This Company is Ready to Flood the U.S. with Cheap HIV Drugs
Among the coconut plantations and beaches of South India, a factory the size of 35 football fields is preparing to churn out billions of generic pills for HIV patients and flood the U.S. market with the low-cost copycat medicines.U.S. patents on key components for some important HIV therapies are poised to expire starting in December and Laurus Labs – the Hyderabad, India-based company which owns the facility — is gearing up to cash in.Laurus is one of the world’s biggest suppliers of ingredients used in anti-retrovirals, thanks to novel chemistry that delivers cheaper production costs than anyone else. Now, its chief executive officer, Satyanarayana Chava, wants to use the same strategy selling his own finished drugs in the U.S. and Europe. He predicts some generics that Laurus produces will eventually sell for 90 percent less than branded HIV drugs in the U.S., slashing expenditures for a disease that’s among the costliest for many insurers.“The savings for U.S. payers will be so huge when these generic combination drugs are available in the U.S.,” he said in an interview at the factory outside the Southern Indian city of Visakhapatnam. Payers will save “billions of dollars,” he said.The patent expiries are starting this month when Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.’s Sustiva loses protection. Gilead Sciences’s Viread follows next month. Both companies didn’t respond to requests for comment.For generic manufacturers like Laurus, the U.S. market is alluring. With 1.1 million people infected with HIV in the U.S., and many of them living longer thanks to treatment, HIV drugs have become an $18.8 billion business for the pharmaceutical industry there, according to data provider IQVIA.Part of that spending is due to the high cost of the medicines. For instance, a combination of Viread, Sustiva and a third drug sold in pill form under the brand name of Atripla has an average wholesale price of almost $37,000 per person annually, according to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.But in the developing world the same combination can cost as little as $100 per person annually, after years of brutal competition between generic manufacturers drove prices down, according to Medecins Sans Frontieres. Though Laurus doesn’t yet make the actual pills those patients take, it’s become a dominant supplier of the key ingredients that make them work.The best way to fight HIV is with a combination of different drugs, and because Viread and Sustiva form key parts of some of the most effective combinations, the inclusion of generic versions of these chemicals could bring down the cost of the whole treatment. One analysis cited by the Department of Health found that replacing a three-medicine, branded combination with multiple pills, including a generic version of Sustiva, could save the U.S. $900 million its first year.Containers move along a conveyor on the packaging line for metformin pills at a Laurus Labs pharmaceutical plant in Visakhapatnam, India. Photo: Sara Hylton/BloombergIn the U.S., Laurus will be going up against much larger companies like Teva Pharmaceutical Industries — the world’s biggest generic drug company — which will beat it to market on generic Viread and so be the first to slash prices and lock down customers. Other generic companies, both from India and elsewhere, many of whom are customers of Laurus, are expected to enter the market too.Meanwhile, the companies that hold the original patents, like Foster City, California-based Gilead, have also been successful at switching patients to their newer therapies to limit the impact of generic competition on the old ones, according to Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Asthika Goonewardene. He doesn’t predict a big impact from generic competition to the $2.6 billion Gilead gets from HIV drugs.Cost savings that were an advantage in the developing world, may also prove less useful in a less price sensitive market like the U.S. Between government programs providing treatment for the uninsured, and drug company funded ones helping the insured with their co-pays, HIV patients in the U.S. are often sheltered from the full cost of their medicines.So patients themselves may have little incentive to switch to cheaper alternatives, said Tim Horn, the New York-based deputy executive director of Treatment Action Group, an AIDS policy think tank. Newer drugs offer medical advantages to the ones going off patent, including fewer side effects, and the switch from one daily brand name pill to a mix of two or three may feel like a step back for many, he said.Still, Horn says private and public insurers, who pay the greater part of the full sticker price and then spread those costs through the system in the form of higher premiums and health-care costs, are likely to push for generics.For his part, Chava maintains he will eventually be able to undercut bigger rivals like Teva on price, and the magnitude of savings offered to insurers from generics will prove irresistible — particularly as more components of the older combinations go off patent in the next three years.“We believe we’ll be able to bring cost effective generic alternatives to the U.S. market,” he said. “We have the scale.”That willingness to compete on cost has made Laurus a bright spot in India’s pharmaceutical industry in a year when the U.S. generics market has been rocked by a protracted price war. Laurus’s stock has risen about 22 percent since its public market debut in 2016. Analysts are forecasting that its revenue will rise to about $339 million in the current fiscal year from $279 million in the previous year.Laurus controls about 66 percent of the global market for efavirenz, the chemical name for Bristol-Myers Squibb’s Sustiva, and 33 percent for tenofovir, the chemical name for Gilead’s Viread, according to a report earlier this year by investment bank Jefferies Group.A compact man of 54 with a trim mustache and rimless glasses, CEO Chava laughs enthusiastically as he recounts the scientific discoveries that helped give Laurus its edge. A chemist by training, he left his job as a C-suite executive at another Indian pharma company to found Laurus in 2005. He quickly saw an opportunity to improve the production process for efavirenz, which Indian generic firms were already producing in bulk for the developing world.The key ingredient of efavirenz was a compound called diethylzinc, which had to be imported from Europe, and has a propensity for bursting into flames upon contact with water, or even humid air. So Chava and his team eventually found an alternative in the combination of two chemicals easily had nearby.Where diethylzinc cost $80 per kilo — plus all the precautions needed to keep it from exploding — the two replacement chemicals together cost $5 per kilo. A similar innovation reducing the production cost of tenofovir by 75 percent followed, he said.For now, Chava’s new factory is only producing test batches as it seeks to win regulatory approval to enter the U.S. It is meant to eventually produce as many as 5 billion tablets annually. On Nov. 30, the company said it had received tentative approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to sell tenofovir.He expects his company could be in the market with its version of tenofovir in three months or so, in partnership with another Indian company with a U.S. distribution network. While that timeline could mean being beaten to market by some of his competitors, he says he’s not worried.“We don’t mind not being the first one,” Chava says. “But we want to be the last one standing.”© 2017 Bloomberg Related Items
