Why are unscented after-shave so uncommon, most of after-shave I can find at a reasonable price have that typical cheap cologne smell which is going to wreck any perfume you wear.

But when looking in most shop, most of them still have some fragance in-it and often, so looks like that people shaving their face buy-it

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.zip/post/54194025

https://archive.is/1hnqw

“Today, it’s not competitive any more to bring [products] into China when there’s local competition,” said Conrad Keijzer, chief executive of Swiss chemical maker Clariant.

The company is spending SFr180mn ($226mn) expanding its plant in China’s Daya Bay petrochemical hub, where last year Germany’s BASF and Shell also announced big investments.

German auto supplier ZF Friedrichshafen, for example, recently announced job cuts of 7,600 in Europe by 2030, less than a year after announcing its latest expansion in Shenyang, north-eastern China. Automotive parts maker Schaeffler, which told state media in China it planned to double its business in the country in six to seven years, has announced the closure of some of its European operations and gross job cuts of 4,700.

French engineering group Schneider, Danish power-train maker Danfoss and wind turbine maker Vestas and pharmaceutical companies including Swiss drugmaker Roche and AstraZeneca have all also recently announced China expansions or factory upgrades.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.zip/post/54194958

The flooding and landslides killed at least 1,338 people: 744 in Indonesia, 410 in Sri Lanka, 181 in Thailand and three in Malaysia

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.zip/post/54194898

https://www.oglaf.com/muster/

https://archive.is/1hnqw

“Today, it’s not competitive any more to bring [products] into China when there’s local competition,” said Conrad Keijzer, chief executive of Swiss chemical maker Clariant.

The company is spending SFr180mn ($226mn) expanding its plant in China’s Daya Bay petrochemical hub, where last year Germany’s BASF and Shell also announced big investments.

German auto supplier ZF Friedrichshafen, for example, recently announced job cuts of 7,600 in Europe by 2030, less than a year after announcing its latest expansion in Shenyang, north-eastern China. Automotive parts maker Schaeffler, which told state media in China it planned to double its business in the country in six to seven years, has announced the closure of some of its European operations and gross job cuts of 4,700.

French engineering group Schneider, Danish power-train maker Danfoss and wind turbine maker Vestas and pharmaceutical companies including Swiss drugmaker Roche and AstraZeneca have all also recently announced China expansions or factory upgrades.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is under increasing fire for a double-tap strike, first reported by The Intercept in early September, in which the U.S. military killed two survivors of the Trump administration’s initial boat strike in the Caribbean on September 2.

The Washington Post recently reported that Hegseth personally ordered the follow-up attack, giving a spoken order “to kill everybody.” Multiple military legal experts, lawmakers, and now confidential sources within the government who spoke with The Intercept say Hegseth’s actions could result in the entire chain of command being investigated for a war crime or outright murder.

“Those directly involved in the strike could be charged with murder under the UCMJ or federal law,” said Todd Huntley, a former Staff Judge Advocate who served as a legal adviser on Joint Special Operations task forces conducting drone strikes in Afghanistan and elsewhere, using shorthand for the Uniform Code of Military Justice. “This is about as clear of a case being patently illegal that subordinates would probably not be able to successfully use a following-orders defense.”

Archive

Several crisis pregnancy helplines covertly run by anti-abortion groups have been given free ads throughout 2025 via Google Ad Grants – a scheme which gives nonprofits up to £7000 per month of free search advertising.

One of the most active recipients was Pregnancy Crisis Helpline, which is running a series of ads that look like real search results claiming to offer ⁦a “safe” and “confidential place” if you’re considering an abortion.

“Wanting to end your pregnancy? We’re here to talk,” another advert – which was shown throughout this week – stated.

But the helpline was actually co-launched with Christian Concern, a right-wing evangelical organisation that wants abortion to be banned. One of its trustees, according to its latest accounts, is Christian Clive Copus, a former director of anti-abortion group ProLife Alliance.

I've emailed my representatives. Have you?

The American pro-Israel group StopAntisemitism has included children’s content creator Ms Rachel on its “Antisemite of the Year” list, targeting her for highlighting the suffering of Palestinian children.

StopAntisemitism has repeatedly attacked Ms Rachel on social media for sharing content with her more than 20 million followers showing starving Palestinian children and highlighting the plight of youngsters who have lost limbs in Israel’s genocide in Gaza.

The pro-Israel organisation even has even urged US Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate whether Accurso is receiving foreign funding to promote anti-Israel messaging and influence public opinion. There has been no evidence provided such accusations.

cross-posted from: https://mander.xyz/post/42887934

Web archive link

The accelerating cyber threats facing Ireland demands “an aggressive response” by the State, according to the country’s cyber bosses.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) said criminal cyber gangs and hackers, aligned to states like China and Russia, pose a “significant threat” to Ireland’s national security.

