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Live Updates Pakistan vows retaliation after India launches strikes in wake of Kashmir massacre
World Sign in Live Updates Pakistan vows retaliation after India launches strikes in wake of Kashmir massacre By Aishwarya S. Iyer, Sophia Saifi, Rhea Mogul, Aditi Sangal, Helen Regan and Jessie Yeung, CNN
By Snacker Midnight8 months ago in Beat
Pahalgam attack: US VP JD Vance says US hopes Pakistan cooperates with India against terrorists
In the wake of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, U.S. Vice President JD Vance has called for Pakistan to collaborate with India in combating terrorism. The attack, which occurred on April 22, 2025, resulted in the deaths of 28 civilians, including 25 Indian tourists and one Nepali national, marking one of the deadliest incidents in the region since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
By Krypton 9 months ago in Beat
Talks or no talks: who blinks first in US-China trade war?
Itroduction As of May 1, 2025, the U.S.–China trade war has reached a critical juncture. Both nations have imposed steep tariffs—up to 145% by the U.S. and 125% by China—significantly hindering bilateral trade. Despite mutual economic strain, neither side has made a decisive move toward de-escalation, leading to a prolonged stalemate. --- The U.S. Stance: Maximum Pressure President Donald Trump's administration continues to apply pressure through extensive tariffs, citing issues such as trade imbalances and national security concerns. While Trump has expressed openness to negotiations, he insists that China must first demonstrate sincerity by making concrete concessions. The U.S. has also implemented additional measures, including a 20% tariff related to China's role in fentanyl production, further complicating the trade landscape. [1] China's Position: Conditional Engagement China has signaled a willingness to engage in trade talks, provided the U.S. takes the first step by reducing tariffs. Chinese officials emphasize that unilateral tariffs have eroded trust, making sincere dialogue challenging. Nevertheless, China has made minor conciliatory gestures, such as exempting certain American goods from retaliatory tariffs and implementing legal reforms to bolster its private sector. [2] --- Economic Impacts: Mutual Strain The trade war has adversely affected both economies. The U.S. experienced a contraction in GDP during the first quarter of 2025, while China's manufacturing sector has slowed, despite early signs of recovery. Analysts warn that continued escalation could lead to further economic downturns and increased global market volatility. [2] --- Game Theory Perspective: The Prisoner's Dilemma The current impasse can be analyzed through the lens of the Prisoner's Dilemma, a concept in game theory. Both nations face the choice to cooperate (reduce tariffs) or defect (maintain or increase tariffs). Mutual cooperation would benefit both, but the fear of unilateral concession leading to exploitation keeps both sides from making the first move. This dynamic perpetuates the stalemate, as neither wants to appear weak or lose face. [3] Domestic Political Considerations Domestic politics play a significant role in the trade war's trajectory. President Trump, facing no immediate electoral threat, may prioritize a tough stance to appeal to his political base. Conversely, China's leadership, overseeing the world's second-largest economy, cannot afford a downturn that could spark a meltdown in its ballooning debt pile. Both leaders must balance international negotiations with domestic political pressures. [4] --- Global Repercussions The trade war's impact extends beyond the U.S. and China, affecting global markets and supply chains. Asian stock markets and U.S. futures have shown volatility in response to trade tensions. Companies like Apple and Amazon have reported earnings pressures due to tariffs, while broader Asia-Pacific indexes have experienced fluctuations. [5] --- Potential Pathways to Resolution While both nations express a willingness to engage in dialogue, significant barriers remain. China insists on the U.S. demonstrating sincerity through tariff reductions, while the U.S. demands concrete actions from China before easing tariffs. Analysts suggest that without mutual concessions, the stalemate is likely to persist, prolonging economic strain for both countries and the global economy. [6] Conclusion The U.S.–China trade war stands at a crossroads, with both nations entrenched in their positions. The path to resolution requires mutual trust, willingness to compromise, and recognition of the broader economic implications. Until then, the question remains: who will blink first?