LATEST STORIES LOOK: Iya Villania meets ‘Jumanji: The Next Level’ cast in Mexico John Lloyd Cruz a dashing guest at Vhong Navarro’s wedding Typhoon Kammuri accelerates, gains strength en route to PH View comments Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Kyrie Irving scored 25 points in three quarters of work and the Celtics held off the Memphis Grizzlies 109-98 on Monday night.Boston has won all three of its games coming out of the All-Star break. Terry Rozier finished with 15 points. Jaylen Brown added 13.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSWATCH: Drones light up sky in final leg of SEA Games torch runSPORTSLillard, Anthony lead Blazers over ThunderSPORTSMalditas save PH from shutoutAfter scoring a basket early in the second quarter, the Grizzlies went nearly eight minutes without a field goal. The Celtics rallied during Memphis’ drought, and used a 22-6 run to increase their lead to 55-30.Boston (43-19) led by as many as 28 points in the second half. Monday marked Gasol’s 700th career NBA game (all with the Grizzlies). It was the latest in a string of milestones he’s reached this season. With his 689th start on Feb. 7 against Utah, Gasol passed Conley for the most games started in franchise history. Gasol reached 10,000 career points back on Dec. 2 at Cleveland.100 OR LESSThe Celtics improved to 28-3 this season when holding teams to less than 100 points. The 31 times Boston has held an opponent under the century mark this season are second to only San Antonio’s 34.UP NEXTGrizzlies: Host Suns on Wednesday.Celtics: Host Hornets on Wednesday. Families in US enclave in north Mexico hold sad Thanksgiving Brace for potentially devastating typhoon approaching PH – NDRRMC Google honors food scientist, banana ketchup inventor and war hero Maria Orosa
Police teams find crossbows, bows in HK university PLAY LIST 01:29Police teams find crossbows, bows in HK university01:35Panelo suggests discounted SEA Games tickets for students02:49Robredo: True leaders perform well despite having ‘uninspiring’ boss02:42PH underwater hockey team aims to make waves in SEA Games01:44Philippines marks anniversary of massacre with calls for justice01:19Fire erupts in Barangay Tatalon in Quezon City Pussycat Dolls set for reunion tour after 10-year hiatus MOST READ Memphis Grizzlies guard Ben McLemore (23) tries to stop Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving, right, during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Boston, Monday, Feb. 26, 2018. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)BOSTON — The Celtics hobbled into the All-Star break, dropping three games in a row.In its three games back, Boston is looking like a team that made the most of the time off.ADVERTISEMENT Celtics coach Brad Stevens said he thinks their preparation his been more consistent since coming back from the break.“We’ve just played a little bit better,” Stevens said.One player who the Celtics are continuing to lean on is Irving.He went 8 of 13 from the field and connected on 5 out of 8 3-point attempts. In his last four games Irving is averaging 26.8 points on 39 of 64 shooting, including 15 of 28 from the 3-point line.Irving said he’s feeding off the energy his teammates are giving him.ADVERTISEMENT “It’s just our focus level, getting everybody back. Just knowing what we’re trying to get ready for,” Irving said.JaMychal Green had 21 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Grizzlies. Marc Gasol added 17 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.Memphis (18-41) has lost 10 straight games and 10 consecutive on the road. The Grizzlies are also 0-10 on the road this season against the Eastern Conference. They remain the only NBA team with a road victory against the East.Despite the loss, coach J.B. Bickerstaff said he left the court encouraged by the way his team competed in the fourth quarter, despite facing a double-digit deficit.“We haven’t been a group that’s laid down, we’ve been a group of guys that have continued to fight,” he said.Grizzlies guard Tyreke Evans sat out his second straight game with a right rib injury.Memphis has yet to win a game this season with Evans not in the lineup (0-10).TIP-INSGrizzlies: Are now a Western Conference-worst 5-23 on the road this season. … Went 5 of 23 from the 3-point line… Started the second quarter 1 for 10 from the field. … With the loss, Memphis can’t extend its franchise-record streak of seven consecutive winning seasons. It is the third-longest active streak in the NBA behind only San Antonio (20) and Oklahoma City (eight).Celtics: Irving has scored at least 25 points in nine of his last 14 games. … C Aron Baynes returned action after sitting out Saturday’s win against New York with a left elbow sprain.INJURY BUGThe Grizzlies played without Evans (right rib), Mike Conley (left heel), Chandler Parsons (illness) and Wayne Selden, Jr. (right knee soreness).MR. 700 AFP official booed out of forum Warriors take control in 3rd en route to dumping of Knicks Read Next
It is celebration time in Madurai! For, so swift and sudden has been the change that it has lifted the people of this temple city from their despondency. With a new government taking over, the air of freedom seems all pervasive in the former fiefdom of M K Alagiri.”What next?” is the question that invariably lingers in the minds of the people, who are secretly gleeful at the increasing discomfiture of the Union Minister.With his close aides in jail, the DMK patriarch’s elder son is rattled at the prospect of his turn being perilously close. These were the people with whom the ‘Prince’ ruled the southern districts, holding his court in Madurai. Now his wings have been clipped. The sheen of invincibility too has vanished, resulting in his isolation.Alarm bells started ringing when the police first laid their hands on ‘Pottu’ Suresh, a school drop-out turned Man Friday of the Union Minister. Widely seen as the alter-ego of his master, he came to wield immense power with many bureaucrats, seeking transfers and plum postings, waiting for his appointment. So much so, Jayalalithaa chose to call him Deputy CM as Alagiri was considered the CM of the Southern districts.It was a meteoric rise for someone who was an unsuccessful roadside vendor close to two decades