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France’s erratic policy threatens stability 

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 15:06:14 GMT

France sending weapons to the Middle East, the Caucasus and Central Asia creates an unstable landscape in these regions, while losing every bit of political influence in North and West Africa, writes James Wilson. According to Sébastien Lecornu, French Minister of the Armed Forces, there is "a slow, progressive, but unfortunately certain increase in pressure" in Lebanon because of Iran’s terrorist proxy, Hezbollah, firing missiles and mortars into Israel. And this could escalate and open a second front while Israel is fighting another Iranian proxy, Hamas in Gaza. “In the Near and Middle East, we are dancing on a volcano,” Lecornu added in an interview with Europe 1-CNews.Why, then, did Paris decide to provide the Lebanese army with dozens of VAB armoured personnel carriers (APC)? Lecornu claimed that these vehicles will “assist the Lebanese military in their patrol missions within the country”, so that “it could coordinate well with the UNIFIL”. It is common knowledge that Hezbolla...

Turkeys voting for Christmas: Who votes for the end of oil derogation in Bulgaria?

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 15:06:14 GMT

In the multi-season series “Bulgarian politicians against the Lukoil oil refinery in Burgas,” an interesting plot twist has emerged. It turned out that the INSA Oil company, which is associated with the main opponent of the refinery, Bulgarian MP Delyan Peevski, is actively increasing the supply of petroleum products from Russia throughout 2023.Under pressureThe oil refinery in the eastern Bulgarian resort of Burgas celebrated its 60th anniversary this year but appears to have received more media attention in the past year than in the past 59 years. Here is a brief overview of events. In February 2023, the EU embargo on the supply of oil and petroleum products from Russia finally came into force, but an exception was made for Bulgaria until the end of 2024. The country's authorities then justified this decision by difficulties in finding alternative oil suppliers. A few months later, deputies of the GERB and DPS parties - Delyan Dobrev and Delyan Peevski - initiated an attack on the...

Major traffic safety project begins along Pacific Coast Highway

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 15:06:14 GMT

An ambitious multi-million-dollar project begins Monday to improve safety and traffic flow along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, including the area where four Pepperdine University students were killed in a crash in October.As part of the “Traffic Signal Synchronization Project,” crews will install communication lines between existing traffic signals on the PCH between John Tyler Drive and Topanga Canyon Boulevard. Officials said this will allow signals to be controlled remotely by Caltrans to lower speeds and reduce congestion.The Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California. (Getty Images)“The new equipment will capture real-time traffic data and send it to the traffic signal controllers, which will use state-of-the art software to adjust the traffic signal timing to actual traffic volume,” the City of Malibu said on its website. “Vehicles going the speed over the speed limit will encounter red lights, while those going the speed limit will encounter green lights.”The project ...

West Hollywood man reunited with stolen English bulldog 

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 15:06:14 GMT

A man who had his English bulldog stolen from him at gunpoint last month has now been reunited with his beloved pooch. Justin Garcia, the dog’s owner, says that his dog Capone was stolen from him by a group of armed men while he was walking near his apartment building on Olive Street on Nov. 6.  Sunrise creates stunning backdrop for downtown Los Angeles The masked gunmen told Justin to “give [him] the dog or he [dies],” he told KTLA 5’s Annie Rose Ramos just one day after Capone was taken. As one thief took Capone and put him in the back of their getaway car, another began ransacking Justin's vehicle and throwing his belongings around. Capone is a 1-year, 10-month-old English Bulldog that was stolen at gunpoint from a couple in West Hollywood. (Photos courtesy of Justin Garcia)All that was stolen was an old security badge, Justin said, and the thief managed to miss a wad of cash sitting in his car.  Major traffic safety project begins along Pacific Coast Highway A few weeks afte...

Top 3 Amazon scams to avoid this holiday season

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 15:06:14 GMT

Scammers love to latch on to the names of large companies.Why? They have a lot of customers and recognizable names, so chances are you'll open the email.Amazon customers are a popular target."They are getting better and better at looking extremely authentic," explained Scott Knapp, Amazon's Director of Worldwide Buyer Risk Prevention.Knapp detailed the top scams to watch out for this holiday season.Follow Tech Reporter Rich DeMuro on Instagram for more tech tips, news and reviews.Order Confirmation ScamThis is where you get an email about an expensive item you didn’t buy. The goal is to get you to click a link to cancel. The problem: the link leads to the scam artists."So you get a little bit concerned that you might get charged for something and then suddenly you're engaging with a bad actor," explained Knapp.Email Attachment ScamThis involves an email that says your account will be shut down and it includes an attachment with a link inside."The only problem is, it directs that rig...

