Pop duo M2M on revisiting their music and friendship after 20 years: ‘Something so beautiful and raw’

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Before it even started, Marit Elise Ravn, much known as Marion Raven, and Marit Elisabeth Larsen accidentally stoked the “meeting your younger self for coffee” pattern.

The Scandinavian singer-songwriters from M2M, a fundamental combo in early 2000s music, ran into each other in a shop in Oslo, Norway in April 2024. The chance meeting revived a relationship that had once shaped an entire generation while largely absent from their youth after more than 20 years of limited contact.

M2M’s unique sound was marked by softly, gentle singers and airy rhythms. Their 2000 debut album Shades Of Purple, which was released in 2000, was largely a success thanks to its lead one Don’t Say You Love Me, which was featured on the soundtrack for the first Pokemon film, catapulting the band to international recognition.

When their follow-up song The Big Room did not perform properly enough, they disbanded in 2002. And there were no homecoming plans up until their unexpected meeting last year.

Larsen and Raven, who are now mothers in their first 40s, are however grotesquely shocked by how life has changed since that time.

” It was like a magnetic field. It felt like – and we don’t really feel in any of that – it was almost manipulated”, Larsen shared over Zoom with CNA Lifestyle.

” Yeah, it felt really meant to be. Nobody else was present at the coffee store. It was just the two of us”, added Raven.

Subtly TIMING THE REUNION TO THEIR LYRICS

They were reminded of their simple but powerful collaboration at the time when they realized there were still over a million Spotify users listening to M2M each month, evidence that their tunes had been kept “alive after all that time.” The amounts piqued their interest.

” We really wanted to see what transpired if we sent a fire online, which we did last year,” said the company. We sent out a little clip of the song The Day You Went Away, recorded in Marion’s living room– and it ( caught ) fire”, recalled Larsen.

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Japan doubles funds for cultural exchange with ASEAN in push to deepen ties

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DIRECTLY NAVIGATING GEOPOLITICAL WATER

As big energy competitions play out in the&nbsp, Indo Pacific, fostering better local relationships is particularly important, Kiya noted. &nbsp,

” ASEAN has managed numerous significant energy conflicts for years. And Japan has often supported ASEAN in maintaining harmony and promoting prosperity”, he added. &nbsp,

The ambassador cited Japan’s support for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific ( AOIP), which emphasizes importance as the guiding principle for promoting participation in the region. &nbsp,

Japan claims that the idea is in line with its own important rules for favoring peace and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. &nbsp,

” The AOIP ( takes ) the Indo-Pacific region from a place of rivalry to a place of dialogue and cooperation. Japan is fully supporting that effort, and I believe Japan can become instrumental in making that happen”, Kiya said. &nbsp,

He added that Japan maintains friendly diplomatic relations with important regional people, including US and ASEAN people. &nbsp,

Regarding China, Kiya claimed that Tokyo and Beijing have a “mutually beneficial relationship based on a shared strategic desire to work to promote constructive and stable (ties )”. &nbsp,

A rules-based global order is advantageous for all players in the Indo-Pacific area, including ASEAN and Japan, according to the minister. &nbsp,

The key is for all nations to uphold international law, and ( to ) persuade any countries to stop any activities that violate international law. Therefore, in that way, economic hobbies can benefit the entire place”, he said. &nbsp,

ECONOMIC Participation

As a trade-dependent country, some of Japan’s companies are greatly invested in and depend on China and the US. &nbsp,

US President Donald Trump, who took office a fortnight ago, has imposed a number of higher import taxes on the world’s largest economy, which had hurt Japan’s exports and hurt its now sluggish market. &nbsp,

Kiya claimed that Japan is monitoring developments and may take appropriate action, which would increase trade conflicts. &nbsp,

He added Japan is working on stronger cooperation with local markets, particularly in the areas of modernization, decarbonisation, and power protection. &nbsp,

The minister cited ASEAN’s Blue Economy Innovation initiative, launched last year in collaboration with Japan and the United Nations Development Programme, as one for key engagement. &nbsp,

The program aims to generate solutions in weather change issues, coastal plastics pollution, green fisheries, and eco-friendly tourism. &nbsp,

Last year, 60 victors of the site’s concern on innovative solutions to improve the violet business pitched their ideas to investors, including Japanese companies. They were selected from 1, 300 uses from across ASEAN and Timor-Leste.

” I’m very much hoping that those innovations will be fully supported by a large number of Japanese ( firms ) and the private sector so that their ideas addressing those issues will be expanded for the benefit of ASEAN, Japan, the region, and the world,” said Kiya. &nbsp,

He also cited the forthcoming World Expo 2025 as another chance for cooperation and contact between Japan and users of the bloc. &nbsp,

The occasion brings together partners to explore solutions to pressing global issues, taking place in Osaka, Japan’s second-largest urban area, from April to October. &nbsp,

ASEAN will have its own pavilion set up around the concept of” building bridges,” which will showcase the local grouping’s success stories and shared initiatives. &nbsp,

Some member states including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and Singapore have even set up their individual towers at the exhibition.

