NONTHABURI, Thailand — Thailand’s “Death Fest” invites people to confront mortality while also offering practical services and spiritual advice for the inevitable.
The unusual fair, now in its second year, has broached the subject that’s uncomfortable for many. It’s also one of the central teachings of Buddhism, which shapes much of Thailand’s culture, about life’s unavoidable sufferings: birth, old age, sickness and death.
Sangduan Ngamvinijaroon attended the three-day event Friday with her mother in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok. She said death used to be a difficult subject for her family, but having spent more than 20 years caring for ill family members, including her husband with a stroke and relatives with cancer, she has witnessed several deaths firsthand and now feels more at ease talking about it.
She said she liked the fair because “it’s not just about dying well. It’s also about the present moment and taking good care of our lives while we’re still here.”
The event brought together experts and organizations involved in health care, financial planning, palliative care, funeral services and memorial innovations. Activities and talks focused not only on preparing for death but also on maintaining quality of life until the final days.
“Death involves everybody. It’s not just about you,” said Zcongklod Bangyikhan, editor-in-chief of The Cloud magazine and one of the event’s lead organizers. “Instead of wondering what dying will be like, maybe we should think about how to make things easier for the people who remain after we’re gone.”
One popular exhibit is called “Test Die.” Visitors can lie inside coffins of different sizes and styles while looking at themselves in a mirror suspended above. The experience is designed to prompt reflection rather than fear.
Office worker Phinutda Seehad said it felt calming.
“I don’t think I’m scared of death,” she said. “I also don’t want to die, but when the time comes, I don’t think it will be that frightening.”
One company displayed a biodegradable coffin made from mycelium — the rootlike fibers of fungi — which helps naturally with decomposition.
Founder Jirawan Kumsao said the design reflects a more environmentally friendly approach to burial. Although she brought a human-sized coffin to the event, her company mainly produces coffins for pets.
“It gives people comfort to know they’ve cared for their pets until the very end,” she said. “It looks like a spacecraft, a capsule, for sending them to another world.”
Noppasaward Panyajaray, founder of the online memorial platform Sharesouls, has seen a similar emotional bond. Her service allows users to store photos and share stories about loved ones, creating a digital space where friends and family can leave messages and pay their respects.
She said her original idea was for the platform to preserve memories of family members. But she was surprised to find that many users were creating memorial pages for their pets.
“Many people sent me a message to say thank you, because nowadays we don’t really have any space to store stories or memories about their pets,” she said. “Every pet is meaningful to their owners as much as a family member.”
The White House has given *** 4 to 6 week timeline, but President Donald Trump says the US is close to meeting his goals. The situation with Iran is moving along very rapidly. It’s Doing very well. The Pentagon says it’s achieving objectives ahead of schedule, which include taking out Iran’s missile, naval, and nuclear capacity. Now as of Thursday, the military struck 6000 targets and destroyed more than 90 boats, but Iran’s attacks on the oil industry could entangle the US for longer. On Thursday, Iran hit *** fuel depot in Bahrain and *** tanker in the Persian Gulf, but the uncertainty is driving up oil prices. worldwide and hitting American consumers at the pump. AAA reports the price of *** gallon of regular is up 360, 62 cents more than when this conflict started. Another factor complicating when the war will end is when America’s partner Israel is ready to stop fighting. We have formed an unprecedented alliance with the US. We are also operating in order to advance yet another goal to prepare the conditions. For the Iranian people so that they could remove the brutal regime, we’re hearing from Iran’s new leader for the first time who vowed in *** statement to keep attacking the US and its allies and also prevent oil from being shipped. President Trump weighing in this morning on social media about the Iranian regime, saying, quote, Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today, adding it’s *** great honor to kill them. In Washington, I’m Rachel Hirsheimer.
Iraqi officials say a helipad at the US Embassy in Baghdad was hit by a missile
A missile struck a helipad inside the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad, two Iraqi security officials said.Associated Press footage showed a column of smoke rising Saturday morning over the embassy compound.Video above: US Military: Four American service members killed after refueling aircraft crashed in western IraqThe sprawling embassy complex, one of the largest U.S. diplomatic facilities in the world, has been repeatedly targeted by rockets and drones fired by Iran-aligned militias.There was no immediate comment from the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. On Friday, the embassy renewed its Level 4 security alert for Iraq, warning that Iran and Iran-aligned militia groups have previously carried out attacks against U.S. citizens, interests and infrastructure, and “may continue to target them.”The sprawling embassy complex, one of the largest U.S. diplomatic facilities in the world, has been repeatedly targeted by rockets and drones in the past by Iran-aligned militias.
