🌟WE TALK ABOUT SALMAN RUSHDIE 🌟

Salman Rushdie recounts his attack and recovery in ‘Knife’

In his new memoir, the celebrated novelist reflects on the 2022 stabbing that nearly took his life

Emerson once said, "Beauty is its own excuse for Being." On the other hand, an intriguing, uncommon, or unsettling event does not always qualify as a memoir.

The esteemed Salman Rushdie is a dynamic and forceful (albeit inconsistent) writer; however, his most recent autobiographical work, although prompted by immense hardship, is convoluted and often clichéd. Additionally, "Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder" is surprisingly dull despite discussing a dramatic attempt on Rushdie's life.

It should go without saying that the novelist had a terrifying experience. He arrived in the charming town of Chautauqua, New York, on August 12, 2022, where he was scheduled to give a speech on “the importance of keeping writers safe from harm.” He is far too knowledgeable about the topic: Rushdie has been in and out of hiding ever since Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini issued a fatwa in 1988, demanding his execution in response to the publication of his masterful novel "The Satanic Verses." He didn't make the decision to, in his words, "remake a life of freedom" in New York City until 2000. He was safe in the United States for twenty-two years.

However, a 24-year-old radical from New Jersey named Hadi Matar stormed onto the stage and repeatedly stabbed Rushdie before he could start his Chautauqua speech. He had sustained numerous physical and psychological wounds. In "Knife," he describes the deep knife wound that severed all of the tendons and most of the nerves in his left hand. "My neck sustained at least two more deep stabbing wounds." The damage to his eye was the worst of all. "There would be no chance of saving the vision because the blade penetrated all the way to the optic nerve."

The path to healing was a difficult one. Rushdie remembers, "Your body's privacy ceases to exist in the presence of serious injuries." One turns into an object that can be poked, prodded, and manipulated by others. He writes, "Saliva was oozing out of my cheek because one of the knife wounds in my face had damaged the channel by which saliva reached my mouth." A young physician arrived to handle this. Rushdie was assisted by additional medical professionals to use the loo, and some even removed fluid from his lung.

He was able to walk again fifteen days after his emergency surgery, which involved multiple organs being operated on simultaneously; over six weeks later, he was back at home in Manhattan. However, even so, he had to go through Even so, he needed physical therapy to regain the ability to move his hand, and one side of his lower lip was left permanently paralysed due to a severed nerve in his neck.

Rushdie states in the book's opening chapter that his attacker—whom he will not identify—had read very little of his writing. We can conclude from this that 'The Satanic Verses' was not the subject of the attack, whatever it may have been. I'll make an effort to comprehend the content of this book.

He delivers on this promise in a lengthy scene that explores the attacker's mental state and features a fictitious conversation between the novelist and the would-be assassin. However, this particular conversation is the only one (and a little startling) in a book that mostly consists of practiced reflections on the predicament of persecuted writers: "When religion becomes politicised, even weaponized, then it's everybody’s business, because of its capacity for harm" and "if you are afraid of the consequences of what you say, then you are not free."

What then is the "Knife" preponderance about? The book reads like an unembellished diary, dryly documenting most of the events. In the hospital, Rushdie passes out; he plans his trip back to New York and his transfer from the hospital to his flat; he relishes his first meaningful non-medical outing, a Valentine's Day date with his well-known poet wife Rachel Eliza Griffiths.

Although Rushdie frequently makes insightful allusions in "Knife," including references to John Berryman, Elias Canetti, and Henry James, his own writing occasionally borders on cliche. Following the attack, his friends' words of support were "comforting and strengthening"; he is now "making my peace with what had happened, making peace with my life" when he returns to the scene. "It felt like Ali Baba learning the magic words that opened a treasure cave — Open, Sesame — and there, its light dazzling the eye, was the treasure, and it was her," he said of the evening he met Griffiths. The most cloying of all his confessions is this one: "I have always felt that love is a force, that when it is at its strongest, it can move."mountains. The world could be altered by it.

When Rushdie ventures out on more experimental ventures, he falls short. His clumsy commentary on the concept and representation of the knife is not always successful, especially in the horrifying scene where the blade tells the story of its own transgressions: "Here I am, you bastard. You've been on my mind. Do you see me? I'm directly in front of you, severing your neck with my assassin's edge.

