Senior UK right-wing politicians have privately contacted Donald Trump's allies, urging his team not to support British far-right activist Tommy Robinson, following Elon Musk's recent call for Robinson's release from prison. Musk, who is set to play a prominent role in Trump's upcoming administration, posted on his social media platform X advocating for Robinson's freedom.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is a convicted anti-immigration activist with a history of criminal convictions, including contempt of court and other offenses. Despite his strong stance on immigration, figures like Nigel Farage and mainstream British conservatives have distanced themselves from Robinson, considering him too controversial.
Musk’s endorsement of Robinson has sparked concern, particularly among those on the UK right who feel that such a move could damage their reputations and further polarize British politics. While many on the British right agree with Musk's criticism of the Labour government, endorsing Robinson was seen as a step too far, potentially alienating mainstream right-wing figures like Farage who are working to create a more moderate alternative.
This outreach underscores the growing influence of Musk in British politics and highlights the tension between his vocal critiques of the Labour government and his controversial endorsements, such as Robinson.
https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/business/company-news/2025/01/03/uk-right-warns-trump-allies-that-musks-posts-have-gone-too-far/
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is a convicted anti-immigration activist with a history of criminal convictions, including contempt of court and other offenses. Despite his strong stance on immigration, figures like Nigel Farage and mainstream British conservatives have distanced themselves from Robinson, considering him too controversial.
Musk’s endorsement of Robinson has sparked concern, particularly among those on the UK right who feel that such a move could damage their reputations and further polarize British politics. While many on the British right agree with Musk's criticism of the Labour government, endorsing Robinson was seen as a step too far, potentially alienating mainstream right-wing figures like Farage who are working to create a more moderate alternative.
This outreach underscores the growing influence of Musk in British politics and highlights the tension between his vocal critiques of the Labour government and his controversial endorsements, such as Robinson.
https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/business/company-news/2025/01/03/uk-right-warns-trump-allies-that-musks-posts-have-gone-too-far/
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Hezbollah's Secretary-General, Naim Qassem, issued a stern warning to Israel regarding the 60-day ceasefire agreement with Lebanon, saying that Hezbollah’s patience may not last until the end of the stipulated period. Speaking through Hezbollah's Al-Manar media outlet on Saturday night, Qassem emphasized that resistance, which he described as a cultural, religious, political, and jihadi choice, would continue if Israel violated the terms of the ceasefire.
Qassem reinforced that Hezbollah’s leadership dictates when, how, and with what methods they will resist Israeli actions, leaving no clear timeline for their next move after the ceasefire. He expressed frustration with political analyses of Hezbollah's next steps, promising that any action would be visible when the decision was made. The Hezbollah leader also reflected on past conflicts, specifically the 1982 Lebanon war, claiming Hezbollah’s resistance efforts had liberated Lebanese land by 2000.
Despite Israel's military successes in Lebanon, Qassem argued that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) were unable to achieve their full objectives, including reaching the Litani River or Beirut. He suggested this failure showed the strength and effectiveness of Hezbollah’s resistance.
Claiming that Hezbollah still had substantial military capabilities at the time of the ceasefire's announcement, Qassem stated that Israel was forced to seek the ceasefire because of Hezbollah's formidable resistance. He also mentioned the sacrifices made by Hezbollah fighters and their determination to continue resisting Israeli occupation, stressing that if those sacrifices weren’t made, Lebanon would be left vulnerable to Israeli advances.
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-836084
Qassem reinforced that Hezbollah’s leadership dictates when, how, and with what methods they will resist Israeli actions, leaving no clear timeline for their next move after the ceasefire. He expressed frustration with political analyses of Hezbollah's next steps, promising that any action would be visible when the decision was made. The Hezbollah leader also reflected on past conflicts, specifically the 1982 Lebanon war, claiming Hezbollah’s resistance efforts had liberated Lebanese land by 2000.
Despite Israel's military successes in Lebanon, Qassem argued that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) were unable to achieve their full objectives, including reaching the Litani River or Beirut. He suggested this failure showed the strength and effectiveness of Hezbollah’s resistance.
Claiming that Hezbollah still had substantial military capabilities at the time of the ceasefire's announcement, Qassem stated that Israel was forced to seek the ceasefire because of Hezbollah's formidable resistance. He also mentioned the sacrifices made by Hezbollah fighters and their determination to continue resisting Israeli occupation, stressing that if those sacrifices weren’t made, Lebanon would be left vulnerable to Israeli advances.
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-836084
Chinese government officials have intensified their crackdown on erotic fiction writers, especially those involved in creating danmei—a genre of gay romance and erotica similar to Japanese manga. Reports indicate that dozens of writers have been arrested in the Anhui province, with some facing sentences of up to life in prison. These writers primarily published on adult fiction websites, including Taiwan-based Haitang Literature.
