It’s Almost Oscars Time. Here’s Everything You Need To Know

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10 March 2023, 06:42

oscar2023-1 — Antje Menikheim, left, lead scenic painter for Sunday's 95th Academy Awards, and carpet coordinator Geoffrey Coleman inspect Oscar statues in preparation for the event, Wednesday, March 8, 2023, near the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

NEW YORK (AP) — Hollywood is gearing up for the 95th Academy Awards, where “Everything Everywhere All at Once” comes in the lead nominee and the film industry will hope to move past “the slap” of last year’s ceremony. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2023 Oscars, including when they are, where to watch the live show and this year’s controversies.

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WHEN ARE THE OSCARS?

The Oscars will be held Sunday, March 12, at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. The ceremony is set to begin at 8 pm EST and be broadcast live on ABC.

CAN YOU STREAM THE OSCARS?

The broadcast can be streamed with a subscription to Hulu Live TV, YouTubeTV, AT&T TV and Fubo TV. Some of these services offer brief free trials. You can also stream the show on ABC.com and on the ABC app by authenticating your provider.

(Note from Khaosod English: For those who are in Thailand, you can watch live broadcasts on True Film 1 (115/222) and True Visions Now (online application trueID) on March 13, since 5.30 a.m. It will rerun at 8 p.m. on that day.)

AP23068158333254 — Sunset casts a pink glow over the Los Angeles skyline as seen from behind the famous Hollywood sign Wednesday evening, March 8, 2023. (AP Photo/J. David Ake)

WHO’S HOSTING?

Jimmy Kimmel will host for the third time and his first time since 2018. That was also the last Oscars to feature a solo host. The show went hostless for several years after Kimmel’s last outing. Last year, Regina Hall, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes hosted as a trio. In an ad for this year’s show styled after “Top Gun: Maverick, ” Kimmel made his humble case for being the right person for the job while noting that he can’t get slapped because “I cry a lot.”

WHAT’S NOMINATED FOR BEST PICTURE AT THE 2023 OSCARS?

The 10 movies competing for best picture are: “All Quiet on the Western Front,” “Avatar: The Way of Water,” “The Banshees of Inisherin,” “Elvis,” “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” “The Fabelmans, ” “Tár,” “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Triangle of Sadness,” “Women Talking.” Here’s a guide to how you can watch them.

AP23058560548764 1 — This combination of photos shows promotional art for Oscar nominees for best feature, top row from left, “All Quiet on the Western Front,” “Avatar: The Way of Water,” “The Banshees of Inisherin,” “Elvis,” “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” bottom row from left, “The Fabelmans,” “Tár,” “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Triangle of Sadness,” and “Women Talking.” (Netflix/Disney/Searchlight/Warner Bros./A24/Universal/Focus/Paramount/Neon/Orion-United Artists via AP)

WHO’S PRESENTING?

Presenters include: Halle Bailey, Antonio Banderas, Elizabeth Banks, Jessica Chastain, John Cho, Andrew Garfield, Hugh Grant, Danai Gurira, Salma Hayek Pinault, Nicole Kidman, Florence Pugh and Sigourney Weaver.

They join a previously announced group including: Riz Ahmed, Emily Blunt, Glenn Close, Jennifer Connelly, Ariana DeBose, Samuel L. Jackson, Dwayne Johnson, Michael B. Jordan, Troy Kotsur, Jonathan Majors, Melissa McCarthy, Janelle Monáe, Deepika Padukone, Questlove, Zoe Saldaña and Donnie Yen.

A third wave was announced Thursday: Halle Berry, Paul Dano, Cara Delevingne, Harrison Ford, Kate Hudson, Mindy Kaling, Eva Longoria, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Andie MacDowell, Elizabeth Olsen, Pedro Pascal and John Travolta.

AP23068775551722 — FILE – Host Jimmy Kimmel speaks at the Oscars in Los Angeles on March 4, 2018. Kimmel will again preside over the ceremony on Sunday. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)

WHAT ELSE IS IN STORE FOR THE SHOW?

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has said that winners to all categories will be announced live on the show. (Last year, some categories were taped in a pre-show, something that caused an uproar among academy members.)

All signs point to a full slate of musical performances, with Rihanna performing “Lift Me Up” from “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava singing Chandrabose and MM Keeravaani’s “Naatu Naatu” from “RRR.

Nominee Lady Gaga, on the other hand, will not sing “Hold My Hand,” from “Top Gun: Maverick,” during the show. On Monday, show producers announced that Lenny Kravitz will deliver the “In Memoriam” performance.

WHO ARE THE FAVORITES?

Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert’s indie sci-fi hit “Everything Everywhere All at Once” comes in with a leading 11 nominations. Close on its heels, though, is the Irish friends-falling-out dark comedy “The Banshees of Inisherin,” with nine nods, a total matched by Netflix’s WWI film “All Quiet on the Western Front.”

Michelle Yeoh (“Everything Everywhere All at Once”) may have a slight edge on Cate Blanchett (“Tár”) for best actress.

