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Articles by Lorraine Olaya
11 T-Pain lyrics that will have you spittin' flawless game
In 2005, T-Pain burst into the cultural zeitgeist, ushered onto the mainstream scene under the mentorship of his label head, Akon. Before signing to Konvict Muzik, the Florida native was solely a rapper in the group Nappy Headz. He then pivoted to become a singer-songwriter as well, birthing his original artist tagline and title of his debut album, Rappa Ternt Sanga. His sound popularized the pitch-correcting effect known as Auto-Tune.
Studying Abroad Next Semester? Here’s What To Prepare - YR Media
by Juliana Guarracino and Lorraine Olaya This story was originally published on New York University’s Washington Square News. Congratulations, you’ve gotten accepted to study abroad next semester! However, before the fun starts, there’s a lot of planning to do. Here are some tips and advice on what you should start preparing from the seasoned, self-proclaimed study-abroad experts and Parisian city girls, Juliana Guarracino and Lorraine Olaya. Olaya: Our credentials?
Native New Yorkers on Balancing Family and Independence
I had many reasons to stay in New York City for college. Even though the freedom I would gain from moving far away was enticing, I couldn’t imagine living so far away from my family or from my city. My sister — who is two years older than me — went to Rhode Island for college, and the three-hour drive was too much for her to handle as a first-year. She couldn’t visit home as often as she hoped to because of the distance, and the house felt empty without my sister around.
Ranked: What is the best NYU dining hall?
As a veteran of the NYU Eats dining hall experience, it’s about time I lend my four years of expertise to answer the long-debated question: What are the best dining halls? With eight NYU Eats dining hall options on the Washington Square campus — not including the cafes and market convenience stores — there are almost too many options. But, of course, NYU students only care about which one has the best food and room to sit.
Maxing Out Energy Self-Sufficiency: Houses That Fuel Themselves
You've reached your monthly limit of free articles. To read the full article, please subscribe. Get unlimited access. Support Worldcrunch's unique mission: Exclusive coverage from the world's top sources, in English for the first time. Stories from the best international journalists. Insights from the widest range of perspectives, languages and countries Already a subscriber? Log in You've reached your monthly limit of free articles. To read the full article, please subscribe. Get unlimited access.
The Putin Method: How He's Built His Popularity, And The Risks Of Losing It
Putin's annual televised phone-in, in a control room of the TKR-Ryazan TV company Kramatorsk, Bucha, Mariupol... The names of these Ukrainian cities are now known around the world because of the number of casualties and the destruction caused by the Russian army there. And despite this, based on surveys, Russians continue to support the actions of Vladimir Putin and the war in Ukraine. Why?
Russia Vows New Attacks On Kyiv After Moskva Warship Sinks
Ukrainian musician Roman Lopatynsky plays ‚ÄúHow not to love you, Kyiv of mine‚ÄĚ during a performance in Kyiv‚Äôs Maidan Square ūüĎč –°–į–Ļ–Ĺ —É—É* Welcome to Friday, where Russia warns of more strikes on Kyiv as Ukraine claims responsibility for the sinking of the Moskva warship, hundreds are wounded in clashes at Jerusalem‚Äôs al-Aqsa Mosque, and ‚ÄúHouston, we have a kebab.‚ÄĚ In German daily Die Welt, Michael Brendler explores the end-of-life ethical question that has gained new...
How A Dutch Clinic Pioneered Pediatric Transgender Healthcare, Through 40 Years Of Criticism
AMSTERDAM — Relationships between patients and physicians last a long time at Amsterdam’s Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria. Some of today’s adult patients have been visiting the clinic since the age of 5, when their parents first noticed signs of gender dysphoria — the experience of distress that can occur when a person’s gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth.
Mariupol Hangs In Balance, Biden Accuses Putin Of Genocide
ūüĎč Manahuu!* Welcome to Wednesday, as conflicting reports circulating over the fate of Mariupol, Biden accuses Putin of genocide, while the Russian president says peace talks with Ukraine are at a ‚Äúdead end.‚ÄĚ We also zoom in on Donbas, where Putin has shifted his forces in what could be a key moment in the Russia-Ukraine war. Meanwhile, an ugly Hollywood trial has begun in Virginia.
The Surprise That May Finally Bury NATO: The Ukrainian Army
-Analysis- Here’s a joke that’s been circulating the past few weeks in Ukraine: When the war is over, NATO will be asking to join Ukraine. The punchline makes a point of both the pride in the Ukrainian army’s stunning efforts to repel the Russian invaders, and the bitterness at the North Atlantic alliance’s hesitations to open membership to Kyiv. But the subtext goes even further, raising questions about where the entire system of international security will wind up after the war in Ukraine.
