Category Archives: culture

Louis CK defends Saudi Arabia gig: ‘Felt like good opportunity’

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**Louis CK Defends Saudi Arabia Gig: ‘Felt Like Good Opportunity’**

*By Shreya Mukherjee | Oct 06, 2025*

Emmy-winning comedian Louis CK has come forward to defend his decision to perform at the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia, an event he co-headlined alongside British comedian Jimmy Carr. The festival has sparked controversy, with critics accusing participating comedians of whitewashing a regime known for serious human rights abuses.

Speaking on *Real Time with Bill Maher*, Louis CK revealed that many of his fellow comedians were “really surprised” by the audience’s response in Riyadh.

### Audience Response

CK highlighted an unexpected positive moment at the festival: a Jewish lesbian comedian, Jessica Kirson, received a standing ovation during her set. Kirson has since expressed “sincere regret” for her participation in the event. CK remarked, “So, there’s stuff going on that’s unexpected in this thing. People have been playing Saudi Arabia for years. Comedians have been going and playing Arab countries.”

### Decision-Making and Restrictions

Louis CK shared that he was informed of only two restrictions imposed on his performance — “Their religion and their government.” He admitted that he did not have jokes addressing these topics, which influenced his decision. “When I heard it’s opening, I thought, that’s awfully interesting. That just feels like a good opportunity. And I just feel like comedy is a great way to get in and start talking,” CK explained.

### Backlash from Fellow Comedians

Several comedians, including Marc Maron, Atsuko Okatsuka, and David Cross, have criticized those who perform at the Riyadh festival, especially when some of these performers have previously spoken out against cancel culture and censorship. David Cross published a scathing statement on his website, calling out Louis CK by name: “Clearly you guys don’t give a shit about what the rest of us think, but how can any of us take any of you seriously ever again?”

### Responses from Other Performers

Jessica Kirson, who performed at the festival on September 29, requested and received a guarantee to speak about her identity as a lesbian on stage. Despite this, she later expressed regret for participating under the Saudi government’s auspices.

Comedian Bill Burr, who also performed in Riyadh on September 26, defended his decision, describing the experience as “mind-blowing” and valuing the opportunity to explore that part of the world.

Other notable comedians at the festival included Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, Pete Davidson, and Aziz Ansari.

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The Riyadh Comedy Festival continues to spark debate about the balance between artistic freedom and the ethical implications of performing in countries with controversial human rights records.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/louis-ck-defends-performance-at-riyadh-comedy-festival/story

Louis CK defends Saudi Arabia gig: ‘Felt like good opportunity’

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**Louis CK Defends Saudi Arabia Gig: ‘Felt Like Good Opportunity’**

*By Shreya Mukherjee | October 6, 2025, 2:05 PM*

Emmy-winning comedian Louis CK has defended his decision to perform at the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia, an event he is co-headlining with British comedian Jimmy Carr. The festival has faced criticism from fellow comedians who accuse it of whitewashing a regime known for human rights abuses.

### Audience Response Surprises Comedians

On *Real Time With Bill Maher*, CK revealed that other comedians were “really surprised” by the positive response from the Riyadh audience. He highlighted that a Jewish lesbian comedian, Jessica Kirson, received a standing ovation during the festival. Kirson has since expressed “sincere regret” for her participation.

“There’s stuff going on that’s unexpected in this thing,” CK said. “People have been playing Saudi Arabia for years. Comedians have been going and playing Arab countries.”

### Restrictions and Decision-Making

Louis CK disclosed that he was informed of only two restrictions for his performance: no jokes about the country’s religion and government. He admitted that he does not have material on these subjects.

“When I heard it’s opening, I thought, that’s awfully interesting. That just feels like a good opportunity. And I just feel like comedy is a great way to get in and start talking,” CK explained.

### Criticism from Fellow Comedians

Several comedians, including Marc Maron, Atsuko Okatsuka, and David Cross, have slammed peers who agreed to perform in Riyadh while previously voicing concerns about cancel culture and censorship. David Cross published a scathing statement on his website directly calling out Louis CK.

“Clearly you guys don’t give a shit about what the rest of us think, but how can any of us take any of you seriously ever again?” Cross wrote.

### Defenses from Performers

Jessica Kirson, who performed on September 29, had requested assurance that she could discuss being a lesbian on stage. Nonetheless, she later expressed regret for participating under the Saudi government’s auspices.

