short story

Cluster munitions. Content Warning.
The Biden Administration is expected to announce today that the U.S will provide cluster bombs to Ukraine that's according to Administration and defense Department officials more than 120 countries have banned these Munitions as inhumane and indiscriminate the U.S Ukraine and Russia are three countries that have not signed on to that convention which prohibits the production stockpiling and use of cluster bombs joining me now is NBC Pentagon correspondent Whitney Kuby Michael Crowley the Diplomatic correspondent for the New York Times Natalie lozo a member of the European Parliament and a former member of the macron government welcome to All of You So Courtney you've been reporting on this before anyone else so how quickly could the U.S get these weapons to Ukraine as the counter-offensive is kind of slogging through a very tough Russian defense they can get there very quickly in fact we know now that there are upwards of 10 000 of these Munitions that are already forward-based sitting in Europe ready to be moved into Ukraine just waiting for that go ahead so we could see those literally transferred into Ukraine in the coming days Andrea and why this is so critical right now is there is a continued difficulty in getting artillery to Ukraine they are running through thousands and thousands of artillery rounds in this very brutal war and it's difficult to get the 155 millimeter artillery artillery shells to them in the number that they need well that's where these cluster Munitions come in they have the ability to sort of take up where some of those artillery shortfalls come in but you use the word indiscriminate when you were describing it and that's where this becomes a controversial now when these cluster Munitions explode they release a series of what are called bomblets essentially tiny little bombs they disperse over a wide area and that's where this indiscriminate notion comes in it it has the ability and some of them have the ability to pierce armor or to go after Personnel what the military calls frags or fragmentation of the explosive which can hurt and kill people in the path but there also is at times with some of these Munitions a high dud rate what that means is some of these bomblets don't explode when they're supposed to now according to the officials we've been speaking to about this for now several weeks the the specific Munitions that the U.S would give to Ukraine here have a very low dud rate somewhere in the neighborhood of 1.3 to two and a half or so percent dud rate and that's one of the reasons that they feel with this need that the Ukraine has for this counter-offensive that it's a relatively small chance that there would be the potential for civilians to be killed after the fact if they don't explode when they're supposed to Andrea Michael you know these weapons are controversial and Courtney's explained why banned by most of the world and the New York Times is reporting today that Tony blink and the secretary of state was the last to sign on to this in the National Security Council they expect it to be announced this afternoon sometime potentially what are the concerns about the Diplomatic follow yeah Andrea I think that secretary blinken I'm sure had humanitarian concerns as everyone does about the potential effect on civilians of these weapons uh but he is also primarily responsible for managing uh our alliances and in particular our alliance in support of Ukraine and I think he understands that this is going to be um offensive to many of our Allied countries whose populations thought that these weapons were basically over and done with they may not want to be associated with the war effort um in which these are being used to this extent um you know clearly I don't think this one issue is going to break up the Coalition but they you know secretary blanken and the Biden Administration have really been quite intensely focused on trying to maintain very tight Unity not have daylight between the members of the Coalition that are supporting Ukraine and this is an issue where you are probably going to see some other governments have to say you know we don't approve of this we don't like this I believe the French and the Germans have already spoken out although in Fairly mild terms so I'm sure a lot of diplomatic Spade work was done ahead of time um and at a minimum uh if these other countries aren't signing off uh I think that there was a lot of work to say hey let's try to keep this as quiet and as private as possible uh so as not to uh you know show cracks within our Coalition because Unity against the Russians is so fundamentally important you know and announcing it on a Friday afternoon in the summer is one way to try to downplay the coverage back here at home uh Natalie it's good to see you again so what do you expect the reaction in France will be to this um will it be muted or no I'm certainly going to be a strong debate because as you said this Munitions are bad and for good reasons and we all know that uh we have to uh ramp up our efforts to support Ukraine but we'll still have to ramble our diplomatic efforts um for moral leadership in this world and I'm not sure this helps I don't understand why there were so many red lines from the Allies including the us as we got fighter jets and now uh breaking a red line about band ammunitions we in Europe are working right now to run purple manufacturing of ammunitions we just decided 500 million euros to uh incentivize our Industries to manufacture faster and better for Ukraine uh certainly not through uh cluster ammunitions and do you think it's going to become a an issue with the NATO summit we're heading to Vilnius next month next week the main issue at the NATO Summit there are two main issues the first is to give security guarantees to Ukraine and not to be reluctant to open the door widely to Ukraine after the war the war is over for NATO membership and the second one is to twist arms of turkey so that Sweden stops being black made by one of the NATO members this is what we expect including from Washington Natalie thanks to you thanks to Michael and of course Courtney Kuby to all of you as we look forward to the NATO meeting next week foreign
By Azeem Taj3 years ago in Earth
Contrasting Paths: . Content Warning.
