MILAN — Shoppers laden with bags from Fendi, Loewe, Prada and other designer labels clog the narrow sidewalks of Milan's swankiest shopping street, bringing joy to the purveyors of high-end luxury goods this, and every, holiday season. There's even more to celebrate this year: a commercial real estate company crowned Via MonteNapoleone as the world's most expensive retail destination, displacing New York's Fifth Avenue. The latest version of American firm Cushman & Wakefield's annual global index, which ranks shopping areas based on the rent prices they command, is a sign of Via MonteNapoleone's desirability as an address for luxury ready-to-wear, jewelry and even pastry brands. A man walks past a shop Dec. 12 in Monte Napoleone street in Milan, Italy. The average rent on the Milan street surged to $2,047 per square foot, compared with $2,000 per square foot on an 11-block stretch of upper Fifth Avenue. Via MonteNapoleone's small size — less than a quarter-mile long — and walking distance to services and top cultural sites are among the street's key advantages, according to Guglielmo Miani, president of the MonteNapoleone District association. "Not everything can fit, which is a benefit," since the limited space makes the street even more exclusive and dynamic, said Miani, whose group also represents businesses on the intersecting side streets that together with Via MonteNapoleone form an area known as Milan's Fashion Quadrilateral. Women look a shop Dec. 12 in Monte Napoleone street in Milan, Italy. The biggest brands on the street make 50 million euros to 100 million euros in annual sales, Miani said, which goes a long way to paying the rent. Tiffany & Co. is preparing to take up residence on Via Montenapoleone, and longtime tenant Fendi is expanding. The MonteNapoleone District says 11 million people visited the area this year through November, but there's no way to say how many were big spenders vs. window shoppers. The average shopper on Via MonteNapoleone spent 2,500 euros per purchase between August and November — the highest average receipt in the world, according to the tax-free shopping firm Global Blue. The street is a magnet for holiday shoppers who arrive in Maseratis, Porsches and even Ferraris, the sports car's limited trunk space notwithstanding. A mannequin is seen Dec. 12 in a shop in Monte Napoleone street in Milan, Italy. Lights twinkle overhead, boutique windows feature mannequins engaged in warm scenes of holiday fun, and passersby snap photos of expertly decorated cakes in pastry shop displays. A visitor from China, Chen Xinghan, waited for a taxi with a half-dozen shopping bags lined up next to him on the sidewalk. He said he paid half the price for a luxury Fendi coat that he purchased in Milan than he would have at home. "I got a lot," Chen acknowledged. "It's a fantastic place, a good place for shopping." A man waits for a taxi Dec. 12 in Monte Napoleon street in Milan, Italy. A few store windows down, Franca Da Rold, who was visiting Milan from Belluno, an Italian city in the Dolomites mountain range, marveled at a chunky, yardslong knit scarf priced at 980 euros. "I could knit that in one hour, using 12-gauge knitting needles as thick as my fingers, and thick wool. Maximum two hours," Da Rold said, but acknowledged the brand appeal. Buildings are decorated Dec. 12 in Monte Napoleone street in Milan, Italy. Despite upper Fifth Avenue getting bumped to the No. 2 spot on the Cushman & Wakefield list, the organization that serves as the Manhattan street's guardian and chief promoter had praise for MonteNapoleone's achievement. "Milan's investment in its public realm is paying off, which is a win for their shoppers, businesses and city as a whole," said Madelyn Wils, interim president of the Fifth Avenue Association. She also expressed confidence that with new investments and a record year for sales on Fifth Avenue, "we'll be back on top in no time." The holiday season feels a little less jolly considering the amount of waste generated by gift-giving. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates the amount of household garbage in the U.S. increases by 25% between Thanksgiving and New Year's. After the decorations come down, all that waste heads to landfills, producing a significant contributor to climate change: methane gas. "Greening" the holidays is essential, and one simple tip is to think more about how sustainable the materials are in your decorations, decor, and, of course, gifts. Instead of plastics, you could opt for items that can be reused, are made of renewable materials or natural fibers that boast a smaller environmental impact in both production and durability. Due to consumers' desires for more eco-friendly goods, sustainable materials are among the biggest trends in home decor. Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable—and earth-conscious—home goods that make perfect holiday gifts. Made Trade rounded up a list of sustainable home decor trends in 2025 that offer dozens of creative options for holiday gift-giving. Each trend includes examples of great gifts for the home and advice for ensuring items are sustainably produced or can help create a more eco-friendly space. In the depths of winter's gray days, it's a real gift to see a little green, which is why indoor gardening gifts are a wonderful idea. Not only are they eco-friendly and promote sustainability—the more food you can grow yourself, the less you have to buy—they also foster an appreciation of nature and bring the natural world indoors to enjoy. Sprouting kits and microgreens require minimal amounts of space and sunlight, but a sunny, south-facing window will permit a small herb garden or leafy greens for salads. If you're not sure what kind of light your recipient has access to, go with gifting indoor grow lamps along with the plants, or pick a hardy, low-water houseplant—some can act as natural air purifiers too. When buying gifts for the home, consider what materials the items are made from and how far away they come from—not only are natural materials like rattan, jute, palm leaves, clay, organic cotton and linen, and ceramics more sustainable, but if they are being used by a local craftsperson, gifters are also saving on fossil fuels for the transportation. Plus, you're helping the local economy by supporting local craftspeople, so it's a win-win. Natural fiber pillows, sheets, blankets, and even doormats offer comfort and consideration of the environment. The most sustainable and eco-friendly gift is one you already have, so get creative about reusing materials already in or around your home (raid the recycling bin, find nice pieces of wood outside, wash out and reuse glass jars) to fashion them into new, thoughtful goods. Similarly, think vintage and secondhand—what items can you give a second life to by passing them along to someone who will find new meaning in them? Some of the most thoughtful gifts are small heirlooms—pieces of jewelry or a beloved ceramic dish—passed along to the next generation that will appreciate them. Green technology offers ways to reduce our carbon footprint in everyday life, and smart thermostats, solar lights, smart sprinklers, and smart plugs all make great gifts, saving people money and conserving our valuable resources. For those looking into home renovations or updating decor, try a new light fixture paired with smart blubs, or a new window treatment with smart shades. Even something as simple as a rain barrel can reduce energy use—and while the technology for that isn't very sophisticated, it certainly is, like composting, "smart." Integrated outdoor living is the ultimate gift, allowing us to bring the natural world into our homes. However, doing so sustainably takes a little more effort than simply leaving the doors to the deck open all the time. First, find eco-friendly and sustainable outdoor furniture, perhaps thrifting it or buying it used and fixing it up for a one-of-a-kind gift. If you can't go secondhand, choose furniture made of sustainable materials such as reclaimed wood, recycled plastic (great for outdoor rugs), or bamboo. For smaller gifts, consider solar lights, a water feature that recycles water, a rain barrel, or even a set of handmade wind chimes made from seashells. Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Paris Close. Photo selection by Clarese Moller. This story originally appeared on Made Trade and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.

Milan's Via MonteNapoleone usurps New York's Fifth Avenue as world's most upscale shopping streetAh, another Sunday on Meet the Press . Well, more like Meet the Dems . President-Elect Donald Trump, like any leader or employer, is seeking dedicated people for his administration who will carry out his agenda as approved by voters on Election Day. As expected, ‘journalists’ and their fellow Democrats find that rational notion to be absolutely appalling and out of the norm. Let’s hear what Democrat Jennifer Psaki of MSNBC has to say. (WATCH) 🚨PSAKI: Trump wants loyalists like Bondi and Patel in his admin so that Trump has “plausible deniability” when they target his political enemies: "They know what the direction is. He does not need to direct them. They have passed their loyalty tests." Projection meters:... pic.twitter.com/TBp2BlISN7 ‘Journalists’ and their fellow Democrats are trying to paint Trump’s desire of bringing corrupt politicians to justice as retribution. They want to protect fellow Democrats and some Republicans (think Liz Cheney) who have mobilized the power of the federal government against Trump at his every turn. There is just zero awareness or acknowledgment of what the Biden Admin and DOJ has done for the last 4 years. That’s (D)ifferent. Don’t expect them to learn anything from the last election. Kamala and the Democrats have shifted most of the country to the Right and in the right direction. We don’t want them to learn. Zero awareness: democrats haven’t learned a damn thing. Good! pic.twitter.com/nFEOGxluXX The more they refuse to learn, the better. ✅ Democrats, and this extends to their ‘journalists’, generally lack the ability to self-reflect. Introspection is necessary for learning and growing. They will to continue fail, doing the same ridiculous things over and over. Democrats are under the bizarre belief that Trump should be hiring people who will oppose him on everything. A requirement they never (conveniently) place on themselves. lol Trump wants people who agree with him in his administration, go figure "It’s bad to have people fill your administration that want to carry out your agenda" - Propaganda Press Wait, hire employees who will do what is asked of them? That’s crazy talk! It’s become a running gag, but yes, Democrats are accusing Republicans of everything they’ve been doing since Trump came down that escalator in 2015. Seriously. The level of projection here is astral. 