AP23058188120839 — A cast in a motion picture for “Everything Everywhere All at Once” at the 29th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023, at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Best actor is harder to call, with Brendan Fraser (“The Whale”) and Austin Butler (“Elvis”) in the mix.

In the supporting categories, Angela Bassett (“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”) and Ke Huy Quan (“Everything Everywhere All at Once”) are the frontrunners, though Jamie Lee Curtis’ Screen Actors Guild Awards win may have thrown a wrench into the supporting actress category.

Steven Spielberg (“The Fabelmans”) may win his third best director Oscar, though the Daniels may have emerged as the frontrunners.

AP Film Writers Lindsey Bahr and Jake Coyle are predicting a big haul for “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”

AP23058560539691 — This combination of photos shows Oscar nominees for best performance by an actor in a leading role, from left, Austin Butler in “Elvis,” Colin Farrell in “The Banshees of Inisherin,” Brendan Fraser in “The Whale,” Paul Mescal in “Aftersun,” and Bill Nighy in “Living.” (Warner Bros/Searchlight/A24/A24/Sony Pictures Classics via AP)

WHAT’S BEEN CONTROVERSIAL THIS YEAR?

Aside from the usual snubs and surprises, this year’s biggest to-do has been the debate surrounding Andrea Riseborough’s unexpected nomination for best actress. Riseborough was nominated for the little-seen, Texas-set drama “To Leslie” after many A-list stars rallied around her performance.

When two other best-actress contenders — Danielle Deadwyler (“Till”) and Viola Davis (“Woman King”) — were snubbed, some saw that as a reflection of racial bias in the film industry.

The academy launched an inquiry into the star-studded, grassroots campaign for Riseborough but found no reason to rescind her nomination.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR?

Just the reading of the title to one of this year’s short film nominees should prompt a wave of giggles. John Williams (“The Fabelmans”), up for best score, is the oldest nominee ever, at 90 years old.

After historic back-to-back best-director wins by Chloé Zhao (“Nomadland”) and Jane Campion (“The Power of the Dog”), no women were nominated this year for best director.

Also don’t expect to see Will Smith at the Oscars anytime soon. After striking Chris Rock at last year’s ceremony, Smith was banned by the film academy from attending for 10 years. In a live Netflix special on Saturday, Rock finally punched back at Smith with a blistering stand-up set about the incident.

AP23060709744611 — FILE – Will Smith, right, hits presenter Chris Rock on stage while presenting the award for best documentary feature at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File)

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Complete list of 2023 Oscar nominees

Nominees for the 95th Academy Awards, announced Tuesday in Beverly Hills, California:

Best picture: “All Quiet on the Western Front”; “Avatar: The Way of Water”; “The Banshees of Inisherin”; “Elvis”; “Everything Everywhere All at Once”; “The Fabelmans”; “Tár”; “Top Gun: Maverick”; “Triangle of Sadness”; “Women Talking.”

Best actor: Brendan Fraser, “The Whale”; Colin Farrell, “The Banshees of Inisherin”; Austin Butler, “Elvis”; Bill Nighy, “Living”; Paul Mescal, “Aftersun.”

Best actress: Ana de Armas, “Blonde”; Cate Blanchett, “Tár”; Andrea Riseborough, “To Leslie”; Michelle Williams, “The Fabelmans”; Michelle Yeoh, “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”

AP23058560897109 — This combination of images shows Oscar nominees for best actress, from left, Cate Blanchett in “Tár,” Ana de Armas in “Blonde,” Andrea Riseborough in “To Leslie,” Michelle Williams in “The Fabelmans,” and Michelle Yeoh in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” (Focus Features/Netflix/Momentum Pictures/Universal/A24 via AP)

Best director: “Martin McDonagh, “The Banshees of Inisherin”; Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, “Everything Everywhere All at Once”; Steven Spielberg, “The Fabelmans”; Todd Field, “Tár”; Ruben Ostlund, “Triangle of Sadness.”

Best supporting actress: Angela Bassett, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”; Hong Chau, “The Whale”; Kerry Condon, “The Banshees of Inisherin”; Stephanie Hsu, “Everything Everywhere All at Once”; Jamie Lee Curtis, “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”

AP23058560546795 — This combination of images shows Oscar nominees for best supporting actress, from left, Angela Bassett in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” Hong Chau in “The Whale,” Kerry Condon in “The Banshees of Inisherin,” Jamie Lee Curtis in “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” and Stephanie Hsu in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” (Disney/A24/Searchlight/A24/A24 via AP)

Best supporting actor: Brian Tyree Henry, “Causeway”; Judd Hirsch, “The Fabelmans”; Brendan Gleeson, “Banshees on Inisherin”; Barry Keoghan, “Banshees of Inisherin”; Ke Huy Quan, “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”

AP23058560558299 — This combination of photos shows Oscar nominees for the best supporting actor category, from left. Brendan Gleeson in “The Banshees of Inisherin,” Brian Tyree Henry in “Causeway,” Judd Hirsch in “The Fabelmans,” Barry Keoghan in “The Banshees of Inisherin,” and Ke Huy Quan in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” (Searchlight/Apple/Universal/Searchlight/A24 via AP)

International film: “All Quiet on the Western Front” (Germany); “Argentina, 1985” (Argentina); “Close” (Belgium); “EO” (Poland); “The Quiet Girl” (Ireland).”