ago. Earlier, Suresh was known with the prefixes ‘nighty’ and ‘bajji’ for selling women’s accessories and then hot ‘bajji’ in the Town Hall Road. Sporting a huge tilak (‘pottu’ in Tamil) after associating with netas, it became his new identity. His final destination was Alagiri and within a short period of time, he edged out old timers and entered the Minister’s inner circle. “Pottu’s words are mine and should be complied with,” was Alagiri’s reported diktat.advertisementNone of the DMK leader’s courtiers, who gained prominence and power, had any stature. Neither were they from the party ranks nor from the family association. The less said the better about their vice- like grip. In spite of their humble beginnings, they have come to flaunt huge wealth which, even the DMK old timers could not digest. Worse, they were despised by the public for unleashing a reign of terror. The more notoriety they earned, the more dependable they became for their master.Doing his bidding without any hesitation is their only creed. No wonder, with the DMK’s crushing defeat in the assembly poll Alagiri’s cronies were expected to face the music. But, none had expected that the crackdown would expose and disarm the ‘ Prince of Madurai’ so soon.His lieutenants who landed in prison include, ‘Attack’ Pandi, an accused in the Dinakaran attack case, G Thalapathy, former MLA, and ‘Essar’ Gopi, accused in the murder of former DMK Minister Tha Kiruttinan. Those awaiting police action include Deputy Mayor P M Mannan, also an accused in the Kiruttinan case.These are only samples as the list is not exhaustive.More than keeping them as henchmen, the DMK satrap went a step ahead by elevating them as senior functionaries in the party. Ever since the pyrrhic victory in the 2009 Tirumangalam bypoll, which was the beginning of the cash for vote syndrome, Alagiri’s writ was never challenged. Despite their criminal background, he got his associates elevated to the DMK Executive Committee as well.Though the Dinakaran and Kiruttinan cases ended in acquittal, the spectre of their revival has come to haunt Alagiri and his associates.As the noose is tightening around Alagiri, no tears are shed either in the party or in the city, which he has made his home for well over two decades. ‘He who sows the wind shall reap the whirlwind’ is the reason proffered by the ordinary citizen about the fate that has befallen the DMK strongman and his associates.A man is judged by the company he keeps. It is more so in public life where none can escape scrutiny of one’s conduct.This is particularly true of Alagiri, who, given a long rope by his octogenarian father, turned out to be a law unto himself.He has no literary or intellectual pretensions like his father, who keeps the company of discredited writers and poets, to sing paeans. If the Dravidian movement could be called as anti- intellectual and anti-democratic for parading the halfbaked as scholars and thugs as leaders in the public domain, Alagiri could well be seen as its logical culmination.Wily Marans bunk DMK rally When the DMK took to the streets protesting Jayalalithaa’s ‘politics of vendetta’, one man invited the wrath of party workers by being conspicuous by his absence – Dayanidhi Maran. Both the Marans have flown to distant Indonesia where they are holidaying with their families. The DMK rank and file is not ready to forgive the indiscretion of the duo, who are seen as parasitic time servers. Their grouse is that the Marans consider themselves above the party. Having enjoyed power, they were expected to stand by the party at the time of distress is the chorus in DMK circles.advertisementMaybe mounting troubles could have forced them to stay away from the massive protest in which over one lakh party workers, led by the M K Stalin, courted arrest. With the patriarch taking a back seat, it was left to his younger son to shoulder the leadership. Even a limping Khushboo was seen getting into the police vehicle, raising the morale of the party which is reeling under the ruthless crackdown by the AIADMK government.And this being the first major agitation of the DMK after the humiliating electoral defeat, Maran junior’s absence was not taken kindly.Further, this has marginalised him after his exit from the Union Cabinet. “Are they attempting to make peace with the czarina in order to protect their business interest?” is also a question that is doing the rounds.Babus to face music nowAfter the netas, it’s the turn of babus who ruled the roost during the Karunanidhi regime to face the music. ADGP Jaffer Sait, former state Intelligence chief, has been placed under suspension. This follows a vigilance raid last week at the residences of Sait, his relatives and close associates.He has been charged with acquiring a prime plot in the name of his wife under the social worker category and building flats for sale together with another aide of Karunanidhi. In the run-up to the assembly poll, the EC transferred him to West Bengal following allegations by the Opposition. He preferred to go on leave and was vacationing in Bangkok. The buzz in the corridors of power is who will be the next to face the music.Left gets it wrong, againOnce again the Marxists have proved that they are twice removed from reality. On the emotive issue of Eelam, the CPI(M) has been treading the beaten path, by calling for unity among Tamils and Sinhalese. But, in the aftermath of the colossal human tragedy in Sri Lanka, the party’s formulation has made it a laughing stock among the pro-Tamil groups.In mobilising public opinion it is no match for its Dravidian counterparts. Concerned at the CPI too marching ahead of it in raising this issue, the party General Secretary Parakash Karat came here last week to parrot the worn out formulations. Even its sympathisers are red faced at the party living in the past. Will the Marxists see sense?Jaya seeks to revive dam dispute With Jayalalithaa back in the saddle, the Mullaiperiyar (Mullaperiyar in Kerala) dam issue could gain added momentum.advertisementIt is the lifeline of the six southern districts of Tamil Nadu which are facing the threat of desertification as storage level has been brought down to 136 in 1979 following Kerala raising safety concerns. Later the dam structure was strengthened as per Centre Water Commission guidelines. But, storage is no more the bone of contention with Kerala now pressing for a new dam even after the Supreme Court ordered reverting storage to the original 152 ft in phases.As a first step towards protecting her turf, Jayalalithaa has opposed the Centre’s Dam Safety Bill, objecting to certain clauses which she finds are detrimental to the state. As in all other issues, her bte noire Karunanidhi stands discredited.He had called off a fast due to pressure from the Congress. This presents her an opportunity to outsmart the old fox. Further, it would help her to rob the wind out of the sails of Vaiko and other pro-Tamil parties whose voice has turned shrill against Kerala.