Introduction: Tom Brady and Kim Kardashian are household names, recognized worldwide for their influence and achievements. Yet, their paths to fame and the fields in which they excel couldn't be more different. Tom Brady is an esteemed professional American football quarterback, known for his exceptional career and numerous Super Bowl victories. Kim Kardashian, on the other hand, rose to prominence through reality television and has become a successful media personality and entrepreneur. In this article, we explore the contrasting journeys and contributions of Tom Brady and Kim Kardashian, highlighting their respective impacts in the realms of sports and entertainment.
By Azeem Taj3 years ago in Earth
Jimmy Carter: . Content Warning.
Introduction: Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, has left an indelible mark on American politics and global diplomacy. Throughout his life, Carter has dedicated himself to public service, championing human rights, promoting peace, and advocating for social justice. In this article, we delve into the remarkable life and career of Jimmy Carter, highlighting his accomplishments, his post-presidential contributions, and the enduring legacy he has created.
By Azeem Taj3 years ago in Earth
Josh Allen. Content Warning.
Things are heating up for Haley Steinfeld and Josh Allen the two were spotted getting cozy while on vacation in Mexico and photos obtained by TMZ in the snaps the singer and Buffalo Bills quarterback cuddle in an outdoor pool at a resort before sharing a kiss their tropical getaway comes more than a month after they first Spark dating Rumors in May when they were spotted out together in New York City neither has publicly spoken out about their relationship status but Josh was asked directly about Haley earlier this month while on the bus in with the boys podcast and his answer to the question was quote no comment the rumored romance comes after the quarterback and his longtime girlfriend Brittany Williams called it quits Hayley on the other hand is very private about her love life she dated former One Direction bandmate Niall Horan in 2018 but they split up that December Access Hollywood spoke to the Oscar nominee at the premiere of her film Spider-Man across the spider-verse and she reacted to rumors about a possible Young Avengers now this premieres big tonight right everyone was excited what can fans expect about this storyline this new one do I begin how much time do we have uh this this night first of all is so incredible and so surreal this film is oh been over four years in the making so we're we're here uh my friend shamik and I have been joking for many many months now about like how many more sessions we have on this thing and we're done it's out it's about to become yours and we're so excited for people to see this and and take away the world from it there's a lot in it and I think and hope it will it will resonate with many no I think it will I think it will you're playing Gwen you're killing in the news were you able to ever cross paths with Emma Stone with you guys in this in this world that we're doing here have I or what have you crossed basketball well you just have to wait and see now okay nuggets okay now miles he's navigating High School can you tell me what was it like I've been asking everybody this what was it like for you in high school navigate now I mean again how much time do we have and uh yeah absolutely can relate to Miles and and Gwen even and I I just think one of the main one of the main story lines in this film is is the fact that they are going through that point in their life where you're just trying to figure it all out you're trying to figure out yourself you're trying to figure out your purpose and and how to you know how to how to I don't know find your walk and and find yourself and be yourself unapologetically that's so hard to do and especially at that point in your life you're just really trying to to get it right so absolutely can relate to both of them listen we got to take it back because you're in this world this universe right now Kate Bishop the rumor we're trying to figure out are you going to be in the Young Avengers how are we doing this is your character going to appear in Young Avengers so that's that's the rumor online everyone wants to know that did you just start that or is that a I don't know a lot of people asking about it they want to know she she's pressured I run with it let you go right now is this show is about people trying to be themselves is there a part of your career that being yourself just help you be so successful that you are right now is there a part of my career that being myself has helped me there's a time in your career where being yourself helps you be successful oh my God yeah uh at almost every point I think that people I mean I think the the scary part about what I do is that not only will I always know when I'm not being myself or when I'm not being truly authentic it's not that's not any that's not a hard thing to to read I think um and yeah I mean again I think like I was saying it's easier said than done and it's it's definitely something you kind of you have to learn and really understand and work to understand but once you do feel once you find that and I'm still doing that life gets so good you know when you feel like yourself and and that's not always I mean you know life is weird it could be weird and crazy sometimes but you know what yeah I'm I'm just happy to be here I I'm thankful for experiences like this because it's it's because of these moments in my life that I I find myself in them and I I feel like my truest self thank you
By Azeem Taj3 years ago in Earth
Nikki McCray. Content Warning.
