wolfy casino askgamblers

high limit casino slot wins GLEN ALLEN, Va. , Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company (NYSE: HBB) (the Company) today announced that the Board of Directors declared a regular cash dividend of $0.115 per share. The dividend is payable on both the Class A and Class B Common Stock and will be paid December 13, 2024 , to stockholders of record at the close of business on December 2, 2024 . About Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company is a leading designer, marketer, and distributor of a wide range of branded small electric household and specialty housewares appliances, as well as commercial products for restaurants, fast food chains, bars, and hotels. The Company's owned consumer brands include Hamilton Beach ® , Proctor Silex ® , Hamilton Beach Professional ® , Weston ® , and TrueAir ® . The Company's owned commercial brands include Hamilton Beach Commercial ® and Proctor Silex Commercial ® . The Company licenses the brands for Wolf Gourmet ® countertop appliances, CHI ® premium garment care products, CloroxTM True HEPA air purifiers, and Brita HubTM countertop electric water filtration appliances. The Company has exclusive multiyear agreements to design, sell, market, and distribute Bartesian ® cocktail makers and Numilk ® plant-based milk makers. The Company's Hamilton Beach Health subsidiary is focused on expanding the Company's participation in the home health market. In February 2024 , Hamilton Beach Health acquired HealthBeacon, a medical technology firm that specializes in developing connected devices. For more information about Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company, visit www.hamiltonbeachbrands.com . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hamilton-beach-brands-holding-company-declares-quarterly-dividend-302313651.html SOURCE Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company

New York City mayor meets with Trump's 'border czar' to discuss how to go after 'violent' criminals

Google-parent Alphabet hits record high after Trump taps Andrew Ferguson as FTC chairWill New Jersey Ever Get Its First In-N-Out Burger?Tisdale Curling Club recieves boost in funding

President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday vowed to name a new prime minister in the coming days to prevent France from sliding deeper into political turmoil, rejecting growing pressure from the opposition to resign. Macron adopted a defiant tone in an address to the nation, seeking to limit an escalating political crisis after Prime Minister Michel Barnier's government was ousted in a historic no-confidence vote. Contemporary France's shortest-serving premier, Barnier resigned after Wednesday's parliamentary defeat in a standoff over the budget forced his government to step down, the first such toppling of a French administration in over 60 years. Macron now faces the task for the third time this year of selecting a new prime minister and did not come up with a name in his address. "I will appoint a prime minister in the coming days," he said, adding this person would be charged with forming a "government of general interest" with a priority of passing a budget. He also lashed out at the French far right and hard left for uniting in an "anti-republican front" to bring down the government. He said lawmakers had "knowingly" chosen "to topple the budget and the government just days before the Christmas holidays." The French presidency said earlier that Barnier and his ministers would remain "in charge of daily business until the appointment of a new government". Limiting any impression of political chaos is all the more important for Macron given that on Saturday he will host world leaders -- including US President-elect Donald Trump -- for the reopening of the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris after a devastating 2019 fire. Pointing to how the edifice was rebuilt within the five-year timeline he had set, Macron said: "It's the proof we're able to do great things, that we can do the impossible." In an unusual move, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, France's top diplomat for just two-and-a-half months, urged unity in a message on social media, saying "instability is vulnerability" at a time of international uncertainty. A majority of lawmakers on Wednesday supported the no-confidence vote proposed by the hard left and backed by the far right headed by Marine Le Pen. Barnier's ejection in record time came after snap parliamentary elections in June resulted in a hung parliament. No political force was able to form an overall majority and the far right held the key to the government's survival. The trigger for Barnier's ouster was his 2025 budget plan, including austerity measures unacceptable to a majority in parliament, but which he argued were necessary to stabilise France's finances. More from this section On Monday he forced through a social security financing bill without a vote, but the ousting of the government means France is still without a budget. New legislative elections cannot be called until a year after the previous ones in summer 2024. But while Macron has more than two years of his presidential term left, some opponents are calling on him to resign to break the deadlock. According to a poll by Odoxa-Backbone Consulting for Le Figaro daily, 59 percent of French want the president to step down, while a survey by Harris for RTL put the figure even higher, at 64 percent. Bur Macron said: "The mandate that you gave to me democratically (in 2022 elections) is a five-year mandate and I will exercise it fully, right up to the end." "The 30 months we have ahead of us must be 30 months of useful action for the country." But he admitted his decision to call snap parliamentary elections this summer that resulted in a hung parliament "was not understood". "Many have blamed me for it and I know, many continue to blame me. It's a fact and it's my responsibility," he said. Hard-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon said that Macron was the "cause of the problem" in France "and would go due to the force of events" before his term ends. Barnier is Macron's fifth prime minister since coming to power in 2017. Each successive premier has served for a shorter period and, given the composition of the National Assembly, there is no guarantee that Barnier's successor would last any longer. Loyalist Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu and Macron's centrist ally Francois Bayrou have been touted as possible contenders, as has former Socialist premier and interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve. Bayrou, who leads the MoDem party, had lunch with the president at the Elysee, a source close to him told AFP. sjw/ah/gvThe leadership group of the Canadian national development team at the 2024 Women's Euro Hockey Tour, from left to right: Anne Cherkowski, Emmalee Pais, Jocelyn Amos and Jenna Buglioni.NYT Strands today — hints, spangram and answers for game #296 (Tuesday, December 24 2024)

US Senate chaplain Barry Black hospitalized after brain bleed

Syrians poured into streets in celebration on Sunday after a stunning rebel advance reached the capital, ending the Assad family’s 50 years of iron rule . Russian state news agencies were reporting that President Bashar Assad and his family had arrived in Moscow and were given asylum. Russia said Assad left the country after negotiations with rebel groups and that he had given instructions to transfer power peacefully. Joyful crowds gathered in central squares in Damascus, waving the Syrian revolutionary flag. Others ransacked the presidential palace and residence. Abu Mohammed al-Golani , a former al-Qaida commander who cut ties with the group years ago leads the biggest rebel faction in Syria and is poised to chart the country’s future. He made his first public appearance since fighters entered the Damascus suburbs Saturday, at the capital’s sprawling Umayyad Mosque, and called himself by his given name, Ahmad al-Sharaa. He said Assad’s fall was “a victory to the Islamic nation.” The rapidly developing events have shaken the region. Lebanon said it was closing all its land border crossings with Syria except for one that links Beirut with Damascus. Jordan closed a border crossing with Syria, too. Israel has issued warnings to villages in southern Syria and its forces seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights. Here's the Latest: Russian state news agencies reported that ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad has arrived in Moscow with his family and been given asylum. The agencies, Tass and RIA, cited an unidentified Kremlin source. The Associated Press was not immediately able to verify the reports but had contacted the Kremlin for comment. CAIRO — The Arab League on Sunday condemned Israel for taking advantage of Syrian President Bashar Assad's downfall by moving into more Syrian territory. Hours after Assad’s overthrow, Israel announced it had seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights that was established by a cease-fire agreement with Syria in 1974. In a statement, the Arab League said Israel illegally sought to occupy more territories. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the 50-year-old agreement regarding Syrian territory had collapsed and that Syrian troops had abandoned their positions, necessitating Israel taking over as a “temporary defensive position.” UNITED NATIONS — The United Nations secretary-general is marking the “fall of the dictatorial regime” in Syria and says the future of the country is “is a matter for the Syrians to determine.” A statement by Antonio Guterres also called for calm and the protection of the rights of all Syrians as well as of diplomatic and consular facilities in Syria. He said there is much work ahead to ensure an “orderly political transition to renewed institutions,” and he called on the international community to ensure that “any political transition is inclusive and comprehensive and that it meets the legitimate aspirations of the people of Syria, in all their diversity.” KYIV, Ukraine - Ukraine’s top diplomat on Sunday responded to Assad’s ouster by describing him as a “dictator” who relied on Russia to prop up his rule - a reference to the military campaign Moscow has waged in Syria since September 2015, teaming up with Iran to allow Assad’s government to fight armed opposition groups and reclaim control over most of the country. "Assad has fallen. This has always been and will be the case with all dictators who bet on Putin. He always betrays those who rely on him,” foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said in a post on X. In a separate update on the social network, Sybiha said Kyiv was ready to take steps towards restoring relations with Syria, severed months into Russia’s full-scale invasion of the neighboring state. Kyiv broke off diplomatic ties after Damascus in June 2022 recognized Kremlin-occupied parts of eastern Ukraine as independent territories, in a move welcomed by Moscow and decried by the West as a clear violation of Ukrainian sovereignty. JERUSALEM — The Israeli military has issued a warning to residents of five villages and towns in southern Syria to stay inside their homes for their safety. “The fighting in your area is forcing the IDF to act,” the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesman said on X. The military didn’t respond to questions. Earlier, Israel said its troops had seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights established in 1974, saying it was to protect Israeli residents after Syrian troops abandoned their positions. Defense Minister Israel Katz said on X that the IDF has been instructed to “seize the buffer zone and control points to ensure the protection of all Israeli communities in the Golan Heights – Jewish and Druze – so that they are not exposed to threats from the other side.” Israel captured the Golan in the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed it. The international community, except for the United States, views it as occupied. BEIRUT - The leader of the largest insurgent group in Syria visited the Syrian capital’s sprawling Umayyad Mosque and declared that the victory against President Bashar Assad “is a victory to the Islamic nation.” Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, made his first public appearance and remarks since fighters entered Damascus. He told hundreds of people at the historic mosque that Assad had made Syria “a farm for Iran’s greed.” He added that Assad made Syria a base for the illegal amphetamine Captagon that brought cash to Assad’s circles. Al-Sharaa, the leader of the jihadi Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, said Sunday that the victory was achieved because of “God and the blood of martyrs.” He said that he left Syria 20 years ago and since then his heart has longed for this movement. LONDON — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the end of Assad’s rule as he called for peace and the protection of civilians. “The Syrian people have suffered under Assad’s barbaric regime for too long and we welcome his departure,” Starmer said. He said the U.K. was focused on a political solution to restore peace and stability. “We call on all sides to protect civilians and minorities and ensure essential aid can reach the most vulnerable in the coming hours and days,” he said. AMMAN, Jordan — The vast majority of the Jordanian people are welcoming the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and the success of the Syrian revolution. “There is no doubt that I felt overwhelming joy at the fall of the Assad regime," said Badi Al-Rafaia, Engineer, union activist and member of the Islamic Action Front. "There is no doubt that we are happy with what happened in Syria, happy with the success of the revolution, happy with the Syrian people getting rid of an oppressor and criminal who treated the Syrian people and made the Syrian state a failed state.” Al-Rafaia said that Jordan is benefiting from what happened in Syria, and "we hope that Jordan will help the revolution succeed and not work against it.” Amman resident Muhab al-Majali said the fall of the Assad regime is “The end of every unjust and tyrannical rule, and more than that, it mortgaged the country and its people to the Iranians, who abandoned it in minutes... I believe that the future is beautiful and prosperous for the Syrians.” BERLIN — The International Committee of the Red Cross is calling for safe humanitarian access and protection of civilians in Syria after the fall of Bashir Assad’s government. “Our teams in Syria, including in Damascus, have been closely monitoring the fast-evolving security and humanitarian situation in coordination with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent,” the ICRC’s head of delegation in Syria, Stephan Sakalian, said in a written statement Sunday. The ICRC is “responding wherever possible, with further efforts underway, as hundreds of thousands of people need care and humanitarian assistance,” he said. Sakalian called “on all parties to urgently enable safe and unhindered access for medical and humanitarian workers to reach those in need, to protect civilians, and to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law.” BAGHDAD — The Iraqi government said in a statement Sunday that it “supports all international and regional efforts seeking to open a dialogue” for Syria “leading to the adoption of a pluralistic constitution that preserves the human and civil rights of Syrians, and supports cultural, ethnic and religious diversity.” The statement from government spokesperson Bassem al-Awadi, said that Iraq understands “the necessity of respecting the free will of all Syrians, and stresses that the security of Syria, the unity of its territories, and the preservation of its independence are of utmost importance, not only for Iraq but also for its connection to the security and stability of the region.” It cautioned against “interfering in Syria’s internal affairs, or supporting one party for the benefit of another.” Iraq, which has a close relationship with Iran - once a strong ally of former Syrian President Bashar Assad - has taken in some 2,000 Syrian army soldiers who fled the country amid the advance of armed opposition groups. CAIRO — The head of Yemen’s internationally recognized government welcomed the fall of the government of President Bashar Assad of Syria. “It’s a historic moment,” Rashad al-Alimi, who chairs the ruling presidential council, wrote on X platform of Assad’s downfall. “It’s time for the Iranian regime to stop meddling in Yemen, respect its sovereignty and identity.” Al-Alimi, who is backed by Saudi Arabia, was referring to Iran’s support of Houthi rebels who are at war with Yemen’s internationally recognized government for a decade. DAMASCUS — Families wandered through the high-ceilinged halls of the presidential palace in Damascus on Sunday, along with some armed men. Some paused to take family portraits or selfies on the few remaining couches against the backdrop of mosaiced walls, while others walked out with chairs and other items under their arms. On the massive parking lot out front, cars drove in circles honking ecstatically. In central Damascus’ Umayyad Square, drivers passing by also honked jubilantly, while young men piled onto a tank abandoned in the square. But for some the celebration was bittersweet. “I am very happy, but this happiness will not be completed until I can see my son out of the prison and know where is he is,” said Damascus resident Bassam Masr. “I have been searching for him for two hours - he has been detained for 13 years.” TEHRAN, Iran — Iran says the Syrian people should decide their country’s future “without destructive, coercive foreign intervention.” The Foreign Ministry statement issued Sunday marked Iran’s first official reaction to the overthrow of President Bashar Assad, who it had strongly backed through nearly 14 years of civil war. Assad’s government was a close ally of Iran that served as a crucial conduit between it and Lebanon’s Hezbollah. The rebels who toppled Assad view Iran as a hostile foreign influence, and the abandoned Iranian Embassy in Damascus was ransacked as they entered the city. The Foreign Ministry statement said Iran supports Syria’s unity and national sovereignty, and hopes to see “the end of military conflicts, the prevention of terrorist activities and the start of a national dialogue” with the participation of all groups. “It is expected that the wise and farsighted relations of the two nations will continue based on mutual ties and interests,” the statement said. TEL AVIV, Israel – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israeli forces have seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights established by a 1974 ceasefire agreement with Syria. He spoke from an overlook near the border between Syria and the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, after Syrian rebels tore through the country and dramatically ended Assad’s rule on Sunday morning. Netanyahu said the 50-year-old agreement had collapsed and that Syrian troops had abandoned their positions, necessitating the Israeli takeover as a “temporary defensive position.” Israel captured the Golan Heights in the 1967 Mideast war and annexed it. The international community, except for the United States, views it as occupied Syrian territory. Satellite images analyzed by the Associated Press show that as early as September, Israel began construction of what could possibly be a new road right along the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from Syria . The United Nations confirmed that Israeli troops entered the demilitarized zone during the work. The United Nations maintains a peacekeeping force in the demilitarized zone called the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, or UNDOF, with around 1,100 peacekeepers from Fiji, India, Kazakhstan, Nepal, and Uruguay. After the 1973 Mideast war, the U.N. Secretary Council voted to create UNDOF to patrol a roughly 400 square kilometer (155 square mile) demilitarized zone and maintain the peace there. MASNAA, Lebanon — At Lebanon’s Masnaa crossing into Syria, the mood was festive Sunday with some local Lebanese residents handing out congratulatory sweets to Syrians lined up to return to their country. Sami Abdel-Latif, a refugee from Hama who was heading to Syria to join his wife and four children, said while the future in Syria is still uncertain, “anything is better than Bashar.” He said he expected some chaos initially but that eventually the situation would settle down. “Look at Aleppo now,” he said, referring to the first major city taken over by opposition forces more than a week ago, where life has continued more or less as normal. Abdel-Latif, a construction worker, said he is also hoping that there will now be plentiful work in Syria to rebuild. Malak Matar, who was preparing to return to Damascus, said, “This is a feeling we’ve been waiting 14 years for. “You feel yourself psychologically free - you can express yourself,” he said. “The country is free and the barriers have been broken down.” Now, he said, “Syrians have to create a state that is well-organized and take care of their country. It’s a new phase.” DAMASCUS, Syria — An Associated Press journalist in Damascus reported airstrikes in the area of the Mezzeh military airport, southwest of the capital Sunday. The airport has previously been targeted in Israeli airstrikes, but it was not immediately clear who launched Sunday's strike. The Israeli military refused to comment on the airport strike. Israel often does not publicly claim responsibility for attacks in Syria. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor, reported that Israeli warplanes also targeted warehouses belonging to the Syrian army’s Fourth Division and another former military site outside of Damascus Sunday. On Saturday and Sunday, the Israeli military sent additional troops to the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights to bolster Israel’s presence along the border between Israel and Syria. Agricultural areas along the border were declared closed military zones and some schools shifted to online classes in anticipation of unrest. MOSCOW — Russia’s Foreign Ministry claimed Sunday that Bashar Assad had left Syria after negotiations with rebel groups, and gave “instructions” to “transfer power peacefully.” In a post on the Telegram messaging app on Sunday, the ministry said Moscow had not directly participated in these talks. It also said it has been following the “dramatic events” in Syria “with extreme concern." It also said Russian troops stationed in Syria have been put on high alert and that as of early afternoon Sunday, there was “no serious threat” to the security of Russia’s military bases there. Russia has waged a military campaign in Syria since September 2015, teaming up with Iran to allow Assad’s government to fight armed opposition groups and reclaim control over most of the country. While Russia now concentrates the bulk of its military resources in Ukraine, it has maintained a military foothold in Syria and keeps troops at its bases there.

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. stock rises Friday, outperforms marketNetflix 'totally ready' for XMas NFL games, WWE

President-elect Trump wants to again rename North America’s tallest peakStorm dumps record rain and heavy snow on Northern California. Many in Seattle still without power

wolfy casino login

lion casino bonus codes In a significant development in the ongoing conflict in Syria, the issue of cooperation with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Alliance and the potential removal of terrorist designation for certain groups has sparked intense debate globally. The United States, as a key player in the region, has recently voiced its stance on these matters, raising important questions about the future of the conflict and the fight against terrorism in the region.

