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Int'l Business Times
17-06-2025
- Int'l Business Times
Verdict Due For Sweden's 'Queen Of Trash' Over Toxic Waste
A court in Sweden will rule Tuesday in the country's biggest environmental crime trial, where a self-proclaimed "Queen of Trash" and four others stand accused of illegally dumping toxic waste. The once-acclaimed waste management company Think Pink is accused of dumping or burying some 200,000 tonnes of waste from the Stockholm area at 21 sites from 2015 to 2020, with no intention of processing it correctly. Prosecutors have called for six-year prison sentences against the five, who have denied the charges. The Sodertorn district court is due to announce the verdict at 11:00 am (0900 GMT). Think Pink's former chief executive Bella Nilsson, an ex-stripper who once called herself the "Queen of Trash", is charged with "aggravated environmental crime". Two others who also served as chief executive at times -- Nilsson's ex-husband Thomas Nilsson, who founded the company, and Leif-Ivan Karlsson, an eccentric entrepreneur who starred in a reality show about his over-the-top lifestyle -- face the same charge and possible sentence. As do "waste broker" Robert Silversten and Tobias Gustafsson, accused of organising the transportation of the waste. Bella Nilsson -- who has now changed her name to Fariba Vancor -- told the court Think Pink "followed the law". Her lawyer Thomas Olsson rejected the prosecution's claim the company used falsified documents to mislead authorities, and said any wrongdoing was "by mistake". Bella Nilsson has insisted she is the victim of a plot by business rivals. The prosecution has also sought a three-year sentence against an environmental consultant accused of helping the company pass inspections, as well as sentences of between eight and 18 months for five landowners. Think Pink was hired by municipalities, construction companies, apartment co-operatives and private individuals to dispose of primarily building materials but also electronics, metals, plastics, wood, tyres and toys. But Think Pink left the piles of waste unsorted and abandoned, the court heard. Prosecutors said high levels of toxic PCB compounds, lead, mercury, arsenic and other chemicals had been released into the air, soil and water, endangering the health of human, animal and plant life. Several municipalities have sought damages for clean-up and decontamination costs, totalling 260 million kronor ($27 million). One of the biggest claims is from the Botkyrka city council, where two Think Pink waste piles burned for months in 2020 and 2021 after spontaneously combusting. One was near two nature reserves. The Kagghamra site, buried under sand to extinguish the fire, has only recently stopped burning. Tests will soon be conducted on the toxic waste before politicians decide what to do with it.
India Today
17-05-2025
- General
- India Today
Tarot Card Predictions May 17, 2025: Tarot Card Reading for All Zodiac Signs
Aries (Six of Wands): So far, you have been struggling with your rivals in your professional field and haven't been able to prove your worth. There is also a kind of emptiness in relationships. However, you will soon witness a significant change. Sudden success at work could turn things around for the better. A family dispute regarding property is also nearing a settlement. You may receive a promotion at your job, possibly accompanied by a transfer. After this success, set new goals for yourself. Your achievements may attract the attention of many people. In such a situation, use your accumulated patience. If a task is not yielding the expected results, getting angry will be of no (Queen of Wands): A powerful woman may enter your life who could help you secure a good job. If you are looking for a partner for love or marriage, she might also be the one to solve that issue. If someone at work isn't performing according to your expectations, you don't hesitate to remove them from their position. If someone tries to dominate you, you don't back down from teaching them a lesson. You have the ability to sense others' intentions and crush their plans. Your love and patience toward your family members are truly admirable. Whether at work or in the family, some people are envious of you. These individuals often try to create obstacles in your path. Such people cannot be dealt with through anger or harsh words, but rather by staying alert and protecting yourself (Justice): Certain incidents may occur in your life from which you rely on your faith in God to emerge. In such situations or relationships, you seek justice only from the divine. You can reduce the complexity of your tasks by drawing on the experience of a seasoned person. A new enthusiasm has sparked within you to complete all your work with fresh energy. A past dispute had caused you significant distress, and the other party has escalated the issue to