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Syrian rebels overthrew President Bashar Assad on Dec. 8, ending his family’s more than 50 years of rule in the country. Assad reportedly fled to Russia, where he was granted political asylum. One image shared across social media appears to show Assad and his wife arriving in Russia after fleeing Syria. A video shared thousands of times appears to show the aftermath of his plane after it crashed. A graphic image of a man being tortured has been shared with claims it shows a real scene from inside one of the notorious prisons in Syria. QUESTION #1 Does this image show Assad and his wife arriving in Russia? THE SOURCES Syria Stream video from Feb. 10, 2023 RevEye , a reverse image search tool THE ANSWER No, this image doesn’t show Assad and his wife arriving in Russia. It’s from February 2023 and was taken in Syria. WHAT WE FOUND Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed to TASS, a Russian news agency, that Assad and his family were granted political asylum in Russia, but VERIFY has been unable to find any photographic evidence of their arrival in the country. The image being shared is nearly two years old. Using RevEye, VERIFY conducted a reverse image search and found the image was lifted from this video posted to YouTube on Feb. 10, 2023 by Syria Stream , a channel that posts Syrian news footage. The video shows Assad visiting a hospital in Aleppo, Syria, on Feb. 10, 2023, after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit the region. When comparing the viral image and the 2023 video, Assad and his wife are wearing the same outfits, standing with the same people and walking through the same hallway. QUESTION #2 Does this video posted on social media show the aftermath of Assad’s plane crash? THE SOURCES Video posted to X on Sept. 3, 2024 Indian Air Force X post from Sept. 2, 2024 InVid and RevEye , video and photo forensics tools THE ANSWER No, this video doesn’t show the aftermath of Assad’s plane crash. The video predates Assad’s ousting from the Syrian government. WHAT WE FOUND This video doesn’t show the aftermath of Assad’s plane crashing. It shows a different plane crash and is unrelated to the recent events in Syria. Using InVid , a video forensics tool, VERIFY analyzed the video and conducted a reverse image search of each frame. The same video was posted to X on Sept. 3, 2024 , appearing to show an Indian Air Force plane crash near the Indian border with Pakistan. The original post says, “A MiG-29UPG of the #India 's Air Force crashed last night near the border with #Pakistan , tallying at the 6th crash of the IAF in 2024 till date.” The Indian Air Force confirmed the crash , saying the IAF MiG-29 crashed after a malfunction and the pilot was able to eject safely. TASS, a Russian news agency, reported that Assad and his family members arrived in Moscow, and did not die in a plane crash. QUESTION #3 Does this image show a real scene of torture under Assad’s reign in Syria? THE SOURCES Dana News and Akharin Khabar , Persian news sites Egrat Museum’s Instagram page RevEye , a reverse image search tool THE ANSWER No, the image doesn’t show a real scene of torture under Assad’s reign. It is actually a wax museum exhibit in Iran. WHAT WE FOUND Human rights organizations have long accused Assad and the Syrian government of torture, but this image does not show that. It’s actually an image of an exhibit at the Ebrat Museum in Tehran, Iran. The museum, a former prison, uses wax mannequins to portray human rights abuses carried out by the SAVAK, Iran’s pre-revolution intelligence agency. Nearly identical images from the exhibit, featured in Persian news articles about the museum, match the scene falsely claimed to depict Syria. The museum has posted images of similar wax figures on Instagram.