😂 You can’t find a functioning projection meter these days. Democrats have destroyed them all. Have they watched anything over the past 4 years? Yes. That was the ‘right' people being targeted, so they were cheerleaders for that. We have to admit this next poster has a point. That studio does looks cheap. What’s up with that NBC? It is like watching a bad low budget comedy movie The low-rent set and production design doesn’t help matters. At least shoestring budget comedies have some intentional laughs. All the laughs from Meet the Press are unintentional. The set may be low-budget, but those people sitting around that table have become very rich lying to you.The Revival of Indigenous Languages and Cultures in a Digital World

"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" To keep reading, please log in to your account, create a free account, or simply fill out the form below.The International Criminal Court on Thursday issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence minister, as well as Hamas's military chief Mohammed Deif. The unprecedented move drew a furious reaction from Netanyahu, who denounced it as anti-Semitic and the court's accusations "absurd and false". Israel's closest allies, including the United States, also slammed the warrants against the Israeli politicians, but rights groups including Amnesty International welcomed them. "Prime Minister Netanyahu is now officially a wanted man," said Amnesty Secretary General Agnes Callamard. The ICC's move theoretically limits the movement of Netanyahu, as any of the court's 124 national members would be obliged to arrest him on their territory. "The Chamber issued warrants of arrest for two individuals, Mr Benjamin Netanyahu and Mr Yoav Gallant, for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed from at least 8 October 2023 until at least 20 May 2024," the ICC said in a statement. A warrant had also been issued for Deif, it added. Israel said in early August it had killed Deif in an air strike in southern Gaza in July, but Hamas has not confirmed his death. The court said it had issued the arrest warrant as the prosecutor had not been able to determine whether or not Deif was dead. The court's chief prosecutor Karim Khan urged the body's members to act on the warrants, and for non-members to work together for "upholding international law". "I appeal to all States Parties to live up to their commitment... by respecting and complying with these judicial orders," Khan said in a statement. The Palestinian Authority and militant group Hamas both welcomed the warrants -- though without mentioning Deif. The warrants for the Israeli leaders are "an important step towards justice and can lead to redress for the victims in general", Hamas's political bureau member Bassem Naim said. "But it remains limited and symbolic if it is not supported by all means by all countries around the world." - 'Reasonable grounds' - The court said it had found "reasonable grounds" to believe Netanyahu and Gallant bore "criminal responsibility" for the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare, as well as the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts. The ICC said the pair were also criminally responsible "for the war crime of intentionally directing an attack against the civilian population". The court alleged both men "intentionally and knowingly deprived the civilian population in Gaza of objects indispensable to their survival", including food, water, medicine, fuel, and electricity. Regarding the war crime of starvation, it said the manufactured shortages "created conditions of life calculated to bring about the destruction of part of the civilian population in Gaza". This resulted in civilian deaths including of children, due to malnutrition and dehydration, the court charged. It said it had not yet determined if "all elements of the crime against humanity of extermination were met," the court said. However, judges did say there were reasonable grounds to believe that the crime against humanity of murder had been committed in relation to these victims. - 'Deeply concerned' - Washington denounced the warrants against Israel. "We remain deeply concerned by the Prosecutor's rush to seek arrest warrants and the troubling process errors that led to this decision," said a National Security Council spokesperson. "The United States has been clear that the ICC does not have jurisdiction over this matter." Argentina's president, Javier Milei, also expressed his country's "deep disagreement", arguing it "distorts the spirit of international justice". Yet Italy said it would be forced to comply with the warrant should the Israeli officials set foot in the country. While Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said he believed the ICC was "wrong" to put Netanyahu and Gallant on the same level as Hamas, if either "were to come to Italy, we would have to arrest them". Speaking from Jordan, the European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell noted: "It is not a political decision. It is a decision of a court... of an international court of justice. "And the decision of the court has to be respected and implemented." - 'Secret' warrants - The warrants had initially been classified as "secret" to protect witnesses and safeguard the conduct of the investigations, the