester United. And a hard-earned and deserved point for Everton. A fair result, I reckon. 

Tomorrow, Liverpool must whip Manchester City!

Closing a Speech and Update 16

This post covers speech closing. 

To me, an effective conclusion contains a takeaway message and a concluding device that helps create a lasting image in the audience's mind. The whole idea is to wrap up your speech and, in the process, make your speech unforgettable! 

You may ask, what is a takeaway message? It is the message you need your audience to take away if they’re only going to remember one thing. It has to be clear, concise and cogent. Put it in another way, it has to be compelling. 

The takeaway message is a refinement of your speech’s thesis. It is a one sentence statement that summarizes your entire speech. The thesis statement, of course, is your topic and the accompanying main ideas 

And unless your purpose is just to inform, your thesis should be persuasive. A persuasive thesis normally contains an opinion and the reason(s) why your opinion is true and valid. 

Some options you can consider to use as a concluding device: 

• Close with an inspirational quotation. 
• Find a short quote that captures the feeling you want the audience to have. 
• Include a call to action. 
• Tell a story. 
• Match the opening sentence. 
• Or even better, do an unexpected close. 

You should know that some of the best movie endings of all time were wicked twists, surprising conclusions, and outright shockers. Why are they so memorable? 

First, they are unexpected. It turns out our brains are more active when we experience something we didn’t anticipate. Second, we expected a different conclusion. When a pattern is broken, we become particularly attuned to what comes next. When you close a speech with a surprise ending, you are signaling to your audience to listen up. 

I recommend that a speaker should always strive to end on a high note. This is not the time for quick goodbyes, mumbled thank-yous, or body language that suggests all you really want to do is flee. 

It is your last chance to make an impression on your audience – which in turn will help you to inspire them to think big, persuade them to change their perspective, or move them to action. Make it count! 

If you know me, you’ll know I believe that the opening and closing sentences are the two most important parts of any speech. 

BTW, this is the penultimate update on the subject of WSD 2021 videos. I'm specifically referring to the March clips.

And here are the Top 25 videos as at 07:00 PM Malaysian time today: 

• Sanjanaa Kanthan – 3857 views (3034) 
• Karyn Yadlyn – 3853 views (2561) 
• Velleny Jivel Jinau – 2361 views (2089) 
• Christal Wong – 2177 views (1928) 
• Simon Gibson – 1706 views (1390) 
• Karan Z’vyr – 1705 views (1309) 
• Santhy Dewi Pillai – 1515 views (1010) 
• Vellvie Jivel Jinau – 1477 views (1025) 
• Tashvein Jega Theesan – 1403 views (1351) 
• Amirah – 1298 views (1276) 
• Yosshveina Jega Theesan – 1266 views (1249) 
• Sumithra Devi – 1027 views (957) 
• Chin Hui Ling – 1015 views (764) 
• Smyra Z’ryn – 839 views (832) 
• Haari Shamundiswary – 713 views (601) 
• Rohijas Md Sharif – 697 views (609) 
• Robyn Grace Leo – 670 views (624) 
• Chong Kai Zhen – 627 views (566) 
• Thanuja Kunasekaran – 616 views (553) 
• Joyce Tan – 596 views (582) 
• Ooi Mei Ling – 592 views (574) 
• Ahmad Fakhri – 568 views (503) 
• Annie Tsen – 547 views (540) 
• Vashnavy Ragupathy – 527 views (485) 
• Janany Ganabatirau – 459 views (re-entry) 

[Note: The figures in parentheses indicate the number of views from the last report published September 01, 2021]. 

A little reminder: If you’ve not subscribed to the said channel, please do so because you’ll be showing your support for CV+ and World Speech Day! 

#unexpectedvoices #worldspeechday #worldspeechday2021kualalumpur #worldspeechday2021johorbahru

Empty Frames Represent $84,000 Art

The Kunsten Museum of Modern Art in Aalborg, Denmark loaned $84,000 in Danish kroner banknotes to an artist for him to use in a pair of artworks.

Jens Haaning (left) was commissioned to recreate two of his earlier works which had used bank notes to represent average incomes. A 2007 work, An Average Danish Annual Income, displayed krone notes fixed to canvas in a frame, and a second 2011 work about Austrian incomes used Euro bills. These were intended for an exhibition at the museum about working life. 

But Lasse Andersson, director of the museum said officials opened the box they received from Haaning, expecting to find new versions of the "cash" art pieces – and instead found two empty frames.

Nonetheless, the museum went ahead to display Haaning’s new "works of art" despite their loss of thousands of dollars. 

Andersson insisted that the missing money was not a stunt to promote the exhibition. “We are a platform for art, we do not create performative art. I’m just as puzzled as everyone else”, he added. 

And Andersson told Danish broadcaster DR: "Haaning sent us an email saying he thought it was more interesting to do a new work, and it was called Take the Money and Run". LOL! 

The museuem is now concerned that Haaning will not abide by his agreement to return the cash to them by January 14, 2022, when the exhibition is scheduled to end. 

"We are not a rich museum", Andersson had asserted. "We are really hoping the money will come back".

He remains hopeful. “I believe he will give it back to us. He is a well-regarded artist. But if we don’t get it back, we will have to file charges against the artist”. 

The conceptual artist whose work focuses on power and inequality, however, told DR he has no plans to return the money. 

"Of course I will not pay it back", he said. "The work is that I took the money and I will not give it back". 

Hmm, a real dilemma for the museum.