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Menopause hormone therapy: What to know about treatment for symptoms like hot flushes and dryness

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In order to improve your health and quality of life, Assoc Prof Rukshini advised seeing a dentist if you have “very bothersome” menopause symptoms.

She explained that reflex symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats are now the most convincing scientific evidence for menopausal symptoms. &nbsp, Some ladies, but not all, suffer from these for extended periods of time, and this can continue beyond the age of 60.

According to Assoc Prof Rukshini,” MHT in areas or tablets has been demonstrated statistically to reduce postmenopausal symptoms for as hot flushes and nighttime sweats.”

She added that prolonged periods of poor sleep and natural as well as mental and cognitive health may be impacted by night sweats, which may interfere with sleep.

She noted that MHT is typically believed to be healthy for most women who are 60 or older and who are menopausal in their first ten years.

” MHT is not recommended for people with a history of breast cancer and various oestrogen-dependent tumors”, said Assoc Prof Rukshini, who is also head of Family Medicine Service at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Oestrogen-dependent tumors are those that need testosterone to develop and grow, and include chest, ovarian and uterine cancer. &nbsp,

Before beginning remedy, it’s important to examine the advantages and risks of MHT with your physician. According to Assoc Prof Rukshini, physicians must provide their patients space and time to make informed decisions after providing them with all the needed information.

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Singapore names new Chief of Army

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SINGAPORE: Brigadier-General ( BG ) Cai Dexian will become Singapore’s new Chief of Army on Mar 21, the Ministry of Defence ( MINDEF ) announced on Tuesday ( Feb 25 ).

He takes over from Major-General ( MG) David Neo, who has served in the position for close to three years.

” This change is a part of the Singapore Armed Forces ( SAF ) continuing process of leadership renewal,” said MINDEF.

BG Cai, the present chief of 3rd Singapore Division, joined the military in 2003 and was awarded the SAF Overseas Scholarship.

The 40-year-old, who is an armour agent by profession, has held various positions with MINDEF and SAF, including chief of the 8th Singapore Armoured Brigade, captain of the 48th Battalion, head of the Joint Plans and Transformation Department, and chairman of officers plan.

According to MINDEF, “BG Cai led some work for the SAF to develop capabilities and power change, including the creation of the Digital and Intelligence Service and the SAF 2040 long-term plan.”

In addition, he was sent to Afghanistan in 2012 as part of SAF’s support of international restoration work.

MG Neo, the current Chief of Army, has been in charge since March 10, 2022.

” Under his leadership, the Singapore Army maintained a high level of operational preparation, expanded its range of capabilities, and enhanced its connectivity with government firms”, MINDEF noted.

The 47-year-old even led the Army 2040 conversion plan. He played important functions in the “operationalisation of new warfighting ideas, inter-service connectivity, acquisition of cutting-edge warfighting techniques, as well as labor growth, development and digitalisation initiatives”, said MINDEF.

Prior to his appointment, MG Neo, the second army officer to hold the position of military commander, oversaw the SAF’s efforts to the country’s COVID-19 campaign.

CNA has asked MINDEF about MG Neo’s upcoming strategies. &nbsp,

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Only Odette and National Kitchen remain as National Gallery Singapore refreshes its F&B offerings

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After nearly a century of operation using the current lease mix, the gallery responded to an email from CNA Lifestyle, saying:” National Gallery Singapore is embarking on a systematic refresh of our F&amp, B offerings to increase visitor experience and reinforce alignment with the museum’s mission.”

The Gallery’s” a top priority is to further improve the museum experience, enabling more visitors to spend more time at the Museum, by connecting their art experience with comparable refreshment and dining options, including cheap all-day dining and special Singaporean and Eastern heritage concepts,” it added.

While relocation plans are being considered, restaurant Daniele Sperindio is inaugurating the European shop Mazzini di Daniele Sperindio, which is scheduled to open in the second third of 2025. Sperindio stated that the Gemma product will be put on hold while I wait for the launch of the bakery brand and the reopening of Art dDS 2.0.

Shek Chi Yuen, Yan’s general administrator, stated:” Yan is looking into possible locations to resume and is receptive to getting in touch with landowners who would be interested in working with the restaurant.”

Smoke &amp, Mirrors said on Instagram:” This isn’t good – we didn’t wait to share what’s next. Keep tuned”. Chinese eatery Hachi reportedly plans to relocate to the new Keppel South Central firm center in July, while Courtyard Cafe will shut down.