court said. They decided to make the public "since conduct similar to that addressed in the warrant of arrest appears to be ongoing", it added. "Moreover, the Chamber considers it to be in the interest of victims and their families that they are made aware of the warrants' existence." ICC prosecutor Khan in May requested the court issue arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Netanyahu sacked Gallant as defence minister on November 5. Khan initially also sought warrants against other top Hamas leaders on suspicion of war crimes and crimes against humanity. He had already dropped the application for Ismail Haniyeh, the group's political leader, following his death in an explosion in Tehran. Khan had also requested warrants against former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was also killed by the Israeli military in Gaza. Since Hamas conducted its October 7, 2023 attack, the deadliest in Israeli history, Israel has been fighting a war in Gaza, which the militant group rules. It was triggered by the assault on Israel by Hamas militants, a cross-border raid that resulted in the deaths of 1,206 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures. The Hamas government's health ministry in the Gaza Strip said Thursday that at least 44,056 people had been killed in more than 13 months of war between Israel and Palestinian militants. The toll includes 71 deaths in the previous 24 hours, according to the ministry, which said 104,268 people had been wounded in the Gaza Strip since the war began. jhe/jj/js/sbk/giv Originally published as ICC issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant, Deif Breaking News Don't miss out on the headlines from Breaking News. Followed categories will be added to My News. More related stories Budgeting Shock salary Aussies need to start a family A new report has revealed the insane amount of money Australians need to earn in two major cities to live comfortably and start a family. Read more Breaking News ‘Heart screams for you’: Teen remembered A friend of a missing teenager who was allegedly murdered has remembered her as a “beautiful soul sister” with an “unforgettable spirit”. Read more

2024 was a year of feline frenzy, according to cat lovers, event organisers, and film enthusiasts. SINGAPORE – Although the cat does not have a place in the Chinese Zodiac – something often attributed in folklore to trickery by the rat – 2024 has shaped up to be a year of feline frenzy. Beyond Singaporeans’ love of hawker fare and complaining, few things unite people here more than their affection for community cats , which have long been part of the urban landscape. Designer Clara Koh, who co-wrote the book Habitcat, observes: “We feel that community cats ‘soften’ our hard urban environment. They are harmless creatures that mind their own business. In a way, they are living very harmoniously with humans.” Habitcat, published in 2014, is based on seven days of tracing the journey of community cats on foot, and explores the relationship between urban dwellers and Singapore’s community cats. It was showcased at the Venice Architecture Biennale in 2021. “You may not notice their existence or perhaps take their presence for granted,” says Ms Koh. “But after moving to a new BTO neighbourhood without community cats for almost a decade now, we feel that we are somehow missing something.” It is fitting then that 2024 also saw the launch of the National Parks Board’s (NParks) new Cat Management Framework , which legalised cat ownership in HDB flats. Elsewhere, cats have played a role in important cultural moments – as mascots, in big screen appearances and even an unusual mention in the recent United States presidential election. From the furore over “childless cat ladies” to the rise of AI-generated cat slop, here are six reasons 2024 was the year of the cat. 1. Felines make their mark on fiction Flow is an animated fantasy adventure film with no dialogue and features a cat making its way through a flooded apocalyptic world. PHOTO: THE PROJECTOR The year saw a series of high-profile kitty appearances on the big screen and bookstore bestsellers – from the spy thriller Argylle to the Japanese bestseller The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki, inspired by myths of cats returning favours to those who show them affection. Other cosy reads with cats on The Straits Times’ weekly bestsellers lists include The Chibineko Kitchen by Yuta Takahashi and We’ll Prescribe You A Cat by Syou Ishida. Notably, a cat plays a central role in A Quiet Place: Day One, carried by Mexico-born actress Lupita Nyong’o as she desperately avoids alien creatures that hunt down even the smallest of noises. This sparked a viral trend on TikTok, in which cat owners carried their pets while simulating frantic escapes, testing whether their cats could remain silent or inadvertently doom them. Testing if Yoyo would survive A Quiet Place 🐈!!