Russia breaks the model
-Analysis- Here’s a joke that’s been circulating the past few weeks in Ukraine: When the war is over, NATO will be asking to join Ukraine. The punchline makes a point of both the pride in the Ukrainian army’s stunning efforts to repel the Russian invaders, and the bitterness at the North Atlantic alliance’s hesitations to open membership to Kyiv. But the subtext goes even further, raising questions about where the entire system of international security will wind up after the war in Ukraine.
Attack Looms In Ukraine's East, Macron-Le Pen Rematch, Gender-Neutral Passports
At a protest against the Russian invasion and in support of Ukraine in Madrid, Spain ūüĎč Ndeewo!* Welcome to Monday, where Ukraine braces for a new Russian offensive in the east, France‚Äôs presidential election has a je-ne-sais-quoi of d√©j√†-vu, and the U.S. issues gender-neutral passports for the first time. Meanwhile, Die Welt‚Äôs reporter Alfred von Hackensberger visits Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky‚Äôs hometown, which is bracing for more Russian attacks.
Photo Of The Week: This Happened In Bucha
OneShot Detail of a photograph by AFP photographer Ronaldo Schemidt Once Russian troops retreated from Bucha, reports arrived this weekend that the suburban town north of Kyiv had been the scene of possible war crimes: civilians killed, raped and deprived of food and water. Among the first journalists to arrive was a crew from Agence France-Presse, including award-winning Venezuelan-born photographer Ronaldo Schemidt.
West Doubles Down On Russian Sanctions
👋 Hei!* Welcome to Wednesday, where Western leaders toughen sanctions against Russia, Twitter limits Russian officials visibility, and the ICC holds the first trial on Darfur war crimes. We also turn to Colombia, where some see the shadow of Russian meddling looming over next month’s presidential elections. [*Norwegian] ✅ SIGN UP This is our daily newsletter Worldcrunch Today, a rapid tour of the news of the day from the world's best journalism sources, regardless of language or geography.
Sowing War, Reaping Nothing: The Agriculture Crisis Looming In India And Beyond
NEW DELHI — There is no such thing as a localized conflict in a globalized world. Sooner rather than later, fallouts from the Russia-Ukraine war will overwhelm the operations of developed and developing economies alike, leading up to the largest, and possibly, the worst food crisis the world has seen in decades. The focal point for the imminent crisis emerges from the pivotal position the two countries occupy in the global food exports matrix.
Toll Rises In Bucha, As Russia Accused Of War Crimes And West Prepares New Sanctions
Russian forces have targeted an oil refinery and fuel storage facilities in Odessa on Sunday đ Wai!* Welcome to Monday, where scenes of horror emerge from Bucha, near Kyiv, with bodies of more than 400 civilian victims reportedly found; Ukrainian President Zelensky accuses Russia of genocide, and Western leaders prepare new sanctions in response, including possible cut to Russian gas.
A nation’s sacrifice
A soldier from the Donetsk People's Republic places a blanket over another separatist killed during bombardment Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, the Russian Defense Ministry has reported casualties of its soldiers only twice: On March 2, 498 servicemen were reported dead, 1,597 wounded. On March 25, 1,351 soldiers were reported dead, 3,825 wounded.
Russia Blocks Mariupol Evacuation, Leaves Chernobyl
ūüĎč Salam!* Welcome to Friday, where Russian forces halt Mariupol evacuation, Sri Lanka protests turn violent, and Australian police win this year‚Äôs April Fools‚Äô. Meanwhile, in Ukrainian news website Livy Bereg, Oleksandr Decyk argues that Putin‚Äôs gas-for-rubles ploy will amount to another failed attempt to blackmail the West.
Russia’s Deescalation Pledge Raises Int’l Eyebrows
👋 Dydh da!* Welcome to Wednesday, where Western leaders share their skepticism after Moscow promises to scale back its offensive in Ukraine, Israel is rocked by a third terror attack in eight days, and Pluto may host ice volcanoes (and a hidden ocean). Meanwhile, Persian-language media Kayhan-London looks at Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guards and the role they may play in helping revive the country’s nuclear deal.
