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Bangkok (dpa) – In late December, Myanmar’s military rulers opened a month-long election that has been the subject of widespread criticism for excluding opponents of the junta that seized power almost four years ago. According to the London-based Business and Human Rights Centre (BHRC), "global fashion brands" are helping the regime to suppress dissent as part of a nexus of "military repression, collapsing labour protections, and workplace-level exploitation" put in place since the February 2021 coup, a period that has seen the land once known as Burma riven by civil war. In a report published in December shortly before voting started, the BHRC said it had counted almost 700 incidents of abuse at garment factories in the country since the military takeover.  The centre listed rights infringements such as "forced and excessive overtime, unsafe working conditions, wage deductions, gender-based harassment and retaliation against union members and worker representatives." "Some factories cooperate with security forces to suppress organising and conceal violations," the BHRC said, adding that some some brands "have adjusted elements of their due diligence" or even exited the country. Others fashion brands, however, continue to source supply from the country's garment factories as if nothing has changed since before the army, which ran the country for most of the period between a 1962 coup and elections in 2010 and retook power again four years ago. Since then, according to the BHRC, the country has seen not only a "collapse of democratic institutions" but also an "erosion" of freedoms and "near-total impunity" for violations of workers’ rights. "Brands sourcing from Myanmar will be remembered for whether they used their leverage to protect workers or enabled conditions under which violations deepened," the BHRC asserted, without naming any fashion labels. The following information is not intended for publication dpa spr coh

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Heated Rivalry, a six-part drama about a secret fling between two hockey rivals, became a streaming hit in the US and Canada in late 2025. Los Angeles (tca/dpa) – “Heated Rivalry” the novel is the kind of smutty romance read that’s thoroughly enjoyable but slightly ephemeral, a tale of angst and love and outlandish situations that doesn’t linger long in your mind once you get to the happily ever after-ish ending. “Heated Rivalry” the TV series, however, is anything but: An effervescent combination of faithful adaptation, standout acting and gorgeous cinematography, it’s one of the best shows of the year — and one you won’t be forgetting anytime soon. Originally meant for just the Canadian streaming service Crave (and only picked up by HBO Max a week before the Nov. 28 premiere), “Heated Rivalry” adapts the novel of the same name by Rachel Reid. (It’s the second in the six-part “Game Changers” series; Season 2, based on the sequel “The Long Game,” has already been greenlit.) Created and written by Jacob Tierney, best known for “Letterkenny” and “Shoresy,” the six-episode adaptation is not your typical love story; honestly, it’s hard to call it a romance most of the time. It follows two young hockey phenoms — Canadian Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Russian Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) — over the course of nearly a decade as they navigate being rivals on the ice and then, well, something more heated off it. The pair are the textbook definition of polar opposites: Shane — fastidious, a bit of a loner with expressive brown eyes; Ilya — chaotic, a total charmer with a head full of golden curls. But from the moment they meet — “You’re supposed to smoke over there,” Shane tells Ilya on a cold December day before they’re even drafted to the fictional Major Hockey League — the chemistry between the two is electric, almost palpable. It doesn’t take long (eight minutes into the first episode) before the sexual tension starts to rise, and only a few minutes more before they have sex for the first time. (Sex scenes in “Heated Rivalry” are legion and explicit — one lasts five straight minutes — with arms, legs and creative camera angles providing the only modesty.) From there, their story is told in moments and text chains, with months and years passing by in between: Ilya drafted to the Boston Raiders, Shane to the Montreal Metros (and furious to be picked second); a shared meal of tuna melts and ginger ale; a heartbreaking conversation held across an ocean. And while their situationship starts as purely physical — if nothing else, these two never question whether they’re attracted to one another — it’s obvious how this will all end up. The journey there, though, is wondrous. You just can’t help but fall in love with Shane and Ilya