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Is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra with its AI features worth it? What we liked and didn’t like

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Items IDIDN’T LIKE ABOUT THE SAMSUNG GALAXY 25 ULTRA

1. AUDIO ERASER WAS INCONSISTENT&nbsp,

No every AI feature on the phone performed properly. I enjoy watching concerts and taking a lot of images, so I wanted to like the Audio Eraser feature.

However, the Audio Eraser application did not work most of the time. When I used the device to edit the Apink music videos, it was unable to silence the screams of the market or even those who were present.

As such, I tried to use it at a small-scale musical achievement near my village. The Audio Eraser performed a little better in this situation, but it was unable to completely eliminate the background noises.

2. THE PHONE’S S PEN DOES NOT SUPPORT BLUETOOTH

I have an Air Action S24 Ultra that I frequently use, so I have no idea why the S Pen included with the S25 Ultra doesn’t help Bluetooth. S25 Ultra people are unable to use the S Pen to remotely control their cameras or make movements in the air to uncover specific features due to this.

Without Air Actions, the S25 Ultra’s S Pen is basically just a rod. &nbsp,

FINAL Views

Therefore, should you get the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra? Depend. If you own an S24 Ultra, you’re better off sticking with your existing telephone.

However, if you’re a person of an ancient Android phone and are curious about the Galaxy train’s camera capabilities, or even if you’re looking to purchase your first Samsung phone, the S25 Ultra will not disappoint.

The&nbsp, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is then available for purchase via Samsung’s established site and at other retail stores. Suggested retail prices for the&nbsp, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra stop at S$ 1, 828.

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Singapore’s smaller opposition parties stake early claim to wards ahead of general election

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The goal of opposition parties working together is typically to persuade people to support running a candidate in an election, so that all chairs are contested, according to SDA key Desmond Lim.

” It’s absolutely good to prevent three-cornered fights, but unfortunately we cannot prevent what other parties want to do”, he said. If our opponents believe they have a better opportunity, we must respect them.

Mr Zhu of SUP said his group doesn’t “want to go around and obviously move on another events ‘ lands”.

You need to consider whether or not that is justified or not if additional functions have spent time and effort walking the floor it.

Since there are “less voices at the tables,” he expressed hope that it would be simpler to prevent overlapping claims between parties this time around.

Goh, a PPP representative, acknowledged that opposition supporters opposed multi-cornered conflicts. But at the same moment, he views quite battles as a good depiction of&nbsp,” a progression of democracy”.

” Not all events have the same philosophy, perspective, views or passions”, he told CNA. ” It will be good for Singaporeans to… not ( think about ) voting anti-PAP or anti-opposition, but to think carefully ( about ) what each party and what each candidate represents”.

GATHERING THE Army

Asked about selection work, PAR’s Lim Tean said the alliance has” a large number of new prospects”.

Over at The Coalition, people have spoken about sharing tools, including in tackling individuals, said Mr Zhu, whose SUP has &nbsp, 20 people comprising experts and blue-collar employees.

This could lead to group people leaving their positions to form a new one, as was done in previous elections.

According to Mr. Philemon, the RDU shortlisted 20 prospective candidates in February of last year and has since been teaching them, confirming that his party may face faces in the upcoming election.

SDA’s Mr Lim however said his alliance now has around 1, 000 people.

” We keep a focused core group of over 30 engaged people throughout non-election times. But, when election time arrives, this number swells to at least 200 people likely to take leave and participate actively in battle work”.

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Fire at Kranji warehouse extinguished after 4 days

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SINGAPORE: A fire that broke out at a Kranji warehouse on Wednesday ( Feb 19 ) has been extinguished after four days, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said on Sunday. &nbsp,

The fire, which involved waste supplies, started on Wednesday morning at 11 Kranji Crescent, which is the home of Wah &amp, Hua’s recycling and waste management company.

By Wednesday evening, it had essentially been completely extinguished, but some persistent fires were still being treated with firefighting efforts. &nbsp,

In a Facebook post on Sunday, SCDF said it had worked “round-the-clock” over the past four days to soak the remaining pockets of flames in the spare stacks. &nbsp,

“SCDF is scaling down our assets. A fireplace engine and team will be at the property to see the region that was impacted by the fire as a precautionary measure, it said.

“SCDF will even hand the site over to the owner of the building as part of their recovery businesses.”

On Wednesday, dust from the incident could be seen from places such as Jurong East, Bukit Panjang, Woodlands and the Causeway.

More than seven fire vehicles and at least two paramedics were present at the picture when CNA arrived at the scene at 2.45pm. Less than an hour after, a second fireplace website made its way. &nbsp,

Some houses close to the warehouse’s inventory had to let employees leave. &nbsp, One man was taken to hospital for smoke inhalation and burn injury.
 

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