BAGHDAD, Baghdad Governorate —
A missile struck a helipad inside the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad, two Iraqi security officials said.
Associated Press footage showed a column of smoke rising Saturday morning over the embassy compound.
Video above: US Military: Four American service members killed after refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq
The sprawling embassy complex, one of the largest U.S. diplomatic facilities in the world, has been repeatedly targeted by rockets and drones fired by Iran-aligned militias.
There was no immediate comment from the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. On Friday, the embassy renewed its Level 4 security alert for Iraq, warning that Iran and Iran-aligned militia groups have previously carried out attacks against U.S. citizens, interests and infrastructure, and “may continue to target them.”
The sprawling embassy complex, one of the largest U.S. diplomatic facilities in the world, has been repeatedly targeted by rockets and drones in the past by Iran-aligned militias.
Kacey Musgraves has fans doing a double-take with one particular lyric in her new song “Dry Spell.”
The track, from her upcoming album Middle of Nowhere (due May 1), opens with a line that immediately raised some eyebrows — and a few confused questions online.
Musgraves sings that she’s “lonely with a capital H.” And yes, there’s a reason that phrase sounds a little strange at first.
What Does It Mean?
At first glance, the lyric doesn’t make much sense. After all, there’s no “H” in the word lonely.
But the line is actually a playful bit of wordplay. When Musgraves sings she’s “lonely with a capital H,” she’s hinting at the word horny — using the capital letter to emphasize the feeling behind the loneliness.
The full line from the opening verse makes the joke even clearer:
It’s been a real long three-hundred and thirty-five days / And the last time, it wasn’t good anyway / I’m so lonely, lonely with a capital ‘H’ / If you know what I mean, I’ve been sitting on the washing machine.
The cheeky “washing machine” line drives the point home: Musgraves is joking that after nearly a year without intimacy, she’s been left to handle things herself.
A Song That’s Honest — and a Little Self-Aware
Despite the humor, “Dry Spell” comes from a real place for the country superstar.
Musgraves told NPR that she wrote much of her upcoming album during the longest stretch of single life she’s had as an adult.
“I wrote the title down — ‘Dry Spell’ — because it was what I was going through,” she explained.
“I was taking stock of my relationships and what I wanted in my life, and really learning how to lean into being alone,” she said. “I started really loving my singledom.”
Still, as the song makes clear, independence doesn’t mean the desire for intimacy disappears.
“People are trying to convince you of how sexy they are,” she said. “And I’m telling you how I have not been getting any.”
12 Naughty Country Songs That Will Make You Blush
Country music is often known for wholesome themes of God, faith and family, but that doesn’t mean the genre doesn’t have a sexier side. These 12 country songs are so naughty that it’s almost hard to believe they made it on the radio.
The 2025 WPRA and PRCA World Champions made a historic trip to the nation’s capital Friday to meet with President Donald Trump.
The event was a way to recognize the world champions for their accomplishment during last December’s National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas and the National Finals Breakaway Roping in Fort Worth, Texas.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Kirtland Central and Gallup matched up on Friday night for the state title. It marked the 5th all time meeting in the championship between the Broncos and Bengals. Entering the night, Gallup had won all four matchups. By the end of the night, the Broncos came out with a 52-33 victory. “It’s […]
Pioneering grindcore outfit Napalm Death and legendary grunge/sludge metal act Melvins have unveiled a second track from their upcoming joint album.
The extended eight-track record, featuring new artwork, packaging, and two additional bonus tracks, is set for wide release on April 10 after initially appearing as a tour-exclusive during the bands’ prior run together.
The newly shared track, “Rip The God”, highlights the experimental edge of the collaboration. Speaking about the song, Shane Embury, bassist and vocalist for Napalm Death, explained: “The opening [Buzz Osborne] riff begins with that classic timing – a hiccup right at the end of the riff cycle making the riff extra special!