as they contend with their feelings, deal with the secret nature of their relationship (even in this fictional universe, professional sports isn't the most inclusive space) and discover themselves along the way. Hearing Shane say out loud that he’s gay is a joy. Watching Ilya turn to Shane for comfort after talking about his terrible family is breathtaking. The show is a font of queer authenticity, taking pains to realistically portray their struggles and successes. (And on that note: Can I just say how refreshing it is to watch a queer romance that doesn’t end in miserable grief? Sure, there’s angst and yearning aplenty, moments of heartbreak alongside the physicality especially as the season progresses. But there’s no all-consuming tragedy, no “Brokeback Mountain” or “Fellow Travelers”-level of devastation.) While adaptations can be tricky, creator Tierney pulls off a bit of a hat trick here. 1. His version mostly sticks to the original, from the most memorable lines — “I’m coming to the cottage,” “Stupid Canadian wolf bird” — to the general sequences of events. 2. He treats important events with proper care without having the show take itself too seriously. (Ilya is a hilariously sarcastic delight.) 3. There’s enough creative license to differentiate itself from the source material, with the highlight being Episode 3, which focuses on another couple from the “Game Changers” series. On the level of the masterful third episode of “The Last of Us” Season 1 with its impact and payoff, it’s a genius, moving inclusion, anchored by François Arnaud’s devastating performance as fellow gay hockey player Scott Hunter. Speaking of performances, Storrie and Williams, each with only a few credits to their name, are revelatory here. Storrie’s Ilya is a pool of nuance, deeply vulnerable one moment and obnoxiously charming the next. (And you would never know Storrie was born in Texas instead of Russia — his accent is that good.) Williams’ Shane feels like he was lifted perfectly from the book, down to his neurotic need to fold his clothes before sex. Together, they’re a tour de force, completely mesmerizing in their dazzling chemistry. Also dazzling? The one-two punch (wrong sport, I know) of gorgeous cinematography and inspired score/soundtrack. Jackson Parell’s visuals are utterly showstopping, from the intimate framing of Shane and Ilya to the clever focus on sunlight and shadow. And Peter Peter’s original compositions and the show’s needle drop songs deserve special kudos for elevating already captivating scenes. (I still have goose bumps from the brilliant pairing of a meaningful line of dialogue in Episode 3 with Wolf Parade’s “I’ll Believe in Anything” in Episode 5.) My only complaint for “Heated Rivalry”? That it’s already over, and now I have to wait for Season 2. But consider me in it for the long game, because it turns out, even in a year of fantastic shows, “Heated Rivalry” has no rival. The following information is not intended for publication tca dpa coh

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New York (dpa)  – The recent abduction and arrest of Nicolás Maduro has inadvertently become a major advertisement for Nike tracksuits, thanks to a photo posted by US President Donald Trump of the Venezuelan president in US custody. The image seen by millions around the world shows a handcuffed Maduro holding a water bottle, with his ears and eyes covered while wearing distinctive grey sweatpants and hoodie. The eyes of many watching the news appear to have fallen on the trademark Nike swoosh on the captive's chest, and the tracksuit, worn in a loose and oversized style by Maduro, is now sold out in larger sizes in several markets, including the US and parts of Europe. On his flight to be arraigned in New York after being extracted during Saturday's surprise military attack on Caracas, Maduro appears to have been wearing the men'sNike Tech fleece , a two-piece tracksuit which Nike describes as "an injection of premium comfort." Searches for this tracksuit have surged on Google since the photo of Maduro appeared across news media worldwide, with global searches rising fourfold in the hours after Trump posted the picture. The hoodie of the tracksuit, which costs around $140 in the US or €120 in Europe, has become a bestseller on Nike's online store. Reviews posted in the wake of the Saturday military operation are overwhelmingly positive. "It's really comfortable for long flights," one buyer wrote. "Fortunately, this is comfy. I just had the worst day of my life, but this outfit made it a little better." Another gave the Nike Tech Fleece a new name: "Nike Operation Absolute Resolve Freedom Tech Fleece". Trump ordered a special military operation to seize Maduro, after which he and his wife Cilia Flores were taken to New York on Saturday, where they face charges related to drug trafficking. The photo of Maduro, which Trump posted with the text "Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima," had an unusually tall vertical format, showing almost the full length of the leader in grey sweatpants and hoodie. Although Trump has repeatedly shared AI-generated images on his Truth Social account, many experts believe this photo of Maduro to be authentic. The following information is not intended for publication dpa coh era