Best animated feature: “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio”; “Marcel the Shell With Shoes On”; “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish”; “The Sea Beast”; “Turning Red.”

Original screenplay: “Everything Everywhere All at Once”; “The Banshees of Inisherin”; “The Fabelmans”; “Tár”; “Triangle of Sadness.”

Adapted screenplay: “All Quiet on the Western Front”; “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery”; “Living,”; “Top Gun: Maverick”; “Women Talking.”

Visual Effects: “Avatar: The Way of Water”; “Top Gun: Maverick”; “The Batman”; “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”; “All Quiet on the Western Front.”

Music (original score): Volker Bertelmann, “All Quiet on the Western Front”; Justin Hurwitz, “Babylon”; Carter Burwell, “The Banshees of Inisherin”; Son Lux, “Everything Everywhere All at Once”; John Williams, “The Fabelmans.”

Original song: “Applause,” from “Tell It Like a Woman”; “Hold My Hand,” from “Top Gun: Maverick”; “Lift Me Up” from “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”; “Naatu Naatu” from “RRR”; “This Is a Life” from “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”

Documentary feature: “All That Breathes’; “All the Beauty and the Bloodshed”; “Fire of Love”; “A House Made of Splinters”; “Navalny.”

Cinematography: James Friend, “All Quiet on the Western Front”; Darius Khondj, “Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths”; Mandy Walker, “Elvis”; Roger Deakins, “Empire of Light”; Florian Hoffmeister, “Tár.”

Costume design: “Babylon”; “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”: “Elvis”: “Everything Everywhere All at Once”: “Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris.”

Animated short: “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse”; “The Flying Sailor”; “Ice Merchants”; “My Year of Dicks”; “An Ostrich Told Me the World is Fake and I Think I Believe it.”

Live action short: “An Irish Goodbye”; “Ivalu”; “Le Pupille”; “Night Ride”; “The Red Suitcase.”

Documentary short: “The Elephant Whisperers”; “Haulout”; “How Do You Measure a Year?”; “The Martha Mitchell Effect”; “Stranger at the Gate.”

Film editing: “The Banshees of Inisherin”; “Elvis”; “Everything Everywhere All at Once”; “Tár”; “Top Gun: Maverick.”

Sound: “All Quiet on the Western Front”; “Avatar: The Way of Water”; “The Batman”; “Elvis”; “Top Gun: Maverick.”

Production design: “All Quiet on the Western Front”; “Avatar: The Way of Water”; “Babylon”; “Elvis,” “The Fabelmans.”

Makeup and hairstyling: “All Quiet on the Western Front”; “The Batman”; “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”; “Elvis”; “The Whale.”

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Srettha Takes a Break From Sansiri To Concentrate on Election

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Khaosod English

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9 March 2023, 22:17

Srettha Thavisin, CEO of Sansiri, one of the big players in Thailand’s real estate industry, who recently took the advisory chairman of the Pheu Thai party, tweeted an announcement about his break from his role at Sansiri. He said he wanted to bring his experience to politics to boost the economy and reduce inequality. He justified the break without salary as a sign of his fairness and hopes for the support of employees.

He later attended a party meeting with the executive committee, which was also attended by former Prime Minister Thaksin’s daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who serves as the party’s chairperson. Srettha said his pause from Sansiri was fair to all because he wanted to devote himself fully to politics and the election campaign.

For the general meeting, Pheu Thai stated the party’s intention to win as many seats as possible, namely 310. Paetongtarn added that the strategic goal is the 310 seats MP, as Pheu Thai wants to form a strong cabinet and overthrow the “regime of Prayut'”. The party has this goal in mind.

Srettha pointed out the problem of wages. If Phue Thai wins the election, he said he is confident of raising the minimum wage to 600 baht by 2027. He added that all jobs should have access to decent wages.

For macro-economic policies, he aims for the economy to grow by at least 5 percent while Pheu Thai leads the cabinet and works for education, as he did previously in Ratchaburi when he donated THB 100 million with Sansiri to bring children into the public education system.

The party also introduced two sports policy advisors: Pimol Srivikorn, president of Taekwondo Association of Thailand and Chalitrat Chanrubeksa, president of Squash Association of Thailand.

Pimol, is also a prominent businessman and chairman of TCM Corporation Plc. He is known for the association’s success in enabling Panipak “Tennis” Wongpattanakit to win an Olympic gold medal in 2020.

Pimol said Pheu Thai Party is not just about working for a better economy and people’s livelihood but about promoting sports as Thailand’s soft power.