Vought picked for repeat performance at Trump’s budget officeWhile Eric Trump's views on the future of banking may be seen as controversial by some, his advocacy for embracing blockchain technology and digital assets reflects a broader trend towards increased adoption of cryptocurrencies in the mainstream financial sector. As digital currencies continue to gain traction as legitimate forms of payment and investment, policymakers and industry leaders face the challenge of adapting regulatory frameworks to promote innovation and responsible growth.Real Madrid and Atalanta meet once again after 4 months, with Real Madrid looking to maintain their perfect record against the Italian side.ORONO — Even the presence of a Pro Football Hall of Famer couldn’t spark the University of Maine football team Saturday afternoon against rival UNH. Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss was at Alfond Stadium on Saturday, as his son Montigo Moss was honored with the rest of Maine’s seniors prior to kickoff. On a cold, windy and rainy afternoon, UNH earned its third straight win in this rivalry, 27-9. The Black Bears finish the season 5-7. The improvement made by the Black Bears this season was obvious. Coming off back-to-back season in which they went 2-9, Maine won five games, including victories over Albany and Villanova when each were nationally ranked. Newcomer Carter Peevy, a graduate transfer, had a strong season, showing himself to be a quarterback who makes good decisions when he throws the ball, and one who can gain needed yards with his legs. Moss had the best season of his career. Defensively, Xavier Holmes was a disrupter on the defensive line. Linebacker Christian Thomas improved as the season wore on. Aside from a strong first quarter Saturday afternoon, all that improvement was nowhere to be found. In the first quarter, Moss made a one-handed touchdown catch, getting a foot inbounds in the back of the end zone for the kind of catch that makes his father gush on ESPN. Earlier, Peevy broke off a 29-yard run when the entire UNH defense bit on a fake handoff, setting up the 39-yard field goal by Joey Bryson that gave Maine a 3-0 lead. Maine led 9-0 after a quarter, and it looked like the Black Bears had the formula to fend off their biggest rival and reclaim the Brice-Cowell musket, the trophy awarded annually to the winner of this game. Instead, the musket is going back to the south side of the Picataqua River. The problem, as it often was this season, was consistency. Whatever the Black Bears had working in the first quarter couldn’t be sustained. When asked what needs to happen for Maine to take the next step in improvement, Coach Jordan Stevens was clear. It’s that consistency. “Staying consistent throughout those competitive games. I look back at the Rhode Island game (a 24-14 loss). I look back at the Elon game (a 31-25 loss). And then today. We’re in a position to win and continue to stay competitive,” Stevens said. “In those tight games, of course it’s going to be back and forth, but building that consistent belief, no matter up or down, we continue to play, and we’ll be in the position we want to be in the the end.” With a 9-0 lead in the second quarter, Maine blocked a 49-yard field goal attempt, and took over on the 50 with a chance to increase the lead. The Black Bears went three and out. The Wildcats got the ball back at their own 19, and mounted a 13-play, 81-yard touchdown drive, scoring with 11 seconds left in the quarter and taking all of Maine’s momentum and stuffing in its own pocket for use in the second half. In the first half, Maine held the Wildcats to 16 yards rushing on 18 carries. Exceptional work. But on UNH’s first play of the third quarter, Caleb Mead broke free for a 57-yard touchdown run, giving the Wildcats the lead for good and snapping Maine’s defensive effort like a broken shoelace. Mead just moved from cornerback to running back last week as UNH battles injuries in the offensive backfield. In the second half Saturday afternoon, when he ran for 97 of his game-high 113 yards, Mead looked like a savvy veteran instead of a senior making a late career position change. “That’s how you win. They were able to run the ball and control a lead in the second half,” Stevens said in his postgame press conference, and you got the feeling he’d already said as much to his team. A running game that was Maine’s offensive strength in the first half of the season went flat down the stretch. As a team, Maine ran for at least 112 yards in six of the first seven games. The Black Bears gained more than 100 yards just twice in the last five games, finishing below 60 yards rushing in each of the other three. Against UNH on Saturday, Maine ran for a season-low 30 yards. It’s no surprise that was reflected in UNH’s massive advantage in time of possession. The Wildcats controlled the ball twice as long as the Black Bears, 39:11 to 20:43. “I got here in January, and we’ve made tremendous strides since I got here. Obviously, we’ve got a lot to improve on,” Peevy said. After the game, UNH Coach Rick Santos said something that many opposing coaches said throughout the season. Maine is a tough place to play. It’s not easy to get to Orono. The weather can be a factor, as it was Saturday afternoon. For many years, the University of Maine’s location has been seen as a negative in recruiting. It’s so far from the population centers. When you step off campus, social opportunities are, to put in kindly, limited. To take the next step, Stevens and his assistants need to turn that into a positive. Remind recruits that opponents do not enjoy coming here. Remind them Orono is a place where they can focus on academics and football. Remind them of the ongoing improvements being made to the school’s athletic facilities, including upcoming renovations to Alfond Stadium. Five wins is an improvement. It’s up to Stevens now to ensure that’s a starting point, not a plateau. We invite you to add your comments. We encourage a thoughtful exchange of ideas and information on this website. By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use . More information is found on our FAQs . You can modify your screen name here . Comments are managed by our staff during regular business hours Monday through Friday as well as limited hours on Saturday and Sunday. Comments held for moderation outside of those hours may take longer to approve. Please sign into your Sun Journal account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe . Questions? Please see our FAQs . Your commenting screen name has been updated. Send questions/comments to the editors. « Previous

AliExpress Holds Nearly a Hundred Investment Promotion Conferences in Zhejiang, Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Other RegionsThe Christian's Approach To Morality And The 2024 Election - Drew Alan Hall 12-27-2024 09:44 PM CET | Associations & Organizations Press release from: ABNewswire The first battle in our country's morality war must start with us. That can be hard because if you are like me, you have screwed up royally in the past. Drew Alan Hall describes his father as his best friend, though they sometimes disagree on specific subjects. One such subject is politics. While neither Hall nor his father considers themselves far right or far left, they occupy different sides of the aisle regarding presidential candidates. Recent elections have sparked heated conversations between them, often centered not on tax strategy or foreign policy but on morality - specifically, the morality of individuals and their politics. Election years tend to bring moral issues to the forefront of public discourse, addressing topics ranging from gender identification to abortion and beyond. These issues emerge in debates between candidates and conversations among individuals, often spilling over into social media. During one such discussion with his father, Hall observed that many people look to political figures and parties as society's moral compass. The distinction between the morality of policies and the morality of candidates often becomes blurred. Hall believes followers of Jesus should take time to pray and reflect on how they approach their beliefs about morality and political choices before casting their votes. The desire for leaders to embody strength and integrity is not unique to America. The Bible illustrates this struggle when God's people asked for a king. Saul, who looked the part, was flawed internally, while David, a man after God's heart, made significant moral missteps. These two leaders, despite their outward differences, both faced moments of moral failure. Hall notes that while society often demands its leaders exemplify morality and integrity, individuals may not hold themselves to the same standards. The first step in addressing the nation's morality issues must begin with individuals. Acknowledging personal mistakes can be challenging, and past failures may lead some to feel unworthy of being used by God. Hall suggests that such thinking can cause people to expect their leaders to achieve what they themselves cannot. Conversations about morality and leaders' actions often overlook personal accountability. To see a shift in national morality aligned with God, Hall emphasizes that individuals must first address their own lives. This personal transformation does not necessarily require running for office but does demand active participation in the mission of making disciples and sharing the good news of Jesus. Hall draws parallels to the life of Peter, who, after denying Jesus, initially returned to his old life as a fisherman. However, an encounter with the risen Messiah helped Peter move past his guilt and step into God's work, ultimately playing a pivotal role in the establishment of the church. Hall highlights that while Peter did not pursue political office, his personal transformation led to world-changing impact. As the election approaches, Hall encourages individuals to seek a transformative conversation with Jesus. Such a conversation can lead to the realization of God's plan for their lives, replacing guilt and shame with grace and forgiveness. Hall believes this shift - aligning actions with beliefs - can gradually influence the nation's morality. For Christians navigating the election season, Hall offers three steps. First, engage in an honest conversation with Jesus to assess whether personal actions align with beliefs. Second, pray for guidance to discern the candidate to support and determine how to do so in a way that honors Christ. Third, remember that a follower of Jesus finds identity in His life, death, and resurrection - not in any political candidate or party. Regardless of who wins the presidency, Jesus remains King. About "How To Keep it Real" by Drew Alan Hall Has regret over past denial of God kept you from the purpose he has for your life? The good news is God does not want you to stay sidelined by past mistakes. By comparing the story of Peter's denial to my own, this book shows how one tough conversation with Jesus could be the thing that moves you forward to radically living for him. In this book, readers will be introduced to three things. * Possible reasons for denial of God through our words and actions * What a life following Jesus looks like * How to step into God's purpose for your life through an encounter with Jesus Get a Free Copy of this Book on Amazon From December 23 to December 27th. Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DR2QCB86 Kharis Website: https://kharispublishing.com/kp/product/how-to-keep-it-real/ About Kharis Publishing At Kharis Publishing, we believe every writer deserves a chance to share their story with the world. If you've faced rejection after rejection, you're not alone-many great authors have been in your shoes. Video: https://www.youtube.com/embed/dwOjhlcwmt0 Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/embed/dwOjhlcwmt0 Media Contact Company Name: Kharis Media LLC Contact Person: Rufus Philip Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=the-christians-approach-to-morality-and-the-2024-election-drew-alan-hall ] Phone: (630) 423-6309 City: Aurora, Chicago State: IL Country: United States Website: https://kharispublishing.com/kp/product/how-to-keep-it-real/ This release was published on openPR.Tens of thousands of Spaniards marched in downtown Barcelona on Saturday to protest the skyrocketing cost of renting an apartment in the popular tourist destination. Protesters cut off traffic on main avenues in the city center, holding up homemade signs in Spanish reading “Fewer apartments for investing and more homes for living" and “The people without homes uphold their rights.” The lack of affordable housing has become one of the leading concerns for the southern European Union country, mirroring the housing crunch across many parts of the world, including the United States. Organizers said that over 100,000 had turned out, while Barcelona’s police said they estimated some 22,000 marched. Either way, the throngs of people clogging the streets recalled the massive separatist rallies at the heigh of the previous decade’s Catalan independence movement. Now, social concerns led by housing have displaced political crusades. That is because the average rent for Spain has doubled in last 10 years. The price per square meter has risen from 7.2 euros ($7.5) in 2014 to 13 euros this year, according to the popular online real estate website Idealista. The growth is even more acute in cities like Barcelona and Madrid. Incomes meanwhile have failed to keep up, especially for younger people in a country with chronically high unemployment. Protestor Samuel Saintot said he is “frustrated and scared” after being told by the owners of the apartment he has rented for the past 15 years in Barcelona’s city center that he must vacate the premises. He suspects that the owners want him out so they can renovate it and boost the price. “Even looking in a 20- or 30-kilometer radius outside town, I can’t even find anything within the price range I can afford,” he told The Associated Press. “And I consider myself a very fortunate person, because I earn a decent salary. And even in my case, I may be forced to leave town.” A report by the Bank of Spain indicates that nearly 40% of Spaniards who rent dedicate an average of 40% of their income to paying rents and utilities, compared to the European Union average of 27% of renters who do so. “We are talking about a housing emergency. It means people having many difficulties both in accessing and staying in their homes,” said Ignasi Martí, professor for Esade business school and head of its Dignified Housing Observatory. The rise in rents is causing significant pain in Spain, where traditionally people seek to own their homes. Rental prices have also been driven up by short-term renters including tourists. Many migrants to Spain are also disproportionately hit by the high rents because they often do not have enough savings. Spain is near the bottom end of OECD countries with under 2% of all housing available being public housing for rent. The OECD average is 7%. Spain is far behind France, with 14%, Britain with 16%, and the Netherlands with 34%. Carme Arcarazo, spokesperson for Barcelona’s Tenants Union which helped organize the protest, said that renters should consider a “rent strike” and cease paying their monthly rents in a mass protest movement. “I think we the tenants have understood that this depends on us. That we can’t keep asking and making demands to the authorities and waiting for an answer. We must take the reins of the situation,” Arcarazo told the AP . “So, if they (the owners) won’t lower the rent, then we will force them to do it." The Barcelona protest came a month after tens of thousands rallied against high rents in Madrid. The rising discontent over housing is putting pressure on Spain’s governing Socialist party, which leads a coalition on the national level and is in charge of Catalonia’s regional government and Barcelona’s city hall. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez presided over what the government termed a “housing summit” including government officials and real estate developers last month. But the Barcelona’s Tenants Union boycotted the event, saying it was like calling a summit for curing cancer and inviting tobacco companies to participate. The leading government measure has been a rent cap mechanism that the central government has offered to regional authorities based on a price index established by the housing ministry. Rent controls can be applied to areas deemed to be “highly stressed” by high rental prices. Catalonia was the first region to apply those caps, which are in place in downtown Barcelona. Many locals blame the million of tourists who visit Barcelona, and the rest of Spain, each year for the high prices. Barcelona’s town hall has pledged to completely eliminate the city’s 10,000 so called “tourist apartments,” or dwellings with permits for short-term rents, by 2028.

The Chargers are planning to activate J.K. Dobbins from injured reserve to play in Saturday’s matchup with the Patriots, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport . Dobbins landed on injured reserve at the end of November with a sprained MCL that forced him to miss significant time for a fourth year. Unlike his previous injuries, however, Dobbins recovered within his mandatory minimum of four weeks on IR , setting him up to resume lead back duties in Los Angeles. Dobbins was averaging a career-high 69.6 rushing yards per game before he hurt his knee. If he returns to that pace over the next two games, he’ll finish 2024 with the most regular season rushing yards in his career. That will help the Chargers clinch a playoff spot while improving Dobbins’ free agency stock. He signed a one-year, $1.61M in Los Angeles this offseason to prove that he could still be effective after tearing his Achilles last year. While his MCL sprain reignited concerns about his durability, Dobbins has remained a dangerous ballcarrier when healthy. No other Chargers running back has broken 70 yards in a single game during his absence. The Chargers also used standard practice squad elevations on safeties Eddie Jackson and Kendall Williamson for this weekend’s game, per ESPN’s Kris Rhim . This article first appeared on Pro Football Rumors and was syndicated with permission.The delayed shipping of the Nintendo Alarm Clock raised questions about customer expectations and the importance of transparent communication between companies and consumers. In an age where instant gratification and fast shipping are the norm, any delays or setbacks in the delivery process can lead to frustration and disappointment among consumers.

NASA Spots Red-Glowing 'UFO Galaxies' Hidden In Depths Of Space

DALLAS — If “better health for my hockey team” was among Minnesota Wild coach John Hynes’ holiday wishes, he instead got a notable lump of coal in his stocking before the team plane had even left the ground at MSP on Friday morning. The seat on the charter aircraft normally occupied by Wild star forward Kirill Kaprizov was empty when the rest of the squad took off for Texas. He was unavailable for the Friday evening game versus the Stars with a lower-body injury that has been a problem for a few days now, Hynes said. “He was a little sore, I think, going into the break, and then we talked with the doctors and stuff yesterday,” the coach said following the team’s morning skate at American Airlines Center. “Right now, as far as I know, it’s day-to-day ... then we’ll see how he’s feeling each day moving forward here.” Hynes added that the absence is not related to the knee-on-knee check Kaprizov took during a November game in Edmonton, which kept him out of the lineup for one game. The coach added that he has not seen anything to indicate the absence will be long-term. “I don’t have a big concern level as of now because he was a little bit banged up prior to going into the break, but we all saw how he played against Chicago,” Hynes said, referencing the team-leading 23rd goal of the season that Kaprizov scored in a 4-3 win over the Blackhawks on Monday. “We’ll see what he does today with his treatments and see what he does tomorrow.” Stars coach Peter DeBoer got the news of Kaprizov’s absence from the media following his team’s morning skate. “Obviously, an important player. I probably could’ve saved myself some time in my pre-scout this morning if I’d known that earlier,” he said, noting that they weren’t expecting an easy night with or without Kaprizov. “When I look at Minnesota, they’re a team that’s the true sum of their parts rather than one player. “They’ve got four lines, they defend well, they’ve got great goaltending. So, probably a lot like us, you can take a player out of the lineup and still be competitive. But still, that’s a big guy out for them.” The Wild will host Ottawa on Sunday evening and Nashville on Tuesday evening.

GBank Financial Holdings Inc. Announces Election of A.G. Burnett to GBank Board of DirectorsThe 2024 Science Rumor List serves as a reminder of the importance of critical thinking and fact-checking in today's information age. By staying informed and verifying the validity of claims, we can distinguish between genuine scientific findings and baseless rumors.