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Grand Rapids Designer Andy Yates Featured in Business Insider for His Critique of 2024 Home Design TrendsThe men were arrested three weeks later as part of operation ‘Docht’ targeting an organised criminal group responsible for burglaries and high-value vehicle thefts on July 3rd and July 4th last year. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard last Monday that in one incident, a “dummy car” was rammed through the front window of a phone shop in Dublin city centre. A Vodafone shop in Newbridge was also targeted earlier that night. Later that night, a car was rammed through the gates of a motor dealer on the Naas Road. The arrests were made as a result of an ongoing intelligence-led operation by the Garda Eastern Region and involving units attached to the Dublin Metropolitan Region, Eastern Region and national units of gardaí. Ricardo Stancu, Daniel Murgea, and Ionut Leonard Petriu appeared before a sentencing hearing at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The court heard all three were from Romania. Stancu (19) of North Circular Road Dublin, and Murgea (31), also of North Circular Road, pleaded guilty to burglary, criminal damage and organised crime offences. Judge Orla Crowe sentenced Stancu to five years in prison with the final 12 months suspended. She imposed a sentence of six years on Murgea having taken into account his “significant history of dishonesty” – referring to his previous convictions in both France and Italy for offences involving theft. Petriu (38) of Middle Abbey Street, Dublin 1, pleaded guilty to assisting the group and his culpability was the lowest of the three, the court heard. Judge Crowe adjourned his case to March 20th next and ordered the preparation of a probation report. Judge Crowe said the crimes were committed over two days on three unoccupied commercial premises that had been deliberately targeted in an organised way. Each of the accused pleaded guilty on their trial date in October and further pleas were entered on Monday. Stancu and Murgea are in custody but Petriu is on bail. Det Gda Tom McEvoy gave evidence that gardaí received a call to attend the 3 Store in Henry Street, Dublin, after a car crashed into its front window. A silver Mercedes described as a “dummy car” was abandoned there and extensive damage was done to the front of the shop. The gang left with nothing because the mobile phones were kept in a safe. The “dummy car” – a stolen Silver Mercedes – was also used to smash through the front window of the Vodafone Shop at the Whitewater Shopping Centre in Newbridge just before 2.30am on July 3rd, 2023. The next day they rammed a car into Leinster Motors in Clondalkin. They used a Citroen C5 there to break through the gates, then stole a 5-series BMW at 12.30am on July 4th, which was later used for their next robbery as a getaway car. Four suspects were ultimately identified from CCTV using a 5-series BMW as a getaway car. Stancu was not involved in the Leinster Motors incident but was involved in the Henry Street and Whitewater Centre offences. Det Gda McEvoy told Garret McCormack BL, prosecuting, the total damage to the 3 Store was €49,459 and there was €1,051 worth of damage to stock but nothing was stolen. A further €7,000 was lost from lack of trading following the incident. The court heard that at the Whitewater Shopping Centre, a silver Mercedes Benz with two occupants wearing gloves approached the front of the shop. There was extensive damage done to the shop and they broke into the store and left with the store till. Some €16,000 worth of damage was caused in that incident. A BMW 5 Series was stolen from the car dealership in Clondalkin and more than €4,000 worth of damage was caused to the gates. Dean Kelly SC, for Stancu, said his client went back to Romania as a teenager before returning to Ireland. He was put in touch with people and was under pressure to take part. He said his client was a foot soldier who was taking rather than giving orders. Seoirse O’Dunlaing SC, for Murgea, said his client had shown remorse. There was evidence he was under the control of other people. Fergal McMorrow BL, for Petriu, said his client has one previous conviction. He said the father-of-three is working in a hotel. He came to live in Ireland in 2018.