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MOSCOW (AP) — A game neither France nor Denmark needed to win produced the World Cup’s first 0-0 draw amid boos and whistles from fans on Tuesday.A slow-paced game — officially No. 37 in Russia — was out of step with a vibrant tournament and ensured already-qualified France won Group C and Denmark advanced as runner-up. Both came through unbeaten.The draw ensured that outcome, though Peru’s 2-0 victory over Australia playing at the same time meant the Danes would have advanced to the round of 16 even had they lost to France.It was the longest a World Cup had gone without a goalless draw since 1954, which had none.A French team with six starters resting barely tested Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel until substitute Nabil Fekir tried two long-range shots.Much of a 78,011 crowd in Luzhniki Stadium whistled misplaced passes and slow play as the game progressed and Denmark protected its point — likely aware Australia had no chance of winning.Still, thousands of Denmark fans in a stadium seemed happy enough at the final whistle.The Danish team as a group celebrate in front of their fans after the end of the group C match between Denmark and France at the 2018 soccer World Cup at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, June 26, 2018. The game ended 0-0 . (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)It was a mostly forgettable first major tournament start for France goalkeeper Steve Mandanda, who has been a backup at two World Cups and three European Championships. The 33-year-old made his first and only save in the 54th minute, spilling Christian Eriksen’s free-kick before pouncing on the loose ball.France’s first-choice goalkeeper and captain, Hugo Lloris, was among those rested. Midfielders Paul Pogba and Blaise Matuidi were obvious choices to sit after collecting yellow cards in a 1-0 win over Peru. A second yellow card before the semifinals triggers a one-game ban.The team lost rhythm inserting a different trio of attacking midfielders to support Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud.Perhaps sensing it was time to make entertainment midway through the first half, fans created a wave that made three laps of the stadium. Russian fans broke into their national chant several times to break the boredom.Whistles and jeers got louder after a misplaced pass in the 64th by France midfielder Thomas Lemar. The ball went off the field 10 yards (meters) behind teammate Benjamin Mendy’s run.Referee Sandro Ricci from Brazil shows a yellow card to Denmark’s Mathias Jorgensen, who fouled France’s Antoine Griezmann, who he helping to his feet during the group C match between Denmark and France at the 2018 soccer World Cup at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, June 26, 2018. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)Only in the final 20 minutes, when Fekir and Kylian Mbappe, came off the bench did France show more pace and direct intent. They met a solid Danish defense content with the draw.KEY TO SUCCESSDenmark has a tough defense anchored by veteran captain Simon Kjaer, and a high-class goalkeeper in Kasper Schmeichel. Even the top World Cup teams will have difficulty scoring against the Danes.GROUP DYNAMICSFrance has won Group C and will open the round 16 on Saturday afternoon in Kazan, playing the Group D runner-up. That could still be any of Croatia, Nigeria, Iceland or Argentina before their final games later Tuesday.Denmark gets an extra day off and plays the Group D winner, likely Croatia, on Sunday evening in Nizhny Novgorod.—By GRAHAM DUNBAR , AP Sports WriterDenmark’s Simon Kjaer, top centre right, heads the ball under pressure from France’s Raphael Varane top center left, during the group C match between Denmark and France at the 2018 soccer World Cup at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, June 26, 2018. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)TweetPinShare0 Shares
Support The Guardian Read more The Recap: sign up for the best of the Guardian’s sport coverage Cue complaints from local trainers rueing the foreign takeover of the great race and the wholesale lifting of “our prize money”. The trainer in question, Richard Freedman, has his 70-1 honest stager Auvray in the field. It is owned by the China Horse Club and began its career in France. Nostalgia for the good old days when the race was contested by slow Aussie-bred pluggers, also forgets that the trophy back then was typically lifted by Kiwis or New Zealand-bred horses.This year local hopes rest best on four-year-old mare Youngstar, trained by Winx’s mentor Chris Waller, with Gai Waterhouse’s front runner Runaway rated a top 10 hope. But it’s the Brits who have a stranglehold on the race. Confidence is soaring in the Magic Circle camp, the second favourite. Trainer Ian Williams says his Chester Cup winner “looks magnificent” and has thrived since arriving in Melbourne.Saeed Bin Suroor is also confident Best Solution can bring the one prize that has eluded a man who can buy anything, Shiekh Mohammed. It may be the forgotten horse but Best Solution has the class credentials to take the next step to greatness, shooting for its fourth Group 1 win in succession on Tuesday.Thirtysomething Newmarket trainer Charlie Fellowes has won hearts and minds as his handsome six-year-old A Prince of Arun forced its way into the field with a strong victory in Saturday’s Hotham Handicap. Its win franks the form of Cup favourite Yucatan, which beat A Prince of Arun easing down at Caulfield. The buzz around Yukatan is fueled by the Midas touch of its connections, five-time Cup winner Lloyd Williams and the all-conquering Aiden O’Brien – all conquering except for the Melbourne Cup. Yucatan however must overcome a wide barrier and the weight of hype – his Irish and English form had not shown anything worthy of the attention he has attracted since arriving in Australia. Share on Facebook Share on Messenger Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest … we have a small favour to ask. More people, like you, are reading and supporting the Guardian’s independent, investigative journalism than ever before. And unlike many news organisations, we made the choice to keep our reporting open for all, regardless of where they live or what they can afford to pay. Whether we are up close or further away, the Guardian brings our readers a global perspective on the most critical issues of our lifetimes – from the escalating climate catastrophe to widespread inequality to the influence of big tech on our lives. We believe complex stories need context in order for us to truly understand them. At a time when factual information is a necessity, we believe that each of us, around the world, deserves access to accurate reporting with integrity at its heart.Our editorial independence means we set our own agenda and voice our own opinions. Guardian journalism is free from commercial and political bias and not influenced by billionaire owners or shareholders. This means we can give a voice to those less heard, explore where others turn away, and rigorously challenge those in power.We hope you will consider supporting us today. We need your support to keep delivering quality journalism that’s open and independent. Every reader contribution, however big or small, is so valuable. Support The Guardian from as little as $1 – and it only takes a minute. Thank you. A roll call of racing’s global elite and a bevy of exceptional thoroughbred talent will collect on Tuesday to cap a vintage year with the 158th running of the $7.3m Melbourne Cup. After another winter of discontent, spring has sprung in all its glory, supercharged again by wonder mare Winx, and so a skittish nation turns its eyes and smartphones to Flemington. While “community attitudes” to horse racing are polarising in the social media era, Cup Day, a public holiday in Victoria since 1873, still signals party time in