The most effective sections of "Knife" examine the psychological effects of the assault while also touching on more general issues of brutality. Rushdie states that "the targets of violence experience a crisis in their understanding of the real." An attack similar to the one he endured "smashes" the customary politeties. "Reality dissolves, and the incomprehensible takes its place." In fact, Rushdie felt that his attacker's motivations were so flimsy as to be completely unbelievable. Matar stated that he thought the victim of his crime was "disingenuous," which is why he committed the crime. Rushdie quips wryly that that would be a "unconvincing motive if one were to use it in crime fiction." Thus, the intriguing decision made by the author to picture a dialogue with a more fascinating foe.

But there aren't many ideas about violence, fact, or fiction. "Knife" mostly stays true to the facts: the stabbing, the pain, and the recovery. It's not that Rushdie doesn't have more important points to make; it's just that they are well known by now and have little bearing on the remainder of his story. Hectoring lectures about the foolishness of younger generations is one of his tendencies. He bemoans the fact that "something strange has happened to the idea of privacy in our surreal time."It seems to have evolved from being treasured to being viewed as a worthless trait that is actually undesirable by many individuals in the West, particularly young people. Something doesn't truly exist if it is not made public. Later on, he criticises the "bien-pensant left," pointing out that their focus on defending the rights of minorities has undermined "freedom of speech." He doesn't elaborate on the relationship, if any, between his blatantly reactionary attacker and the "bien-pensant left." These polemics are more like passivity than well-reasoned or relevant arguments.

Sadly, and maybe unfairly, the greatest suffering does not always translate into the most insightful prose. It is necessary to transform raw suffering into something greater than itself. The version of Rushdie's memories that is given here is as raw and confused as a casual talk. "Knife" is not deserving of his greatest work or the suffering that led to it, though it makes sense that he would want to memorialise his suffering.

The WNBA Draft Was the Biggest Beauty Spectacle of the Year So Far

The WNBA Draft Is a Big-Ticket Event Now

There was no shortage of star power, exquisite gowns, or the sense that everything has changed irrevocably on Monday night in Brooklyn. The commissioner of the league stated, "Women's basketball is not a fad."

The draft on Monday night was officially the start of something new for the WNBA class of 2024, but it also had the vibe of a graduation celebration. Women's college basketball received more attention this year than in any previous year thanks to players like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso, and others. As a result, their draft night was a well-deserved (and stylish!) celebration of all the hard work they put in on campus.

And maybe for the first time, rather than being a footnote, the draft felt like a capital-E event, a top-tier sports media circus. To show their excitement for their new prized player, the Indiana Fever, who had the first pick and thus the honour of selecting Clark, one of the most obvious first picks in sports history, threw a veritable welcome party for the draft. However, it wasn't limited to Indianapolis news stations and team employees. People from all over the world came to the Brooklyn Academy of Music to see the women's hoopers, who have been the main source of excitement in the sports world since the Super Bowl.

As I arrived at the iconic location, I was met by hordes of young and old basketball fans eager to get a close-up look at their heroes. In addition, there was a long queue outside the door, stretching out into the streets of Fort Greene, for media credentials. Even though it's common knowledge that women's sports are receiving more media attention than ever, it was poignant to witness the sheer number of people accountable for this. I laughed at how the theatre where I saw Past Lives had become the place to be for any sports fan and realised that women's basketball was here to stay. To put things in perspective, the draft was held in the casino-based Connecticut Sun arena ten years ago. in Connecticut. Fans were not allowed entry. ESPN2 aired the first round, while ESPNU carried the second and third rounds. There weren't many people observing the big fits, if any existed to be admirable. That's not the case anymore.

Kamilla Cardoso, the third overall pick by the Chicago Sky, is a star on the court and on the orange carpet 

After hearing her name called and formally joining the Fever, Clark stood on the WNBA's orange carpet and observed her surroundings. She stated, "I believe it can go even further than where it is now." For the rest of time, there will be supporters at every draft. That is the ideal situation. The night came with unspoken instructions to see and be seen, as the building was filled with high-profile guests from the entertainment and sports industries, including the ever-present and universally beloved Jake from State Farm, as well as Rose Lavelle, Kelley O'Hara, and Lynn Williams from the US Women's National Team.