This is because Ireland is a host to some of the world’s largest tech providers and cloud computing facilities as well as the worsening geopolitical situation and the threat posed to Europe resulting from Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine.

The centre said it “regularly observes state-aligned threat actors carrying out scanning and other reconnaissance activities” targeting Irish government and State-owned networks.

...

Publishing its 2025 National Cyber Risk Assessment, the NCSC said Ireland was at risk from cyber attacks on “shared critical infrastructure”, such as gas and electricity pipelines connecting Ireland to the UK and France.

...

One of the sons of notorious Mexican drug kingpin “El Chapo” pleaded guilty on Monday to U.S. drug trafficking charges, months after his brother entered a plea deal.

Known locally in Mexico as the “Chapitos” — or “little Chapos” — Joaquín Guzmán López and brother Ovidio Guzmán López are accused of running a faction of the Sinaloa cartel. Federal authorities in 2023 described the operation as a massive effort to send “staggering” quantities of fentanyl into the U.S.

Joaquín Guzmán López, 39, pleaded guilty to two counts of drug trafficking and continuing criminal enterprise after admitting his role in overseeing the transport of tens of thousands of kilograms (pounds) of drugs to the U.S., mostly through underground tunnels. With the plea deal, his attorney said, he is expected to avoid life in prison.

So, somebody recently asked me to do a Marxist–Leninist reading of the conservative-left party Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) the party is currently still operating under that name, though a potential rebranding is expected. I am half German, so I figured I would write a short, factual overview of what the party is, where it comes from, and how it positions itself.

We can discuss theory and critique in the comments afterward.

Quick Summary

• The” BSW” was created as a splinter group from “Die Linke”.
• Die Linke” itself is also the product of earlier mergers and splits in German left politics.
• The party was initially founded and led by Sahra Wagenknecht, but this was or is about to change.
• Wagenknecht is married to Oskar Lafontaine, former SPD leader and prominent figure in Die Linke. She grew up in the GDR and is half-Iranian.
• In the European Parliament, BSW sits with the Unified European Left (UEL), not GUE/NGL.

Sahra Wagenknecht: Background & Profile

Sahra Wagenknecht is one of the most prominent figures in German politics, known for her mix of left-leaning economic positions and culturally conservative messaging.

• ** Early life & ideology:**

Born in the GDR to an East-German mother and Iranian father, she entered the PDS (the post-SED party) in the early 1990s. Her early writings were more traditionally Marxist, though her later positions diverge sharply from orthodox Marxism.

• Career in Die Linke:

Served as Bundestag representative, economic spokesperson, and co-chair of the parliamentary faction. She became known for criticizing neoliberal reforms and EU austerity.

• Internal conflicts:

Repeated disputes with other factions of Die Linke, especially over migration, cultural politics, and foreign policy, led to her eventual split.

• Public image:

Combines left-wing economic rhetoric with conservative cultural critiques. Highly media-savvy and frequently on talk shows. She also writes a lot of books.

• Personal ties:

Her marriage to Oskar Lafontaine further ties her to older social-democratic and post-communist political networks.

The BSW: Ideological & Policy Profile

The BSW positions itself as a party for “social justice, economic stability, and common sense,” blending social-democratic economics with socially conservative themes.

• Economic Policy

Strongly interventionist; supports state regulation and higher taxes on the wealthy. Critical of privatization; favours re-municipalization of key services. Focus on cost-of-living issues, housing, and industrial decline. Pro-industrial strategy but anti-corporate in rhetoric.

• Social & Cultural Policy

Rejects identity politics and “lifestyle leftism.” More restrictive migration stance than most European left parties. Emphasis on social cohesion, stability, and communitarian values.

• Foreign Policy

Critical of NATO and U.S. foreign policy. Opposes weapons deliveries to Ukraine, favours negotiations and sanctions relief. Seeks restoration of economic ties with Russia (while officially condemning the invasion). Sceptical of deeper EU integration.

• Environmental Policy

Supports climate goals but rejects consumption bans and “eco-austerity.” Emphasizes technological investment over regulatory restrictions.

Controversies, Local-Level Behaviour & Criticism

• Local gains but conservative cooperation:

While BSW has achieved notable success in eastern state elections, it often cooperates with conservative or centrist parties at the local/state level, which critics view as inconsistent with its left-economic message .

• Strong anti-“woke” stance:

The party sharply criticizes identity politics, gender policies, and cultural liberalism. This appeals to certain working-class voters but alienates much of the traditional left.

• Accusations of pro-Kremlin alignment:

Opponents argue its Ukraine and NATO positions echo Russian narratives. These are political allegations; the party denies them, and verified evidence of Kremlin funding is lacking.

