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Putting rights for music on YouTube videos is a great way to credit the original artist. Put rights for music on YouTube videos with help from a technology expert via this clip.
The indiatimes.com privacy policy has been updated to align with the new data regulations in European Union. Please review and accept these changes below to continue using the website. We use cookies to ensure the best experience for you on our website.
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https://www.indiatimes.com/technology/internet/how-to-put-rights-to-music-on-youtube-104914.html
| 2024-12-16T06:24:17Z
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Donald Trump Appoints Truth Social CEO Devin Nunes as Chairman of President's Intelligence Advisory Board
BGT 2024-25: Smith and Head Shine with Centuries, Bumrah Claims Fifer as Australia Reach 405/7 at Stumps
Tata Cliq, JioMart, Ajio, Ola, Zomato & Others Commit to 'Safety Pledge' on National Consumer Day 2024
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https://www.thehawk.in/tag/sahiwal-metropolitan-corporation
| 2024-12-16T06:24:19Z
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Israel will close its Ireland embassy over Gaza tensions as Palestinian death toll nears 45,000
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel said Sunday it will close its embassy in Ireland as relations deteriorated over the war in Gaza, where Palestinian medical officials said new Israeli airstrikes killed over 30 people including several children.
The decision to close the embassy came in response to what Israel’s foreign minister has described as Ireland’s “extreme anti-Israel policies.” In May, Israel recalled its ambassador to Dublin after Ireland announced, along with Norway, Spain and Slovenia, it would recognize a Palestinian state.
The Irish cabinet last week decided to formally intervene in South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, which accuses Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. Israel denies it.
“We are concerned that a very narrow interpretation of what constitutes genocide leads to a culture of impunity in which the protection of civilians is minimized,” Ireland’s deputy premier and foreign affairs minister, Micheal Martin, said in a statement.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar’s statement on the embassy closure said that “Ireland has crossed every red line in its relations with Israel.”
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris called the decision to close the embassy “deeply regrettable.” He added on X: “I utterly reject the assertion that Ireland is anti-Israel. Ireland is pro-peace, pro-human rights and pro-international law.”
Israeli strikes in Gaza kill a journalist and children
Israeli forces continued Sunday to pound largely isolated northern Gaza, as the Palestinian death toll in the war approached 45,000.
One airstrike hit the Khalil Aweida school in the town of Beit Hanoun and killed at least 15 people, according to nearby Kamal Adwan Hospital where casualties were taken. The dead included two parents and their daughter and a father and his son, the hospital said.
In Gaza City, at least 17 people including six women and five children were killed in three airstrikes that hit houses sheltering displaced people, according to Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital.
“We woke up to the strike. I woke up with the rubble on top of me,” said a bandaged Yahia al-Yazji, who grieved for his wife and daughter. “I found my wife with her head and skull visible, and my daughter’s intestines were gone. My wife was three months pregnant.” His hand rested on a body wrapped in a blanket on the floor.
Israel’s military in a statement said it struck a “terrorist cell” in Gaza City and a “terrorist meeting point” in the Beit Hanoun area.
Another Israeli airstrike killed a Palestinian journalist working for Al Jazeera, Ahmed al-Lawh, in central Gaza, a hospital and the Qatari-based TV station said.
The strike hit a point for Gaza’s civil defense agency in the urban Nuseirat refugee camp, Al-Awda Hospital said. Also killed were three civil defense workers including the head of the agency in Nuseirat, according to al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital. The civil defense is Gaza’s main rescue agency and operates under the Hamas-run government.
The war in Gaza began after Hamas and other militants from Gaza stormed southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people and taking well over 200 hostage.
Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed almost 45,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The ministry’s count does not distinguish between combatants and civilians, but it says over half of the dead have been women and children.
___
Melzer reported from Nahariya, Israel. Associated Press writer Danica Kirka in London contributed to this report.
___
This story has been corrected to reflect that the Irish prime minister’s statement came after Israel’s decision was announced.
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https://wishtv.com/news/international/israel-will-close-its-ireland-embassy-over-gaza-tensions-as-palestinian-death-toll-nears-45000/
| 2024-12-16T06:24:23Z
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Top 5 Free Photo Editors
Do you need to pay to edit your images? Definitely not! Take a look at some of these cool photo editors which will help you get that perfect picture and not set you back by a penny!
1. PhotoScape
Do you need to pay to edit your images? Definitely not! Take a look at some of these cool photo editors which will help you get that perfect picture and not set you back by a penny!
PhotoScape is a very basic tool more for enhancing your photos than editing them. But for a novice, this might be all you need!
__PAGEBREAK__
2. Pic Monkey
The web based application is good for some quick editing, collage creating and basic enhancements.
__PAGEBREAK__
3. Pixlr
Pixlr is perhaps the best free option for PhotoShop. The free app offers a host of features and editing options.
__PAGEBREAK__
4. Irfan View
The editing plus viewing app is definitely a good option for quick editing and paint/colour enhancements.
__PAGEBREAK__
5. Gimp
This one app has been there since times immemorial and is the best one out there. From mass editing to image enhancements, GIMP has it all!
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https://www.indiatimes.com/technology/internet/top-5-free-photo-editors-104981.html
| 2024-12-16T06:24:24Z
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2025 to see new growth opportunities in tier 2, 3 cities for Indian real estate sector
New Delhi, Dec 16 (IANS) After witnessing a bumper growth in 2024 across residential, office and industrial domains, 2025 is likely to be a year of consolidation and continued innovation for the Indian real estate sector, a report showed on Monday.
While residential and office markets can potentially stabilise after consecutive peaks, industrial and warehousing demand can witness heightened traction, fuelled by rising manufacturing output and a thriving logistics industry, according to a Colliers India report.
In 2025, rapid urbanisation, key infrastructure project completion and industrial corridor development will create new growth opportunities, particularly in tier 2 and 3 cities.
In 2024, annual gross leasing across the top six cities reached 47 million square feet by the third quarter of the ongoing year, reflecting a 23 per cent year-on-year increase.
On the residential front, supported by stable interest rates, launches and sales across major cities of the country are likely to end on a strong note this year. Average housing prices across the top eight cities have already surged 11 per cent annually in 2024.
The first nine months of 2024 saw a 17 per cent annual growth in industrial and warehousing demand, registering 20.2 million square feet of leasing across the top five cities. Almost half of the leasing activity is expected to come from Delhi-NCR and Chennai.
Institutional inflows in Indian real estate continue to remain healthy in 2024, indicating sustained investor confidence. Of the $4.7 billion real estate investments during the first nine months of 2024, office and industrial and warehousing segment together accounted for over 70 per cent share.
Buoyed by domestic growth prospects and long-term returns, institutional investments are likely to be around $5-6 billion by the end of 2024.
“2025 could be another year, wherein multiple real estate classes ride high on investor and end-user optimism. Notably, alternative asset classes such as data centres, co-living and senior housing are likely to witness accelerated growth, reflecting a broader and steady shift in demographics and consumer preferences,” said Badal Yagnik, Chief Executive Officer, Colliers India.
A supportive regulatory environment and recent regulatory push such as SM-REITs (Small and Medium REITs) and refinement of state-specific RERA (Real Estate Regulation and Development Authority Act) regulations have enhanced transparency and institutionalisation in the real estate sector.
Policy frameworks have also driven a sense of fair pricing across real estate segments, attracting both developers and investors.
“Leasing activity from both domestic occupiers, as well as Global Capability Centres (GCCs) is likely to end on a strong note in 2024. Residential activity is expected to match 2023 levels, with strong sales across affordable, middle-income and luxury segments,” said the report.
—IANS
na/
Disclaimer: This story has not been edited by the Sakshi Post team and is auto-generated from syndicated feed.
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https://www.sakshipost.com/news/2025-see-new-growth-opportunities-tier-2-3-cities-indian-real-estate-sector-359225
| 2024-12-16T06:24:24Z
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Netflix is removing a large number of movies in December 2024
Catch them before they disappear
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Every month, Netflix removes a large number of movies and TV shows from its library.
While the streaming service regularly adds a bursting list of titles to its service, it also takes things down – and does so without warning subscribers in the UK.
This means that certain things you’ve been meaning to get around to viewing after adding them to your watchlist may suddenly disappear. Netflix Original titles are no longer safe from these removals, either.
The Independent has compiled a full list of every single movie and TV series being taken down in December 2024 – and the full list of everything being added here.
NB: We put this list together with help from What’s on Netflix.
Movies
1 December
Accident – UK/US
Ali – US
Araham – US
Battleship – UK
The Battleship Island – US
A Beautiful Life – UK/US
The Berlin File – US
Blood and Bone – US
Cat Burglar (Netflix Original) – UK
Chhota Bheem Aur Mahavinashini ka Vinaash – US
Chhota Bheem ki Citi Pitti Gul – US
Choose Love – UK
The Devil’s Own – US
Diary of a Mad Black Woman – US
Donnie Brasco – UK
Don’t Go Breaking My Heart – UK/US
Downton Abbey (2019) – US
Erin Brockovich – UK
Frances Ha – US
Glengarry Glen Ross – US
Hunter Killer – US
It Chapter Two – US
The Little Things – US
Kicking and Screaming (1995) – UK
Layer Cake – UK
Life Without Principle – UK
Look for a Star – UK/US
The Matrix Resurrections – US
Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool – UK
National Security – US
Nocturnal Animals – UK
Offline: Are You Ready for the Next Level? – UK/US
Once a Gangster – US
Pain & Gain – US
Point Break (1991) –US
The Quick and the Dead – US
Risen – UK
SDU: Sex Duties Units – UK/US
Snitch – UK
Space Jam: A New Legacy – US
Switch – UK
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby – UK
Tears of the Sun – UK
Tee Shot: Ariya Jutanugarn – US
Terminator Salvation – UK
That’s My Boy – UK
To Leslie – US
Troy – US
Two Weeks Notice – US
Tyler Perry’s Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor – US
The Unjust – US
Veteran – US
Villains – UK
What to Expect When You’re Expecting – US
Whiplash – UK
2 December
U Turn (2021) – UK
White Girl – UK/US
3 December
The Commuter – US
4 December
Green Lantern – UK
True North – UK
5 December
The Best of Enemies – UK
A Dog’s Purpose – UK
I Can Only Imagine – US
Living – US
6 December
Let’s Dance (Netflix Original) – US
Reminiscence – US
7 December
Trolls – US
9 December
Amsterdam to Anatolia – UK
Facing Mecca – UK
10 December
Dear Son – UK/US
Falafel – UK/US
Haifa Street – UK
Last Men in Aleppo – UK
RIPD – UK
Safe House – UK
200 Meters – UK
11 December
Ezra – UK/US
The War Below – UK
12 December
Fun Size – UK
The Guest – UK
15 December
Boyz n the Hood – UK
FREDI – UK
Holy Expectations – UK
U-571 – UK
16 December
Darkest Hour – US
Hizia – UK
Mortal Kombat (2021) – US
17 December
Bad Boys for Life – UK
18 December
Emma (1996) – UK
19 December
Random Hearts – UK
20 December
Aquaman – UK
Lang Tong – UK
Ruby Gillman Teenage Kraken – US
Rush Hour – UK
Rush Hour 2 – UK
Rush Hour 3 – UK
21 December
Kiss the Girls – UK
Once Again – UK
The Flash – US
24 December
Uradi – UK
25 December
Black and Blue – UK
Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical – UK
28 December
A Twelve Year Night (Netflix Original) – US
TV
1 December
Basketball Wives season three and four – US
Big Brother season six and 17 – US
Blind Detective season one – UK/US
Gordon, Gino and Fred’s Great Christmas Roast – UK
Haunted House season one – UK/US
Inborn Pair season one – UK/US
Meteor Garden season one (Netflix Original) – UK/US
Sonic X season one and two – UK/US
2 December
Nightflyers season one – US
Supermodel Me: Revolution season one – UK/US
5 December
Costco at Christmas – UK
The Prince of Tennis: Match, Tennis, Juniors season one (Netflix Original) – UK/US
6 December
Greggs: What’s Really In It? – UK
Teasing Master Takagi-san season one (Netflix Original) – UK/US
7 December
Voltron: Legendary Defender season one to eight (Netflix Original) – UK/US
9 December
How to Get Away with Murder season one to six – UK
15 December
The Hills season one and two – UK/US
27 Deecember
The Moon Embracing the Sun season one
She Was Pretty season one
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo season one
W – Two Worlds Apart season one
Kids
21 December
Sonic Boom season one – UK
23 December
Badanamu ABC TV – UK
Badanamu Pop – UK
Interactive
Animals on the Loose: A You vs Wild Movie – US
Barbie Epic Road Trip – UK/US
The Boss Baby: Get That Baby! – UK/US
Buddy Thunderstruck: The Maybe Pile – UK/US
Captain Underpants Epic Choice-o-Rama – UK/US
Carmen Sandiego: To Steal or Not to Steal – UK/US
Cat Burglar – UK/US
Choose Love – UK/US
Escape The Undertaker – UK/US
Headspace: Unwind Your Mind – US
Johnny Test’s Ultimate Meatloaf Quest – UK/US
Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous: Hidden Adventure – UK/US
The Last Kids on Earth: Happy Apocalypse to You – UK/US
Spirit Riding Free: Ride Along Adventure – UK/US
Stretch Armstrong: The Breakout – UK/US
Trivia Quest – UK/US
Triviaverse – UK/US
We Lost Our Human – UK/US
You vs Wild: Out Cold – US
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Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments
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https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/netflix-removing-tv-series-movies-december-2024-b2664881.html
| 2024-12-16T06:24:24Z
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Former FBI informant will plead guilty to lying about phony bribery scheme involving the Bidens
A former FBI informant is set to plead guilty to lying about a phony bribery scheme involving President Joe Biden and his son Hunter that became central to the Republican impeachment inquiry in Congress
WASHINGTON -- A former FBI informant is set to plead guilty on Monday to lying about a phony bribery scheme involving President Joe Biden and his son Hunter that became central to the Republican impeachment inquiry in Congress.
Alexander Smirnov is expected to make the plea in Los Angeles to a felony charge in connection with the bogus story, along with a tax evasion charge stemming from a separate indictment accusing him of concealing millions of dollars of income, according to court papers.
Smirnov has been behind bars since his arrest in February on charges that he told his FBI handler that executives from the Ukrainian energy company Burisma had paid President Biden and Hunter Biden $5 million each around 2015.
Prosecutors and the defense have agreed to recommend a sentence of between four and six years in prison, according to the plea agreement.
Smirnov had been an informant for more than a decade when he made the explosive allegations about the Bidens in June 2020, after “expressing bias” about Joe Biden as a presidential candidate, prosecutors said.
But Smirnov had only routine business dealings with Burisma starting in 2017, according to court documents. An FBI field office investigated the allegations and recommended the case be closed in August 2020, according to charging documents.
No evidence has emerged that Joe Biden acted corruptly or accepted bribes in his current role or previous office as vice president.
While his identity wasn’t publicly known before the indictment, Smirnov’s claims played a major part in the Republican effort in Congress to investigate the president and his family, and helped spark a House impeachment inquiry into Biden. Before Smirnov's arrest, Republicans had demanded the FBI release the unredacted form documenting the unverified allegations, though they acknowledged they couldn’t confirm if they were true.
During a September 2023 conversation with investigators, Smirnov also claimed the Russians likely had recordings of Hunter Biden because a hotel in Ukraine’s capital where he had stayed was “wired” and under their control — information he said was passed along to him by four high-level Russian officials.
But Hunter Biden had never traveled to Ukraine, according to Smirnov's indictment.
Smirnov claimed to have contacts with Russian intelligence-affiliated officials, and told authorities after his arrest earlier this year that “officials associated with Russian intelligence were involved in passing a story” about Hunter Biden.
The case against Smirnov was brought by special counsel David Weiss, who also prosecuted Hunter Biden on gun and tax charges. Hunter Biden was supposed to be sentenced this month after being convicted at trial in the gun case and pleading guilty to federal charges in the tax case. But he was pardoned earlier this month by his father, who said he believed “raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice.”
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https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/former-fbi-informant-plead-guilty-lying-phony-bribery-116817110
| 2024-12-16T06:24:24Z
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Published Dec 16, 2024 at 11:34 AM IST
VIDEO: India's Trade Hit: Switzerland Cancels MFN Status
Switzerland has officially revoked India’s Most Favored Nation (MFN) status, a move that could have significant repercussions on trade relations between the two countries. This development marks a shift in the bilateral economic dynamic, raising questions about its broader implications on global trade. The MFN status, granted under World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, ensures non-discriminatory trade practices, offering equal tariff and market access benefits to member countries. With the removal of this status, Indian exports to Switzerland may face higher tariffs or restricted access, potentially impacting industries.
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https://www.republicworld.com/videos/business/switzerland-cancels-mfn-status-video
| 2024-12-16T06:24:23Z
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Donald Trump Appoints Truth Social CEO Devin Nunes as Chairman of President's Intelligence Advisory Board
BGT 2024-25: Smith and Head Shine with Centuries, Bumrah Claims Fifer as Australia Reach 405/7 at Stumps
Tata Cliq, JioMart, Ajio, Ola, Zomato & Others Commit to 'Safety Pledge' on National Consumer Day 2024
|
https://www.thehawk.in/tag/sahiwal-solid-waste-dumping
| 2024-12-16T06:24:26Z
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3rd Test: Cummins removes Pant as India fall into more trouble, trail by 397 runs
Brisbane, Dec 16 (IANS) Skipper Pat Cummins joined the wicket-takers’ party by dismissing Rishabh Pant as India fell into more trouble on day two of third Test at the Gabba on Monday.
At tea, taken due to rain stopping the proceedings yet again, India are at 48/4 in 14.1 overs, trailing Australia by 397 runs.
After lunch was taken early due to persistent rain, there were eleven balls of action where Pant and KL Rahul resorted to rotating the strike before the drizzle came in the way again. Post resumption, Pant and Rahul played for 4.3 overs, before rain again came to force them off the field.
After rain relented, Rahul leaned into a gorgeous drive off Cummins for four. But Cummins bounced back to when he angled one across the stumps and forced Pant to play at it, and he ended up nicking behind to Alex Carey for nine.
It also marked the third time Cummins dismissed Pant in this series, after not taking his wicket previously in Tests. Rahul drilled Starc through cover for four, before looking despondent and Starc giving a frustrated look as rain came again and forced the tea break to be taken.
With 246 runs needed for India to avoid the follow-on, a lot will depend on Rahul, who is unbeaten on 30 and has played with discipline, soft hands and exquisite strokeplay, as well as skipper Rohit Sharma to save the visitors’ from losing in a rain-hit Test match.
Brief Scores: Australia 445 in 117.1 overs (Travis Head 152, Steve Smith 101; Jasprit Bumrah 6-76, Mohammed Siraj 2-97) lead India 48/4 in 14.1 overs (KL Rahul 30 not out; Mitchell Starc 2-24) by 397 runs
Disclaimer: This story has not been edited by the Sakshi Post team and is auto-generated from syndicated feed.
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https://www.sakshipost.com/news/3rd-test-cummins-removes-pant-india-fall-more-trouble-trail-397-runs-359217
| 2024-12-16T06:24:30Z
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Netflix’s new adaptation of this beloved book is pretty much perfect
‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’, Gabriel García Márquez’s seminal novel, weaves superstition, sex and the surreal into an unparallelled Spanish-language epic. Helen Coffey assesses whether a new Netflix show can possibly do justice to the original
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Four episodes into Netflix’s new adaptation of Gabriel García Márquez’s seminal novel One Hundred Years of Solitude, I’m still reeling. Partly at the hugely ambitious, lavishly filmed series itself – but mainly at the fact that it ever got made in the first place.
A sprawling masterclass in magic realism, the 1967 novel spans seven generations of the fictional Buendía family, weaving together sex, superstition, and the downright surreal. It’s a complex series of warped, bizarre and at times grotesque tales, propelled by deep-rooted, unshakeable desires and the doomed characters’ inability to escape their fate – a kind of intergenerational curse that passes from parents to children (including, more often than not, the proclivity to copulate with their own relatives).
Set in the make-believe Colombian town of Macondo from the early 1800s onwards, the book charts how a streak of endless civil wars, freak climate events and imperialist plantation owners shape this geographically nebulous corner of Latin America for over a century. Márquez paints this world with such vivid, visceral strokes that, years after reading his novel, it stayed seared into my imagination: Rebeca shovelling handfuls of dirt into her mouth; mad José Arcadio tied to a chestnut tree and muttering in Latin; a naked Remedios the Beauty painting animals on the walls with her own excrement.
It’s utterly bewitching, but not what you’d call an “easy” read: a non-linear 400+ pager in which the story jumps around through time and half the characters have some variation of the same name. The multi-generational clan is so hard to keep straight, in fact, that there’s famously a family tree printed at the front of the book.
In a world, then, where algorithms, not humans, rule the roost when it comes to commissioning decisions, it seems almost inconceivable that this challenging masterpiece would get green-lit. This is a streaming ecosystem in which relentless seasons of Emily in ... [insert European city here] are churned out without pause or remorse. In which the same rehashing of “career woman from big city returns to small town and falls in love with simpler life/grumpy but warm-hearted local” is turned into a staggering number of films per year. In which safety trumps risk when it comes to reward.
One Hundred Years of Solitude isn’t just a world away from all that: it resides in a different universe entirely. Márquez himself basically declared it unfilmable while he was alive, granting the rights to Harvey Weinstein on the condition that he “film the entire book, but only release one chapter – two minutes long – each year, for 100 years”. I would have bet good money on Netflix not touching it with a bichero (barge pole), never mind picking up a big-budget, 16-episode, Spanish-language epic.
And yet, here we are. It feels nothing short of miraculous. As does the fact that the creators have achieved the seemingly impossible: remaining faithful to the source material while artfully translating it into a piece of visually gorgeous storytelling.
I’m not sure I’ve ever seen such a perfectly crafted literary adaptation. From spot-on casting to the sparse yet carefully chosen dialogue; from camera shots that move with purpose to follow the characters and immerse the viewer to music that summons forth a world steeped in magic and mysticism – there’s an ethereal, fairytale-like quality that grabs your attention by the throat and won’t let go.
The first episode starts at the end of the story – we see the Buendía house ravaged by time; the ominous, blood-stained shape of a corpse under a sheet; armies of ants colonising every surface – before we’re plunged into the past. The opening line exactly mirrors that of the book: “Many years later, as he faced the firing squad, Colonel Aureliano Buendía was to remember that distant afternoon when his father took him to discover ice.”
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This is a major factor in explaining why the tangled tapestry of stories genuinely works on screen – much of the dialogue is lifted directly from the original, Márquez’s evocative, sumptuous language placed in the mouth of a narrator to guide us through the strange and sweeping narrative. This exterior, omnipotent voice is crucial in explaining what the characters themselves would struggle to show not tell, and vital in establishing a tone that keeps us at one remove from naturalism.
It’s the same tactic employed by the 1981 ITV dramatisation of Brideshead Revisited, often held up as the gold standard for literary adaptations; in that, too, the beauty of the original text was treated with a quiet reverence, quoted directly by Jeremy Irons’s narrator as he describes Oxford as “a city of aquatint” that “exhaled the soft airs of centuries of youth”.
In One Hundred Years of Solitude, we first journey with José Arcadio Buendía, patriarch of the Buendía dynasty, and his new wife Ursula Iguaran (who just so happens to be his cousin) as they embark upon married life. A battle between superstition and science commences right off the bat: Ursula is initially too frightened to consummate the marriage after being warned by her mother that she will be cursed with deformed children with pig’s tails as punishment for incest.
The fantastical elements of the story aren’t shied away from, and yet somehow never feel bombastic or overblown: doors slam by themselves to show marital discord; when the couple imagine living by the sea, waves wash across the parched, chapped earth in front of them and lap at their feet. Ghosts are presented physically, with a man José Arcadio killed hanging around the house with a hangdog expression and clutching his bleeding neck at every turn, and mystery child Rebeca turning up at the door with a bag of her dead parents’ bones that rattle and shake irritably. This is how you portray magic realism on screen – by embracing it and welcoming it in, without exaggerating or pushing too far into absurdity.
Though they never reach open water, José Arcadio and Ursula set out to escape their demons, and finally set up the town of Macondo after José Arcadio envisions it in a dream. Later, we see their family expand and become embroiled in their own misguided passions, predetermined to make the same mistakes as their forebears over and over, ad infinitum.
It’s a brave person who takes on a book this renowned, this idolised and this elaborate, and the production of the series hasn’t been completely without controversy. Some locals of Aracataca, the birthplace of Márquez, weren’t impressed by the decision to film in the industrial city of Ibagué, 430 miles to the south, instead of in the author’s hometown. Based at the foot of Colombia’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Aracataca is where the Nobel Prize winner lived until the age of eight with his maternal grandparents. Though he went on to live and work in Paris, New York, Mexico City, Caracas and Barcelona, he credited the town of his youth with providing the inspiration for much of his writing, not least One Hundred Years of Solitude.
“We’re disappointed that Netflix decided not to film here, but we all know that anyone inspired by the series will have to come to Aracataca, as the heart of Macondo lies here,” Robinson Mulford, a local high-school teacher, told The Guardian. “They will feel the kindness, the solidarity of the people, and everything else that Gabriel García Márquez said of the Colombian Caribbean. They will all be received with love.”
One can only hope this beautifully made series will be received with love, too, despite the perceived snub. “No matter where you go, you will never escape your fate,” Ursula’s mother warns her daughter in the opening episode. One Hundred Years of Solitude could just be fated to become that rarest of things: a timeless literary adaptation as beloved as the book that inspired it.
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https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/features/netflix-one-hundred-years-of-solitude-review-cast-b2664873.html
| 2024-12-16T06:24:30Z
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As schools cut back on bus service, parents are turning to rideshare apps
Reliance on school buses has been waning for years as districts struggle to find drivers and more students attend schools far outside their neighborhoods
CHICAGO -- Ismael El-Amin was driving his daughter to school when a chance encounter gave him an idea for a new way to carpool.
On the way across Chicago, El-Amin’s daughter spotted a classmate riding with her own dad as they drove to their selective public school on the city’s North Side. For 40 minutes, they rode along the same congested highway.
“They’re waving to each other in the back. I’m looking at the dad. The dad’s looking at me. And I was like, parents can definitely be a resource to parents,” said El-Amin, who went on to found Piggyback Network, a service parents can use to book rides for their children.
Reliance on school buses has been waning for years as districts struggle to find drivers and more students attend schools far outside their neighborhoods. As responsibility for transportation shifts to families, the question of how to replace the traditional yellow bus has become an urgent problem for some, and a spark for innovation.
State and local governments decide how widely to offer school bus service. Lately, more have been cutting back. Only about 28% of U.S. students take a school bus, according to a Federal Highway Administration survey concluded early last year. That’s down from about 36% in 2017.
Chicago Public Schools, the nation’s fourth-largest district, has significantly curbed bus service in recent years. It still offers rides for disabled and homeless students, in line with a federal mandate, but most families are on their own. Only 17,000 of the district’s 325,000 students are eligible for school bus rides.
Last week, the school system launched a pilot program allowing some students who attend out-of-neighborhood magnet or selective-enrollment schools to catch a bus at a nearby school’s “hub stop.” It aims to start with rides for about 1,000 students by the end of the school year.
It’s not enough to make up for the lost service, said Erin Rose Schubert, a volunteer for the CPS Parents for Buses advocacy group.
“The people who had the money and the privilege were able to figure out other situations like rearranging their work schedules or public transportation,” she said. “People who didn’t, some had to pull their kids out of school.”
On Piggyback Network, parents can book a ride for their student online with another parent traveling the same direction. Rides cost roughly 80 cents per mile and the drivers are compensated with credits to use for their own kids’ rides.
“It’s an opportunity for kids to not be late to school,” 15-year-old Takia Phillips said on a recent PiggyBack ride with El-Amin as the driver.
The company has arranged a few hundred rides in its first year operating in Chicago, and El-Amin has been contacting drivers for possible expansion to Virginia, North Carolina and Texas. It is one of several startups that have been filling the void.
Unlike Piggyback Network, which connects parents, HopSkipDrive contracts directly with school districts to assist students without reliable transportation. The company launched a decade ago in Los Angeles with three mothers trying to coordinate school carpools and now supports some 600 school districts in 13 states.
Regulations keep it from operating in some states, including Kentucky, where a group of Louisville students has been lobbying on its behalf to change that.
After the district halted bus service to most traditional and magnet schools, the student group known as The Real Young Prodigys wrote a hip-hop song titled “Where My Bus At?” The song’s music video went viral on YouTube with lyrics such as, “I’m a good kid. I stay in class, too. Teachers want me to succeed, but I can’t get to school.”
“Those bus driver shortages are not really going away,” HopSkipDrive CEO Joanna McFarland said. “This is a structural change in the industry we need to get serious about addressing.”
HopSkipDrive has been a welcome option for Reinya Gibson’s son, Jerren Samuel, who attends a small high school in Oakland, California. She said the school takes care to accommodate his needs as a student with autism, but the district lined up the transportation because there is no bus from their home in San Leandro.
“Growing up, people used to talk about kids in the short yellow buses. They were associated with a physical disability, and they were teased or made fun of,” Gibson said. “Nobody knows this is support for Jerren because he can’t take public transportation.”
Encouragement from his mother helped Jerren overcame his fear about riding with a stranger to school.
“I felt really independent getting in that car,” he said.
Companies catering to kids claim to screen drivers more extensively, checking their fingerprints and requiring them to have childcare or parenting experience. Drivers and children are often given passwords that must match, and parents can track a child’s whereabouts in real time through the apps.