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Tua Tagovailoa doesn't want to take chances with his family's safety, so the Miami Dolphins’ star quarterback hired personal security when one of his cars was broken into about a year ago. "(It was) a little too close for my comfort with my family being in the house,” Tagovailoa said Wednesday. “So we got personal security to take care of all of that. When we're on the road, we've got someone with my wife, got someone also at the house, surveying the house.” Tagovailoa, speaking days after the home of Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow was broken into while the Bengals were playing a Monday night game at Dallas, also noted his security is armed, "so I hope that if you decide to go to my house, you think twice.” Burrow's home was the latest targeted in a string of burglaries of pro athletes' homes in the U.S., which included the homes of Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. Mahomes' and Kelce's homes were broken into in October, prompting the NFL to issue a security alert to teams and the players' union warning that the houses of numerous pro athletes were “increasingly targeted for burglaries by organized and skilled groups," according to a memo previously obtained by The Associated Press. Law enforcement officials noted these groups target the homes on days the athletes have games. Players were told to take precautions and implement home security measures to reduce the risk of being targeted. Tagovailoa's personal security has been in place since long before this string of break-ins. No one was injured in the Monday night break-in at Burrow's home, but it was ransacked, according to a report provided by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. In the NBA , Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis had his home broken into Nov. 2 and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley Jr.’s home was burglarized on Sept. 15 while he was at a Minnesota Vikings game. Portis had offered a $40,000 reward for information, and the NBA later issued its own memo revealing that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Some of the groups have conducted extensive surveillance on targets, including attempted home deliveries and posing as grounds maintenance or joggers in the neighborhood, according to officials. Tagovailoa, who just signed an extension with the Dolphins last offseason, said he doesn't necessarily feel like a target, "but I wouldn't want to play the chances with my family and kids sleeping, my wife sleeping, me sleeping at the house.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflNone
Ever wanted to bring your dog with you aboard a cruise ship? Do you have a business focused on dogs and their families? If you answered yes to either question, you’ll be excited to learn that what’s being called the first-ever dog-friendly cruise is being planned aboard Margaritaville at Sea’s Islander out of the Port of Tampa in November 2025. And business opportunities await. Cruise ships famously don’t allow dogs other than service animals. Organizers of this cruise anticipate selecting from a long line of hopefuls. A “waitlist for all dog parents who have dreamt of bringing their furry friends along for their vacations will open soon,” a news release says. Organizers are calling for 250 dogs, “their owners and their closest humans” to become “inaugural ambassadors” for the cruise, which they promise will offer “unique experiences and activities including gifts and samples from top vendors, dog shows and trainings, guest speakers, costume contests, parades, and more.” The event is being staged by two organizations — Cruise Tails and Expedia Cruises of West Orlando. The website cruisetails.com seeks sponsors and investors in hopes of turning the cruise into a recurring event. Sponsorship and partnership opportunities are available for companies seeking brand visibility “across a passionate pet-loving audience,” the site says. And participants must sign photo waivers, the website says, adding, “We anticipate the fun will be all over social media and even in the press. In fact, the 250 chosen will undoubtedly be asked by sponsors to try products and post about them.” Cruise Tails was formed by Steve Matzke, a Bradenton-based entrepreneur listed on LinkedIn as beginning his career this month as an “independent consultant.” Matzke spent four years prior to that as senior director of external relations for the American Accounting Association, and 12 years before that as director of faculty and university initiatives for the American Institute of CPAs, his LinkedIn profile shows. Expedia Cruises of West Orlando was founded in 2019 by Dawn von Graff, an avid traveler who has taken more than 75 cruises and visited more than 80 countries, and her husband. She owned a computer networking firm, worked as an international tour manager, and was a top salesperson for Marriott before forming Expedia Cruises of West Orlando as a full-service travel agency. Details including dates, prices and itineraries have not yet been released. According to the website, organizers hope to select the inaugural 250 dogs based partly on how the dogs perform in a “video talent singing contest” as well as “a variety of criteria” to be announced “over the next few weeks.” The bigger the dog’s entourage, the better chance it will have to be chosen, the website says. “Preference will be given to dogs in a group which includes one dog cabin traveling with two or more associated cabins of friends or family without dogs,” it says. A spokeswoman for Margaritaville at Sea says the organizers are chartering the Islander, and the cruise will not be available for booking to the general public. Each dog will have “private relief stations” on their cabin balconies, and when dogs don’t make it to the relief station, each will have its own “pet butler” to ensure “their cabin and the boat remain in