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Daisaku Ikeda, head of global Japanese Buddhist organization Soka Gakkai, dies at 95

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 05:11:48 GMT

TOKYO (AP) — Daisaku Ikeda, who headed Soka Gakkai, a Japanese Buddhist organization, that includes famed musician Herbie Hancock and other celebrities in its fold, has died at 95, the Japanese religious organization said Saturday.Ikeda died on Nov. 15 at his home in Tokyo, “from natural causes,” the group said in a statement, without giving details.Along with his two predecessors, Ikeda is credited with reviving Nichiren Buddhism in the modern age, making it more accessible for present-day practitioners by emphasizing a philosophy of goodness, respect for others and being happy and at peace.Soka Gakkai has been set up in 192 countries, drawing more than 8 million member households in Japan and nearly 3 million people outside Japan, according to the group.An educator, photographer and poet, Ikeda played a key role in spreading the teachings abroad, founding Soka Gakkai International in 1975.He met Josei Toda, the second president of Soka Gokkai, during the 1950s when Ikeda was just ...

B.C. New Democrats gather in Victoria for convention ahead of next year’s election

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 05:11:48 GMT

VICTORIA — British Columbia New Democrats gather in Victoria this weekend to debate policy and strategy at the party’s convention ahead of next year’s provincial election.Premier David Eby will address party delegates this afternoon.Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is expected to speak to delegates Sunday. Party officials say the weekend gathering marks the first in-person convention since 2019, and the first under Eby, who took over as party leader from former premier John Horgan last November.Eby’s first year as premier has seen the NDP introduce housing policy initiatives, public safety reforms and cost-of-living assistance measures.The B.C. election is scheduled for fall 2024.This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 18, 2023.The Canadian Press

Shifa Hospital patients, staff and displaced leave the compound, Gaza health officials say

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 05:11:48 GMT

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Gaza health officials say many patients, medical staff and the displaced on Saturday left Gaza’s largest hospital, which was taken over by Israeli forces earlier in the week. Palestinian officials and the Israeli military offered conflicting versions about what prompted the mass exodus from Shifa Hospital. Health officials they received an evacuation order from the military on Saturday morning, while the military said it had offered safe passage to those hoping to leave. Before the departure, several thousand people, including medical patients in serious condition, were trapped in Shifa in dire conditions.THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Internet and phone service was partially restored to the Gaza Strip on Saturday, ending a telecommunications blackout that forced the United Nations to shut down critical humanitarian aid deliveries because it was unable to coordinate its convoys.Meantime, ...

Daily horoscope for November 18, 2023

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 05:11:48 GMT

Moon Alert: Avoid shopping or making important decisions from 3 a.m. to 7 a.m. EST today (12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m. PST). After that, the Moon moves from Capricorn into Aquarius.Happy Birthday for Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023:You are exuberant, energetic, outgoing and passionate. Your approach to things is refreshing and upbeat. This is the final year of a nine-year cycle, which means it’s time to take inventory of your life. Let go of people, places and things from the past that have held you back.ARIES(March 21-April 19) ★★★★This is a wonderful day to enjoy the company of friends and groups. There is one tiny caveat, however. It’s possible to be a bit smug and think that you have all the answers. Be careful about that. Tonight: Generosity.TAURUS(April 20-May 20) ★★★★★You make a marvelous impression on others today because the Moon is at the top of your chart dancing with lucky Jupiter. This makes you appear like a benevolent, successful, affluent person. (Milk this for all it...

Presidential aide Hikmat Hajiyev says Azerbaijan wants peace and normalized relations with Armenia

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 05:11:48 GMT

Hikmat Hajiyev, assistant to the president of Azerbaijan on Foreign Policy Affairs, met with journalists in Brussels this week to discuss relations with Armenia after Karabakh's freedom. Armenia has occupied the region since 1991, declaring the Nagorno Karabakh Republic a de facto autonomous state.Hajiyev stated Armenia's unlawful regime is disarmed and out of Azerbaijan.This eliminates hurdles to an Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal.We believe this is a historic opportunity to end antagonism and hostility between two countries and construct durable peace based on Azerbaijan's five principles for Armenia.“Then I think that Azerbaijan has also established a model of resolution of one of the most prolonged conflicts on the wider map of Eurasia.”The Karabakh conflict has been one of the OSCE's issues since its founding, although it has not been resolved.Because its aim was to maintain Armenia's occupation of Azerbaijan, the Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship Institute failed.We've ended the milit...