such an extent that resolution now seems possible only through legal intervention. Although you are confident that justice will be in your favour, the cunning nature of the other person may still worry you. Some of your colleagues are unhappy because a senior official recently appreciated your work. They perceive it as flattery toward the superior, which bothers you because it's not true. Despite everything, stay focused on your work. Time will respond to everyone in its own way—trust in that. Cancer (Five of Swords): Someone's negative and cunning mindset has created significant obstacles in your work. Something may happen in life that will lead to considerable difficulties. To move past those memories, you may try to immerse yourself in new tasks. You might encounter a person who tends to disregard moral values to get things done. While their approach might seem appealing initially, thinking about the long-term consequences will advise you to stay away. Some people are envious of your life. Although you may not be extremely wealthy or influential, your personality naturally draws others toward you. Your ability to get along with everyone easily helps you make friends, but it also causes some people to resent you. However, you must not allow them to dominate you in any (The Fool): Suddenly, life feels chaotic, as if you've been pushed down a slope without a chance to regain your balance. In such adverse circumstances, you're about to succeed in your efforts to regain control and move forward. Ignoring what others say could mean missing out on a major opportunity. Pay close attention to the advice of elders and experienced individuals. If you're facing any difficulties, don't hesitate to seek their help. Understand the seriousness of your partner's words, and try to gain approval from both families to strengthen the relationship. Your hard work toward securing a new job may soon pay off. There is also a possibility of opportunities abroad, whether for work or education. Set clear goals for yourself and stay away from unnecessary conflicts. If someone is seeking your help, be sure to lend your (Knight of Wands): Impatience might dominate your nature to such an extent that you begin expecting results immediately after starting any task. You lack patience and restraint, which has often led to incomplete success due to haste. Yet, you haven't really learned from those experiences. In matters of love, your desire for instant commitment and quick marriage is making things difficult. Your partner's family has asked for time to consider the relationship, which is increasing your restlessness. At work, you've been assigned the responsibility of executing a plan at a different location, and you're feeling anxious about how to manage it with new people. However, your senior officials have assured you that everyone will cooperate well with you. Spending time with your children has been a joyful (Two of Wands): You've long held a desire to work or study abroad. You're currently seeking new opportunities that could help fulfil this dream in the future. There's ongoing concern in the family regarding your job situation, as you've been unable to hold onto a job for long, which has started to shake your confidence. Watching your friends succeed may occasionally stir feelings of envy. However, you may soon receive news about a good job opportunity. A respectable position with a good salary will uplift your family's spirits. Your search for a new job might come to an end. The arrival of a new person in your workplace could lead to several promotions. You may also go on a short trip with your family. Someone close to you who has been living abroad for a long time may be returning, increasing the likelihood of your dreams coming (Knight of Cups): A touch of immaturity in your behaviour might make you a bit careless about your responsibilities. To build a better future, you need to bring more seriousness into your conduct. Try to meet with your beloved and resolve any ongoing issues through conversation. With a desire to do something new, you're continuously working to push your efforts forward. However, rushing tasks may create obstacles in your progress. An unexpected meeting with someone could spark hope for success in your endeavours. Promising opportunities may arise that can help you expand your business. Your faith and devotion in God appear to be growing stronger. Gradually, all your efforts seem to be progressing. Financial inflow may also improve significantly. Your superiors might entrust you with a new project, which could prove to be very beneficial. You are likely to keep moving forward with (Seven of Wands): You may suddenly face a major challenge in your workplace. Until now, your work was progressing smoothly, but the arrival of a new superior could bring new rules across departments, leading to stricter discipline. A situation may arise that you're not willing to