At least 10 writers have already been sentenced for posting gay-themed erotica online, as reported by the South China Morning Post. The Chinese authorities deployed a "special task force" to arrest these individuals. Many of the arrested writers reportedly communicated with others via social media, warning them of the crackdown, but China's state-controlled media has not reported on the arrests.
Under Chinese law, "disseminating obscene electronic messages" is illegal, and erotic material that accumulates over 5,000 clicks can be considered a criminal offense. The severity of sentencing often depends on the writer's earnings, with those making over 250,000 yuan (approximately $34,500) facing a possible life sentence. However, sentences can be reduced if the writer reimburses the money earned from selling erotic material. In some cases, families have turned to crowdfunding to secure the release of those imprisoned.
Despite a lack of obvious victims, the Chinese government continues its campaign to suppress erotic literature in the name of "social morals." Critics, such as Guangdong-based lawyer Chen Zhaonan, argue that inflated sales figures from the websites are often used to justify harsh sentencing, which disproportionately affects the writers. Previous high-profile cases, such as the sentencing of a woman named Tianyi in 2018 for publishing a novel with graphic depictions of male homosexual sex, highlight the severity of the crackdown.
https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/01/10-arrested-for-writing-gay-erotica-in-china-as-part-of-nationwide-crackdown/
At least 10 writers have already been sentenced for posting gay-themed erotica online, as reported by the South China Morning Post. The Chinese authorities deployed a "special task force" to arrest these individuals. Many of the arrested writers reportedly communicated with others via social media, warning them of the crackdown, but China's state-controlled media has not reported on the arrests.
Under Chinese law, "disseminating obscene electronic messages" is illegal, and erotic material that accumulates over 5,000 clicks can be considered a criminal offense. The severity of sentencing often depends on the writer's earnings, with those making over 250,000 yuan (approximately $34,500) facing a possible life sentence. However, sentences can be reduced if the writer reimburses the money earned from selling erotic material. In some cases, families have turned to crowdfunding to secure the release of those imprisoned.
Despite a lack of obvious victims, the Chinese government continues its campaign to suppress erotic literature in the name of "social morals." Critics, such as Guangdong-based lawyer Chen Zhaonan, argue that inflated sales figures from the websites are often used to justify harsh sentencing, which disproportionately affects the writers. Previous high-profile cases, such as the sentencing of a woman named Tianyi in 2018 for publishing a novel with graphic depictions of male homosexual sex, highlight the severity of the crackdown.
https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/01/10-arrested-for-writing-gay-erotica-in-china-as-part-of-nationwide-crackdown/
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Elon Musk stirred controversy on Saturday by calling for the dissolution of the UK Parliament and a new general election, following complaints about the British government's handling of "grooming gangs" a decade ago. His social media posts on X called on King Charles to intervene, suggesting that the king consider dissolving Parliament in the interest of the people.
In his posts, Musk accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer of failing to adequately prosecute child sex exploitation gangs while Starmer served as the director of public prosecutions from 2008 to 2013. Musk went so far as to label Starmer “complicit in the RAPE OF BRITAIN,” demanding that he face charges for what he described as the “worst mass crime in the history of Britain.” Additionally, Musk called for Jess Phillips, a minister for safeguarding, to resign, accusing her of mishandling a request for a government inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Oldham, England. Phillips had argued that local officials in Oldham should handle the inquiry, a request that was denied by the Conservative government in 2022, according to the BBC.
Musk’s remarks have drawn significant backlash, with British officials accusing him of spreading "factually inaccurate" claims on social media.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2025/01/04/elon-musk-pushes-for-britains-king-charles-to-dissolve-parliament-as-lawmakers-say-tesla-ceo-is-misinformed/
In his posts, Musk accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer of failing to adequately prosecute child sex exploitation gangs while Starmer served as the director of public prosecutions from 2008 to 2013. Musk went so far as to label Starmer “complicit in the RAPE OF BRITAIN,” demanding that he face charges for what he described as the “worst mass crime in the history of Britain.” Additionally, Musk called for Jess Phillips, a minister for safeguarding, to resign, accusing her of mishandling a request for a government inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Oldham, England. Phillips had argued that local officials in Oldham should handle the inquiry, a request that was denied by the Conservative government in 2022, according to the BBC.