Overall, the combination of external conflicts, strained alliances, and internal challenges has severely weakened Russia's position in the Middle East. While Russia may still maintain a military presence and diplomatic relations in the region, its ability to shape events and influence outcomes has been significantly curtailed. As other international players, such as the United States, China, and regional powers like Saudi Arabia and Israel, continue to assert their interests in the Middle East, Russia finds itself increasingly marginalized and isolated. Only time will tell if Russia can reverse this trend and regain its former prominence in the turbulent and highly contested region of the Middle East.In a world context marked by the war in Ukraine, the genocide in Palestine, the return of Donald Trump to the White House and the emergence of a new Right, the debates on war and imperialism, notions that seemed to have been filed in the drawer of memories by a large part of critical theories, are coming back to the forefront. But what do we mean when we speak of imperialism, and what is the relationship between imperialism and capitalism? What is the centrality of the anti-imperialist struggle for socialist strategy in the 21st century? On all these issues, there are important divisions on the Left. In what follows, we will focus in particular on some recent debates. On the one hand, there are those who argue that the Marxist theory of imperialism is obsolete, either because of the transformations of capitalism at the global level, or because it has always been wrong. For Vivek Chibber, editor of Catalyst Magazine and other authors of Jacobin Magazine, it isn’t necessary to build an “anti-imperialist Left,” but the key is to develop “class struggle at home” around “bread and butter” demands, namely, the elementary economic demands of the working class. From another angle, there are those who emphasize the inequalities between the “Global South” and the “Global North” while considering China and Russia as new axes of support for the struggle against imperialism. While the former seeks to recreate a kind of “welfare chauvinism,” the latter “Global South” positions denounce Western imperialism, but align themselves with other powers with strong imperialist traits. In the following, we will address some of these debates, in a counterpoint with Vivek Chibber and John Bellamy Foster. The first position is the one defended by the editors of Jacobin magazine in the United States, a magazine linked to the DSA (Democratic Socialist of America). In several articles, such as here and here , Matías Maiello polemicizes with the recovery of Karl Kautsky’s work by these authors and points out that there is no struggle for socialism without anti-imperialism. The debate is not secondary. In an interview published in the Jacobin Review , Vivek Chibber argued that the theory of imperialism developed by Lenin in his classic pamphlet “Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism” was wrong. For Chibber, as far as this question is concerned, the “Leninist legacy produced much damage” in the Marxist left. His arguments can be synthesized as follows: 1) imperialism must be distinguished from capitalism, to confuse them would be a serious mistake; 2) the idea that capitalism entered a “new stage” characterized by monopolies is wrong; 3) the thesis that the confrontation between “rich countries” would be a constant in the following decades was “spectacularly wrong”; 4) Kautsky was right with his theory of ultra-imperialism when he “predicted that what there would be would be cooperation between capitalist countries, not competition”; 5) Lenin’s errors led to a mistaken position on “bourgeois revolutions” in countries like China and others, which gave rise to support for “anti-feudal” or “anti-imperialist” bourgeois nationalist sectors; and 6) there never existed a “labor aristocracy” in the central countries. Chibber artificially separates imperialism from capitalism , as if the former referred only to the “aggressions” of some nations over others, and the latter to economic or class relations. On that basis, he concludes that anti-imperialism means nothing more than “collective action in your country against militarism and aggression by your government against other countries, and convincing your working class that its material interests are tied to the de-escalation of conflict and the demilitarization of its own state.” We will return to these conclusions, but first let us address their foundations. The Marxist theory of imperialism, developed by Lenin, Luxemburg, and Trotsky, among others, is precisely counter to the idea that imperialism was a “militaristic excess” of some states, which could be contained by diplomatic means, as if wars between powers or colonial plunder were not inscribed in the tendencies of capitalism itself. In this sense, taking up the studies of Hilferding and other Marxist authors on financial capital, Lenin defined that the transformation of “free competition” capitalism into monopoly capitalism had given rise to a new stage of development of the capitalist system, its imperialist stage. And that this opened the way to an epoch marked by the tendency to wars, crises, and also revolutions. Chibber, like other authors, centered his criticisms of Lenin’s theory of imperialism on the definitions of his classic pamphlet “Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism,” focused above all on the economic dynamics of monopoly capitalism and on the inter-imperialist contradictions. While authors like Bellamy Foster rightly point out that to “understand the complex theoretical and historical issues involved” in this theory, one must put this work “in relation to his entire body of writings on imperialism from 1916-1920,” where the political elements and the question of national oppression have much more weight. In the Second International, the debate on imperialism divided the waters between Marxists and revisionists. At the beginning of the 20th century, the sector headed by Bernstein came to propose that there was a progressive, civilizing colonialism, and that there could even be a “socialist colonialism.” These positions were not in the majority and were rejected by different socialist congresses, which approved internationalist resolutions in the face of the possibility of the outbreak of a world war. At that time, Kautsky was still in the left-wing of the International. However, the chauvinist positions were becoming increasingly more pervasive in the leadership of the social democratic parties, gaining a foothold among the trade union bureaucracies and the labor aristocracy. From 1910 onwards, Kautsky moved towards centrist positions that diluted the struggle against imperialism and conciliated with the reformist and social chauvinist wing. Kautsky–as Chibber now proposes–in his analysis of imperialism, separated militarist tendencies from economic tendencies. He argued that capitalist expansion into new regions could be carried out by violent as well as peaceful means. He asserted that “imperialist methods,” which involved clash and confrontation between powers, were more a hindrance than a foothold for capitalist development, so that the capitalists themselves would seek ways to “coordinate” on an international scale. On this basis, Kautsky formulated the theory of “ultra-imperialism.” Just as capitalism had given rise to monopolies, these could give rise to the “cartelization” of the foreign policy of the states. That is to say, a phase that would not be marked by geopolitical and military confrontation between powers, but by their unification in a “Holy Alliance.” Remarkably, the article in which Kautsky formulated these ideas was published in September 1914, a few weeks after the outbreak of the First World War. We need hardly recall that what followed was not anything like greater concord among the states, but several years of imperialist carnage. The brutal tendencies towards military clashes between powers would explode again on a new scale in the Second World War. Yet, even after the whole 20th century passed with two world wars and was plagued by regional wars, Chibber affirms that Lenin was wrong, since from the 1950s onwards, the world had become “more Kautskyan.” However, in the postwar years, what there was was not an “ultra-imperialist” tendency toward harmony among the powers, but a “ Pax Americana” imposed after the defeat of the Axis powers (with the end of the war being a huge demonstration of imperial power with the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki). The post-war “boom,” which followed the previous enormous destruction of productive forces, was not the beginning of a new “ultra-imperialist” epoch as Kautsky announced. The pact with the Stalinist bureaucracy at Yalta and Potsdam allowed imperialism to avoid the danger of revolution in the capitalist center for an entire period (not so in the periphery) and to postpone the confrontations between powers. But that would not last forever. That post-war order was questioned on all its flanks at the end of the 1960s, with a profound workers’ and popular upsurge in the central countries, the capitalist periphery, and the countries behind the “iron curtain” (which was combined with the economic crisis from 1973 onwards). The defeats and deviations of these processes gave way to the neoliberal period, the leap in the internationalization of value chains, and the formation of an Atlanticist global order from which all major powers benefited for several decades. Now, was this the proof that Kautsky was right, that as a result of the internationalization of capital a harmonization of the interests of the powers had been achieved in an “ultra-imperialism”? The disputes between the imperialist states were partially suspended during the period of “globalization,” even with the formation of supranational structures such as the WTO, the European Union, or free trade agreements between regional blocs. But that does not mean that contradictions were eliminated. Chibber confuses here American hegemony (undisputed for a long period) with the historical overcoming of the imperialist epoch. And although the tendencies to clash between powers were largely contained since the second post-war period (there was no new world war), the current crisis of the neoliberal order poses its actualization in a violent way. Chibber’s timing for the defense of the thesis of “ultra-imperialism” does not seem much better than that of Kautsky. At present, it is not difficult to recognize the leap towards greater conflagrations between rival powers, with the return of war to European territory. Mainstream analysts write in the latest Foreign Affairs Magazine about a dynamic towards what they call a “total war,” with Donald Trump’s upcoming presidency adding uncertainty to the global outlook. Imperialism’s warmongering tendencies are also on display in the Middle East, with the brutal genocide in Palestine, Israel’s invasion of Lebanon, and Israel’s escalation with Iran. In Gaza, Netanyahu has deployed old-school colonial violence with state-of-the-art weapons provided by the U.S., Germany, and others. Now, Israel’s massacres and the complicity of Western powers have generated a wave of outrage and solidarity with the Palestinian cause not seen for decades. In the streets and on university campuses in the U.S., UK, France, and Spain, a massive youth movement emerged in support of the Palestinian people and against Zionist crimes. Hundreds of thousands of young people point the finger at their own imperialist governments as accomplices of genocide. In the United States, this led many to break politically with the Democratic Party and “ Genocide Joe,” and refuse to support Kamala Harris as the “lesser evil,” as Bernie Sanders or Alexandra Ocasio Cortez called for. Those who believe that the socialist Left in the U.S. can recreate itself with one foot in and one foot out of the Democratic Party, like Jacobin ‘s editors and DSA leaders suggest, are opposed to fighting for an anti-imperialist Left. The theory of ultra-imperialism served Kautsky to reconcile positions with the chauvinist wing of social democracy, which closed ranks with its own bourgeoisie in the war. It enables Chibber to continue to harbor illusions that the Democrats can be a progressive alternative, should they decide to take up the “bread and butter” agenda to seduce the working class. Let us now return to Chibber’s conclusions about what “anti-imperialism” means. In the interview with Jacobin , he states that it would be to push for “collective action in your country against your government’s militarism and aggression against other countries, and convincing your working class that their material interests are bound up with the de-escalation of conflict and the demilitarization of their own state.” In other words, it would be a matter of demanding, on a national level, that less money be allocated to military budgets, to be reinvested in schools and hospitals. This policy, while partially correct, when considered in isolation from a consistent anti-imperialist program, has enormous contradictions. In the first place, it seeks to obtain partial improvements for a sector of the working class in the central countries, without questioning the imperialist oppression of the semicolonial and dependent peoples. In the United States, paradoxically, it has been Donald Trump who has questioned the billionaire funds destined to the war in Ukraine, demagoguing that these funds should be dedicated to “making America great again.” Second, he generates illusions that militaristic tendencies and greater clashes between powers can be moderated with a little union pressure. And, finally, he believes that all of this would be possible with a Democratic government, if it were to adopt some old-fashioned social-democratic policies. In a recent article, John Bellamy Foster puts forward in a very suggestive way that: It is a sign of the depth of the structural crisis of capital in our time that not since the onset of the First World War and the dissolution of the Second International — during which nearly all of the European social democratic parties joined the inter-imperialist war on the side of their respective nation-states — has the split on imperialism on the left taken on such serious dimensions. He finds that “the gap between the views of imperialism held by the Western left and those of revolutionary movements in the Global South is wider than at any time in the last century.” He goes on to list some of the (contradictory) ideas that characterize what he defines as a Eurocentric Left. These include the denial of national oppression by imperialism and the idea that imperialism “is simply a political policy of aggression of one state against another” as we have already seen in the case of Chibber. This is also often accompanied by the justification of a “humanitarian imperialism aimed at protecting human rights.” He also notes the idea that “imperialist rivalry and exploitation between nations has been displaced by global class struggles within a fully globalized transnational capitalism,” or, in other occasions, the idea that “economic imperialism has been ‘reversed’ with the Global East/South now exploiting the Global West/North.” In the article, Bellamy Foster traces various debates on the Marxist Left about imperialism in the 20th century, from the Second and Third Internationals, to the elaborations of dependency theory, world-system theory, the cultural turn of the post-colonial left, and the more contemporary debates on global value chains and uneven development. He rightly points out that at the heart of all Eurocentric positions is the negation of Engels’ and Lenin’s theses on the labor aristocracy. In response, he responds that “existence of a labor aristocracy at some level is difficult to deny on any realistic basis.” As an example, he points out that the AFL-CIO leadership has historically been linked to the military-industrial complex in the United States and “has worked with the CIA throughout the post-Second World War era to repress progressive unions throughout the Global South, backing the most exploitative regimes.” As part of the “abandonment of the theory of imperialism on the left,” Bellamy Foster mentions among others, Empire by Toni Negri and Michael Hardt; David Harvey’s elaborations on the so-called accumulation by dispossession or the positions of Vivek Chibber, to which we refer. In particular, he argues that Chibber’s attack on the concept of monopoly capital shows “his ignorance of the enormous growth in recent decades in the concentration and centralization of capital associated with successive merger waves, leading to the continuing augmentation of monopoly power, along with the centralization of finance.” Now, while Chibber and other sectors of the Left deny the existence of imperialism from an abstract definition of class, Bellamy Foster tends to make the national question absolute in the periphery, diluting the struggle for class independence in what he calls “the Global South.” Vivek Chibber considers that the “Leninist legacy” has been detrimental to the Left, because in the case of revolutions in the periphery it meant support for the national bourgeoisies, with the idea of “anti-feudal” or “anti-imperialist revolutions.” One of the examples he gives is the support of the Chinese Communist Party to Chiang Kai-shek and his nationalist party, the Kuomintang, during the Revolution of 1925-28. However, what he omits is that there was no continuity between the Marxist theses on imperialism and the policy of Stalinism: the latter took up Menshevik stagism, subordinating the workers vanguard to the leadership of the reactionary Chinese bourgeoisie, which led to the defeat of the revolution. The important lessons on the Chinese Revolution and the opposition to that stagist orientation were the basis for the generalization of the Theory of the Permanent Revolution by Leon Trotsky. For his part, Bellamy Foster correctly questions Chibber for denying the national oppression imposed by imperialism on the “third world” or “Global South.” However, he does so by aligning himself politically with the national bourgeoisies (as in his defense of Chavism) and with China, which is another bloc with a strong dynamic of imperialist development. On this particular issue, he deploys several arguments. On the one hand, he argues that it is wrong to present “the People’s Republic of China as an imperialist (and straightforwardly capitalist) power in the same sense as the United States, disregarding the role of “socialism with Chinese characteristics” and the whole Chinese road to development, as well as processes of unequal exchange.” He goes on to state that China’s foreign policy is geared towards “promoting the self-determination of nations, while opposing bloc geopolitics and military interventions. Beijing’s threefold Global Security Initiative, Global Development Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative together constitute the leading proposals for world peace in our era.” For Bellamy Foster it would be necessary to stand politically with the “underdeveloped nations” (he includes China among them) against imperialism. He points out that this would not mean “abandoning the class struggle in the core capitalist nations themselves, quite the contrary.” But what about class struggle in the nations of the “global south”? What he proposes is a new stagism of the 21st century, as if imperialism could be confronted without fighting the national bourgeoisies in Latin America, Asia and Africa. It is as if there were a progressive way out of imperialist warmongering, on the basis of the proposals “for world peace” of the authoritarian Chinese government. A Left that leaves aside the struggle against imperialism, as Chibber proposes, is evidently contrary to the increasingly warlike tendencies of the world situation and also of the international movement in solidarity with Palestine. But the struggle against imperialism and capitalism are intertwined, so it is not possible to recreate a socialist and anti-imperialist perspective without class independence. To deepen these debates seems more and more necessary. Originally published in Spanish in La Izquierda Diario . Translated by Sou Mi. Capitalism China Imperialism Karl Kautsky

wolf crypto casino

lulong sa casino Furthermore, the deteriorating security situation in Syria has also raised concerns about the potential for terrorist groups to exploit the chaos and instability in the region. The presence of various extremist organizations, including ISIS, has posed a significant terrorism risk, with the potential for these groups to recruit, radicalize, and carry out attacks both in the Middle East and beyond.

At the heart of "Melody Quest" lies the ancient art of chanting songs, a mystical practice believed to hold the key to unlocking the secrets of the universe. Players take on the role of a courageous bard on a quest to restore harmony to a world torn apart by discord and disharmony. Armed with only their voice and a deep understanding of music theory, players must traverse a series of challenging puzzles and obstacles, using the power of song to overcome each trial.In conclusion, the news of Manchester United's decision to do away with the Sporting Director role and Arsenal's interest in Ashworth highlights the dynamic nature of football club management and the strategic considerations that clubs must make to stay ahead in the highly competitive world of professional football. It will be interesting to see how these developments unfold and impact the future trajectories of both clubs.

The circumstances surrounding Liu Dabeili's passing have raised questions and concerns about the safety and implications of cosmetic surgeries, particularly when performed on seemingly healthy individuals. While liposuction is a commonly performed procedure with generally favorable outcomes, there are inherent risks and potential complications that must be carefully considered before undergoing such surgery. The tragic outcome in this case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of thorough evaluation and caution when it comes to elective medical procedures.FARGO — Qualifying for the North Dakota Class B volleyball state tournament for the very first time was a dream for Medina-Pingree/Buchanan. But to come out and dominate three sets was beyond anything it imagined. ADVERTISEMENT That's exactly what the Thunder did, upending Central McLean 3-0 in the state quarterfinals Thursday at the Fargodome. Set scores were 25-15, 25-9 and 25-17. The match was highlighted by M-P/B roaring out to a 17-1 lead in the middle frame, including what was an 11-0 start to the set. "It was so much fun to be at the state tournament and be able to have a score like that," said Thunder head coach Jacie Connell. "We just never let down. I just said we need to eliminate our errors in the second set, and they did a great job of that." With the win, No. 3 seed M-P/B (31-6) advanced to Friday's state semis where they'll take on No. 2 South Prairie-Max (33-6) with first serve set for 5 p.m. Connell said as state tourney newcomers, nerves came naturally. At least whatever nerves were left after downing Class B No. 1-ranked Linton/HMB in the Region 3 championship last week. "Lots of emotions," Connell said. "But beating the No. 1 team in the state in the (region) championship, I think a lot of our nerves were out right there. They were just excited to be here and play." ADVERTISEMENT Maddie Gefroh finished with a match-leading 14 kills for M-P/B, including the final one to secure match point in Set 3. "It felt great knowing we're closer to the finals now," said Gefroh, senior captain and middle hitter for the Thunder. "You could tell there were some nerves, but as soon as we got onto the court, we were ready to go right away." Gefroh said the dominant second set gave M-P/B all the momentum it needed to finish things off in Set 3. "That was crazy," Gefroh said. "That gave us so much energy to go into the third set. We knew we could do it right away." Central McLean (31-4-1) drops into the consolation semifinals, where it'll face Kenmare/Bowbells (35-7) at 1 p.m. Friday. Reagan Kjelstrup paced the Cougars offensively with eight kills while Morgan Snyder had six. Daphne Lauer finished with 25 assists. Behind Gefroh in the Thunder kills department was Brynn Sorenson with nine and Jorgen Tripp with eight, including set point in the opening frame. ADVERTISEMENT Gefroh added three aces and three blocks while Violet Bohl recorded 34 assists. Cierra Mack finished with a match-leading 15 digs. "If we play our game, that's been huge for us just eliminating our errors," Connell said. "We're going to talk about what we need to adjust a little bit on defense and we'll be ready to go. "It's been a great journey so far and we're happy to be here."

g wolf karaoke number

mcw casino review Lara Trump steps down as RNC co-chair and addresses speculation about Florida Senate seat