️🤫 When I saw all of your hilarious Cat Challenge videos 🫶🏿🤣, I knew I was 100000% doing this with Yoyo!! And happy #InternationalCatDay to all of #CatTok 😻 #quietplacechallenge #AQuietPlace #quietplacecatchallenge #catsoftiktok @A Quiet Place: Day One Another film with a standout leading feline is the critically acclaimed Latvian animated adventure film Flow . Featuring a cast of animal characters surviving in a flooded apocalyptic world, it has no dialogue. Critics have praised its use of visual and non-verbal cues to create a story that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers – much like how cats are loved the world over. In Singapore, the film premiered at independent cinema The Projector on Dec 5. Ms Worms Virk, The Projector’s marketing manager, says: “Flow has been electrifying the festival circuit, gracing the likes of Cannes Film Festival and Annecy International Animated Film Festival. Now, our local audiences will get to witness its innovative animation and timeless cat-centric story.” “Fun fact: All the ‘voice acting’ in the film is done by real animals,” she adds. 2. Cat ownership legalised Singapore’s community cats are felines who live outdoors and have no owner. PHOTO: CLARA KOH AND ALVIN HO In September, Singapore launched the new Cat Management Framework, making it mandatory for all pet cats to be microchipped and licensed by the end of the two-year transition period in August 2026. The move lifts a 34-year ban on cat ownership in HDB flats. Ms Shelby Doshi, a cat behavioural consultant, says the framework is an important step forward for cats in Singapore: “It’s a triumph for animal welfare, as we have been advocating for years to legalise cat ownership.” A photographer who goes by the name Nguan, with nearly 300,000 followers on Instagram, has spent the past 12 years documenting Singapore’s community cats. He believes the lifting of the ban marks a fitting conclusion to his long-running project. A post shared by Nguan (@_nguan_) His photo series has drawn tens of thousands of “likes” on Instagram. “I’d love to think that it’s all to do with my photography, but the truth is that people just love cats.” Many of his photos depict cats in housing estates that no longer exist. “Community cats belong to no one and everyone. They have become such a distinctive part of our local landscape,” he adds. Dr Anna Wong, group director of the NParks’ Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS), says some veterinary clinics have voluntarily started their own initiatives to offer discounted microchipping and sterilisation services for pet cats. These efforts complement the AVS’ work to support low-income households with free pet cat sterilisation and microchipping through the Pet Cat Sterilisation Support programme. “We strongly encourage cat owners to sterilise their cats before licensing them,” she adds. “Sterilising their cats will not only prevent unintended breeding, but also offers health benefits. Sterilised cats will have a reduced risk of certain cancers, and are less likely to roam and caterwaul.” However, some cat lovers say the new framework does not go far enough. Ms Thenuga Vijakumar, president of the Cat Welfare Society, says that a lack of mandatory sterilisation remains a big issue. “The impact is that there will continue to be people with overpopulated homes, abandoning their animals or passing the burden of care to someone else.” The Cat Welfare Society raised $1.2 million in 2023 towards its initiatives to offer free sterilisation, microchipping and support to lower-income households with cats – a substantial sum necessary due to the many cats in need in Singapore. “One thing that people constantly fail to acknowledge is that animal welfare issues are a symptom of social welfare issues. We see a number of situations where these animals just happen to be non-human dependents, but they have no assistance.” Meanwhile, Temasek Polytechnic student Alessandro Lange, 26, who volunteers with the local non-profit Trap Neuter Return project, is concerned about the cat abandonments he has seen while volunteering due to misinformation. While the new framework allows cat owners to have up to two cats if they live in an HDB flat, there is an exception for those who license their cats in the transition period leading up to 2026, who are allowed to keep all their existing cats if they can ensure their welfare. Mr Lange hopes that more can be done to raise awareness of this, as well as resources available for low-cost sterilisation or free sterilisation for Community Health Assist Scheme (Chas) cardholders. 3. Cat-inspired establishments rise up Singapore is no stranger to cat cafes, but some establishments are taking feline appreciation in new directions. One such establishment is the secretive speakeasy Cat Bite Club in Duxton Road, which one might recognise by the discrete symbol of a grinning cat by its entrance. The bar has made a remarkable ascent to 54th place in the World’s Best Bars list for 2024, just a year after it opened in 2023. Cat Bite Club founder Jesse Vida switching on the signboard at his bar in Duxton Road. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI “Our cat is our mascot,” says co-founder Jesse Vida, 37, who adds that the bar’s name is also inspired by Alice In Wonderland’s Cheshire Cat. “Although there are no other Alice In Wonderland tropes to our bar, that was the original inspiration – that kind of naughty, playful, mysterious energy. “Those are the vibes we want people to feel and embody when they’re in our space.” Another cat-themed establishment, Fuzzies, opened in May in Arab Street and offers an unusual twist on the co-working space concept: kitty co-workers. Fuzzies is a cat co-working space in Arab Street co-founded by Mr Lim Khai Chong and Ms Lynn Loh. PHOTO: FUZZIES Mr Lim Khai Chong, 30, who co-founded the space with Ms Lynn Loh, 27, says: “Unlike many cat cafes, our cats came before Fuzzies was founded. Lynn and I adopted a number of cats at various times – the cats at Fuzzies are all our pets to begin with.” As there was not enough space in their home to house all their kitties, they decided to create Fuzzies as another living space for them. “This has informed our design of Fuzzies, with the cats as the priority.” There are cat-exclusive spaces in Fuzzies which guests cannot enter, so the kitties have a safe space to escape to. Guests are not allowed to feed the cats to avoid them overeating and to ensure a healthy diet. “As to why a co-working space – if you had the opportunity to work at home with your kitties, you will understand,” says Mr Lim. “The unexpected interruptions, the sudden jumps onto your keyboard – all these little actions make your work day just a little less dreary.” 4. “Childless cat ladies” sparks furore In 2021, American Senator J.D. Vance labelled some politicians as “a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices that they’ve made, and so they want to make the rest of the country miserable too”. “It’s just a basic fact – you look at Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigieg, AOC – the entire future of the Democrats is controlled by people without children,” says Mr Vance, who is now the Vice-President-elect, referring to the US Vice-President and Transportation Secretary as well as Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez respectively. “And how does it make any sense that we’ve turned our country over to people who don’t really have a direct stake in it?” When these comments resurfaced in July during the US presidential election, it was claws out from celebrities and politicians alike , including actress Jennifer Aniston and singer Taylor Swift. The latter, a proud cat owner, later endorsed presidential candidate Harris on Instagram in a post signed, “Taylor Swift, Childless Cat Lady.” A post shared by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift) Cat behavioural consultant Ms Doshi believes this tension between parents and “pawrents” stems from a growing section of society who has chosen not to conform to traditional norms to settle down and have children. Herself a childless cat lady, she says: “We will do anything for our cats. Is that bad? If you can afford it and it makes you happy, why not?” 5. Banner year for cat-themed events The Asia Cat Expo welcomed over 20,000 participants in 2024 - with a line-up that included competitions, welfare talks and workshops. PHOTO: FURFLR The second edition of the Asia Cat Expo was held in 2024, which organisers Furflr say welcomed more than 20,000 attendees. Furflr also previously organised Purrsa Malam, Singapore’s first cat-themed night market, in August, and is holding the next Singapore Cat Festival on Dec 7 and 8 at Singapore Expo. A Furflr spokesperson says: “The reception for Asia Cat Expo has been incredible. For the first edition last year, we were pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming turnout, with long queues that caught us off guard.” This meant having to expand the venue for the 2024 edition by moving it to the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre. “We’ve been organising activities for cats and cat lovers since 2018,” says the spokesperson. “Over the years, we’ve noticed a growing interest and, by 2024, the cat community has become quite established.” Dr Tay Woo Chiao, who describes himself as an “obsessive cat daddy”, attended the Asia Cat Expo with his kittens Cottons and Cushions. The 37-year-old doctor says a highlight of the event was being able to give his cats a taste test of treat samples before committing to a purchase. “Because they are fussy. I have bought huge packets of freeze-dried food before, but they just didn’t want it.” 6. Are AI-generated cats the new Hello Kitty? AI-generated cats, often named “Chubby,” are racking up millions of views on TikTok. These videos usually come with captions like “did Chubby manage to survive?” PHOTO: MPMINDS/TIKTOK It has also been a big year for cat mascots. There was the first Doraemon Run in Singapore in November. Doraemon is a Japanese manga-originated blue robotic earless cat, known for pulling otherworldly gadgets out of its pouch. Cat lover Teng Yu-Ching signed up for the run partly because of its adorable medal design, styled after Doraemon’s iconic bell collar. The 36-year-old sales manager says: “The run lived up to expectations, though most people there were really there for the theme and the merch.” Singapore’s first Doraemon Run took place in November. PHOTO: TENG YU-CHING Another cat icon, Hello Kitty, celebrated its 50th birthday in November. However, Sanrio, the company behind Hello Kitty, has long maintained that despite appearances, Hello Kitty is not a cat but a British schoolgirl named Kitty White, who is five apples tall and weighs three apples. Singapore Cable Car is operating Hello Kitty-themed cabins until the end of 2024. These days, Hello Kitty is facing fierce competition from the likes of Mofusand – a Japanese group of cats who dresses up in adorable costumes. In October, Uniqlo announced a new Mofusand collaboration for its graphic tees. A post shared by UNIQLO Singapore (@uniqlosg) But the newest pop culture cat on the scene was not created by human hands. These AI-crafted felines – many of them called “Chubby” – have amassed millions of views on TikTok. Poor family... #catsoftiktok #cat #ai #aiart #poorcat #chubby Artificial intelligence researchers note that these cats are part of a phenomenon known as “AI slop” – low-quality content produced rapidly and en masse by AI tools. With hundreds of accounts now dedicated to sharing stories about cats like Chubby online, it seems that even adorable cat pictures are not beyond AI’s reach. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads. Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards Spin the wheel now