The Revolutionary Guards' "selflessness"
Military parade by the paramilitary Revolutionary Guards in Tehran on Jan. 7 -Analysis- It has been a sticking point in the negotiations to revive the 2015 pact regulating Iran's nuclear program: Tehran had insisted that the Revolutionary Guards, the elite military unit founded by Ayatollah Khomeini, be taken off the list of global terrorist groups. Western negotiators were told the condition was a "red line" if any deal was to be reached.
Commercial ties
-OpEd- NEW DELHI — India is standing at a crossroads when it comes to the war in Ukraine. Unlike Israel and Turkey, who are trying to use their relatively tame responses to Russia’s invasion to provide space for negotiating peace, India has not attempted any initiative to carve out a global role for itself in what is already the worst crisis in Europe since World War II. While New Delhi has called for a ceasefire and dialogue, it has done nothing to bring it about.
In Rare Challenge, Chinese Youth Stand Up To Government COVID Lockdowns
BEIJING — Since March, mainland China has experienced the largest local outbreak of COVID-19 cases since the early days of the pandemic in Wuhan, in January 2020. According to the National Health Commission of China, between March 1 and 18, more than 29,000 infections have been reported in mainland China, affecting 28 provinces. Restrictions and lockdown measures were introduced in various provinces, but the “Zero COVID” policies are facing rising dissent among the population.
Zelensky Says He’d Accept Ukraine’s “Neutral” Status
In Kyiv, Ukrainians cover the monument of political and civic leader Petro Konashevych-Sahaidachny with sandbags 👋 Tungjatjeta!* Welcome to Monday, where Ukrainian President Zelensky calls for a referendum on Ukraine’s neutrality after Russian troops leave, Shanghai goes back into full lockdown and Will Smith’s slap steals the Oscars spotlight.
ūüóěÔłŹ¬† FRONT PAGE
In Kyiv, Ukrainians cover the monument of political and civic leader Petro Konashevych-Sahaidachny with sandbags ūüĎč Tungjatjeta!* Welcome to Monday, where Ukrainian President Zelensky calls for a referendum on Ukraine‚Äôs neutrality after Russian troops leave, Shanghai goes back into full lockdown and Will Smith‚Äôs slap steals the Oscars spotlight.
It’s Time To Start Building A Post-NATO World
A U.S. Marine scans for targets for a Fire Support Coordination exercise prior to Exercise Cold Response 22 -Analysis- PARIS — If we are to believe Vladimir Putin, NATO policy of the past three decades forced him to invade Ukraine. Safe to say, we don’t believe Vladimir Putin. Still, the Transatlantic military alliance, which marks 73 years since its founding next week, is a problem. Ukraine is pleading in vain for membership.
Ukraine Counterattacks, 300 Feared Dead In Mariupol Theater, Tree Of The Year
👋 Laphi!* Welcome to Friday, where Ukraine authorities say up to 300 may have been killed in the March 13 bombing of Mariupol theater. Meanwhile, the U.S. and EU announce a deal to try and cut Europe’s dependence on Russian energy, and Russia sanctions have ripples in space. We also focus on the work of Ukrainian war photographer Maks Levin, who has been missing for 12 days.
The Cruelest Irony: This Is How Putin Is Saving The Russian Speakers Of Ukraine
Central to the tragic absurdity of this war is the question of language. Vladimir Putin has repeated that protecting ethnic Russians and the Russian-speaking populations of Ukraine was a driving motivation for his invasion. Yet one month on, a quick look at the map shows that many of the worst-hit cities are those where Russian is the predominant language: Kharkiv, Odesa, Kherson. Then there is Mariupol, under siege and symbol of Putin’s cruelty.
100,000 Trapped In Mariupol As Odessa Braces For Russian Attack
ūüĎč ŗĹĖŗĹÄŗĺ≤ŗľčŗŧŗĹ≤ŗŶŗľčŗĹĖŗĹĎŗĹļŗľčŗĹ£ŗĹāŗŶŗľć* Welcome to Wednesday, where an estimated 100,000 are still trapped in Mariupol, the black box has been found in the China Eastern Airlines crash, and Zoom meetings are about to become wild. We also explore, from a Swedish perspective, how the COVID-19 pandemic has sparked a resurgence of labor unions.
New Russian Targets, ISIS Leader Death Confirmed, Two Years Of Pandemic
ūüĎč –°–į–Ľ–į–ľ!* Welcome to Friday, where Russian airstrikes target additional Ukrainian cities, while Moscow‚Äôs 40-mile long military convoy is on the move again near Kyiv; also, a new report finds the COVID-19 death toll may be three times higher than official data suggests. Clemens Wergin in German daily Die Welt examines the West‚Äôs different possible options to help Ukraine on a military level, and the risks they entail.