Excellence in journalism recognized at awards ceremony

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 05:11:48 GMT

EU Reporter is proud to have sponsored the Journalists’ Charity Media Awards, held in Cardiff this month. The event in the Welsh capital raised money for an organization founded by Charles Dickens, a journalist who became one of the greatest novelists the world has ever known. It also recognised achievements in journalism, at a time when it both faces more challenges and is more essential than ever, writes Nick Powell. Jeremy Bowen reporting from GazaBBC International Editor Jeremy Bowen won the headline Outstanding Contribution to Journalism award in recognition of his 40-year career reporting on conflicts from around the world. He is currently covering the Israel-Hamas conflict but in a video message said: “I would like to thank you all for this fantastic award. It’s a great honour and I’m disappointed not to be with you.”He added: “April next year will be 40 years since I signed on the dotted line with the BBC to become a journalist. I’m very fortunate that I have had a part in s...

What to know about Turkey before your visit

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 05:11:48 GMT

Turkey not only offers natural beauty and impressive historical landmarks. It also has infrastructure to support the large number of visitors that enter the country each year. It features excellent public transportation in its major cities, well-connected flights, accessible travel packages and more.You can explore different areas of the country and marvel at its richness. However, there are several things to know before making a trip. From Turkey’s entry requirements, top destinations, mosque etiquette, to travel advisory. Read further to find out more.What should US travelers know before traveling to Turkey?The US and Turkey do not have a visa waiver agreement. What this means for US passport holders is that they must get the Turkey e-Visa online before their trip to the country. The Turkey online visa requirements for US travelers are straightforward. To apply, a passport, email, and debit or credit card are necessary. In the past, it was possible to get a visa on arrival. Howeve...

Innovative solutions for seamless smile transformations

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 05:11:48 GMT

Your smile is often the first thing people notice about you. It can convey warmth, confidence, and approachability, making it a vital component of your overall appearance. However, not everyone is born with a perfect smile, and various factors can affect the way our teeth look and function. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers innovative solutions for transforming your smile seamlessly. In this blog post, we will explore some of the latest advancements in the world of cosmetic dentistry that can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.Invisible braces: Straightening teeth discreetlyTraditional metal braces have been used for decades to straighten misaligned teeth. However, many adults and teenagers are reluctant to wear them due to their visibility and discomfort. Enter invisible braces, a revolutionary solution that offers a discreet way to straighten teeth. Invisalign, for instance, uses clear aligners that are custom-made to fit your teeth snugly. These aligners are nearly invi...

Miss Manners: Unless her house is on fire, I find the host’s behavior reprehensible

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 05:11:48 GMT

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a cousin who calls almost weekly to invite me over for dinner during the upcoming weekend — but nine times out of 10, the invitation gets rescinded or canceled.Related ArticlesAdvice | Miss Manners: So now moms expect their own gifts at kids’ birthday parties? Advice | Miss Manners: Why I would never get rid of this useless item I keep tripping over Advice | Miss Manners: Was my gift to her tacky? Or was her response tacky? Advice | Miss Manners: Her husband got whiny, and suddenly I was on the hook for $100 Advice | Miss Manners: What do you mean what’s wrong with my arm? After I accept, she says she’ll call later in the week to confirm in case she gets busy. (I don’t understand the need to confirm, since I’ve already accepted, and she’s the one inviting me.)Usually, she’ll call on the day of the dinner and give some excuse: She a...

CIF water polo regionals: Sacred Heart Prep outlasts De La Salle in OT thriller

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 05:11:48 GMT

Boys Division INo. 1 Sacred Heart Prep 13, No. 4 De La Salle 12, OTIn a classic match for a spot in the CIF NorCal Division I final, Oliver Marcin scored four goals and Andrew Spencer and Gates Gamble each had three goals to lead Sacred Heart Prep to a thrilling victory over De La Salle on Friday night at the University of the Pacific in Stockton.SHP (23-7) advanced to play third-seeded Miramonte in the title game on Saturday at UOPDLS finished 19-9.SHP trailed 4-3 at halftime and 8-6 after three quarters before rallying to force overtime.Davidka Skov had four goals and Breydon Congo finished with three goals for DLS. The Spartans also got two goals each from Sloan Brown and Lukas Peters.Girls Division INo. 2 Campolindo 10, No. 3 Sacred Heart Prep 9Ana Pieper scored five goals and London Menard added three as Campolindo edged Sacred Heart Prep at UOP to advance to the NorCal Division I final.The second-seeded Cougars will play top-seeded and league-rival Miramonte for the championsh...