Milan's Via MonteNapoleone usurps New York's Fifth Avenue as world's most upscale shopping street

In a highly anticipated matchup, Beijing faced off against tough opponents and stumbled to a surprising loss. The defeat proved costly as it saw them slip from their coveted spot at the summit of the league. This result served as a stark reminder of the competitive nature of the CBA, where no team can afford to take victory for granted.The return of the €200 million superstar symbolizes a new beginning for Real Madrid. His presence on the pitch is not just a boost to the team's attacking prowess, but also a source of inspiration and motivation for his teammates. His passion and determination are infectious, and his return has reignited the fire in the hearts of every player in the squad.

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (AP) — Nate Calmese had 16 points in Washington State's 76-68 victory over Northern Iowa on Saturday night. Calmese also contributed six assists for the Cougars (10-3). Dane Erikstrup scored 15 points while shooting 6 for 7, including 3 for 4 from beyond the arc. LeJuan Watts went 7 of 10 from the field to finish with 14 points. Tytan Anderson led the Panthers (7-5) in scoring, finishing with 17 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two steals. Leon Bond III added 17 points, seven rebounds and two steals for Northern Iowa. Ben Schwieger finished with 10 points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .In a bid to secure a significant financial boost, both Manchester City and Chelsea are poised to rake in a substantial sum of £60 million from their participation in the upcoming Club World Cup, as reported by The Mail.

The Department of the Air Force has moved to by aligning the Headquarters Cyberspace Capabilities Center at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois as a field operating agency to the Office of the DAF Chief Information Officer. “This is a significant step toward streamlining and consolidating Information Technology functions and ensuring unity of effort in IT service delivery across the Air Force and Space Force,” Secretary of the Air Force said in a statement published Monday. Enabling IT Enterprise to Accelerate Capability Development “By combining and aligning these functions to their authoritative owner, the IT enterprise will be able to produce capabilities in shorter, more rapid development cycles – ensuring requirements are expediently actioned and delivered to the Airmen and Guardians who need them,” the awardee added. The move took effect Friday, Dec. 20. Follow-on measures will include future administrative changes and realignment of functions from other organizations. “I have a responsibility to the secretary, but also his staff and both services, to ensure their IT requirements are captured and developed in a way that is not only responsive but cost effective and interoperable with one another,” said , chief information officer at DAF. “We can do this through effective governance, and alignment of the Cyberspace Capabilities Center as a Field Operating Agency to my office, will help reinforce adherence to the capability delivery process,” added Goodwine, a fellow recipient. Headquarters Cyberspace Capabilities Center is expected to achieve full operational capability by October 2025. According to the department, there will be no movement of personnel as a result of the changes, which seek to organize, equip and train the IT enterprise and cyberspace domain.A stroke changed a teacher’s life. How a new electrical device is helping her move

From the opening tip-off, it was clear that both teams were hungry for a victory. The game was fast-paced and physical, with neither side willing to back down. The Beijing Ducks, known for their powerful offense and strong defense, initially took the lead with their sharp shooting and solid defensive plays. However, the Shanxi Loongs, led by their star players, fought back tenaciously, gradually closing the gap and eventually overtaking Beijing in a dramatic turn of events.

Florida social media influencer arrested after police say she filmed herself while shoplifting - USA TODAYThe potential impact of a new stimulus package cannot be overstated. In addition to providing much-needed relief to businesses and individuals struggling in the current economic climate, it could also serve as a confidence booster for investors and consumers, potentially kick-starting a wave of renewed economic activity and growth.In response to the recent incident where a mother and her daughter were found carrying scissors onto a train, China's national railway operator, 12306, clarified that the length of the scissors was within the allowable limit for passengers to bring on board. This statement has sparked debates and discussions regarding railway safety and security measures.