Cancel Russia? The Risk Of Targeting Culture In Times Of War
BERLIN — Last week German TV channel RTL Nitro changed its schedule: instead of showing the classic James Bond film From Russia with Love, it ran with On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. But wasn’t Vladimir Putin part of the secret service, and didn’t he say, “Once KGB, always KGB?” So maybe Goldfinger would have been a more appropriate choice? Or even Quantum of Solace? Of course, it’s important for programming to be tactful, especially during a crisis.
Ukraine Mass Evacuation, Russia Oil Ban, Shackleton’s Ship Found
Ukrainian refugees arrive in Poland after crossing the Shehyni-Medyka border. 👋 Salamalekum!* Welcome to Wednesday, where Ukraine sees its first successful mass evacuation, Biden announces ban on Russian energy imports and Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton’s ship is found after 107 years. We also feature our English edition of an article published by Ukrainian analyst Taras Kuzio on Vladimir Putin’s ultimate plans to turn Ukraine into “Little Russia” and install a familiar face as leader.
Yes, Ukraine's Vast Nuclear Power Network Presents Enormous Risks
-Analysis- BERLIN — Gesellschaft für Reaktorsicherheit (GRS) is Germany's leading organization in the field of nuclear safety, and its representatives are in direct contact with their counterparts in the energy industry in Ukraine. According to the information provided, nine of Ukraine's 15 power reactors were still on the grid the day before the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant was fired upon in the southeast of the country.
Nuclear Plant Attack, Humanitarian Corridors, Oligarchs Targeted
ūüĎč Halu!* Welcome to Friday, where Russia seizes control of Europe‚Äôs largest nuclear plant after a potentially disastrous attack, Ukraine and Russia agree to set up humanitarian corridors to evacuate civilians and the U.S. levels new sanctions on Russian oligarchs. Persian-language media Kayhan-London also reports on the unique prism through which Iran is seeing the Russia-Ukraine war.
Not "ending up like Ukraine"
IRGC launched missiles during a military exercise in three provinces around the Bushehr nuclear power plant -Analysis- So Iran stands with Syria, Venezuela, Cuba, North Korea, China and Nicaragua in not condemning Russia's attack on Ukraine. Instead, it is voicing support for the conflict's instigator, Russian President Vladimir Putin. Stay up-to-date with the latest on the Russia-Ukraine war, with our exclusive international coverage. Sign up to our free daily newsletter.
Russia Takes Kherson, Kyiv TV Tower Hit, Pullout Of Exxon, Boeing, Apple
Russian forces bombed Freedom Square in central Kharkiv, Ukraine‚Äôs second-biggest city, killing at least 10 people ūüĎč Talofa!* Welcome to Wednesday, where Russia takes out Kyiv‚Äôs central TV tower and secures control of the southern Ukraine city of Kherson, more multinationals freeze business ties with Moscow and President Biden vows to make Putin pay for Ukraine invasion. We also gathered snapshots of some of the Russian VIPs who have publicly come out against the war.
Wroclaw Postcard: What We Learn About Ourselves In A Wartime Train Station
A soldier giving food to a Ukrainian boy who arrived to the train station in Przemysl WROCLAW — Being born on the banks of the rivers Vistula and Odra that falls within the boundaries of Poland has never filled me with particular pride. People are more important to me than the Polish red-and-white flag. Ordinary human solidarity is more important to me than patriotism. And yet, something made my heart swell last weekend when I went to the aid stations springing up like mushrooms after the rain.
A Mother's Choice - And Molotov Cocktails That Need Mixing
Residents prepare Molotov cocktails to be sent to the frontline in western Ukraine DNIPRO — One of the most memorable books by Nobel laureate Svetlana Alexievich, first published in 1984, is called War Does Not Have a Woman's Face. Born in Belarus after World War II, Alexievich had collected hundreds of testimonies from Soviet women who had enlisted in the 1940s in the fight against Hitler, working as nurses and telegraph operators, but also serving as aviators and in tank battalions.
Ukraine Negotiations, Moscow Stock Market Shut, Fatal Australian Floods
Welcome to Monday, where Ukrainian and Russian delegations meet for talks near the Belarus border, as the Ukrainian army continues to resist the Russian invasion. The EU has announced it would sell weapons to Ukraine in a historical first as Vladimir Putin puts nuclear forces on high alert. We also have the translation of a report in Kyiv-based news website Livy Bereg on how Ukraine’s outgunned forces have thus far managed to thwart Putin’s plans of rapid conquest.