confront. During this time, do not let your self-confidence waver—otherwise, all your previous efforts could go to waste. Keep control over your mind. If your mental state is not stable, your rivals may perceive you as weak and try to disrupt your work. In trying to meet everyone's expectations, be careful not to exhaust yourself to the point of future trouble. Conquer the inner struggles of your mind and make every effort to perform your tasks properly. Don't try to please everyone—doing so might leave you feeling (King of Cups): No matter the situation, you can try to come out of it by staying composed. Instead of reacting with anger or overexcitement, handling matters calmly will yield better results. In many cases, using wisdom instead of force can lead to success. Control your anger and irritability. Some tasks cannot be completed in haste—they require patience and composure. This is a time of transformation. You may feel a renewed sense of enthusiasm and energy; if this energy is directed properly, success is certain. Someone may prove to be very helpful to you—their advice and assistance can ease your workload. Even a little effort during this time can bring significant success. Reassess your tasks and work on accelerating progress. Be cautious, as there's a possibility of getting involved in conflicts or legal matters. Stay alert and aware of your (Six of Swords): Running away from difficult situations and challenges is never the right choice, as those same circumstances may resurface in an even more complicated form. You may face a job transfer, and the thought of a new place and unfamiliar people could be unsettling, but change can be positive. Shift your mindset. Some outcomes are best left to the will of God. Put in your full effort, and soon favourable results will be in your favour. You may receive news of expecting a child. In the workplace, an accusation of wrongdoing may be made against a colleague. You might speak to higher authorities in support of that colleague, knowing that they are being framed. You trust that the accusations will soon be proven false. Tensions from disputes within your spouse's family may cause turmoil in your life as (King of Pentacles): Due to your grounded nature, there is no arrogance or pride in your behaviour, which impresses everyone around you. You have built a good reputation in your professional or business life through hard work, which may make some of your competitors envious. Therefore, it is important to remain cautious and alert about the people and environment around you. You need to work on changing your lazy and undisciplined habits. If you work with full dedication, success is certain. Be trustworthy and responsible in your work or business, and only then will others appreciate you and your efforts. While you are naturally patient and composed, you can also be quite firm when necessary. You may impose strict punishment on wrongdoers based on their Watch
Cision Canada
12-05-2025
- Cision Canada
Taiwan Welcomes the World to a Vibrant 2025 Mazu Festival
VANCOUVER, BC, May 12, 2025 /CNW/ -- The Taiwan Tourism Administration has announced the successful conclusion of the 2025 Mazu (Matsu) Festival, a weeks-long religious and cultural celebration that drew record crowds and international visitors across Taiwan. Centered around processions honoring the sea goddess Mazu – one of Taiwan's most revered deities – the festival showcased the island's rich folk traditions, community spirit, and hospitality. Celebrating Taiwan's Beloved Sea Goddess Mazu, also known as the "Queen of Heaven," is a deity worshipped in Taiwan as a protector of seafarers and bringer of blessings. Mazu's legend has grown over centuries; today she is venerated by millions for her benevolence and protection in all aspects of life. The annual Mazu Festival (held during the third lunar month) is the most important celebration of this goddess's birthday and is one of Taiwan's largest religious events, recognized alongside the world's top pilgrimage traditions. Each spring, entire communities mobilize to honor Mazu with spectacular rituals and pilgrimages, praying for peace and good fortune. Island-wide Pilgrimages Draw Record Crowds This year's festival unfolded from early April to mid-May, featuring two major Mazu pilgrimage routes that spanned hundreds of kilometers across central Taiwan. In early April, the famed Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage set off from Zhenlan (Jenn Lann) Temple in Dajia, Taichung. The nine-day, eight-night journey covered about 340 km, winding through Taichung, Changhua, Yunlin, and Chiayi counties before returning to Dajia. The procession's route included over a hundred temples and villages – 110 temples according to organizers – as local devotees turned out to welcome the goddess's palanquin. Festivities began with a dramatic night-time sendoff on April 4, when an estimated 600,000 worshippers