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From heritage maximalism to lighting as art, these are the key looks gaining traction. London (PA Media/dpa) – Looking for ideas on how to keep your decor and interior styling bang up-to-date? With the focus on new horizons, home and design platform Houzz has gathered insights from its community of homeowners, designers and home improvement professionals to forecast the top home design trends for 2026. Reflecting a desire for spaces that balance character with comfort, here’s a look at the styles we expect to gain momentum in the year ahead… Heritage maximalism “Maximalist interior design has been gaining momentum among UK homeowners for some time, but we expect a heritage-driven twist to emerge,” reveals Kiya Kelly-Paine, Houzz home design trends expert. “Known as ‘heritage maximalism,’ this design style incorporates nods to British roots while layering in contemporary sensibility, to create a timeless, modern appeal,” she explains. “Think bold colour palettes, historical motifs and ornate detailing, from furnishings to finishes.” Mel Massey, founder of Mel Massey Studio, says: “We’ve noticed more clients embracing bold interior design choices, from richly detailed wallpaper and patterned upholstery to dramatic hues. “At the same time, homeowners are layering in modern touches to personalise their spaces,” highlights Massey. While these choices may have once felt intimidating, she says visualisation tools such as mood boards give homeowners “the confidence to combine these elements into a look that feels curated, not chaotic.” Hidden spaces and seamless design Whether you’re looking to optimise smaller spaces or simply minimise clutter, Kelly-Paine says smart design features, “such as tucked-away home bars and concealable built-ins, can help you achieve a more streamlined, sophisticated look.” “These hidden spaces give homeowners the best of both worlds: functional features when you need them and seamless design when you don’t,” she adds. Omar Bhatti, founder and design director at Space Shack says: “As our clients look to personalise their homes, requests for bespoke joinery are becoming more common. “Not only do these custom solutions add character, but they’re practical and tailored to fit our clients’ lifestyles.” Immersive visualisation becomes the new blueprint Homeowners and design professionals alike are increasingly relying on 3D modelling to convey their ideas and explore possibilities, notes Kelly-Paine. “These visualisation tools are mutually beneficial for homeowners and professionals, as they help to set and manage clear expectations throughout the course of a project,” she explains. Laura Evans, founder and interior designer at Brick and Stone Interiors, says: “Visualisation tools like 3D floor plans have been a game changer for me and my clients. “By bringing concepts to life, digital models give my clients a realistic picture of what to expect,” says Evans. “Not only does this ensure we’re aligned throughout the process, but it also helps them communicate any changes proactively.” Soft simplicity As homeowners seek to create calming sanctuaries within their homes, Kelly-Paine says photos featuring cocooning spaces with layered neutrals, organic materials and tactile finishes are among the most popular images on Houzz. “Together, these elements create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels both comfortable and relaxed.” Evans agrees: “In recent years, our clients have been gravitating toward ‘organic modern’ style, from the bedroom to the kitchen, and everywhere in between. “As they look to create a softer take on minimalism, homeowners are introducing warm neutrals, texture and organic shapes to create serene, restorative spaces.” She continues: “We expect to see that trend continue, as it’s a widely adaptable aesthetic that works well across home design styles.” The return of dark wood “Dark wood tones such as walnut and mahogany are re-emerging, as homeowners strive to bring a sense of depth to their interiors,” says Kelly-Paine. Moreover, she says searches on Houzz reflect this resurgence, with googling for ‘dark wood’ rising 187% in the first three quarters of the year compared with the same period in 2024. Bhatti says: “For years, many homeowners have favoured lighter wood tones and whitewashed finishes, but recently clients have been showing an