Kango, a competitor to HopSkipDrive in California and Arizona, started as a free carpooling app similar to the PiggyBack Network and now contracts with school districts. Drivers are paid more than they would typically get for Uber or Lyft, but there are often more requirements such as walking some students with disabilities into school, Kango CEO Sara Schaer said.
“This is not just a curbside-to-curbside, three-minute situation,” Schaer said. “You are responsible for getting that kid to and from school. That’s not the same as transporting an adult or DoorDashing somebody’s lunch or dinner.”
In Chicago, some families that have used Piggyback said they have seen few alternatives.
Concerned about the city’s rising crime rate, retired police officer Sabrina Beck never considered letting her son take the subway to Whitney Young High School. Since she was driving him anyway, she volunteered through PiggyBack also to drive a freshman who had qualified for the selective magnet school but had no way to get there.
“To have the opportunity to go and then to miss it because you don’t have the transportation, that is so detrimental,” Beck said. “Options like this are extremely important.”
After the bus route that took her two kids to elementary school was canceled, Jazmine Dillard and other Chicago parents thought they had convinced the school to move up the opening bell from 8:45 a.m. to 8:15 a.m., a more manageable time for her schedule. After that plan was scrapped because the buses were needed elsewhere at that time, Dillard turned to PiggyBack Network.
“We had to kind of pivot and find a way to make it to work on time as well as get them to school on time,” she said.
___
The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
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https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/schools-cut-back-bus-service-parents-turning-rideshare-116817393
| 2024-12-16T06:24:30Z
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HTC Desire 500: Features and Specs
Check out the complete features and specifications of the newly listed HTC Desire 500.
Check out the complete features and specifications of the newly listed HTC Desire 500.
HTC Desire 500 was recently listed online on an e-commerce site in India and is HTC's budget option for Indians. The phone is yet to appear on HTC's official website though.
HTC Desire 500 runs on Android Jelly Bean 4.1.2. Considering the phone is a mid-range device, we do not expect any upgrades. Jelly Bean 4.2.2 might be the max you can hope for!
HTC Desire 500 comes with a 4.3-inches TFT capacitive display. The display resolution is 480x800 pixels.
HTC Desire 500 comes with a Quad-core 1.2 GHz Snapdragon processor with an Cortex-A5 ARM. For a mid-range device, the hardware is impressive!
HTC Desire 500 comes with 4 GB internal memory and supports further expansion of 64 GB. The RAM is a generous 1 GB.
HTC Desire 500 is a dual-SIM device. The phone comes with 8 MP rear end camera and 1.2 MP front-end camera.
HTC Desire 500 supports all the regular connectivity options and comes win Black and Silver colour with blue or red highlights.
HTC Desire 500 is listed online and will hopefully soon come to India. With the HTC One Mini delays, HTC really needs a good line up to keep interest high in India.
An adventure lover and philosopher, her affair with words began at a young age. You can find her scribbling away at all odd hours of the day (and night) and if not with her head buried deep inside a book, she is generally romancing nature or ambling along through the maze of Indian streets. A carefree soul, she truly believes happiness lies within.
Read More
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https://www.indiatimes.com/technology/mobile/htc-desire-500-complete-features-and-specifications-104875.html
| 2024-12-16T06:24:30Z
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Published Dec 16, 2024 at 11:41 AM IST
VIDEO: Atul Subhash & His Father Claim Corrupt Judge Demanded Rs 5 Lakh To ‘Settle’ The Case
The father of Bengaluru techie Atul Subhash who died by suicide, said his son had been "broken from inside" after multiple cases were filed against him and his family by his wife. Atul Subhash, the 34-year-old deputy general manager of a private firm, died by suicide on Monday in his Bengaluru apartment, leaving behind a 24-page suicide note, accusing his wife and her relatives of harassment. In his suicide note, he also alleged that a judge had demanded ₹ 5 lakh to "settle" the case. "My son used to say that there is a lot of corruption but he will fight as he is on the path of truth...He was broken from inside, though he didn't tell anyone anything," Subhash's father Pawan Kumar told ANI.
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https://www.republicworld.com/videos/india/atul-subhash-corrupt-judge-demanded-rs-5-lakh-video
| 2024-12-16T06:24:31Z
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Donald Trump Appoints Truth Social CEO Devin Nunes as Chairman of President's Intelligence Advisory Board
BGT 2024-25: Smith and Head Shine with Centuries, Bumrah Claims Fifer as Australia Reach 405/7 at Stumps
Tata Cliq, JioMart, Ajio, Ola, Zomato & Others Commit to 'Safety Pledge' on National Consumer Day 2024
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https://www.thehawk.in/tag/terrorism-in-manipur
| 2024-12-16T06:24:33Z
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New on Netflix in December, including the most hyped release of 2024
It’s what everyone’s been waiting for
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Your support makes all the difference.Netflix has an extremely busy month lined up in December.
This month, the streaming service will not only remove a bunch of titles, but add a huge roster of movies and TV shows, new and old, which will keep subscribers entertained right up until 2025.
Among the new releases are Black Doves, an action thriller starring Ben Whishaw and Keira Knightley, Gabriel García Márquez adaptation One Hundred Years of Solitude and Pablo Larraín’s Maria Callas biopic starring Angelina Jolie.
But it’s the second season of Squid Game that most people are anticipating. The follow-up arrives three years after the first season became a surprise hit for the streamer, amassing so many views it became its most-watched title in history.
Find a full list of every movie and TV coming to Netflix this month below.
NB: We compile this list with assistance from What’s on Netflix.
ORIGINAL
TV
4 December
Dinner Time Live with David Chang: Holiday Edition (LIVE at 12am GMT) – UK/US
The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On season three – UK/US
Tomorrow and I season one – UK/US
5 December
Beastars season three – part one – UK/US
Black Doves season one – UK/US
Jentry Chau vs the Underworld season one – UK/US
6 December
Echoes of the Past season one – UK/US
9 December
The Great British Baking Show: Holidays season seven – UK/US
10 December
Rugged Rugby: Conquer or Die season one – UK/US
11 December
Dinner Time Live with David Chang: Holiday Edition (LIVE at 12am GMT) – UK/US
One Hundred Years of Solitude season one – UK/US
Queer Eye season nine – UK/US
12 December
La Palma season one – UK/US
No Good Deed season one – UK/US
13 December
1992 season one – UK/US
18 December
The Manny season two – UK/US
19 December
Virgin River season six – UK/US
20 December
UniverXO Dabiz season one – UK/US
26 December
Squid Game season two – UK/US
28 December
Maestro in Blue season three – UK/US
Movies
4 December
That Christmas – UK/US
The Children’s Train – UK/US
6 December
Camp Crasher – UK/US
Mary – UK/US
11 December
Maria – US (will release in UK and Irish cinemas on 10 January)
13 December
Carry-On – UK/US
Disaster Holiday – UK/US
20 December
Ferry 2 – UK/US
The Six Triple Eight – UK/US
Umjolo: Day Ones – UK/US
Documentary
3 December – UK/US
Churchill at War – UK/US
4 December
The Only Girl in the Orchestra – UK/US
6 December
Biggest Heist Ever – UK/US
10 December
Polo season one – UK/US
11 December
The Kings of Tupelo: A Southern Crime Saga – UK/US
Makayla’s Voice: A Letter to the World – UK/US
17 December
Aaron Rodgers: Enigma – UK/US
18 December
Julia’s Stepping Stones – UK/US
31 December
Avicii – I’m Tim – UK/US
Comedy
3 December
Fortune Feimster: Crushing It – UK/US
10 December
Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was… – UK/US
17 December
Ronny Chieng: Love to Hate It – UK/US
24 December
Your Friend, Nate Bargatze – UK/US
31 December
Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-Ful Mind at Radio City Musical Hall – UK/US
Music
6 December
A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter – UK/US
31 December
Avicci – My Last Show – UK/US
Sport
25 December
Christmas Gameday: Chiefs vs Steelers (LIVE at 3pm GMT) – UK/US
Christmas Gameday: Ravens vs Texans (LIVE at 8pm GMT) – UK/US
Kids
19 December
The Dragon Prince season seven – UK/US
Games
3 December
The Ultimatum: Choices (iOS and Android) – UK/US
5 December
Civilization VI (iOS and Android) – UK/US
10 December
Monument Valley 3 (iOS and Android) – UK/US
17 December
Squid Game: Unleashed (iOS and Android) – UK/US
LICENCED
TV
1 December
Bunk’d season seven – US
InuYasha: The Final Act – US
Jin season one and two – UK/US
Naruto – UK
The Pembrokeshire Murders series one – UK
The Walk-In series one – UK
5 December
Top Chef – US
Beautiful Life season one – US
10 December
Alaskan Bush People – UK/US
12 December
Deadliest Catch – UK
Happiness season one – US
15 December
Parenthood season one to six – UK
16 December
The Equalizer season one to three – US
19 December
Project Runway – US
21 December
Flipping Out season six to eight – US
31 December
Evil season three – US
The Millionaire Matchmaker season five to seven – US
Movies
1 December
Accident Man: Hitman’s Holiday – UK
Burlesque – US
Daddy Day Care – US
Dangerous – UK
The Dark Tower – US
Devil’s Workshop – UK
Faster – US
The First Slam Dunk – UK
The Happytime Murders – US
Little – US
Midway – US
The Offering – UK
One Piece Film Red – US
Open Season: Scared Silly – US
Project X – US
Top Five – US
Transformers – US
Upon Open Sky – US
We’re the Millers – US
Zero Dark Thirty – US
2 December
Kneecap – US
3 December
Sleeping Princess – UK/US
4 December
Maple Leaf Dreams – UK/US
The Star – US
5 December
Compliance – US
Heartbreak Motel – UK/US
Subservience – UK/US
6 December
Scream VI – UK
7 December
80 for Brady – UK
Shiva Baby – US
8 December
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish – UK
9 December
It Ends With Us – US
14 December
The Knock at the Cabin – UK
15 December
Alice, Darling – UK
The Devil You Know – UK
How The Gringo Stole Christmas – UK
Pig – UK
16 December
The Dead Don’t Die – US
17 December
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret – UK
The Batman – UK
Operation Mincemeat – UK
19 December
65 – UK
30 December
Mad Max: Fury Road – US
Documentary
1 December
24 Hours in Waitrose – UK
2 December
30 for 30: This Magic Moment – US
30 for 30: Bad Boys – US
30 for 30: Winning Time – US
30 for 30: This Was The XFL – US
3 December
Borderless: Ae! Groups Debut season one (new episodes Tuesdays) – UK/US
10 December
Undisputed – UK
14 December
Iron Family season one (new episodes Saturdays) – UK
15 December
Saucedo – US
18 December
Married to a Psychopath – UK
Kids
9 December
Rubble & Crew season one – US
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https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/new-on-netflix-movies-tv-series-squid-games-la-palma-b2664880.html
| 2024-12-16T06:24:36Z
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Survivors seek a reckoning as FBI investigates child sex abuse in little-known Christian sect
A small Christian sect that for decades was little noticed by the outside world has found itself riven by a very public child sex abuse scandal
BOISE, Idaho -- Nearly every detail about the religious group Lisa Webb’s family belonged to was hidden from the outside world. Its followers met in homes rather than churches. Its leadership structure was hard to discern, its finances opaque. It didn’t even have an official name.
But for decades, no secret was as closely guarded as the identities of the sexual predators inside the group known as the “Two by Twos.”
Now a growing number of public allegations from around the world have prompted a broad investigation by the FBI and placed an uncomfortable spotlight on the long-quiet Christian sect. Survivors say the group's leaders protected child-abusing ministers by pressuring victims to forgive, ignoring legal reporting requirements and by transferring abusers to new locations to live with unsuspecting families.
Ministry leaders have publicly condemned the abuse but several declined to answer questions from The Associated Press.
For Webb, who was sexually abused by one of the group's ministers as a child, the attention has brought an unexpected sense of “strength in numbers.”
“There are so many who are frustrated and disheartened," said Webb. "But there's also camaraderie in that, and support.”
A website, a hotline and social media pages established by victims have documented allegations against more than 900 abusers, with survivors in more than 30 countries and cases continuing to emerge. In the past year, news stories and a Hulu documentary have focused on the sect’s predator preachers and the leaders who enabled them.
While perpetrators have been sentenced to prison in isolated cases, the sect has largely avoided legal repercussions, protected by its decentralized structure, hidden finances and state laws that limit the timeline for criminal charges.
The sect, also known to its members as “The Way” or “The Truth,” was founded in Ireland in 1897 by William Irvine, who railed against the existence of churches. The only way to spread Christianity, he argued, was to do as Jesus instructed in the Book of Matthew: to send apostles out to live among those they sought to convert.
The sect grew as volunteer preachers — known as workers — went “two by two” to live in the family homes of followers for days or weeks at a time. Sect historians say there were up to a few million members just a few decades ago, but current estimates put the figure at 75,000 to 85,000 worldwide.
Unlike the Boy Scouts or the Catholic Church, which have paid out billions to sex abuse victims, the sect’s aversion to property leaves it without apparent assets that might be used to pay settlements, legal experts say.
Workers are supposed to shun worldly possessions, relying on followers for food, shelter and transportation. But that also ensures abusive workers have access to potential victims.
Webb was abused by a preacher who stayed with her family in Michigan when she was 11. The man, Peter Mousseau, was convicted much later — after he expressed an interest in visiting her in 2008 and she decided to pursue charges. A regional overseer to whom she previously reported the abuse was later convicted for failing to report abuse allegations against another local worker.
“You have this mindset that they are angels in your home. They can do no wrong, so you don’t have any kind of wall up,” she said. “It was just the perfect storm created, the perfect recipe for this kind of behavior.”
Sheri Autrey had just turned 14 when a 28-year-old worker moved into her family's home in Visalia, California, for two months.
He began abusing her immediately, sneaking to her room at night and taking her for daytime drives. He turned up the radio whenever the Hall & Oates song “Maneater” came on, singing: “Watch out boy, she’ll chew you up.”
When Autrey revealed the abuse to her mother a few years later, her mom reported it to the sect's regional overseer, who was in charge of all the workers in the area.
The overseer refused to warn other families. Instead, he sent the worker back to Autrey’s home to apologize.
Autrey, raised to be meek, erupted. Her family took her to the district attorney’s office but declined to put her through a prosecution.
“I would have to explain, explicitly, what happened,” Autrey said. "And I was in no way prepared for that.”
Decades later, Autrey was at a baseball game when “Maneater” came on. She had to walk around the stadium to calm herself down, and she resolved to send a letter about the abuse to hundreds of sect members.
“I wanted anyone else who was a victim to know she is not the only one,” Autrey said. “She needs to know there is help.”
One worker from Peru, Americo Quispe, was sent to Garland, Texas, in the early 2000s after facing allegations of inappropriate behavior in his home country. He soon found new victims, some of whose families went to police. He returned to Peru before he could be arrested.
Quispe was later convicted of molestation in Peru and sentenced to 30 years. He has never faced the charges in Texas.
Another worker, Ruben Mata, abused dozens of boys, among them 10-year-old Douglas Patterson, who was lured away from his family during a sect convention in the early 1990s. Patterson said he kept quiet about it because he feared his family would leave the sect — and thus be barred from eternal salvation — if he told.
Mata was eventually convicted in 2006 in a separate sex abuse case. He died in a California prison.
A few months before Mata’s trial, the Saskatchewan, Canada, overseer, Dale Shultz, sent two letters to colleagues.
One was to be shown to any concerned members. It acknowledged Mata was a pedophile and that workers had been alerted to his abuse at least three times. The sect only notified authorities after Mata resigned, according to the letter.
The second was for staff. It said no copies should be made of the first letter.
“The purpose of the letter is to help those who have concerns, not to advertise a kingdom problem to those who either do not know about it or are not having a problem with it,” Shultz wrote.
In another case, a regional overseer for Arizona, Ed Alexander, wrote a letter to a child-molesting elder in 2005 observing that “we love our people very much and don’t want to report their misdeeds.”
The letter suggested the sect could fulfill its mandatory abuse-reporting obligations by recommending offenders get professional counseling, because then the counselors — rather than sect leaders — would be obligated to make the reports to police.
“They believe that child sexual assault is just a sin. Like, you’re a sinner, they are a sinner, it’s all just sin,” said Eileen Dickey, one of the man's victims. She reported the abuse to sect leaders because she was worried other children would be targeted.
“I was told never to talk about it," she said.
Alexander would not speak with The Associated Press: “Unfortunately, the media coverage has been so negative and one-sided that I am going to have to decline an interview,” he texted.
Jared Snyder spent more than two decades as an itinerant minister before becoming disillusioned and quitting. No one told him directly about abuse, Snyder said, but he occasionally heard rumors.
The sect's culture — which makes gossip taboo and places tremendous pressure on members to be merciful — meant that misdeeds big or small were downplayed, he said.
“One overseer just explicitly told me, ‘The less you know, the better off you are,’” he said.
As a worker, Snyder received no paychecks, retirement benefits or health insurance benefits, and he was discouraged from using banks. But he was never without spending money: Followers regularly offer cash to the workers, and Snyder said he frequently had thousands of dollars in his pockets.
Most of that money would get spent on building materials, food or other supplies at regional conventions, Snyder said.
In June 2022, a regional overseer named Dean Bruer died in an Oregon motel room. Bruer, 67, had served in at least 22 states and territories and seven countries since 1976, according to a timeline compiled by Pam Walton, a former member who has used historical records and photographs to track the movements of predatory preachers.
Nine months after Bruer died, Doyle Smith, the overseer for Idaho and Oregon, wrote a letter to members. Evidence left on Bruer’s phone and laptop showed he had raped and abused multiple underage victims, Smith wrote.
“Dean was a sexual predator,” Smith wrote. “We never respect or defend such totally inappropriate behavior among us. There is a very united consensus among us that the only thing to do is to be transparent with all of you for obvious reasons, though this is very difficult.”
That transparency did not extend to dealings with local police. It was only after Autrey, another abuse survivor, and private investigator Cynthia Liles — all former sect members — pressured Smith that he turned Bruer’s laptop over to detectives, Autrey told the AP.
By then, the computer had been tampered with, according to records from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon. The web browser search history was cleared. Bruer’s Apple ID had been changed and files transferred out of his DropBox account. Bruer’s phone was never provided to police, and the “Find My iPhone” feature had been disabled.
“What web browsing history was present on the laptop that someone didn’t want anyone else knowing about?” Detective Jeffrey Burlew wrote in a police report. Unable to find any evidence of a crime within its jurisdiction, the office closed the investigation.
Smith did not respond to phone messages from the AP.
Though Autrey and others had long sought reforms in the sect, Bruer's death proved to be a catalyst. Autrey, Liles and another survivor launched a hotline, website and Facebook pages for survivors.
In February, the FBI's field office in Omaha, Nebraska, announced an investigation.
The outcry prompted some sect leaders to condemn the abuse and to ask consultants for advice on how to better protect members. But at least some regional overseers have ultimately declined to adopt recommended child abuse prevention policies — saying the only true code of conduct is the New Testament.
And some leaders still warn members against criticizing the sect.
At an August convention in Duncan, British Columbia, a worker helping to lead the event did not mention the abuse scandal directly but told members to lay aside “evil speakings.”
“It’s more easy to be critical than to be correct,” preached Robert Doecke, a worker from Australia. “If you feed on problems, it will only make more problems. But if you focus on the Lord, it will lead to solutions."
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https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/survivors-seek-reckoning-fbi-investigates-child-sex-abuse-116817392
| 2024-12-16T06:24:36Z
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3rd Test: Isa Guha apologises for making 'primate' comment over Bumrah
Brisbane, Dec 16 (IANS) Former England women’s cricketer Isa Guha has apologised for any offence caused by her calling India’s fast-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah a ‘primate’ while commentating on the ongoing third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test against Australia.
During the first session of day two’s play at the Gabba, Bumrah was in the middle of his blistering spell when Isa said on Fox Sports, “Well, he’s the MVP, isn’t he? Most valuable primate, Jasprit Bumrah. He is the one that’s going to do all the talking for India, and why so much focus was on him in the buildup to this Test match, and whether he would be fit.”
The use of the word ‘primate’ caused a big stir considering the searing tension between the two cricket teams during the 2008 Monkeygate scandal. Ahead of day three’s play at the Gabba, Isa made an apology in the build-up to day three’s play.
"Yesterday in commentary I used a word that can be interpreted in a number of different ways. Firstly, I’d like to apologise for any offence caused. I set myself really high standards when it comes to empathy and respect for others, and if you listen to the full transcript, I only meant the highest praise for one of India’s greatest players and someone that I admire greatly as well.
“I am an advocate for equality and someone who has spent their career thinking about inclusion and understanding in the game. I am trying to frame the enormity of his achievements, and I have chosen the wrong word and for that I am deeply sorry.
"As someone who is also of South Asian heritage, I hope people would recognise there was no other intention or malice there. I hope this doesn’t overshadow what has been a great Test match so far, and I look forward to seeing how it progresses. Once again, I am really, really sorry," she said.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri appreciated Isa for addressing the issue and making the apology live on television. “Brave woman, to do it on live television and apologise, it takes some steel. You heard it from the horse’s mouth."
“As far as I’m concerned, game over. People are entitled to make mistakes. We are all human. To own up and say, ‘I’m sorry’ … it takes courage. She’s done it. Let’s move on. As far as the Indian team, there is a Test on and they want to focus on the game," he said.
Disclaimer: This story has not been edited by the Sakshi Post team and is auto-generated from syndicated feed.
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https://www.sakshipost.com/news/3rd-test-isa-guha-apologises-making-primate-comment-over-bumrah-359207
| 2024-12-16T06:24:36Z
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HTC One Mini – The Expensive Mini?
HTC One Mini is up for pre-order on Indian e-commerce sites with prices ranging well over Rs 35,000!
HTC’s flagship device, HTC One created much interest with the new look and sleek design. While the phone is a premium, flagship device, HTC One Mini, the smaller lookalike of HTC One gave hopes to the aam aadmi of being able to afford a sleek looking device for a cheaper price. But looks like hopes are all set to be dashed.
HTC One Mini is up for pre-order on Indian e-commerce sites with prices ranging well over Rs 35,000! For a phone that is nothing but a miniature replica of the original flagship, HTC One, the Mini sure sounds over-priced! There’s no official notification or release from the Taiwanese phone-maker yet though most online retailers are offering the phone with shipping time as low as a week.
HTC One Mini has been listed on HTC’s official India website as Coming Soon since a long time but so far there has been no word on the launch date. While we do not expect HTC to launch the phone quietly via e-commerce sites, we also hoped for HTC to not do a BlackBerry and a Samsung and over-price their phone.
On the features and specifications front, HTC One Mini doesn’t really have anything lacking but compared to some flagships which are priced almost as much as this Mini, HTC One Mini falls sadly short.
The phone is almost the offspring of HTC One as it shares an uncanny resemblance to the parent HTC One. The one place where HTC One Mini impresses us the most, just like the elder sibling is the design and look. HTC has maintained the premium feel of HTC One in the smaller variant. HTC One Mini comes with the same impressive aluminium body and classy looks. The design is also just the same with just the volume buttons being replaced by the standard dual-buttons instead of the one long bar. Also, the speakers are broader and shorter as compared to HTC One.
The screen size has been downgraded from 4.7-inches in HTC One to 4.3-inches in HTC One Mini. The screen resolution is 720 x 1280 pixels and the HTC One Mini comes with Super LCD 2 capacitive touchscreen with Gorilla Glass 3.
HTC One Mini comes loaded with the now outdated Android version 4.2.2, i.e., Android Jelly Bean. We only hope there’s an upgrade coming soon for the phone. Under the hood runs a Snapdragon dual-core 1.4 GHz Krait 300 processor. HTC One Mini comes with 1 GB RAM. The phone comes with 16 GB internal memory.
HTC has retained the 4 ultrapixels camera from HTC One with the LED flash in HTC One Mini. The Mini also comes with a 1.6 MP front-end camera. The phone supports full HD video-recording at 30fps with HDR. At 122 grams with a 1800 mAh battery, the phone shouldn’t feel very heavy in your hand. On the software front, HTC One Mini supports Sense 5, the latest Sense UI from HTC. The phone also comes with BlinkFeed and HTC Zoe, now made popular with HTC One.
Hopes were high that the phone will fall under the budget segment but with most flagships available for much less, HTC One Mini might fail to impress. We saw it with BlackBerry Z10, we saw it with Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and we were dreading to see it even with iPhone 5C. This was one history we would have liked HTC to not repeat. There’s still time HTC.
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https://www.indiatimes.com/technology/mobile/htc-one-mini-%E2%80%93-the-expensive-mini-105380.html
| 2024-12-16T06:24:36Z
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Judicial Notice (12.15.24): The Next Generation
FedSoc’s new president, $1 million associate bonuses, Luigi Mangione’s lawyers, and Jones Day’s latest SCOTUS clerk haul.
As the year draws to a close, it’s a good time to do your financial housekeeping. Have you maxed out your 401(k)? Have you contributed to your child’s 529 account? Would you like to make a monetary gift, to your child or anyone else, to take advantage of the annual gift-tax exclusion? Are there capital gains or losses you might want to take, or any investments you might want to sell, before the end of the calendar year?
In my case, I remembered that I had bought an I bond back when inflation was high—and because the interest rate on an I bond reflects inflation, I got a great rate. But with inflation down, so was the interest rate on my I bond—to around 3 percent. So I cashed it in and moved the money to my Wealthfront account, where it earns 4.25 percent—and is still FDIC-insured. (Shameless plug: if you sign up for Wealthfront using my referral code, we’ll both get a rate of 4.75 percent for the next three months.)
Now, on to the news—of which there was once again a ridiculous amount, explaining the somewhat late hour of this missive.
Lawyer of the Week: Andrew Ferguson.
President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to name more lawyers to key positions in his administration—some explicitly legal roles, some not. In terms of posts for presidential appointees requiring Senate confirmation—”PAS” roles, in D.C. parlance—they include former Kirkland & Ellis and Quinn Emanuel partner Christopher Landau, for deputy secretary of state; civil-rights litigator and Dhillon Law Group founder Harmeet Dhillon, for assistant attorney general (AAG) overseeing the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ); and Kimberly Guilfoyle, for ambassador to Greece. (Yes, Guilfoyle is a lawyer, a former state prosecutor in California—and she might soon be a former fiancée of Donald Trump Jr., assuming their engagement hasn’t already been called off.)
The president-elect’s picks for non-PAS roles include prominent conservative attorney Mark Paoletta, who will reprise his role as general counsel of the Office of Management and Budget, plus two of Trump’s personal lawyers: Will Scharf as White House staff secretary—a crucial job, held by Brett Kavanaugh during the second Bush administration, charged with controlling the flow of paper into and out of the Oval Office—and Alina Habba as counselor to the president, another highly influential post (held by Kellyanne Conway during the first Trump administration).
But the appointment I’d like to highlight is Trump’s selection of Andrew Ferguson to replace Lina Khan as chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)—one of two critical enforcers of the antitrust laws, along with the DOJ’s Antitrust Division. As the Reagan-era saying goes, “personnel is policy”—and so Trump’s picks of Ferguson to lead the FTC and Gail Slater as AAG for antitrust will play a key role in shaping competition law in the second Trump administration.
Ferguson, a 2012 graduate of UVA Law, clerked for Justice Clarence Thomas, worked as a lawyer at both the FTC and DOJ, and served as an adviser to Senators Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Mike Lee (R-Utah). Because Ferguson was confirmed as an FTC commissioner in March 2024, moving him to chair doesn’t require Senate confirmation. (But Senate confirmation is required for Mark Meador, another FTC and DOJ alum, whom Trump plans to nominate to fill Ferguson’s seat—and if Meador is confirmed, Khan will leave the Commission, creating a Republican majority.)
Wall Street expects Ferguson to be less aggressive than Lina Khan when it comes to merger enforcement—i.e., opposing allegedly anticompetitive M&A deals—and regulating artificial intelligence. But he will probably continue to investigate and sue large technology companies for antitrust violations, based on his past comments—including a tweet declaring that “[a]t the FTC, we will end Big Tech’s vendetta against competition and free speech. We will make sure that America is the world’s technological leader and the best place for innovators to bring new ideas to life.”
I have a quick update on recent Lawyer of the Week Kash Patel—Trump’s pick for director of the FBI, and author of an “enemies list” that includes at least a dozen lawyers in private practice, many in Biglaw. As I previously discussed, Trump would have had to fire the current director, Chris Wray, to make way for Patel—but Wray announced last week that he will save Trump the trouble, by resigning in January. Some criticized Wray: as Garrett Graff wrote in Politico, it’s “a damning decision, an abdication of leadership.” But David French offered a different take in The New York Times, suggesting that it might be “an act of defiance” of Trump (because, for various complicated reasons relating to the Vacancies Reform Act, it will delay Patel’s takeover of the FBI—and probably prevent him from leading the FBI as acting director).
In memoriam:
Ruth Reardon O’Brien—one of only four women in Yale Law School’s class of 1978, the second woman to be named partner at Ropes & Gray, and yes, the mother of star comedian Conan O’Brien—passed away at 92 (and only three days after the passing of her husband, noted epidemiologist Thomas O’Brien).
Courtroom sketch artist William J. Hennessy Jr., who covered everything from Supreme Court arguments to Trump’s first impeachment to January 6 trials, passed away on his 67th birthday (as reported by John Fritze and Katelyn Polantz of CNN, via Howard Bashman of How Appealing).
May they rest in peace.