 Clark was dripping in Prada,putting a player's outfit for the NBA or WNBA draft together for the first time ever. Vogue editor Naomi Elizee styled Reese, who looked stunning in a hooded gown by New York City designer Bronx & Banco. Cameron Brink of Stanford, who was selected as the second pick of the evening, walked across the stage wearing a dress with a slit from Balmain and heels by Jimmy Chu. Later, to protect her feet, she changed into a pair of sensible yet chic New Balance 550s. 

Reese, Clark, and Brink put their fashion senses on display

Wearing an orange goddess dress from Berlin fashion house Lemanjá, Satou Sabally—the reigning winner of GQ's Most Stylish WNBA player tournament and, therefore, the most qualified person on earth to discuss draft fits—was also present. Following the addition of No. 5 pick Jacy Sheldon to her Dallas Wings team, Sabally provided us with an overview of all the eye-catching fashion events. They're all very beautiful, she exclaimed. "Everyone had a fantastic appearance. On stage, there was some Louis Vuitton! I'm incredibly proud of these young ladies for expressing their identities via their attire on such a significant day. When Sabally needed to decide who had the best fit of the evening, she turned to the Bayou Barbie. "Angel was simply...she is the instant."

Other than clothes, there were other components that elevated Monday night above the status of a draft. As New York's first truly beautiful day of the year filled the second-story event space at BAM with evening sunlight, drinks were flowing and the atmosphere felt more like a cocktail party than anything basketball-related. Ellie, the mascot of the New York Liberty and everyone's favourite twerking elephant, even made an appearance.Have fun with it! One draft pick is all you get," Clark remarked. Take it all in and enjoy yourself immensely. That is my plan of action. When Sabally considered the 2024 draft in comparison to her own, she became clearly moved. "This is huge," the woman said. Since I was selected in the 2020 draft, I kept my draft at home. This is just incredible to witness. I'm overjoyed.

There were logistical issues as well. Given the enthusiasm surrounding women's basketball, it is natural to wonder when the 12-team WNBA will grow. With 16 teams as its near-term goal, commissioner Cathy Engelbert specifically mentioned Philadelphia, Toronto, Portland, Nashville, and South Florida as locations the league has its sights set on, with the Bay Area receiving a team for the 2025 season. There is undoubtedly sufficient talent to fill the void. Engelbert remarked, "I want to take a moment to reflect on how fortunate I feel to be in women's basketball." "It's not just this class; it extends to the following year as well. JuJu Watkins, Paige Bueckers, Kiki Rice, and Hannah Hidalgo. The list is endless. This league will have a long history of well-known players and fierce rivalries.

The league is forward-thinking, but it's important to keep in mind that it has a history as well because it's been around long enough. All 22 of the draft picks this year were born in the 2000s, so they are a generation that was born after the WNBA existed. The new kids on the block have always been able to dream about draft day, while '80s babies like Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi, who carried the WNBA torch for so long, grew up not knowing if they'd be able to play professionally in the States. And when it did, they transformed it into a fully booked fashion show in a lavish theatre. Though the rookies, like everyone their age, still have some learning to do, the W is in good hands. Brink remarked, "There's obviously still a lot of work to be done." However, I'm just content to be here and speak with you. I won't lie; it's nerve-racking. But we find it to be a good challenge. We are maturing into young adults. fresh steps in a fresh environment!

But Engelbert got the night's best quote. She encapsulated the significance of this event for women, the sport, and everyone who has been saying it for years in six succinct words: "Women's basketball is not a fad."

What was the last most shocking image you've ever seen?

There are some images that stay with you for the rest of your life. Sometimes, you stumble upon photographs that are so bone-chilling, horrifying and hair-raising that, try as you might, they linger in your memory, long after you have looked away. We curated 12 such photographs and even dug a little deeper, so we could tell you their backstories.

Murder trial of O. J. Simpson

INTRODUCTION OF O.J SIMPSON

O. J. Simpson, born Orenthal James Simpson on July 9, 1947, is a former professional American football player, actor, and broadcaster. He gained fame as a running back in the NFL, notably playing for the Buffalo Bills and the San Francisco 49ers. Following his football career, Simpson ventured into acting, appearing in films and television shows. However, he became most infamous for his highly publicized criminal trial in 1995, where he was acquitted of the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman, in what became known as the "Trial of the Century." The trial's outcome and subsequent controversies continue to be subjects of public interest and debate.