interest in deeper, more dramatic wood tones. “Whether that be for kitchen joinery, bespoke built-ins or even wall cladding. To offset darker wood tones, we often pair them with warm metals or textured stone for a more balanced look,” he explains. Transparent renovation projects Kelly-Paine says research shows homeowners are eager to have more transparency throughout the renovation process. “41% said a clearer timeline would have improved their project experience. “And almost the same share wanted better communication from their pros (40%).” Indeed, Bhatti says access to a real-time communication platform has been instrumental with his clients. “It makes for much smoother collaboration; clients stay informed with access to real-time project updates and as a result, they feel less stressed and more empowered throughout the process. “Considering how effective it is, I’d expect this type of collaborative software to be adopted more widely across the industry.” Lighting as art From sculptural alabaster pendants to playful glass forms, homeowners are introducing statement lighting to transform their spaces in more ways than one, outlines Kelly-Paine. “Of course, lighting plays the functional role of illuminating a space, but when thoughtfully selected and positioned, lighting fixtures can be standalone works of art.” Massey says: “Lighting fixtures have become more of a focal point among our clients, as they look to infuse personality or even a bit of drama into their spaces. “For anyone considering statement lighting, it’s worth using visualisation tools to understand how a fixture will sit within the space before making a final decision,” she advises. The following information is not intended for publication dpa pa arw

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A Parisian luxury stylist explains how you can find your signature style in 2026. London (PA Media/dpa) – The idea of a New Year wardrobe reset can feel either invigorating or overwhelming. On one hand, there’s the appeal of a clean slate – fewer “nothing to wear” mornings and a more streamlined style. On the other, there’s the reality of bursting wardrobes, emotional attachments and the dread that a reset means starting from scratch. But according to Parisian stylist Elsa Boutaric, the most effective wardrobe refreshes are small rather than drastic. She shares her top tips for resetting your wardrobe for 2026. Start with sorting not shopping The instinctive response to a style rut is often to buy something new. A coat, a pair of shoes, a statement piece that promises reinvention. But Boutaric insists that the real reset begins long before a checkout page. “I always start with a wardrobe edit to assess what no longer works and what truly fits my client’s lifestyle,” she says. “We need a wardrobe strategy before buying anything new.” That strategy is less about what you like best and more about what you wear the most. How you actually dress day-to-day matters more than who you imagine yourself to be. A wardrobe reset means interrogating how often you reach for something, what you feel best wearing and where your life currently sits – work, weekends, evenings, travel. Without that assessment, new purchases tend to repeat old mistakes: beautiful pieces with nowhere to go. The items we hold onto for too long Every wardrobes contains their ghosts – pieces that once worked perfectly but now date everything else around them. Denim is often the biggest culprit. “I would say, denim is often kept past its prime and can look outdated,” Boutaric explains, “a tailored wide-leg pant is a modern upgrade for 2026.” Jeans cuts are often less timeless than tailoring, reminding us of past phases and eras more quickly than other items. Wide-leg trousers, particularly in structured fabrics, offer the same ease of wear while being less trend-led. The same applies to overly trend-led pieces that no longer reflect how you dress now. The reset isn’t about erasing personality – it’s about removing what you won’t wear this time next year. Mind the gap One of the most common frustrations Boutaric encounters isn’t a lack of clothes, but a lack of connection between them. “What I see the most is a lack of strong transitional pieces between casual and elevated looks,” she says. “Invest in a good quality blazer and elevated basics to fill that gap.” These are the items that turn jeans into an outfit, or make a simple dress appropriate for more than one setting. A well-cut blazer, a cosy knit, a crisp white shirt – they don’t shout, but they do a lot of work. A New Year reset is often about strengthening this middle ground. Not investing in rarely-worn pieces of workwear or loungewear – but the pieces that carry you between the two. Keep, alter or donate? Editing a wardrobe is as much emotional as it is practical. Boutaric’s rule is refreshingly