“The Mist” House Underlines Thais Suffer From Dead-end Pollution Issue

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Khaosod English

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9 March 2023, 15:45

The Thai public demanded a solution to air pollution when a video went viral showing a house filled with black, polluted smoke coming from the opposite direction towards the owner’s house as if it were toxic smoke.

The video says: “People are in pain. If this is the amount of smoke, you can imagine the smell. We do not need to talk about the drying of the laundry. This is cancer. Can any government agency help the people? What do you think about this? #negligent 7/3/23 3.23 pm. Lopburi. Today I can not dry my laundry or open the door because???”

After the video was published, several people commented on the post. Some thought that the video showed a scene similar to the one in the film The Mist. Another commented that a nearby cement mixing plant used shades and water to trap dust, which was somewhat helpful, but this plant had nothing to protect the nearby flat.

The video went viral as people in different areas experienced the same polluted problem that is so far unsolvable. The Pollution Control Department released a daily report on March 9 showing that 52 provinces, including Lopburi had PM2.5 levels above normal.

A Khaosod reporter visited the house seen in the video. It is located in Moo 8, Tha Sala sub-district, Lopburi province. Best, 23, the younger brother of the owner, said the polluted smoke seen in the viral video was from dust from the nearby large cement plant, which is about 20 metres away and separated by a road.

Best also showed the reporter the dust that was left, not only in his house but also in several nearby neighbours. Some people had to go elsewhere and wait for things to improve before returning to their homes because everything was so bad. The owner of the business has not taken any action so far.

Best’s family members have started getting health effects from the dust. Some members have respiratory problems. In addition, they also suffer from noise pollution. Every day when the company starts its machines, the family members have to go inside and clean the floor outside more than 10 times a day.

According to Best, when the company is off work or when the company is on holiday, it is the best day for the family.

“I would like to complain to the relevant authority and ask the owner of the company’ to do more for the residents than just pouring some water to catch the dust. The company should clean people’s houses and talk about how the company will take care of people because they have nowhere else to go.”

Companies and Civil Society Showcase the Benefits of Fair and Sustainable Business Practices at Asia Inclusive & Responsible Business Forum

By

Khaosod English

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9 March 2023, 10:00

By Oxfam

Leaders from private sector and civil society, at the Asia Inclusive & Responsible Business Forum (Asia-IRB), highlighted the benefits of integrating sustainability into business models and stressed on the need for active collaboration for putting the well-being of people and planet at the heart of all business practices.

The Asia-IRB Forum, organized by Oxfam in Bangkok on 28^th February 2023, convened more than 80 business leaders, civil society groups from Asia and international agencies. Discussions were held on how businesses are taking steps and have benefitted from providing decent wages, empowering women, being inclusive, and adapting to create clean production and supply chains which have minimum impact on the climate. The forum also looked at ways of strengthening collaboration between different stakeholders.

Cambodian producer and exporter of organic rice AMRU Rice was among the 15 private sector speakers to take the stage and share insights on their responsible business practice approach.

“We are trying to build an ecosystem where everyone in the value chain benefits, particularly the small-scale farmer. Our model promotes fairer commercial benefits to farmers through direct share ownership, fair price and premiums for their crops through Contract Supply Agreements. We are working closely with civil society to support crop diversification which could enable a yearlong income for the farmers. We also promote climate resilience techniques with farmers including the use of greenhouses and intercropping, to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions and increase productivity,” said Kunthy Kann, Vice President, AMRU Rice.

Oxfam recognizes the enormous positive impact that businesses can have in reducing poverty, but corporations have also contributed to increased inequality, climate change and environmental damage. During the pandemic, Oxfam research, “Not in This Together” highlighted how unfair business systems led to corporations making profits while workers in the food supply chain struggled to retain their jobs.

“Asian companies are increasingly recognizing the global pursuit of environmental and social justice. But it is not enough. For a more inclusive and responsible economy, companies should go beyond the project-based corporate social responsibility approach and implement sustainable practices into their core operational models.

This forum highlighted how companies of different sizes operating in diverse economies– Thailand to Nigeria— can and have adopted more planet and people-oriented strategy without compromising on their financial performance,” said Jacques-Chai Chomthongdi, Private Sector Lead, Oxfam in Asia.

Bangkok based global seafood processor and exporter company Thai Union spoke about collaborating with the civil society at global and local level to improve knowledge on critical ethical issues.

“We leveraged the knowledge of civil society to support effective monitoring and capacity building of our operations. We also contracted fishing vessels to promote safe and legal labor… Working in partnership was fundamental to build an inclusive and sustainable business model. We need to collaborate with everyone – governments, civil society and customers,” said Prad Kerdpairoj, Regional Director of Sustainability, Thai Union.

In lower income economies, a large share of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are a source of livelihood for the base of the pyramid population. Individual SMEs have the potential to adopt actions that empower local communities, provide decent working conditions and access to social protection.