packed the streets to bid Mazu farewell at the start of her journey. Along the way, many temples hosted performances and ceremonies to honor Mazu, from firecracker displays to traditional drum and lion dance parades. Communities large and small offered free food and shelter to pilgrims, embodying the festival's spirit of hospitality and faith. Two weeks later in May, the Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage – Taiwan's longest religious procession on foot – commenced in Miaoli County. Departing Baishatun's Gongtian Temple just after midnight on May 2, a record-breaking 329,118 devotees registered to accompany Mazu's palanquin on its journey south. This 10-day pilgrimage is unique in that its route is not pre-set; at each fork in the road, temple guides cast divination blocks seeking Mazu's guidance on which way to go. As a result, the convoy often detours through small villages and rural shrines, bringing Mazu's blessings to remote communities. The Baishatun procession ultimately traveled over 300 kilometers (nearly 400 km round-trip) from Miaoli, through Taichung and Changhua, to its destination at Yunlin's Beigang Chaotian Temple. There, thousands gathered for a jubilant welcoming ceremony as the Mazu effigy arrived on May 3, greeted by ringing temple bells and cheers of devotees. Rituals, Traditions and Cultural Highlights Throughout the festival, colorful rituals and performances highlighted Taiwan's living folk culture. As Mazu's palanquin traversed city streets and country lanes, worshippers jostled for a chance to touch or shoulder the ornate sedan chair, believing it brings good luck. Some devotees even lay flat on the ground, allowing the palanquin to pass over them – a traditional act of faith said to bathe the believer in Mazu's blessings. At night, the sky was lit up by fireworks and the cacophony of firecrackers, though in a nod to sustainability some processions used eco-friendly, smokeless firecrackers to reduce air pollution. Key cultural events accompanied the religious observances. In Taichung, a Mazu International Culture Festival brought folk arts to life with temple courtyard stages featuring Taiwanese opera and puppet theater. Troops like the renowned Ming Hwa Yuan drama troupe performed classical opera pieces in Mazu's honor, while puppet shows and acrobatic dance troupes entertained pilgrims and tourists alike . Along the pilgrimage routes, local performance troupes and marching bands joined in, creating a carnival-like atmosphere celebrating both the sacred and the festive. Unprecedented Turnout and Global Participation The 2025 Mazu Festival saw unprecedented participation, reflecting a post-pandemic resurgence of Taiwan's temple culture and its growing appeal to international visitors. Organizers estimate that well over one million people in total took part in this year's Mazu pilgrimages and related events. The Dajia pilgrimage alone drew crowds peaking at around 800,000 during its grand finale in Taichung, while the Baishatun trek's flexible entourage swelled beyond the official 329,000 registered pilgrims as many joined informally en route (potentially over 400,000 in all). These figures mark all-time highs for the festival. Not only did devotees from across Taiwan turn out in droves, but thousands of tourists traveled to witness the spectacle. According to local travel agencies, special Mazu pilgrimage tour packages were hugely popular – one leading tour operator served over 3,000 tour participants this year (a 50% increase from the previous year) as overseas visitors jumped at the chance to experience the celebrations. "The Mazu Festival is a living expression of Taiwan's spiritual heritage and community vitality," said Sylvia Lee, Director of the San Francisco Office of the Taiwan Tourism Administration. "We are proud to see record participation this year, not only from our citizens but also from international visitors. We especially invite our Canadian friends to experience this one-of-a-kind journey next year — to walk with Mazu, share in our traditions, and feel the warmth of Taiwan's hospitality." For related photos and files, please click here. To learn more about Taiwan's temple culture, and to plan your trip to Taiwan for next year's Mazu Festival, visit the Taiwan Tourism Information Centre in Vancouver at Unit 626, 6081 No. 3 Road, Richmond, BC V6Y 2B2. The Taiwan Tourism Administration is the official government agency of Taiwan (R.O.C.) responsible for domestic and international tourism policy development and execution. The Western Canada market is managed by the San Francisco office of TTA. The marketing slogan currently in use for Taiwan is "Waves of Wonder." The official ambassador of the TTA is OhBear, a cartoon Formosan Black Bear, the national animal of Taiwan. Media Contact Alex Trup, Marketing Director Taiwan Tourism Information Center [email protected] SOURCE Taiwan Tourism Administration