Comedian Bill Burr, who performed on September 26, described his experience as “mind-blowing” and expressed enthusiasm for getting to experience that part of the world.

Other big names at the festival included Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, Pete Davidson, and Aziz Ansari, all of whom have also faced public scrutiny for their participation.

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The Riyadh Comedy Festival remains a controversial event, raising ongoing debates about the role of art and entertainment in regimes with problematic human rights records.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/louis-ck-defends-performance-at-riyadh-comedy-festival/story

Shane Bieber’s wife Kara goes street style for Blue Jays vs Yankees showdown, pairing cargo pants with denim jacket

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Having been acquired by the Toronto Blue Jays ahead of the trade deadline mid-season, starting pitcher Shane Bieber has settled in nicely with his new team.

Since joining the Blue Jays, Bieber has demonstrated his skill and adaptability, quickly becoming a key part of the pitching rotation. Fans and teammates alike have welcomed his presence, contributing to the team’s overall performance as the season progresses.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/baseball/news-shane-bieber-s-wife-kara-goes-street-style-blue-jays-vs-yankees-showdown-pairing-cargo-pants-denim-jackets

Majority of US Jews think Israel committed war crimes, 40% say guilty of genocide in Gaza – poll

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**Majority of US Jews Believe Israel Committed War Crimes; 40% Say Guilty of Genocide in Gaza, Poll Finds**

A recent Washington Post poll reveals that a majority of American Jews think Israel has committed war crimes in Gaza, with 40% even saying that Israel is guilty of genocide. While many still place blame on Hamas for the ongoing conflict, support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s military tactics has notably waned among this community.

The poll highlights shifting perspectives within the US Jewish population amid the escalating violence in the region. Despite generally condemning Hamas’s actions, an increasing number of respondents express concern over Israel’s conduct during the war.

In related developments, a person was seen observing a Yizkor ritual on Yom Kippur—the holiest day on the Jewish calendar—as a banner opposing Israel’s military action in Gaza hung in Brooklyn, New York City, on October 2, 2025.

*Photo credit: Adam Gray/Reuters*
*By JERUSALEM POST STAFF*
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-869406

Chicago gov refuses to concede to ‘ultimatum’ as Trump prepares to send in 300 National Guard troops to city

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Donald Trump will deploy 300 members of the National Guard in Illinois, state governor JB Pritzker said on Saturday.

“In the coming hours, the Trump Administration intends to federalize 300 members of the Illinois National Guard,” Pritzker said in a statement. He added: “They will pull hardworking Americans out of their regular jobs and away from their families all to participate in a manufactured performance, not a serious effort to protect public safety.”

“For Donald Trump, this has never been about safety. This is about control,” Pritzker continued.

The Illinois governor called the Trump administration’s actions “outrageous and un-American.” He claimed that his state had been given an ultimatum: “Call up your troops, or we will.” Pritzker said there was “no need for military troops on the ground” in Illinois.

He also added, “This demand follows unprecedented escalations of aggression against Illinois citizens and residents.”

“Yesterday, Kristi Noem’s and Greg Bovino’s masked agents threw chemical agents near an elementary school, arrested elected officials exercising their First Amendment rights, and raided a Wal-Mart. None of it was in pursuit of justice, but all of it was in pursuit of social media videos,” Pritzker said.

On Tuesday, Trump said that his administration would be “going into Chicago very soon.” The US president made the remarks while addressing military generals and admirals in Quantico, Virginia. Trump said then about Pritzker: “That’s a big city with an incompetent governor. Stupid governor.”

The US president has long implied that he could mobilize the National Guard in Illinois. In September, Trump posted a graphic of himself with the words “Chipocalypse Now,” wearing a cowboy hat with explosions and military helicopters behind him. The Truth Social post said: “I love the smell of deportations in the morning. Chicago about to find out why it’s called the Department of WAR.”

Trump also warned the “weak and pathetic Governor” Pritzker to “straighten it out FAST.”

Previously, the US president sent the National Guard into Democrat-led Los Angeles and Washington, DC. Louisiana’s Republican governor, Jeff Landry, has asked for up to 1,000 Louisiana National Guard troops to be activated in his state.

Earlier this week, Pritzker said that the Illinois National Guard “received word that the Department of Homeland Security has sent a memo to the Department of War seeking the deployment” of troops to Illinois. The mobilization, Pritzker said, is for the “protection of ICE personnel and facilities.”