Musk’s remarks have drawn significant backlash, with British officials accusing him of spreading "factually inaccurate" claims on social media.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2025/01/04/elon-musk-pushes-for-britains-king-charles-to-dissolve-parliament-as-lawmakers-say-tesla-ceo-is-misinformed/
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Forwarded from Azazel News (Aries)
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When you don’t have Ultraviolet Lights 🟪🟣💡🔦on your Property
STAY STRAPPED MY DEAR CLONES 🟣🟪🔦💡💣🧨🪓🔪🗡🔫⚔️
That is not a Raccoon 🦝
That’s a GELF or a Crawler in Los Angeles
STAY STRAPPED MY DEAR CLONES 🟣🟪🔦💡💣🧨🪓🔪🗡🔫⚔️
That is not a Raccoon 🦝
That’s a GELF or a Crawler in Los Angeles
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Forwarded from Aries
A king cake (sometimes referred to as kingcake, kings' cake, king's cake, three kings' cake, or Twelfth Night cake) is a type of cake associated in a number of countries with the festival of Epiphany at the end of the Christmas season; in other places, it is associated with the pre-Lenten celebrations of Mardi Gras/Carnival.
Forwarded from Aries
What started out roughly 300 years ago as a dry French bread–type dough with sugar on top and a bean inside now comes in many varieties depending on the country. Some king cakes are made of a sweet brioche dough in the shape of a hollow circle with a glazed topping sprinkled with colored sugar. Hundreds of thousands of king cakes are eaten in New Orleans during the Carnival season. In other countries, king cakes are made with a puff pastry, filled with one of several fillings (e.g., almond, apple, chocolate/pear, etc.), and have a small figurine, called a fève, hidden inside. The figurine changes from bakery to bakery and can have a variety of themes. The person who gets the piece of cake with the fève has various privileges and obligations.
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Forwarded from Aries
History:
Even if Epiphany was for a long time celebrated on January 6, 12 days after Christmas, we now eat kingcake the first Sunday of January (and often during the whole month of January!)
Epiphany commemorates the visit of the Three Wise Men – Magi Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar – from the East to Bethlehem, following the bright star sawn the sky the day of Jesus’ birth. Their journey lasted 12 days before they could celebrate baby Jesus’ venue and offer him gifts.
The Catholic Church officially declared Christmas Day on December 25 in 336 AD, thus making it coincide with the ancient popular pagan celebrations having all kind of old rituals related winter solstice (celebrating days getting longer and the return of the sun during 12 days).
Around the 13°&14° century began the firsts Epiphany cake sharing tradition (shares for everyone present plus one, saved for the poor). The tradition of sending the youngest child, supposedly the most innocent, shall also come from that time (or from ancient Rome, everyone does not agree here).
Even if Epiphany was for a long time celebrated on January 6, 12 days after Christmas, we now eat kingcake the first Sunday of January (and often during the whole month of January!)
Epiphany commemorates the visit of the Three Wise Men – Magi Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar – from the East to Bethlehem, following the bright star sawn the sky the day of Jesus’ birth. Their journey lasted 12 days before they could celebrate baby Jesus’ venue and offer him gifts.
The Catholic Church officially declared Christmas Day on December 25 in 336 AD, thus making it coincide with the ancient popular pagan celebrations having all kind of old rituals related winter solstice (celebrating days getting longer and the return of the sun during 12 days).
Around the 13°&14° century began the firsts Epiphany cake sharing tradition (shares for everyone present plus one, saved for the poor). The tradition of sending the youngest child, supposedly the most innocent, shall also come from that time (or from ancient Rome, everyone does not agree here).
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Forwarded from Aries
King cake traditionally called galette des rois in French whatever it may be have various shapes, type of cake and flavor depending on the region and local traditions. But of all stories, there is one that gave it its name to it, the galette.
In the 16th century, the king cake was the subject of a fierce war between bakers and pastry chefs, each wanting a monopoly on its sale, already feeling it could become a lucrative market. King Francois the 1st granted the right to Pastry chefs. Bakers skirted their ban of selling king cakes by replacing them with galettes that they offered to their customers.
In Paris, king cake was a mixed with the Pithiviers cake to become a galette of puff pastry filled with almond frangipane. In Southern France, it is an orange blossom flavored brioche with candied fruit. In the Alps, the galette of my childhood was a generous brioche with huge pink pralines. I wonder if there is somewhere a complete list of all the different king cakes served across France. I promise, next year I will start my tour of France regional king cakes recipes.
In the 16th century, the king cake was the subject of a fierce war between bakers and pastry chefs, each wanting a monopoly on its sale, already feeling it could become a lucrative market. King Francois the 1st granted the right to Pastry chefs. Bakers skirted their ban of selling king cakes by replacing them with galettes that they offered to their customers.
In Paris, king cake was a mixed with the Pithiviers cake to become a galette of puff pastry filled with almond frangipane. In Southern France, it is an orange blossom flavored brioche with candied fruit. In the Alps, the galette of my childhood was a generous brioche with huge pink pralines. I wonder if there is somewhere a complete list of all the different king cakes served across France. I promise, next year I will start my tour of France regional king cakes recipes.
Forwarded from Aries
And what about the bean?