We’re All Sweden Now: How COVID Fatigue Brought Us Back To Herd Immunity
Since Denmark became the first European nation to drop all COVID restrictions in late January, a slew of countries around the world have followed suit — including Norway, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, the Dominican Republic and, most recently, the UK.
Battle For Kyiv, New EU Sanctions, Russia Protests
ūüĎč Jambo!* Welcome to Friday, where a battle is underway for control of the capital city of Kyiv a day after Russia‚Äôs assault on Ukraine began, which included the capture of the Chernobyl nuclear site. Meanwhile new international sanctions are imposed on Moscow as protests erupt around the world against the invasion.
Russia's Prime Export Under Putin: Chaos
-OpEd- BOGOTÁ — A glance at Vladimir Putin's friends around the world gives us a clear idea of the Russian president's preferences: It is not about a penchant for the left (as you might think, given his friendship with supposedly leftist governments) or the right (and he does have allies on the right). His real inclination is for governments that despise liberal democracy, or at least democracy as conceived in the European Union, United States, Australia or Japan.
ūüö® WORLD NEWS: BoJo Under Pressure, Landmark Syria Trial, Gruy√®re Row
ūüĎč ŗ§®ŗ§ģŗ§łŗ•ćŗ§§ŗ•á* Welcome to Wednesday, where sanctions multiply against Russia, Ukraine is set to declare a month-long state of emergency and China warns against making Taiwan comparisons. Meanwhile, Britney Spears scores a big publishing deal for a tell-all memoir. We also have La Stampa's Francesca Mannocchi exclusive on-the-ground reportage at one of Afghanistan‚Äôs rigid, boys-only madrasas near Kabul where the next generation of students is being shaped by the Taliban.
ūüö® WORLD NEWS: BoJo Under Pressure, Landmark Syria Trial, Gruy√®re Row
The Beijing Winter Olympics ended with a closing ceremony on Sunday at the Bird‚Äôs Nest stadium ūüĎč Adishatz!* Welcome to Monday, where Russia denies reports of upcoming Biden-Putin summit, the Queen has COVID and Kanye West is making a list of beefs. Meanwhile, we look at how China‚Äôs "great health wall" is making life for foreign businesses and foreign workers more and more difficult.
Video Of Chained Woman Shines Light On China's Treatment Of Mental Illness
A recent video of a chained woman with mental health difficulties has once again highlighted the poor treatment of the mentally ill in China. Just before Chinese New Year ended recently, a video went viral on China’s web. In a shabby space attached to a house in Feng County in Jiangsu Province, a woman, named Yang Mouxia, is seen wearing a thin top in the chilly weather. She has an iron chain and a lock around her neck. The woman has a mental disorder.
ūüö® WORLD NEWS: BoJo Under Pressure, Landmark Syria Trial, Gruy√®re Row
A couple of tourists pose for photos near St Mark's Square during the Venice Carnival 2022, which will end on March 1 ūüĎč žēąŽÖē* Welcome to Friday, where G7 leaders meet for crunch talks on Ukraine, Africa sees its first case of polio in five years and wow that‚Äôs one big strawberry. We also take a look at the way some countries around the world are dealing with witch hunts (the literal kind) both past and present.
Beijing 2022, An Olympics Mental Health Disaster
Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva in tears after ending up fourth in the women's single event As the Beijing Winter Olympics draw to an end after two weeks, pictures of the Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva have made international news. The Russian athlete, who was considered the clear favorite for the gold medal in the women's single event, broke down in tears after ending up fourth following multiple falls during her routine.
Victoria Abraham on fat liberation and authenticity
College of Arts and Sciences senior educates by simply existing online as a fat person. Shirene Anand Shirene Anand: “Victoria’s comfort in this shoot was what made this such a success.
Review: Disney’s ‘Encanto’ has the Latine representation we’ve all been waiting for
Released on Nov. 24, Disney’s new animated film “Encanto” presents a welcome depiction of vibrant Colombian culture. “Encanto,” Disney’s newest animated movie, features a Colombian family and was released on Nov. 24.
Opinion: Christmas is a lexical glutton
All holidays are not created equal, and this inequality has been compounded by our very vocabulary. This Christmas season, let us right this wrong. Manasa Gudavalli There are other adjectives we can use to celebrate holidays — not just “merry” Christmas. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli) By Max Tiefer and Lorraine Olaya December 3, 2021 Imagine, if you will, that you’re visiting your significant other’s family for Thanksgiving.
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