Australia, an end of year imperative to down tools, gather in groups, overindulge, and “get on the punt” in the best antipodean tradition.We are reminded each November that this is “the race that stops the nation” – but this tiring 20th century tagline now fails to capture the Cup’s growing international status this century – and its waning local participation. Eleven of the 24 runners this year are trained in the northern hemisphere and the foreign raiders have already won a swag of key Cup lead-up races this spring, including race favourite Yucatan’s jaw dropping Herbert Power win, and that of Godolphin’s Best Solution in the Caulfield Cup, the race that is still statistically the best guide to the big one in the new millennium. Horse racing Melbourne Cup Since you’re here… Australia sport features Frankie Dettori wins Breeders’ Cup Turf on Enable to complete dream double Read more Topics Share on Twitter John Gosden’s Ebor winner Muntahaa with his regular jockey Jim Crowley to ride looks a more likely prospect. And last year’s beaten favorite Marmelo is back, with trainer Hughie Morrison engaging Winx’s jockey Hugh Bowman.The mood this spring is buoyant but the bravado hides nagging worries. “Gamble responsibly” is becoming the turf equivalent of “thoughts and prayers” as punters have opened their shoulders this spring to record wagering turnover. But while the crowds and turnover are up, racing is at a crossroads struggling for relevance in the broader population. The turf remains a durable if fraying social institution, still enjoyed by a subcultural mass, but it is increasingly bagged by “neighsayers” who want it shut down immediately, those who may have once brooded in silence but now organise online.This dichotomy has been a tale of two cities this spring. The hype and loathing of Sydney’s $13m Everest – suddenly the world’s richest race, and thanks to a shock jock, the only horse race in the city’s history to mobilise a mass protest. And this year’s epic, emotional Cox Plate in Melbourne; riven by the power and poise of champion mare, Winx, the first horse and likely only horse to win Australia’s best horse race four times.And so it was the money or the horse. Sydney or Melbourne. Marketing hype or the real deal. Winx provided the perfect answer to the punishers and straighteners demanding racing begone. But its a temporary victory. Any publicity is good publicity? If all you’ve got is public relations, the public will find you out. Good punting and may we all find the Best Solution for all. Share on WhatsApp Share via Email Reuse this content
LA Galaxy VIDEO: Ibrahimovic sent off for head slap after VAR review Goal Last updated 1 year ago 04:43 5/22/18 FacebookTwitterRedditcopy Comments(2) 
USA Today LA Galaxy MLS Zlatan Ibrahimović Montreal Impact Montreal Impact v LA Galaxy Videos The LA Galaxy striker was issued a straight red card after video showed he slapped Montreal’s Michael Petrasso Perhaps Zlatan Ibrahimovic forgot Major League Soccer has video review.The LA Galaxy striker’s afternoon against the Montreal Impact was cut short Monday, as Ibrahimovic was sent off after 41 minutes for violent conduct after a review with the game scoreless.Ibrahimovic came together with Montreal Impact defender Michael Petrasso minutes before. Petrasso backed into Ibrahimovic, stepping on his foot before Ibrahimovic retaliated with a slap to Petrasso’s face. Editors’ Picks Goalkeeper crisis! Walker to the rescue but City sweating on Ederson injury ahead of Liverpool clash Out of his depth! Emery on borrowed time after another abysmal Arsenal display Diving, tactical fouls & the emerging war of words between Guardiola & Klopp Sorry, Cristiano! Pjanic is Juventus’ most important player right now After Video Review, Zlatan Ibrahimovic receives a red card for violent conduct. #MTLvLA https://t.co/qF8UcCZYuy— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 21, 2018Both players hit the ground after with Ibrahimovic grabbing his foot and Petrasso his face.The incident was missed by the referee Ismail Elfath, but unlike in the Premier League, where Ibrahimovic played prior to MLS with Manchester United, there was no need to wait until the league reviewed the events to mete out punishment. VAR was instituted, and Elfath issued a yellow card to Petrasso for unsportsmanlike behavior and a straight red to Ibrahimovic for violent conduct.The red card guarantees Ibrahimovic will miss out on the California Clasico with the San Jose Earthquakes on Friday. The Galaxy’s three games beyond that include a home date with FC Dallas, a trip to Portland to face the Timbers and another home match against Real Salt Lake, should the league determine Ibrahimovic is deserving of further suspension.Despite being reduced to 10 men, the Galaxy still managed to snap their four-game losing streak thanks to an Ola Kamara goal in the 75th minute, which gave the visitors a 1-0 victory over the Impact.LA has not won since the last time Ibrahimovic scored, against the Chicago Fire, on April 14, but the win moves them up to seventh in the Western Conference. Overall the Swedish striker has three goals and one assist eight games since joining the MLS side in March.
zoom In a latest wave of measures aimed at disrupting North Korea’s “illicit funding of its unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programs”, the United States has imposed sanctions on 20 vessels, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said on Tuesday.The sanctions also target third-country persons with long-standing commercial ties to North Korea, as well as the transportation networks that facilitate North Korea’s revenue generation and operations, the statement from the Treasury said.Specifically, OFAC designated six North Korean shipping and trading companies and blocked 20 of their vessels, all of which are DPRK-flagged.These include:Korea Rungrado Shipping Company and its vessels Pu Hung 1, Rung Ra Do, and Yang Gak Do;Korea Rungrado Ryongak Trading and its vessels Rung Ra 1 and Rung Ra 2;Yusong Shipping Company and its vessels Won San 2, Za Ryok 2, 7-28, Yu Song 12, and Yu Song 7;Dawn Marine Management Co. Ltd and its vessels Jang Gyong, Kum Song 3, Kum Song 5, Kum Song 7, and Kum Un San 3;Korea Daebong Shipping Company and its vessel Rak Rang; andKorea Kumbyol Trading Company and its vessels Kang Song 1, Ku Bong Ryong, So Baek San, and Rye SONG Gang 1.As disclosed by OFAC, North Korea is known to employ deceptive shipping practices, including ship-to-ship transfers, a practice prohibited by United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2375 of September 11, 2017.The Treasury Office released images, which are said to be taken on October 19, 2017, depicting a reported recent attempt by Korea Kumbyol Trading Company’s vessel Rye Song Gang 1 to conduct a ship-to-ship transfer, possibly of oil, in an effort to evade sanctions. “These designations include companies that have engaged in trade with North Korea cumulatively worth hundreds of millions of dollars. We are also sanctioning the shipping and transportation companies, and their vessels, that facilitate North Korea’s trade and its deceptive maneuvers,” Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin said.As part of the sanctions, Chinese trading companies Dandong Kehua Economy & Trade Co., Ltd., Dandong Xianghe Trading Co., Ltd., and Dandong Hongda Trade Co. Ltd. were designated for exporting around USD 650 million worth of goods to North Korea. Sun Sidong and his company, Dandong Dongyuan Industrial Co were also sanctioned as well as Korea South-South Cooperation Corporation for the exportation of workers from North Korea.The latest sanctions come on the heels of the global port ban imposed by the United Nations Security Council on four ships due to their violation of sanctions against North Korea.The said ships are Petrel 8, Hao Fan 6, Tong San 2 and Jie Shun, which have been designated pursuant to paragraph 6 of the Resolution 2375.
