Author: dmitriy.vasyura@gmail.com

  • Liverpool Christmas party ‘abruptly cancelled’ after ‘drug concerns’ shake ‘glitzy bash’

    Liverpool Christmas party ‘abruptly cancelled’ after ‘drug concerns’ shake ‘glitzy bash’

    Liverpool's stadium, Anfield

    Liverpool had to ‘shut down’ their staff Christmas party after ‘drug paraphernalia’ was found in the toilets at the city’s cathedral, according to the Daily Mail.

    The club’s staff had their Christmas party at Liverpool cathedral on Thursday evening and was attended by ‘around 500 club workers’.

    This is according to a report from the Daily Mail, where it is claimed the ‘glitzy Thursday night bash’ was ‘abruptly cancelled over drug concerns’.

    Indeed, the event was ‘shut down’ because ‘suspected drug paraphernalia was found in the toilets’.

    There was reportedly ‘a medical emergency’ at the party, which sparked fear drugs were being taken, leading to toilet checks, where ‘a number of empty miniature re-sealable bags, which are often used to contain illegal substances’ were discovered.

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    It turns out said medical emergency was not drug related and the member of staff involved ‘was taken to hospital and has recovered well’.

    The report from Mike Keegan adds:

    Bands had been hired to play at the city’s Anglican Cathedral, the fifth biggest in the world, and at least one set was ended early.

    Bars closed around 30 minutes ahead of time, according to insiders. After being sent away, some found alternate venues to head to.

    Considerable expense went on the event, aimed at providing non-football staff with a thank you for their work throughout the year.

    None of the players or manager Arne Slot are thought to have been present.

    The iconic Church of England venue celebrated 100 years since its consecration in 1924 and is the seat of the bishop of Liverpool and the mother church of the diocese of Liverpool. It is the largest cathedral and religious building in Britain.

    For the event, Liverpool’s badge was projected high onto the chapel windows while the hall was bathed in red light.

    A Liverpool spokesperson said: ‘We do not condone or tolerate the use of illegal substances at any of our sites or events.

    ‘We thank the events team at the venue for their swift action and professional response to the medical emergency which was unrelated.

    ‘The member of staff is recovering well.’

    Liverpool host Fulham in the Premier League in their next match and have only lost once all season, at home to Nottingham Forest in September.

  • ChatGPT spoke in the voice of Santa

    ChatGPT spoke in the voice of Santa

    ChatGPT spoke in the voice of Santa

    OpenAI has launched a voice mode of communication with Santa Claus in ChatGPT. The feature is available on all platforms until the beginning of January, and the company is resetting usage limits for all users one-time.

    The technology company OpenAI has announced that ChatGPT users can now talk to a simulated version of Santa Claus through the program's voice mode. This is reported by OpenAI in the social network X, reports UNN.

    Details

    The developers added his voice and personality as a preset option to ChatGPT's advanced voice mode.

    Users can access Santa by clicking on the snowflake icon next to the tooltip bar or through voice settings.

    The feature is available in mobile apps for iOS and Android, on the chatgpt.com website, and in OpenAI applications for Windows and MacOS.

    OpenAI also reported that the company will reset the limits on the use of the extended voice mode for each user once as a gift. So even if you have exhausted your time in the extended voice mode, you will have a chance to talk to Santa.

    The voice option with Santa will be available to users around the world by early January, including Ukrainians.

    Recall

    OpenAI has expanded the functionality of ChatGPT by adding voice chat to the web version. Available for Plus, Enterprise, Teams, and Edu subscribers, the new feature uses GPT-4 to create natural conversations.

  • Ukraine’s air defence downs about 10 Russian drones threatening Kyiv

    Ukraine’s air defence downs about 10 Russian drones threatening Kyiv

    Kyiv City Military Administration has reported that air defence forces shot down approximately 10 Russian attack drones that posed a threat to the capital.

    Source: Kyiv City Military Administration

    Quote from Kyiv City Military Administration Head Serhii Popko: "Another tense night for Kyiv. Russian forces once again launched their attack drones against Ukraine's peaceful capital. An air-raid warning was issued in the city twice, being in effect for a total of three and a half hours."

    Details: Popko noted that the drones approached in waves and from various directions.

    Ukraine’s defence forces, using various methods, detected and downed nearly 10 Russian UAVs, which had the potential to threaten Kyiv.