Title: "Pangtong's Future Plan to Implement 5-Hour Workdays for Employees: Adapting to High Client Traffic by Adjusting Operating Hours"

Liverpool powered seven points clear at the top of the Premier League as the title favourites survived a scare in their 3-1 win against Leicester, while Bruno Fernandes was sent off in Manchester United's dismal 2-0 defeat at lowly Wolves. Erling Haaland missed a penalty as crisis-torn Manchester City failed to end their dismal run with a 1-1 draw against Everton, but it was United's travails and Liverpool's remarkable run that took centre-stage on Thursday. Arne Slot's side were shocked by Jordan Ayew's early strike at Anfield, but the leaders recovered their composure to equalise just before the interval through Cody Gakpo. England midfielder Jones marked his 100th top-flight appearance with the second goal soon after half-time. Mohamed Salah's 19th goal this term wrapped up Liverpool's 11th win in their last 13 games in all competitions. "We created enough, but because we went 1-0 down it was a game," Liverpool manager Slot said. "Then you saw how good we are and Leicester didn't want to come back into the game." Liverpool's comeback lifted them well clear of second-placed Chelsea, who were defeated 2-1 by Fulham earlier in the day. United suffered a third successive loss in all competitions to leave new boss Ruben Amorim with five defeats in his first 10 games. Fernandes was dismissed two minutes into the second half at Molineux for a second bookable offence. United's 10 men cracked in the 58th minute when Matheus Cunha's corner went straight in as goalkeeper Andre Onana flapped under pressure. Hwang Hee-chan compounded Amorim's misery when he tapped in with just seconds left. Losing to fourth-bottom Wolves was another bitter blow for United, who endured a humiliating 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth at Old Trafford last weekend after losing 4-3 in the League Cup at Tottenham. With his team marooned in 14th place -- just eight points above the relegation zone -- Amorim's woes might not be over, with United facing in-form Newcastle on Monday before travelling to Liverpool in their first game of 2025. "It's so tough to win games in this league with 11 men. With 10 men, it's more difficult," Amorim said. Champions Manchester City have just one victory in their last 13 games in all competitions as their Christmas schedule started in disappointing fashion. Bernardo Silva put City in front early on before Iliman Ndiaye salvaged a point for Everton. Seven minutes into the second half, Haaland had the chance to end his longest goal drought at the Etihad but Jordan Pickford denied him. City are languishing in seventh place and sit five points adrift of the top four, with their astonishing decline showing no sign of ending. "Of course we need results and we didn't get it. The team played really good again in all departments and unfortunately could not win," said City boss Pep Guardiola. At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea were stunned by Fulham's late fightback in a dramatic west London derby. It was Chelsea's first home defeat against Fulham since 1979. Cole Palmer put Chelsea ahead after 16 minutes, the England forward drilling home from the edge of the area after weaving through the Fulham defence in dazzling style. But Fulham levelled with eight minutes left when Harry Wilson nodded in from close range. There was worse to come for the Blues when Rodrigo Muniz completed the turnaround in the 95th minute. Nottingham Forest climbed to third place after a 1-0 win against sputtering Tottenham at the City Ground. Forest's fourth successive win was sweet revenge for boss Nuno Espirito Santo, whose former club Tottenham had Djed Spence sent off in the closing moments for a second booking. Tottenham are stuck in 11th as the pressure mounts on boss Ange Postecoglou. Newcastle swatted aside 10-man Aston Villa 3-0, moving up to fifth place after winning three consecutive league games for the first time since 2023. Jarrod Bowen's 59th-minute goal gave West Ham a 1-0 win at bottom of the table Southampton after the visitors saw Guido Rodriguez's red card overturned by VAR. It was a frustrating start for new Saints boss Ivan Juric, who has replaced the sacked Russell Martin. Bournemouth and Crystal Palace shared a goalless draw at the Vitality Stadium. smg/nfPeyton's steal was not only a result of his individual effort, but also highlighted the effectiveness of the Lakers' team defense. As soon as Peyton saw an opportunity to make a play on the ball, his teammates quickly surrounded Edwards, applying pressure and forcing him into a difficult position. This suffocating defense forced Edwards to make a hurried pass, which Peyton intercepted with lightning-quick reflexes.

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