The award recipients are: Doris Evans, Cherry Brook, Halifax Regional Municipality, Volunteerism Wai Yin Lau, Dartmouth, Halifax Regional Municipality, Community Service Todd LaFontaine, Dartmouth East, Halifax Regional Municipality, Volunteerism Edith Comeau-Tufts, Saulnierville, Digby Co., Leadership Betty Pettipas, Havre Boucher, Antigonish Co., Leadership Aline d’Entremont, Lower West Pubnico, Yarmouth Co., Community Service. Seniors will learn about new and exciting programs and servicesavailable to them and have the chance to display their talentsduring the 15th annual 50+ Expo. The 50+ Expo will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, June 11and Saturday, June 12 at the Exhibition Grounds, Halifax. Ticketsare $5 per day and can only be purchased at the door. The eventis a project of the Senior Citizens’ Secretariat and is leadingup to Seniors’ Week which takes place June 13-19. Shuttle service will be available to and from the expo. Arrivaland departure information is available on the 50+ Expo website atwww.50plusexpo.ns.ca or by calling 902-444-7494. “The government of Nova Scotia has made the well-being of olderadults a priority and recognizes their contributions to theprovince,” said Angus MacIsaac, chair of the Senior Citizens’Secretariat. “The 50+ Expo is an excellent opportunity for olderadults to learn about programs and services available to them sothat they can make informed decisions.” One hundred booths will offer current information about hobbies,volunteer opportunities, travel, health and wellness and othereducational information. The main stage will host a variety ofspeakers, musicians and entertainers. Some of the entertainmentwill include the Novelty Salesmen and the Travlyn Music Band andMemories of a Don Messer Jubilee featuring the Heritage AllstarBand. People attending the expo will enjoy grocer Pete Luckett’s humourand knowledge of produce. Professional flower arranger, NevilleMacKay will be on had to dazzle everyone with his advice andbeautiful flowers. “As a group, seniors are discerning consumers and want to beaware of what is in the market place. Events like the 50+ Expogive them the opportunity to see what products and services areout there,” said Valerie White, executive director of thesecretariat. Six seniors will be presented with Remarkable Seniors Awards bySenator John Buchanan. The awards are presented in three categories: community service, leadership and volunteerism. Back for a second year is the Amateur 50+ Star Search contest.Seniors will have a chance to compete for prizes and recognitionin four different categories. Sponsored by Scotiabank’s ABCs ofFraud, there is a $2,500 grand prize. The expo is a non-profit event planned and organized by avolunteer committee of seniors. The event is sponsored by TheChronicle Herald, Doctors Nova Scotia, formerly the MedicalSociety of Nova Scotia, Rx&D, an association representingresearch-based pharmaceutical companies in Canada, and Tour TechEast, a privately owned audio rental, installation anddistribution company. The Senior Citizens’ Secretariat is a government agency that actsas a liaison between seniors, organizations and government. For more information about the 50+ Expo, contact the secretariattoll free at 1-800-670-0065 or see the 50+ Expo website atwww.50plusexpo.ns.ca .
New Delhi: The Supreme Court Thursday appointed senior advocate P S Narasimha, who is assisting the apex court as an amicus curiae in the BCCI matter, as mediator for resolving various disputes related to cricket administration in the country. A bench of Justices S A Bobde and A M Spare was informed by Narasimha that former apex court judge Justice (retd) D K Jain has assumed charge as the ombudsman of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Also Read – Squadrons which participated in Balakot air strike awarded citations on IAF Day “The game must go on,” the bench said, asking Narasimha to act as mediator in the cricket administration disputes. It also asked Narasimha to look into the dispute relating to release of funds by the court appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) to various cricket associations. Besides, it restrained all other courts in India from entertaining or proceeding with any matter pertaining to BCCI and state cricket associations. The apex court had on February 21 appointed its former judge Justice Jain, as the first court-appointed ombudsman for BCCI. Also Read – SC declines Oil Min request to stay sharing of documents on Reliance penalty Justice Jain emerged as the first choice among the six former apex court judges whose names were placed before a bench in an envelope. In the previous hearing, the counsel appearing for some of the state cricket associations had told the court that CoA has not released funds to them. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for Maharashtra Cricket Association, had said the condition was “precarious” as their stadium has been attached in a court proceeding and they have not been given funds by the CoA. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for a state cricket association, had argued that for the last three years, “not a single penny has been given to the state cricket associations”. Senior advocate Parag Tripathi, appearing for the CoA, had told the bench that funds were released directly to the respective vendors for the works done by them. “As long as people are playing the game and cricket is going on, we are not concerned,” the bench had observed. It had asked Narasimha to advise the CoA to release funds to the state cricket associations for cricketing purpose. “At the moment, let CoA be re-constituted and they can seek advise of P S Narasimha and then release funds. We are not going to loon into the accounts,” the bench had said, adding, “We think that CoA is not utilising the services of amicus. Let them do it”. The apex court, had on February 21 appointed Lieutenant General Ravi Thodge as the third member of the CoA for BCCI. In 2017, the apex court had appointed a four-member CoA, headed by former Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) Vinod Rai, to run the affairs of BCCI and implement the court-approved recommendations of the Justice R M Lodha panel on reforms in the cash-rich cricket body. The other three members of the CoA were — former Indian women cricket captain Diana Edulji, historian Ramachandra Guha and banker Vikram Limaye. Following the resignations of Guha and Limaye, the CoA presently has only two members — Rai and Edulji. The two-member CoA has been divided on several matters including the recent controversy involving cricketers Hardik Pandya and K L Rahul. Pandya and Rahul had attracted widespread criticism for their alleged misogynistic comments on TV Show ‘Koffee with Karan’. Rai had reportedly recommended a two-match ban on Pandya and Rahul, but Edulji had taken the matter to the BCCI legal cell which refused to call the players’ actions a violation of the code of conduct and recommended the appointment of an ombudsman. The CoA chief and Edulji had also reportedly differed on the controversy relating to exclusion of Indian women cricketer Mithali Raj from the playing 11 in the crucial semi-final match of the recently concluded women’s world cup.