None

House rejects Democratic efforts to force release of Matt Gaetz ethics report

Flux Power Receives Non-Compliance Letter from Nasdaq

Investing $20,000 into two carefully chosen TSX stocks is a strategy that could generate significant passive income over time. Combining global exposure with reliable dividends is a strong way to create long-term growth. Today, let’s look at investments balance risk and reward, making excellent choices for both income-focused and growth-oriented investors. VXC First, let’s dive into ( ). This (ETF) offers a diversified portfolio of global equities, excluding Canadian companies — perfect for those looking to expand beyond domestic markets. It captures large-, mid-, and small-cap stocks from developed and emerging markets worldwide. With its year-to-date return sitting at an impressive 28.75% as of writing, it’s evident that this ETF is riding the wave of global growth. Its holdings include heavyweights that give you exposure to tech giants, financial leaders, and industrial innovators. Plus, VXC provides a yield of 1.39% — a modest, steady income source alongside capital appreciation. What sets VXC apart is its diversification. Spreading your investment across sectors like technology (25% in VXC), financial services (15%), and healthcare (11%) reduces the risk associated with any single market downturn. This ETF is also known for its low expense ratio, which ensures you keep more of your returns. With global markets rebounding from previous economic headwinds, VXC is well-positioned for long-term growth. Thus making it a cornerstone for anyone seeking a robust, low-maintenance investment vehicle. CIBC Now, consider pairing this with ( ), a top-tier dividend-paying stock. As one of Canada’s “Big Five” , Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce is a financial powerhouse with a rich history of rewarding its investors. Currently trading at $94.42 per share at writing, CM boasts a dividend yield of 4.02%. A compelling figure for income seekers. Its forward annual dividend rate of $3.60 and a payout ratio of 51.66% suggest stability and room for growth. Plus, with quarterly revenue growth of 19.6% and quarterly earnings growth of 25.6% year over year, CM is not just a dividend player but also a growth story. CM’s financial health is backed by solid fundamentals. The bank reported a trailing 12-month revenue of $22.7 billion and a profit margin of nearly 30%. With a trailing price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 12.94 and a forward P/E of 12.17, the stock remains attractively valued. Its return on equity (ROE) of 12.37% reflects strong management effectiveness. And this bodes well for sustaining dividend payments and navigating economic uncertainties. CM has also weathered economic downturns effectively, proving its resilience and capacity to reward long-term investors. Pair it! So, why pair these two investments? VXC offers exposure to global markets, capitalizing on international growth trends, while CM anchors your portfolio with steady, predictable income and Canadian market stability. Together, they form a balanced approach: one provides global diversification and growth potential, and the other delivers reliable passive income through dividends. Imagine reinvesting the dividends from CM and VXC. With compound growth, your $20,000 initial investment could grow exponentially over the years. VXC’s global diversification minimizes risk, while CM’s consistent dividend payouts provide a safety net, creating a strategy that works for investors seeking both passive income and long-term wealth accumulation. In fact, here’s what you could earn in dividends and returns should shares climb by the same amount, with $10,000 towards both passive-income stocks. Bottom line In the current market, VXC and CM represent a perfect duo for investors who want the best of both worlds in terms of global market exposure and domestic dividend reliability. By allocating $10,000 to each, you tap into a global portfolio while ensuring consistent cash flow from one of Canada’s most reliable financial institutions. In fact, it could create a total passive-income stream of $8,669.88, combining returns and dividends! Over time, this blend of growth and income could truly unlock massive passive-income potential.Manufacturer marks Official Supplier status with 5 millionth tankless water heater donation and 50-year anniversary milestone PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. , Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rinnai America Corporation — manufacturer of a leading brand of tankless gas water heaters in North America — is proud to announce a landmark partnership with Homes For Our Troops (HFOT), a nonprofit organization dedicated to building and donating specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives. The new agreement makes Rinnai the Official Supplier of water heaters for new homes across the country through 2027. This exclusive collaboration strengthens both organizations' shared commitment to providing Veterans and their families with the resources they need to rebuild their lives after service. Also celebrating 50 years in North America , Rinnai marked the occasion by donating the 5 millionth tankless water heater manufactured at its state-of-the-art facility in Griffin, Georgia for a new home under construction in Texas . "Celebrating 50 years and reaching 5 million tankless water heaters sold in the North American market are significant milestones for us but knowing that our donation is helping a Veteran and their family start a new chapter in life is incredibly meaningful," said Frank Windsor , President, Rinnai America Corporation. "We are honored to help restore some of the freedom and independence to the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much defending our country. Our continued partnership with Homes For Our Troops is a powerful way for us to give back and deliver our brand promise of 'Creating a healthier way of living'." Since its inception in 2004, HFOT has built over 400 homes. Each specially adapted energy efficient home is designed to comfortably raise a family while limiting future expenses. Equipped with Rinnai's durable and highly energy efficient products, the homes constructed as part of this partnership will help reduce the families' long-term utility costs and serve as a safe and welcoming place to call home for years to come. "We are incredibly proud to extend our partnership with Rinnai. The company's passion for assisting Veterans and their families significantly helps us advance our mission of Building Homes and Rebuilding Lives for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans," said HFOT President/CEO, Brig. Gen., USA (Ret) Tom Landwermeyer . "These Veterans face enormous challenges, and through this partnership, we are also providing the comfort and convenience of a high-quality water heater to help create a home that promotes healing and independence." Army SGT Christopher Leverkuhn will receive the 5 millionth product, a SENSEI ® RX Series, for his home currently under construction in Kerrville, Texas . The most advanced condensing tankless water heater on the market, it sets the standard for efficiency at 0.98 UEF and creates a healthier way of living by delivering the ultimate in comfort, smart design and unlimited hot water. Over the next three years, Rinnai will donate appropriate products with features ideal for the hot water demands of each Veterans' home. Many will receive Rinnai's newest condensing tankless water heater, the SENSEI RXP. This product comes equipped with a built-in recirculation pump to deliver faster hot water to the faucet. Rinnai will also provide its RWM200 WiFi module, which can be used with the Rinnai Central TM app to control temperature and recirculation patterns. Veterans may also receive Rinnai's new electric heat pump water heater , one of the most sustainable electric water heating solutions available, meeting highest efficiency standards while reducing energy usage and costs. The agreement highlights the growing commitment of the sustainable manufacturer's corporate responsibility and charitable giving in addressing the needs of Veterans and their families. In addition to HFOT, Rinnai partners with Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of military members who have fallen or been disabled while serving in the United States Armed Forces. These organizations prove that partnerships can lead to lasting change and help those who have given so much for their country. About Homes For Our Troops: Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) is a publicly funded 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives. Most of these Veterans have sustained injuries including multiple limb amputations, partial or full paralysis, and/or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). These homes restore some of the freedom and independence our Veterans sacrificed while defending our country, and enable them to focus on their family, recovery, and rebuilding their lives. Since its inception in 2004, nearly 90 cents of every dollar spent has gone to our program services for Veterans. HFOT builds these homes where the veteran chooses to live and continues its relationship with the Veterans after home delivery to assist them with rebuilding their lives. www.hfotusa.org . About Rinnai: Rinnai America Corporation, a subsidiary of Rinnai Corporation in Nagoya, Japan , was established in 1974 and is headquartered in Peachtree City, Georgia . Rinnai Corporation manufactures gas appliances, including tankless water heaters, a wide range of kitchen appliances, and heating and air conditioning units. As the technology leader in its industry, Rinnai is the largest gas appliance manufacturer in Japan and is the No. 1 selling brand of tankless gas water heaters in the United States and Canada . Annual corporate revenues, including those of its subsidiaries, are in excess of $3.3 billion . With a global perspective to create 21st-century products for the home and business, Rinnai Corporation commits itself to safety and Creating a healthier way of living ® . For more information about Rinnai's entire product line, visit www.rinnai.us . Copyright 2024. All rights reserved. Rinnai ® and Creating a healthier way of living ® are the registered trademarks of Rinnai Corporation used under license by Rinnai America Corporation. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rinnai-america-joins-forces-with-homes-for-our-troops-to-aid-injured-veterans-302336611.html SOURCE Rinnai America CorporationBrown: Indian diplomat pushed back when he used the words "Sikh nation"

New 'stay home' warning issued as highly contagious bug spikes again

Meta shareholders seek sanctions for deletion of Cambridge Analytica emails

Korea martial law lessons for Thailand

wolf peak casino game

oxford casino phone number Sign up to our daily newsletter Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to Lancaster Guardian, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you. Extraordinary talent can bud from anywhere, and one North West sixth form has committed to seeking it out - and nurturing it until it blossoms into something great. In our regional league tables measuring the performance of state-funded sixth form schools and colleges across the UK, the University of Liverpool Maths School took out the top spot in the North West , among some fierce competition. In the 2022/23 school year (the most recent data available, until this year’s data has been finalised and published), it had an exceptional A Level point score of 47.93 - giving it an average grade of A-. Advertisement Advertisement The school was also rated ‘outstanding’ across the board by Ofsted, the government’s education inspector, in its most recent review, which looks at quality of education, student behaviour and attitudes, school leadership and management, and student safeguarding. We caught up with headteacher Damian Haigh about the selective college’s unique curriculum, as well as what makes it a great place to be a student - and what it takes to secure a spot. This is what he told us: The University of Liverpool Maths School and its students The University of Liverpool Mathematics School is a specialist 16-to-19 sixth form school, housed in a university building on its central Liverpool campus. It’s fairly new, only having opened in September 2020. Mr Haigh, a maths teacher of nearly 30 years, has been the school’s headteacher since its inception - and worked on getting it up and running while it was still in the project stage. With just over a hundred students, the school is a pretty big contrast from his past life as an assistant head teacher at Wilmslow High School in Cheshire, which houses more than 2,000. Advertisement Advertisement The University of Liverpool Maths School is selective, meaning that while it is a fees-free state-funded school, it admits students based on how well they meet certain criteria. But Mr Haigh said they very rarely turned applicants away, with some eager young people travelling up to 40 kilometres each day to attend. “They have to be really keen on maths, because we do an awful lot of maths. But the students are really, really varied, actually,” he continued. “I really welcome applications from students from all over the region to places at the school. If they love maths and want to do maths A Levels, then they I would really encourage them to to check us out. “Most people who apply for a place get offered a place. The only reason that we wouldn't offer somebody a place would be if we thought they weren't going to enjoy it and weren't going to thrive here. Other than that, we're really keen to have everybody come and be part of what we do.” Standing out The University of Liverpool Maths School teaches just four A Levels; maths, further maths, physics and computer science, “plus a whole load of other stuff on top of that to some of the most amazing students across Merseyside and the North West”. But A Levels are just a small part of what the school offers, with a unique and varied curriculum that goes above and beyond - meeting its academically-advanced students where they stand. Advertisement Advertisement The titular university is one of the school’s key sponsors. It is currently housed in a university building - and all going well, may soon move to a more permanent home, a “lovely old building” in the north end of campus. But the institution is also vital in providing pupils with that extra academic challenge. “In the specialist maths school system, you're required to have a university with a strong maths department to support you in your work. And that's actually really important for us because our students are very high potential students,” Mr Haigh said. “Sometimes they're students who might come to us already having learned a lot of the content of A Level maths, sometimes even A Level further maths, and I will use university lecturers [and] researchers to help me with extending those students.” That meant young people might work with staff from the university on research projects, physics experiments, or even competitions. This classwork was supplemented with field trips to CERN and other major European research institutions - generously funded by donations for families who couldn’t otherwise afford it - and visits to top UK universities like Cambridge and Imperial College London. A great place to learn Part of what made the school such a great place to learn was the young people themselves, and their zeal for the subject. Advertisement Advertisement “If you go and listen in when our students are in a room with no staff around, if you just listen in at the door, then sometimes they'll be talking about the normal stuff that teenagers are talking about,” Mr Haigh said. “But a lot of the time, they're actually just doing maths and science together. And they're just genuinely having fun talking about how to code and how to solve problems and things like that. It's a brilliant peer group to be part of.” But this didn’t mean that they didn’t have to face or overcome any challenges, with the headteacher saying many pupils came to them very shy, or introverted, or lacking confidence. Some had even experienced bullying or social exclusion in their previous schools because they loved maths, and were seen as “different” by their peers. “When they come to us, suddenly they're in a much safer place. They're able to be themselves, and then we're able to take advantage of that newfound sense of safety in challenging them to go further with their maths, but also to go further with their team-working skills, their leadership skills and their communication skills,” he added. Stay up-to-date with the latest UK news and culture with our free UK Today newsletter. Advertisement Advertisement Community While the University of Liverpool Maths School didn’t tend to run as many community events as other schools might, they were no less present in the Merseyside and wider North West community. Part of that was outreach work - built on the recognition that great minds, and young people who will go on to change the world, can come from anywhere. “Every week we send teachers out from here to schools all over the region to run maths clubs or physics clubs, or do a bit of extra revision work for the top end of GCSE,” Mr Haigh said. “The reason that we do that is that we are very keen to identify talent in areas where there is disadvantage.” As a result, they had students come to them that have had a tough time in life, whether that be growing up in more deprived households, or having lived through serious and traumatic childhood experiences. They also had students coming to them who have had a great childhood, and “maths teachers who've been able to challenge them and support them”. “But they're not all like that,” he continued. “So we want to find the talent wherever it is so that we can nurture it, develop it, and send those students - whatever their starting points - we want to send them on to great success at university and to have great careers in science, technology, engineering and maths.” The University of Liverpool Maths School also made our list of the top 25 sixth form schools and colleges for A Levels in all of England. To learn more, check out our league table here .By KRISTEN WOOD Chilly weather and early nights make the holiday season the best time of year for cuddling up with your favorite games. From enjoying a quiet afternoon alone to gathering with family, these board, video and card games will bring cozy vibes to your holiday gaming. The holidays are prime time for coziness. Cold weather, hot drinks and days off work or school are perfect for snuggling up under a blanket. With many games designed to be cozy, relaxed and lighthearted, accompanying your cozy afternoons with a game might be your new holiday tradition. Many holidays bring together friends and family as well. While some families may look forward to feuding over the Risk board or resources in Settlers of Catan, more low-key games can be an opportunity to bond with loved ones. Cooperative games or games with a bit of friendly competition let you focus on who you’re playing with. Since these cozy games often have easier instructions, everyone can get involved. A busy holiday season also benefits from rest. Take a break from shopping, cooking, traveling and other holiday tasks with some games. Stress-busting games let you enjoy a couple of hours of quiet gameplay or raucous laughter, both sure to provide some relaxation. Relaxing board games are great for a lazy afternoon with friends or after dinner at a holiday party. These games often feature cooperative play or minimal competition, beautiful artwork and straightforward gameplay ideal for all ages. For the holidays, these games provide a whimsical escape from seasonal chaos. Patchwork Patchwork is a chill two-player puzzle game where you and your opponent compete to create the best quilt. The tactile experience and cozy results are relaxing on a chilly day. If you have more than two players, try Calico instead where you’ll create quilts for cats. Carcassonne In Carcassonne, players compete to build Medieval cities and fields by laying tiles. The game takes a bit of strategy and luck, and it will generate some friendly competition among children and adults alike. The charming artwork of parks, featuring America’s national parks, will also transport you on a road trip from the comfort of your home. Everdell and Flamecraft For those looking for longer gameplay, Everdell will have you playing as cute forest creatures building new cities during a game that averages a little over an hour. Flamecraft is another delightfully whimsical game where players try to attract dragons to improve the reputation of their shops. Each of these games is simple to pick up and, with every playthrough offering something new, they’ll get you through the entire holiday season. Parks, Everdell and Flamecraft can also be single-player games if you need a break from socialization. Snuggling up on the couch with a video game is inherently relaxing. Whether you enjoy mobile, computer, handheld or console games, the cozy game genre provides dozens of options. This season, try games ranging from relaxing to enchanting. If having everything in its place provides calm in the chaos of the holiday season, you’ll love Unpacking. This puzzle game, available on Switch, PC and Xbox, has you unpacking boxes and putting items away. Playing games like Unpacking can be a meditative experience. Other puzzle games like A Little to the Left and Spiritfarer blend stories into the gameplay. For spooky autumn vibes, try Strange Horticulture and play as the owner of a plant shop and potion maker. Maintaining a virtual farm or building a make-believe castle from your sofa can be a great stress reliever. Stardew Valley is a quintessential farming game surrounded by charming townspeople. With the highly anticipated November update, you can now play on console, mobile and PC. Palia , a massively multiplayer online game, features farming, quests and community building with other players. It’s also free. For those with a Nintendo Switch, the Animal Crossing series has you interacting with other animal players in a peaceful village. With multiplayer modes, these games are great options for playing with friends and family from afar during the holidays. For a single-player escape, try the recently-released Tiny Glade on PC where you’ll build castles. This cozy game’s detailed artistry and conflict-free gameplay will bring hours of relaxation. Or build a world from tiles in Dorfromantik. The game can be entirely chill or provide a bit of strategy if you want to go for a high score. A pack of cards is reliable entertainment at any gathering. From classics to innovative new card games, having a few in your game collection can be worthwhile. Card games can range from simple to complex, a few minutes to a few hours and single-player to dozens of players. If you have a standard deck of playing cards, Blitz is a great option for any number of players. Also known as Thirty One, this game gives every player three cards and lets them trade out a card on each turn, trying to get a value of thirty-one. President is another simple social card game where players race to get rid of their cards in ascending order. If you are imbibing this holiday season, some people play it as a drinking game. For a two-player card game, try The Fox in the Forest. This trick-taking card game features cozy graphics, and its fast, simple gameplay is perfect for a winter date night. For two to four players, Arboretum has darling tree graphics on its cards. Players lay cards down with the goal of creating a beautiful garden. This holiday season, be sure to take time to connect with loved ones and catch a few moments to yourself. Cozy games are a lighthearted escape. As the genre grows, there are options for everyone this season, from mindless games to those that require a touch of strategy – perfect for any mood or moment. Kristen Wood is a writer, photographer, avid cozy gamer and creator of The Cozy Gaming Nook , your source for everything cozy games. Her work has been featured in various online and print publications, including Elle, NBC, Forbes, Chicago Sun-Times, Martha Stewart, Seattle Times and more.