top condition,” a Cruise Tails spokeswoman said. Participants must agree to follow protocols on board, including keeping their dogs in permitted areas and making sure they are up to date with appropriate vaccinations. Dogs will not be allowed in dining areas, the ship’s casino, pool decks, lounges or music venues, according to the news release. Organizers will also be looking for workers and vendors. “We’re going to need dog walkers, pet butlers, and so much more,” the website says. And “if you have a proven skill like pet massage, grooming and pet walking or if you make custom dog costumes, have a unique dog product you would like to promote or are a well-known dog expert, we would love to chat with you.” Calls for pet handlers and vendors will be posted “in the next few months,” the site says. Whether the event turns into the profitable industry that its organizers hope for will undoubtedly depend on how the first one unfolds. A spokeswoman did not immediately have answers to such questions of what will happen to dogs that get aggressive with humans or other dogs? Will owners be required to purchase additional insurance to cover any possibilities? Will food be provided and how will feedings be handled? Contributors on Reddit.com posted mixed reactions to the announcement on Monday. “Cruises are already floating petri dishes. This doesn’t seem like a very good idea,” said one. “Now all decks are poop decks,” said another. A couple of posters worried about dogs going overboard. One said, “sounds awesome if you like dogs,” while another chimed in, “Better than a gorilla-friendly cruise, I suppose.” Ron Hurtibise covers business and consumer issues for the South Florida Sun Sentinel. He can be reached by phone at 954-356-4071, on Twitter @ronhurtibise or by email at rhurtibise@sunsentinel.com.At 45, many Canadians are in the thick of retirement planning, with some catching up and others on track. According to recent data, individuals aged 35 to 44 have an average Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) balance of $49,014, making up 47% of their total retirement savings of $104,159. For those in their mid-40s, this figure might provide a useful benchmark. Yet whether it’s sufficient hinges on personal retirement goals, desired lifestyle, and other income streams. Experts often recommend having about four times your annual salary saved by age 50. This suggests that at 45, you’d ideally be nearing three times your annual income in total savings. Falling short The reality, though, is that many Canadians find themselves falling short of these guidelines. Life happens, with mortgages, childcare costs, or unexpected expenses limiting how much you can tuck away. If your RRSP balance isn’t where you’d like it to be, there’s good news. You still have time to catch up. Increasing your contributions, utilizing unused RRSP room, and selecting the right investments can make a big difference. Diversification is key here, as it spreads risk while optimizing returns. Enter ( ), a fantastic option for those looking to supercharge their RRSP investments. VXC offers exposure to a wide range of international equities. Effectively diversifying your portfolio beyond Canada. This (ETF) top holdings include (58.17%), (24.80%), and (10.16%). The result? Access to the world’s top markets and opportunities for . Recent growth Let’s talk performance. VXC boasts a stellar year-to-date return of 24.80% and a one-year return of 35.07% as of writing. These figures reflect its exposure to global equities, which have benefited from recovering markets, technological innovation, and robust corporate earnings. The fund is heavily weighted toward technology (24.96%), financial services (15.41%), and industrials (10.98%). Sectors that often outperform during periods of economic expansion. Its recent performance speaks volumes, but what about the future? VXC’s global diversification means it’s well-positioned to weather market fluctuations while capturing growth from various regions. That said, investing in international equities does come with risks, including currency volatility and geopolitical uncertainty. However, these risks are often offset by the broader growth potential offered by emerging and developed markets alike. Looking ahead For the long-term investor, VXC’s low management fees and high exposure to global innovation make it a solid choice. Suppose your RRSP is currently concentrated in Canadian stocks or fixed-income securities. Adding VXC can balance out your portfolio and introduce significant growth potential. Its holdings span everything from large-cap U.S. stocks to small-cap emerging market players, ensuring you’re not putting all your eggs in one regional basket. Still, catching up on your RRSP contributions means more than just picking the right investments. It’s also about maximizing your tax advantages. Every dollar contributed to your RRSP lowers your taxable income, giving you an immediate financial boost while helping you save for the future. Pair this with a strategic investment like VXC, and you’re setting yourself up for growth over the coming decades. Bottom line If you’re worried about not having enough saved, don’t panic. Start by calculating how much you need annually in retirement and work backward to determine how much you should save each year moving forward. Tools like contribution calculators and guidance from financial advisors can simplify the process. Even if you can’t max out your RRSP every year, consistently contributing what you can and investing wisely will compound into meaningful growth over time. In short, while the average RRSP balance at age 45 provides a decent yardstick, it’s more important to focus on where you want to go from here. With options like VXC in your investment toolkit, you can diversify globally, enhance growth potential, and catch up to ensure a comfortable and secure retirement.
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