Judge of the Week: Chief Judge R. David Proctor.
One of the four standard questions I pose to my podcast guests, in the speed round at the end of each episode, is what they like the least about the law. One common response: the lack of civility shown by some lawyers toward each other.
At least one judge is trying to do something about it. Chief Judge R. David Proctor (N.D. Ala.) recently ordered bickering lawyers to have lunch with each other, in the hope that breaking bread together might break the cycle of toxicity:
Further, the court ORDERS that, on or before December 31, 2024, counsel for both Plaintiff and Defendants are to go to lunch together. Plaintiff’s counsel will pay the bill; Defendants’ counsel will leave the tip. The parties will discuss how they can act professionally throughout the rest of this case. Within ten (10) days of the lunch, the parties SHALL file a join report describing the conversation that occurred at lunch and the amount of the tip.
This isn’t Chief Judge Proctor’s first time chastising lawyers for pettiness. Last year, for example, he humorously called out counsel for moving to strike a summary-judgment opposition that was filed 15 minutes late.
As noted by commenters on LinkedIn, Chief Judge Proctor’s lunch order wasn’t the first; judges have been issuing them for years. But his order did go viral, getting picked up by Joe Patrice on Above the Law and Sarah Isgur and David French on Advisory Opinions, among other outlets.
And how can the reaction of lawyers be described? Mixed—because lawyers can’t agree on anything—but my overall response is positive. The standard judicial response to uncivil conduct is to benchslap counsel—as Judge Jamal Whitehead (W.D. Wash.) recently did, in a case involving “[e]xpletive-laden phone calls, hang-ups, backing out of prior agreements without explanation, and misleading emails purporting to ‘memorialize’ phone calls.” But as long as judges exercise discretion, issuing lunch orders only in cases where it makes sense, it’s good for them to have another tool in their toolbox besides benchslaps and formal sanctions.
Other judges in the news:
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https://davidlat.substack.com/p/fedsoc-president-sheldon-gilbert-karen-friedman-agnifilo-million-dollar-boies-bonuses
| 2024-12-16T06:24:38Z
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Milan's MonteNapoleone crowned most expensive street
Shoppers laden with bags from Fendi, Gucci, Prada and other designer labels clog the narrow footpaths of Milan's swankiest shopping street, bringing joy to the purveyors of high-end luxury goods this, and every, holiday season.
There's even more to celebrate this year: a commercial real estate company has crowned Via MonteNapoleone as the world's most expensive retail destination, displacing New York's Fifth Avenue.
The latest version of American firm Cushman & Wakefield's annual global index, which ranks shopping areas based on the rent prices they command, is a sign of Via MonteNapoleone's desirability as an address for luxury ready-to-wear, jewellery and even pastry brands.
The average rent on the Milan street has surged to 20,000 euros ($A32,995) per square metre, compared with 19,537 euros per square metre on an 11-block stretch of upper Fifth Avenue.
Via MonteNapoleone's small size - just 350 meters long - and walking distance to services and top cultural sites are among the street's key advantages, according to Guglielmo Miani, president of the MonteNapoleone District association.
"Not everything can fit, which is a benefit'' since the limited space makes the street even more exclusive and dynamic, said Miani, whose group also represents businesses on the intersecting side streets that together with Via MonteNapoleone form an area known as Milan's Fashion Quadrilateral.
The biggest brands on the street make 50 million euros to 100 million euros in annual sales, Miani said, which goes a long way to paying the rent. Tiffany & Co. is preparing to take up residence on Via Montenapoleone, and long-time tenant Fendi is expanding.
The MonteNapoleone District says 11 million people visited the area this year through November, but there's no way to say how many were big spenders versus window shoppers.
The average shopper on Via MonteNapoleone spent 2500 euros per purchase between August and November - the highest average receipt in the world, according to the tax-free shopping firm Global Blue.
The street is a magnet for holiday shoppers who arrive in Maseratis, Porsches and even Ferraris, the sports car's limited trunk space notwithstanding. Lights twinkle overhead, boutique windows feature mannequins engaged in warm scenes of holiday fun, and shoppers snap photos of expertly decorated cakes in pastry shop displays.
Despite upper Fifth Avenue getting bumped to the number two spot on the Cushman & Wakefield list, the organisation that serves as the Manhattan street's guardian and chief promoter had praise for MonteNapoleone's achievement.
"Milan's investment in its public realm is paying off, which is a win for their shoppers, businesses and city as a whole,'' Madelyn Wils, interim president of the Fifth Avenue Association, said.
But she also expressed confidence that with new investments and a record year for sales on Fifth Avenue, "we'll be back on top in no time".
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https://thewest.com.au/business/milans-montenapoleone-crowned-most-expensive-street-c-17101823
| 2024-12-16T06:24:38Z
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Brooke USA’s Signature Event Features a Dressage Musical Freestyle Performance to a Live Symphony Orchestra
OCALA, Fla., Dec. 11, 2024– Brooke USA Foundation’s (Brooke USA) Ocala Regional Advisory Council introduces the one-of-a kind showcase, Divertimentos & Dressage, to the Ocala community. The event will take place on Thurs., Jan. 30 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at the historic, premier thoroughbred breeding and training facility, Bridlewood Farm. The showcase, presented by Lugano Diamonds, will feature a live performance by the Ocala Symphony Orchestra representing premier classical musicians from across the region. Led by chorus director and assistant conductor Joshua L. Mazur, invigorating musical selections will set the stage for choreographed movements of extraordinarily gifted dressage riders and their Grand Prix horses.
Spectators will be stunned by the beauty of this event when horses, riders, orchestra, and guests all share the arena. Award-winning dressage riders include nationally and internationally recognized riders and Ocala residents Audrie Anthony, Alex Dominguez, Jessica Howington, Nicole Scarpino, and Erin Walker. Additional riders will be announced with all performing to works of classical composers.
Committee co-chairs, Sally Lewis and Laurie Zink, Brooke USA board member Tami Fratis, and chair of Brooke USA’s Young Professional Council Morgan Measey spearheaded the dawn of the event in the Horse Capital of the World®, Ocala. Originally, conceptualized by Sally Frick, a member of Brooke USA’s board of directors, amateur equestrian, and professional flutist, the inimitable Divertimentos & Dressage makes its third market expansion.
“We are thrilled to bring to life Brooke USA’s Divertimentos & Dressage presented by Lugano Diamonds right here in Ocala,” said Sally Lewis. “This will be a benefit concert like no other, bringing together people who genuinely want to make a difference in helping to improve the health, welfare, and productivity of working horses, donkeys and mules. The equine industry is extremely near and dear to me, and it warms my heart to present such a magical experience to Ocala residents, while helping other more vulnerable communities worldwide, and right here in the U.S., who depend on these beloved animals for survival.”
“It’s so exciting to be part of Ocala’s inaugural Divertimentos & Dressage presented by Lugano Diamonds,” added Laurie Zink. “It is truly fulfilling to unite my love for horses, arts and culture, and social good under Brooke USA’s signature program and fundraiser offering guests a ringside experience with these majestic creatures performing to music. We cannot wait to welcome a variety of residents, young equestrians, classical and live music connoisseurs, and more for an evening that benefits an organization funding on-the-ground programs that benefit working equines and those they serve. This is especially significant this year as Brooke USA is celebrating its 10th anniversary and we are the first event lined up for the celebration.”
Divertimentos & Dressage presented by Lugano Diamonds includes a cocktail reception, silent auction, and travel auction. Starting with registration at 6:00 p.m. guests will enjoy a pre-performance reception with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Promptly at 7:00 p.m., guests will be treated to a one-hour performance. For the evening of music and freestyle dressage, individual adult tickets are $90 per person, a pair of Concertmaster tickets are $350, a Freestyle table for eight is $1,250, a Premier table for eight is $2,500, and a VIP table for eight is $5,000. To learn more about sponsorship and ticket opportunities, please visit BrookeUSA.org/events.
“We are so grateful to the communities comprising the foothills of the Carolinas, Wellington, and now Ocala for embracing this magnificent signature event and the good that it does for equines and humankind by supporting the life-saving work of Brooke USA,” stated Emily Dulin, CEO of Brooke USA. “Divertimentos & Dressage is a breathtaking experience you do not want to miss.”
About Brooke USA Foundation (Brooke USA): The mission of Brooke USA is to significantly improve the health, welfare and productivity of working horses, donkeys and mules and the people who depend on them for survival worldwide. We are committed to sustainable economic development by reducing poverty, increasing food security, ensuring access to water, providing a means to education, and raising basic standards of living through improved equine health and welfare. We accomplish this by raising funds and responsibly directing them to the areas of greatest need.
Brooke USA strives to alleviate the suffering and vulnerability of developing communities by funding and implementing programs that improve the quality of life and health of working equines and thereby positively impacting their economic sustainability, protecting the planet, ensuring gender equality, and guaranteeing life on land resilience. We want to see healthy, happy people and equines that work in partnership to achieve sustainable local economies.
Media Contact:
Emily Dulin
305-505-6170
Emily.Dulin@brookeusa.org
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https://www.americanhorsepubs.org/newsgroup/divertimentos-dressage-makes-ocala-debut/
| 2024-12-16T06:24:38Z
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| 2024-12-16T06:24:40Z
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Donald Trump Appoints Truth Social CEO Devin Nunes as Chairman of President's Intelligence Advisory Board
BGT 2024-25: Smith and Head Shine with Centuries, Bumrah Claims Fifer as Australia Reach 405/7 at Stumps
Tata Cliq, JioMart, Ajio, Ola, Zomato & Others Commit to 'Safety Pledge' on National Consumer Day 2024
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https://www.thehawk.in/tag/vidhan-sabha-discussions
| 2024-12-16T06:24:40Z
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VIDEO: S Jaishankar on India’s Security Challenges & Past ‘Hangovers,"‘Terrorism to Border Disputes"
EAM Dr S Jaishankar said, "... In all frankness, (foreign policy) is a mix of the old and new. The issues that we have historically confronted, many of them have not gone away. We have yet to secure our borders. We are still combating terrorism on a very serious scale. There are the hangovers of the past. There are the requirements of the present. We have already moved to a foreign policy which is much more directly tasked to advance national development. If you look at all the joint communiques the foreign ministry policy apparatus puts out, you would see in the last 10 years much greater stress on economic diplomacy. When the prime minister or foreign minister goes out, there is much more about technology, capital, best practices, collaborations and investments. These occupy a much larger space... We have taken some valuable lessons from other countries in Southeast Asia and East Asia, who were doing it much longer than we were doing.
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https://www.republicworld.com/videos/india/s-jaishankar-on-india-security-challenges-video
| 2024-12-16T06:24:39Z
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Fans spark debate on concert etiquette after Billie Eilish was hit with a necklace at her latest concert
‘Crowd incidents are becoming too frequent,’ one angry fan writes
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Your support makes all the difference.Conversations about concert etiquette have been sparked once again as Billie Eilish becomes the latest artist to be hit on stage by a flying item.
From Lady Gaga to Harry Styles and Taylor Swift, within the last two years, several musicians have had objects thrown at them by someone in the crowd during their performances. Items have ranged from food to electronics including cabbage, cell phones, and roses.
Last night (December 13), a chunky necklace came close to hitting the “Birds of a Feather” star’s eye inside Glendale, Arizon’s Desert Diamond Arena.
In footage shared on X/Twitter, Eilish, 22, is seen on stage singing “What Was I Made For?” as the purple bead accessory catapults toward her.
Eilish flinches before the necklace bounces in front of her legs. Before continuing, Eilish sighed and flashed the crowd a disappointed look.
Frustrated fans took to social media to shame the concertgoers who think it’s a good idea to chuck random things at performers.
One woman mourned the days when people respected artists at concerts. “I miss concert etiquette, why is this allowed?” she asked on X.
Another said: “Crowd incidents are becoming too frequent.”
“People need to chill at concerts,” a third fan wrote, while a fourth agreed: “So cringe and disrespectful.”
Meanwhile, one person offered an opposing argument. “I personally think throwing things on stage can be fun and lead to great interaction but it’s always up to the artist. If they don’t support it (clearly she doesn’t), don’t do it. But like others like pink who welcome it, do it! it’s fun when consensual.”
“We stopped doing that in 2023…,” another individual disagreed.
Back when Harry Styles was touring in 2022, the “As It Was” vocalist was the target of many objects thrown, one of which was a skittle. During a show in Los Angeles, a fan chucked a single skittle that flew right into his eye.
Videos from the concert show the former One Direction bandmember waving at the crowd before the small candy scratched his left eye. Styles squinted as he bowed and navigated his way off stage, unable to open the injured eye.
Afterward, fans were outraged, arguing the 30-year-old artist might’ve been seriously injured.
“Whatever it was, only an idiot could throw things at a performing person. Just in case Harry had an injury that prevented him from going on another tour, or worse, permanent damage. This is not how love for an artist is shown in a civilized society,” one upset woman wrote under a YouTube video of the incident.
During Taylor Swift’s Buenos Aires leg of her Eras Tour in 2023, the “Fifteen” singer asked fans to stop this behavior for her own safety and that of her dancers. “Just because communication means having gentle, healthy boundaries, it really freaks me out when stuff gets thrown on the stage, because if it’s on the stage then a dancer can trip on it,” she said. “I love that you brought presents and that is so nice, but just can you please not throw them on the stage. I love you so much!”
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https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/billie-eilish-necklace-glendale-concert-etiquette-b2664879.html
| 2024-12-16T06:24:42Z
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Takeaways from AP's reporting on a child sex abuse crisis inside a secretive Christian sect
For decades, a little-known Christian sect has dealt with its abusive ministers and spiritual elders mostly in secret, shunning legal action and urging victims to simply forgive the predators in their midst
BOISE, Idaho -- For decades, a little-known Christian sect has dealt with its abusive ministers and spiritual elders mostly in secret, shunning legal action in favor of urging victims to forgive the predators in their midst.
Forgiveness, however, was far from a cure: The abusers were often sent to live with other unsuspecting families, where they had easy access to new victims.
Now a grassroots effort by survivors has exposed the depth of the scandal — documenting allegations against more than 900 abusers in 30 countries, with cases continuing to emerge — and thrust the nameless sect into the public eye. The FBI has also launched an investigation into the group, sometimes called the “Two by Twos.”
The Associated Press interviewed more than a dozen current and former members, workers and experts, and reviewed letters, court documents and other records supporting the allegations. Several sect leaders and ministers either declined interview requests or did not respond to messages.
Here are some takeaways from the AP's reporting.
Child sex abuse is a significant problem within many religious institutions: Insurance data company Advisen lists child sexual abuse as the second most frequent insurance loss for religious organizations, after wage-related claims. But survivors say the tenets of the Two by Twos place kids at particularly high risk.
The sect believes its volunteer ministers, called “workers,” should live among followers and rely on them for food, housing and other needs.
Many survivors told the AP they were abused by preachers staying in their homes. In some cases, the abuse was revealed and the offending worker was asked to leave the ministry. Frequently, however, regional leaders called “overseers” simply transferred the worker to a new region without warning other members.
Former sect member Pam Walton uses photos from annual sect conventions, reports from members and other records to track the movements of workers and overseers with abuse allegations.
“I don’t think people were understanding the magnitude that these men and women traveled,” Walton said.
One abusive overseer, Dean Bruer, served in at least 22 states and territories and seven countries from the time he joined the ministry in 1976 until his death in 2022.
Former worker Jared Snyder says bringing up someone's past sins is considered taboo because that person “has already been forgiven by God.” As a result, members and workers alike often would only talk euphemistically about problems, Snyder said, and even major misdeeds were frequently downplayed.
“There is an underlying fear of being judged as a person who has a ‘bad spirit’ if you are not merciful enough," Snyder says.
Some sect leaders cautioned against digging into allegations. One overseer told Snyder, “The less you know, the better off you are,” he said.
Some U.S. states have laws that require spiritual leaders, teachers and others in positions of authority to report child abuse allegations to authorities. Letters and other documents show some overseers tried to skirt those laws.
Ed Alexander, a regional overseer for Arizona, wrote a letter to a child-molesting elder urging him to seek professional counseling. That way, Alexander claimed, the sect would not have to report the man's crime and instead the counselor could take on reporting responsibility.
Alexander declined to comment.
As a teen, Sheri Autrey felt unprepared to describe the intimate details of her abuse to a jury, so her parents declined to put her through the criminal prosecution process. When Autrey tried to press charges as an adult, it was too late — under California state law, too many years had passed since the crime.
Autrey tried to find an attorney to sue the sect, but no one would take the case. Legal experts say the sect's aversion to property leaves it without any apparent assets that could be used to pay a legal settlement.
Left without legal options, many survivors joined grassroots efforts to support each other. One organization, Advocates for the Truth, created a 24-hour confidential hotline for survivors, investigated and tracked allegations, and connected victims with therapeutic resources and funding.
Facebook pages and online chat rooms have also given survivors a place to compare stories, discuss faith and share suggestions for reform.
A grand jury began looking into the sect last year, and in February the FBI asked people with information to come forward. Agents have interviewed multiple survivors and sect leaders over the last several months.
Some sect leaders have condemned the abuse and asked consultants for advice on how to better protect members. Others have rejected recommended child abuse prevention policies outright, or implemented scaled-down versions with fewer safeguards.
Still, the pressure doesn't seem likely to let up anytime soon. Former sect member and survivor Lisa Webb says advocating for other survivors has been her therapy.
“I'm not trying to take away your salvation or attack your faith, but how can we keep our kids safe? You can respect the faith, respect the religion, but still not be naive," Webb said. “Just the fact that the conversation is out there now means we've already improved the safety. ... There's a rallying behind survivors.”
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https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/takeaways-aps-reporting-child-sex-abuse-crisis-inside-116817489
| 2024-12-16T06:24:42Z
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AIADMK's 2026 Assembly poll campaign to begin with EPS's statewide tour from January
Chennai, Dec 16 (IANS) The principal opposition party of Tamil Nadu, AIADMK, is gearing up for the 2026 Assembly elections. Party General Secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) is set to launch a statewide campaign at the end of January.
As part of the campaign, EPS will visit all 234 Assembly constituencies in the state, address rallies and highlight alleged misdeeds of the ruling DMK government.
In a statement released on Monday, the AIADMK announced its plans to appoint full-time organisational in-charges, including women, for each booth committee.
Tamil Nadu has 68,467 booths, and the in-charges will oversee grassroots-level campaign activities.
At the party’s General Council meeting held in Vanagaram on Sunday, EPS emphasized the need to strengthen the party’s youth wing, the Ilaignar Pasarai (Youth Brigades), to attract young voters and revitalize the party.
He instructed district secretaries to recruit more youngsters for the brigades, a concept originally introduced by former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa in 2008.
The initiative played a crucial role in the AIADMK’s victory in the 2011 Assembly elections. Membership in the Youth Brigades is open to individuals aged 18 to 25.
In addition, the party plans to create a separate sports wing to attract youth by organising local sports competitions, a task that the booth in-charges will oversee.
Since its defeat in the 2021 Assembly elections, AIADMK has struggled to regain its footing. The party also faced a crushing defeat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, failing to secure a single seat out of the 39 in Tamil Nadu and the lone seat in Puducherry.
Meanwhile, the DMK, AIADMK’s principal rival, has already commenced preparations for the 2026 polls.
The DMK has appointed full-time workers for each of the state’s 234 Assembly constituencies.
Half of these workers were selected based on their performance during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where the DMK-led INDIA bloc secured a landslide victory, winning all 39 seats in Tamil Nadu and the lone seat in Puducherry.
The DMK’s full-timers were carefully screened and selected with input from local leadership. Interestingly, these appointees are not residents of the constituencies where they have been assigned, ensuring impartiality and focused efforts. DMK President and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has expressed confidence in his party’s chances, claiming that the DMK will win 200 of the 234 Assembly seats in the upcoming elections.
Disclaimer: This story has not been edited by the Sakshi Post team and is auto-generated from syndicated feed.
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https://www.sakshipost.com/news/aiadmks-2026-assembly-poll-campaign-begin-epss-statewide-tour-january-359202
| 2024-12-16T06:24:42Z
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Line Claims 10 Million Users in India
Japanese messaging application provider Line on Saturday said it aims to double its userbase in India to 20 million by this year-end and has roped in Bollywood actor Katrina Kaif to endorse the brand.
Japanese messaging application provider Line on Saturday said it aims to double its userbase in India to 20 million by this year-end and has roped in Bollywood actor Katrina Kaif to endorse the brand.
Line, which started its operations in India in July this year, claims to have 10 million registered users already. Besides free messaging, it also offers free voice calls, video and audio file sharing and stickers.
"The focus this year is on increasing the number of users. We are confident of crossing the 20 million-mark before this year-end," Line Corporation CEO Akira Morikawa said.
Line is also working on introducing newer services like e-commerce and music through its platform, he added but declined to divulge further information.
Launched in 2011, Line has 230 million users globally, with 20 per cent of its userbase in Japan. It is present in 55 countries with its other big markets being Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia and Spain.
Its revenues grew to 9.77 billion yen (USD 100.2 million) in second quarter of 2013 from 0.3 billion yen in April-June 2012 quarter.
"We have already invested about one billion yen (Rs. 62.98 crore) in India on various campaigns and setting up base Mumbai. We are in discussions for partnerships with telecom operators and handset makers for our service.We haven't experienced such rapid growth in any other country to date like we have in India and we will continue to focus here," he told PTI.
Line has tied-up with Sony India and will come pre-installed on the Sony Xperia Z1 and Xperia C smartphones, while Sony Music Entertainment will open official accounts on Line.
According to a report by Canalys, India is the third-largest smartphone market after China and the US and is an attractive market for messaging applications.
PTI
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https://www.indiatimes.com/technology/mobile/line-app-claims-10-million-users-in-india-105448.html
| 2024-12-16T06:24:42Z
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Rising Great Southern Academy of Sport athletes inspired by WA Olympians Charlie Senior and Giorgia Patten
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https://thewest.com.au/news/albany-advertiser/rising-great-southern-academy-of-sport-athletes-inspired-by-wa-olympians-charlie-senior-and-giorgia-patten-c-17058172
| 2024-12-16T06:24:44Z
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Donald Trump Appoints Truth Social CEO Devin Nunes as Chairman of President's Intelligence Advisory Board
BGT 2024-25: Smith and Head Shine with Centuries, Bumrah Claims Fifer as Australia Reach 405/7 at Stumps
Tata Cliq, JioMart, Ajio, Ola, Zomato & Others Commit to 'Safety Pledge' on National Consumer Day 2024
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https://www.thehawk.in/tag/youth-killings-in-manipur
| 2024-12-16T06:24:47Z
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Are you an adult obsessed with cuddly toys? There’s a simple reason for that
Sales of squishy objects – items that exist somewhere between a pillow and a stuffed animal – are currently booming, and particularly among young people. But are they just symptoms of a generation scared to grow up, asks Ellie Muir
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Your support makes all the difference.When 23-year-old Aïcha travelled from London to New York last year, it wasn’t for a holiday. She was on a mission to buy a rare Squishmallow, a type of cuddly toy that’s a hybrid between a pillow and a stuffed animal. She already has 35 of them, her bed at home neatly lined with a pig named Daisy that doubles up as a handbag, a puppy holding a bubble tea, an aquamarine-coloured dolphin, and many, many more.
“I call them my babies,” Aïcha tells me. “They make me feel so safe, they hear me out and they see everything. They’re like my little witnesses in life.” While Squishmallows is her current favourite brand, Aïcha combs through the internet for rare Black Barbies and Bratz dolls, because she never saw herself represented in toys as a child. “My bed is filled with them,” she says. “It’s a piece of me.”
Squishmallows is just one of the cuddly toy companies currently obsessed over by Gen Z. Another popular brand is Jellycat, which transforms household objects or food items – such as a pair of salt and pepper shakers – into a cute, plush form to be squeezed and hugged. These toys aren’t just something kept at home, either: if you look closely at a Gen Z-ers outfit, you may find a pink furry animal affixed to their belt strap.
Across Hollywood, celebrities are endorsing cuddlies, too. Jisoo, a member of the K-pop group Blackpink, is sometimes seen with a Jellycat bunny dangling from her handbag. Kylie Jenner told fans she carries her Jellycat peapod in her handbag all day, while Dua Lipa recently posed in the back of a car cuddling a Squishmallow of the Pokémon character Snorlax.
In the past, a young person would leave behind their old, distressed childhood toys when they flew the nest. And for those who did bring their toy collection to university or into adult life, they would keep it a secret out of pure embarrassment. It seems peculiar, then, that it’s become acceptable to accumulate a gargantuan stuffed toy collection that competes with one owned by a toddler, or alternatively wear them as a fashion statement with pride. And fundamentally, does it mean that Gen Z are scared to grow up?
Before I go any further, I should admit that I have a very close relationship with a stuffed panda from Ikea that I bought last year. I call her Penny. Do I cradle her in my arms as I sleep each night? I couldn’t possibly comment, if only to retain some of my dignity at work. But I will tell you that I find it hard to leave her behind when I go away for a few nights. She’s my most loyal companion. So if this is a problem, I’m very much a part of it.
Currently, the toys-for-adults market is worth £1bn in the UK, while £1 of every £3 currently spent on toys is spent by a “kidult” – an adult consumer interested in entertainment aimed at children – according to toy industry analyst company Circana. Kidult consumers are spending more money in the cuddly toy market, too: 65 per cent of Squishmallow buyers are aged between 18 and 24, and Jellycat US sales rose 41 per cent from the first half of 2023 to the same period in 2024.
For 24-year-old Alanna, who works in finance, her Jellycat collection began the day she was born – that was when she was bought a small, delicate elephant. From there, her collection grew. “When I finished university, my dad decided to give me this enormous Jellycat elephant as a joke, [as it] was the biggest they have,” she says. Alanna’s elephant family isn’t something she hides away or is embarrassed about; her teddies sit proudly on her bed when her friends or boyfriend come over.
More than anything, Alanna thinks her growing toy collection comes from a combination of childhood nostalgia and seeking comfort. “I have quite an intense job and come home at the end of the day feeling quite tired,” she says. “When I’m lying on the sofa or going to sleep, I just like to have something to sort of hold on to and hug. I find it easier to relax – it’s a comfort when we live in a world that’s so hectic.”
Joshua Dale is a professor of cute studies at Chuo University in Tokyo, Japan, and the author of Irresistible: How Cuteness Wired our Brains and Conquered the World. He tells me that cute items, like stuffed toys, are “happiness generators” for adults. From what he’s observed, Gen Z’s appreciation for plushies comes from a desire to alleviate anxiety or worry. “It’s quite hard to just be happy in the moment, when there are so many things happening in the world right now,” says Dale. If you look at something you find cute, though, you might just be perked up.
In the academic world, the very definition of “cute” is based on the idea of baby schema, which is a set of physical features – large eyes, a round face, chubby cheeks – belonging to an infant that triggers a certain response in adults. These are the elements that might cause someone to let out an instantaneous “awwww!” when they see a newborn, for example, or want to care for the baby or hold it. For others, a similar response can be elicited by seeing features that belong to a baby or animal incorporated into a toy’s design. Dale refers to this feeling as an “upwelling”.
“Seeing something cute trips the neural networks in our brain [and makes us] engage in behaviours like empathy or a sense of playfulness,” says Dale. “It works so well that we feel it towards cats and dogs and even objects like Squishmallows.” The blushing, smiley expression given to these toys – even if that toy is just a fuzzy cabbage – can make them even more cherubic. “If you see something that has a smile, it means that thing is willing to engage with us and we want to get closer to it,” he adds.
The texture of these plushie toys adds to the appeal, too. Psychologist Veronica West tells me that this is known as tactile comfort. “Hugging a fluffy croissant or smooshing a smiling cauliflower is an instant serotonin boost,” she says. “It’s like an emotional support animal, minus the vet bills or the risk of it peeing on your carpet. Cuddly toys provide a safe, soft space to decompress.”
This doesn’t indicate that Gen Z is growing up slower, either, or that they suffer from a generational-wide Peter Pan syndrome, says Dale. “The detractors of this phenomenon tend to say that it’s really childish,” he explains, highlighting the difference between “childish” and “childlike”. “Childish behaviour is bad in everyone, even children. But childlike behaviour involves having a sense of curiosity and wonder, and a willingness to learn new things. These are not bad characteristics.”
Really, bringing childlike elements into your daily life as an adult can be extremely fruitful. “I think the definition of being an adult is changing and becoming a little more flexible,” says Dale. “And I think what this movement is about is being able to openly incorporate things we loved as children into our adult lives.”
West agrees that the boom in adult toys is not reflective of a doomed generation scared to grow up, but a generation ageing in a way that is more curious and playful compared to their forebears. “Who says adulthood can’t include joy and softness? In a world that sometimes feels like a horror movie, Gen Z has decided their coping mechanism is cuddling a fluffy pineapple,” she says. “And honestly, they might be onto something.”
As I write this with my Ikea Panda perched in my lap, I couldn’t agree more.
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| 2024-12-16T06:24:48Z
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Anuv Jain says Gen Z connects with raw, authentic emotions reflected in his music
Mumbai, Dec 16 (IANS) Music composer-singer Anuv Jain, who is known for songs like ‘Baarishein’, ‘Alag Aasmaan’, ‘Husn’ and others, feels that his music reflects the raw, authentic emotions which connect with Gen Z.
His soulful tracks have become the ultimate playlist for Gen Z, perfectly capturing the raw emotions of love, heartbreak, and personal growth. His music speaks directly to the youth, as it blends vulnerability with the highs and lows of modern romance.