Updated at 11.27pmTHE ALL-CLEAR has been given following an incident in Dublin city centre earlier in which a man threatened to jump off the roof of a building in the Gardiner Street area.The incident followed a stabbing earlier today in Isaac’s Hostel on Frenchman’s Lane. A 35-year-old female sustained a stab wound to the back and was taken to the Mater Hospital. Gardaí said her injuries were “not life threatening” and that they were investigating “all circumstances” surrounding the incident.Shortly after the stabbing incident a man was spotted on the roof of a nearby building, adjacent to the railway tracks. Rail services were suspended between Connolly Station and Grand Canal Dock as a precaution and garda negotiators were called in to speak to the man.Two units of the fire service, including one truck with a turntable ladder, attended the scene after a request from gardaí. A garda spokesperson described it as a “delicate situation”.Gardaí confirmed shortly before 5pm that the operation had been wrapped up and the incident brought to a “safe conclusion”.The man was escorted from the scene by emergency services.Additional reporting, Daragh BrophyOriginally posted at 5.05pm
You can never be sure about the veracity of an Apple product leak, but a series of high-quality leaked pictures of a purported next-generation iPhone seem too detailed to be fake. The device, pictured in both white and black, hits all the bases from recent rumors, and even include some surprises. Most importantly, though, the new iPhone will still look like an IPhone.The device retains the same flat design with the metal rim forming part of the antenna. The most striking change is the back plate, which is no longer composed of fragile glass. The majority of the back surface is metal, which joins up with the metal rim of the device. The top and bottom are still glass, or possibly a ceramic of some sort. An all metal back might have been nicer looking, but the non-metal ends will be better for radio performance.There are not any images of the screen itself, but the disassembled front casing seems to confirm the move to a 3.99-inch screen. Unconfirmed sources are saying that panel will be 1136×640, which is just a little taller than the current Retina Display. A move to that resolution would mean a new 16:9 screen ratio. That could be a pain for developers, who have been designing apps for a 3:2 panel. Apple itself could use the extra 176 lines for an additional row of icons on the home screen. The front of the case also has a physical home button.The bottom edge of the phone has all manner of weird and wild stuff going on. Firstly, there is a new dock connector that finally eschews the dated 30-pin connector Apple has been relying on for so many years. The new port doesn’t look like a micro-USB, though. Apple likes to go with its own proprietary connectors. Expect a new ecosystem of accessories/adapters, and get ready to toss that old Apple dock out the window.If this is the real deal, it also appears that Apple has decided to move the headphone jack from the top to the bottom of the device. At first, this seems like an odd move, but some Android phones and the iPod Touch have been doing this for years. The phone would have to go in your pocket upside down, but it is more comfortable to use the device with the headphones plugged into the bottom — the cord stays out of the way when it’s in your hand.We don’t have any measurements of the device, but it’s safe to say that the extra height will make it easier for Apple to fit in an LTE 4G radio. Cupertino is silent on matters, but perhaps we’ll get a better look at this device at Apple’s WWDC event next month.via 9 to 5 Mac
Jan 23rd 2017, 12:43 PM 23,511 Views Aisling Burke, leaving the Dublin District Court in January 2014 Source: Laura Hutton/Rollingnews.ieA MOTHER-OF-ONE, originally charged with murdering Dale Creighton, has begun a one-year jail term for violent disorder during the fatal attack on a Tallaght footbridge.The 14-minute attack on Dale Creighton had begun after Aisling Burke’s mobile phone was stolen as she walked home from a night club. She had been sentenced to five years with four suspended last week, but had been given a week to arrange care for her child. She was back before the Central Criminal Court today.Mr Creighton (20) was assaulted by a group at the bridge over the Tallaght bypass between Saint Dominic’s Road and Greenhills Road on New Year’s Day 2014.He died in hospital the following day. The cause of his death was blunt force injury to his head and face.Six men and one woman were originally charged with murder and went on trial at the Central Criminal Court in October, after pleading not guilty. However, those charges were dropped on the 15th day of the trial, after they pleaded guilty to lesser charges and had their new pleas accepted.‘Too lenient’: Dale Creighton’s family criticises sentencing of his killersThe seven, who are all from Tallaght, had rung in the new year at a local night club. They were sentenced to various terms last week.The court was satisfied that 23-year-old Aisling Burke, with an address in Co Westmeath, did not inflict any physical violence on Mr Creighton.She was sentenced to five years in prison. The court suspended the final four years for two years on condition she be of good behaviour, keep the peace and be subject to probation service supervision for two years from her release.She did not enter the bond in court, but will do so before the governor or a deputy of the governor in prison.As a single mother, she had been given a week to organise care for her child. Dressed in a blue jacket, black trousers and blue shoes, she nodded at her parents as she was led away. Members of the victim’s family had also attended.Five of her co-accused had begun their prison terms last week. A sixth had walked free, after his sentence for possession of a knife at the time was fully suspended.Read: Dale Creighton killers attacked on their second day in MountjoyRead: Kickboxing trainee jailed for inflicting brain injury on older man http://jrnl.ie/3200670 Share135 Tweet Email By Natasha Reid 39 Comments Monday 23 Jan 2017, 12:43 PM Short URL Mother-of-one begins year-long sentence for violent disorder in connection with killing of Dale Creighton Dale Creighton died following a 14 minute attack in Tallaght on New Year’s Day 2014. Tweet thisShare on FacebookEmail this article