A healthcare startup in Combodia is improving elderly care and providing accessible healthcare via mobile clinics. The company also focuses on implementing reforms that promote the well-being of women workers.

“Investing in a healthcare startup has a significant social impact. Our successes [business] have led to better healthcare outcomes and improved access to medical services, especially for underserved communities. This has led to a more equitable distribution of healthcare resources and, reducing health disparities, said Phirum Dyphan, CEO, MUCH Mobile Healthcare (Cambodia).

JAEBEE Furniture is a Nigerian social enterprise that adheres to OXFAM’s social enterprise model, prioritizing the creation of a more inclusive and equitable world. Apart from selling their products, they also run an academy where they train and teach people about the strategies to build their own furniture business.

“We know that investing in women’s education and employment is critical to making a social impact. We’re committed to providing a platform for disadvantaged women in our communities, and bringing young women who are out of school into our furniture business. By taking care of people in our community, we’re able to reduce overhead costs and increase profitability. Our approach is all about helping people – because we know that when we help others, we all benefit,” said Igbodike Joy Bamidele, CEO, Jaebee Furniture (Nigeria).

The forum concluded with stakeholders committing to continue working towards equitable business models, explore opportunities and take action to help other businesses of all sizes prioritize purpose, fairness and sustainability as much as profit to create a ‘human economy’.

Bayern and AC Milan advances to Champions League quarterfinals

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Associated Press

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9 March 2023, 05:47

Germany Soccer Champions League — Bayern's Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting celebrates a goal that was later dissallowed during the Champions League round of 16 second leg soccer match between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint Germain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Wednesday, March 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

Bayern beats PSG

MUNICH (AP) — Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting’s goal lifted Bayern Munich past Paris Saint-Germain and into the quarterfinals of the Champions League on Wednesday.

After former PSG forward Kingsley Coman scored in the first leg, Choupo-Moting — another former PSG player — extended Bayern’s lead in the second leg in a 2-0 victory Wednesday to complete a 3-0 win on aggregate in the Champions League round of 16.

AP23067806850232 — PSG’s Lionel Messi reacts during the Champions League round of 16 second leg soccer match between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint Germain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Wednesday, March 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Andreas Schaad)

Shortly after having a goal ruled out for offside, and also inadvertently blocking a teammate’s shot, Choupo-Moting scored in the 61st minute to put Bayern on course for the quarterfinals and send Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and PSG heading toward its earliest Champions League exit since 2018-19.

AP23067731292215 — Bayern’s goalkeeper Yann Sommer, centre, saves in front of PSG’s Kylian Mbappe during the Champions League group round of 16 second leg soccer match between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint Germain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Monday, March 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

Leon Goretzka and Thomas Müller teamed up to take the ball off Marco Verratti and Goretzka squared the ball for Choupo-Moting to apply a simple finish with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma stranded.

Two substitutes then linked up to make sure of the win on the counter in the 89th, with João Cancelo surging down the right flank before playing in Serge Gnabry to score.

PSG had dominated the first half of the game and was only denied the lead by a goal-line clearance from Bayern’s Matthijs de Ligt, but Bayern regained its focus in the second half to secure the win.

AP23067793658158 — Bayern players celebrate after the Champions League round of 16 second leg soccer match between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint Germain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Wednesday, March 8, 2023. Bayern won 2-0. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

Games between PSG and Bayern have helped define the career of Choupo-Moting, a late-developing 33-year-old forward who until this season was best known as a backup striker for Robert Lewandowski at Bayern.

Choupo-Moting played for PSG against Bayern when the German team won the Champions League final in 2020. After signing for Bayern as a free agent the following season, he scored once in each leg in a defeat on away goals to PSG in the Champions League quarterfinals.

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Tottemnham Hotspur 0-0 AC Milan

LONDON (AP) — AC Milan advanced to the quarterfinals of the Champions League after holding 10-man Tottenham to a goalless draw on Wednesday.

Brahim Diaz’ strike in the first leg of the round-of-16 matchup was enough to separate the teams as even the return of manager Antonio Conte could not inspire a comeback from Spurs.

AP23067730625953 — Tottenham’s head coach Antonio Conte, left, greets AC Milan’s manager Stefano Pioli ahead of the Champions League round of 16 second leg soccer match, March 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Seven-time European champions Milan cruised through the game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which saw Cristian Romero sent off in the second half.

Harry Kane’s 94th minute header was the closest the home team came to leveling the score on aggregate — before Milan substitute Divock Origi hit the post in a frantic finish.

Conte was back on the sideline for Tottenham after spending two-and-a-half weeks in Turin recovering from gallbladder surgery.

But he could only watch on as his team failed to break down Italian champions Milan, meaning Tottenham’s 15-year wait for a trophy goes on.