Talking about the same, the singer said, “I think my music resonates with Gen Z because it reflects the raw, authentic emotions we all go through in our journey of finding a match whether it's falling for someone for the first time or dealing with the bittersweet distance in relationships”.
The singer has topped the Tinder in India’s Year in Swipe 2024 list followed by rapper Shubh, Karan Aujla, Ikky, Siddhu Moosewala, AP Dhillon and Diljit Dosanjh.
He further mentioned, “I love that my songs are part of how young singles are connecting with each other. Music has the power to bring people together, and seeing that happen through Tinder is really special”.
Whether you're texting a crush, falling for someone new, or picking up the pieces after a breakup, Anuv’s simple yet powerful lyrics hit differently. His stripped-back sound creates an authentic connection that resonates with Gen Z’s need for realness.
Anuv started writing at the age of 16 and ‘Meri Baaton Mein Tu’ was the first song which he wrote. He began uploading original work on his YouTube channel at the age of 21 with his first recorded song being "Baarishein", which was a sleeper hit.
His tracks are an emotional space for young listeners to process feelings, reflect, and bond over shared experiences. With music becoming one of the top five interests in Tinder bios in India, Anuv’s songs are sparking conversations, setting moods, and helping young singles connect through the power of song.
Disclaimer: This story has not been edited by the Sakshi Post team and is auto-generated from syndicated feed.
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https://www.sakshipost.com/news/anuv-jain-says-gen-z-connects-raw-authentic-emotions-reflected-his-music-359228
| 2024-12-16T06:24:48Z
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Published Dec 16, 2024 at 11:17 AM IST
VIDEO: Zakir Hussain Dies: Watch Late Tabla Maestro’s Most Memorable Performances
Legendary tabla maestro Zakir Hussain has passed away at the age of 73 in a hospital in San Francisco, leaving a profound void in the world of music. Known for his unparalleled artistry and groundbreaking contributions to Indian classical and fusion music, Hussain succumbed to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, his family confirmed on Monday. Hussain had been hospitalised for two weeks and was moved to the ICU as his health declined. A virtuoso and cultural icon, he inspired countless musicians globally with his rhythm and creativity. Fans and fellow artists are paying tribute by revisiting his most memorable performances, which continue to showcase the magic of his craft and his enduring legacy.
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https://www.republicworld.com/videos/india/zakir-hussain-dies-video
| 2024-12-16T06:24:47Z
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Apple Buys Personal Assistant App Cue
Apple has purchased Cue, a personal assistant app that had mysteriously shut down service.
WASHINGTON: Apple has purchased Cue, a personal assistant app that had mysteriously shut down service.
Sources revealed that Apple purchased the app for between $35 million and $45 million. According to Mashable, Apple confirmed the deal, but not the price.
Cue, formerly known as Greplin, makes it easy to surface social media activity from your LinkedIn accounts, contacts, Gmail, calendars and Dropbox account, the report said.
The company changed its name to Cue last year and became a personal assistant for iOS along the lines of Google Now for Android, it added.
ANI
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https://www.indiatimes.com/technology/pc-and-laptop/apple-buys-personal-assistant-app-cue-105443.html
| 2024-12-16T06:24:49Z
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Husband sparks ‘food sharing’ debate after getting angry at his wife for eating his fruit
‘I buy stuff specifically for my husband and just don’t touch it unless he offers,’ one reader admits
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Your support makes all the difference.One husband admitted he can’t stand when his wife eats his favorite snack.
In a recent submission in Reddit’s Am I The A**hole forum, the candid man confessed his wife has been eating his persimmons, and he’s not happy about it.
For context, the Reddit writer explained how his wife adores Fuyu persimmons while he’s more of a Hachiya guy. She also prefers her fruit to be “firm,” but he likes it when the persimmon resembles “pudding.”
“So I leave mine to ripen, which can take days to weeks sometimes. Neither of us likes the other’s style much,” he continued.
In the past, their individual preferences have worked out where neither of them goes for the other’s choice. Recently, this hasn’t been the case.
“This week, we got a bunch of each at the farmer’s market. I left mine be in a basket in the corner of the kitchen,” he said. “She ate all of hers by midweek, and I got her more at the market, and she ate those too.
“I just started eating mine today and offered her a bite,” the Redditor continued. “She said, ‘No, I’ll get my own.’ And I said, ‘No way, those are mine.’”
According to the husband, he’d been “saving” his persimmons, waiting for them to turn mushy because that’s what he likes. And while his wife doesn’t usually eat hers that way, she still wanted to eat his.
“She got upset at this and said this has been my thing our whole marriage,” he wrote. “I designate food as mine. ‘All food should be anyone’s to eat if that person wants it at that moment,’ she says.”
The Reddit writer admitted he “disagreed” with this principle of hers. “I live my life leaving her what is hers, whether it’s half of the leftovers or half a piece of cake or whatever,” he explained.
“I don’t just eat things. I consider her. And I do my best to make sure she has what she likes around.”
What’s more, the Redditor claimed the times he’s eaten his wife’s designated food, she’s gotten upset with him.
Questioning whether he was in the wrong for “keeping some fruit” to himself, the husband asked Reddit readers for their opinion, sparking widespread debate on sharing food in marriages.
One harsh reader commented: “If my husband buys something specifically for himself and asks me not to touch it, I don’t because I’m not a selfish little gremlin.”
“I buy stuff specifically for my husband and just don’t touch it unless he offers,” a second agreed.
Another person wrote: “I do think your wife is being a little childish. She is expecting you to share all of your food while she shares none of her own.”
“She doesn’t get to be fruit queen,” a reader remarked before suggesting: “I would start eating her fruit until she screams, bring up this situation you tried to solve, and then make a formal agreement on how it works going forward.”
One individual argued: “People should be able to eat food that’s available. But if I know my partner really likes a particular food and got it ‘for himself,’ I’m gonna ask before I take some!”
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https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/husband-wife-fruit-sharing-debate-persimmons-reddit-b2664867.html
| 2024-12-16T06:24:54Z
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Contractual workers in Indian manufacturing sector see 5.6 pc annual pay growth
Bengaluru, Dec 16 (IANS) The contractual employees in the Indian manufacturing sector saw their compensation packages grow at a 5.9 per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from FY21 to FY24, according to a report on Monday.
This growth was driven by inflation, increased demand for skilled workers, and the need for competitive pay to retain talent, according to the report by TeamLease Services, India’s leading staffing solutions company.
Moreover, the sector’s workforce is predominantly young, with most individuals in the 28-37 age group (43.6 per cent).
The expansion of the manufacturing sector in the country is led by industries like electronics manufacturing, automotive, textiles, and chemicals.
“To unlock its potential, the sector must prioritise inclusive policies and invest in upskilling for Industry 4.0. Strategic workforce outsourcing can help reduce costs and address operational inefficiencies,” said Subburathinam P, Chief Operating Officer of TeamLease Staffing.
“By focusing on retention and adaptability, the sector can not only achieve its $1 trillion valuation goal but also set a global standard for sustainable and equitable industrial growth,” he noted.
As the manufacturing sector aims to achieve a $1 trillion valuation by 2025-26, addressing workforce dynamics will be pivotal in ensuring sustained growth.
This growth is led by strategic government initiatives, technological advancements, and an evolving workforce landscape.
The workforce is also diverse in terms of educational backgrounds, with nearly half being graduates.
Both genders show the highest representation at the graduation level, 48.5 per cent for males and 46.4 per cent for females.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra (17.2 per cent) and Tamil Nadu (14.6 per cent) are the leading states in contractual workforce contributions, followed by Uttar Pradesh (9.6 per cent) and Karnataka (9.4 per cent), the report mentioned.
“A significant 89.5 per cent of employees in temporary roles are male, highlighting a significant underrepresentation of women. Females in the workforce, however, demonstrate higher representation in postgraduate qualifications (24.3 per cent compared to 10.5 per cent of males),” it noted.
The report highlighted that companies are encouraged to enhance workplace safety, foster inclusivity, and invest in career development initiatives such as structured mentorship programmes.
—IANS
na/
Disclaimer: This story has not been edited by the Sakshi Post team and is auto-generated from syndicated feed.
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https://www.sakshipost.com/news/contractual-workers-indian-manufacturing-sector-see-56-pc-annual-pay-growth-359221
| 2024-12-16T06:24:55Z
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Published 11:34 IST, December 16th 2024
Candid Photos of Syria’s Assad Expose a World Beyond the Carefully Crafted and Repressive Rule
The intimate and candid photos, reportedly discovered in albums from Assad’s mansions in the hills of Damascus and Aleppo.
BEIRUT: Personal photos of ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad have surfaced from his abandoned residences, sparking ridicule among Syrians who until days ago were persecuted for criticizing his carefully crafted public image.
The intimate and candid photos, reportedly discovered in albums from Assad’s mansions in the hills of Damascus and Aleppo, offer a stark contrast to the polished, glamorous image that Assad and his father projected as they led Syria for half a century.
Syrians have been fascinated by the background glimpses of a seemingly normal family that held the country in an iron grip and bombed some their fellow citizens regarded as a threat. The sharing of photos has become an extension of the dazed first hours after Assad’s ouster a week ago, when everyday Syrians wandered the presidential palace and its disheveled signs of a rapid departure. Assad has been granted asylum in Russia.
For many Syrians who had endured forced imprisonment, displacement and oppression under the Assads, the photos serve as both a spectacle and a chance to exhale, even laugh.
One photo shows Assad’s father, Hafez, in his underwear, striking a bodybuilder-like pose. Other images show Bashar Assad in a Speedo flexing his biceps, astride a motorcycle in his briefs and staring blankly in a kitchen, wearing underwear and a sleeveless undershirt.
“What is it with the Assad family and being photographed in their underwear? Highly interested in knowing the fantasy behind,” journalist Hussam Hammoud wrote on X.
In the photos, Syrians can see the ophthalmologist in Assad and not the leader. In one, he’s on a balcony teasing a girl sitting on his shoulders. In another, a young Assad places a ring on his wife’s finger. In a third, he’s seemingly taking a selfie.
Social media footage also has shown Syrians touring the Assads’ opulent estates, revealing extravagant decor and possessions out of reach for many who lived through the country’s civil war since 2011. Assad’s wife, once featured in Vogue, epitomized the sophistication and luxury, and Syrians have uncovered jewelry boxes and designer goods.
Fueled by decades of persecution and a desire for vengeance, people have stripped the mansions of valuables and further exposed Assad’s private world.
Updated 11:34 IST, December 16th 2024
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https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/candid-photos-of-syrias-assad-expose-a-world-beyond-the-carefully-crafted-and-repressive-rule
| 2024-12-16T06:24:53Z
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Leaked Images: iPad Mini 2
Check out the yet-to-be-launched iPad Mini 2 in leaked images!
Check out the yet-to-be-launched iPad Mini 2 in leaked images!
iPad Mini 2 will be the next generation iPad Mini and will replace the tablet launched earlier this year.
All Images Courtesy: SonnyDickson
Just like iPad Mini, ipad Mini two will be the smaller and more budget option. Whiloe Apple failed with iPhone 5C, iPad Mini is sure to continue its successful run.
iPad Mini 2 will be slimmer than the original iPad Mini according to reports.
There will clearly be a load of design differences in iPad Mini 2 as compared to the iPad Mini original.
iPad Mini 2 is expected to come with an 8 MP camera.
The iPad Mini 2 might also feature the software tweaks from the current iOS 7 and iPhone.
However, whether the tablet will also come with finger-print unlocking is still a mystery.
Provided with sufficient time (read delayed launch), Apple will provide the iPad Mini 2 with the retina display.
The iPad Mini 2 is expected to be shorter and slimmer than the original.
iPad Mini 2 might launch early next year.
An adventure lover and philosopher, her affair with words began at a young age. You can find her scribbling away at all odd hours of the day (and night) and if not with her head buried deep inside a book, she is generally romancing nature or ambling along through the maze of Indian streets. A carefree soul, she truly believes happiness lies within.
Read More
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https://www.indiatimes.com/technology/pc-and-laptop/leaked-images-ipad-mini-2_-104939.html
| 2024-12-16T06:24:55Z
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Wheatbelt bushfire: Residents told to evacuate along Leaver Road as out-of-control bushfire rages near Northam
Residents in communities near Northam have been urged to evacuate as an out-of-control bushfire rages in WA’s Wheatbelt region.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services issued an emergency warning about 1.30pm on Monday for residents bounded by De Castilla Road, Leaver Road and north of the Wambyn Road intersection to Great Northern Highway in Copley, Mokine and Clackline in the Shire of Northam.
Residents in the area have been urged to leave in an easterly direction along Leaver Road.
“You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive,” DFES said.
“There is a threat to lives.
“Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute could put your life in danger.”
The bushfire is moving in a south easterly direction and is not contained or controlled.
Water bombers and ground crew are actively working to fight the blaze.
Motorists are asked to avoid the area, reduce speed and drive carefully.
For more information, visit the Emergency WA website via this link.
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https://thewest.com.au/news/disaster-and-emergency/northam-bushfire-residents-told-to-evacuate-along-leaver-road-as-out-of-control-bushfire-rages-in-wheatbelt-c-17101546
| 2024-12-16T06:24:57Z
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Binge Drinking Impairs Bone Healing
Binge drinking may significantly impair the healing process following a bone fracture, a new study has found.
WASHINGTON: Binge drinking may significantly impair the healing process following a bone fracture, a new study has found.
The study by Loyola University Medical Center is providing insights into how alcohol slows healing on the cellular and molecular levels. The findings could lead to treatments to improve bone healing in alcohol abusers, and possibly non-drinkers as well.
"Many bone fractures are alcohol-related, due to car accidents, falls, shootings, etc. In addition to contributing to bone fractures, alcohol also impairs the healing process. So add this to the list of reasons why you should not abuse alcohol," said Roman Natoli, who carried the study along with John Callaci and Rachel Mauer.
Researchers studied the effects that alcohol consumption had on bone healing in mice. One group of mice was exposed to alcohol levels roughly equivalent to three times the legal limit for driving. A control group was exposed to equal amounts of saline (salt water).
The study found three ways in which alcohol impaired bone healing after a fracture. There were differences between the control group and the alcohol-exposed group in the callus, the hard bony tissue that forms around the ends of fractured bones.
In the alcohol-exposed group, the callus was less mineralised, meaning not as much bone was forming. Moreover, the bone that did form was not as strong.
Mice exposed to alcohol showed signs of oxidative stress, a process that impairs normal cellular functions. The alcohol-exposed mice had significantly higher levels of malondialdehyde, a molecule that serves as a marker for oxidative stress.
Additionally, levels of an enzyme that decreases oxidative stress, super oxide dismutase, were higher in the alcohol-exposed mice (but not quite high enough to be considered statistically significant), researchers said.
During the healing process, the body sends immature stem cells to a fracture site. After arriving at the site, the stem cells mature into bone cells. Two proteins, known as SDF-1 and OPN, are involved in recruiting stem cells to the injury site. In the alcohol-exposed group, OPN levels were significantly lower.
The findings were presented at the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research 2013 Annual Meeting in Baltimore.
PTI
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https://www.indiatimes.com/technology/science/binge-drinking-impairs-bone-healing-105447.html
| 2024-12-16T06:24:58Z
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What does Khloé Kardashian smell like?
Adele Cardani sits down with Khloé Kardashian to discuss her fragrance habits and the story behind her first-ever solo perfume
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
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Your support makes all the difference.If you’ve ever wondered what Khloé Kardashian smells like, you can finally find out for yourself. Her debut solo fragrance, XO Khloé, has just launched at Harrods – and according to the reality TV star turned business mogul, it took “close to a year and a half” and “over 100 rounds of fragrance mods” to create.
Kardashian has previously teamed up with her sister Kim on two perfumes under the KKW Fragrance line, and collaborated on one with her ex-husband, Lamar Odom. But developing XO Khloé was different from those forays into fragrance. The process allowed her ultimate creative control and marked her independence – culminating in a floral scent she calls “so identifiably me”.
The bottle shines like a multi-faceted gem, representing her motto: No pressure, no diamonds. Upon spritzing, the scent opens with a fresh whiff of rose petals, before transforming into a heart of juicy peach and sweet praline. Then, it dries down, engulfing the wearer in a comforting blend of tonka bean, moss, musk and sandalwood.
“This is now my signature scent that I wear every day. I stand behind it,” Kardashian tells me, perched on a sofa in her Claridge’s suite. “I really appreciate it when I’m walking by and someone says they like the way I smell. At first, I didn’t even tell my sisters I was doing a fragrance and then one day Kylie was like, ‘Oh my gosh, you smell so good!’ That’s when I knew I was on the right track.”
She continues, “It’s a huge confidence boost when I’ve created something that people tell me they love, without even knowing it’s mine. Or when I run into a friend and they’re wearing Good American jeans. It feels so good to know they actually like the product – that they’re not just trying to impress me or be nice.”
In her own words, XO Khloé exudes “relaxed confidence”. Kardashian explains: “I didn’t want the scent to be so heavy that you’re masking something. It’s a fragrance that is designed to enhance who you naturally are. It makes me feel confident and it smells glamorous, but it’s also unstuffy and relatable. There are some fragrances that are so strong it makes the wearer seem untouchable – like they’re too fancy. This one, on the other hand, is very approachable.”
Revealing her perfume application technique, Kardashian shares, “I douse myself. I like to spray directly on the skin so that the fragrance melds with my body chemistry. I spray my neck and then I’ll spray the air and do a little walk through the falling mist. Then, later in the day, I’ll reapply by spraying my clothes.”
As 20th-century writer Marcel Proust so notably recognised, our olfactory sense has the power to create some of the strongest feelings and memories. This is something Kardashian had in mind when crafting her signature fragrance.
“The beauty of scent is that it can transport you back in time,” she says. “The first perfume I ever wore was Thierry Mugler Angel. I wore it in middle school and it’s not a scent I would wear currently, but when I smell it, it immediately takes me back in time. I could tell you about the boy that I had a crush on, or [the memory of] when I was walking down a certain hallway.”
Kardashian concludes: “That’s what’s so special about designing a fragrance. It’s a lot of pressure because you’re helping create memories for the wearer. I hope XO Khloé does that.”
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https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/khloe-kardashian-xo-perfume-smell-scent-b2663407.html
| 2024-12-16T06:25:00Z
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Death toll from paramilitary forces attack in Sudan rises to 38
Khartoum, Dec 16 (IANS) The death toll from a drone attack by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on a market in El Fasher, western Sudan, has climbed to 38, a non-governmental group said.
Earlier in the day, state news agency SUNA reported that a drone attack by the RSF on a market in the Awlad Al-Reef neighborhood in El Fasher killed more than 15 people and injured many others, Xinhua news agency reported.
"The death toll from the massacre in the Awlad Al-Reef neighborhood in El Fasher has risen to 38," the Coordination of Resistance Committees in El Fasher, a local non-governmental group, said in a statement.
The RSF has not commented on the incident.
Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, which began in mid-April 2023, has killed more than 28,700 people and displaced over 14 million in the country, according to international organisations.
Earlier on December 13, At least 45 civilians were killed and 28 others injured in an artillery shelling by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on residential neighbourhoods and displacement camps in western Sudan.
"Neighbourhoods and camps in El Fasher city witnessed a significant massacre yesterday, as a result of deliberate shelling by the rebel militia, killing 45 citizens, including children and women, and injuring 28 others who were transferred to health centres," the command of the 6th Infantry Division of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) said in a statement.
According to the statement, the shelling targeted residential neighbourhoods in the southern sector of El Fasher, the Zamzam displacement camp south of the city, and the Abu Shouk camp to the north.
Disclaimer: This story has not been edited by the Sakshi Post team and is auto-generated from syndicated feed.
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https://www.sakshipost.com/news/death-toll-paramilitary-forces-attack-sudan-rises-38-359206
| 2024-12-16T06:25:01Z
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Published 11:01 IST, December 16th 2024
Indian-Origin CEO Asks If He "Should Get A Green Card". Elon Musk Reacts
Aravind Srinivas leads Perplexity AI, an AI-powered search engine backed by big names like Jeff Bezos.
Indian-origin CEO of Perplexity AI, Aravind Srinivas, is making headlines after Elon Musk's one-word reply to his green card query went viral on social media. Srinivas, who has been waiting for his green card for three years, sought advice from netizens and Musk on X (formerly Twitter).
Srinivas tweeted, "I think I should get a green card. Wdyt?" While the post got varied responses, Musk’s single-word reply, "Yes," created a buzz online. Srinivas thanked Musk with a red heart and folded hands emojis.
What is Green Card?
A green card, also known as a permanent resident card, is issued when you become a lawful permanent resident of the United States. This type of immigrant visa allows foreign nationals to live and work legally in the US.
The CEO Behind Perplexity AI
Aravind Srinivas leads Perplexity AI, an AI-powered search engine backed by big names like Jeff Bezos. Founded in 2022, the company has gained traction for its innovative approach. Alongside Srinivas, Perplexity was co-founded by Andy Konwinski, Denis Yarats, and Johnny Ho.
An alumnus of IIT Madras, Srinivas completed his PhD at the University of California, Berkeley. He started his career as a research intern at OpenAI and later worked at Google and DeepMind before returning to OpenAI as a research scientist.
This isn’t the first time Musk has responded to Srinivas. Days earlier, Srinivas wrote on X, "Yep.
I have been waiting for my green card for like the last 3 years. Still haven’t gotten it. People mostly have no idea when they talk about immigration." Musk replied, highlighting issues in the U.S. immigration system: "We have an upside-down system that makes it hard for highly talented people to come to America legally, but trivial for criminals to come here illegally. Why is it easier to get in illegally as a murderer than legally as a Nobel Laureate? @realDonaldTrump and DOGE will fix this."
Updated 11:03 IST, December 16th 2024
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https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/indian-origin-ceo-asks-if-he-should-get-a-green-card-elon-musk-reacts
| 2024-12-16T06:25:01Z
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Hyderabad Metro Coach Unveiled
Andhra Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy on October 2 unveiled the model coach of Hyderabad Metro on Necklace Road. The metro is liekly to begin its first phase in 2015.
Andhra Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy on October 2 unveiled the model coach of Hyderabad Metro on Necklace Road. The metro is liekly to begin its first phase in 2015.
Andhra Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy on October 2 unveiled the model coach of Hyderabad Metro on Necklace Road. The metro is liekly to begin its first phase in 2015. The project would be another jewel in Hyderabad's crown along with the 160-km Outer Ring Road and P V Narasimha Rao Expressway, he said, adding these infrastructure ventures would ease traffic problems in Greater Hyderabad region. Text: PTI Photo: BCCL
Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) covers three routes (corridors) having a length of 72 kms and will cost Rs 14,132 crore. Photo: BCCL
The first 8-km stretch will be completed between Nagole and Mettuguda by the end of 2014 and is expected to be opened for traffic in March 2015. Photo: BCCL
The Hyderabad Metrorail is the world's largest elevated Metro Rail PPP project based on DBFOT basis (Design, Built, Finance, Operate and Transfer).
It is expected to carry 15 lakh passengers by 2016-17 covering 71.16 km with stations at every 1m.
Of the total 66 stations that will be constructed in all the three corridors of the metro rail, eight will come up between Mettuguda and Nagole stretch.
N Kiran Kumar Reddy asked officials to ensure Phase 1 of the Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) is completed by March 2015.
The project is meant to be integrated with existing railway stations, suburban railway network (MMTS) and bus stations to ensure better travel.
According to the L&T Metro Rail site for Hyderabad, the system will boast of automatic ticket vending machines, essential facilities at stations - toilets, public address and information system, telephones.
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https://www.indiatimes.com/boyz-toyz/extra-large/hyderabad-metro-coach-unveiled-105083.html
| 2024-12-16T06:25:04Z
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Ausgold Limited opens office in Katanning to signify its presence in town and provide local discussion space
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https://thewest.com.au/news/great-southern-herald/ausgold-limited-opens-office-in-katanning-to-signify-its-presence-in-town-and-provide-local-discussion-space-c-17049402
| 2024-12-16T06:25:04Z
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SNL spoofs office Christmas parties and fans are relating to the ‘unfortunately very true’ scenes
The comedy sketch features office characters such as ‘the shy girl from marketing’ and ‘Dana from sales’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
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Your support makes all the difference.Never mind your friend’s party or family traditions, have you ever rung in the festive season at an office-sponsored holiday event?
With the holidays in full swing, many companies are putting on their annual celebration for all their employees. Depending on the workplace, these parties can be impressive or underwhelming between open bars at fancy restaurants and cake in the office after-hours, but people agree they’re always entertaining.
Last night (December 15), Saturday Night Live parodied a stereotypical “office Christmas party extravaganza” in an all-too-relatable skit that’s prompted many fans to share their “unfortunately very true” experiences at their company party.
The skit, starring Heidi Gardner, Marcello Hernández, Sarah Sherman, and guest host Chris Rock, starts by focusing on an office during “the most insane event of the year.”
“Sixty employees and seven interns all going hard in the same space they were working in fifteen minutes ago,” the voice-over exclaims as “co-workers” awkwardly stand against the wall, sipping on drinks from their red solo cups in Santa hats.
“It all kicks off at 5:45 p.m. when your drab, boring office is utterly transformed into your same drab, boring office but with a few lights turned on,” the voice continues. “With music by Ja-Ja-Ja-Jason’s laptop as soon as he can figure out how to pair a speaker with it.”
Characters include “the shy girl from marketing who has one drink and reveals too much about herself” and “the guy who brought his kid and immediately regrets it,” while the harsh reality of the food and drinks is chalked up to “ice warm beers” and “the soggiest food you’ve ever seen.”
“Dana from sales,” played by Heidi Gardner, pretends to kick off a 45-minute-long “Secret Santa” swap before someone’s “quiet” boyfriend is introduced.
The drama begins when a male coworker, played by Chris Rock, introduces his wife to his “work wife,” the woman he’s closest with at the office.
“Drinks will be drunk, H.R. complaints will be created, and someone here is getting a DUI, but it’s not who you think,” the skit added before noting: “And just when you thought the party couldn’t rage any longer, it doesn’t cause it’s Tuesday night, and all y’all got work tomorrow.”
Immediately after watching SNL’s skit, viewers flocked to the comments section on TikTok, confessing the reality of their company’s Christmas party.
“Ours was during work. Catered food. We all grabbed a plate and went back to our workstations to eat. A multimillion-dollar company. Oh yeah, we got 50 bucks,” one candid woman wrote. Another said the SNL sketch was “unfortunately very true.”
A third admitted: “We had a remote working Christmas party on teams. It was a grueling 1.5-hour meeting with mandatory cameras.”
“One of my coworkers brought her newborn baby to the company Christmas party this year lol,” a fourth shared.
Meanwhile, one individual said: “We went to lunch at a restaurant, and all had to pay our bills separately. There was 40 of us.”
Another viewer claimed her Christmas party experience was “worse” than SNL’s portrayal. “Mine got worse at the clerb,” she wrote before explaining how her office was expected to meet at 7 p.m. at the venue after leaving work an hour earlier. And to make matters worse, everyone was expected to be in the office the next day (Wednesday) at 8 a.m.
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| 2024-12-16T06:25:06Z
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Denied leave, Kerala Police commando commits suicide
Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 16 (IANS) A Commando attached to the Special Operation Group of the Kerala Police committed suicide by shooting himself to death, said officials here on Monday.
Vineeth, 35, unable to take work pressure after he was not given leave to be beside his pregnant wife, shot himself using his service rifle, on Sunday night at the police camp in Areecode in Malappuram district.
His death adds to the growing list of Kerala Police personnel who have committed suicide due to extreme work pressure. According to an unofficial estimate, around 90 policemen have died by suicide.
Vineeth was a Commando attached to the Special Operation Group dealing with operations to go after Maoists.
Hailing from Wayanad, he had been working non-stop for the past 45 days and despite his request for leave, the higher officials denied it.
According to those in the know of things, Vineeth was unable to bear this and took the extreme step of pulling the trigger on his body.
Soon after the incident, he was rushed to a nearby hospital but his life could not be saved.
Over the years the biggest problem facing the Kerala Police Force, regarded as one of the best in the country, is the shortage of policemen resulting in an increased workload on the existing members.
In the past five years, there have been several cases of policemen not being able to bear the work-related tension and committing suicide.
The higher-ups in the Kerala Police and the Home Department have now started counselling sessions for the policemen and by now 6,000 have been counselled.
Incidentally, unlike other jobs, the eight-hour duty structure for all in the police force has not been introduced for various reasons. Even Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, also the Home Minister admitted in the Kerala Legislative Assembly that they have been able to introduce the eight-hour duty roster only in 52 police stations.
At present there is a shortage of around 14,000 police. Many of them have to stay back for late hours as the presence of women police officials is a requirement when there is a case involving a female.
The authorities are also under duress as additional funds are required and for a while now the state has been under a deep financial crunch, even when the policing needs in the modern age have gone up dramatically.
Disclaimer: This story has not been edited by the Sakshi Post team and is auto-generated from syndicated feed.
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https://www.sakshipost.com/news/denied-leave-kerala-police-commando-commits-suicide-359220
| 2024-12-16T06:25:07Z
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Christmas may still be a few days away but with all the festivities at this time of year, it could be here before you know it.
While the day itself is all about family and food, after that, it’s Boxing Day – which is the last big shopping event of the year.
So if you haven’t got quite what you wanted before Christmas, or are already planning for a fresh start to 2025, this is your chance to get it at a discounted price.
Here, we’ve rounded up the best sales to shop online so you can focus on that wishlist, as well as previous deals to give us an idea of what to expect.