Hépatite C : nouveau scandale sanitaire autour du ViraferonPeg de MerckLe ViraferonPeg, l’un des deux traitements de référence de l’hépatite C, est aujourd’hui dans le collimateur des autorités sanitaires. En effet, le stylo qui permet de réaliser l’injection ne délivrerait pas toujours le produit, ce qui entraînerait des traitements prolongés.C’est le professeur d’hépatologie niçois Albert Tran, qui avait alerté, l’an passé, les laboratoires Merck du problème rencontré avec le ViraferonPeg, un traitement de l’hépatite C. On apprend ainsi dans le journal Libération que le laboratoire américain avait été alerté dès février 2011 et qu’il “aurait dissimulé un grave dysfonctionnement dans le traitement de l’hépatite C”. Le groupe américain a aussitôt démenti l’accusation tout en admettant qu’il avait été alerté par M. Tran. Mais ce n’est pas le traitement en lui-même qui poserait problème mais le stylo qui permet de l’injecter.À lire aussiAntihistaminique : qu’est-ce que c’est ? A quoi ça sert ?En effet, celui-ci ne délivrerait pas toujours le produit. Mercredi soir, le dossier ViraferonPeg était ainsi au centre d’une réunion d’urgence dans les locaux de l’Agence sanitaire. Cité par nice-matin, le professeur Tran explique : “Les patients croient avoir reçu la bonne dose, alors qu’il n’en est rien. Le stylo injecteur est conçu de telle sorte qu’il n’y a aucun moyen de vérifier si la dose a bien été reçue. Par chance, contrairement à un cancer, l’histoire naturelle de l’hépatite C est longue. Le dysfonctionnement de ce traitement ne peut donc avoir eu d’impact vital sur les patients, mais, en revanche, il a pu retarder des guérisons, prolonger des traitements”.Aujourd’hui, plus de 500.000 personnes sont porteurs du virus de l’hépatite C en France. Chaque année, 3.500 malades en meurent et ce sont environ 5.100 patients qui ont été traités en 2010 avec le ViraferonPeg. Pour le professeur Tran en tout cas, le constat était suffisamment net pour ne plus prescrire de ViraferonPeg. Il lui aura suffi de se tourner vers l’autre traitement existant, proposé par les laboratoires Roche (le Pégalys). De son côté, le laboratoire Merck, qui réfutait totalement ces accusations, indique avoir fait contrôler “tous les lots de stylos” et certifiait hier qu’aucune “non-conformité n’avait été rapportée concernant les tests sur la fonctionnalité et la précision de la dose délivrée” par le stylo ViraferonPeg. Quoiqu’il en soit, c’est un troisième revers pour ce traitement qui en 2006 déjà avait obligé Merck à ouvrir un numéro vert pour ses clients. A l’époque, un problème de blocage du stylo était en cause. Enfin, en octobre 2010 certains lots de ViraferonPeg avaient dû être retirés du marché “par mesure de précaution” sur ordre de l’Afssaps.Le 9 février 2012 à 12:49 • Maxime Lambert
Sony Pictures CEO Says ‘Door Is Closed’ for Now on Spider-Man SplitMarvel Censors Criticism of America From Marvel Comics #1000 Stay on target Marvel has a knack for turning obscure superheroes into household names. Case in point: Ant-Man and the Wasp.Following the 2015 debut of Paul Rudd as Scott Lang, a well-meaning thief who inadvertently takes on the role of Ant-Man, the character charmed his way into the cinematic universe—and our hearts.Since then, he’s returned to his Hymenoptera ways in Captain America: Civil War and Ant-Man and the Wasp (co-starring Evangeline Lilly as Hope Van Dyne/the titular Wasp).But if you’ve ever wondered how people who temporarily shrink to the size of insects, while retaining the mass and strength of their human bodies, don’t die of oxygen deprivation, you’re not alone.Virginia Tech engineering mechanics graduate student Max Mikel Stites studied the “serious challenges” Ant-Man and the Wasp should face each time they reduce.With advisor and VT associate professor Anne Staples, Mikel-Stites researches biological fluid dynamics, particularly as they pertain to insect respiration and insect-scale flows.So what’s that got to do with the incredible shrinking man and his flying partner?The team’s work, discussed at this week’s American Physical Society’s Division of Fluid Dynamics 71st Annual Meeting, could reduce the actuation machinery needed for microfluidic devices, making them more portable and cost-efficient.“Applying that perspective to Ant-Man and the Wasp seemed like a straightforward thing to do,” Mikel-Stites said in a statement.According to their analysis, the atmospheric density (number of molecules in a given volume of air) experienced by our bug-sized heroes is nearly identical to that of Mt. Everest’s so-called “death zone,” where there is no enough oxygen for humans to breath.“While the actual atmospheric density is the same for an insect and a human, the subjective atmospheric density experiences by a human who shrinks to insect size changes,” Mikel-Stites explained.“For example, a normal-size person taking a deep breath can expect to inhale some number of oxygen molecules,” he continued. “However, when that person is shrunk down to the size of an ant, despite still needing the same number of oxygen molecules, far fewer are available in a single breath of air.”The “death zone” for normal-sized humans begins around 8,000 meters above sea level.In the form of Ant-Man and the Wasp, Lang and Pym/van Dyne would feel like they’re at an altitude of 7,998 meters—giving them one hell of a case of altitude sickness.I don’t remember either suffering from headaches, dizziness, or the buildup of fluid in the lungs and brain. And since Rudd is set to reprise his role in next year’s untitled Avengers film, he is certainly not dead (yet).But that’s not all the crime-fighting duo have to worry about.Based on Kleiber’s law, which correlates the metabolic rate of an animal to its size, researchers found that the metabolic rates per unit mass of the superheroes at bug size would increase by some two orders of magnitude—as would their oxygen demands.Mikel-Stites, however, has a solution.Microfluidic components (like Knudsen pumps, driven by temperature gradients) and microscale gas compressors could be embedded into the champions’ helmets, helping them breath at microscale.Got any ideas, Mikel-Stites, for when Ant-Man expands 65 feet tall?More coverage on Geek.com:Stan Lee’s Best CharactersBees Were Also Distracted by 2017 Total Solar EclipseCyborg Cockroach May Save Your Life, Haunt Your DreamsAnt Brains Grow Proportionally to Communal Responsibilities
Stay on target With ‘Borderlands’ Crossover, ‘Fortnite’ Just Ad…Get Used to ‘Fortnite’s’ Powerful Mech Suits What even is Fortnite? When Epic first pitched its eventual Golden Goose a billion years ago to show off Unreal Engine 4 it was, like, a cartoony Left 4 Dead-style survival co-op shooter with Minecraft building mechanics. But that became Fortnite: Save the World, famous thing no one pays $30 for.Now, when you talk about Fortnite, there’s a 99.9 percent chance you’re talking about the free-to-play Fortnite: Battle Royale, which only came together after a few months of studying PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds and subsequently took over the world.With Fortnite raking in so much money and fame though, who says it has to stay limited to just two modes? Take a break from all the shooting, building, and stolen dancing to chill out with the new Fortnite Creative mode.Earlier this year Fortnite gave players temporary access to something called Playground mode, a space for players to explore the map without the stress of battle and try out weird new things with friends. Creative Mode is a bigger, and hopefully more permanent, version of the same idea.After selecting the mode from its own separate menu, players gain their own private island to completely customize with buildings to demolish, weapons to fire, vehicles to race, and nature to admire. It makes you remember that it’s the Minecraft roots, not just the 100-player battles, that give Fortnite such appeal with The Youth.Fortnite Creative is available now if you bought the Season 7 Battle Pass. You can also invite 16 other players to your island, whether or not they have Creative themselves. The mode then goes live for everyone on December 13.For more on Fortnite watch us get coached by a professional Fornite player, celebrate that Sony is finally playing nice when it comes to crossplay, and read about the generous new Epic Games Store only possible because of Fortnite.<span data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” class=”mce_SELRES_start”></span>