We do have some sad news for Gamecock fans today Nikki McRae Pinson a former assistant basketball coach with the Women's Basketball team has died she was 51 years old yeah before becoming the assistant coach McRae had a huge career of her own she was an Olympic gold medalist she was a professional Hall of Famer but then in 2013 she was diagnosed with breast cancer everybody was hopeful Darcy you did a feature on her and and she went into her Mission unfortunately she ended her battle with cancer today Reggie I know you had a chance to talk with her and her life and Legacy will live on through so many players and and people she impacted yeah she was a star at Tennessee she'd become a head coach at Old Dominion where she one day she sang the national anthem for one for a senior night a few years back she was the head coach of Mississippi state had to step away and then obviously it's a situation where she was up at Rutgers and she was in her first season as an assistant but you know she uh fought as hard as she could but you know I was thinking about this today October is breast cancer awareness month but really it's it's a 12 month a year situation and obviously that that month that will take on a different meeting even more so than than what it already is concerning uh Nikki McRae Henson's uh battle with cancer she fought as hard as she could let's talk a little bit about her impact when it was here at USC and and what she meant to the recruiting class and how she stayed on as one of the key players and I say players on Staley's coaching team well you know Dawn brought star power to the Gamecock program as as did Nikki obviously with her career at Tennessee where she was a multi SEC Player of the Year Olympic gold medals as you mentioned a three-time WNBA All-Star so she played at a high level she coached at a high level and obviously she she lived at high level too um one of the things that I love about her was her passion for the players and I followed her on social media for years and and um she stayed close with so many of the players including Asia Wilson she was always sharing pictures of Asia on her Instagram and Asia was doing the same thing back so she she held on to those relationships funny story with Asia and Nikki uh when Nikki would in fact you could hear a few of the highlights when she would shout instructions she her her voice would go up a few octaves I mean it was very hot very high pitched and Asia one day on Twitter uh just made note of the fact that you know she referred to her ears bleeding during one of the games and whatnot it was just one of the funny things that uh that you pick up and hearing Courtside you you would hear it too and then you see the tweet and he's like yeah you know yeah we know that's about she had a very distinct voice and you know every time I got to talk to her um her love of basketball was contagious she was somebody that helped um really develop players at all ages she participated while that's wild video right there because that's Khadijah sessions who was just named assistant coach for the Gamecocks and and Nikki was one of her coaches as well so really it's such a family that they build but anyway her love and passion was contagious for all ages she would help with Don's camps and help develop young players and just really share that passion of basketball the situation where you know her her Legacy is going to live off you gotta obviously her family just just a tough situation and again you mentioned initially she had won her battle but it's just it's just a horrible horrible disease that you know you just never know we're going to take a second and look back at our story I had a chance to interview McRae back in 2014 and this is how she described her battle with breast cancer USC's women's assistant basketball coach Nikki McRae knows how to win on the hardcore as a gold medal Olympic Athlete she's a competitor to the core losing is never an option for her not on the court and not in life well I was diagnosed with breast cancer in November now I attacked you know cancer just like a game you know I'm prepared I'm proactive and you know I'm not going down without a fight I discovered my lump when I was in the shower wasn't thinking that it was going to be cancer I was breastfeeding you know my nine-month-old son at the time so I was thinking it was something along those lines and and then it was confirmed two days later that it was breast cancer diagnosed with the most common form of the disease her doctors wasted no time putting together a game plan for survival I did chemotherapy I had surgery and I actually just finished up about a month ago with my radiations I feel great I can't even complain every day I wake up with joy in my heart just because I I'm just so blessed this is not the first time McCray has had to rebound from this disease my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer so in the back of your mind you're always thinking okay it's close to home there's a chance that you might get it I understand my disease completely and what I need to do to stay proactive I have been a Survivor from day one I'm thankful that I've had an opportunity to go through this and to be able to share so sad hearing her words from 2014 but we know that this has impacted everybody at USC especially the basketball team and they released a statement today on her passing saying in part our program our sport most importantly her family lost an amazing woman mom wife daughter sister friend coach and Mentor today Nikki McRae Pinson was part of our foundation and made us the program that we are one personal relationship at a time and Gamecock women's basketball head coach Don Staley commented on McCray's past pinson's passing today she says in part quote from her days as a Brash rookie in USA Basketball to becoming my friend and colleague to the way she mentored young players Nikki did everything with her whole heart every teammate every coach every player who spent time with her new first that she cared about them as a person and Asia Wilson as I mentioned earlier the two have been friends for years and McRae was one of Asia's role models and coaches and she said today heart hurts like crazy over this one such a fighter and a warrior with the sweetest gentle soul coach McRae you've helped me in many ways and you are a true gift from God truly you will be missed no more suffering no more pain God got a good one tough way to go into the weekend it is but her Legacy will live on
By Azeem Taj3 years ago in Earth
NBA Summer League: . Content Warning.
Introduction: The NBA Summer League is an annual event that serves as a platform for young basketball players to showcase their skills, gain valuable experience, and make their mark on the professional basketball landscape. Held during the summer months, this league brings together top prospects, rookies, and other aspiring players, providing them with an opportunity to compete against their peers and catch the attention of NBA teams. In this article, we explore the significance of the NBA Summer League, its impact on player development, and the excitement it generates among fans and scouts.