“What I have been warning of is now being realized,” Pritzker said. “One thing is clear: none of what Trump is doing is making Illinois safer.”

The National Guard’s deployment is just one of the Trump administration’s recent actions in Chicago. The Department of Homeland Security announced on Wednesday that ICE and US Border Patrol officers arrested “more than 800 illegal aliens,” including the “worst of the worst,” as part of Operation “Midway Blitz” in Chicago.

The operation started on September 8 and is intended to “target the criminal illegal aliens who flocked to Chicago and Illinois because they knew Governor Pritzker and his sanctuary policies would protect them and allow them to roam free on American streets,” the DHS said in a press release.

On Friday, Office of Management and Budget director Russ Vought announced $2 [amount incomplete].

Pritzker’s announcement regarding the National Guard’s mobilization came on the same day officials reported that Border Patrol agents in Chicago shot a woman after officers were “rammed by ten cars.”

According to a statement released by the DHS, one of the drivers was a woman armed with a semi-automatic weapon, forcing officers to open fire. Their statement added that the woman in question was part of an internal threat bulletin circulated after allegedly doxxing and threatening law enforcement officials online.

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said: “Unfortunately, JB Pritzker’s Chicago Police Department is leaving the shooting scene and refuses to assist us in securing the area. There is a crowd growing and we are deploying special operations to control a growing crowd.”

Images captured at the scene showed a large presence of federal agents, who blocked a road using their vehicles as a crowd of protestors formed.

A spokesperson for the Chicago Police Department told Daily Mail: “The Chicago Police Department responded to the 3900 block of S. Kedzie Ave Saturday morning for a call of a person shot. CPD responded to the scene to document the incident. CPD officers were also on-scene to maintain safety and traffic control for all living and working in the area.”
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15162619/chicago-governor-trump-national-guard-jb-pritzker.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490

Chicago gov refuses to concede to ‘ultimatum’ as Trump prepares to send in 300 National Guard troops to city

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Donald Trump will deploy 300 members of the National Guard in Illinois, state governor JB Pritzker said on Saturday.

“In the coming hours, the Trump Administration intends to federalize 300 members of the Illinois National Guard,” Pritzker said in a statement. He added, “They will pull hardworking Americans out of their regular jobs and away from their families all to participate in a manufactured performance, not a serious effort to protect public safety.”

“For Donald Trump, this has never been about safety. This is about control,” Pritzker continued, calling the Trump administration’s actions “outrageous and un-American.”

The Illinois governor claimed that his state had been given an ultimatum: to “call up your troops, or we will.” He also stated, “There is no need for military troops on the ground” in Illinois.

Pritzker further condemned recent actions, saying, “This demand follows unprecedented escalations of aggression against Illinois citizens and residents.” He referenced incidents involving masked agents allegedly throwing chemical agents near an elementary school, arresting elected officials exercising their First Amendment rights, and raiding a Walmart store. “None of it was in pursuit of justice, but all of it was in pursuit of social media videos,” he added.

Earlier in the week, President Trump announced that his administration would be “going into Chicago very soon” while addressing military generals and admirals in Quantico, Virginia. Trump referred to Pritzker as “a big city with an incompetent governor. Stupid governor.”

The U.S. president has long hinted at mobilizing the National Guard in Illinois. In September, Trump posted a graphic of himself wearing a cowboy hat, surrounded by explosions and military helicopters, with the words “Chipocalypse Now.” The accompanying Truth Social post read, “I love the smell of deportations in the morning. Chicago about to find out why it’s called the Department of WAR.”

Trump also warned the “weak and pathetic Governor” Pritzker to “straighten it out FAST.”

Previously, the president sent National Guard troops into Democrat-led cities such as Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. In Louisiana, Republican Governor Jeff Landry has requested up to 1,000 Louisiana National Guard troops to be activated in his state.

Earlier this week, Pritzker announced that the Illinois National Guard “received word that the Department of Homeland Security has sent a memo to the Department of War seeking the deployment” of troops to Illinois. The mobilization, according to Pritzker, is for the “protection of ICE personnel and facilities.”

“What I have been warning of is now being realized,” the governor said. “One thing is clear: none of what Trump is doing is making Illinois safer.”

The National Guard’s deployment is just one of the Trump administration’s recent actions in Chicago. On Wednesday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that ICE and U.S. Border Patrol officers had arrested “more than 800 illegal aliens,” including the “worst of the worst,” as part of Operation “Midway Blitz” in Chicago.