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  • 7 russian ships with “Kalibr” missiles detected in the Mediterranean Sea

    7 russian ships with “Kalibr” missiles detected in the Mediterranean Sea

    7 russian ships with “Kalibr” missiles detected in the Mediterranean Sea

    There are 7 enemy ships in the Mediterranean, 4 of which are equipped with Kalibr cruise missiles. The total potential volley is up to 41 missiles, and there are no enemy ships in the Black and Azov Seas.

    There are 7 enemy vessels in the Mediterranean Sea, 4 of which are equipped with Kalibr cruise missiles with a total potential volley of up to 41 missiles. This was reported by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, according to UNN.

    Details

    However, there are currently no enemy warships in the Black and Azov Seas.

    Over the past day, 7 vessels sailed through the Kerch Strait to the Sea of Azov in the interests of the terrorist country, 3 of which came from the Bosporus. No vessels were observed heading towards the Black Sea.

    The russian federation continues to violate the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, by disabling automatic ship identification systems, which poses a threat to maritime safety.

    There are no enemy ships in the Black and Azov SeasDec 12 2024, 05:02 AM • 20608 views

  • EU to impose first sanctions on Russian intelligence over disinformation campaigns, Bloomberg reports

    EU to impose first sanctions on Russian intelligence over disinformation campaigns, Bloomberg reports

    EU to impose first sanctions on Russian intelligence over disinformation campaigns, Bloomberg reports

    The European Union is set to impose its first sanctions targeting Russia for disinformation and hybrid activities.

    The proposed measures target more than a dozen individuals and three entities, including Russian intelligence officers and media entrepreneurs, according to Bloomberg. The sanctions aim to counter destabilizing operations globally.

    In addition, the EU plans to sanction around two dozen Belarusian individuals for alleged human rights violations or ties to President Alexander Lukashenko’s government, as part of a broader package expected to be approved by EU foreign ministers on Dec. 16 in Brussels.

    The proposals follow EU ambassadors' approval of a 15th sanctions package against Russia, targeting its "shadow fleet" of aging tankers used to bypass oil export restrictions, the Hungarian Presidency of the EU Council announced on Dec. 11.

    The sanctions also apply to individuals and entities aiding Russia’s military and technological advancements by evading export controls. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the move, saying on X that "…the EU and its G7 partners are committed to keeping pressure on the Kremlin."

    Russian snipers use Western rifles, ammunition despite sanctions, media investigation saysRussia uses Western sniper rifles and ammunition despite sanctions, obtaining the arms via third-party countries, according to a joint media investigation published by The Insider on Dec. 11.EU to impose first sanctions on Russian intelligence over disinformation campaigns, Bloomberg reportsThe Kyiv IndependentBoldizsar GyoriEU to impose first sanctions on Russian intelligence over disinformation campaigns, Bloomberg reports
  • Air defense destroyed about 10 enemy drones in Kyiv during a night attack

    Air defense destroyed about 10 enemy drones in Kyiv during a night attack

    Air defense destroyed about 10 enemy drones in Kyiv during a night attack

    The capital experienced two air alerts totaling 3.5 hours due to UAV attacks. The wreckage of the downed drone fell in the Darnytskyi district, with no injuries.

    In the capital, air defense destroyed about a dozen enemy UAVs. This was reported by the head of the KCMA Serhiy Popko, UNN reports.

    Details

    Kyiv experienced another night of anxiety due to attacks by the invaders. Numerous enemy attack drones were observed in the sky over the capital, moving from different directions and coming in waves.

    The air alert was announced twice, with a total duration of about three and a half hours. Thanks to the prompt actions of the defense forces, almost a dozen UAVs that posed a potential threat were detected and neutralized.

    During the destruction of one of the drones, the wreckage fell on the territory of the Darnytskyi district. It is preliminarily stated that they fell on an open area, fortunately, there were no injuries among the local population.

    Operational information on the situation is constantly updated.

    Wreckage of enemy drones fell in Darnytsia district of KyivDec 14 2024, 12:07 AM • 7909 views

  • Zelenskyy confirms he will meet with EU leaders during visit to Brussels

    Zelenskyy confirms he will meet with EU leaders during visit to Brussels

    President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a visit to Brussels for talks with European leaders in his evening address on Friday, 13 December.

    Source: Zelenskyy’s evening video address; European Pravda reports

    Details: Speaking about the talks with foreign leaders, Zelenskyy noted that preparations for meetings in Brussels next week with European leaders are already underway.

    He did not specify when the visit will take place or what meetings will be held.