Murder trial of O. J. Simpson

Brown and Simpson went to Paul Revere Middle School's dance recital for their daughter Sydney on June 12, 1994, in the evening. Simpson was not invited to join Brown and her family when they went to eat at Mezzaluna restaurant afterwards. Ron Goldman, a server at the restaurant, was not seated at the Brown family's table, despite the fact that he and Brown had become close friends in recent weeks.

Brown went to Ben & Jerry's with her kids and then came back to her Brentwood condominium on Bundy Drive. Mezzaluna's manager recalled that at 9:37 p.m., Brown's mother called the restaurant to inquire about a misplaced pair of glasses. After discovering the glasses, the manager placed them in a white envelope, which Goldman carried with him.When Goldman finished his shift at 9:50 p.m., the manager found the glasses and placed them in a white envelope, which he took with him. He planned to drop them off at Brown's place.

Simpson ate McDonald's takeaway with family friend and bit-part actor Kato Kaelin, who was allowed to use a guest house on Simpson's estate. There were rumours that Simpson was under the influence when he was killed. Cindy Adams of the New York Post revealed that the two had gone to a nearby Burger King, where they were sold crystal meth by a well-known drug dealer who went by the name "J. R."

Brown's neighbours attested that starting about 10:15 p.m., they heard loud barking coming from outside all night long. A few blocks away from Brown's residence, at approximately 10:55 p.m., a dogwalker noticed Brown's Akita dog barking in the street outside her house. The man took the blood-covered Akita with him when he went home, but the dog resisted being walked back to its original location. Later, he left the Akita with a neighbouring couple who offered to care for it overnight; however, due to the dog's agitation, the couple chose to take it for a walk back to its original location. The dog paused outside Brown's house at midnight as they arrived at the location where the Akita had been discovered and Outside the house, the couple noticed Brown's body lying there. When police arrived on the scene, they discovered Goldman's body close to Brown's.

When the bodies were discovered, Brown's condominium's front door was ajar, but there were no indications that anyone had broken in or otherwise entered the building. Brown's body lay at the foot of the stairs that led to the door, face down and barefoot.The soles of Brown's feet were clean, but the walkway leading to the stairs was covered in blood; investigators deduced that Brown was the intended victim and the first person killed based on this evidence.[62] Investigators concluded that although she had been stabbed several times in the head and neck, she had only suffered minor defensive wounds on her hands.  Her carotid artery was severed when the last wound was made, cutting deep into her neck. Investigators were informed by a large bruise in the middle of her upper back and a matching footprint on her clothes that the attacker had returned to Brown's body after killing Goldman. He had then stood on her back, pulled her head back by the hair, and slashed her throat.[63][64] Brown's head was barely still attached to her body, and a gaping wound in her neck revealed her larynx. She also had an incision on vertebra C3.

Goldman's body was lying close by, between the fence and a tree. Investigators concluded that despite multiple stab wounds to the body and neck, he had relatively few defensive wounds on his hands, suggesting a brief struggle. According to forensic evidence from the Los Angeles County coroner, Goldman was choked and stabbed with one hand by the attacker. A blue knit cap, an extra-large Aris Isotoner light leather glove on the left hand, and the envelope containing the glasses that he was returning were found close to Goldman's body. Investigators found that Goldman visited Brown's home when she was being killed, and that Goldman was killed by the killer in order to silence him and eliminate any potential witnesses.[67] The attacker's bloody shoe prints left a trail that passed through the back gate. Drops of blood from the attacker, who appeared to be bleeding from the left hand, were located to the left of some of the prints. By measuring the space between the prints, it was possible to determine that the attacker left the scene by walking rather than running.

Who really holds the power to acquire wealth?

The power to acquire wealth is held by a combination of factors and individuals within society. Here's a more detailed breakdown:

1. Access to Resources: Individuals or entities with access to resources such as capital, property, technology, and human capital (skills, knowledge, networks) have an advantage in generating wealth. This includes access to financial instruments like loans, investments, and business opportunities.

2. Education and Skills: Education plays a significant role in wealth acquisition. Individuals with higher levels of education often have better job opportunities, higher earning potential, and the ability to navigate complex financial systems. Continuous learning and skill development are also crucial for adapting to changing economic landscapes.