The operation began on September 8 and aims to “target the criminal illegal aliens who flocked to Chicago and Illinois because they knew Governor Pritzker and his sanctuary policies would protect them and allow them to roam free on American streets,” according to a DHS press release.

On Friday, Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought announced further funding actions related to immigration enforcement.

Pritzker’s announcement about the National Guard mobilization came on the same day officials reported that Border Patrol agents in Chicago had shot a woman after officers were allegedly “rammed by ten cars.”

According to a DHS statement, one of the drivers was a woman armed with a semi-automatic weapon, forcing officers to open fire. The woman was reportedly part of an internal threat bulletin after allegedly doxxing and threatening law enforcement officials online.

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said, “Unfortunately, JB Pritzker’s Chicago Police Department is leaving the shooting scene and refuses to assist us in securing the area. There is a crowd growing, and we are deploying special operations to control a growing crowd.”

Images from the scene showed a large presence of federal agents blocking off a road with their vehicles as a crowd of protesters gathered.

A spokesperson for the Chicago Police Department told the Daily Mail, “The Chicago Police Department responded to the 3900 block of S. Kedzie Ave Saturday morning for a call of a person shot. CPD responded to the scene to document the incident. CPD officers were also on-scene to maintain safety and traffic control for all living and working in the area.”
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15162619/chicago-governor-trump-national-guard-jb-pritzker.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490

Ivan Klima, Czech Novelist Who Chafed Under Totalitarian Regimes, Dies at 94

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A writer, dissident, teacher, and critic, he carried the weight of his experiences throughout his life.

One of the most profound events that shaped him was his early incarceration as a boy in a concentration camp near Prague.

This harrowing experience deeply influenced his perspectives and work, leaving a lasting impact on his character and creative voice.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/04/world/europe/ivan-klima-dead.html

Mohsin Naqvi to receive honor amid Asia Cup trophy row

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**Mohsin Naqvi to Receive Honor Amid Asia Cup Trophy Row**
*By Gaurav Tripathi | Oct 04, 2025, 10:32 AM*

Mohsin Naqvi, President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and chief of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), is set to be honored with the Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Excellence Gold Medal, according to a report by The President. This prestigious award acknowledges Naqvi’s principled stance during the controversial Asia Cup final trophy handover, where he retained the trophy after Indian players refused to accept it.

### Award Justification: Restoring National Pride

Advocate Ghulam Abbas Jamal, announcing the decision on behalf of the Sindh and Karachi Basketball Associations, emphasized that Naqvi’s actions had “restored national pride” amid heightened political and sporting tensions between Pakistan and India. The move to honor Naqvi has garnered widespread support across Pakistan’s political and sports communities.

Organizers view this award not only as a gesture of respect but also as a symbolic message affirming national dignity.

### Upcoming Award Ceremony

A formal ceremony to present the award is being planned in Karachi, with PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expected to attend as the chief guest. The exact date will be finalized once Bhutto confirms his availability.

To oversee the event, a special committee has been formed, led by Sindh Basketball Association Chairman Khalid Jameel Shamsi, with Director Sports Commissioner Karachi Ghulam Muhammad Khan acting as secretary.

### Naqvi’s Response to the Trophy Controversy

Following the incident, Mohsin Naqvi retained the Asia Cup trophy and took to social media to state that the Indian team was “welcome” to collect it from the ACC headquarters if they wished.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Naqvi asserted, “I did nothing wrong, and I did not—and will not—apologize to BCCI,” responding to reports that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took offense at his actions.

### Context of the Asia Cup Final Controversy

The Asia Cup final was overshadowed by political tensions, with India enforcing a strict “no handshake” policy with Pakistani players. Despite winning the match, the Indian team refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi, igniting a diplomatic stir.

The BCCI has raised the matter at the ACC’s annual meeting and is expected to escalate the issue further at the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) session scheduled for November.

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This development highlights the ongoing complex relationship between cricket and politics in the region, drawing attention to how sporting events often reflect broader diplomatic challenges.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/mohsin-naqvi-to-receive-top-national-honor-for-this-reason/story

BJP hits back, says Rahul has become a flag-bearer of anti-India forces abroad

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**BJP Launches Scathing Attack on Rahul Gandhi Over Remarks in Colombia**

NEW DELHI: The BJP on Friday launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks made at a seminar in Colombia, alleging that he has become the flag-bearer of anti-India forces and is promoting their agenda within the country.