    Background:

    • Following a telephone conversation with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Zelenskyy announced a face-to-face meeting with him next week in Brussels.
    • Reuters reported that Zelenskyy will be visiting Brussels next Wednesday, on 19 December, where he is scheduled to meet with EU and NATO state leaders at the invitation of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
    • A EU summit will be held in Brussels at the same time, during which French President Emmanuel Macron may raise the issue of deploying a peacekeeping mission to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire.

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  • Important Christian relic returned to Notre Dame

    Important Christian relic returned to Notre Dame

    Important Christian relic returned to Notre Dame

    An ancient Christian relic believed to be the crown of thorns of Jesus has been returned to Notre Dame Cathedral. The relic will be available for public veneration every Friday until April 18, and then on the first Friday of every month.

    An ancient relic, which many Christians revere as the crown of thorns of Jesus Christ, has been returned to Notre Dame, five years after it was saved from the flames of a devastating fire in 2019. This is reported by the Associated Press, according to UNN.

    Details

    The crown, a round ribbon of branches enclosed in a gilded gold tube, was returned to its historic home during a ceremony led by the Archbishop of Paris in the presence of the knights and ladies of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher, a key moment in the cathedral's restoration.

    Image

    The relic was first mentioned by Jerusalem pilgrims in the fifth century, and in the twentieth century it was transferred to Constantinople. In 1239, it was acquired by King Louis IX of France, who brought it to Paris and placed it in the Notre Dame Cathedral, and then ordered the Saint-Chapelle Chapel to store it. It was later returned to Notre Dame.

    Image

    During the fire that engulfed most of Notre Dame on April 15, 2019, the crown of thorns was kept in a sealed case along with other relics. The quick actions of firefighters ensured the survival of these treasures.

    Image

    Starting on January 10, the crown of thorns will be on display for public veneration every Friday until April 18, culminating on Good Friday. After that, the relic will be displayed on the first Friday of every month.

    Recall

    On December 8, for the first time in 5 years after the fire , Notre Dame Cathedral held a mass with the consecration of a new altar. The ceremony was attended by President Macron and other high-ranking officials.

  • Russian authorities block Viber messaging app

    Russian authorities block Viber messaging app

    Russian authorities block Viber messaging app

    Russia's communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, announced on Dec. 13 that it had blocked access to the Viber messaging app.

    The move is part of a broader crackdown on social media platforms by Russian authorities. According to Roskomnadzor, the ban was imposed due to alleged violations of regulations aimed at combating terrorism, extremism, and drug trafficking.

    Viber had a significant presence in Russia, with approximately 26% of the Russian population aged 12 and older using the app as of October 2023. About 14% of users accessed it daily, according to reports by state-owned TASS news agency.

    In 2023, Viber was fined one million rubles (approximately $11,880) for failing to remove content deemed "false" regarding Russia's war in Ukraine.

    Additionally, Russian authorities restricted access to X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook in 2022, shortly after the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

    Following these actions, Russia also imposed a complete ban on Facebook and Instagram in March 2022. As of December 2024, Viber has faced fines totaling over 1.8 million rubles (around $17,402) for violations of national legislation.

    Viber, owned by Japanese multinational Rakuten, was acquired by the company for $900 million in February 2014.

    Russia blocks Signal messaging app, reportedly plans to block WhatsAppEarlier, Signal users in Russia complained about problems with the messaging app. It no longer opens without a VPN or other bypass tools enabled, the Russian English-language newspaper Moscow Times reported.Russian authorities block Viber messaging appThe Kyiv IndependentKateryna HodunovaRussian authorities block Viber messaging app
  • Movement of enemy drones spotted in some regions of Ukraine – Ukrainian Armed Forces

    Movement of enemy drones spotted in some regions of Ukraine – Ukrainian Armed Forces

    Movement of enemy drones spotted in some regions of Ukraine - Ukrainian Armed Forces

    The Air Force reports active movement of enemy UAVs in several areas of the country. The drones are moving through Zhytomyr, Odesa, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Poltava regions.

    The movement of UAVs was recorded in several regions of the country. This is reported by the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, UNN reports.

    Detail

    The Air Force reported active movement of enemy attack drones in several directions:

    1. Drones heading towards Zhytomyr spotted in Zhytomyr region.

    2. UAVs are moving from Odesa region in the direction of Vinnytsia region.

    3. Groups of drones were spotted on routes from Sumy to Poltava and Chernihiv regions.

    4. In Kharkiv region, drones are flying south.

    5. Drones from Poltava region are sent to Cherkasy region.

    Air defense forces are on full alert. Citizens are urged to follow safety rules, stay in shelters and not ignore air raid warnings.

    Air alert announced in KyivDec 13 2024, 05:04 AM • 16695 views