Greg Cote's Week 17 NFL picksUS President-elect Donald Trump filed a brief Friday urging the Supreme Court to pause a law that would ban TikTok the day before his January 20 inauguration if it is not sold by its Chinese owner ByteDance. "In light of the novelty and difficulty of this case, the court should consider staying the statutory deadline to grant more breathing space to address these issues," Trump's legal team wrote, to give him "the opportunity to pursue a political resolution." Trump was fiercely opposed to TikTok during his 2017-21 first term, and tried in vain to ban the video app on national security grounds. The Republican voiced concerns -- echoed by political rivals -- that the Chinese government might tap into US TikTok users' data or manipulate what they see on the platform. US officials had also voiced alarm over the popularity of the video-sharing app with young people, alleging that its parent company is subservient to Beijing and that the app is used to spread propaganda, claims denied by the company and the Chinese government. Trump called for a US company to buy TikTok, with the government sharing in the sale price, and his successor Joe Biden went one stage further -- signing a law to ban the app for the same reasons. Trump has now, however, reversed course. "Now (that) I'm thinking about it, I'm for TikTok, because you need competition," he recently told Bloomberg. "If you don't have TikTok, you have Facebook and Instagram -- and that's, you know, that's Zuckerberg." Facebook, founded by Mark Zuckerberg and part of his Meta tech empire, was among the social media networks that banned Trump after attacks by his supporters on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. The ban was driven by concerns that he would use the platform to promote more violence. Those bans on major social media platforms were later lifted. In the brief filed on Friday, Trump's lawyer made it clear the president-elect did not take a position on the legal merits of the current case. "President Trump takes no position on the underlying merits of this dispute," John Sauer wrote in the amicus curiae -- or "friend of the court" -- brief. "Instead, he respectfully requests that the court consider staying the act's deadline for divestment of January 19, 2025, while it considers the merits of this case, thus permitting President Trump's incoming Administration the opportunity to pursue a political resolution of the questions at issue in the case."

Madhya Pradesh HC stays Religare AGM on investor's plea

Drop in Boxing Day footfall ‘signals return to declining pre-pandemic levels’

Two senior members of the federal cabinet were in Florida Friday pushing Canada’s new border plan with Donald Trump’s transition team, a day after Trudeau himself appeared to finally push back at the president-elect over his social media posts about turning Canada into the 51st state. Both Trudeau and former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney, who Trudeau has been courting to become Canada’s next finance minister, shared posts on X Thursday, a day after Trump’s latest jab at Canada in his Christmas Day message. It isn’t clear if Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, who has repeatedly insisted Trump’s 51st state references are a joke, will raise the issue with Trump’s team when he and Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly meet with them in Palm Beach. The two are there to discuss Canada’s new $1.3 billion border plan with just under four weeks left before Trump is sworn in again as president. He has threatened to impose a new 25 per cent import tariff on Canada and Mexico the same day over concerns about a trade imbalance, as well as illegal drugs and migration issues at the borders. The broad strokes of Canada’s plan were made public Dec. 17, including a new aerial intelligence task force to provide round-the-clock surveillance of the border, and improved efforts using technology and canine teams to seek out drugs in shipments leaving Canada LeBlanc’s spokesman, Jean-Sébastien Comeau, said the ministers will also emphasize the negative impacts of Trump’s threatened tariffs on both Canada and the U.S. Comeau said the ministers will build on the discussions that took place last month when Trudeau and LeBlanc met Trump at Mar-a-Lago just days after Trump first made his tariff threat. It was at that dinner on Nov. 29 when Trump first raised the notion of Canada becoming the 51st state, a comment LeBlanc has repeatedly since insisted was just a joke. But Trump has continued the quip repeatedly in various social media posts, including in his Christmas Day message when he said Canadians would pay lower taxes and have better military protection if they became Americans. He has taken to calling Trudeau “governor” instead of prime minister. Trudeau had not directly responded to any of the jabs, but on Thursday posted a link to a six-minute long video on YouTube from 2010 in which American journalist Tom Brokaw “explains Canada to Americans.” The video, which originally aired during the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, explains similarities between the two countries, including their founding based on immigration, their trading relationship and the actions of the Canadian Army in World War 2 and other modern conflicts. “In the long history of sovereign neighbours there has never been a relationship as close, productive and peaceful as the U.S. and Canada,” Brokaw says in the video. Trudeau did not expand about why he posted a link to the video, posting it only with the words “some information about Canada for Americans.” Carney, who is at the centre of some of Trudeau’s recent domestic political troubles, also called out Trump’s antics on X Thursday, calling it “casual disrespect” and “carrying the ‘joke’ too far.” “Time to call it out, stand up for Canada, and build a true North American partnership,” said Carney, who Trudeau was courting to join his cabinet before Chrystia Freeland resigned as finance minister last week. Freeland’s sudden departure, three days after Trudeau informed her he would be firing her as finance minister in favour of Carney, left Trudeau’s leadership even more bruised than it already was. Despite the expectation Carney would assume the role, he did not and has not made any statements about it. LeBlanc was sworn in as finance minister instead the same day Freeland quit. More than two dozen Liberal MPs have publicly called on Trudeau to resign as leader, and Trudeau is said to be taking the holidays to think about his next steps. He is currently vacationing in British Columbia. Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian PressAs technology continues to surge forward, the gaming world stands on the brink of a transformative evolution. One pivotal player in this unfolding narrative is Microsoft’s Game Pass, a subscription service that has redefined how gamers interact with their favorite titles. But what’s next for Game Pass as it traverses into the future? Artificial Intelligence Integration is one of the most anticipated advancements. This technology promises to revolutionize personalization within the Game Pass ecosystem. Imagine a service that learns your gaming preferences, offering game suggestions so attuned to your interests that they’re practically a perfect fit every time. AI could also enhance in-game experiences, making games more responsive and dynamic. Cloud Gaming Expansion is another frontier where Game Pass is making significant strides. The ability to stream high-quality games without the need for expensive hardware opens the gates to gamers who previously couldn’t afford a gaming console or high-end PC. This accessibility is not only broadening Microsoft’s audience but democratizing the gaming landscape at large. Moreover, the Metaverse Integration presents intriguing possibilities. With the metaverse buzz gaining momentum, there’s potential for Game Pass to incorporate virtual ecosystems where friends meet, interact, and play, transcending traditional gaming boundaries. As these technologies evolve, the Game Pass service is poised to remain at the forefront of the gaming industry’s evolution. The future might be uncertain, but one thing is clear: the course of gaming is changing, and Game Pass is leading the charge. What’s Next for Microsoft’s Game Pass? New Innovations and Trends Unveiled The gaming universe is continuously unfolding, and at the epicenter of this transformation is Microsoft’s Game Pass, a subscription service that’s radically altering the gaming landscape. As we look toward the horizon, several new trends and innovations promise to redefine the experience for gamers worldwide. What lies ahead for Game Pass that can revolutionize how we play and engage? Innovations in Artificial Intelligence One of the exciting developments is the integration of advanced artificial intelligence within the Game Pass environment. This evolution extends beyond mere game recommendations. Future AI capabilities could curate entire gaming experiences designed to match player skill levels and interests, providing a customized gaming journey. AI-driven dynamic difficulties, real-time game modifications, and personalized narratives are potential advancements that could elevate the player’s entertainment levels. Expansion and Accessibility through Cloud Gaming The expansion of cloud gaming remains a pivotal focus, aiming to bridge the gap between high-quality gaming and affordability. By offering a cloud-based platform, Game Pass may soon support more devices, such as smart TVs and mobile devices, allowing users to game on-the-go with seamless transitions between platforms. This flexibility could further enhance Microsoft ‘s reach and make premium gaming more inclusive. Features and Functionality of the Future Metaverse With the growing conversation around the metaverse, Game Pass is exploring ways to incorporate this digital phenomenon. Potential features include creating shared virtual worlds where players can build, explore, and interact in more immersive ways. This could mean multi-platform experiences where real-world acquaintances meet in virtual spaces, blurring the lines between reality and gameplay even further. Sustainability Initiatives Another critical facet for the future of Game Pass is sustainability. As environmental concerns gain prominence, the gaming industry, including Game Pass, is considering ways to reduce its carbon footprint. Cloud gaming involves vast data centers, and hence, green computing initiatives are on the table. Adopting energy-efficient servers and utilizing renewable energy sources are potential strategies to enhance the service’s sustainability. Pricing and Accessibility Predictions Looking ahead, pricing strategies for Game Pass might evolve to accommodate various user needs and economic conditions. Tiered subscription models could emerge, offering different levels of access or features, ranging from basic game streaming to all-inclusive gaming and metaverse interactions. This flexibility aims to attract a diverse user base by catering to budget-conscious gamers as well as those seeking comprehensive gaming solutions. In summary, Microsoft’s Game Pass is set to alter the landscape of digital gaming through AI enhancements, expanded cloud gaming, immersive metaverse experiences, and sustainable practices. As these developments continue, Game Pass is not just adapting to the future of gaming; it’s shaping it.

Exact date all Winter Heating Payment should be paid by – and what to do if yours is missingStock market today: Wall Street slips as the 'Magnificent 7' weighs down the market NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks are closing lower as Wall Street ends a holiday-shortened week on a down note. The S&P 500 fell 1.1% Friday and the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 333 points, or 0.8%. The Nasdaq composite dropped 1.5%. The “Magnificent 7” stocks weighed on the market, led by declines in Nvidia, Tesla and Microsoft. Even with the loss, the S&P 500 had a modest gain for the week and is still headed for its second consecutive annual gain of more than 20%, the first time that has happened since 1997-1998. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.62%. 10 tips from experts to help you change your relationship with money in 2025 NEW YORK (AP) — As the calendar changes to 2025, you might be thinking about how to approach your relationship with money in the new year. Whether you’re saving to move out of your parents’ house or pay off student loan debt, financial resolutions can help you stay motivated. If you’re planning to make financial resolutions for the new year, experts recommend that you start by evaluating the state of your finances in 2024. Then, set specific goals and make sure they’re attainable for your lifestyle. An online debate over foreign workers in tech shows tensions in Trump's political coalition WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — An online spat between factions of Donald Trump’s supporters over immigration and the tech industry has thrown internal divisions in the president-elect’s political movement into public display. The argument previews fissures and contradictory views his coalition could bring to the White House. The rift laid bare tensions between the newest flank of Trump’s movement — that is, wealthy members of the tech world who want more highly skilled workers in their industry — and people in Trump’s Make America Great Again base who championed his hardline immigration policies. A 9th telecoms firm has been hit by a massive Chinese espionage campaign, the White House says WASHINGTON (AP) — A top White House official says a ninth U.S. telecoms firm has been confirmed to have been hacked as part of a sprawling Chinese espionage campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. Administration officials said this month that at least eight telecommunications companies, as well as dozens of nations, had been affected by the Chinese hacking blitz known as Salt Typhoon. But Anne Neuberger, a deputy national security adviser, said Friday that a ninth victim had been identified after the administration released guidance to companies about how to hunt for Chinese culprits in their networks. Most Americans blame insurance profits and denials alongside the killer in UHC CEO death, poll finds WASHINGTON (AP) — Most Americans believe health insurance profits and coverage denials share responsibility for the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO — although not as much as the person who pulled the trigger. So says a new poll from NORC at the University of Chicago. It finds that about 8 in 10 Americans say that the person who committed the killing has “a great deal” or “a moderate amount” of responsibility for the Dec. 4 shooting of Brian Thompson. Still, some see suspect Luigi Mangione as a heroic figure. About 7 in 10 adults say coverage denials or health insurance profits also bear at least “a moderate amount” of responsibility for Thompson’s death. Another jackpot surpasses $1 billion. Is this the new normal? Remember this moment because it probably won’t last: A U.S. lottery jackpot is projected to soar above $1 billion, and that's still a big deal. Friday’s Mega Millions drawing is worth an estimated $1.15 billion. The prize has evoked headlines across the country, despite the nation's top 10 jackpots already having boasted billion-dollar payouts. Jonathan Cohen is the author of the book “For a Dollar and a Dream: State Lotteries in Modern America.” He says he expects jackpots to continue to grow in size. Larger payouts attract more media attention, increase ticket sales and bring in new players. How the stock market defied expectations again this year, by the numbers NEW YORK (AP) — What a wonderful year 2024 has been for investors. U.S. stocks ripped higher and carried the S&P 500 to records as the economy kept growing and the Federal Reserve began cutting interest rates. The benchmark index posted its first back-to-back annual gains of more than 20% since 1998. The year featured many familiar winners, such as Big Tech, which got even bigger as their stock prices kept growing. But it wasn’t just Apple, Nvidia and the like. Bitcoin and gold surged and “Roaring Kitty” reappeared to briefly reignite the meme stock craze. Richard Parsons, prominent executive who led Time Warner and Citigroup, dies at 76 NEW YORK (AP) — Richard Parsons, one of corporate America’s most prominent Black executives who held top posts at Time Warner and Citigroup, has died. He was 76. Parsons died Thursday at his Manhattan home. He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2015 and cited “unanticipated complications” from the disease for cutting back on work a few years later. Financial services company Lazard confirmed his death. Parsons was a longtime member of the company's board. His friend Ronald Lauder told The New York Times that the cause of death was cancer. Parsons stepped down Dec. 3 from the boards of Lazard and Lauder’s company, Estée Lauder, citing health reasons. He had been on Estée Lauder’s board for 25 years. Israel strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital while the WHO chief says he was meters away JERUSALEM (AP) — A new round of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen has targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital of Sanaa and multiple ports. The World Health Organization’s director-general said Thursday's bombardment took place just “meters away” as he was about to board a flight in Sanaa. He says a crew member was hurt. The strikes followed several days of Houthi attacks and launches setting off sirens in Israel. Israel's military says it attacked infrastructure used by the Houthis at the airport in Sanaa, power stations and ports. The Israeli military later said it wasn’t aware that the WHO chief was at the location in Yemen. At least three people were reported killed and dozens injured in the Sanaa airport strike. Holiday shoppers increased spending by 3.8% despite higher prices New data shows holiday sales rose this year even as Americans wrestled with still high prices in many grocery necessities and other financial worries. According to Mastercard SpendingPulse, holiday sales from the beginning of November through Christmas Eve climbed 3.8%, a faster pace than the 3.1% increase from a year earlier. The measure tracks all kinds of payments including cash and debit cards. This year, retailers were even more under the gun to get shoppers in to buy early and in bulk since there were five fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mastercard SpendingPulse says the last five days of the season accounted for 10% of the spending. Sales of clothing, electronics and Jewelry rose.

BOSC stock touches 52-week high at $3.4 amid market optimismIn a landmark achievement, Sri Lanka has seen a 75% increase in female representation in Parliament following the recent election, with a total of 22 women now set to serve as Members of Parliament. This number is just over 9% out of the total MP representation in Parliament, up from the previous 6%. The previous Parliament had just 12 female MPs, but this election has ushered in 21 newly elected female candidates. Additionally, the National People’s Power (NPP) has appointed Attorney-at-Law Lakmali Hemachandra to one of its 18 National List seats, further boosting the figure to 22. The number could potentially rise if other political parties, such as the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), decide to allocate one of their National List positions to a female candidate, further enhancing gender representation in the legislature. Among the newly elected female MPs, 19 are from the ruling NPP party. The NPP’s nominations included a significant number of women candidates, with representation from nearly every electoral district across the country, which reflected the party’s commitment to increasing female participation in politics and enhancing gender balance within the Parliament. The newly elected NPP MPs include Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, an academic and sociologist. Samanmalee Gunasinghe, representing the Colombo district, is a career politician who began her political journey with the leftist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) as a university student. She is a graduate of the University of Peradeniya. Dr. Kaushalya Ariyaratne, also from the Colombo district, is an Attorney-at-Law and academic. In the Kalutara district, NPP MPs included Attorney-at-Law Nilanthi Kottahachchi and Oshani Umanga, an entrepreneur. First time MP Hemali Sujeewa, from the Gampaha district, is an educator, while Sagarika Athauda, representing the Kegalle district, is a lawyer by profession. NPP candidate Attorney-at-Law Nilusha Lakmali will enter Parliament as an MP representing the Ratnapura district, while fellow lawyer Thushari Jayasinghe will represent the Kandy electoral district. Attorney-at-Law Anushka Thilakaratne and Rights Activist Krishnan Kalaichelvi will represent the Nuwara Eliya district for the NPP. MP Deepthi Wasalage, who won having contested from the Matale district, is an educator and a graduate from the University of Peradeniya. She will be joined in Parliament by fellow educators Saroja Paulraj from the Matara district and Chathuri Gangani from the Monaragala district. Attorney-at-Law Hasara Premathilake from Galle also secured a seat in Parliament under the NPP ticket. Securing a seat from the Kurunegala district was yet another lawyer, Attorney-at-Law Geetha Ratnakumari. Attorney-at-Law Hiruni Wijesinghe from Puttalam also entered Parliament after garnering 44,057 votes. First-time MP Ambika Samuel from the Badulla district was an insurance professional before joining politics. NPP’s Digamadulla district MP Muthumanike Ratwatte was a former Army officer. The remaining female MPs are from the SJB. SJB MP Rohini Kumari Wijeratne is an educator by profession, while newcomer Chamindranee Kiriella, daughter of veteran politician Lakshman Kiriella, is a lawyer.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen undergoes surgery to stabilize ribs broken in riding accidentDrop in Boxing Day footfall ‘signals return to declining pre-pandemic levels’

Eva Longoria celebrates Christmas with ‘out of office’ bikini snapsOptions Corner: Winnebago's Implosion Could Signal A Comeback OpportunityA post shared on social media purports MSNBC host Rachel Maddow was crying on her show due to a post Elon Musk made on X. Watching Rachel Maddow freak out over Elon Musk posting memes about buying MSNBC made my morning pic.twitter.com/j4lbYCIWlO — Isabella Maria DeLuca (@IsabellaMDeLuca) November 24, 2024 Verdict: False The video is edited. Fact Check: Comcast is planning to create a new company in an attempt to keep up with streaming services, the announcement of which has boosted their stocks by 2%, according to BBC News . The company will be taking channels like MSNBC, E! and Syfy and transitioning them to the new company, the outlet reported. A post shared on X purports Maddow started crying due to a meme posted by Musk. The video shows the host struggling to speak before she requests a graphic to be shown. A lewd image, allegedly posted by Musk, is then put on the screen. The caption reads, “Watching Rachel Maddow freak out over Elon Musk posting memes about buying MSNBC made my morning.” The claim is inaccurate. The clip was edited to show Maddow responding to a meme about Musk potentially buying the network. The original video, which was shared on YouTube , showed Maddow was discussing immigration. The Guardian shared the clip in 2018. Maddow asked her producers to share a graphic, however no graphic was available to show the audience. Maddow then says she needs to hand the story off before introducing Lawrence O’Donnell. (RELATED: Did Rachel Maddow Recently Cry And Run Off The Set Of Her Show?) The lewd graphic shown in the edited version does show a legitimate Musk post . Musk has joked on X about possibly buying MSNBC. Donald Trump Jr. shared a comment on X suggesting Musk buy the network, Musk responded by asking how much the network cost. How much does it cost? — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 22, 2024 This is not the first time misinformation involving Musk has circulated online. Check Your Fact recently debunked a claim Musk banned actor Robert De Niro from the platform.

WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump suggests the United States should control Canada, Greenland, and the Panama Canal, sparking strong reactions from the involved countries. "Because we're being ripped off at the Panama Canal like we're being ripped off everywhere else," Trump said. Trump argues that Panama charges "ridiculous" fees for using the canal and criticizes President Jimmy Carter for ceding control of the canal in a historic peace treaty. "I leave them there as totally irrelevant issues and quite bordering on historical incoherence with what the Panama Canal has been, is and will be," said José Raúl Mulino, the president of Panama, through a translator. Trump has also targeted Canada on social media, suggesting it should become the 51st state and referring to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as a governor. "Canada allows people and drugs to flow in through our Northern Border," Trump said. Trump's comments have caused turmoil in Ottawa, leading to the resignation of the finance minister over disagreements on handling the new hostility. "What we need to do is make sure that we strengthen our relationships with our allies and treaty partners like Panama, not make ridiculous carnival barker threats," said Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, D-Florida. Trump also claims that U.S. control of Greenland is vital for "national security and freedom throughout the world." However, the Danish Prime Minister has stated that the territory is not for sale but is open for cooperation. During his first administration, Trump canceled a 2019 visit to Denmark after his initial offer to buy Greenland was rejected. This is not the first time a U.S. president has shown interest in Greenland; President Harry Truman offered to purchase it from Denmark in 1946 for $100 million in gold. President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday announced Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kevin Cabrera as the ambassador to Panama.

HOUSTON — Houston Texans receiver Tank Dell will miss the remainder of the season after dislocating a knee and tearing an ACL in a loss to Kansas City on Saturday. Coach DeMeco Ryans revealed the details of his injury Monday before announcing that Dell would have season-ending surgery for a second straight year. He fractured his fibula in Week 13 against the Broncos as a rookie last season and had surgery on it the following day. “He dislocated the knee, he tore the ACL, other things there he’ll have to get repaired," Ryans said. “So he’ll be out for the year.” Ryans didn't have a date for Dell's surgery for this injury, but said it would be soon. Dell was injured on a 30-yard touchdown catch in Houston’s 27-19 loss Saturday. He was coming across the back of the end zone and made the spectacular catch on a pass from C.J. Stroud before colliding with Houston teammate Jared Wayne on the way to the ground. Dell immediately grabbed at his knee and Wayne signaled for team trainers, who spent several minutes working on the wide receiver while teammates waited anxiously. Dell was eventually placed on a stretcher and driven in a covered medical cart off the field, and then he was taken to the hospital. He stayed in the hospital overnight before flying back to Houston on Sunday. Stroud, who is so close to Dell that he considers him a brother, cried the entire time the receiver was down on the field and for a while after he was taken away. “It was just not easy for me to sit there and be emotional,” Stroud said Monday. “But it’s something that we all go through in life and it’s easy to be a fake tough guy. It’s easy to go through life acting like everything doesn’t affect you, but deep down we all know we’re going through something.” Some criticized Stroud for crying. But he believes a display of emotion such as that was important to remind people of the human aspect of this game and the toll it can take on players. “It’s good for young men and women out there, kids who are brought up — and I was taught this too as a kid, not from my parents but just from the world, don’t let anybody see you emotional,” he said. “Don’t let anybody see you down and yeah there’s some truth to that in in certain aspects, but there’s also life and I think it was good for people to see me in that light and knowing that there is still a human factor to me and I’m a normal person.” Aaron Rodgers is still contemplating his playing future. The star quarterback knows if he returns to the field, it might be out of hands whether it's with the New York Jets. The 41-year-old Rodgers said last week that he'll take some time after this season, his 20th in the NFL, to determine what he wants to do next. On Monday, he suggested a decision on whether he'll return with the Jets could be made for him the day after the team's regular-season finale. “I think there’s a world where they just say, ‘Hey, thank you, we’re going to go in another direction’ on Jan. 6,” Rodgers said during his weekly appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.” “That’s a possibility,” he added. "I think there’s also a possibility we’re going to wait and see who the new staff is.” Get local news delivered to your inbox!Navy QB Blake Horvath's 95-yard TD run in Armed Forces Bowl win is longest play in school history

wild horse casino

Cerity Partners LLC Has $4.03 Million Stock Holdings in DexCom, Inc. (NASDAQ:DXCM)The Ukrainian Armed Forces hit the radar station of the Russian occupiers' S-400 air defense systemwhat is the cage in a casino 。

Cerity Partners LLC Sells 222 Shares of Axon Enterprise, Inc. (NASDAQ:AXON)The most important ideals of martyr Ayatollah Sayyed Mohammad Baqir al-Hakim

AI in 2025: What to expect and how will it reshape the world

Some 140 years after its first trailblazing luxury train chugged out of Paris’s Gare de l’Est bound for Constantinople, the Orient Express is having something of a rebirth. Arguably the most interesting in a flurry of announcements from the brand is the launch of Orient Express Silenseas, a new collection of yachts that are a collaboration between three French giants: global hospitality group Accor, luxury goods titan LVMH and shipbuilders Chantiers de l’Atlantique. Orient Express Corinthian is the world’s largest sailing yacht. The finished product looks like the lovechild of the fanciest superyacht and the most elegant sailing boat. The first yacht to be completed, Orient Express Corinthian, which at 220m long, with three 100m-high sails, is the world’s largest sailing yacht, won’t be taking paying guests until 2026, but the first images of its interiors have been released. Luxury hotel groups such as Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons and Aman have all announced launches of luxury yachts this year . But while they may be fabulous, they are smallish cruise ships, not yachts. Evrima, for example, the first in the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, offers 224 suites. Then there’s Four Seasons, whose first “yacht”, when it launches in 2026, will have 14 decks and 95 suites. With just 50 cabins, Aman at Sea, which launches in 2027, is the closest of the offerings to a superyacht and also in scale to the 54-suite Orient Express Corinthian. But what Orient Express Corinthian has that none of the others do is sails. The interiors team took inspiration from classic French liners such as SS Normandie. There’s something much cooler and more adventurous-seeming about a great big yacht with sails than an all-bling one with just an engine. This is something that hasn’t escaped Jeff Bezos, who spent $500 million on his three-masted boat Koru , which at 127 metres was the world’s largest sailing yacht – until now. Inspired by the golden age of the French Riviera, Orient Express Corinthian has been designed by French architect and designer Maxime d’Angeac, who has also worked on a new Orient Express train that will launch in France around the same time. The two will combine on certain itineraries. Sustainability was central to the design process, seen through the minimal use of leather, no plastic and lots of walnut wood panelling. “The pillars of Orient Express are art deco, geometric patterns and strong colours, which both train and boat have,” says d’Angeac. “Train interiors can be much darker as this makes them feel cosy and luxurious. The boat [has] much more space and height, so its design feels more Riviera, like a villa on the Côte d’Azur. I’ve also replaced the really small windows you usually get in yacht cabins with huge, durable windows.” Orient Express Corinthian will have five restaurants, eight bars including a speakeasy, two swimming pools including a lap pool, an amphitheatre cabaret space and a private recording studio. In-room spa treatments and meditation sessions will also be available. The boats will spend summers in the Mediterranean and the Adriatic and winters in the Caribbean, with dining, shopping and cultural experiences offered at multiple stop-offs along the way. Sustainability has been at the forefront of the design process, as has working out how to be beautiful but also functional. For example, there is hardly any leather, no plastic and lots of walnut wood panelling, which as well as being elegant and warm is durable and lightweight. The team examined classic French liners such as SS Normandie for inspiration. There are lovely details at every turn: a long, daybed window seat that lifts up to reveal a wooden games box stocked with chess, dominoes and playing cards; luxurious velvet headboards and bathrooms lined in the most decadent-looking Violetta Calacatta marble with crimson walls behind. All of this will be accompanied by Orient Express service, with butlers on hand around the clock. The luxurious bathrooms feature Violetta Calacatta marble. Sustainability was central to the design process, seen through the minimal use of leather, no plastic and lots of walnut wood panellingThe luxurious bathrooms feature Violetta Calacatta marble “The in-room bar,” replies d’Angeac, when I ask him to name a small detail he particularly likes. “When I arrive at a hotel, I’m always excited to see what has been chosen. We are still deciding but I can tell you it will be the best artisan cocktails and chocolate, as opposed to big names. We will simply use small French companies offering the best things.” Silenseas is also debuting groundbreaking wind-harnessing technology that has been 20 years in the making: SolidSail, a rigid, foldable carbon sail and mast system that will provide more than 50 per cent of the yachts’ propulsion. “Wind technology is the future of cruising, everyone knows that,” says d’Angeac. “We can’t just go on producing bigger and bigger boats with enormous polluting engines. Using less gasoline is really important to us, so we will adapt our routes to ensure we follow the wind, which will all be part of the experience.” Loading This hybrid system will combine wind power with an engine running on liquified natural gas (LNG – typically at least 85 per cent methane). While LNG is by no means the perfect option, it is much cleaner than other fossil fuels such as coal, gas or oil, so makes for a better alternative while the infrastructure needed to handle fully renewable energy is still being developed. It was said that Orient Express founder Georges Nagelmackers was first inspired to design a luxury train on a transatlantic crossing to America in 1867, revelling in its luxurious suites, social scene and general grandeur. “I think he would have gone into luxury cruising eventually, had he not died so young,” says d’Agneac. Either way, this feels like a full-circle moment. The Telegraph, London Sign up for the Traveller newsletter The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now . Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Luxury holidays Ocean cruises Cruises Most viewed on Traveller LoadingCalamos Convertible and High Income Fund (NASDAQ:CHY) Short Interest Update

Quest Partners LLC bought a new position in shares of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. ( NASDAQ:TTWO – Free Report ) during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund bought 3,152 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $484,000. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Swiss National Bank increased its position in Take-Two Interactive Software by 2.7% during the third quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 493,508 shares of the company’s stock worth $75,857,000 after buying an additional 13,200 shares during the period. CIBC Asset Management Inc grew its position in shares of Take-Two Interactive Software by 9.1% during the third quarter. CIBC Asset Management Inc now owns 53,345 shares of the company’s stock worth $8,200,000 after acquiring an additional 4,456 shares during the last quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Take-Two Interactive Software by 2.8% in the 3rd quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. now owns 402,889 shares of the company’s stock valued at $61,928,000 after acquiring an additional 10,837 shares during the period. WCM Investment Management LLC raised its position in Take-Two Interactive Software by 28.6% in the 3rd quarter. WCM Investment Management LLC now owns 12,895 shares of the company’s stock valued at $1,974,000 after purchasing an additional 2,867 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Principal Financial Group Inc. boosted its stake in Take-Two Interactive Software by 5.9% during the 3rd quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 189,496 shares of the company’s stock worth $29,127,000 after purchasing an additional 10,491 shares during the period. 95.46% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Insider Transactions at Take-Two Interactive Software In other news, Director Laverne Evans Srinivasan sold 2,000 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction on Friday, November 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $179.17, for a total value of $358,340.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 9,692 shares in the company, valued at $1,736,515.64. This represents a 17.11 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website . Corporate insiders own 1.45% of the company’s stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Take-Two Interactive Software Take-Two Interactive Software Stock Performance NASDAQ:TTWO opened at $188.15 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 0.85, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53. The company has a market capitalization of $33.04 billion, a P/E ratio of -8.89, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.62 and a beta of 0.85. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $162.18 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $156.48. Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. has a twelve month low of $135.24 and a twelve month high of $188.45. Take-Two Interactive Software Company Profile ( Free Report ) Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc develops, publishes, and markets interactive entertainment solutions for consumers worldwide. It develops and publishes action/adventure products under the Grand Theft Auto, LA Noire, Max Payne, Midnight Club, and Red Dead Redemption names, as well as other franchises. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TTWO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. ( NASDAQ:TTWO – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Take-Two Interactive Software Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Take-Two Interactive Software and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .A Russian-made passenger aircraft operated by Azimuth Airlines caught fire upon landing at Antalya Airport in southern Turkey, leading to a temporary suspension of flights. The incident occurred on Sunday, as the Turkish transport ministry reported in an official statement. All 89 passengers and six crew members aboard the Sukhoi Superjet 100 were evacuated safely after the aircraft's engine ignited post-landing. The plane, arriving from Sochi, Russia, remained on the runway until authorities cleared it to be towed away. Flights at Antalya Airport were suspended until 0300 local time (0000 GMT). Social media footage, shared by Airport Haber and the transport ministry, showed emergency teams responding with foam and fire extinguishers. Azimuth Airlines attributed the rough landing to wind shear. Russian aviation authorities, Rosaviatsiya, have launched an investigation. The aircraft, seven years old, highlights Russia's current aircraft shortage due to Western sanctions. (With inputs from agencies.)

Audi Crooks' winning shot leads No. 8 Iowa State to 80-78 win over Drake

Audi Crooks' winning shot leads No. 8 Iowa State to 80-78 win over DrakeThe Kitsap County Sheriff's Office said hundreds of raccoons took over a woman's yard. The woman had been feeding them for more than 30 years. (Credit: Kitsap County Sheriff's Office) A bewildered mom happened upon her infant son being attacked by a raccoon that had sneaked inside their Idaho home and successfully fended off the unlikely holiday visitor . The mother called the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) and the Cassia County Sheriff’s Office Dec. 23 after she heard "a loud noise in the home" and discovered the raccoon attacking her baby boy, Idaho Fish and Game shared in a release. Authorities said the mother managed to grab the furry intruder to save her son. BIRD FLU CAUSES DEATHS OF CATS AND ZOO ANIMALS AS VIRUS SPREADS IN US Idaho Fish and Game said a wild raccoon sneaked into a home and attacked an infant. (Idaho Fish and Game) The infant was taken to the Cassia Regional Hospital in Burley for undisclosed injuries before being transferred to a hospital in Salt Lake City . According to officials, a sheriff’s deputy returned to the home with the baby's father, located the animal and killed it. IDFG noted it was unclear how the raccoon got inside the home and that there were no other raccoons inside. COMPLETE MASTODON JAW FOUND IN NEW YORK HOMEOWNER'S BACKYARD: ‘REMARKABLE DISCOVERY’ The animal's carcass has since been tested for rabies by the Idaho Bureau of Laboratories, and tests were negative, the release said. "Once notified of the incident, staff from the Magic Valley Region activated their Wildlife Human Attack Response Team," the IDFG wrote. "This specially trained team of department staff has the responsibility to act to protect the safety of the public and incident responders; attempt to identify, locate, and control the animal(s) involved in a human-wildlife incident ; and conduct, document and report investigative findings." Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals most often transmitted to humans through the bite of a rabid animal. (iStock) The agency noted that raccoon attacks on humans in the state are "extremely rare" and that there has only been one case of raccoon rabies documented in Idaho . The IDFG instructed Idahoans to "never purposely feed a raccoon," saying they generally avoid humans unless they feel "threatened." "As with all wildlife that can be found around homes in Idaho, the best course of action to avoid raccoon encounters is to take preventative actions before a problem starts," the department wrote. "Raccoons can live in a variety of habitats, but an area with access to water and food will attract them. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP "A homeowner can limit food sources by securing residential garbage, removing any fallen fruit or rotten produce from your yard or garden, feeding pets indoors, keeping pet food securely stored, and removing or securing bird feeders," IDFG added. "Blocking raccoon access to hiding places in sheds and outbuildings and sealing off potential entryways and exits in and around a home will also discourage raccoon use." Fox News Digital has reached out to the IDFG for comment. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. Story tips and ideas can be sent to sarah.rumpf@fox.com and on X: @s_rumpfwhitten .Copy link Copied Copy link Copied Subscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Already a subscriber? Login The Albanese government will put the onus on the Greens to blink on two key housing measures after staring down the minor party’s 11th-hour demands for a compromise, in the major battleground for parliament’s final sitting week of the year amid a logjam of 76 unpassed bills. It could be the final sitting week of Labor’s first term in government if Anthony Albanese calls an early election in the new year, and Labor is poised to chalk up wins on aged care reform, an overhaul of political donations and banning under 16s from social media accounts with the opposition’s backing. Copy link Copied Copy link Copied Subscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Already a subscriber? Login Introducing your Newsfeed Follow the topics, people and companies that matter to you. Latest In Federal Fetching latest articles Most Viewed In Politics