“Simple yet tricky to remember… it had my head spinning when I played the bass to it – Multiply that head spin with the guitar pedal noise static we all added – God was ripped and drunk on joyful noise…”
Savage Imperial Death March features eight tracks and will be released on CD, digital platforms, and four limited-edition vinyl variants. A stripped-down version of the album previously appeared as a hyper-limited vinyl/CD release during the bands’ 2025 tour, but this full edition includes new artwork by Mackie Osborne and two additional tracks, “Awful Handwriting” and “Comparison Is The Thief Of Joy.”
We’ve been watching this year’s stellar freshman class all season, measuring their impact on their respective teams. It’s never been more important than now, on the eve of the biggest stage in college basketball.
Last year, then-freshmen Sarah Strong (UConn), Joyce Edwards (South Carolina) and Mikayla Blakes (Vanderbilt) were among the 25 best women’s college basketball players in the NCAA tournament. This season, all three have continued to perform and are top-five in the nation, according to Cerebro Sports. Factoring in their statistical impact and consistent efficiency places them at the top, despite carrying heavy loads for their teams. That is the definition of major impact.
It was also difficult to keep the list to just 10 names. We examined usage rates, statistics and analytics, as well as team rankings and strength of schedule. We used Hudl Instat to isolate production versus top-25 teams and factored in the weight each player has carried for her team. The below list is our final ranking of the 2025-26 freshman class — with a few extra names who stood out.
Previous ranking: 1
Davidson ends the year where she started. The top-ranked recruit in the 2025 SC Next 100 led the Trojans in five major statistical categories: points (17.6 PPG), rebounds (5.7 RPG), assists 4.2 APG, steals (2) and blocks (2) while maintaining a positive assist-to-turnover ratio.
With JuJu Watkins out for the season, Davidson stepped in as the program’s catalyst, highlighted by a 32-point game against Ohio State on Feb. 22 in which she shot 11-of-22 from the floor, including 6-of-9 from beyond the arc, with six rebounds and four assists. As a result, she was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year, and to the All-Big Ten first team.
The next step for Davidson is to improve on her shooting efficiency (27.9% from 3, 39% from the field), as she continues to increase her impact with Watkins set to return next year, and 2026 No. 1 Saniyah Hall joining the fold.
Previous ranking: 2
Chavez was key for a program that spent much of the season ranked in the top 10. Everyone will remember her performance against South Carolina in early January, when she scored 15 of her 26 points in overtime to secure the win, and also tallied eight assists.
Overall, Chavez averaged 18.4 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists on a 27.6% usage rate this season, good enough for All-SEC second-team inclusion — and for her to win ESPN’s vote for SEC Freshman of the Year. She was scarily accurate from the free throw line (93.9%) and shot 31.6% from 3 and 37.7% from the field.
She showed signs of better shot selection as the season progressed, an integral part of her development. But it has always been clear: When Chavez is on fire, no shot is a bad shot.
Previous ranking: 6
Galvan was a major two-way punch for a team that went eighth in the SEC last season to second place this campaign. She’s the SEC Freshman of the Year after averaging 13.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists, with a 2.2 assist-to-turnover ratio.
Her presence created space for superstar sophomore Mikayla Blakes to operate without the ball in her hands, drawing attention from defenses and creating opportunities for Galvan and sharpshooting senior Justine Pissott — who also had the best season of her career.
There are several elements to evaluating point guards, but making others better and running the team are two heavily weighted criteria. Galvan delivered masterfully in both areas.
Previous ranking: Not ranked
After missing time early in the season with injury, Davis delivered major production upon her return. She and junior guard S’Mya Nichols served as the foundation of the Jayhawks’ attack, with Davis logging a 31.5% usage rate and 19.9 points and 6.5 rebounds per game to go along with 76.6% free throw shooting.
Named Big 12 Freshman of the Year and to the All-Big 12 first team, Davis’ high-energy style and ability to finish around the rim, combined with her ability to get on the offensive glass, made her a priority on scouting reports during conference play. She looks to be one of the formidable forwards returning to college basketball next season.