What are the dates for Boxing Day sales?
Boxing Day is on December 26, the day after Christmas Day, and sales periods can range from one day to around a week (or while stock lasts).
This year will be no different of course, so mark it down in your calendar and make a wishlist to get the most out of these deals.
Is Boxing Day a good day for sales?
While it may seem like Black Friday is the biggest sales event of the year (and it definitely is heading in that direction), you can still get huge deals during the Boxing Day sales. In the past, we’ve seen Boxing Day discounts of up to 80 per cent.
What we’d buy from the Boxing Day sale
If you need some inspiration for your wishlist, here’s what we’re hoping to get in the Boxing Day sales (or even before, if there’s an early deal).
01
WHOOP 4.0 Wearable Health, Fitness & Activity Tracker
$341.10 (usually $379) at Amazon
If health is one of your New Year’s resolutions, then get the job done with this fitness tracker that monitors everything from your heart rate to daily activity and sleep so you can better understand your overall health and wellness status.
02
Atmos&Here Penelope Tiered Maxi Dress
$119.99 at The Iconic
This vibrant red-tiered maxi dress from Atmos&Here is made from a breathable cotton-linen blend that’s ideal for trans-seasonal wear. It also has just the right detailing to be both glamorous and playful based on how you style it.
03
The ultimate starter pack
$149.78 (usually $199.70) at tbh skincare
With your choice of cleanser, an acne spot treatment, the Skin Shady 50+, thirst trap moisturiser, rebound serum and everyday pimple patches – consider yourself sorted with an entire skincare routine.
04
High-Rise Thong – Seamless Ultrasmooth 2.0 Black
$25 at Peach Underwear
While underwear may not be the most obvious item to wishlist this Boxing Day, we’d like to put forward this high-rise thong that comes highly rated by reviewers. One even said it is “so soft and buttery,” and “feels like wearing nothing”.
05
Chambray Fringe Quilt Cover
from $279 at Aura Home
As summer rolls around, it’s only natural to pull out the linen and refresh your bedroom with newer, cooler items. This bed linen in particular is created from a blend of 55 per cent linen and 45 per cent cotton for ultimate softness.
Our edit of the Boxing Day sales in Australia
Details of the 2024 Boxing Day sales haven’t been announced in Australia yet, but planning ahead is a great way to get just what you want.
So to give you an idea of the bargains you could get, here are some of the best deals we saw last year.
The best Boxing Day fashion sales
- Peach Underwear: Up to 80 per cent off quality pieces
- Ugg Express: Up to 80 per cent off a range of top-selling styles, including ugg boots, slippers, sneakers and more
- Myer: Treat yourself to brands like Marcs, Seed, Piper and Miss Shop
- The Iconic: Up to 30 per cent off
- David Jones: Up to 60 per cent off
- adidas: Save on streetwear and performance pieces like NMD or Superstar sneakers
- The Outnet: Up to 75 per cent off
- Andie Swim: Treat yourself to quality swimwear this summer
- Kathmandu: 30 per cent off selected styles
- LSKD: Save on modern athletic and streetwear
- Hardtofind: 20 per cent off on orders over $100
- Taking Shape: 40 per cent off
- City Chic: 50 per cent off all swimwear
- Levi’s: 30 per cent off sitewide
The best Boxing Day accessories sales
- Arms of Eve: Treat yourself to stunning jewels
- Cosette: Up to 60 per cent off
- Sol Sana: Save on stunning footwear
- Specsavers: 30 per cent off lens options
- July: Spend $300, save $30; spend $600, save $100; spend $1000, save $200
- Vans: Further 20 per cent off sale
The best Boxing Day beauty sales
- BodyBlendz: Up to 30 per cent off
- CurrentBody: Save on high-tech beauty
- LOOKFANTASTIC: Up to 30 per cent off
- Vida Glow: Spend $50, save 15 per cent; spend $110, save 20 per cent; spend $150, save 25 per cent
- Lancome: Up to 30 per cent off
- YSL: 20 per cent off sitewide
- La Roche-Posay: 25 per cent off sitewide
- Dyson: Save up to $600 on select technology
- MAC: 30 per cent off selected products
- Lumin: Save 15 per cent off sitewide
- Adore Beauty: 30 per cent off on cult beauty products and brands
- tbh skincare: Bundle and save on skincare
The best Boxing Day homewares sales
- Hommey: Save on beachwear, throws, cushions and more
- Amazon: Save on beauty, fashion, lifestyle and more
- The Good Guys: Save on homewares, appliances and tech with major discounts
- Adairs: 30 per cent off selected items
- Eva Mattress: Up to $375 off mattresses
- Sleep Republic: Save on mattresses and accessories
- Miss Amara: Up to 30 per cent off selected rugs
- Aura Home: Save on linens, towels and homewares
Other sales we’re shopping…
- Where to score Dyson’s cult Airwrap hair tool for a fraction of the price
- Here’s how you can get an Oodie for half price right now
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https://www.nowtolove.com.au/shopping/boxing-day-sales-australia-70362/
| 2024-12-16T06:25:10Z
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In recent years, stainless steel tumblers and mugs have gained immense popularity among consumers seeking durable, stylish, and functional drinkware. Whether you’re sipping coffee on your morning commute, enjoying iced tea at a picnic, or hydrating during a workout, stainless steel tumblers and mugs offer a range of benefits that make them ideal for everyday use. This article explores the top reasons why these versatile containers are a must-have for anyone looking to enhance their drinking experience.
- Exceptional Insulation Properties
1.1. Temperature Retention
One of the standout features of stainless steel tumblers and mugs is their excellent insulation capabilities. Many models are designed with double-wall vacuum insulation, which keeps beverages hot or cold for extended periods. For instance, a hot coffee can stay warm for hours, while iced drinks remain refreshingly cold, making them perfect for both summer and winter use.
1.2. No Condensation
Unlike glass or plastic containers, stainless steel tumblers and mugs do not sweat condensation. This means you can enjoy your cold drinks without worrying about water rings on your table or the need for coasters. The absence of condensation also makes them easier to handle, especially when you’re on the go.
- Durability and Longevity
2.1. Built to Last
Stainless steel is renowned for its strength and durability. Unlike plastic or glass, which can crack, chip, or break easily, stainless steel tumblers and mugs are resistant to impact
and corrosion. This durability makes them ideal for everyday use, whether you’re at home, in the office, or outdoors.
2.2. Cost-Effective Investment
While the initial cost of stainless steel drinkware may be higher than that of disposable or plastic options, their longevity makes them a cost-effective investment. With proper care, a stainless steel tumbler or mug can last for years, reducing the need for frequent replacements and ultimately saving you money.
- Health and Safety
3.1. Non-Toxic Material
Stainless steel is a non-toxic material that does not leach harmful chemicals into beverages. Many plastic containers contain BPA and other harmful substances that can seep into drinks, especially when exposed to heat. By choosing stainless steel, you can enjoy your beverages without worrying about potential health risks.
3.2. Easy to Clean
Stainless steel tumblers and mugs are easy to clean and maintain. Most are dishwasher safe, and their smooth surfaces do not harbor bacteria or odors. Regular cleaning ensures that your drinkware remains hygienic and fresh, promoting better health and safety.
- Eco-Friendly Choice
4.1. Reducing Single-Use Plastics
By opting for stainless steel tumblers and mugs, you contribute to reducing the consumption of single-use plastics. Each year, millions of plastic cups and bottles end up in landfills and oceans, causing significant environmental harm. Using reusable stainless steel drinkware helps minimize waste and promotes a more sustainable lifestyle.
4.2. Recyclability
At the end of their life cycle, stainless steel products are 100% recyclable. Unlike plastic, which can only be recycled a limited number of times, stainless steel can be repurposed indefinitely without losing quality. This recyclability supports a circular economy, reducing the demand for new raw materials and minimizing environmental impact.
- Versatility and Style
5.1. Wide Range of Designs
Stainless steel tumblers and mugs come in a variety of designs, colors, and sizes, making them suitable for any occasion. Whether you prefer a sleek, minimalist look or a
vibrant, eye-catching design, there’s a stainless steel option to match your personal style. This versatility allows you to express yourself while enjoying your favorite beverages.
5.2. Multi-Functional Use
These drinkware options are not limited to just coffee or tea. Stainless steel tumblers and mugs can be used for a wide range of beverages, including smoothies, water, cocktails, and more. Their versatility makes them perfect for various settings, from the office to outdoor adventures.
- Convenience and Portability
6.1. Lightweight and Easy to Carry
Stainless steel tumblers and mugs are generally lightweight, making them easy to carry wherever you go. Many models come with convenient features such as handles, lids, and straws, enhancing their portability. Whether you’re commuting, traveling, or heading to the gym, you can easily take your favorite drink with you.
6.2. Spill-Resistant Lids
Many stainless steel tumblers and mugs are designed with spill-resistant lids, making them ideal for on-the-go use. These lids help prevent spills and leaks, allowing you to enjoy your beverages without the worry of messes. This feature is especially beneficial for those with busy lifestyles or for parents with young children.
- Customization Options
7 .1. Personalization
Many brands offer customization options for stainless steel tumblers and mugs, allowing you to add your name, logo, or unique designs. This personal touch not only makes your drinkware stand out but also fosters a sense of ownership and pride in using a product that reflects your personality.
7.2. Great Gift Ideas
Customized stainless steel tumblers and mugs make excellent gifts for friends, family, or colleagues. Whether for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions, a personalized tumbler or mug is a thoughtful and practical gift that encourages sustainable habits.
- Conclusion
Stainless steel tumblers and mugs are perfect for everyday use due to their exceptional insulation properties, durability, health benefits, and eco-friendliness. With a wide range of designs and customization options, they cater to various tastes and lifestyles. By choosing stainless steel drinkware, you not only enhance your drinking experience but also contribute to a more sustainable future. Investing in stainless steel tumblers and mugs is a smart choice for anyone looking to combine style, functionality, and
environmental responsibility in their daily routine.
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https://techbullion.com/10-top-reasons-why-stainless-steel-tumblers-and-mugs-are-perfect-for-everyday-use/
| 2024-12-16T06:25:10Z
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| 2024-12-16T06:25:11Z
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Daughter admits she would throw away dirty dishes rather than clean them
TikTok’s latest trend allows family and friends to spill their secrets in a judgement-free environment
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From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A young woman has confessed to throwing dirty dishes in the trash instead of washing them.
In a now-viral clip, a college student named Sam Neff sat her parents down to participate in TikTok’s latest trend, “We listen and we don’t judge,” in which each person takes turns revealing secrets they’ve kept from one another. The rule is no one’s allowed to argue, critique, or reprimand anyone for anything they say.
To her parents’ disappointment, Sam’s first reveal had to do with an old habit from when she was in high school.
“We listen and we don’t judge,” the family of three repeated in the December 10 video that amassed over 2.7 million views.
Sam continued: “Okay, this is mostly like high school, but when I would clean my room and I had dishes in there, I would just throw them away.”
Immediately, Sam’s mom gasped, biting her tongue to refrain from saying anything else as her daughter encouraged them to once again say, “We listen and we don’t judge.”
While her mom might’ve been concerned after only the first secret was revealed, Sam thought her parents were more bothered by the final confession she spilled.
“Okay, in like second grade when I had that drooling thing and went to the hospital for that, I was faking it,” she said, prompting both her parents’ jaws to drop.
For the next few seconds, both her mom and dad were speechless, looking around the room not knowing what to say while Sam giggled next to them.
“We paid a lot of money for that,” Sam’s mom finally said through her own laughter.
Sam never offered any further details on the infamous trip to the hospital despite many pleas to elaborate from her viewers. However, she later revealed: “They were not too happy with me after that last one.”
Elsewhere in the video, Sam’s mom told her husband: “Sometimes when I buy chips at the store, I don’t bring them in the house because I don’t want to share them with you.”
“The dance team I’m on at school, I actually quit three months ago and didn’t tell you guys,” Sam added, while her father admitted: “I thought Wicked was stupid.”
Viewers praised Sam and her parents for their hilarious remarks. “I gasped along with your parents omg,” one amused person said.
Another wrote: “This was the best we listen and we don’t judge I’ve seen.”
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https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/we-listen-and-we-dont-judge-trend-daughter-parents-tiktok-b2664876.html
| 2024-12-16T06:25:12Z
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Music director Ajay Arasada Interview: Directors are my mentors
Ajay Arasada Reflects on His Musical Journey and Recent Work on Vikkatakavi
From Veena to Film Scores: Ajay Arasada's Path to Music Direction
How Ajay Arasada Transitioned from Software Engineer to Film Music Director
Music director Ajay Arasada talks to the media about his film journey. In a candid interview, Ajay Arasada opened up about his work, passion and what made him foray into the entertainment, and music industry. He reflects on his musical journey: "My aunt and sisters used to play the veena at home, and I closely observed them from childhood. Over time, this observation turned into a deep interest, and through careful attention, I began learning music." Ajay has recently composed the music for the period drama web series Vikkatakavi, which began streaming on ZEE5 on November 28, capturing the audience's attention. He shared his insights in a special conversation during the series' release.
He remarked, "Directors have been my greatest mentors in learning music. Each project offers a fresh perspective from the director, and collaborating with them allows me to explore and discover new dimensions of music." Speaking about the uniqueness of the music for Vikkatakavi, he explained, "For this project, we had to compose music that aligned with the essence of a period setting. We created tracks that immerse the audience in the charm of a bygone era."
Background
Ajay Arasada was born and raised in Visakhapatnam (Vizag). He pursued his engineering degree at GITAM University and worked as a software engineer at TCS from 2011 to 2018. Later, he decided to leave his corporate job and pursue a career in the film industry, with strong support from his family throughout this transition.
Why the Interest in Music?
"My aunts and sisters used to play the veena at home, and from a young age, I keenly observed them. This naturally sparked my interest in music," Ajay shared. "Through focused observation, I started learning music. Initially, I wanted to learn the guitar, so I studied the basics for about two and a half months under Sharath Master. Afterward, I taught myself by practicing independently. When I joined GITAM University, I had more free time and often immersed myself in music, even skipping college at times. My involvement with music bands during this phase helped me refine my skills and deepen my passion for music."
How Did You Enter the Film Industry?
"Between 2011 and 2018, while working as a software engineer, I also worked on short films, which helped me practice and hone my skills. During this time, Pradeep Advaith introduced me to director Pradeep of Jagannatakam. After hearing a 30-second music clip I had composed, he offered me the opportunity to work on the film. That was my first step into the industry. I then began working independently. Around that time, my childhood friend, music director Sricharan Pakala, invited me to contribute keyboard programming for the movie Goodachari. Subsequently, I worked on films such as Ksheera Sagara Mathanam, Nede Vidudala, Missing, and Sriranganeethulu. I also composed music for web series, including Save the Tigers (Season 1 & 2), and most recently, Vikkatakavi."
How Did You Get the Opportunity to Work on Aay?
"A producer, Bunny Vas, heard a background music piece I had composed for Missing and was impressed. We were introduced at an event related to the film, and during our conversation, he expressed interest in working with me. That's how I got the chance to work on Aay. Initially, he asked me to compose music for two songs: Ammalalo Ram Bhajan and an item song. Both compositions were well-received, and Bunny Vas was so impressed that he entrusted me with the rest of the songs and the background score. Composing the background score for a comedy film like Aay was challenging, but when the film became a hit, all the hard work felt worthwhile."
Working Experience on the Periodical Series Vikkatakavi
"Director Pradeep Maddali had a clear vision for the series, which made my work on Vikkatakavi quite smooth. Directors are my mentors, and my approach is to follow their guidance. I simply delivered what he needed for the series. While working on Aay, I simultaneously composed music for three episodes of Vikkatakavi. After the release of Aay, I completed the music for the remaining episodes. Working on Vikkatakavi was a unique experience due to its periodical nature. As a technician, my priority is always to deliver what the director envisions, whether it's a film or a series. I’m always ready to adapt and create music for any type of project."
Who is Your Inspiring Music Director?
"I have great admiration for Devi Sri Prasad sir. He is truly an inspiration to me," Ajay Arasada expressed.
Upcoming Projects
"Currently, I am working on Three Roses Season 2, along with two other web series for Aha. Additionally, I’m in discussions for a few film projects, and I’ll share more details about them soon," he shared.
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https://www.sakshipost.com/news/entertainment/music-director-ajay-arasada-interview-directors-are-my-mentors-359222
| 2024-12-16T06:25:13Z
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It’s hard to get a good night’s sleep during a hot and sweaty summer’s night – the ones we’re unfortunately known to have quite often in Australia.
While it’s common to combat the heat with lighter sheets, silky pyjamas, or even unboxing new fans, the real solution might be where you least expect it: your mattress.
At least, that turned out to be the case for me.
After years of enduring restless nights, tossing and turning in the unbearable heat, I finally decided it was time for a drastic change – and said yes to a new mattress.
Not just any mattress, but the Premium Adapt Mattress from Eva, the Melbourne-based furniture brand known for its award-winning mattress-in-a-box.
So, does Eva live up to the hype? Can a mattress really improve one of my biggest summer sleeping woes (actually sleeping)? Read on for the full review.
Eva’s Premium Adapt Mattress review verdict
- Our rating: 9 out of 10
- Why we rated it a 9/10: Can be perfectly tailored to your liking
Pros
- Nine comfort layers in one
- Cooling gel memory foam
- Hybrid mattress with a combination of foam and springs
- 100-day trial period
Cons
- Heavier than average, weighing 50kg
- On the expensive side
What’s so special about Eva’s Premium Adapt Mattress?
There are several reasons why I love the Eva Premium Adapt Mattress, a few being:
- It has nine comfort options so I can tailor it to my personal preferences
- There are handles placed at the top and bottom end of the mattress to make it easier to move (perfect for the annual mattress rotation)
- The cooling gel memory foam and a CoolMax™ top layer fabric mean better temperature regulation (perfect for those balmy summer nights)
- It comes with a 10-year warranty
Eva’s Premium Adapt Mattress materials and size
How to assemble Eva’s Premium Adapt Mattress
When you unbox your new mattress, it will be pre-set to a soft firmness level. Adjusting it to medium or firm is simple – just unzip the outer cover and rearrange the foam layers as follows:
- For medium firmness: Unzip the outer cover and flip the top comfort layer so that the green foam faces up.
- For firm firmness: Remove the support layer from its grey fabric cover, place the comfort layer inside the grey casing, and zip it up. Then, reposition the support layer on top of the comfort layer, ensuring the green foam remains facing up.
After adjusting the foam layers to your preferred comfort level, zip the beige outer cover back up, and you’re all set!
Results from our test
Unboxing a new mattress can often feel like a chore, but Eva makes the process refreshingly simple. The addition of wheels on the box was a total game-changer, allowing me to easily move my new mattress into position – no extra hands required.
After sorting through many layers of plastic (the mattress comes vacuum-sealed shut of course), I finally got to the good part: watching my new mattress expand to life. My first impression was how incredibly soft it felt to the touch – and it only got better when I slept on it (but more on that later).
After leaving the mattress to expand for a few hours, I unzipped to see all the different layers underneath but decided to leave it on the softer firmness level knowing I could come back and change it when I wanted. Every step of the way, the detailed instructions made the process seamless and straightforward – perfect for anyone new to the mattress-in-a-box experience (like me).
Finally, the true test: does this mattress help me beat the summer heat and sleep soundly? Absolutely it does. The CoolMax™ top layer fabric works wonders when it comes to temperature regulation, keeping me cool and sweat-free throughout the night.
It removes the need to invest in extras like cooling mattress toppers and protectors because everything you need to sleep comfortably and stay cool during summer is already built in. Plus, it’s removable and machine-washable, so on the off chance you do sweat, you can easily keep your mattress fresh all summer long.
What do other reviewers think about Eva’s Premium Adapt Mattress?
“I need a firm mattress, so we set ours to the firm option and it is excellent. We have slept very comfortably since. Movement is totally isolated from the sleeping partner. Assembly of the bed went without a hitch by following the well-written instructions. We love our Eva bed. We tried other top quality beds before our purchase, so we knew what we needed, and found Eva superior to more expensive beds in the stores,” wrote Gary S, who left a five-star review.
“I always thought that I loved a softer mattress, so when we got our Eva Premium Adapt Mattress we kept it on the softer option. Out of interest, my husband changed it to the slightly firmer option, and oh boy!! Did I have a great night’s sleep!! How can you tell from lying on a display mattress for 20 seconds if the firmness is right for you? I love that we have the option to go softer or firmer, very clever Eva. Well done,” said Cassie E, who also left five stars.
Others noted it had “the perfect amount of firmness” and that the “delivery, packaging and ease of setting up is a huge plus”.
Overall, is Eva’s Premium Adapt Mattress worth it?
In case it wasn’t obvious, I’d say yes – the Premium Adapt Mattress from Eva is absolutely worth it, if for no other reason than how effortlessly easy it was to set up (did I mention I did it all by myself?).
It also finally solved my biggest sleep issue: staying cool throughout the night and actually being able to fall asleep, despite the scorching temperatures. The only downside? I never want to get out of bed…
Where to buy Eva’s Premium Adapt Mattress
You can shop the Premium Adapt Mattress at Eva from $1,300.
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https://www.nowtolove.com.au/shopping/eva-premium-adapt-mattress-review/
| 2024-12-16T06:25:16Z
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As the crypto market evolves with groundbreaking innovations, new investment opportunities are emerging for those looking to capitalize on rapid growth. One standout is the Lightchain AI (LCAI) presale, currently offering tokens at just $0.003 each. Positioned to transform blockchain technology, Lightchain AI combines its revolutionary Proof of Intelligence (PoI) consensus with the cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence Virtual Machine (AIVM) to integrate advanced AI solutions seamlessly. Join the Lightchain AI Presale now.
Another promising token is Dogwifhat (DWI), a decentralized finance (DeFi) platform that offers secure, transparent and efficient services for users to lend, borrow and trade digital assets. With its innovative Dogwifhat Bridge providing interoperability across different blockchains, DWI is poised for rapid growth in the DeFi space. Get your hands on Dogwifhat tokens before it takes off.
Lightchain AI Different Force in Blockchain and AI
Lightchain AI is redefining the blockchain and AI landscape with its groundbreaking innovations. At its core lies Proof of Intelligence (PoI), a revolutionary consensus mechanism that ensures efficiency, security, and scalability by integrating AI-driven validation. Complementing this is the Artificial Intelligence Virtual Machine (AIVM), designed to optimize smart contract execution and AI model deployment seamlessly. Currently in its presale phase at just $0.003 per token, Lightchain AI offers an unparalleled entry point for investors aiming to maximize profits.
With a roadmap focused on transformative real-world applications across industries like healthcare, finance, and supply chain, it’s poised to drive exponential growth. Combining cutting-edge technology with visionary leadership, Lightchain AI is a top contender in the race for blockchain and AI dominance.
Dogwifhat (WIF) A Rising Star on the Solana Blockchain
Dogwifhat (WIF) is rapidly gaining traction as a standout token on the Solana blockchain, renowned for its high-speed transactions and low fees. Positioned as a community-driven project, WIF leverages innovative tokenomics to incentivize user engagement and loyalty. Its growing popularity stems from a vibrant community and strategic marketing efforts, driving substantial momentum in a short time.
As a meme-inspired token with utility aspirations, WIF attracts investors seeking quick gains and long-term potential. With Solana’s scalability and the token’s focused roadmap, Dogwifhat is carving a niche in the competitive crypto market. For investors targeting fast-growing opportunities, WIF presents a promising chance to capitalize on its upward trajectory in the coming months.
Strategies for Maximizing Profit with These Tokens
Maximizing profit with fast-growing tokens like Lightchain AI and Dogwifhat (WIF) requires strategic planning and timely actions. Start by investing early, especially during the presale phase, to secure tokens at lower prices. For Lightchain AI, the $0.003 presale offers an ideal entry point, while WIF’s momentum on Solana makes early adoption crucial for capitalizing on price surges.
Diversify your portfolio by allocating a balanced investment across both tokens to minimize risk while maximizing potential gains. Stay updated on market trends, community activities, and upcoming developments, as these often influence price movements. Utilize stop-loss orders to protect profits and set realistic targets for exits.
Engage with the projects’ communities to gain insights and anticipate market sentiment. By monitoring the roadmap milestones, you can optimize investments for both short-term gains and long-term value.
Short-Term Gains with Long-Term Vision of Impact
Investing in fast-growing tokens like Lightchain AI and Dogwifhat (WIF) offers the unique opportunity to balance short-term profits with long-term growth potential. In the short term, both tokens present promising conditions for rapid gains. Lightchain AI, with its presale price of $0.003, is primed for significant appreciation as adoption and market awareness increase. Similarly, Dogwifhat (WIF) benefits from Solana’s high-speed blockchain and its active community, creating momentum for quick returns.
However, the true value lies in pairing short-term gains with a long-term vision. Lightchain AI’s transformative technologies, such as Proof of Intelligence (PoI) and the Artificial Intelligence Virtual Machine (AIVM), have the potential to revolutionize industries, ensuring sustainable growth. Likewise, WIF’s roadmap and community engagement suggest enduring relevance. By reinvesting short-term profits, investors can secure compounding returns, aligning immediate success with future financial growth.
Why Lightchain AI is Going to Moon Sooner Than You Think
Lightchain AI’s meteoric rise is imminent, and its potential for exponential growth in the coming months cannot be overstated. With its presale currently live at just $0.003 per token, investors stand to benefit significantly from early adoption.
The convergence of blockchain and AI technologies offers immense potential for Lightchain AI to drive real-world applications, ensuring high demand for its services. Moreover, with a visionary leadership team and a solid roadmap targeting multiple industries, Lightchain AI is poised to establish itself as a leader in the space.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be a part of this game-changing project. Join the Lightchain AI presale now and secure your spot in the future of blockchain and artificial intelligence.
Act Now for Maximum Profit Potential in Lightchain AI
Timing is crucial for capitalizing on Lightchain AI’s explosive growth potential. With its presale price set at just $0.003 per token, early investors have a rare opportunity to enter at the ground level of a revolutionary blockchain project.
Lightchain AI’s cutting-edge features, like Proof of Intelligence (PoI) and the Artificial Intelligence Virtual Machine (AIVM), position it for exponential growth as adoption rises. Acting now ensures you maximize returns before the presale ends and market demand drives prices higher. Don’t miss this chance to secure high-profit potential early.
- 👉 Visit the Lightchain AI Website
- 👉 Read the Lightchain AI Whitepaper
- 👉 Follow Lightchain AI on Twitter/X
- 👉 Join the Lightchain AI Community on Telegram
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https://techbullion.com/2-fast-growing-tokens-that-will-deliver-the-biggest-profits-in-3-months/
| 2024-12-16T06:25:16Z
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The indiatimes.com privacy policy has been updated to align with the new data regulations in European Union. Please review and accept these changes below to continue using the website. We use cookies to ensure the best experience for you on our website.
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https://www.indiatimes.com/boyz-toyz/ships-and-planes/audi-trimaran-concept-105095.html
| 2024-12-16T06:25:17Z
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As schools cut back on bus service, parents are turning to rideshare apps
Reliance on school buses has been waning for years as districts struggle to find drivers and more students attend schools far outside their neighborhoods
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Your support makes all the difference.Ismael El-Amin was driving his daughter to school when a chance encounter gave him an idea for a new way to carpool.
On the way across Chicago, El-Amin’s daughter spotted a classmate riding with her own dad as they drove to their selective public school on the city’s North Side. For 40 minutes, they rode along the same congested highway.
“They’re waving to each other in the back. I’m looking at the dad. The dad’s looking at me. And I was like, parents can definitely be a resource to parents,” said El-Amin, who went on to found Piggyback Network, a service parents can use to book rides for their children.
Reliance on school buses has been waning for years as districts struggle to find drivers and more students attend schools far outside their neighborhoods. As responsibility for transportation shifts to families, the question of how to replace the traditional yellow bus has become an urgent problem for some, and a spark for innovation.
State and local governments decide how widely to offer school bus service. Lately, more have been cutting back. Only about 28% of U.S. students take a school bus, according to a Federal Highway Administration survey concluded early last year. That’s down from about 36% in 2017.
Chicago Public Schools, the nation’s fourth-largest district, has significantly curbed bus service in recent years. It still offers rides for disabled and homeless students, in line with a federal mandate, but most families are on their own. Only 17,000 of the district’s 325,000 students are eligible for school bus rides.
Last week, the school system launched a pilot program allowing some students who attend out-of-neighborhood magnet or selective-enrollment schools to catch a bus at a nearby school’s “hub stop.” It aims to start with rides for about 1,000 students by the end of the school year.
It’s not enough to make up for the lost service, said Erin Rose Schubert, a volunteer for the CPS Parents for Buses advocacy group.
“The people who had the money and the privilege were able to figure out other situations like rearranging their work schedules or public transportation,” she said. “People who didn’t, some had to pull their kids out of school.”
On Piggyback Network, parents can book a ride for their student online with another parent traveling the same direction. Rides cost roughly 80 cents per mile and the drivers are compensated with credits to use for their own kids’ rides.
“It’s an opportunity for kids to not be late to school,” 15-year-old Takia Phillips said on a recent PiggyBack ride with El-Amin as the driver.
The company has arranged a few hundred rides in its first year operating in Chicago, and El-Amin has been contacting drivers for possible expansion to Virginia, North Carolina and Texas. It is one of several startups that have been filling the void.
Unlike Piggyback Network, which connects parents, HopSkipDrive contracts directly with school districts to assist students without reliable transportation. The company launched a decade ago in Los Angeles with three mothers trying to coordinate school carpools and now supports some 600 school districts in 13 states.