Party spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi criticised Gandhi’s comments, stating that they reflect how the Congress party, controlled by the Nehru-Gandhi family for over a century, is now succumbing to anti-India elements.

Referring to Gandhi’s statement about India having 1,617 languages, Trivedi said, “You will now see that he will try to create a conflict over the issue of languages. Attempts have already been made in the past to create a North-South conflict.”

Trivedi went on to label Gandhi the *jhanda bardar* (flag-bearer) of anti-India forces and urged the public to be wary of him and the Nehru-Gandhi family. “Today, it seems that having a leader of the opposition like him is like a thorn in the heart of Indian democracy,” he remarked.

He further added, “Those in the Congress who are aware of the party falling into the clutches of dangerous foreign forces are committing treason. I appeal to those who are not aware of this to show due diligence and stop such leaders.”

Trivedi also criticised the Congress leadership as immature, contrasting it with earlier times when the party had mature leaders like Indira Gandhi and P. V. Narasimha Rao, who knew how to handle the Ultra-Left. “Today, it is being used. It’s not just a problem for the Congress but a matter of concern for the country as well,” he said.

In addition, Trivedi targeted Congress leader Udit Raj, who allegedly referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a symbol of the modern-day Ravan. He stated, “I only want to remind those who supported the killers of Rambhakt karsevaks, who did not attend the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya but visited Babar’s memorial three times to pay their obeisance.”

He added, “People know very well who the symbols of Ravan’s propensity against Lord Ram’s sanskar are.”
https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Oct/04/bjp-hits-back-says-rahul-has-become-a-flag-bearer-of-anti-india-forces-abroad

Karwa Chauth rituals explained: From sargi to moonrise puja

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**Karwa Chauth Rituals Explained: From Sargi to Moonrise Puja**
*By Anujj Trehaan | Oct 03, 2025, 06:22 pm*

Karwa Chauth is one of the most cherished festivals for married women in India, celebrated with devotion, love, and togetherness. Observed on the fourth day after Sharad Purnima, women fast from sunrise to moonrise for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. With unique rituals that blend tradition and symbolism, Karwa Chauth beautifully reflects cultural heritage, family bonding, and timeless expressions of commitment and love.

### 1. Sargi Before Sunrise
The rituals begin early in the morning with **sargi**, a pre-dawn meal lovingly prepared by mothers-in-law for their daughters-in-law. This meal usually includes fruits, sweets, dry fruits, parathas, and refreshing drinks to provide nourishment for the long day ahead.

Eating sargi before sunrise is significant as it symbolizes blessings and maternal care, ensuring women have the energy to sustain the demanding fast.

### 2. The Daylong Fast
After sargi, women commence their **nirjala fast**, abstaining from both food and water until moonrise. This fast is observed with prayers and devotion focused on their husband’s well-being and prosperity.

During the day, women engage in light household activities, dress in festive attire, and sometimes gather with other women to share stories or prepare for the evening rituals.

### 3. Karwa Chauth Puja
In the evening, women come together with decorated thalis containing diyas (lamps), sweets, sindoor (vermilion), and a small karwa (clay pot). The puja is usually performed in groups, guided by an elder or a priest.

Stories about Karwa Chauth’s origins and significance are narrated while women pass their thalis in a circle, chanting prayers. This ritual strengthens community bonds and shared devotion.

### 4. Waiting for the Moonrise
After the puja, women eagerly await the moonrise—the most anticipated moment of the day. Families gather on rooftops or in open spaces.

Women hold decorated sieves or water vessels, looking toward the moon before turning their gaze to their husbands. This act symbolizes filtering out hardships, seeking blessings, and celebrating love. The moment is both emotional and deeply symbolic.

### 5. Breaking the Fast
Once the moon is sighted, husbands offer their wives the first sip of water and a morsel of food, marking the end of the fast. Families then share a celebratory meal featuring festive dishes specially prepared for the occasion.

Breaking the fast transforms the spiritual discipline into a joyful celebration of marriage, unity, and cherished relationships.

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Karwa Chauth continues to be a powerful expression of love, dedication, and cultural tradition, bringing families closer and honoring the enduring bond between husband and wife.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/karwa-chauth-rituals-explained-from-sargi-to-moonrise-puja/story