By Azeem Taj3 years ago in Earth
Digital Love
Once upon a time, in a not-too-distant future, a world driven by technology, there lived a young woman named Emma. She had always been captivated by the idea of love and wondered if technology could truly understand the depths of human emotions. Little did she know that her curiosity would lead her on a remarkable journey. Emma had grown tired of traditional dating apps, where swipes and algorithms determined compatibility. She craved a deeper connection, a love that transcended the superficial. That's when she stumbled upon an extraordinary platform called "Digital Love." Intrigued, Emma signed up, answering a series of thought-provoking questions about her hopes, dreams, and what she valued most in a partner. The platform boasted a cutting-edge algorithm designed to match soulmates based on a multitude of factors, including compatibility in core beliefs and shared interests. Days turned into weeks as Emma eagerly awaited her match. Then, one rainy afternoon, she received a notification. The algorithm had found her soulmate—someone named Ethan. They were a 99.9% match, the highest the platform had ever recorded. Excitement filled Emma's heart as she engaged in conversations with Ethan through the platform's secure messaging system. They discovered shared passions for art, literature, and a profound curiosity about the world. They exchanged messages that went beyond mere pleasantries, delving into the depths of their souls. Days turned into weeks, and Emma couldn't help but feel a connection growing stronger with each passing conversation. She yearned to meet Ethan in person, to witness the spark they had discovered through the digital realm. Finally, the day arrived. Emma stood nervously outside a quaint café, clutching her umbrella. Would the connection they felt online translate into real-life chemistry? Moments later, Ethan appeared, his eyes filled with anticipation. As they locked eyes, the world around them seemed to fade away. Their hearts beat in unison, and they embraced like long-lost lovers. Over countless cups of coffee, they delved into the nuances of their lives, shared stories, and laughed like old friends. It felt as if they had known each other for a lifetime, yet their journey had only just begun. As their relationship blossomed, Emma and Ethan continued to embrace technology in their love story. They explored virtual art galleries, attended online lectures together, and even played virtual reality games that allowed them to step into fantastical realms hand-in-hand. But amidst the digital wonders, they never forgot the importance of human connection. They reveled in quiet evenings, wrapped in each other's arms, sharing whispered conversations that only they could hear. Time passed, and Emma and Ethan's love continued to flourish, their bond growing stronger with each passing day. They marveled at how technology had brought them together, but they never lost sight of the fact that it was their genuine connection, understanding, and affection that truly made their love thrive. "Digital Love" had indeed played a significant role in Emma and Ethan's story, but it was their willingness to open their hearts, their unwavering belief in the power of love, that truly defined their journey. They proved that algorithms could guide them towards a soulmate, but it was their souls that decided to embark on a lifelong adventure together. And so, in a world where technology was often criticized for distancing people, Emma and Ethan stood as a testament to its ability to bridge gaps, connect hearts, and kindle a love that was as real and profound as any. Their love story reminded the world that sometimes, in the most unexpected places, true love finds a way to thrive.
By Precious Ehiagwina 3 years ago in Earth
"The Labyrinth of Eternity"
Chapter 1: The Enigma Unveiled In the bustling city of Solstice, renowned archaeologist Dr. Amelia Blackwood had dedicated her life to unraveling the mysteries of the ancient world. She had spent years studying cryptic texts, decoding forgotten languages, and piecing together fragments of history. As she delved deeper into her research, she stumbled upon an enigmatic artifact—a golden amulet with intricate symbols that hinted at a hidden truth.
By chatell williams3 years ago in Earth
A Tapestry of Journeys: A Quest to Explore the World
Title: A Tapestry of Journeys: A Quest to Explore the World Chapter 1: The Call of Adventure Once upon a time, in a small village nestled among lush green hills, lived a young woman named Amelia. She had always possessed an insatiable wanderlust that burned within her heart. From an early age, she would sit beneath the ancient oak tree, listening to tales of far-off lands and dreaming of adventures that lay beyond her humble abode.
By sydney Burditt3 years ago in Earth
The Last Seedling
Amelia stood in the midst of a desolate landscape, her heart heavy with the weight of an unimaginable loss. The world around her had been transformed by the ravages of climate change, and countless plant species had succumbed to the unforgiving forces of nature. Yet, in the face of this devastation, Amelia's unwavering determination burned bright.
By Kade Quervo3 years ago in Earth
Unleashing the Power of GoHighLevel
GoHighLevel is a powerful tool that can revolutionize the way you manage your business. With its intuitive interface and robust features, GoHighLevel can help you streamline your workflow, improve your productivity, and ultimately grow your business.
By Praise Favour3 years ago in Earth
Empathy and Compassion
Once upon a time, in a small coastal village nestled between lush green mountains and the shimmering sea, there lived a young fisherman named Malik. He possessed a deep reverence for nature, nurturing a profound connection with the land and the creatures that dwelled within it.
By Negawog Negawo3 years ago in Earth