Regulations keep it from operating in some states, including Kentucky, where a group of Louisville students has been lobbying on its behalf to change that.
After the district halted bus service to most traditional and magnet schools, the student group known as The Real Young Prodigys wrote a hip-hop song titled “Where My Bus At?” The song’s music video went viral on YouTube with lyrics such as, “I’m a good kid. I stay in class, too. Teachers want me to succeed, but I can’t get to school.”
“Those bus driver shortages are not really going away,” HopSkipDrive CEO Joanna McFarland said. “This is a structural change in the industry we need to get serious about addressing.”
HopSkipDrive has been a welcome option for Reinya Gibson’s son, Jerren Samuel, who attends a small high school in Oakland, California. She said the school takes care to accommodate his needs as a student with autism, but the district lined up the transportation because there is no bus from their home in San Leandro.
“Growing up, people used to talk about kids in the short yellow buses. They were associated with a physical disability, and they were teased or made fun of,” Gibson said. “Nobody knows this is support for Jerren because he can’t take public transportation.”
Encouragement from his mother helped Jerren overcame his fear about riding with a stranger to school.
“I felt really independent getting in that car,” he said.
Companies catering to kids claim to screen drivers more extensively, checking their fingerprints and requiring them to have childcare or parenting experience. Drivers and children are often given passwords that must match, and parents can track a child’s whereabouts in real time through the apps.
Kango, a competitor to HopSkipDrive in California and Arizona, started as a free carpooling app similar to the PiggyBack Network and now contracts with school districts. Drivers are paid more than they would typically get for Uber or Lyft, but there are often more requirements such as walking some students with disabilities into school, Kango CEO Sara Schaer said.
“This is not just a curbside-to-curbside, three-minute situation,” Schaer said. “You are responsible for getting that kid to and from school. That’s not the same as transporting an adult or DoorDashing somebody’s lunch or dinner.”
In Chicago, some families that have used Piggyback said they have seen few alternatives.
Concerned about the city’s rising crime rate, retired police officer Sabrina Beck never considered letting her son take the subway to Whitney Young High School. Since she was driving him anyway, she volunteered through PiggyBack also to drive a freshman who had qualified for the selective magnet school but had no way to get there.
“To have the opportunity to go and then to miss it because you don’t have the transportation, that is so detrimental,” Beck said. “Options like this are extremely important.”
After the bus route that took her two kids to elementary school was canceled, Jazmine Dillard and other Chicago parents thought they had convinced the school to move up the opening bell from 8:45 a.m. to 8:15 a.m., a more manageable time for her schedule. After that plan was scrapped because the buses were needed elsewhere at that time, Dillard turned to PiggyBack Network.
“We had to kind of pivot and find a way to make it to work on time as well as get them to school on time,” she said.
___
The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
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https://www.independent.co.uk/news/ap-chicago-people-kentucky-teachers-b2664872.html
| 2024-12-16T06:25:18Z
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Foul smell in south Rocko and Lakelands caused by C-Wise sludge cleaning & set to stay until late December
The foul odour lingering around the Peel region is set to hang around for a while longer.
In recent weeks, residents’ complaints about odours in Mandurah’s north and Rockingham’s south have ramped up yet again.
These join the thousands of complaints about smells the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation has received from residents throughout the year.
Earlier this year an investigation revealed organic carbon recycling company C-Wise, piggery CM Farms, and Mushroom Exchange — a compost manufacturing and soil blending company — were the source of ongoing odours in the area.
In March, the businesses received environmental protection notices which ordered them to rectify the issues.
Last week the DWER updated its dedicated Mandurah area odours webpage to say C-Wise would begin maintenance work from December 9 for about two weeks.
The work involves the removal of sludge from two ponds which could temporarily increase the risk of odour emissions from the site, the site read.
In October, DWER amended C-Wise’s licence requiring a plan for the storage, treatment and disposal of sludge from its liquid waste ponds.
It’s believed the work will reduce smells in the long term.
The licence for the Mushroom Exchange is due to expire in April 2026; C-Wise’s licence runs until April 2028; and CM Farms has until October 2029.
Sick of the stink
More than 440 people have joined the Facebook page Lakelands and Surrounds Stink.
In a month, more than 60 posts were shared by locals fed up with the smells.
complaints like the following are common: “In the 2½ years of complaining. We get advised that the stink pit have been cautioned and ordered to do things. But it never gets resolved. We still breathe in crap smells. We still have to keep windows doors shut and can’t run evaporative air con with windows open. So suffer the inhumane heat at night trying to sleep can’t entertain because of the smell.”
Group admin and founder Wendy Munroe got creative with her protest and wrote a Christmas carol that began: “On the first day of Christmas the famous three gave to me… One wicked waft and a buuucket of pee.
She finished with: “On the 12th day of Christmas the famous three sent to me, 12 useless politicians, 11 packs of puke, 10 bags of s..t, nine dead birds, eight tonnes of bones, seven septic tanks, six guests a gagging, five rotting carcasses, four festering turds, three stinking stench, two putrid pongs, one wicked waft and a buuucket of pee.”
It’s gonna take time…
In its update, DWER acknowledged the impact on the community, and said it “continues to take the issue very seriously”.
“Odour issues can take some time to fully address, and the department is continuing to work to reduce any impacts being experienced by the community,” the update read.
Odours are encouraged to be reported when they occur by calling the Environment Watch Hotline on 1300 784 782 or via the online reporting tool.
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https://thewest.com.au/news/sound-telegraph/foul-smell-in-south-rocko-and-lakelands-caused-by-c-wise-sludge-cleaning-set-to-stay-until-late-december-c-17100435
| 2024-12-16T06:25:18Z
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Feeble winter sun battles clouds as J&K reels under dry cold weather
Srinagar, Dec 16 (IANS) Minimum temperature remained notches below the freezing point in the Kashmir on Monday as the feeble winter sun peeped through a thin haze of clouds in Jammu.
The sky remained cloudy in the Valley as sunlight trickled through a thin cloud cover in the Jammu division.
Cold wave conditions continued in the Valley as the Meteorological (MeT) office forecasted cold, dry weather till December 21 and light snowfall in the higher reaches between December 21 evening to December 22 morning.
Srinagar recorded minus 3.4, Gulmarg minus 4 and Pahalgam minus 5 as the minimum temperature.
Jammu city recorded 5, Katra 6.9, Batote 4.5, Banihal 1 and Bhaderwah 3.9 as the minimum temperature.
The extreme morning chill keeps people indoors in the mornings as they try to rush home early in the evenings due to the icy wind.
The 40-day-long period of harsh winter cold called locally the ‘Chillai Kalan’ starts on December 21 and will end on January 30. It is during this period that the gap between maximum and minimum temperature narrows down adding to the chill factor.
Kashmiris store dried vegetables like Brinjal, tomatoes and pumpkins during autumn to be used in the lean winter months.
As electricity continues to play hide and seek due to financial constraints of the Jammu and Kashmir government to buy sufficient electric power from sellers outside the union territory, time and tradition have taught locals to depend on traditional methods to ward off the extreme winter cold.
A loose tweed overgarment, called the ‘Pheran’ is worn by all locals under which they keep an earthen firepot woven in a willow wicker basket called the ‘Kangri’.
Filled with ember, the Kangri is an ideal heating facility that has withstood the test of time in the landlocked Kashmir Valley.
Disclaimer: This story has not been edited by the Sakshi Post team and is auto-generated from syndicated feed.
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https://www.sakshipost.com/news/feeble-winter-sun-battles-clouds-jk-reels-under-dry-cold-weather-359215
| 2024-12-16T06:25:19Z
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As the cryptocurrency market gears up for a potential bull run in 2025, investors are turning their attention to high-potential altcoins that could deliver exponential returns. Among these, Dogecoin, Lightchain AI, and Solana have emerged as leading contenders, each offering unique value propositions. Dogecoin leverages its strong community and memetic appeal, Solana stands out for its unmatched scalability, and Lightchain AI is making waves with its revolutionary integration of blockchain and artificial intelligence.
Lightchain AI, in particular, is priced at just $0.003 during its presale, presenting an affordable entry point with immense growth potential. With features like the Proof of Intelligence (PoI) consensus mechanism and the Artificial Intelligence Virtual Machine (AIVM), the platform is capturing the attention of forward-thinking investors. This article explores why these three altcoins are positioned to lead the charge in the 2025 bull market and what makes them stand out in a crowded field.
Dogecoin The Meme Coin Demonstrating Resilience and Community Strength
Dogecoin, the original meme coin, has continually demonstrated its staying power over the years. Despite its lighthearted beginnings, Dogecoin has cultivated a robust and loyal community that has been instrumental in driving its adoption and maintaining its relevance within the cryptocurrency market. The coin’s popularity peaked during the 2021 bull run, bolstered by high-profile endorsements from figures such as Elon Musk.
What sets Dogecoin apart is its simplicity and accessibility, making it an appealing choice for new cryptocurrency investors. Its community-driven approach has also facilitated various philanthropic initiatives and practical use cases, further reinforcing its appeal. Though it may lack the technical sophistication of other blockchain projects, Dogecoin’s memetic value and widespread recognition position it as a noteworthy player heading into the 2025 bull run.
Lightchain AI Transforming Blockchain Through Artificial Intelligence
Lightchain AI is reshaping the blockchain space by seamlessly integrating artificial intelligence into its ecosystem. At the heart of the platform is its innovative Proof of Intelligence (PoI) consensus mechanism, which replaces traditional mining with meaningful AI computations, ensuring both enhanced network security and practical utility. The Artificial Intelligence Virtual Machine (AIVM) further bolsters the ecosystem by delivering a scalable, secure environment for executing AI-specific tasks in real time.
Currently priced at $0.003 during its presale, Lightchain AI presents an attractive entry point for investors eyeing significant returns. Key milestones in its roadmap include the launch of the testnet in January 2025 and the mainnet activation in March 2025, both of which are expected to generate widespread interest. By addressing critical challenges such as scalability, transparency, and governance, Lightchain AI is positioning itself as a groundbreaking force in the cryptocurrency space.
Solana Scalability and Ecosystem Expansion Fueling Growth
Solana has firmly established itself as one of the most scalable blockchain platforms, capable of processing over 65,000 transactions per second at minimal cost. Its unique Proof of History (PoH) consensus mechanism differentiates it from competitors, enabling exceptional speed and efficiency. This scalability has made Solana a preferred platform for decentralized applications (dApps), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and DeFi projects, drawing significant interest from developers and users alike.
The platform’s expansive ecosystem continues to thrive, bolstered by high-profile partnerships and integrations that reinforce its standing as a leading blockchain. However, Solana has faced occasional challenges, including network outages, which have raised concerns about reliability. Despite these issues, its technical capabilities and ecosystem growth position Solana as a strong contender for continued success in 2025.
Why These Three Altcoins Are Positioned for Success in 2025
Dogecoin, Lightchain AI, and Solana each represent distinct segments of the cryptocurrency market, with individual strengths that position them as leaders in the coming bull run. Dogecoin’s enduring popularity and loyal community make it a sentimental favorite, while Solana’s emphasis on scalability and developer-friendly infrastructure ensures its continued relevance. Lightchain AI, with its pioneering integration of blockchain and artificial intelligence, offers a unique technological advantage that sets it apart from traditional cryptocurrencies.
The combination of strong fundamentals, innovative features, and market momentum makes these altcoins top candidates for 2025. By addressing diverse market demands—ranging from community engagement to cutting-edge technological solutions—Dogecoin, Lightchain AI, and Solana are poised to capture broad interest from both investors and developers.
Strategic Insights for Investing in the 2025 Bull Market
To maximize returns during the 2025 bull run, diversification is key. Allocating investments across Dogecoin, Lightchain AI, and Solana allows investors to capture the unique growth potential of each project. For those seeking high-risk, high-reward opportunities, Lightchain AI’s low presale price and innovative features offer significant upside potential.
Timing is also critical. Early investment in Lightchain AI’s presale, priced at $0.003, provides a cost-effective entry point ahead of major roadmap milestones. Meanwhile, monitoring market trends and developments for Dogecoin and Solana can help investors capitalize on price movements and new opportunities.
As the crypto market gears up for another cycle of growth, these three altcoins are well-positioned to deliver impressive returns. By adopting a strategic approach, investors can ride the wave of the 2025 bull market and secure a stake in the future of blockchain innovation.
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https://techbullion.com/3-altcoins-getting-ready-for-a-bull-run-in-2025-dogecoin-lightchain-and-solana/
| 2024-12-16T06:25:23Z
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While retail stores nationwide prepare for the Boxing Day rush, we all know there’s no better sale to be had than a flight sale.
So, armed with a game plan, prepare for the sales madness as we share with you the best Boxing Day flight sales of 2024.
And with massive savings on both domestic and international flights to be anticipated, we are confident that 2025 has a lot more holidays in store for us.
The best Boxing Day flight sales of 2024
While we wait for the official 2024 Boxing Day flight sales to go live, we’re looking back at last year’s deals to give us a good idea of what’s to come.
Flight Centre
Last year, Flight Centre delivered an array of impressive deals on domestic, international, and multi-stop flights with airlines like Air Canada, Singapore Airlines, and Air New Zealand. Highlights included fares to the Sunshine Coast for just $91, round-trip flights to Hawaii for $490, and many more offers.
Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia is known for going all out during Boxing Day sales, and last year was no exception. Spanning four days, the airline offered standout deals, including return flights to Bali from Adelaide and the Gold Coast starting at just $449, and return flights from Cairns to Tokyo beginning at $679.
Etihad
Etihad typically skips the Boxing Day sales in favour of its New Year’s sales, which never fail to impress. Last year, they featured enticing roundtrip deals, such as flights to Copenhagen starting at $1,745 and to Beirut from $1,828, offering travellers a chance to kick off the new year in style.
Do flights go on sale on Boxing Day?
The short answer? Yes! Boxing Day is one of the best times to snag incredible deals for your next trip.
Major airlines like Jetstar and Qantas also join the festivities with unbeatable offers, making December 26 the perfect day to lock in your 2025 travel plans.
So, hold off on booking until the sales drop—you won’t regret it.
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https://www.nowtolove.com.au/travel/boxing-day-flight-sale-76113/
| 2024-12-16T06:25:22Z
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Improvised Weapons
From suicide belts, mines, bombs to improvised explosive, the Syrian rebel fighter are turning scrap into devices to be used against troops loyal to President Bashar al-Assad.
From suicide belts, mines, bombs to improvised explosive, the Syrian rebel fighter are turning scrap into devices to be used against troops loyal to President Bashar al-Assad.
A Free Syrian Army fighter spray paints on improvised mortar shells at a weapon factory in Aleppo September 5, 2013. Photo: Reuters
A rebel fighter places explosive packets into a suicide belt which will be detonated with the orange fuses (C) at a makeshift weapons workshop in the northern Syrian city of Raqqa, on August 5, 2013, where fighters manufacture mines, bombs and improvised explosive devices to be used against troops loyal to President Bashar al-Assad.
A Free Syrian Army fighter smokes as he takes a break from making improvised weapons at a factory in Aleppo, September 4, 2013.
A Free Syrian Army fighter makes improvised mortar shells at a weapons factory in Aleppo, September 4, 2013.
Free Syrian Army fighters make improvised mortar shells at a weapons factory in Aleppo, September 4, 2013.
Improvised mortar shells that are colored are seen inside a box at a weapons factory in Aleppo September 4, 2013.
Free Syrian Army fighters make improvised weapons at a factory in Aleppo, September 4, 2013.
A member of the "Free Men of Syria" (Ahrar Suriya) brigade, operating under the Free Syrian Army, works to make improvised weapons as homemade rockets are seen in the foreground at a factory in Aleppo countryside August 26, 2013.
A member of the "Free Men of Syria" (Ahrar Suriya) brigade, operating under the Free Syrian Army, works to make improvised weapons at a factory in Aleppo countryside August 26, 2013.
A member of the "Free Men of Syria" (Ahrar Suriya) brigade, operating under the Free Syrian Army, works to make improvised weapons at a factory in Aleppo countryside August 26, 2013.
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https://www.indiatimes.com/boyz-toyz/weapons/improvised-weapons-105069.html
| 2024-12-16T06:25:24Z
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2024 was big for bitcoin. States could see a crypto policy blitz in 2025 in spite of the risks
The new year will usher in the bitcoin-friendly administration of President-elect Donald Trump and an expanding lobbying effort in statehouses
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Your support makes all the difference.The new year will usher in the bitcoin-friendly administration of President-elect Donald Trump and an expanding lobbying effort in statehouses that, together, could push states to become more open to crypto and for public pension funds and treasuries to buy into it.
Proponents of the uniquely volatile commodity argue it is a valuable hedge against inflation, similar to gold.
Many bitcoin enthusiasts and investors are quick to criticize government-backed currencies as prone to devaluation and say increased government buy-in will stabilize bitcoin's future price swings, give it more legitimacy and further boost an already rising price.
But the risks are significant. Critics say a crypto investment is highly speculative, with so much unknown about projecting its future returns, and warn that investors should be prepared to lose money.
Only a couple public pension funds have invested in cryptocurrency and a new U.S. Government Accountability Office study on 401(k) plan investments in crypto, issued in recent days, warned it has “uniquely high volatility” and that it found no standard approach for projecting the future returns of crypto.
It has already been a landmark year for crypto, with bitcoin hitting $100,000, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission approving the first exchange-traded funds that hold bitcoin and crypto enthusiasts being cheered by Trump's promise to make the United States the “bitcoin superpower” of the world.
More legislation on crypto could be coming
Lawmakers in more states can expect to see bills in 2025 to make them crypto-friendly as analysts say crypto is becoming a powerful lobby, bitcoin miners build new installations and venture capitalists underwrite a growing tech sector that caters to cryptocurrencies.
Meanwhile, a new crypto-friendly federal government under Trump and Congress could consider legislation from Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyoming, to create a federal bitcoin reserve on which states can piggyback.
A bill introduced last month in Pennsylvania's House of Representatives sought to authorize the state's treasurer and public pension funds to invest in bitcoin. It went nowhere before the legislative session ended, but it caused a stir.
“I had a friend who is a rep down the road text me, ‘Oh my god, I’m getting so many emails and phone calls to my office,' more than he ever did about any other bill,” said the measure's sponsor, Republican Mike Cabell.
Cabell — a bitcoin enthusiast who lost his reelection bid — expects his bill to be reintroduced by a colleague. And leaders of bitcoin advocacy group Satoshi Action say they expect bills based on their model bill to be introduced in at least 10 other states next year.
But what about public pension funds?
Keith Brainard, research director for the National Association of State Retirement Administrators, said he doesn’t expect many public pension fund investment professionals, who oversee nearly $6 trillion in assets, to invest in crypto.
Pension fund professionals take risks they deem to be appropriate, but bitcoin investing has a short track record, might only fit into a niche asset class and may not fit the risk-to-reward profile they seek.
“There might be a bit of dabbling in bitcoin,” Brainard said. “But it’s difficult to envision a scenario in which pension funds right now are willing to make a commitment.”
In Louisiana, Treasurer John Fleming helped make the state the first to introduce a system by which people can pay a government agency in cryptocurrencies.
Fleming said he's not trying to promote cryptocurrency, but rather sees the step as a recognition that government must innovate and be flexible in helping people make financial transactions with the state. He said he would never invest his money, or the state's, in crypto.
Fleming recalled meeting with a bitcoin lobbyist recently and came away unconvinced that bitcoin makes for a good investment.
“My concern is that at some point it’ll stop growing and then people will want to cash in,” Fleming said. “And when they do, it could tank the value of a bitcoin.”
In Pennsylvania, Treasury Department officials said they have the authority to decide for themselves if cryptocurrencies meet the agency's investment standards under state law and don't need new legislation.
Still, a highly volatile asset is ill-suited to the agency's need for predictability, considering it writes millions of checks a year. The overwhelming majority of the roughly $60 billion it invests at any given time is in short-term, conservative investments designed for an investment period of months, officials there said.
Pension boards, which invest on a 30-year time horizon, may already hold small investments in companies involved in mining, trading and storing cryptocurrencies. But they have been slow to embrace bitcoin.
That could change, said Mark Palmer, managing director and a senior research analyst at The Benchmark Company in New York.
Pension boards got investment tools they like this year when the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission approved the first exchange-traded funds that hold bitcoin and, in October, approved listings of options on those funds, Palmer said.
Many “are likely in the process of getting up to speed on what it means to invest in bitcoin and kicking the tires, so to speak, and that’s a process that typically takes a while at the institutional level,” Palmer said.
Several major asset managers like BlackRock, Invesco and Fidelity have bitcoin ETFs.
Some states already are investing in crypto
In May, the State of Wisconsin Investment Board became the first state to invest when it bought $160 million worth of shares in two ETFs, or about 0.1% of its assets. It later scaled back that investment to $104 million in one ETF, as of Sept. 30. A spokesperson declined to discuss it.
Michigan's state investment board later reported about $18 million in bitcoin ETF purchases while a candidate for New Jersey governor, Steven Fulop, said that if elected he would push the state's pension fund to invest in crypto.
Fulop, the Democratic mayor of Jersey City, just across the Hudson River from Manhattan, has been preparing for months to buy bitcoin ETF shares for up to 2% of the city's $250 million employee pension fund.
“We were ahead of the curve," Fulop said. “And I think that’s what you’re eventually going to see is this is widely accepted, with regard to exposure in all pension funds, some sort of exposure.”
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Follow Marc Levy on X at: https://x.com/timelywriter.
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https://www.independent.co.uk/news/ap-donald-trump-harrisburg-united-states-invesco-b2664866.html
| 2024-12-16T06:25:24Z
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Gulf countries denounce Israeli decision to expand settlements in Golan Heights
Riyadh, Dec 16 (IANS) Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar condemned the Israeli government's approval of a plan to expand settlements in the occupied Golan Heights.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the decision is a continuation of efforts to sabotage Syria's chances of restoring its security and stability, Xinhua news agency reported.
The ministry stressed the need to respect Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The UAE warned in a statement by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs that the Israeli actions could exacerbate tensions in the region.
"The UAE categorically rejects all measures and practices aimed at altering the legal status of the occupied Golan Heights," the statement said, stressing that expanding Israeli settlements in Golan Heights poses a direct threat to the security, stability, and sovereignty of Syria.
In a statement, Qatar's Foreign Ministry called the decision "a new episode in a series of Israeli aggressions on Syrian territories and a blatant violation of international law."
It called on the international community to fulfill its legal and moral responsibilities by compelling Israel to halt its aggressions on Syrian territories and adhere to international legitimacy.
The statement reiterated Qatar's unwavering support for Syria's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
The Israeli government approved a plan on Sunday to expand settlements in the Golan Heights, a Syrian territory currently occupied by Israel, according to a statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office.
According to the statement, the plan aims to double the Israeli population in the Golan Heights. It includes establishing a student village, a development program to integrate new residents, and initiatives to strengthen the education system and renewable energy infrastructure.
Disclaimer: This story has not been edited by the Sakshi Post team and is auto-generated from syndicated feed.
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https://www.sakshipost.com/news/gulf-countries-denounce-israeli-decision-expand-settlements-golan-heights-359203
| 2024-12-16T06:25:25Z
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Specifications for the 2023 Porsche 718 Boxster Style Edition. Details include engine, fuel usage, interior features, safety and more.
2023 Porsche 718 Boxster Style Edition 982 My23 2.0L Petrol 2D Roadster
Standard Features
- 12 Volt Power Outlet
- 299mm Rear Brakes
- 2 Seat Interior
- 330mm Front Brakes
- Automatic Air Recirculation
- Dual Front Airbags Package
- Anti-lock Braking
- Aluminium & Composite Body Panels
- Auto Climate Control with Dual Temp Zones
- Ascending Centre Console with Storage Compartment
- Active Carbon Filter
- Apple Car Play
- Automatic Deploying Rear Wing
- Aero Wipers - Front
- Air Intake Grilles Painted
- Aluminium Brake Calipers
- Alarm with Interior Movement Sensor
- Automatic Stop/Start
- Adjustable Steering Column
- Adjustable Steering Wheel - Tilt & Telescopic
- Auto Demisting
- 20 Inch Alloy Wheels
- Black Brake Calipers
- Black Headliner
- Black Leather Interior
- Bi-Xenon Dynamic Light System
- Cruise Control
- Cup Holders - Front Seats
- Central Locking Remote Control
- Convex Mirror Right Side
- Communication Management System
- Connect Plus
- Contrast Stitching
- Digital Audio Broadcast Radio
- Dynamic Drive
- Digital Instrument Display
- Daytime Running Lights - LED
- Dry Sump Lubrication System
- Digital Speedometer
- Digital Sound Processing
- Extended Brake Functions
- Exterior Mirrors - Auto Dimming
- Electromechanical Power Steering
- Electric Parking Brake
- Front Apron
- Front Air Intakes
- Front Footwell Lights
- Floor Mats with Logo
- Gasoline Particulate Filter
- Gear Shift Indicator
- Head Airbags - Front Seats (side)
- Headlights - Auto On/Off Function
- Heated Front Seats
- Headrest with Crest/Logo - Front
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Integral Amplifier
- Instrument Cluster Display - 4.6 Inch
- Instrument Cluster with Colour Display
- Illuminated Door Storage Compartments - Front
- Illuminated Glove Box Compartment
- Illuminated Ignition Switch
- Intelligent Lightweight Construction
- Engine Immobiliser
- Intermittent Wipers - Front
- Intermittent Wipers - Variable
- LED Auxiliary Light Units
- Luggage Compartment Front & Rear
- Lane Change Assist
- Luggage/Cargo Area Light/s
- Leather Door Pull Handles
- Light Design Package
- Leather Door Armrests
- LED Indicators
- LED Interior Lighting
- Leather Headrests
- Lights on Interior Door Handles
- Leather Instrument Panel
- LED Position Lights
- Leather Seat Bolsters
- Leather Steering Wheel
- LTE Communication Module
- Leather Upholstery - Contrast Stitching
- Memory Card Reader
- Model Designation - Gloss Black
- Multi-function Sports Steering Wheel
- Mobile Phone Preparation
- My Porsche Services
- Navigation System
- Overhead Lighting Console
- Orientation Lighting - Front & Rear
- Park Assist Front & Rear
- Paddle Shifters on Steering Wheel
- Porsche Entry & Drive
- Power Exterior Mirrors - Heated
- Powered Sports Seats 14 Way with Memory
- Power Soft Top - Automatic
- Power Soft Top - Remote Operation
- Power Steering Variable
- Power Windows With One-Touch Operation
- Rain Sensor
- Rollover Bars - Fixed
- Rear Lights - LED
- Rear LED Reverse Lamp
- Reversing Camera
- Rear View Mirror - Auto Dimming
- Side Air Intakes
- Seatback Hooks
- Sport Button
- Storage Compartment - Front Door/s
- Solar Control Glass
- Sports Exhaust System - Black Tailpipes
- Side Indicators
- Side Impact Protection
- Sound Package Plus
- Steering Pulse Generator
- Scuff Plates with Logo
- Sound System with 6 Speakers
- Stainless Steel Exhaust Tips
- Stainless Steel Sill Guards
- Sunvisors with Vanity Mirrors & Illumination
- Thorax Airbag(s)
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
- Tyre Sealing Compound & Air Compressor
- Twin Tailpipes
- Tinted Windows
- Underbody Panelling
- Ventilated Front Disc Brakes
- Ventilated Rear Disc Brakes
- Vehicle Stability Management System
- Wheel Centres - Special
- Wind Deflector
- Window Door Seal Protection
- Wheel Finish - Gloss
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Welcome Lights - Headlights
- Windscreen With Sunband
Optional Extras
- 20 inch Sport Wheels - $2,460
- Adaptive Cruise Control - $2,320
- Aluminium Finish Pedals - $490
- Aluminium Gear Selector - $1,000
- Air Intake Grilles Rear - Painted - $880
- Adaptive Sports Seats Plus - 18 Way & Memory - $2,560
- Anti-theft Wheel Bolts - $110
- Brushed Aluminium Gear Selector - $450
- Body Coloured Wheels - $1,030
- Climate Control Panel - Leather - $1,010
- Climate Control Panel - Painted - $1,010
- Carbon Fibre Interior Pack - Extended - $2,800
- Carbon Floor Mats - Leather Edging - $1,240
- Coloured Instrument Dials - $920
- Carbon Onboard Folder - $1,350
- Colour Selection - Stitching
- Colour Selection - Leather
- Customization Package Gear Lever - $1,350
- Coloured Seat Belts - $520
- Carbon Sill Guards Illuminated - $560
- Carbon Sill Guards Illuminated - Personalised - $2,470
- Custom Colour Paint - $16,640
- Dash Cam Preparation - $230
- Door Handles - Black Gloss - $230
- Decorative Sticker Set
- Exclusive Design Fuel Filler Cap - $250
- Extended Leather Pack - $1,380
- Exterior Pack - Painted - $2,450
- Front Air Intake Slats - Painted - $920
- Floor Mats with Leather Edging - $700
- Gloss Black Rear Wing - $650
- Gear Lever - Carbon - $950
- GT Sports Steering Wheel - $520
- GT Sports Strg Wheel & Gear Selector in Race-Tex - $1,420
- Home Link - $540
- Heated Multi-function Sports Strg Wheel - Wood - $830
- Heated Multi-function Sports Strg Wheel - Carbon - $830
- Headlight Washer System Covers - Painted - $380
- Headlight Washer System Covers - Body Colour - $380
- Interior Aluminium Pack - Extended - $1,330
- Interior Aluminium Pack - $1,120
- Interior Carbon Pack - $2,370
- Interior Leather Pack - $1,160
- Interior Pack - Painted (extended) - $1,320
- Interior Pack - Painted - $1,100
- Interior Wood Pack - Extended - $2,800
- Interior Wood Pack - $2,370
- Interior Trim Pack - Contrast Stitching - $3,820
- Interior Trim Pack Extended - Contrast Stitching - $5,170
- Leather Backrests Spts Seats Plus - Contr Stitch - $2,760
- Leather Backrests Sports Seats Plus - $2,530
- Leather Dashboard Trim Package - $2,090
- Leather Door Trim Package - $1,010
- LED Headlights with Dynamic Light System Plus - $1,240
- Leather Fuse Box Cover - $490
- Leather Interior - Contrast Stitching - $3,230
- Leather Interior Pack Partial Leather Seats
- Leather Int Pack Partial Leather Seats - Two Tone
- Leather Interior Pack Leather Seats - $3,230
- Leather Inner Sill Guards - $870
- Leather Interior Two-Tone - $3,920
- Leather Onboard Folder - $720
- Leather Steering Column Surround - Contrast Stitch - $840
- Leather Seat Centre in Contrasting Colour - $900
- Leather Steering Column Surround - $620
- Leather Inner Sill Guards - Contrast Stitching - $1,090
- Leather Sunvisors - $780
- Model Designation Deletion
- Model Designation - Gloss Silver
- Model Designation Painted - $450
- Manufacturers Logo - Gloss Black
- Manufacturers Logo - Painted - $280
- Metallic Paint - $1,690
- (PASM) Sports Suspension with Lower Ride Height - $2,700
- Painted Alloy Wheels
- Painted Alloy Wheels - Special
- Paint Colour Special - $4,430
- Personalised Floor Mats - Leather Edging - $900
- Power Mirrors With Folding With Courtesy Light - $560
- Carrera S Wheels 20/21 inch - $1,030
- Carrera Classic Wheels 20/21 inch - $2,160
- 20/21 Turbo Wheels - $4,180
- Power Steering Plus
- Powered Sports Seats Plus - 4 Way
- Rear Apron - Painted - $880
- Rollover Bars - Painted - $960
- Sun Visors in Race-Tex - $780
- Storage Compartment Lid Logo/Crest in Race-Tex - $430
- Sports Chrono Instrument Dials - Coloured - $650
- Storage Compartment Lid Logo/Crest - $430
- Sports Chrono Package including Mode Switch - $3,400
- Sports Design Pack - Gloss Black - $5,600
- Sports Design Pack - $4,720
- Sports-look Pedals & Footrest - $340
- Smoke Pack - $100
- Storage Net - Front Passenger Footwell
- Style Pack - Exterior
- St/Steel Sill Guards Illuminated - Personalised - $1,910
- Surround Sound System Premium - $7,500
- Soft Top Colour - Special
- Standard Paint
- Silver Sports Tailpipes
- Tinted Rear Lights - $1,160
- Torque Vectoring with Rear Differential Lock - $2,470
- Titanium Wheel Bolts - $2,700
- Ventilated Front Seats - $1,750
- Vehicle Key Painted - Leather Pouch - $700
- Wheel Finish - Black - $1,030
- Wheel Finish - Satin - $1,030
- Wood Gear Selector - $950
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https://www.whichcar.com.au/specs/2023-porsche-718-boxster-style-edition-982-my23-petrol-2d-roadster-dDfScT8lgb
| 2024-12-16T06:25:25Z
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In a world driven by innovation, small businesses constantly seek ways to stay competitive while minimizing costs. One game-changing technology that’s becoming increasingly accessible is 3D printing. With its ability to streamline production, reduce prototyping costs, and offer unparalleled customization, 3D printing is no longer just for large corporations. Small businesses in Phoenix, AZ, are embracing this transformative technology to enhance their operations and gain a competitive edge.