• There was some suspicion on who funded the party , German news and donation watch list one family (listed as Thomas Stanger) that donated millions to the party.

• Backlash over Ukraine-related remarks:

Wagenknecht has faced criticism for comments perceived as overly sympathetic to Russia or dismissive of Ukrainian concerns, though some viral claims are unverified or misrepresented.

The BSW is not a Marxist–Leninist party, nor does it claim to be its program is reformist, populist, and firmly within the framework of capitalist parliamentary politics.

Anyways, if you find something that is incorrect pls feel free to correct me. Also leave your comments and thoughts below.

N.B: This is in no way to promote this party. This post is more about informing people about it and critically discussing issues arising from such parties.

cross-posted from: https://mander.xyz/post/42887934

Web archive link

The accelerating cyber threats facing Ireland demands “an aggressive response” by the State, according to the country’s cyber bosses.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) said criminal cyber gangs and hackers, aligned to states like China and Russia, pose a “significant threat” to Ireland’s national security.

This is because Ireland is a host to some of the world’s largest tech providers and cloud computing facilities as well as the worsening geopolitical situation and the threat posed to Europe resulting from Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine.

The centre said it “regularly observes state-aligned threat actors carrying out scanning and other reconnaissance activities” targeting Irish government and State-owned networks.

...

Publishing its 2025 National Cyber Risk Assessment, the NCSC said Ireland was at risk from cyber attacks on “shared critical infrastructure”, such as gas and electricity pipelines connecting Ireland to the UK and France.

...

Web archive link

Belgium has joined a growing list of countries banning Chinese generative AI tool DeepSeek from devices used by government officials and public servants after a cybersecurity agency raised concerns.

Federal public administration employees had until Monday to uninstall DeepSeek’s apps from all work devices, according to a note circulated by the ministry and reported in local media.

The minister for public action and modernisation, Vanessa Matz, announced the plan in September after receiving the results of an analysis by the Centre for Cybersecurity Belgium of the use of AI tools in the administration. The ban is preventive, according to the minister.

“Trust in the government rests on fundamental principles of prevention, protection of citizens’ personal data, and cybersecurity,” Matz said in a statement. “By banning the use of this system, we are demonstrating vigilance to ensure that our government departments remain a safe, secure, and exemplary environment.”

The government added that “risks to the protection of data transmitted to the DeepSeek AI tool” merit the precautionary ban, per a press release.

Other countries in Europe have taken similar steps: Czechia and the Netherlands barred the use of DeepSeek by government employees on work devices in July and February respectively. Italy, Australia, Taiwan, and South Korea have also announced measures to protect their citizens’ privacy and security.

...

Not sure if this is the right spot to ask questions, as the sub info says nothing about them, but hopefully this is still considered relevant.

I am about to travel to my home country, Hungary, in a few weeks. Haven't been back in years, and there's one thing I really miss: horse sausage. This is a somewhat traditional dry sausage (closer to a salami really), made of 100% horse meat, from horses reared specifically this purpose.

Horse meat is not listed on any of the banned lists, and most articles related to the topic on gov.uk do specify that horses are NOT susceptible to FMD.

However most of the info related to the ban does begin with "you're not allowed to import meat and dairy products" before specifying the banned species list - again, horse meat is NOT included on these lists.

Overall the bans are quite confusingly worded and aren't straightforward.

There's also mention of commercial documents needed - but only for non-human-consumption meat products (e.g. dog food).

So my question is, ultimately, can I bring 3-4kg of this sausage into the country, and if yes, what paperwork would I need? Most EU certifications are out of the question as these sausages are made by small local farms who don't really label or package the products much since it's not meant for export. Some more commercial options do have the label, but only in Hungarian.

I have sent a message to gov.uk with the relevant page linked however I'm yet to hear back and given I'm about to travel... I'd like to have some definitive answers before I get some £50-60 worth of meat confiscated at the airport.

Canada has been allowed to join the EU's SAFE defense financing program, leaders from both sides say. The move comes as much of the West arms against Russian aggression while the US increasingly disengages.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/46579107

Archived

[...]

It was [...] the speed at which the fire tore upward [in Hong Kong] that led a 24-year-old university student to launch a petition demanding an independent investigation.

He barely had time to gather signatures before police arrested him for "incitement".

The message was clear: Even grief had boundaries, and asking questions was now a political act.

From that moment, sorrow gave way to anger. And the city's fault lines — rights versus sovereignty, people versus power — snapped sharply back into focus.

[...]

The blaze [...] did more than destroy homes. It revived one of Hong Kong's most visceral fears; that lives can be reduced to collateral in a system that no longer listens.