Harnessing Instagram: Strengthening Brand Connections Through Engagement

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 15:06:14 GMT

In the realm of 21st-century digital communication, social media reigns supreme. Among its royalty, Instagram emerges as an influential platform for both individuals and businesses. The heartbeat of your brand’s online presence is encapsulated by its Instagram engagement — a crucial indicator of how your audience perceives and values your brand. Tapping into strategies that amplify Instagram engagement can directly influence brand growth.Shaping an Instagram strategy isn’t merely about posting; it’s about weaving engagement into the core of your brand’s objectives. Instagram not only bridges communication gaps but also deepens the relationship between brands and their target audience. Engagement on Instagram isn’t just about the isolated metrics of likes or comments; it’s an aggregate of interactions that reflect your brand’s appeal. When a user pauses their scroll to engage with your content, it’s a testament to its value, translating...

Inside the VIP Aesthetics Practice Treating the New Generation of A-Listers

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 15:06:14 GMT

It’s 8pm on a Thursday, and Dr. Robert Dorfman just wrapped a day of aesthetic injectable and hair restoration appointments. He’s smiling graciously as his last patient snaps a photo with him to share with her 1M social media followers and departs with a newfound confidence – something Dr. Dorfman calls the “Done by Dorfman glow”.Done by Dorfman is the brainchild of renowned Hair Restoration & Aesthetic Surgeon, Dr. Robert Dorfman. The prestigious clinic is located at the heart of Beverly Hills, California. Patients are provided white-glove service from the moment they step in the door. Upon check in, patients are greeted by Dr. Dorfman’s staff and seated in a luxurious waiting room boasting Hermes and Louis Vuitton finishes, before spending a full one to two hours with Dr. Dorfman himself. Perhaps most impressively, to ensure patients are completely content with their results, they are offered unlimited complimentary touch-ups following their appointment.Dr. Robert Dorfma...

Don’t Miss Out on the Basketball Extravaganza: Lakers vs Kings

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 15:06:14 GMT

Sponsored ContentIs there anything more truly exhilarating than witnessing a showdown between two long-standing adversaries such as the Los Angeles Lakers and the Sacramento Kings? Each clash between these indomitable forces promises an electrifying spectacle that will leave both teams and their passionate fans on the edge of their seats. You really shouldn’t miss out on such an exhilarating experience – that’s why you should secure your lakers vs kings tickets in advance and be a part of the intense battle unfolding on the court.This piece will delve into the rich history of the Lakers and Kings’ rivalry, meticulously analyze the teams, delve into the game-day atmosphere and delve into the fervor and anticipation of the fans.Historical Rivalry between Lakers and KingsThe Lakers and Kings have been locked in a fierce battle for supremacy for decades. These two powerhouses have clashed countless times, igniting a fire within basketball enthusiasts that has bur...

Pac-12 football: Our picks for postseason award winners and the all-conference team

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 15:06:14 GMT

The Pac-12 will announce its 2023 all-conference teams and postseason award winners on Tuesday. The head coaches were permitted to wait for the result of the conference championship game before casting their ballots.We see no reason to wait for the official reveal.The Hotline’s selections …Coach of the Year: Washington’s Kalen DeBoerIn the end, it was an easy decision. Arizona’s Jedd Fisch did marvelous work turning the Wildcats into a nine-win team in his third season. But DeBoer did what no head coach has accomplished in the 13 years of the conference’s expansion era: He won every game. And nothing beats 13-0. If DeBoer doesn’t claim the official honor on Tuesday, it’s because the coaches are playing politics.Offensive Player of the Year: Washington QB Michael Penix Jr.Loads of terrific candidates for this honor, including two receivers: Oregon’s Troy Franklin and Washington’s Rome Odunze. But Penix led his team through a Novem...

Inman: Purdy lifts 49ers’ starry offense to new heights in Philly return

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 15:06:14 GMT

PHILADELPHIA — Overjoyed 49ers fans basked in Sunday night’s win by lingering at Lincoln Financial Field and serenading Brock Purdy off that conquered ground: “PUR-DY! PUR-DY!”Darting toward the tunnel came the 49ers’ quarterback. “LET’S GO!!!!” he fired back at the red-clad crooners.The 49ers (9-3) are closing in on their fourth playoff run in five seasons, and they’ve got an MVP-caliber quarterback emerging in the best of times.Now, a 42-19 Week 13 beatdown in enemy territory does not cancel out last season’s 31-7 NFC Championship Game defeat here, and the 49ers acknowledged they may need to return in eight Sundays for a shot at the Super Bowl title.It’s reminiscent of the 2010 San Francisco Giants’ path. They stunned the host Phillies in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series, with Cody Ross hitting two home runs and Tim Lincecum laughing at ornery fans’ wolf whistles. A week later, the Giants returned to clinch a World Series berth.Purdy and the 49ers are ...