AP23067740014181 — Tottenham’s Cristian Romero, center, gets a yellow card from referee Clement Turpin after a foul on AC Milan’s Rafael Leao, bottom, during the Champions League round of 16 second leg soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and AC Milan at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium in London, Wednesday, March 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Harry & Meghan’s Daughter Christened, Will Use Royal Title

By

Associated Press

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9 March 2023, 04:43

Britain Royals — FILE - Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Duke and Duchess of Sussex leave after a service of thanksgiving for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II at St Paul's Cathedral in London, Friday, June 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, Pool, File)

LONDON (AP) — Prince Harry and his wife Meghan announced Wednesday that their daughter had been christened in a private ceremony in California, publicly calling her a princess and revealing for the first time that they will use royal titles for their children.

Princess Lilibet Diana, who turns two in June, was baptized on Friday by the Archbishop of Los Angeles, the Rev John Taylor, Harry and Meghan said in a statement. Lilibet’s title and that of her brother, Archie, who will be four in May, will be updated on the Buckingham Palace website later.

The announcement marked the first time that the children’s titles had been used in public.

The question of the children’s titles took center stage two years ago during Harry and Meghan’s television interview with Oprah Winfrey. Meghan, who is biracial, said that when she was pregnant with Archie “they” — presumably the palace — “were saying they didn’t want him to be a prince … which would be different from protocol.”

Meghan suggested that this was because Archie was the royal family’s “first member of color” and would have marked the first time a royal grandchild wasn’t given the same title as the other grandchildren.

At the time, royal experts said Meghan’s comments appeared to be based on a misunderstanding of the way royal titles are conferred.

Titles are conferred in line with a decree issued by King George V in 1917 that limits the titles of prince and princess to the male-line grandchildren of the sovereign.

As long as the late Queen Elizabeth II was alive, Harry and his older brother, Prince William, were the sovereign’s grandchildren. Harry and William’s children, as great grandchildren, didn’t receive the titles automatically.

But Elizabeth had the power to amend the rules, and in 2012 she decreed that the children of Prince William and his wife, Catherine, would be princes and princesses. This decree didn’t apply to Harry and Meghan.

However, the situation changed when King Charles III ascended the throne on the death of his mother last September. William and Harry are the king’s sons, meaning their offspring are now royal grandchildren and so entitled to be known as prince and princess.

Nonetheless, they have remained a plain “master” and “miss” on the Buckingham Palace website for the past six months

Adidas Earnings Take Beating on Breakup With Ye, China Slump

By

Associated Press

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8 March 2023, 21:45

Germany Adidas Results — Bjoern Gulden, CEO of sporting goods manufacturer adidas AG, right, and CFO Harm Ohlmeyer hold the official match ball "OCEAUNZ" of the Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand 2023 in his hands on the sidelines of the company's annual press conference in Herzogenaurach, Germany, Wednesday, March 8, 2023. (Daniel Karmann/dpa via AP)

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Adidas’ breakup with the rapper formerly known as Kanye West and the inability to sell his popular Yeezy line of shoes helped batter earnings at the end of last year, leading to a net loss of 513 million euros ($540 million).

The fourth-quarter loss, also attributed to higher supply costs and slumping revenue in China, contrasts with a profit of 213 million euros in the same period a year ago, the German shoe and sportswear maker said Wednesday.

More losses could be ahead as the company forecast a 500 million-euro hit to earnings this year if it decides not to repurpose the remaining Yeezy products it has in stock. The company is predicting a 2023 operating loss of 700 million euros.

AP23067382700170 — FILE – Kanye West, known as Ye, watches the first half of an NBA basketball game between the Washington Wizards and the Los Angeles Lakers in Los Angeles, on March 11, 2022.(AP Photo/Ashley Landis, File)

Adidas split with Ye in October following the rapper’s antisemitic remarks on social media and in interviews, facing pressure along with other brands to end ties. The company is now grappling to find ways to replace its banner Yeezy line, which analysts have said amounted to as much as 15% of its net income.

CEO Bjorn Gulden said in a statement that 2023 would be “a transition year” and “we can then start to build a profitable business again in 2024.”

Fourth-quarter net sales were up a bare 1.3% at 5.21 billion euros from the same quarter a year ago, held back by around 600 million euros in lost revenue by the decision to halt the partnership with Ye.

AP23067356152048 — Bjoern Gulden, CEO of sporting goods manufacturer adidas AG, holds the official match ball “OCEAUNZ” of the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand 2023 in his hands on the sidelines of the company’s annual press conference in Herzogenaurach, Germany, Wednesday, March 8, 2023. (Daniel Karmann/dpa via AP)

The company also cited a revenue drop in China of about 50% and higher costs for supplies and shipping, which could not be offset by higher prices.

For the full year, the Herzogenaurach, Germany-based company said it made net profit of 638 million euros on sales that rose 6%, to 22.5 billion euros.

The company also said it would be replacing its top sales and marketing executives. Global sales head Roland Auschel will leave the company after 33 years and be succeeded by Arthur Hoeld, now head of the Europe, Middle East and Africa region.

Brian Grevy, head of global brands, will step down March 31. CEO Gulden will take responsibility for his product and marketing activities.