straightforward. “If a day-to-day piece hasn’t been worn in over a year, it usually goes.” That doesn’t mean everything unworn must leave – occasionwear and sentimental items live by different rules – but for everyday clothing, inactivity is information. If something doesn’t fit your life now, it’s unlikely to suddenly earn its place. Boutaric suggests the hanger trick for figuring out what you wear most. Flip all your hangers backward, then turn them forward as you wear items; after a set time, you’ll see what you reach for most and what you don’t. Tailoring is the middle option that’s often overlooked. A coat that feels slightly off, trousers that drag, a blazer that almost works – these can often be rescued. The reset isn’t about perfection, but intention. Refreshing without replacing everything The idea that a wardrobe reset requires a full overhaul is one of its biggest deterrents. In reality, small, considered changes tend to have the biggest impact. “Add a well-tailored blazer, wide-leg trousers and a [good quality] crisp white shirt or tee,” Boutaric suggests. “These pieces instantly elevate and modernise any wardrobe.” They also work across seasons, trends and settings – which is precisely the point. A reset should make dressing easier, not more complicated. Styling tweaks matter too. Switching trainers for a loafer, adding a belt, wearing a shirt more undone or leaning into proportion can recalibrate an outfit without necessarily adding new statement pieces, Boutaric says. The following information is not intended for publication dpa pa arw

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A smelly drain, a blocked toilet, a dripping tap: some everyday problems can be solved with simple tricks. And sometimes it's better to call a plumber – a decision-making aid. Berlin (dpa) – Oh no, the toilet's clogged! Now what do you do – call a plumber or, to spare the expense, try to unclog it yourself? Sometimes there's no getting around calling on professional help, "especially if the work involves the water pipes – the drinking water, in other words," says Jens J. Wischmann, a sanitary industry specialist. Only a registered plumber will do. And for good reason: "If the drinking water becomes contaminated, liability issues arise that no insurance covers," he explains. Otherwise, give it a go yourself as best you can – "so long as you're prepared to break something and then have to pay a pro to fix it," says Sylvia Adamec, who works for a German academy promoting DIY skills. Not to worry though. Many household problems are easily fixable. Here are seven: 1. Smelly drain A foul odour emanating from a drain can put you in a foul mood. The solution is usually quite simple though: Let the water run for a while. "In most cases the cause of a smelly drain is that the P-trap hasn't been sufficiently rinsed out," Adamec says. A P-trap is a P-shaped pipe under a sink or similar plumbing fixture designed to trap a small amount of water after the fixture is used. The water acts as a seal blocking off sewer gases. If the drain gives off an unpleasant odour, the culprit may be liquids that were poured into it or food scraps. A drain may also be smelly when you return home after a holiday. "This is because the P-trap has dried out in the meantime," explains Adamec, adding that in this case too, it can help to simply let the water run for a while. 2. Water keeps flowing into toilet This problem is usually caused by the float valve in the toilet cistern, says Wischmann. In older, close-coupled toilets, where the cistern sits directly on top of the bowl, you can typically remove the lid and quickly spot what's causing the trouble. In more modern, back-to-wall toilets, however, the cistern is hidden within a wall or fitted furniture, in which case Wischmann recommends calling a plumber. 3. Jewellery dropped into drain Whoops! You were inattentive for just a second and your wedding ring or other small object of value fell into a drain. No reason to panic though, as it's fairly easy to take apart the P-trap underneath the drain. For this you'll need a suitable wrench or pair of pliers, tea towel and bucket. "First you should remove everything that's under the sink or washbasin," says Adamec. Then cut off the water, "and ideally close the angle valves to be sure there's no residual water flow while you're working." The bucket can catch water remaining in the P-trap. Now you can start. "P-traps often aren't touched for years and are furred up with limescale. So you've got to have at it with gusto," Adamec says. Don't be timid. Once you've unscrewed the slip nuts, you can easily fish the lost item out of the P-trap. A tip: Place a tea towel between the slip nuts and jaws of the wrench or pliers. This way you won't scratch the slip nuts, and you'll keep the wrench or pliers from slipping. Another tip: Adamec advises photographing the various steps you take in disassembling the P-trap before you clean it out. The photos will help you to reassemble it properly. It's also "a good idea," she says, "to replace the slip nuts' gaskets while you're at it." And Wischmann stresses the importance of putting everything back together carefully, as "forgotten or damaged gaskets can lead to water damage." 