q2527 casino login

wild fortune casino 。

None

Stellar Don't miss out on the headlines from Stellar. Followed categories will be added to My News. Two-and-a-half years ago, the world collectively lost it over Robert Irwin’s unanticipated glow-up. Then just 18, he stepped out of his trademark khakis for his first fashion shoot, appearing on the cover of Stellar in a defining moment that marked the conservationist’s transition from adorable boy with a bowl cut to handsome leading man. “I think it was one of the first times that Australia – and the world, really – got to see Robert out of khakis,” Irwin says of the shoot, which went viral and made headlines around the globe. “It started a new era for me, for my life.” Flattered by the attention he’s since received, in particular the swooning over his transformation into a young sex symbol, Irwin can only laugh good-naturedly. “I’ll take it,” he demurs. “But I don’t get it. As long as it means my message – not just for wildlife conservation, but for positivity – is being heard, then that’s all good.” ‘Life is about pushing yourself and having fun!’ Picture: Robbie Fimmano for Stellar Irwin credits his Stellar makeover in July 2022 with hard-launching an exciting phase of his career, which culminated not only in marriage proposals and modelling offers but also a role on prime time TV, where he replaced Dr Chris Brown as Julia Morris’s co-host this year on the Network 10 reality show I’m A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! As well as holding his own alongside his more experienced co-host, Irwin scored his first Gold Logie nomination, and will start filming his second season in January. “It’s live TV and it’s the biggest adrenaline rush ever. That’s what I love,” he tells Stellar. “Life is about pushing yourself and having fun. And getting to really delve into this experience alongside Julia has been such a gift. I’ve learnt a lot. “I’ve always wanted to continue the legacy – that’s very important to me, obviously – my dad’s legacy, my family’s legacy,” he adds. “But I want to do it in my own way. At the end of the day, my heart still beats khaki. “But to be able to step out and try something different every now and again means the world to me.” Where once Irwin would have shied away from experimenting with fashion, these days he’s more likely to lean in for a play with stylists. He’s also taking tentative steps towards carving out his own niche as a millennial renaissance man. ‘New era!’ Robert Irwin turns 21-years-old today, as he poses on set for the new issue of Stellar. Picture: Robbie Fimmano for Stellar “I love the arts, I love photography, I love painting, I love music,” he explains. “And to me, fashion is part of that. It’s a visual representation of yourself and where you’re at in your life.” That’s why, as he marks his 21st birthday today, Irwin wants this shoot with Stellar to declare, “This is the 2024 Robert Irwin. And he’s tackling some more modern things.” While the family business of wildlife and conservation will always be his first love – including the new-look Crocoseum at Australia Zoo, where he, his sister Bindi, and mum Terri are continuing to burnish their family’s legacy – Robert Irwin 3.0 is also keen to take risks outside the jungle. Not one to ever sit idle, Irwin began learning the guitar during the pandemic, has since picked up the ukulele and now has the banjo in his sights as well. “I’ve never told anyone this but I have written stuff,” he says, explaining he has composed his own songs to process his thoughts and feelings, and unplug from the world. “I’ve written little bits and bobs. I love writing music and putting songs together with different chords. “And I’ve written some stuff that I played for a very small group of people who liked it. But that small group of people are all friends and family, so they’re biased. Who knows if it’s actually good. But [would I release an album]? Who knows?” Picture: Robbie Fimmano for Stellar Picture: Robbie Fimmano for Stellar One of his most passionate groupies is Bindi’s three-year-old daughter Grace, who he says frequently agitates her uncle to make up silly songs. “She will be like: ‘Shu Shu!’ – she calls me Shu Shu, which is Mandarin for uncle – ‘sing a song about sloths riding bicycles.’ “And I’ll be like, ‘Done!’ I don’t think the songs about sloths riding bicycles will be making it onto my album, though.” It’s not just music that Irwin is keen to explore. Last month, he was lightheartedly touted as a potential replacement for Daniel Craig in the next James Bond movie after he shared a photo of himself on Instagram clad in a tuxedo. While he jokes that he prefers his “Bundaberg Ginger Beer shaken not stirred,” Irwin says the idea of playing the debonair spy is not as far-fetched as it first might seem. “One of those people [who suggested me for Bond] was Jasin Boland, who is the photographer for the 007 films with Daniel Craig,” Irwin tells Stellar with a mix of complete sincerity and humour. Read the full interview with Robert Irwin in the latest issue of Stellar. “And when he commented, I was like: ‘Oh, hang on ... [maybe]?’ To be honest, I’ve always loved the idea of getting into acting and doing drama, because I’ve done a lot of different mediums within the television space and whatnot, and I know a lot of people in that industry. It would be an incredible thing to do. “So watch this space. I can do a pretty good British accent.” There’s no doubt that Irwin’s gung-ho approach to seizing the day comes from a mix of nature and nurture. Yes, he inherited the exuberant genes from his father Steve Irwin, but he also explains that his dad’s death in 2006 has been a constant reminder that life can be unpredictable – and short. So Irwin is eager to grab life with both hands, even if it takes him outside his comfort zone. When Stellar asks what’s on his bucket list, he smiles and quickly replies: “That’s easy. Everything. I don’t want to get to the end of my life and say, ‘I wish I’d done ...’ I want to have done it all.” But Irwin isn’t just looking to have fun. He’s eager to galvanise his fame to promote causes that are close to his heart. Promoting mental health awareness has become a priority, which is why he wants to encourage youngsters to spend more time outdoors rather than online. “As I’ve grown up, I’ve wanted to tackle bigger issues,” he explains. ‘I want to have done it all.’ Picture: Matrix “In my work as an environmental advocate, I wanted to sort of step out and start talking about big issues like climate change through social media and my work in front of and behind the camera. “I really want to have a global presence for positivity in the world. “For young people, it can be very hard to navigate. There’s a lot of negativity going around.” Of course, negativity is hard to find in the Irwin household. But that’s a conscious choice rather than a fait accompli. Irwin believes more people should approach life like his father did, adding: “If a little bloke from Beerwah, Queensland – population 1000 in the 1970s – who liked rescuing snakes from the side of the road and set up a little roadside zoo that was two acres can grow up to be one of the biggest and most influential voices in history, I think anyone can do it.” For more from Stellar, listen to the podcast Something To Talk About: Irwin practises what he preaches. He was named a Global Ambassador for Prince William’s Earthshot Prize in September, which led to him spending time with the Prince of Wales in South Africa last month. It wasn’t the first time the pair had met, and Irwin tells Stellar he considers the royal a kindred spirit and “an incredible person to talk to. “But in Cape Town I got a really good chance to spend some time and really, really chat to him. It was amazing. Prince William, left, and Robert Irwin during a visit to Signal Hill in Cape Town, South Africa, last month. Picture: Getty Images “There are so many parallels with what he does with the environment and what we do. “And there’s definitely that unspoken understanding of the things that we all go through. I mean, as a human being, at some point in your life, you’re going to go through grief. If you love, you grieve. “That’s a simple fact, and I think in a way that connects us all. If you dig down, we all have a similar story in the grief department, and we all will at some point. And it can be oddly uniting.” That’s why Irwin welcomes it when strangers come up to tell him where they were when they heard the news that his father had died following a stingray attack while filming a documentary in the Great Barrier Reef on September 4, 2006. “I think the entire world was – and still is – grieving,” Irwin says of his father’s death at the age of 44, when he was just two years old. “I don’t think the world will ever be the same without him. “It’s challenging, obviously, but I really like when people come up and talk about that because it’s pretty cool to have a dad that was like the world’s dad. I’ve always really liked celebrating and acknowledging Dad. ‘He was a superhero!’ The late Steve Irwin and his son, Robert, at Australia Zoo. Picture: AAP Robert Irwin with his mother, Terri, at the Steve Irwin Gala dinner in Brisbane. Picture: NewsWire/Tertius Pickard With I’m A Celebrity co-host Julia Morris, right, at the Logies in August. Picture: Getty Images “And I think my mum, particularly, noticed that from when I was a really young age. He was a superhero, even though I didn’t get him very long.” Irwin cites his sister’s 2020 marriage to husband Chandler Powell and his parents’ own happy relationship as road maps for his own future. “My mum and dad were just this incredible power couple. And then I look at Bindi and Chandler and it’s like they’re literally the same person. “They’re made for each other. I mean, if that isn’t your couple’s goals, what would be?” he says. “I really want to find the perfect person, but I’m not in any rush for it. I’m very open to it. “The thing that I’ve come to discover in that space is you’ve just got to let it happen.” Beneath all of the family’s trademark enthusiasm, the loss of Steve is still felt acutely, particularly around big life moments such as today’s milestone birthday. “It can be heartbreaking,” Irwin admits. “I can’t beat around the bush. It’s really hard, particularly when it’s those milestones. It’s difficult navigating that without a father figure. “But I have to really praise my entire family, and particularly my mum, on the way in which she’s stepped up, to make sure that – while there will always be part of myself missing and I’ll never be complete – I never felt like I missed out on anything.” The now 21-year-old is marking today with an early morning surf alongside his mates, followed by a small gathering with his family and friends. In typical Irwin style, he’ll also be ready to put on a show, feeding crocodiles at Australia Zoo. And throughout the celebrations, Irwin will be thinking of his father. “I hope,” he says, “that somewhere, somehow, he knows I’m trying to make him proud.” The new season of I’m A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! premieres at 7pm on January 19 on Network 10. See the full cover shoot and interview with Robert Irwin in today’s Stellar, out via The Sunday Telegraph (NSW), Sunday Herald Sun (VIC), The Sunday Mail (QLD) and Sunday Mail (SA). For more from Stellar and the podcast, Something To Talk About, click here . More Coverage Exclusive: Lindy Klim breaks silence on marriage rumours Angela Mollard for Stellar Cher blasts critics: ‘I don’t give a sh*t’ Nicholas Fonseca Originally published as Robert Irwin on turning 21, THOSE James Bond rumours and why ‘I want to have done it all’ More related stories Stellar Kate Langbroek’s love letter to summer As summer heralds its return, radio and TV personality Kate Langbroek has some thoughts about the seasonal equivalent of ‘bare shoulders and sticky kisses’. Read more Stellar Georgie Parker: ‘I’ve never felt weird about getting older’ As she prepares to turn 60 this month, Georgie Parker recalls the characters that have shaped who she is – and the progressively debilitating condition she refuses to let define her. Read moreA three-game road trip opens for the Soo Greyhounds with a game at the Meridian Centre in St. Catharines against the Niagara IceDogs. Full updates will be available throughout the gameVienna wins showdown match with Meridian

Sir Keir Starmer has led a host of tributes to former US president Jimmy Carter, saying he “redefined the post-presidency with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad”. The Prime Minister said Mr Carter, who died aged 100, will be remembered for the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, as well as his “decades of selfless public service”. He added that it was the Democrat’s “lifelong dedication to peace” that led to him receiving the Nobel Peace prize in 2002. Very sorry to hear of President Carter’s passing. I pay tribute to his decades of selfless public service. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) Sir Keir was joined in paying tribute to the 39th president by other leaders including the King, current President Joe Biden, Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey and former PM Tony Blair. The King remembered former US president Jimmy Carter’s 1977 visit to the UK with “great fondness” and praised his “dedication and humility”. In a message to Mr Biden and the American people, Charles said: “It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of President Carter. “He was a committed public servant, and devoted his life to promoting peace and human rights. “His dedication and humility served as an inspiration to many, and I remember with great fondness his visit to the United Kingdom in 1977. “My thoughts and prayers are with President Carter’s family and the American people at this time.” Mr Biden said that Mr Carter was an “extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian”. He said his fellow Democrat was a “dear friend”, as he announced that he will order a state funeral to be held for him in Washington DC. “Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian,” he said. “Over six decades, we had the honour of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter though is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well. “With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us. He saved, lifted and changed the lives of people all across the globe. “He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism.” Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said Mr Carter “will be remembered for generations”. “Jimmy Carter was an inspiration,” Mr Davey wrote on X. “He led a truly remarkable life dedicated to public service with a genuine care for people. “My thoughts are with his family, friends and all those who loved him. He will be remembered for generations.” Mr Blair said: “Jimmy Carter’s life was a testament to public service; from his time in office, and the Camp David Accords, to his remarkable commitment to the cause of people and peace round the world over the past 40 years,” he said. “I always had the greatest respect for him, his spirit and his dedication. He fundamentally cared and consistently toiled to help those in need.”Trump says Jill Biden ‘couldn’t have been nicer’ during Paris chat despite campaign jabs

People gather to demand South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to step down in front of the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (Associated Press Photo/Ahn Young-joon) South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday said he would lift martial law just hours after he imposed it , in a brief and confusing episode in which he blasted the opposition as “anti-state forces” threatening the country’s democracy. The unexpected move from Yoon — the first time martial law has been declared in South Korea in more than four decades — alarmed the United States and the country’s other allies. READ: South Korea lifts martial law decree after lawmakers vote against it What do we know about the imposition, its lifting and what might come next? In a dramatic, late-night emergency television address to the nation, Yoon announced that he was imposing martial law in South Korea, as he accused the opposition of paralysing the government with “anti-state activities”. A six-point decree from the new martial law commander, army chief General Park An-su swiftly followed, banning political activities and parties, “false propaganda”, strikes and “gatherings that incite social unrest”. The order also brought all media outlets under the authority of martial law and directed all medical staff, including striking doctors, to return to work within 48 hours. Security forces sealed the National Assembly, helicopters landed on the roof and troops entered the building for a short time, seemingly in a bid to prevent lawmakers from getting inside. READ: South Korean parliament defies president, lifts martial law declaration But 190 lawmakers managed to enter and voted unanimously to reject Yoon’s declaration and call for martial law to be lifted. Outside, hundreds of protesters gathered, many raising chants calling for Yoon to be arrested. Following the lawmakers’ vote, Yoon backed down. His cabinet additionally approved the motion to lift the order, Yonhap news agency reported. “Just a moment ago, there was a demand from the National Assembly to lift the state of emergency, and we have withdrawn the military that was deployed for martial law operations,” Yoon said in a televised address around 4:30 am (1930 GMT Tuesday). Under South Korea’s constitution, the parliamentary vote to lift martial law has to be respected. Yoon said he was acting to safeguard his country’s liberal democracy from “anti-state elements” and “threats posed by North Korea” — but gave little detail. While unexpected, the announcement came in the context of a festering budget row between Yoon and the opposition Democratic Party. The opposition has slashed around 4.1 trillion won ($2.8 billion) from Yoon’s proposed 677 trillion won budget for next year, prompting the president to complain that “all key budgets essential to the nation’s core functions” were being cut. “What is clear is that Yoon has been a deeply unpopular, ineffectual leader and he is having a hard time getting any kind of public support for anything he’s trying to do,” said Alan Yu, a former US diplomat in Asia now at the Center for American Progress. “The use of martial law feels almost like a desperation move to try to break out, both in a political and policy sense, but it is really poorly played on both fronts.” South Korea is a key Western ally in Asia, seen as an important democratic bulwark in a region dominated by authoritarian regimes, and the drama is being watched with concern. Washington had voiced “grave concern” about the situation and called for it to be resolved “peacefully and in accordance with the law”, while Britain and Germany both said they were closely following developments. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . China, a key ally of nuclear-armed North Korea, urged its citizens to exercise caution, while Russia — itself increasingly close to Pyongyang — called the situation “alarming”.

8 cops among 33 injured as jobless teachers cane-chargedWhat do you get when you combine Rita Ora , a mullet , a pixie haircut , and a bottle of bleach? Rita Ora with an iconic "mixie" haircut . On Dec. 2, Ora attended the 2024 British Fashion Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall wearing a look that can only be described as '80s punk-rock. Outfit-wise, she sported a gray suit with a striped shirt and a pink tie, paired with chunky silver accessories. Our eyes, however, were glued to her hair. Ora has most recently been seen with long, "brond" hair, but last night, she switched things up dramatically. Not only was her hair cut into a mixie — a mix between a mullet and pixie — but the color was completely different, as well. The top was bleached into a golden-honey tone, and the longer area in the back was a deeper brown. (Also, her eyebrows were bleached to match, so it's clear Ora has no trouble committing.) Ora's new look is a substantial switch-up from anything we've seen her with recently. While she has been blond in the past, the short cut is what really caught our attention. Jenny Cho is a celebrity hairstylist who has worked with stars like Kristen Bell and Daisy Edgar Jones. "A mixie is an edgy haircut that is longer in the back, like a mullet, and short, like a pixie, in the front," celebrity hairstylist Jenny Cho says. "Mixie as a haircut feels uniquely different from what we've been seeing but also has a slight '70s retro vibe that feels familiar." This isn't the first time we've seen a celebrity sport a mixie — Halsey, Zoë Kravitz, Kristen Stewart, and Charlize Theron have all had one at some time or another. While it does require frequent salon visits to keep the style in tip-top shape, it does typically work for all hair types and textures. Additionally, they're deemed fairly low-maintenance when it comes to day-to-day styling. Keep scrolling to take a closer look at Ora's new 'do. Renee Rodriguez (she/her) is a staff writer and social producer for PS. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise focus on fashion and beauty content with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. She also produces social content for the PS TikTok and Instagram accounts.

Trump vows to block Japanese steelmaker from buying US Steel, pledges tax incentives and tariffs

wolf casino game

The passage of these two significant measures represents a turning point in South Korea's fight against corruption and a reaffirmation of the country's commitment to upholding democratic values and the rule of law. It sends a clear message that no one is above accountability and that those who betray the public trust will be held responsible for their actions.If you’re planning on ringing in the new year quietly at home, you’re not alone. A majority of U.S adults intend to celebrate New Year’s Eve at home, according to a new poll by . “As I’ve gotten older over the last few years, it’s like if I don’t make it to midnight, it’s not a big deal, you know?” says Carla Woods, 70, from Vinton, Iowa. Nearly 2 in 10 will be celebrating at a friend or family member’s home, and just 5% plan to go out to celebrate at a bar, restaurant or organized event, the poll found. But many U.S. adults will celebrate the new year in a different way — by making a resolution. More than half say they’ll make at least one resolution for 2025. There’s some optimism about the year ahead, although more than half aren’t expecting a positive change. About 4 in 10 say 2025 will be a better year for them personally. About one-third don’t expect much of a difference between 2024 and 2025, and about one-quarter think 2025 will be a worse year than 2024. Kourtney Kershaw, a 32-year-old bartender in Chicago, often fields questions from customers and friends about upcoming events for New Year’s Eve. She said this year is trending toward low-key. “A majority of who I’ve spoken to in my age range, they want to go out, but they don’t know what they’re going to do because they haven’t found anything or things are just really expensive,” she said. “Party packages or an entry fee are like a turnoff, especially with the climate of the world and how much things cost.” As expected, younger people are more interested in ringing in the new year at a bar or organized event — about 1 in 10 U.S. adults under 30 say they plan to do that. But about 3 in 10 older adults — 60 and above — say they won’t celebrate the beginning of 2025 at all. Anthony Tremblay, 35, from Pittsburgh, doesn’t usually go out to toast the arrival of the new year, but this year he’s got something special cooked up: He and his wife will be traveling through Ireland. “I don’t do anything too crazy for New Year’s, usually. So this is definitely a change,” he said. “I wanted to do something unique this year, so I did.” Woods will be working New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. She answers calls on The Iowa Warmline, a confidential, noncrisis listening line for people struggling with mental health or substance use issues. “Holidays are really hard for people, so I don’t mind working,” she said. “I’m passionate about it because I have mental health issues in the family and so being able to help people is rewarding to me.” Every New Year’s also triggers the eternal debate about resolutions. A majority of U.S. adults say they intend to make a New Year’s resolution of some type, but millennials and Gen Z are especially likely to be on board — about two-thirds expect to do so, compared to about half of older adults. Women are also more likely than men to say they will set a goal for 2025. Tremblay hopes to lose some weight and focus more on self-care — more sleep, meditation and breathing exercises. “It’s probably a good year to focus on mental health,” he said. Many others agree. About 3 in 10 adults choose resolutions involving exercise or eating healthier. About one-quarter said they’ll make a resolution involving losing weight and a similar number said they’ll resolve to make changes about priorities of money or mental health. Woods’ resolutions are to stay social and active. As a mental health counselor, she knows those are key to a happy 2025 and beyond: “Probably one of my biggest resolutions is trying to make sure I stay social, try to get out at least once a week — get out and either have coffee or do something with a friend. That’s not only for the physical but also for the mental health part.” Kershaw, the bartender, says weight loss and better health are the top resolutions she hears people make. “Mental health is the new one, but I think it’s high up there as well as with regular health,” she said. She prefers more goal-oriented resolutions and, this time, it’s to do more traveling and see more of the world: “I don’t know if that’s really a resolution, but that’s a goal that I’m setting.” And how will she welcome the arrival of 2025? Usually, she takes the night off and stays home watching movies with plenty of snacks, but this year Kershaw has a different plan, maybe one of the most Chicago things you can do. This die-hard sports fan will be on Tuesday watching the Chicago Blackhawks take on the St. Louis Blues. “Hockey’s my favorite sport. So I will be watching hockey and bringing in the new year,” she said. ___ The AP-NORC poll of 1,251 adults was conducted Dec. 5-9, 2024, using a sample drawn from NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for adults overall is plus or minus 3.7 percentage points. ___ Sanders reported from Washington.wolf bet casino 。

"Ramsdale has all the attributes of a top goalkeeper. He is agile, commanding in the box, and has excellent reflexes. His shot-stopping ability and ability to read the game make him a reliable presence at the back," Wright praised. "With Ramsdale guarding the goal, Chelsea can have full confidence in their defense, allowing their attacking players to play with freedom and confidence."The launch of the initiative was celebrated with a high-profile event that brought together industry experts, renowned directors, and aspiring filmmakers from universities across China. With workshops, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, the event provided a platform for participants to engage with the latest advancements in AI technology and explore the endless possibilities that it offers for the future of film and television creation.