AP23067357970172 — FILE – Boxes containing Yeezy shoes made by Adidas are seen at Laced Up, a sneaker resale store, in Paramus, N.J., Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

AIS and partners build resilient Digital Economy

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8 March 2023, 17:02

AIS and partners build resilient Digital Economy Collaboration with Humanica, Conicle and THAICOM builds Ecosystem for the younger generation Launch of Digital Talent | The Masters to identify the true tech wizards

Growing the country’s technological capabilities successfully is down to the irreducible core of “people” who can focus on targets and deliver them. However, nowadays, recruiting the best talent in the digital space requires ecosystem partners who share our vision.

AIS has teamed up with three partners- Humanica, Conicle and THAICOM, to launch Digital Talent | The Masters with the goal of becoming a digital talent hub. This should be a source of opportunity to the younger generation who wish to make progress in their digital careers.

Talented individuals with digital tech competencies can choose to work with four leading companies in a variety of occupations such as AI, Blockchain, Data Analytic, Data Engineering, Data Scientist, UX / UI Designer, Cyber Security, Back-end Developer, Front-end Developer, Mobile Developer, System Analyst & Design

Miss Kantima Lerlertyuttitham, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, AIS and InTouch, said, “AIS is highly confident that this cooperation will be a strengthening of society under the concept of building Ecosystems which are consistent with AIS’s operating goals. It is urgent for us to level up our tech infrastructure and promote resilience in the digital economy. We will build capabilities for our companies, society and the economy. The demand for digitally-skilled operatives is not limited to IT or any specific company. Every career type is involved at every level.

In Digital Talent | The Masters, AIS is cooperating with three other companies – Humanica, Conicle and THAICOM. Each of these companies has different outstanding business attributes. The attraction for this event is additional opportunities for talent to choose a company which they admire and embark on a career in their chosen path, so they can truly demonstrate their professional potential.”

Soontorn Dentham, Chief Executive Officer of Humanica Public Company Limited commented, “This project is a cooperation between four leading companies. Despite differences in business model, scale and corporate structure, all of us give priority to innovation. We all have the opportunity to grow together.

With our cooperation in this project to attract the best talent to our businesses, and giving young people opportunities to get to know us, we hope we will stimulate their interest to work with one of the companies at the event. I believe that people have different skill sets and preferences.

Some people like the security of working with large company such as AIS, and some would rather work at a midsized enterprise like Humanica, who nevertheless want to create world breaking innovations. Still others may prefer a startup like Conicle. Some may like THAICOM, a burgeoning and transforming Space Tech Company. Therefore, applicants to the program do not just have just us to choose from.

They have opportunities to hear about preferences to work with whatever team or company, because every company has a structure and is attractive for different reasons. It is another reason why this program is unprecedented. It will be attractive to people looking for good jobs, because they can choose from a number of companies who are similar in their tech focus. We are all modern companies giving opportunities for everybody to grow in businesses at a variety of scales.”

Nakorn Phuekphiphatmet, Chief Executive Officer-Conicle, noted, “Conicle is a leader in solutions and developing platforms for companies that we call “Learning Experience Solutions”. We see that it is crucial to establish a Digital Talent Hub in Thailand in cooperation with our partners at this Digital Talent | The Masters. We are providing opportunities to talent who are seeking out challenges to display their capabilities and become part of Conicle, a Thai startup.

We are the younger generation who is passionate about working hard to level up Thailand into a new labour market, informed by know-how and innovation. People can develop their potential and grow in a startup working culture. We give opportunities to talent to learn and develop for themselves, and become “The Masters” for real.”

Sanpetch Sanpasiri, Vice President-Human Resources & General Administration, Thaicom Public Company Limited said, “Thaicom is on a path to become the top Space Tech Company in Thailand and the region. We are always on the lookout for digital talent with the passion to develop space technology solutions and platforms which benefit the Thai people. The New Space economy provides opportunities to all businesses. I’d like to invite all digital talent with an interest in becoming part of space tech innovation which will improve quality of life for the whole nation of Thailand.”

“Digital Talent | The Masters” is a recruiting program giving opportunities to younger people with the attributes and potential necessary for careers in digital tech such as AI, Blockchain, Data Analytic, Data Engineering, Data Scientist, UX / UI Designer, Cyber Security, Back-End Developer, Front-End Developer, Mobile Developer, System Analyst & Design. They should be people seeking new challenges in becoming part of creating technology and providing digital services to promote growth of the digital economy.

They will also contribute to development of resilient tech infrastructure to give the country extra capabilities, through working with any one of these four leading organizations, either AIS or its partners Humanica, Conicle or THAICOM. For more details and to apply from today onward see

https://event.aisacademy.com/digitaltalent-themasters

MWC2023 AIS and ZTE Co-announce The World’s First Eyewear-free 3D Tablet Using AI Technology, and Sign A Memorandum of Understanding

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8 March 2023, 17:00

Barcelona, Spain – Feb 28, 2023 – ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063.SZ) , global leading integrated communication information solution provider, has partnered with AIS，Thailand’s largest mobile carrier，to jointly announce the world’s first AI-powered 3D tablet – the nubia Pad 3D , at the 2023 MWC World Mobile Communications Exhibition. This innovative device features embedded technology that enables fully eyewear-free immersive 3D calling, streaming, and gaming experiences, as well as content sharing and creation applications.