The tradition comes from the 14th century when, for the first time, in Besancon (Eastern France) monks began to elect their chief chapter by putting a gold coin in a piece of bread. The bread was then replaced by a brioche crown (were they gourmets?), and gold coin by a bean (cheaper!).
This tradition has developed rapidly in all layers of the population. Or was it a memory of old customs? In Babylon as a slave drew lots of royalty, becoming king of a day (but being killed at the end of his reign) and in Rome during Saturnalia (celebrating the god Saturn) during the winter solstice: during one day masters and slaves were on treated as equals – they even ate at the same table -, a king was elected for the day. The king could achieve what he wanted and give pledges.
The tradition comes from the 14th century when, for the first time, in Besancon (Eastern France) monks began to elect their chief chapter by putting a gold coin in a piece of bread. The bread was then replaced by a brioche crown (were they gourmets?), and gold coin by a bean (cheaper!).
This tradition has developed rapidly in all layers of the population. Or was it a memory of old customs? In Babylon as a slave drew lots of royalty, becoming king of a day (but being killed at the end of his reign) and in Rome during Saturnalia (celebrating the god Saturn) during the winter solstice: during one day masters and slaves were on treated as equals – they even ate at the same table -, a king was elected for the day. The king could achieve what he wanted and give pledges.
Forwarded from Aries
Then under Louis XIII, the ladies of the court use to draw lots. The winner became the queen for a day and could request a vow to the king. This was quickly abolished by his successor Louis XIV.
In the same period (14th century) the custom of “the king drinks” appeared. Whoever got a piece of cake with a bean inside had to offer a drink to the whole assembly. It is said that the stingiest use to swallow the bean not to have to pay. Thus appeared porcelain charms, as they were more difficult to swallow. The real beans were replaced by porcelain charms representing Jesus in the 18th century (and a Phrygian cap during the French revolution and nowadays all kind of things).
Actually, the first beans were put in king cakes because they were a symbol of fertility (the bean is the first vegetable growing in spring after the winter solstice).
In the same period (14th century) the custom of “the king drinks” appeared. Whoever got a piece of cake with a bean inside had to offer a drink to the whole assembly. It is said that the stingiest use to swallow the bean not to have to pay. Thus appeared porcelain charms, as they were more difficult to swallow. The real beans were replaced by porcelain charms representing Jesus in the 18th century (and a Phrygian cap during the French revolution and nowadays all kind of things).
Actually, the first beans were put in king cakes because they were a symbol of fertility (the bean is the first vegetable growing in spring after the winter solstice).
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Forwarded from Aries
Galette des rois Recipe
Eight to twelve servings
When working with puff pastry, it’s important to keep it well-chilled and work quickly when rolling as it tends to get stubborn as it warms up. Keep the second piece in the refrigerator until after you’ve rolled out the first. After rolling, brush off any excess flour. And make sure to seal the edges really well to avoid the filling leaking out.
Frozen puff pastry can often be found in the freezer section of well-stocked supermarkets. Avoid brand that list fats other than butter in the ingredients for best results. If you don’t want to use alcohol, simply omit it or use a few drops of orange flower water in its place.
A few people noted in the comments that some of the butter ran out of the tart during baking. Although I don’t do it, some recipes advise that you can add 2-3 teaspoons of cornstarch to the almond filling, which you are welcome to do as extra insurance.
Almond Filling
1 cup (100g) almond flour
1/2 cup (100g) sugar
pinch salt
zest of 1/2 orange, unsprayed
3 1/2 ounces (100g) unsalted butter, cubed, at room temperature
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons rum
1/8 teaspoon almond extract
1 pound (450g) puff pastry, divided in two pieces, chilled
a whole piece of almond or candied fruit to be the fève
Glaze
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon milk
Eight to twelve servings
When working with puff pastry, it’s important to keep it well-chilled and work quickly when rolling as it tends to get stubborn as it warms up. Keep the second piece in the refrigerator until after you’ve rolled out the first. After rolling, brush off any excess flour. And make sure to seal the edges really well to avoid the filling leaking out.
Frozen puff pastry can often be found in the freezer section of well-stocked supermarkets. Avoid brand that list fats other than butter in the ingredients for best results. If you don’t want to use alcohol, simply omit it or use a few drops of orange flower water in its place.
A few people noted in the comments that some of the butter ran out of the tart during baking. Although I don’t do it, some recipes advise that you can add 2-3 teaspoons of cornstarch to the almond filling, which you are welcome to do as extra insurance.
Almond Filling
1 cup (100g) almond flour
1/2 cup (100g) sugar
pinch salt
zest of 1/2 orange, unsprayed
3 1/2 ounces (100g) unsalted butter, cubed, at room temperature
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons rum
1/8 teaspoon almond extract
1 pound (450g) puff pastry, divided in two pieces, chilled
a whole piece of almond or candied fruit to be the fève
Glaze
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon milk
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