Google reveals quantum computing chip with ‘breakthrough’ achievementsHow To Beat The Market When One Of Your Top Stocks Drops 44%

Guardiola's announcement has sparked a wave of speculation and reflection within the footballing community. Fans, players, and fellow managers have expressed their support and gratitude for Guardiola's contributions to the sport. His influence on football tactics and philosophy is undeniable, and his legacy will undoubtedly endure for years to come.The "Prosecutor's Open Class" series, featuring real-life prosecutors discussing legal concepts and cases in an accessible and engaging manner, has garnered widespread attention for its informative content and impactful storytelling. By addressing topics relevant to minors, such as juvenile delinquency, cyberbullying, and child protection laws, the series aims to raise awareness and promote understanding of the legal system among young viewers. Through these educational videos, minors are equipped with the necessary tools to navigate legal challenges and protect their rights effectively.

Three-Dimensional World: The Three-Dimensional World Low-Code Platform Developed IndependentlyThe looming specter of Yoon's arrest and the possibility of his removal from office have plunged South Korea into a state of uncertainty and turmoil. The country, known for its vibrant democracy and rule of law, is now grappling with a political crisis that threatens to undermine its democratic foundations and tarnish its international reputation.

As the debate rages on and the man's claim unfolds, one thing remains clear - the incident serves as a reminder of the need for transparency, accountability, and diligence in ensuring food quality and safety for consumers everywhere. Only time will tell whether the demand for "evidence" will be met and justice served in this peculiar zongzi saga.Martinez had gone eight matches since last finding the back of the net against Venezia on November 3 but after Alessandro Bastoni opened the scoring in the 54th minute, the Argentina international struck in Sardinia. The Inter captain took his tally against Cagliari to 10 goals in as many games after 71 minutes before Hakan Calhanoglu capped an excellent night for the visitors from the penalty spot a few moments later. This moment >>> — Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter_en) Inter’s fifth-successive league victory led to them temporarily leapfrogging Atalanta, who reclaimed top spot but saw their lead cut to a single point following a 1-1 draw at Lazio. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side were grateful for a point in the end after falling behind to Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s first-half strike, only drawing level with two minutes remaining thanks to Marco Brescianini. Lautaro Valenti’s last-gasp strike condemned rock-bottom Monza to a 10th defeat in 18 matches as Parma edged a 2-1 victory, while Genoa defeated Empoli by the same scoreline.

The allegations against Tang Renjian have cast a shadow over the reputation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and have sparked widespread debate about the need for greater accountability and oversight in the management of public resources. The case highlights the challenges faced by the government in ensuring that officials at all levels adhere to the highest ethical standards and uphold the public trust.As the season progresses, the battle between Inter and Lazio could prove to be a crucial factor in the race for the Serie A title. With both teams aiming to secure a top-four finish and qualify for the Champions League next season, every point will be crucial in determining their final standings.In the midst of dealing with this unexpected situation, John realized the importance of safeguarding his personal information and keeping a close eye on his credit report. He understood that identity theft and fraud are serious threats in today's digital age, and taking proactive measures to protect oneself is crucial.

AMGEN TO PRESENT AT CITI'S 2024 GLOBAL HEALTHCARE CONFERENCELautaro Martinez ends goal drought as Inter keep pressure on Serie A leaders

Residents in Seattle, Washington, plan to stop tipping as a minimum wage hike in the Democrat-run city looms. The city’s minimum wage is supposed to go from $19.97 to $20.76 an hour on January 1, the Daily Mail reported on Friday. Tipping workers on top of the approaching hourly rate hike does not appear to be a popular idea with some residents who have said they will no longer be shelling out the extra money for workers. The Mail article continued: One user who shared a Reddit post on the wage hike, which has picked up steam in the local area, said: ‘With Seattle’s new minimum wage going into effect really soon, most food industry workers are finally reaching a level playing field. ‘As a result, I’ll no longer be tipping more than 5-10%. And I’m ONLY doing that if service is EXCEPTIONAL. It’s only fair—hard work deserves fair pay across all industries. ‘Any instance where I am ordering busing my own table, getting my own utensils, etc warrants $0. I also am not tipping at coffee shops anymore.’ Seattle’s minimum wage rate is among the highest in America, KTTH radio host Jason Rantz wrote in an opinion piece on Thursday. He noted that Seattle’s minimum wage ordinance requires the increases based on inflation. Rantz then said, “Seattle restaurant operators are panicked ahead of a minimum wage update that will now prevent tips and benefits from being deducted from hourly wages. For some Seattle restaurants, it will add about $45,000 in expenses per month that they don’t have.” Restaurant worker Brandon Nyland also spoke of the difficulties the pay raise may shove onto businesses, King 5 reported on Friday. “A lot of restaurants are going to have razor-thin, one- to three-percent profit margins. So, a lot of places are probably going to build that price increase into the menu,” he said. In 2021, Breitbart News’s economics editor John Carney noted that President Joe Biden (D) claimed raising the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour would force employers to pay a living wage to people working for them. However, Carney said, “the weight of economic studies say that it would have an adverse effect on employment.”It is essential for all parties involved to respect each other's sovereignty and refrain from actions that could further exacerbate the situation. Dialogue and mutual respect are crucial in resolving differences and reaching common ground on contentious issues such as Hong Kong. The Chinese Foreign Ministry is open to engaging in constructive discussions with the US government to address concerns and work towards finding a peaceful and mutually acceptable solution.

Overall, China's decision to include rare disease drugs in medical insurance represents a significant milestone in the country's healthcare system. By expanding coverage to support individuals with rare diseases, China is not only improving treatment accessibility but also demonstrating its commitment to prioritizing the health and well-being of all its citizens, regardless of the rarity of their medical conditions. This proactive initiative sets a positive example for other countries to follow in their efforts to address the unique healthcare needs of individuals with rare diseases.

Graduation day dawns sunny and warm for the first day of November, but the weather hardly matters for the joint MIT-Georgetown coding class, which takes place at the Correctional Treatment Facility, one of the two facilities that make up the DC jail complex. For twelve weeks, the students worked hard, hunched over laptops, squinting at characters and lines of code. Their work culminated in this: websites built from scratch and a certificate acknowledging their participation in college-accredited courses from these prestigious institutions. Today, they join over 200 other students at correctional facilities across the country who have completed the Brave Behind Bars program since the group’s founding in 2021. A graduation celebration looks different behind bars. Yellow and blue frosted cupcakes lined up next to lemonade and iced tea and chicken sandwiches sit waiting while the students proudly pose for photos with Marisa Gaetz, Brave Behind Bar’s co-founder. The food arrived much later than the students but no one seemed to mind; here you get used to waiting — especially for the rare celebratory occasion. Gaetz made the trek down from Massachusetts, taking a break from her PhD work to be here. She said she didn’t want to miss the chance to shake the students’ hands and tell them face to face all the things she enjoyed about working with each one of them. Her slow, precise way of speaking mirrors the painstaking work that these students have done in writing code to power websites. One by one, the students come up, take their certificate and pose for a photo with the people who made this program possible. The photos will have to do as a keepsake of this moment: the students can’t keep the physical copy – a precaution so no one else duplicates the certificate trying to pass it off as their own, an attempt to demonstrate good behavior to a judge without actually taking the class. These certificates will have to go to the students’ lawyers for safekeeping. It’s just one of the many precautions put in place for this course, one of the newest additions to prison and jail education. Here, safety questions always dominate. Whitelisted sites, limited computer time In a classroom next door, Taylor Swift plays over computer speakers as teams of two hunch over metal boxes and wiring. These students have chosen to learn about another piece of our information economy: repairing telecom equipment. The same tools these students wield to learn this lucrative craft could pose a real danger to their fellow detainees or jail staff outside this classroom. Their teacher, Timothy Saunders, painstakingly checks in and out the tools each class. He proudly tells me they’ve not had any issues on the safety front. Saunders boasts students can employ the skills they learn here to eventually earn six figure jobs. That is, of course, dependent on two things: that they get out, and once they do, that someone will hire them. The class is one of the many available to students in the lower security of DC’s two jail facilities. Administrators and detainees alike are grateful for the opportunities. Study after study shows incarcerated education helps do what citizens and policymakers alike say they want: keep people from committing more crimes. However, getting education for many people behind bars remains a challenge. Thirty years ago, the 1994 crime bill drastically cut funding for prisoner education. And while lawmakers restored this money in 2020 , across the country the gap between what kind of education prisoners would like and what they can access remains vast . This is doubly true because many of those behind bars lack even high school education - to say nothing of college or post-secondary training. The team responsible for education at the DC jail includes Jason McCrady, a former public-school counselor who noticed that so many of his students ended up behind bars that he got hired by the jail system to continue providing what education he could for those students. Technology education efforts got a boost during the pandemic, as visits and in-person services got further curtailed, and jails and prisons incorporated more digital communication tools. In the DC jail, this meant secure tablets. These devices greatly expanded the opportunities those awaiting trial would have for education and communication. At the same time, facilities have put guardrails in place. Communications, much like those over the phone, can be monitored. The functionality is limited. The students in the coding class have even more access to technology but unlike their peers on the outside, they only get limited hours each day on the laptops they use to code and they can only visit a limited number of sites pre-approved by the jail. For Gaetz, and her students, jumping through the hoops is worth it. Not taking education for granted The United States, put plainly, locks up a lot of people. But the people behind bars aren’t evenly distributed across society. This means that many people in the United States don’t have a personal connection to a system that detains and monitors nearly five million people, according to the latest statistics from the Department of Justice. This lack of connection, activists say, is one of the stumbling blocks to reform. For Gaetz, her connection to the correction system began in 2016. Her undergrad philosophy professor, Lee Perlman, taught a course at a local prison and so Gaetz tagged along. “Within minutes of sitting in that class my perception of incarcerated people was transformed,” she recalls. “Someone in that class told me that before he had taken classes while incarcerated no one had believed in him. And this one time a week not only is he treated like a human being but a student and someone whose opinion matters.” She immediately understood the power of education in an entirely different paradigm than her own. “MIT has some of the smartest students in the world,” she says “we all kind of feel like we’d do well and here I was with these students who had never had the encouragement that many of us take for granted.” She signed up to assist in that philosophy class. The years went on, she finished up her undergrad degree in math and philosophy and started a PhD program in theoretical math. She’d dabbled in computer science courses and taught herself to code as a kind of hobby. When the pandemic struck, and jails and prisons began experimenting with more connectivity, Gaetz - along with Emily Harberg and Martin Nisser - launched a coding boot camp in 2021 , first starting with women’s correctional facilities in New England. The program is straightforward. The trio aided by an ever-expanding group of expert mentors teach the students the basics of how to write code, with a bespoke website serving as their final project. But as with any education, along the way, the students pick up additional skills. Coding requires patience and confidence, but also collaboration. “A lot of people on Day One are honest and say they don’t think they can do it,” Gaetz says. ”Seeing that they’re able to do it can be really empowering.” Gaetz understands that some might feel uneasy about teaching even basic coding to people who’ve committed or are accused of committing crimes. But she maintains students graduate with the ability only to build a website, not hack or commit other cybercrimes. Opportunity outside of prison Although there are already rumblings of AI taking away coding jobs, Gaetz says today AI gets used mostly to assist in coding while most software engineering jobs still require an actual person. Besides, some of the students who come to class have little experience with computers, so the course builds literacy, confidence and problem-solving skills alongside the basic coding. All skills that most employers expect their new hires to have. Which leads to the next obvious question: Can these students use these skills to earn a living? In the DC classroom, the students put together websites speaking to their passions or interests. Their topics varied: One student with scotch tape holding his glasses together, created a site to explain the high sociological toll of poverty. Another made a site as a tribute to the positive power of music. The class’s sole female student, Iesha Marks, who goes by Tazz, built a website to help women, like her, who suffer domestic violence. Like so many behind bars, Tazz’s story contains elements of trauma. Her defense team wrote in court documents of her PTSD from a stabbing. And she, in turn, stands accused of causing grave harm. In 2021 she pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a gun. And though she’s professed her innocence, she’s been held on charges of that she shot and killed a man, Donald Childs, on a busy DC street in July of 2023 an offense to which she has pleaded not guilty. Her defense holds up her good record during the year plus of her detention, including her participation in the coding class, as evidence she’s demonstrating stability and should be released with supervision so she can care for her children ahead of the trial. A judge disagreed and ordered her held until her trial date, May of 2026. In between bites of her lunch, Tazz recalled that at the beginning, she wasn’t sure she could tackle this topic. Now scrolling through her site, full of resources for other survivors, she lights up with the possibility: maybe she created space for other women to find help and hope. It’s not just Tazz in DC. Gaetz explains that some of their earliest successes involved working with women behind bars. Some of the coding program’s first students were female inmates in New England. Some of the alumni from this group created and maintain a site called Reentry Sisters devoted to helping women in Maine rebuild their lives when they return to society from long prison stints. The well-designed site has hopeful stories and helpful tips. It also serves as a reminder of the perilous period that awaits even the most diligent student of this program. ‘I have gray hair because of coding’ Steve Johnson, an early graduate of the program, recalls that fear well. Released from prison during 2021 he remembers the fear when his parole officer demanded he get work within two weeks. With a conviction for armed robbery, despite time served, he struggled to land a job. He turned to the internet, searching for someone who could help him find a job or get the education he’d need for this new economy. The search yielded a familiar name: Lee Perlman, Gaetz’s undergraduate professor. “I cold called him,” Johnson recalled and within a day they’d connected, made a plan and got Johnson into the coding program. Johnson loved Brave Behind Bars so much he stayed on after graduation as a teaching assistant. “That role has been very helpful being on the other end, when you’re teaching something to someone you have to know it inside out,” he says. “The thing that I like the most is being able to help someone who is not very proficient and making their life easier by integrating some sort of tech-based solution for them.” Johnson’s story, by many measures, represents a best-case scenario. In the years since his release he learned a top digital skill, is teaching others, and has done numerous contract coding jobs. He loves it because although it’s hard and coding “has given me gray hair” you can work “anywhere with Wi-Fi.” His experience has also led to an appointment on a board that advises governments on how to think about education behind bars - something he evangelizes and deeply hopes to improve. Put simply: Johnson loves finding a problem and working to identify solutions. Yet even with this experience, Johnson worries that his past still holds him back. His jobs have all thus far been with organizations interested in rehabilitation and prison reform. He wonders if they hire him to get some kind of credibility in the space. He longs to be judged, for good or for ill, for his current skill not his criminal record. So now he’s trying for yet another reinvention, a 17-week tech incubator program with Defy Ventures, an organization that teaches formerly incarcerated people business chops. He figures if he can’t convince the boss of his bonafides, maybe he could become the boss himself. Then he could hire whomever he wanted based on what they bring to the job today and not get hung up on anyone’s past. This is what some refer to as a double sentence: the steep hill people returning from prison have to face in order to get jobs or rent apartments. Once you’ve done the time, how do you convince people they can trust you? For Johnson the question is a pragmatic one. “Do you want your neighbor to re-offend?” he muses. The data on this point is clear: better education and job opportunities make that prospect less likely. And here again, Johnson has adeptly identified the problem, but unlike writing a code, this problem lacks a tidy solution. Changing minds takes more time and patience even than fixing buggy code.

As her video continues to attract attention and accolades, Wu Liufang's fan base has seen a remarkable surge, with new followers flocking to her channel to show their support and appreciation. This sudden influx of fans is not just a testament to Wu Liufang's talent and hard work but also a reflection of the deep connection she has forged with her audience over the years.

Moreover, Tillman's tactical awareness and decision-making on the field have been commendable. He shows intelligence in reading the game, making timely interceptions, and providing support to his teammates both defensively and offensively. His ability to adapt to different roles in midfield and follow the coach's instructions diligently highlight his professionalism and dedication to improving as a player.

Furthermore, the coach's approach to developing Liu's game serves as a reminder that continuous improvement is key to staying competitive in the world of basketball. By pushing his players to constantly strive for excellence and push their limits, the coach is fostering a culture of growth and development within the team.As we eagerly await the release of these and other upcoming titles, one thing is certain – PlayStation continues to deliver groundbreaking experiences that captivate and inspire players around the world. Stay tuned for more updates on the exciting games set to define the future of gaming on PlayStation in 2025 and beyond.