By Krypton 9 months ago in Beat
Merrie Monarch Festival 2025
Every spring, the quiet town of Hilo, Hawaii, comes alive with the rhythm of drums, the sway of dancers, and the spirit of aloha. The Merrie Monarch Festival, named after Hawaii’s beloved King David Kalākaua (nicknamed the “Merrie Monarch” for his love of arts and joy), is more than just a hula competition—it’s a vibrant gathering that honors Hawaiian traditions and connects cultures across the Pacific. The 2025 festival, held in April, was no exception. From the thrilling Hoʻike exhibition to the heartfelt stories of hula dancers, this year’s event reminded everyone why the Merrie Monarch Festival is a cornerstone of Hawaiian culture. Let’s dive into the highlights!
By AB C9 months ago in Beat
Ghosting
Short and snappy lyrics, light rap with a slamming energy, delivering freedom. Maybe a Maren Morris style. Acoustic guitar and harmonies start the verse, building into a heavy drum beat for the chorus.
By Kelli Sheckler-Amsden9 months ago in Beat
Where Does Kelly Clarkson Live?
Kelly Clarkson might be a household name across America, but when it comes to where she calls home, the answer isn’t quite as simple as one zip code. The Grammy-winning singer, talk show host, and mother of two has lived in several beautiful homes across the country—from the heart of Texas to the bright lights of Los Angeles. But today, Clarkson has made a fresh start in a very different setting: New York City.
By Sangita Nandi9 months ago in Beat
Shoot Me Now Or Shoot Me Later
Chorus Shoot me now or shoot me later I don’t really care Shoot me now or shoot me later There’s madness in the air Shoot me now or shoot me later
By Sarah Danaher9 months ago in Beat
Home Again
Can someone say, Taylor Swift or maybe Kelly Clarkson even Sara Bareilles? That is the feel these lyrics gave me. The truest love and pain of youth and innocence. Heartbreak on the cusp of experience, molding how and who we would love in the future.
By Kelli Sheckler-Amsden9 months ago in Beat
Make a U-Turn
Intro This is for all the lovers out there; all the speed racer meets Sunday cruisin' types, the opposites attract kind of lovers, whose real passion is the drive
By Marilyn Glover9 months ago in Beat
Grandpa Was a Country Boy
Verse One Heard she was a visiting Her cousins in the country way He had to just take a look Told himself he was going to marry her
By Sarah Danaher9 months ago in Beat
Bound by Fate. Top Story - April 2025.
I was excited to write a song again because I haven’t written one in a long time. I lost my passion and inspiration after I lost someone from my family, but I am glad I found it again. I wrote this song because I really wanted to tell my story of how I met the only man I have ever truly loved. Plus, my best friend had been pushing me to go back to writing songs, and she had been telling me for a while now to write a song about my love story. I wasn’t sure if I would ever fall in love again because the last man, I was with hurt me so deeply, and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to give my heart away again. But that’s when I started my freshman year in college, and I found the man that had now stolen my heart. We both started off as best friends in college but, then we had gone our separate ways. He was a super senior in college and I was a freshman. I was instantly locked on him when I first him, but my heart was still guarded. I was in denial with what I was feeling but I couldn’t, and I knew what it was. I have never fallen that hard for someone before but, something felt just so right about him. I should have told him at the end of that one year how I felt before he left to go to graduate school. But we then were reunited 7 years later, and as we were getting to know each other all over again. I was wondering if I really was falling in love all over again, but I was keeping my heart guarded. But there was just something so magnetic that kept pulling me toward him, and I was listening to my intuition and I just felt safe around him. I kept wondering whether I should tell him how I feel or not; or I could keep asking myself what would happen if I didn’t. But shortly afterwards, we both ended up confessing our true feelings for one another that we both hid from one another after all these years. After being with him for the last couple of years I have learned a lot of lessons which changed both me and him for the better. So, I mostly want to dedicate this song to him and show how much he truly means to me and show how we’ve gotten this far even with just a few bumps in the road that were doable, and that we can weather any storm.
By Joanna Blaze9 months ago in Beat
Just A Taste
I love the playful energy that floats throughout the song I have attached (Imagine Dragon - Ragged Insomnia) ** This is the kind of beat I imagined as I wrote these lyrics. Female or male vocalist with a strong blended harmony in the chorus and bridge, and it needs a strong drum beat. The verses are breathy and follow the strum of a bass guitar with the second verse building to the drum beat in the chorus.
By Kelli Sheckler-Amsden9 months ago in Beat