At MWC2023, the two parties signed a memorandum of understanding: AIS and ZTE agreed on a comprehensive strategic partnership to further enhance the cooperation in innovative products for the benefits of each other’s product ecosystem. ZTE will work with AIS to maintain its continuous technological leadership in Thailand, and AIS will ensure ZTE’s market position as the key digital economic valuable partner of AIS in Thailand, and jointly promote the development of Thailand’s communication industry.

Pratthana Leelapanang, Chief Consumer Business Officer of AIS , indicates ” As a Digital Life Service Provider with the most 5G spectrum in Thailand, our obligation is to deliver excellent digital experience over both Mobile and Home Broadband (100% Fiber) to the Thai public. Working with ZTE as a strategic partner on both networks and devices is a clear fulfillment of this policy.”

“ZTE is actively expanding the layout of multi-ecological scenarios, and working together with AIS to bring innovative technology products with high-quality experience to more users worldwide. With the new 3D technology, users can eyewear-free enjoy a rich, natural 3D experience.” Said Fei Ni, Senior Vice President of ZTE Corporation and CEO of Nubia.

Rich in science and technology，the nubia Pad 3D, jointly developed by ZTE and the world leading eyewear-free 3D developer Leia Inc., is equipped with the unique 3D display technology of Leia and tremendous AI computing power to adapt various 3D application scenarios, realising AI Face-Tracking, which can match a perfect view (8 views lightfield in maximum) in real time, real-time AI-based 2D to 3D content conversion, AI-powered 3D content shot by front or rear cameras, also compatible with the popular AI 3D applications for artistic creation. It is equipped with a 12.4-inch 2.5K screen and four symmetrical Dolby surround sound speakers, offering an immersive audio and visual experience. With the world’s largest 3D content ecosystem, it allows users to seamlessly enjoy the world’s first 3D augmented video chat, 3D private theatre, immersive 3D games and other scenarios. With the Snapdragon 8 series chipset, nubia Pad 3D is quite outstanding in performance and offers upgraded user experience in all dimensions with the 9070mAh battery and 33W fast charger.

This product will be officially launched in Thailand this Q2 through AIS online channel.

Previously, AIS has worked with ZTE on multiple projects. In March 2022, ZTE and AIS worked together with Qualcomm to complete the world’s first 5G mmWave dual connectivity test (NR-DC) based on sub-6G and high-frequency 26GHz. In June 2022, the two parties signed a strategic cooperation agreement to build Thailand’s first high-level 5G network. The signing of this strategic cooperation marks a new breakthrough for AIS and ZTE in the field of innovative consumer electronics products. ZTE and AIS will cooperate deeply in both 2B and 2C fields, including 5G network construction, 5G industry application expansion, and consumer eco-product innovation, to promote the development of digital economy in Thailand.

Queen’s Cup Pink Polo 2023 is back!!

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8 March 2023, 16:43

For the 14th consecutive year, the Queen’s Cup Pink Polo, an annual charity event aimed at raising funds for the Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer Foundation, will once again be held at the Thai Polo & Equestrian Club in Pattaya, on Saturday 11 March 2023.

Hosted by B.Grimm, the longest-established company with a tradition of 145 years of doing business with compassion, the event attracts professional polo players from around the world and promises to be a thrilling experience for both polo enthusiasts and supporters of breast cancer research. Spectators will be treated to exciting matches, as well as a host of entertainment activities, food and drinks, a horseback fashion show, and a show jumping competition.

Nunthinee Tanner, vice president of Thailand Equestrian Federation, the first lady polo player in Thailand who initiated the Pink Polo in Thailand, said that, “breast cancer is the number one cause of death of Thai women, and the casualty keeps increasing. A lot of breast cancer patients struggle with this illness without help or support, while many lack funding for treatment and spend their lives without home or caretakers.

The charity Queen’s Cup Pink Polo that has been held for the past 14 consecutive years plays a crucial role in providing support for breast cancer patients through The Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer Foundation. We truly hope that with this all-female polo tournament, polo will be recognized and known more widely to the public and that women can come together to play sport and support a good cause.”

The Queen’s Cup Pink Polo has become a highly anticipated event in Thailand’s social calendar and is known for its glamourous atmosphere and charitable cause. The tradition of Stomping Divots commenced to smoothen the grassy pitch and erase the horses’ footprint. The stomping was also delightfully joined by female spectators of all ages.

For more information and reservation on the Princess Pa’s Cup Beach Polo Hua Hin please visit www.thai-polo-club.com or email [email protected].

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