KL, Putrajaya and Selangor Move into NRP's Phase Three

Just so you know, Malaysia’s Covid numbers for today are still stuck in the five-figure bracket at 11,889 cases. FYI, KL, Putrajaya and Selangor together recorded 1,893 cases. 

And yet, today, KL, Putrajaya and Selangor (and also Melaka) transition into Phase Three of the National Recovery Plan. 

Kedah moves to Phase Two, joining Penang, Perak, Kelantan, Johor and Sabah – meaning, no state or federal territory remain in Phase One. 

In Phase Four, we have Labuan and Negeri Sembilan while the rest of the country are in Phase Three. 

SOP rules, of course, are to change as a result of the above. 

Training facilities and industry training centres, including vocational and TVET colleges across all phases can resume operations, alongside the reopening of higher learning institutions from October 15, not to mention sports fans aged above 18 years will be allowed to attend matches. 

Also, the government have affirmed that they will permit full interstate travels when the national adult vaccination rate reaches 90%. 

Amidst this promise, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Dr, Adham Baba yesterday indicated the government will make Covid-19 vaccination mandatory for all residents in Malaysia as a final option only if needed to achieve optimum immunization coverage. 

As of yesterday, 62% of Malaysia’s total population has been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. More than half of the total population in all states, except Kelantan (46%) and Sabah (43%), have received both jabs. 

Here's more interesting info that I’ve picked up that we should know: 

• Breakthrough infections have been increasing in Penang, with the fully inoculated comprising 59% of 863 new Covid-19 cases in the state on September 29. 
• Fully vaccinated people formed 7.3%, or 418 of 5,725 Covid-19 deaths in Selangor between June 01 and September 01 this year, according to latest data by the Selangor state health department.
• Covid-19 cases involving adolescents under the age of 18, have risen dramatically with over 400,000 cases reported this year as compared to only 12,000 last year. Of the total, 252,569 cases involved schoolchildren and 42,831 cases were preschool children. 

You may reach your own conclusions based on these three statements alone. 

It would appear that the government are just desperately wanting the country to return to normalcy. As quickly as possible.

In any case, I’ve given up on their handling of the pandemic – and so, I don’t really care! I'm being honest. It's just not possible to care. 

Already, I'm questioning what have we actually achieved over these months of lockdown?! 

I see only a crippled economy and the human devastation in terms of jobs, incomes and lives.

Celtic had a promising start but it was undone by a string of defensive lapses as Bayer Leverkusen ruthlessly punished the former to take victory in their Europa League meeting in Glasgow yesterday. 

The Scottish side lost by four goals – and this defeat leaves them bottom of Group G with zero points.

Queen Pop-Up Store in London

British rock icons Queen open a pop-up store "Queen The Greatest" in London, UK on Tuesday to celebrate the band's five decades in music. 

Formed in 1971, they went on to have worldwide hits with songs such as "Bohemian Rhapsody", "We Are The Champions", “Another One Bites the Dust” and "Fat Bottomed Girls". 

Through several themed rooms on two levels, the shop retraces Queen's career up to the 2010s, including their legendary concerts and tours of the 1980s. 

The store will be open for three months on the famous Carnaby Street, the heart of Swinging Sixties London, just a few steps from the shop of another cult British band, the Rolling Stones. 

A variety of memorabilia is on sale, including a Rubik's cube decorated with the faces of the band members, a "Queen" edition of the Monopoly board game and guitars signed by Brian May as well as the ubiquitous T-shirts. 

For Monopoly enthusiasts, they should know that the goal of this Monopoly game has been altered to reflect the band's legacy – instead of buying up real estate and utilities in an effort to bankrupt friends and family, players will instead attempt to achieve Queen-style greatness by following "the amazing gig history of Queen, from their very first at Imperial College in 1970 to their last with Freddie Mercury at Knebworth Park in 1986” and buying "gig locations and hit singles" as they go. 

Aside from the altered board and game narrative, Queen Monopoly boasts an assortment of new playing pieces designed after key moments in the band's history. In addition to May's guitar, players can choose from a robot (inspired by the News of the World album artwork), a bicycle (a nod to the bands' "Bicycle Race"), a vacuum cleaner (as seen in the video for “I Want to Break Free") and a hammer (an allusion to “Hammer to Fall”).

As Monopoly fans are well aware, this is not the first time the venerable game has launched a special edition tying in with some sort of cultural phenomenon. 

In addition to the above, a unique "Queen" pinball machine and concert footage projected onto the wall give the space a fan club feel. The band's greatest hits, such as "We Will Rock You" or "Killer Queen" provide the soundtrack, piped through speakers. 

"For a Queen fan it's an amazing opportunity to come here and be immersed in the world of Queen, to know that you can come here to speak with like-minded people... and be able to find mementos", Keith Taperell, vice president of Bravado, the company responsible for merchandising within Universal Music group, told AFP.

The WSD Top 4 Speech Videos

I had checked out my WSD posts in this blog. It is, after all, another avenue to promote World Speech Day and besides, I'm involved with it too.

And I had stopped at one particular post published on April 17, 2021. Here, I had trumpeted that amongst the WSD 2021 videos – and in fact, all 217 WSD speech videos on our YouTube channel “WSD with CV Plus” – there were six videos that amassed a thousand views each. 

Fast forward to today, and I marvel that this number has grown to thirteen videos. In fact, four of the said clips have in excess of 2,000 views! 

I would never imagine that speech videos can ever attract high viewership – but these WSD videos did! 

I think it’s worthwhile to share the Top 4 videos here because they’ve earned the right to be featured in my blog! They are amazing speakers!

 

#unexpectedvoices #worldspeechday