What should have been a moment of collective mourning instead widened the fracture between Hongkongers demanding accountability and a government increasingly shaped by Beijing's doctrine that sovereignty sits above all else.

And this time, the anger was not directed at local officials alone — it was aimed squarely at Beijing.

For many residents, the horror of the fire lay not only in the ferocity of the flames but in the recognition that everything they had worked for — homes bought with decades of savings, belongings accumulated through sacrifice — could be erased in a night.

Hong Kong's housing crisis has long fed collective anxiety, but this disaster struck its deepest nerve. In a city where ordinary families already struggle with extremely unaffordable flats, even the illusion of safety can no longer be taken for granted.

The sense of betrayal deepened when Beijing issued a warning not to let "a disaster disrupt Hong Kong", reinforcing the belief that the state prioritised protecting its authority, not its people.

[...]

The unease grew when volunteers and NGOs who rushed to help the displaced were abruptly ordered to leave the site.

Many had been distributing food, locating documents, offering emotional support. Suddenly, they were told to withdraw on Sunday.

For many Hongkongers, the scene was familiar. A compassionate response — neighbours helping one another — had become politically sensitive.

Authorities appeared to fear that the disaster zone, with swelling crowds and rising frustration, might become a gathering point for something larger.

In a city still haunted by 2019, solidarity itself had become suspect.

Inside Wang Fuk Court [the place of the fire], residents were not surprised that the fire spread so fast. Some had long questioned whether the scaffolding nets used during a renovation met flame-retardant standards.

Others filed complaints as early as 2023, warning of fire risks.

A contractor even wrote to the Fire Services Department requesting clarity on safety requirements — letters that, residents say, went unanswered.

[...]

The arrest of the petition organiser — paired with the removal of volunteers — made something unavoidable: the space for Hongkongers to demand answers, or simply to show up for one another, has been quietly but steadily erased.

Under the national security regime, the line between civic action and political threat has blurred beyond recognition.

What used to be routine — filing complaints, demanding accountability, launching petitions, helping neighbours — now carries an implied risk.

Beijing's insistence that sovereignty cannot be challenged has reshaped even the vocabulary of disaster. A call for answers can be reframed as agitation. Grief can be interpreted as defiance. Volunteerism can be treated as "gathering".

[...]

For residents, the questions were immediate and practical. Why did the alarms fail? Why did the nets ignite so quickly? Why were earlier warnings ignored? Who will take responsibility?

For authorities, the questions were political. Could public anger spill into unrest? Could demands for accountability turn into mobilisation? Could crowds at the disaster site grow into something larger? Who must be monitored — not who must be heard?

This is why, for many, the fire now stands as a symbol of something larger — a reckoning not only with safety failures but with a governance model that asks citizens to trust a system that no longer feels accountable to them.

While officials have pledged support for displaced residents, the shift toward a political narrative has been unmistakable: The arrest [of the 24-year old petitioner], the "care teams", the warnings about "disruption".

[...]

In the days after the blaze, residents sifted through ash — passports, wedding photos, a child's cherished toy — fragments of lives interrupted.

But the emotional landscape of the city was shaped by a different kind of loss: The erosion of faith that the system exists to protect them, not to discipline them.

Beijing may want the flames in Tai Po to fade quickly. But what they revealed may not.

Games releasing this month:

Metroid Prime 4, finally releasing this month!

Switch

Game | Price | Date

|

|

Metroid Prime 4 | $59.99 | Dec 4

Switch 2

Game | Price | Date

|

|

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition | $69.99 | Dec 4

Switch 2 Upgrade Packs

Game | Price | Date

|

|

Metroid Prime™ 4: Beyond – Nintendo Switch™ 2 Edition Upgrade Pack | $9.99 | Dec 4

Upcoming Games, January 2026 on wards (NA):

Switch

Game | Price | Date

|

|

Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream | TBA | Spring 2026 Rhythm Heaven: Groove | TBA | 2026 Pokémon Champions | TBA | TBA

Switch 2

Game | Price | Date

|

|

Animal Crossing™: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch™ 2 Edition (Switch 2 version of 2020 game) | $64.99 | Jan 15 Mario Tennis Fever | $69.99 | Feb 12 Pokémon Pokopia | $69.99 | Mar 5 Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park | TBA | Spring 2026 Yoshi and the Mysterious Book | TBA | Spring 2026 Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave | TBA | 2026 The Duskbloods | TBA | 2026 Spaltoon Raiders | TBA | TBA

Switch 2 Upgrade Packs Game | Price | Date

|

|

Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Nintendo Switch™ 2 Edition Upgrade Pack | $4.99 | Jan 15

Let me know in the comments if there's anything missing or mistake in the post, or if you would like any change.

Germany has been putting import terminals for liquefied natural gas into operation as part of its efforts to replace piped Russian gas following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.