3. Social and Economic Networks: Networking and social connections can provide access to opportunities, mentorship, business partnerships, and valuable information. Individuals with strong social networks often have an advantage in finding lucrative opportunities and accessing resources.

4. Systemic Factors: Socio-economic factors such as income inequality, systemic biases, and institutional barriers can significantly impact wealth acquisition. Historical and structural inequalities, including discrimination based on race, gender, or socio-economic background, can create barriers to wealth accumulation for certain groups.

5. Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Entrepreneurship allows individuals to create wealth by identifying market opportunities, developing innovative solutions, and taking calculated risks. Entrepreneurial skills, creativity, and resilience are essential for building successful ventures and accumulating wealth.

6. Government Policies and Regulations: Government policies, tax systems, and regulations can influence wealth acquisition by shaping economic incentives, redistributing wealth through social programs, and providing support or barriers to entrepreneurship and investment.

7. Global Economic Trends: Economic conditions, technological advancements, market dynamics, and global trends also play a role in wealth acquisition. Being able to anticipate and adapt to changing economic environments is crucial for sustaining and growing wealth over time.

Overall, the power to acquire wealth is not solely held by individuals but is influenced by a complex interplay of factors including access to resources, education, networks, systemic factors, entrepreneurship, government policies, and global economic trends.

Exploring Venus Retrograde: How It Affects Love, Relationships, and Self-Worth

Venus retrograde occurs when, from Earth's perspective, the planet appears to move backward in the sky. Many think that this affects our lives, particularly in terms of relationships, love, and self-esteem.

Venus is retrograde, so relationships may require some consideration. Hidden issues may surface, and you may want to consider whether your relationships are fulfilling you. This could be an opportunity to discuss issues and try to find solutions if there are any.

Additionally, you may be thinking a lot about love during this time. You might remember someone from the past or experience rekindled feelings for them. However, caution is warranted, and one should consider whether it makes more sense to move forward or to go back in time.

Venus retrograde can also cause us to reevaluate our priorities and sense of self. You may be wondering what brings you joy or what your true desires are in life. This is an opportunity to reflect on your values and priorities.

Venus moves through different signs of the zodiac each time it retrogrades, which can have an impact on us. For instance, you might feel more impetuous or combative in your relationships if it's in Aries.

If it's in Cancer, you may prioritise your family and emotional stability more.

Venus retrograde is a good time to be sensitive to your emotions and have frank conversations with friends or your partner. Spend time with yourself and engage in activities that bring you joy. It's a good idea to reflect on your life goals and ensure that your behaviour aligns with your moral principles.

Venus is in retrograde, which is a good time to think back on our values, relationships, and love.

We can develop our relationships with others and learn more about ourselves by taking this time to reflect and speak honestly.

Understanding Mercury Retrograde and How It Affects Us

When Mercury appears to be travelling backward in the sky, it is said to be in retrograde. Many believe that this has an impact on our lives, particularly on our relationships, communication, and personal development.

Mercury is retrograde, which can make communication difficult. It seems as though messages become mixed up, making communication more difficult. You could find it difficult to communicate with people or to send and receive emails. During this time, it's crucial to communicate or message clearly and with patience.

Mercury retrograde can also cause some turbulence in relationships. You may have more arguments with friends, coworkers, or your spouse.

There may occasionally be miscommunications between you that result in misunderstandings. But you can overcome these obstacles together if you listen to each other and communicate honestly.

Our personal development may also be impacted by this period. Plans may not always work out, and challenges may arise. Now is a good time to reflect on your goals and areas for personal growth. Even when things don't go as planned, you can grow and learn from the experience.

Mercury retrogrades in a different sign of the zodiac each time. This implies that it may have various effects on us. If it's in Aries, for instance, you could feel hurried or impatient. You may experience increased sensitivity and emotion if it is in Cancer.

You can take certain measures to deal with Mercury retrograde. Make an effort to speak or write clearly, and proofread everything you say. Don't rush into important decisions and complete tasks at your own pace.

Additionally, it's a good idea to maintain your optimism and flexibility.

Mercury retrograde can therefore impart important lessons to us even though it may also cause some confusion and difficulties. We can make the most of this moment and emerge from it stronger if we are aware of its effects and maintain an open mind.