Why 3D Printing Is a Game Changer
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, creates objects layer by layer based on a digital model. This technology has disrupted traditional manufacturing processes by allowing businesses to produce parts, prototypes, and even final products faster and more cost-effectively. For small businesses, the ability to innovate without breaking the bank is invaluable.
Reduced Prototyping Costs
One of the standout benefits of 3D printing is its cost-effectiveness in prototyping. Traditional prototyping methods often require expensive molds or tooling, which can take weeks or even months to produce. With 3D printing, small businesses can create prototypes in hours, significantly reducing development time.
For example, a local startup in Phoenix needing a prototype for a new gadget can now design and print it in-house or with the help of a 3D printing service. This eliminates the need to outsource to costly manufacturers, enabling faster feedback and iterations. The savings in time and money can be redirected toward other critical business needs, such as marketing or product refinement.
Enhanced Customization Options
Another major advantage of 3D printing is its ability to produce customized products. Unlike traditional manufacturing, which often relies on mass production, 3D printing allows small businesses to cater to niche markets with unique needs.
Consider a local Phoenix jeweler who wants to offer personalized pieces. With 3D printing, they can easily create one-of-a-kind designs tailored to individual customers without the high costs of traditional casting methods. This capability not only boosts customer satisfaction but also allows small businesses to charge a premium for bespoke services.
Real-World Applications for Small Businesses
The versatility of 3D printing makes it applicable across various industries. Here are some examples of how small businesses in Phoenix can leverage this technology:
1. Product Design and Development
Small businesses often need to bring new ideas to life quickly. By partnering with firms specializing in 3D Design Consulting, they can transform sketches or concepts into tangible prototypes. This collaborative approach ensures the design is functional, market-ready, and optimized for production.
2. Retail and Custom Merchandise
From personalized keychains to custom phone cases, 3D printing empowers retailers to create unique, on-demand merchandise. Phoenix-based gift shops or online stores can use this technology to offer limited-edition items or customized gifts, setting themselves apart from competitors.
3. Healthcare and Wellness
Small clinics or fitness startups can use 3D printing to develop custom equipment, orthotics, or prototypes for innovative medical devices. These cost-efficient solutions help them provide better services without a hefty price tag.
4. Architecture and Construction
Architectural firms in Phoenix can use 3D printing to create detailed scale models of buildings, giving clients a clearer understanding of project designs. This enhances client communication while saving time in traditional model-making processes.
5. Automotive and Repair Services
Local mechanics or repair shops can use 3D printing to fabricate hard-to-find or discontinued parts. This not only reduces wait times but also helps build a reputation for reliability and innovation.
Cost-Effectiveness in Phoenix: Why Now?
Phoenix is quickly becoming a hub for technological innovation. With the availability of affordable 3D printing services and materials, small businesses in the area are perfectly positioned to adopt this technology. Services like 3D Printing Phoenix AZ offer expertise, tools, and resources tailored to local businesses, making it easier than ever to get started.
Additionally, the Phoenix business community is known for its entrepreneurial spirit. The city offers a supportive environment, with various organizations and initiatives helping small businesses integrate new technologies. Whether you’re a startup looking to prototype your first product or an established business exploring new revenue streams, 3D printing can be a pivotal tool in your growth strategy.
Getting Started with 3D Printing
Adopting 3D printing doesn’t have to be daunting. Here’s a simple roadmap to get started:
- Evaluate Your Needs: Identify specific areas in your business where 3D printing can make an impact, such as product development or customization.
- Partner with Experts: Work with local experts specializing in 3D Design Consulting to ensure your designs are optimized for printing.
- Choose the Right Printer or Service: Depending on your budget and requirements, decide whether to invest in your own 3D printer or use services like 3D Printing Phoenix AZ for professional assistance.
- Experiment and Iterate: Start with small projects to understand the process and refine your approach.
- Expand Gradually: Once comfortable, explore new ways to integrate 3D printing into your operations.
The Future Is 3D
As technology continues to evolve, 3D printing will only become more accessible and versatile. For small businesses in Phoenix, this presents an exciting opportunity to innovate without the constraints of traditional manufacturing methods.
By reducing costs, enabling customization, and fostering creativity, 3D printing is proving to be a cost-effective solution that empowers small businesses to thrive in competitive markets. Whether you’re a retailer, designer, or entrepreneur, it’s time to explore how this transformative technology can benefit your business.
The future of small business innovation in Phoenix is here—and it’s being built layer by layer.
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https://techbullion.com/3d-printing-for-small-businesses-in-phoenix-a-cost-effective-solution/
| 2024-12-16T06:25:29Z
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Takeaways from AP's reporting on a child sex abuse crisis inside a secretive Christian sect
For decades, a little-known Christian sect has dealt with its abusive ministers and spiritual elders mostly in secret, shunning legal action and urging victims to simply forgive the predators in their midst
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Your support makes all the difference.For decades, a little-known Christian sect has dealt with its abusive ministers and spiritual elders mostly in secret, shunning legal action in favor of urging victims to forgive the predators in their midst.
Forgiveness, however, was far from a cure: The abusers were often sent to live with other unsuspecting families, where they had easy access to new victims.
Now a grassroots effort by survivors has exposed the depth of the scandal — documenting allegations against more than 900 abusers in 30 countries, with cases continuing to emerge — and thrust the nameless sect into the public eye. The FBI has also launched an investigation into the group, sometimes called the “Two by Twos.”
The Associated Press interviewed more than a dozen current and former members, workers and experts, and reviewed letters, court documents and other records supporting the allegations. Several sect leaders and ministers either declined interview requests or did not respond to messages.
Here are some takeaways from the AP's reporting.
The core doctrine of the sect put kids at high risk
Child sex abuse is a significant problem within many religious institutions: Insurance data company Advisen lists child sexual abuse as the second most frequent insurance loss for religious organizations, after wage-related claims. But survivors say the tenets of the Two by Twos place kids at particularly high risk.
The sect believes its volunteer ministers, called “workers,” should live among followers and rely on them for food, housing and other needs.
Many survivors told the AP they were abused by preachers staying in their homes. In some cases, the abuse was revealed and the offending worker was asked to leave the ministry. Frequently, however, regional leaders called “overseers” simply transferred the worker to a new region without warning other members.
Former sect member Pam Walton uses photos from annual sect conventions, reports from members and other records to track the movements of workers and overseers with abuse allegations.
“I don’t think people were understanding the magnitude that these men and women traveled,” Walton said.
One abusive overseer, Dean Bruer, served in at least 22 states and territories and seven countries from the time he joined the ministry in 1976 until his death in 2022.
A culture of ‘mercy’ enabled abusers
Former worker Jared Snyder says bringing up someone's past sins is considered taboo because that person “has already been forgiven by God.” As a result, members and workers alike often would only talk euphemistically about problems, Snyder said, and even major misdeeds were frequently downplayed.
“There is an underlying fear of being judged as a person who has a ‘bad spirit’ if you are not merciful enough," Snyder says.
Some sect leaders cautioned against digging into allegations. One overseer told Snyder, “The less you know, the better off you are,” he said.
Sect leaders sometimes ignored legal reporting requirements
Some U.S. states have laws that require spiritual leaders, teachers and others in positions of authority to report child abuse allegations to authorities. Letters and other documents show some overseers tried to skirt those laws.
Ed Alexander, a regional overseer for Arizona, wrote a letter to a child-molesting elder urging him to seek professional counseling. That way, Alexander claimed, the sect would not have to report the man's crime and instead the counselor could take on reporting responsibility.
Alexander declined to comment.
Survivors often faced dead ends in their search for justice
As a teen, Sheri Autrey felt unprepared to describe the intimate details of her abuse to a jury, so her parents declined to put her through the criminal prosecution process. When Autrey tried to press charges as an adult, it was too late — under California state law, too many years had passed since the crime.
Autrey tried to find an attorney to sue the sect, but no one would take the case. Legal experts say the sect's aversion to property leaves it without any apparent assets that could be used to pay a legal settlement.
Left without legal options, many survivors joined grassroots efforts to support each other. One organization, Advocates for the Truth, created a 24-hour confidential hotline for survivors, investigated and tracked allegations, and connected victims with therapeutic resources and funding.
Facebook pages and online chat rooms have also given survivors a place to compare stories, discuss faith and share suggestions for reform.
A grand jury began looking into the sect last year, and in February the FBI asked people with information to come forward. Agents have interviewed multiple survivors and sect leaders over the last several months.
Change within the sect is slow — and limited
Some sect leaders have condemned the abuse and asked consultants for advice on how to better protect members. Others have rejected recommended child abuse prevention policies outright, or implemented scaled-down versions with fewer safeguards.
Still, the pressure doesn't seem likely to let up anytime soon. Former sect member and survivor Lisa Webb says advocating for other survivors has been her therapy.
“I'm not trying to take away your salvation or attack your faith, but how can we keep our kids safe? You can respect the faith, respect the religion, but still not be naive," Webb said. “Just the fact that the conversation is out there now means we've already improved the safety. ... There's a rallying behind survivors.”
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https://www.independent.co.uk/news/ap-takeaways-christian-idaho-boise-b2664875.html
| 2024-12-16T06:25:30Z
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Rapier is a British surface-to-air missile developed for the British Army and Royal Air Force. Entering service in 1971, it eventually replaced all other anti-aircraft weapons in Army service; guns for low-altitude targets, and the English Electric Thunderbird, used against longer-range and higher-altitude targets.
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https://www.indiatimes.com/boyz-toyz/weapons/rapier-jernas-missile-105112.html
| 2024-12-16T06:25:30Z
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India sees over 90 pc rise in smartphone exports in Nov, Apple leads
New Delhi, Dec 16 (IANS) India has seen a record smartphone exports in November this year, surpassing the Rs 20,000 crore mark for the first time in a month, which was led by Apple.
According to industry data, smartphone exports crossed Rs 20,300 crore, a more than 90 per cent rise from the same period last year. Apple led the exports last month, followed by Samsung.
In November last year, the smartphone exports from the country was over Rs 10,600 crore, as per the industry data.
The smartphone market in the country is expected to exit 2024 with a single-digit annual growth.
Meanwhile, riding on the government's production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, Apple’s iPhone production in the country reached $10 billion in the seven months of this fiscal (FY25), with $7 billion in exports alone which is a record.
The tech giant manufactured/assembled $14 billion of iPhones in India last fiscal (FY24), with exporting more than $10 billion worth of iPhones.
According to Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, this is yet another milestone for the smartphone PLI scheme in 7 months.
"$10 billion iPhone production by Apple with $7 billion exports. Total smartphone exports from Bharat crossed $10.6 billion in 7 months," the minister had posted on X last month.
India’s smartphone market is estimated to grow 7-8 per cent this year, driven by strong demand for premium, 5G and AI smartphones. The mobile handset market in India is expected to maintain steady growth.
According to industry experts, to achieve the goal of $500 billion local electronics manufacturing by FY30, the industry must prioritise export growth to emerge as one of the top three global exporters in this domain by 2030, led by mobile manufacturing.
As per the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) data, mobile phone production surged from Rs 18,900 crore in 2014-15 to an estimated Rs 4.10 lakh crore in FY24, registering an increase of a massive 2,000 per cent, driven by the PLI scheme.
—IANS
na/
Disclaimer: This story has not been edited by the Sakshi Post team and is auto-generated from syndicated feed.
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https://www.sakshipost.com/news/india-sees-over-90-pc-rise-smartphone-exports-nov-apple-leads-359204
| 2024-12-16T06:25:32Z
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Mavs' Doncic dazzles in NBA shootout with Warriors
Luka Doncic has recorded his 80th career triple-double with a season-high 45 points along with 13 assists and 11 rebounds, and Dallas beat Klay Thompson's former Golden State side 143-133 in a second visit to Chase Center in just more than a month.
Thompson hit two late three-pointers for seven in total and finished with 29 points after the Mavericks lost 120-117 in his emotional return on November 12.
His former Splash Brother Stephen Curry had 26 points and 10 assists for the Warriors (14-11) in a game added to the schedule once the teams were eliminated from the NBA Cup.
Doncic shot 16 for 23, making nine of his first 11 attempts with four triples on the way to 28 points by halftime for the Mavs (17-9), who won for the eighth time in their past nine games.
In Los Angeles, Anthony Davis had 40 points and 16 rebounds, LeBron James added 18 points in his return and the Lakers beat Memphis 116-110.
James also had eight rebounds, eight assists and five turnovers after missing the previous two games because of a left foot injury.
Austin Reaves scored 19 points for LA (14-12), who never trailed and led by 23 points in the second half.
Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 25 points for the Grizzlies (18-9), who had won four in a row. Ja Morant had 20 points, Zach Edey added 13 points and 10 rebounds and Luke Kennard had 12 points.
Davis compiled 22 points and 10 rebounds in the first half. He briefly left in the third quarter because of shoulder injury, then returned in the fourth and scored 12 critical points down the stretch.
The 31-year-old power forward has had at least 30 points and 10 boards in three of his last four games.
Earlier on Sunday, Jayson Tatum had 28 points and 12 rebounds and Boston cruised to a 112-98 victory over Washington.
Tatum had missed two of the Celtics' (21-5) previous four games with a knee issue but returned to help them win a seventh straight over the Wizards, and third in Washington this season.
He hit three baskets during a 15-0 run that spanned across the first and second quarters, including a pull-up three with four seconds left in the first to stretch Boston's lead to 11 points.
Payton Pritchard and Derrick White added 15 points apiece, while Jordan Poole led the Wizards, who have lost three in a row and 16 of 17, with 21 points.
Indiana, New York, Minnesota and Phoenix were victorious in other matches.
With Reuters.
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https://thewest.com.au/sport/basketball/mavs-doncic-dazzles-in-nba-shootout-with-warriors-c-17101527
| 2024-12-16T06:25:32Z
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Specifications for the 2023 Porsche 718 Boxster Style Edition. Details include engine, fuel usage, interior features, safety and more.
2023 Porsche 718 Boxster Style Edition 982 My23 2.0L Petrol 2D Roadster
Standard Features
- 12 Volt Power Outlet
- 299mm Rear Brakes
- 2 Seat Interior
- 330mm Front Brakes
- Automatic Air Recirculation
- Dual Front Airbags Package
- Anti-lock Braking
- Aluminium & Composite Body Panels
- Auto Climate Control with Dual Temp Zones
- Ascending Centre Console with Storage Compartment
- Active Carbon Filter
- Apple Car Play
- Automatic Deploying Rear Wing
- Aero Wipers - Front
- Air Intake Grilles Painted
- Aluminium Brake Calipers
- Alarm with Interior Movement Sensor
- Automatic Stop/Start
- Adjustable Steering Column
- Adjustable Steering Wheel - Tilt & Telescopic
- Auto Demisting
- 20 Inch Alloy Wheels
- Black Brake Calipers
- Black Headliner
- Black Leather Interior
- Bi-Xenon Dynamic Light System
- Cruise Control
- Cup Holders - Front Seats
- Central Locking Remote Control
- Convex Mirror Right Side
- Communication Management System
- Connect Plus
- Contrast Stitching
- Digital Audio Broadcast Radio
- Dynamic Drive
- Digital Instrument Display
- Daytime Running Lights - LED
- Dry Sump Lubrication System
- Digital Speedometer
- Digital Sound Processing
- Extended Brake Functions
- Exterior Mirrors - Auto Dimming
- Electromechanical Power Steering
- Electric Parking Brake
- Front Apron
- Front Air Intakes
- Front Footwell Lights
- Floor Mats with Logo
- Gasoline Particulate Filter
- Gear Shift Indicator
- Head Airbags - Front Seats (side)
- Headlights - Auto On/Off Function
- Heated Front Seats
- Headrest with Crest/Logo - Front
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Integral Amplifier
- Instrument Cluster Display - 4.6 Inch
- Instrument Cluster with Colour Display
- Illuminated Door Storage Compartments - Front
- Illuminated Glove Box Compartment
- Illuminated Ignition Switch
- Intelligent Lightweight Construction
- Engine Immobiliser
- Intermittent Wipers - Front
- Intermittent Wipers - Variable
- LED Auxiliary Light Units
- Luggage Compartment Front & Rear
- Lane Change Assist
- Luggage/Cargo Area Light/s
- Leather Door Pull Handles
- Light Design Package
- Leather Door Armrests
- LED Indicators
- LED Interior Lighting
- Leather Headrests
- Lights on Interior Door Handles
- Leather Instrument Panel
- LED Position Lights
- Leather Seat Bolsters
- Leather Steering Wheel
- LTE Communication Module
- Leather Upholstery - Contrast Stitching
- Memory Card Reader
- Model Designation - Gloss Black
- Multi-function Sports Steering Wheel
- Mobile Phone Preparation
- My Porsche Services
- Navigation System
- Overhead Lighting Console
- Orientation Lighting - Front & Rear
- Park Assist Front & Rear
- Porsche Entry & Drive
- Power Exterior Mirrors - Heated
- Powered Sports Seats 14 Way with Memory
- Power Soft Top - Automatic
- Power Soft Top - Remote Operation
- Power Steering Variable
- Power Windows With One-Touch Operation
- Rain Sensor
- Rollover Bars - Fixed
- Rear Lights - LED
- Rear LED Reverse Lamp
- Reversing Camera
- Rear View Mirror - Auto Dimming
- Side Air Intakes
- Seatback Hooks
- Sport Button
- Storage Compartment - Front Door/s
- Solar Control Glass
- Sports Exhaust System - Black Tailpipes
- Side Indicators
- Side Impact Protection
- Sound Package Plus
- Steering Pulse Generator
- Scuff Plates with Logo
- Sound System with 6 Speakers
- Stainless Steel Exhaust Tips
- Stainless Steel Sill Guards
- Sunvisors with Vanity Mirrors & Illumination
- Thorax Airbag(s)
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
- Tyre Sealing Compound & Air Compressor
- Twin Tailpipes
- Tinted Windows
- Underbody Panelling
- Ventilated Front Disc Brakes
- Ventilated Rear Disc Brakes
- Vehicle Stability Management System
- Wheel Centres - Special
- Wind Deflector
- Window Door Seal Protection
- Wheel Finish - Gloss
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Welcome Lights - Headlights
- Windscreen With Sunband
Optional Extras
- 20 inch Sport Wheels - $2,460
- Adaptive Cruise Control - $2,320
- Aluminium Finish Pedals - $490
- Aluminium Gear Selector - $1,000
- Air Intake Grilles Rear - Painted - $880
- Adaptive Sports Seats Plus - 18 Way & Memory - $2,560
- Anti-theft Wheel Bolts - $110
- Brushed Aluminium Gear Selector - $450
- Body Coloured Wheels - $1,030
- Climate Control Panel - Leather - $1,010
- Climate Control Panel - Painted - $1,010
- Carbon Fibre Interior Pack - Extended - $2,800
- Carbon Floor Mats - Leather Edging - $1,240
- Coloured Instrument Dials - $920
- Carbon Onboard Folder - $1,350
- Colour Selection - Stitching
- Colour Selection - Leather
- Customization Package Gear Lever - $1,350
- Coloured Seat Belts - $520
- Carbon Sill Guards Illuminated - $560
- Carbon Sill Guards Illuminated - Personalised - $2,470
- Custom Colour Paint - $16,640
- Dash Cam Preparation - $230
- Door Handles - Black Gloss - $230
- Decorative Sticker Set
- Exclusive Design Fuel Filler Cap - $250
- Extended Leather Pack - $1,380
- Exterior Pack - Painted - $2,450
- Front Air Intake Slats - Painted - $920
- Floor Mats with Leather Edging - $700
- Gloss Black Rear Wing - $650
- Gear Lever - Carbon - $950
- GT Sports Steering Wheel - $520
- GT Sports Strg Wheel & Gear Selector in Race-Tex - $1,420
- Home Link - $540
- Heated Multi-function Sports Strg Wheel - Wood - $830
- Heated Multi-function Sports Strg Wheel - Carbon - $830
- Headlight Washer System Covers - Painted - $380
- Headlight Washer System Covers - Body Colour - $380
- Interior Aluminium Pack - Extended - $1,330
- Interior Aluminium Pack - $1,120
- Interior Carbon Pack - $2,370
- Interior Leather Pack - $1,160
- Interior Pack - Painted (extended) - $1,320
- Interior Pack - Painted - $1,100
- Interior Wood Pack - Extended - $2,800
- Interior Wood Pack - $2,370
- Interior Trim Pack - Contrast Stitching - $3,820
- Interior Trim Pack Extended - Contrast Stitching - $5,170
- Leather Backrests Spts Seats Plus - Contr Stitch - $2,760
- Leather Backrests Sports Seats Plus - $2,530
- Leather Dashboard Trim Package - $2,090
- Leather Door Trim Package - $1,010
- LED Headlights with Dynamic Light System Plus - $1,240
- Leather Fuse Box Cover - $490
- Leather Interior - Contrast Stitching - $3,230
- Leather Interior Pack Partial Leather Seats
- Leather Int Pack Partial Leather Seats - Two Tone
- Leather Interior Pack Leather Seats - $3,230
- Leather Inner Sill Guards - $870
- Leather Interior Two-Tone - $3,920
- Leather Onboard Folder - $720
- Leather Steering Column Surround - Contrast Stitch - $840
- Leather Seat Centre in Contrasting Colour - $900
- Leather Steering Column Surround - $620
- Leather Inner Sill Guards - Contrast Stitching - $1,090
- Leather Sunvisors - $780
- Model Designation Deletion
- Model Designation - Gloss Silver
- Model Designation Painted - $450
- Manufacturers Logo - Gloss Black
- Manufacturers Logo - Painted - $280
- Metallic Paint - $1,690
- (PASM) Sports Suspension with Lower Ride Height - $2,700
- Painted Alloy Wheels
- Painted Alloy Wheels - Special
- Paint Colour Special - $4,430
- Personalised Floor Mats - Leather Edging - $900
- Power Mirrors With Folding With Courtesy Light - $560
- Carrera S Wheels 20/21 inch - $1,030
- Carrera Classic Wheels 20/21 inch - $2,160
- 20/21 Turbo Wheels - $4,180
- Power Steering Plus
- Powered Sports Seats Plus - 4 Way
- Rear Apron - Painted - $880
- Rollover Bars - Painted - $960
- Sun Visors in Race-Tex - $780
- Storage Compartment Lid Logo/Crest in Race-Tex - $430
- Sports Chrono Instrument Dials - Coloured - $650
- Storage Compartment Lid Logo/Crest - $430
- Sports Chrono Package including Mode Switch - $3,400
- Sports Design Pack - Gloss Black - $5,600
- Sports Design Pack - $4,720
- Sports-look Pedals & Footrest - $340
- Smoke Pack - $100
- Storage Net - Front Passenger Footwell
- Style Pack - Exterior
- St/Steel Sill Guards Illuminated - Personalised - $1,910
- Surround Sound System Premium - $7,500
- Soft Top Colour - Special
- Standard Paint
- Silver Sports Tailpipes
- Tinted Rear Lights - $1,160
- Torque Vectoring with Rear Differential Lock - $2,470
- Titanium Wheel Bolts - $2,700
- Ventilated Front Seats - $1,750
- Vehicle Key Painted - Leather Pouch - $700
- Wheel Finish - Black - $1,030
- Wheel Finish - Satin - $1,030
- Wood Gear Selector - $950
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https://www.whichcar.com.au/specs/2023-porsche-718-boxster-style-edition-982-my23-petrol-2d-roadster-uD47N6VwnN
| 2024-12-16T06:25:33Z
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Whether you’re into competitive battles or just want something light-hearted and relaxing, there’s a browser game for everyone. Platforms like Little games make it super easy to access these games. You can hop in and play with your friends in just a few clicks. Let’s dive into the 8 best free multiplayer browser games that are sure to keep you and your friends entertained for hours.
1. StopotS: A Fun Word Challenge
Do you enjoy word games? Then StopotS is the perfect choice for you! In this game, players compete to come up with words that fit into specific categories (like fruits, animals, or countries) and start with a randomly chosen letter. The catch? You have to be quick! Whoever fills in all the categories first can press “STOP!” to end the round.
The fun doesn’t stop there. Everyone gets to review the answers, and this often leads to lots of laughs when someone’s creative (or silly) answers come out. With custom categories and the option to create private games for friends, StopotS makes every game session unique and enjoyable.
2. Deeeep.io: The Underwater Adventure
Ever wanted to explore life under the sea? Deeeep.io is a game that lets you do just that! You start as a small aquatic creature and eat your way to the top of the food chain by evolving into larger and more powerful sea animals.
The game gets even better when played with friends. You can team up and form a swarm or compete to see who can evolve the fastest. With its colorful underwater world and exciting gameplay, Deeeep.io is a great choice for a chilled-out gaming session.
3. Smash Karts: Racing With Weapons
Racing is fun, but what if you could race and battle at the same time? That’s exactly what Smash Karts offers. Players zoom around exciting tracks, picking up weapons like rockets and machine guns to knock out their opponents while aiming to cross the finish line.
The game is fast-paced, chaotic, and full of surprises. With its easy controls and bright visuals, Smash Karts is a great option for players who love action and competition.
4. Codenames: A Game of Strategy
If you’re into strategy games, you’ll love Codenames. In this game, players are divided into two teams, each led by a Spymaster. The Spymasters give one-word clues to help their teammates guess the correct words from a grid, but they must be careful to avoid the rival team’s words and the deadly assassin card.
This game is all about teamwork and thinking smart. Whether you’re playing with a big group or just a few friends, Codenames is guaranteed to keep everyone engaged and on their toes.
5. BuildNow GG: Build and Battle
BuildNow GG is an exciting game that mixes building and shooting. Players can build structures like walls and ramps to protect themselves while battling others. It’s like playing a creative version of a shooter game, and you can customize almost everything to suit your style.