Previous ranking: 3
The Big East Freshman of the Year and second-team All-Big East, Quiñonez averaged a solid 10.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 2.1 steals for the No. 1 Huskies. But those numbers don’t tell the entire story.
She can be inserted into the lineup when they go big with Serah Williams at center and Strong at small forward, or she can play inside when UConn goes with a smaller lineup. Her efficient shooting (39% from 3, 54.4% from the field) supports UConn’s attack no matter where she is on the floor. Quiñonez always gets them extra possessions on the glass or by snatching timely steals. She would be highly productive anywhere in the country, but she’s the elite role player who could help UConn win back-to-back championships.
Previous ranking: Not ranked
The New Zealand native’s journey has been different than that of the other freshmen on this list. She arrived at Gonzaga for a semester during the 2023-24 season — a common route for players from Australia or New Zealand — then redshirted in 2024-25 because of a knee injury that delayed her Bulldogs debut. Now that she has finally seen the floor, she has turned in a phenomenal freshman season. She was named the WCC Player of the Year after averaging 19.3 points and 10.2 rebounds on 80.6% free throw shooting, 36.6% 3-point shooting and 55.8% shooting from the field.
She has proved herself as a strong-bodied post who can stretch the floor, put the ball on the deck with either hand and be patient with footwork and a myriad of counter moves. She does a good job of finding holes in the zone defenses and averages nearly four offensive rebounds per game. With a 32.4% usage rate, she looks to be a foundational player for the Zags.
Previous ranking: Not ranked
Parchment started all 32 games for Illinois this season, averaging 13.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.8 steals and shooting 79.8% from the free throw line, 40.2% from 3 and 50.2% from the field. That included high scoring outings against Nebraska (25 points), UCLA (26) and Washington (23) — and arguably her best performance of the year, a 20-point, 12-rebound double-double against Iowa. As a result, Parchment was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman team and got an All-Big Ten honorable mention.
With a 22.2% usage rate, Parchment has been a vital and versatile player in the Illini attack. Her shooting efficiencies are excellent, and with fellow classmate Destiny Jackson and sophomore Berry Wallace, Illinois seems ready to take things to the next level next season.
Previous ranking: 10
Simply stated, Francis was Mississippi State’s most productive player. She led the Bulldogs in scoring (13.2 points) and blocks (2.8) and finished second on the team in rebounds (7.4), all while shooting 45.8% from the field and 70.4% at the free throw line. It was enough to be named to the SEC All-Defensive team and SEC All-Freshman team. Being a catalyst for production as a freshman in the toughest conference in the country is no small task. But Francis more than proved she was up to the task, including a particularly outstanding game versus Tennessee (22 points, 13 rebounds). Players like Francis tend to make huge leaps in Year 2, which the Bulldogs will bank on heavily.
Previous ranking: 5
Brenda Frese demands a lot from her players, but Mack stepped right up when she was needed, becoming Maryland’s primary point guard several games into the season because of various injuries. She has been rewarded for her performances by being named to the Big Ten All-Freshman team.
Mack started 24 games and played just under 27 minutes per game, averaging 10.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists. That kind of steady reliability for a top-20 team is notable for the future.
Previous ranking: Not ranked
Being a reliable role player on a marquee program with stars like Flau’jae Johnson, Mikaylah Williams and MiLaysia Fulwiley is far more valuable than realized. A natural wing, ZaKiyah Johnson was asked to play forward for much of the season, and delivered with 9.9 points and 5.8 rebounds per game on 59.1% shooting from the field, getting named to the SEC All-Freshman team in the process.
She defends, rebounds, runs the floor and takes the right shots, playing off of the electric playmaking of the Tigers’ core stars. LSU is playing its best basketball heading into the NCAA tournament and could even flirt with a Final Four run. If that happens, Johnson will be a big reason why.
Previous ranking: Not ranked
Pauldo was one of the steadier members for an up-and-down Tennessee team, the centerpiece of the Vols’ freshman class at point guard. After averaging 10.6 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists and shooting 85.5% from the free throw line and 29.9% from 3, she was named to the SEC All-Freshman team.
She made the most of her 23 minutes per game and brought a much-needed consistency. Tennessee needs a little momentum to galvanize this group in the NCAA tournament, and Pauldo could provide just that.