4. Clogged shower drain Depending on the shower model, it can be difficult to unblock a clogged drain. Wischmann nevertheless advises against using chemical pipe cleaners, warning they can damage the plumbing and are very harmful to the environment. Instead, you should use your hands. "I recommend removing hair and soap scum as well as you can with a handkerchief or an old toothbrush," he says. A thin wire can help as well. If you can't reach the source of the blockage, call a plumber. 5. Nightmare scenario: plugged up toilet A standard tool in many households, a plunger is the means of choice to unclog a toilet. "First remove as much water as possible so that the plunger sits firmly on the toilet bowl," says Adamec. Next, rapidly and repeatedly push down, then pull up the plunger, creating suction that can dislodge the clog. This may pull some of the clogged matter out of the toilet, "which can make a mess," Adamec says, "so you shouldn't be wearing your best clothes." She discourages using tools such as a toilet auger or drain snake, because "unless you're practiced in their use, you can do a lot of damage." To prevent a toilet from clogging, she recommends occasionally putting a dishwasher or denture cleaning tablet into the toilet and letting it work overnight. 6. Dripping tap Drip, drip, drip… A dripping tap can be maddening, and there are various possible causes. In many cases the cartridge – which regulates the flow of hot and cold water in a single-lever mixer tap – is furred with limescale or faulty. Disassembly is somewhat complicated but possible. You've got to unscrew the handle and extract the underlying cartridge. "This is a job for advanced do-it-yourselfers," notes Adamec. Instructional videos can be found on the internet. The question is whether the trouble will save you money though, because "depending on the model, the cartridge can be almost as expensive as a new tap." 7. Limescale build-up on shower head Weak shower pressure is often due to limescale buildup on the shower head. "It can help to remove the shower head and soak it in diluted vinegar," Wischmann says. "This isn't suitable for all materials, however, so be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations." Simply using a sponge can also help to descale a shower head. The following information is not intended for publication dpa/tmn ada yyzz a3 bzl mod ob lue tsn coh

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Berlin (dpa) – Flammkuchen is the French-German answer to pizza, but with a little more class and a far more exciting name – flame cake!  Known in French as tarte flambée, it's a must-have on many restaurant menus in southern Germany, where it's traditionally served with crème fraîche, chopped bacon and onions. Unlike with pizza, this thin, crispy dough is often topped with a mix of sweet and savoury ingredients. This version with pear and fig elevates things with a light mustard note and a topping of soft blue cheese or Gorgonzola for a stronger flavour. If you want a quick supper, you can buy a ready-made unleavened dough from the fridge section at the supermarket. Just roll it out nice and thin, add the toppings and 10 minutes later you can eat. The base: The dough is an extremely simple mix of flour, water, salt and a little olive oil, with no time needed for rising or strength-building. If you can't find unleavened dough in your local supermarket, then mix two cups of flour with half a cup of water, half a teaspoon of salt and two tablespoons of oil, and roll out thin. Ingredients for four portions Four fresh flammkuchen bases at 85 g each, or one big roll for a baking tray at 340 g 2 pears 4 figs 150 g soft blue cheese or Gorgonzola 1 pot of crème fraîche 4 tbsp mustard thyme freshly ground pepper salt 1 tsp garlic powder Method: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Stir the crème fraîche with the mustard, season with salt, pepper and the garlic powder, then spread evenly over the bases. Remove the cores from the pears. Slice the pears and the blue cheese thinly, distribute evenly over the bases and bake for 8 minutes. Meanwhile, cut the figs into slim wedges and arrange them on the flammkuchen as soon as they come out of the oven. Grind over a good amount of fresh pepper and scatter with thyme. Your flammkuchen is ready to serve. The following information is not intended for publication dpa/tmn hsk yyzz n1 xlt cwg amc coh

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