The game has different modes, including a private party mode where you can play with just your friends. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, BuildNow GG is packed with fun and action.
6. Slither.io: A Classic Snake Twist
Remember the old Snake game? Slither.io takes that simple concept and turns it into a multiplayer frenzy. You control a snake that grows bigger as it eats glowing orbs. The goal? Become the largest snake on the server while avoiding collisions with other players.
It’s easy to learn but hard to master, making it perfect for quick gaming sessions with friends. Plus, the colorful snakes and glowing graphics make it even more enjoyable.
7. Gartic Phone: Draw, Guess, and Laugh
If you’re looking for a party game, Gartic Phone is a hilarious option. The game starts with each player writing a random phrase or prompt. Then, other players have to draw it. The catch? The drawings and guesses keep rotating, often leading to funny and completely unexpected results.
With its simple tools and creative gameplay, Gartic Phone is perfect for any group of friends. It’s a great way to show off your (sometimes terrible) drawing skills and share a good laugh.
8. Skribbl.io: A Fun Drawing Challenge
Do you enjoy drawing? Skribbl.io is like an online version of Pictionary. Players take turns drawing words while others try to guess what it is. The faster you guess, the more points you get!
The game is super simple and doesn’t require any fancy skills—just a bit of creativity and a sense of humor. Whether you’re an artist or someone who can barely draw stick figures, Skribbl.io is a fun and easy way to connect with friends.
Conclusion
Multiplayer browser games are an amazing way to bond with friends without the hassle of downloads or expensive gear. Whether you’re racing in Smash Karts, strategizing in Codenames, or laughing over silly drawings in Gartic Phone, there’s something for everyone.
Want to jump in? Check out Littlegames.io, where you can play all these games and more with just a click. Game nights have never been so simple or so much fun! So gather your friends, pick a game, and let the fun begin!
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https://techbullion.com/8-best-free-multiplayer-browser-games/
| 2024-12-16T06:25:35Z
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Canada Post says operations to resume after nearly a monthlong strike
Canada Post said operations will resume at the national postal service on Tuesday after the nearly monthlong work stoppage
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Canada Post said operations will resume at the national postal service on Tuesday after the nearly monthlong work stoppage.
Workers went on strike after failing to reach a negotiated agreement with the primary postal operator in Canada over key issues, including wages, job security, and how to staff a proposed expansion into weekend delivery.
The federal government moved Friday to end the stoppage after Labor Minister Steven MacKinnon announced referring the dispute to the Canada Industrial Relations Board, an independent administrative tribunal that focuses on resolving workplace disputes.
However, the board determined late Sunday that negotiations are at an impasse after two days of hearings and ordered the nearly 55,000 workers to return to work. This will also extend the current collective agreement until May 22, 2025.
Canada Post said it has agreed with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers to implement a 5% wage increase retroactive to the day after the collective agreement expired.
The labor minister had previously rebuffed calls for Ottawa to intervene, saying it’s up to the two sides to work out a deal. But he said Canadians — especially small businesses, people in remote communities and Indigenous people — have suffered greatly as a result of the strike.
MacKinnon noted Canada Post is built to deliver letters but their volume has dropped dramatically and there is a highly competitive parcel delivery market.
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https://www.independent.co.uk/news/ap-toronto-canada-ottawa-b2664878.html
| 2024-12-16T06:25:36Z
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China retail growth slows, agency calls for 2025 support
December 16, 2024Broadly positive Chinese economic data for November released on Monday also showed slower-than-expected growth of 3.3% in retail sales, much slower than in October and well adrift of the 4.6% forecast.
The slowdown came as a surprise because Beijing has been working to boost stimulus programs and encourage consumption, as it braces for possible headwinds as Donald Trump returns for a second term as US president, threatening increased tariffs.
China had implemented major online shopping promotions and government-subsidized trade-in programs boosting sales in things like cars, which were expected to buoy growth.
Markets in Shanghai and Hong Kong dipped as the news was announced on Monday morning. But by early afternoon, the Shanghai Exchange in particular had pared these losses and was back in the green, while the Hang Seng was down roughly 0.5%.
Chinese government pledging 'moderately loose' monetary policy
China's government has been trying to show it's working to kickstart consumption and reignite the world's second-largest economy.
Beijing last week announced new measures aimed at "lifting consumption vigorously" as part of a stimulus drive.
But as these left investors seemingly unimpressed, officials unveiled new promises over the weekend including a bid to boost the struggling property sector and change monitoring of equity markets.
President Xi Jinping said at the annual Central Economic Work Conference that the Chinese Communist Party would implement a "moderately loose" monetary policy, increase social financing and also reduce interest rates "at the right time."
Stats agency hints at tougher 2025 conditions
Despite concerns over the sluggish growth, and the more general downward trend compared to the rapid Chinese expansion achieved over the past couple of decades, Monday's figures remained robust.
Industrial output grew 5.4% compared to the previous November, a slight increase from October and in line with predictions.
Retail sales however dipped to 3.3% growth from 4.8% the previous month.
A spokesperson for the National Statistics Bureau warned while presenting the data that protectionism was on the rise and the agency anticipated tougher conditions next year.
They called for more efforts to promote economic recovery in 2025.
msh/sri (AFP, Reuters)
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https://www.dw.com/en/china-retail-growth-slows-agency-calls-for-2025-support/a-71063742?maca=en-rss-en-top-1022-rdf
| 2024-12-16T06:25:36Z
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Filmi Tunes to Groove to this Navratri
This Navratri here are some Bollywood tunes to help get your groove on
This Navratri here are some Bollywood tunes to help get your groove on
This Navratri it's time to prove your worth in dance moves and Bollywood has, over the years, given us tunes aplenty to help get your groove on. Here are just a few songs that'll have you itching to get your hands on a set of dandiya sticks...
Deepika Padukone raises the dance bar (no, not THAT one) impossibly high with her breathtaking garba moves in Nagada Sangh Dhol from Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Ramleela'
Another favourite, also courtesy SLB, is Dholi Taro Dhol Baaje from the 1999 hit 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam'. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Salman Khan, who began dating during the filming of the movie, brought their chemistry to the dance floor and the result was a high-energy performance that dancers try to match every year at Navratri pandals
If you fancy more folksy flavour, Shubhaarambh from 'Kai Po Che' will be right up your alley
Even though 'Saraswati Chandra' released in the 60s, the song Main Toh Bhool Chali Babul Ka Desh, picturised on the gorgeous Nutan, continues to be a favourite at pandals the world over
Gracy Singh might not have starred in too many hits but she does have a foot-tapping dandiya number in Radha Kaise Na Jale from 'Lagaan' to her credit
The sweet Ghoonghat Mein Chand from 'Khoobsurat', that starred Sanjay Dutt and Urmila Matondkar, also often makes an appearance in the DJ set list at pandals
Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla gave garba and dandiya as we knew it, a makeover with Disco Dandiya from the 1989 movie 'Love Love Love'. The song paved the way for experimentation using traditional tunes with modern beats
The 2000 flick 'Dil Hi Dil Mein' might have not resonated with audiences, but the AR Rahman-composed song Chand Aaya Hai Zameen Pe certainly did
The hit jodi of Hrithik Roshan and Ameesha Patel came together to play dandiya in O Re Gori from 'Aap Mujhe Achche Lagne Lage'
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https://www.indiatimes.com/entertainment/9-navratri-songs-from-bollywood-films-104678.html
| 2024-12-16T06:25:36Z
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Jamie Foxx opens up on vicious attack at his birthday dinner
Los Angeles, Dec 16 (IANS) Hollywood star Jamie Foxx, who is known for ‘Django Unchained’, has said he is "too blessed to be stressed" after he was involved in an altercation at his birthday dinner recently.
A spokesperson for the 57-year-old actor and comedian said someone from another table at a restaurant in Beverly Hills threw a glass that hit him in the mouth, reports ‘Mirror.co.uk’.
After being hit, the actor had to get stitches and is now recovering. Police were called to the scene, with the spokesperson saying " the matter is now in law enforcement's hands”.
Speaking out for the first time since reports of the altercation emerged, Jamie wrote on Instagram, "The devil is busy... but I'm too blessed to be stressed”.
As per ‘Mirror.co.uk’, he also thanked his fans for watching his Netflix show, as he added in the caption, "The devil is a lie. Can’t win here… thank you to everybody that pray and check on me, when your light is shining bright, they try to bring you darkness but they don't know that you're built for it, the lights have been shining bright, and huge thank yous to everyone that have watched and been inspired by 'What Had Happened Was' number 1 on @netflix if you haven't checked it out please go check it out it's from my heart and my soul”.
It comes days after the actor revealed for the first time exactly what happened during his terrifying health crisis last year.
Jamie broke down in tears as said he suffered a stroke caused by a bleed on the brain, meaning he "saw a tunnel" and believed he was dying after "losing 20 days”.
The ‘Django Unchained’ actor was hospitalised in April last year after suffering a mystery "medical complication" which his family decided to keep private.
The comedian has now opened up about his experience for the first time. Speaking in his new Netflix special 'Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was....', he said, "On April 11, I was having a bad headache, and I asked my boy for Aspirin. I realised quickly that when you're in a medical emergency, your boys don't know what the f*** to do”.
He went on, "I don't remember 20 days”. At one point the teary-eyed star admitted to his live audience after declaring he was "back", "You don't know how good this feels”.
Disclaimer: This story has not been edited by the Sakshi Post team and is auto-generated from syndicated feed.
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https://www.sakshipost.com/news/jamie-foxx-opens-vicious-attack-his-birthday-dinner-359229
| 2024-12-16T06:25:38Z
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| 2024-12-16T06:25:39Z
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China's economy logs a lackluster performance in November as retail sales slow
China has reported its economy logged a mixed performance in November, with retail sales slowing as consumers refrained from spending on non-essentials like cosmetics, alcohol and jewelry
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Your support makes all the difference.China’s economy logged a mixed performance in November, the monthly government update said Monday, with retail sales slowing as consumers held back on spending on non-essentials like cosmetics, alcohol and clothing.
Officials said the economy was generally stable with positive signs including a slight improvement in the property sector.
“However, we must also see that the external environment is more complicated, domestic demand is insufficient, some enterprises are facing difficulties in production and operation, and the foundation for the sustained recovery of the economy still needs to be consolidated,” Fu Linghui, a spokesperson for the National Bureau of Statistics told reporters.
The report came days after top leaders ended an annual planning meeting that produced no major new policy initiatives as Beijing braces for potential tariff hikes once U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
Retail sales rose 3% from a year earlier, down from a 4.8% increase in October and from the 3.5% annual rate in January-November.
Factory output rose 5.4%, nearly flat compared with the previous month, while investment in fixed assets like factories slowed.
Overall, property prices fell and home sales also declined in most cities, the report said, as China endures a downturn in its real estate market after regulators cracked down on excessive borrowing by developers that plunged the whole industry into crisis.
The disruptions to jobs and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic have further weighed on the world's second-largest economy.
A closer look at the numbers released Monday showed sharp increases in some categories of consumer spending last month, especially appliances and vehicles that are subject to government rebates as part of a cash-for-clunkers and other programs meant to get people to replace older appliances and cars with newer ones.
The report said auto sales rose 6.6% in November over a year earlier, but have fallen 0.7% year-on-year so far this year. Sales of appliances jumped more than 22%, and have climbed 9.6% so far this year.
However, sales of cosmetics, alcohol and other beverages, jewelry and clothing all fell in November.
Chinese leaders pledged to take a more proactive approach in pepping up the economy after their two-day planning meeting last week, but gave no details on stimulus measures.
Fu told reporters the government expects the economy to meet the target for about 5% annual growth this year.
Markets in China had climbed on renewed hopes for a stronger dose of stimulus to help the counter weak consumer spending that has kept the economy growing this year at a rate slightly slower than the government’s official target of about 5%.
On Monday, Hong Kong's Hang Seng index fell 0.6% while the Shanghai Composite index was little changed. The Hang Seng property index fell 1.2%.
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https://www.independent.co.uk/news/china-ap-bangkok-donald-trump-beijing-b2664874.html
| 2024-12-16T06:25:42Z
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China retail growth slows, agency calls for 2025 support
December 16, 2024Broadly positive Chinese economic data for November released on Monday also showed slower-than-expected growth of 3.3% in retail sales, much slower than in October and well adrift of the 4.6% forecast.
The slowdown came as a surprise because Beijing has been working to boost stimulus programs and encourage consumption, as it braces for possible headwinds as Donald Trump returns for a second term as US president, threatening increased tariffs.
China had implemented major online shopping promotions and government-subsidized trade-in programs boosting sales in things like cars, which were expected to buoy growth.
Markets in Shanghai and Hong Kong dipped as the news was announced on Monday morning. But by early afternoon, the Shanghai Exchange in particular had pared these losses and was back in the green, while the Hang Seng was down roughly 0.5%.
Chinese government pledging 'moderately loose' monetary policy
China's government has been trying to show it's working to kickstart consumption and reignite the world's second-largest economy.
Beijing last week announced new measures aimed at "lifting consumption vigorously" as part of a stimulus drive.
But as these left investors seemingly unimpressed, officials unveiled new promises over the weekend including a bid to boost the struggling property sector and change monitoring of equity markets.
President Xi Jinping said at the annual Central Economic Work Conference that the Chinese Communist Party would implement a "moderately loose" monetary policy, increase social financing and also reduce interest rates "at the right time."
Stats agency hints at tougher 2025 conditions
Despite concerns over the sluggish growth, and the more general downward trend compared to the rapid Chinese expansion achieved over the past couple of decades, Monday's figures remained robust.
Industrial output grew 5.4% compared to the previous November, a slight increase from October and in line with predictions.
Retail sales however dipped to 3.3% growth from 4.8% the previous month.
A spokesperson for the National Statistics Bureau warned while presenting the data that protectionism was on the rise and the agency anticipated tougher conditions next year.
They called for more efforts to promote economic recovery in 2025.
msh/sri (AFP, Reuters)
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https://www.dw.com/en/china-retail-growth-slows-agency-calls-for-2025-support/a-71063742?maca=en-rss-en-world-4025-rdf
| 2024-12-16T06:25:42Z
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Construction projects demand precision, reliability, and adherence to quality standards. Among the many factors that influence a project’s success, testing construction materials is perhaps the most overlooked but critical. This is where AASHTO Lab testing steps in, ensuring every material used in construction thrives under specific environmental and structural conditions. Partnering with a professional material testing service like Aardvark Geotechnical Engineering can make the difference between a long-standing project and one fraught with costly repairs and failures.
This blog will highlight the essential benefits, processes, and services offered by AASHTO labs, focusing on the scope provided at Aardvark Geotechnical Consulting. By the end, you’ll understand why testing your construction materials is a non-negotiable.
What is AASHTO Lab Testing?
AASHTO, or the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, provides standard guidelines for material testing to ensure their durability, practicality, and suitability in modern construction. AASHTO-accredited labs adhere to rigorous quality and testing standards, making them the gold standard when you’re looking to maintain top construction quality.
At its core, AASHTO lab testing involves analyzing a variety of materials such as aggregates, soil, concrete, asphalt, and even structural steel. The goal is to confirm whether these materials meet the project’s engineering requirements, legal standards, and environmental conditions.
Some key areas AASHTO testing deals with include:
- Gradation testing for aggregates
- Compaction and density tests for soil
- Cylinder compression tests for concrete
- Adhesion and cohesion pull tests for fireproofing
- Specific gravity and extraction analysis for asphalt
Why is Material Testing Crucial for Construction Projects?
Think about construction materials as the foundation of your project—not just structurally but metaphorically as well. Compromising on material quality or skipping essential testing can lead to significant issues such as:
- Structural Failures: Weak or low-quality materials can cause buildings or highways to collapse.
- Environmental Degradation: Certain materials may not survive the test of time in specific climates.
- Safety Concerns: Low-quality materials can turn a commercial or residential space into a hazard.
- Cost Overrun: While testing might feel like an upfront expense, poorly selected materials will cost thousands (or millions) in repairs.
Key Material Testing Services Offered by AASHTO Labs
To ensure quality assurance in construction, labs like Aardvark Geotechnical Engineering perform a host of tests. Here’s a breakdown of their methodologies across different construction materials:
- Soil and Aggregate Testing
Every structure requires a stable and strong foundation. Soil and aggregate testing ensures that the materials below the surface are just as dependable as their counterparts above the ground.
Aardvark provides robust soil and aggregate services such as:
- Gradation (Sieve) Analysis to classify aggregate particles by size
- Moisture/Density Tests to evaluate soil’s load-bearing capacity
- Field Compaction Testing to ensure proper soil density at construction sites
- Electrical and Thermal Resistivity Tests for subsurface evaluation
- Permeability Testing, measuring how easily water moves through soil
These tests address challenges like soil erosion during rain or shifting foundations caused by loose soils. Meticulous soil evaluations preempt construction failures.
- Concrete Testing
Concrete is a project backbone, whether it’s skyscrapers, bridges, or sidewalks. But did you know that even slight inconsistencies in concrete composition can reduce its structural integrity?
Common tests performed by Aardvark include:
- Slump Tests to gauge concrete consistency and workability
- Cylinder Compression Tests that determine load-bearing capacity
- Field Coring Services for quality assurance of poured concrete
- Swiss Hammer & Windsor Probe Testing that assesses surface hardness
Combining expertise with advanced tools, Aardvark ensures your concrete is flawless and resilient.
- Asphalt Testing
Road-building and street infrastructure require durable asphalt materials. AASHTO labs check for potential weak spots to ensure safe, long-lasting pavements.
Key asphalt evaluations include:
- Field Compaction Testing to ensure roads meet density standards
- Extraction Analysis for assessing bitumen content quality
- Specific Gravity Tests to determine material stability and suitability
Proper asphalt testing directly translates into better road safety, improved durability, and reduced maintenance costs down the line.
- Structural Steel Testing
Durable steel is critical for creating safe frameworks in buildings, bridges, and large structures. Certified labs, such as Aardvark, utilize AWS or NDT-certified personnel to perform:
- Steel Bolt & Decking Inspection for faultless installation
- Special Structural Inspections, ensuring each beam and joint is defect-free
Ensuring steel stability protects the overall skeleton of your construction project from both immediate damage and years of wear and tear.
- Masonry Testing
Whether you’re building charming historical facades or modern structures, masonry plays an aesthetic and functional role. Tests include:
- Compression Testing for Mortar & Grout to confirm sturdiness
- Absorption Rates that check moisture resistance
- Concrete Masonry Strength Testing, crucial for wall stability
These small but impactful evaluations ensure walls stand tall and resist external factors like heavy rains or seismic shocks.
- Fireproof Testing
Safety-driven construction can’t skip fire standards. Fire-resistance tests, such as thickness measurements and adhesion pull tests, ensure your fireproofing measures are effective. Aardvark’s team cross-verifies all materials and application procedures, leaving no room for error.
Why Choose Aardvark Geotechnical Engineering for your AASHTO Testing Needs?
While many labs provide material testing services, Aardvark differentiates itself with a customer-first approach, technical expertise, and cutting-edge technology. Clients across Massachusetts (MA), Rhode Island (RI), New Hampshire (NH), Connecticut (CT), Delaware (DE), Vermont (VT), and Maine (ME) praise them as an indispensable project partner.
What Sets Aardvark Apart?
- Comprehensive material testing compliant with AASHTO standards
- Services spanning residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects
- Use of modern testing methodologies for precision and speed
- Certified engineers and technicians ensuring expert analysis
Whether you need fireproofing verification, concrete strength determination, or asphalt stability checks, Aardvark is your answer.
Practical Steps to Start Testing with AASHTO Labs
Are you unsure about how to integrate testing into your project timeline? Here’s how you can get started:
- Get in Touch: Contact a trusted lab like Aardvark to discuss your project needs.
- Provide Material Samples: Share the required materials (soil, concrete, etc.) to reflect actual site conditions.
- Receive a Comprehensive Report: Labs perform tests and deliver actionable insights to ensure top-quality construction.
- Modify Your Plans, If Needed: Address any flagged issues proactively, avoiding future problems.
Build a Stronger Tomorrow with AASHTO Lab Testing
Your construction materials are the backbone of your project, so why take unnecessary risks? A report from an AASHTO-certified lab like Aardvark Geotechnical Engineering empowers you with actionable data and peace of mind. It’s not just about compliance—it’s about sustainability, safety, and efficiency.
Whether you’re building a skyscraper in Boston or a transportation hub in New Hampshire, don’t leave your material testing to chance. Reach out to Aardvark today to put science and engineering at the forefront of your project.
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https://techbullion.com/aashto-lab-tests-essential-tools-for-quality-control-in-construction/
| 2024-12-16T06:25:42Z
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https://www.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/deepika-talks-about-her-first-kiss-104848.html
| 2024-12-16T06:25:43Z
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Kumaraswamy celebrates birthday with visually impaired children, PM Modi extends wishes
New Delhi, Dec 16 (IANS) Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, celebrated his 65th birthday on Monday in a heartfelt manner with visually impaired children in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his wishes to Kumaraswamy through social media on the occasion.
Taking to X, PM Modi wrote: "Birthday wishes to Union Minister Shri HD Kumaraswamy Ji. He is a very experienced public figure and has always been actively serving society. He is making important contributions towards developing the steel and heavy industries sectors, which are vital to becoming self-reliant. May he lead a long and healthy life."
To mark his special day, Kumaraswamy offered prayers at a Shiv temple near his residence in Hauz Khas, New Delhi. Later, he visited the National Association for the School for Special Children in R.K. Puram, Sector 5, where he celebrated his birthday in a simple yet meaningful way.
During the visit, Kumaraswamy distributed sweaters and sweets to the children and spent time interacting with them, spreading joy and warmth.
In an address to his supporters and party workers, Kumaraswamy expressed gratitude for their unwavering support, saying, "Every year, you celebrate my birthday in a very meaningful way, giving purpose to my life. You are the pillars behind my political success. With deep gratitude, I humbly request that my birthday not be celebrated in a grand manner this year."
He further emphasized the ongoing Parliament session in New Delhi and the concurrent session at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi, stating, "Please bless and wish me from wherever you are. That is enough for me. If possible, extend your help to society and the underprivileged. Serving people is the core principle of the Janata Dal (Secular) party, and that will be the greatest gift you can give me."
Hailing from the Hassan district of Karnataka, Kumaraswamy is the son of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda. A seasoned politician, he has served as the Chief Minister of Karnataka twice and currently represents the Mandya Parliamentary constituency. Kumaraswamy is also known for his contributions to the film industry as a producer.
Disclaimer: This story has not been edited by the Sakshi Post team and is auto-generated from syndicated feed.
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https://www.sakshipost.com/news/kumaraswamy-celebrates-birthday-visually-impaired-children-pm-modi-extends-wishes-359216
| 2024-12-16T06:25:44Z
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BREAKING: Emergency bushfire warning in place for Wheatbelt area
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| 2024-12-16T06:25:46Z
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Survivors seek a reckoning as FBI investigates child sex abuse in little-known Christian sect
A small Christian sect that for decades was little noticed by the outside world has found itself riven by a very public child sex abuse scandal
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Your support makes all the difference.Nearly every detail about the religious group Lisa Webb’s family belonged to was hidden from the outside world. Its followers met in homes rather than churches. Its leadership structure was hard to discern, its finances opaque. It didn’t even have an official name.
But for decades, no secret was as closely guarded as the identities of the sexual predators inside the group known as the “Two by Twos.”
Now a growing number of public allegations from around the world have prompted a broad investigation by the FBI and placed an uncomfortable spotlight on the long-quiet Christian sect. Survivors say the group's leaders protected child-abusing ministers by pressuring victims to forgive, ignoring legal reporting requirements and by transferring abusers to new locations to live with unsuspecting families.
Ministry leaders have publicly condemned the abuse but several declined to answer questions from The Associated Press.
For Webb, who was sexually abused by one of the group's ministers as a child, the attention has brought an unexpected sense of “strength in numbers.”
“There are so many who are frustrated and disheartened," said Webb. "But there's also camaraderie in that, and support.”
A website, a hotline and social media pages established by victims have documented allegations against more than 900 abusers, with survivors in more than 30 countries and cases continuing to emerge. In the past year, news stories and a Hulu documentary have focused on the sect’s predator preachers and the leaders who enabled them.
While perpetrators have been sentenced to prison in isolated cases, the sect has largely avoided legal repercussions, protected by its decentralized structure, hidden finances and state laws that limit the timeline for criminal charges.
The secret sect's origin story
The sect, also known to its members as “The Way” or “The Truth,” was founded in Ireland in 1897 by William Irvine, who railed against the existence of churches. The only way to spread Christianity, he argued, was to do as Jesus instructed in the Book of Matthew: to send apostles out to live among those they sought to convert.
The sect grew as volunteer preachers — known as workers — went “two by two” to live in the family homes of followers for days or weeks at a time. Sect historians say there were up to a few million members just a few decades ago, but current estimates put the figure at 75,000 to 85,000 worldwide.
Unlike the Boy Scouts or the Catholic Church, which have paid out billions to sex abuse victims, the sect’s aversion to property leaves it without apparent assets that might be used to pay settlements, legal experts say.
Workers are supposed to shun worldly possessions, relying on followers for food, shelter and transportation. But that also ensures abusive workers have access to potential victims.
Webb was abused by a preacher who stayed with her family in Michigan when she was 11. The man, Peter Mousseau, was convicted much later — after he expressed an interest in visiting her in 2008 and she decided to pursue charges. A regional overseer to whom she previously reported the abuse was later convicted for failing to report abuse allegations against another local worker.
“You have this mindset that they are angels in your home. They can do no wrong, so you don’t have any kind of wall up,” she said. “It was just the perfect storm created, the perfect recipe for this kind of behavior.”
Abusers live among their victims
Sheri Autrey had just turned 14 when a 28-year-old worker moved into her family's home in Visalia, California, for two months.
He began abusing her immediately, sneaking to her room at night and taking her for daytime drives. He turned up the radio whenever the Hall & Oates song “Maneater” came on, singing: “Watch out boy, she’ll chew you up.”
When Autrey revealed the abuse to her mother a few years later, her mom reported it to the sect's regional overseer, who was in charge of all the workers in the area.
The overseer refused to warn other families. Instead, he sent the worker back to Autrey’s home to apologize.
Autrey, raised to be meek, erupted. Her family took her to the district attorney’s office but declined to put her through a prosecution.
“I would have to explain, explicitly, what happened,” Autrey said. "And I was in no way prepared for that.”
Decades later, Autrey was at a baseball game when “Maneater” came on. She had to walk around the stadium to calm herself down, and she resolved to send a letter about the abuse to hundreds of sect members.
“I wanted anyone else who was a victim to know she is not the only one,” Autrey said. “She needs to know there is help.”
Many more cases of abuse
One worker from Peru, Americo Quispe, was sent to Garland, Texas, in the early 2000s after facing allegations of inappropriate behavior in his home country. He soon found new victims, some of whose families went to police. He returned to Peru before he could be arrested.
Quispe was later convicted of molestation in Peru and sentenced to 30 years. He has never faced the charges in Texas.
Another worker, Ruben Mata, abused dozens of boys, among them 10-year-old Douglas Patterson, who was lured away from his family during a sect convention in the early 1990s. Patterson said he kept quiet about it because he feared his family would leave the sect — and thus be barred from eternal salvation — if he told.
Mata was eventually convicted in 2006 in a separate sex abuse case. He died in a California prison.
Members told to keep abuse reports quiet
A few months before Mata’s trial, the Saskatchewan, Canada, overseer, Dale Shultz, sent two letters to colleagues.
One was to be shown to any concerned members. It acknowledged Mata was a pedophile and that workers had been alerted to his abuse at least three times. The sect only notified authorities after Mata resigned, according to the letter.
The second was for staff. It said no copies should be made of the first letter.
“The purpose of the letter is to help those who have concerns, not to advertise a kingdom problem to those who either do not know about it or are not having a problem with it,” Shultz wrote.
In another case, a regional overseer for Arizona, Ed Alexander, wrote a letter to a child-molesting elder in 2005 observing that “we love our people very much and don’t want to report their misdeeds.”
The letter suggested the sect could fulfill its mandatory abuse-reporting obligations by recommending offenders get professional counseling, because then the counselors — rather than sect leaders — would be obligated to make the reports to police.
“They believe that child sexual assault is just a sin. Like, you’re a sinner, they are a sinner, it’s all just sin,” said Eileen Dickey, one of the man's victims. She reported the abuse to sect leaders because she was worried other children would be targeted.
“I was told never to talk about it," she said.
Alexander would not speak with The Associated Press: “Unfortunately, the media coverage has been so negative and one-sided that I am going to have to decline an interview,” he texted.
Former minister recounts culture of downplaying misdeeds
Jared Snyder spent more than two decades as an itinerant minister before becoming disillusioned and quitting. No one told him directly about abuse, Snyder said, but he occasionally heard rumors.
The sect's culture — which makes gossip taboo and places tremendous pressure on members to be merciful — meant that misdeeds big or small were downplayed, he said.
“One overseer just explicitly told me, ‘The less you know, the better off you are,’” he said.
As a worker, Snyder received no paychecks, retirement benefits or health insurance benefits, and he was discouraged from using banks. But he was never without spending money: Followers regularly offer cash to the workers, and Snyder said he frequently had thousands of dollars in his pockets.
Most of that money would get spent on building materials, food or other supplies at regional conventions, Snyder said.
The case that exposed the sect to more scrutiny
In June 2022, a regional overseer named Dean Bruer died in an Oregon motel room. Bruer, 67, had served in at least 22 states and territories and seven countries since 1976, according to a timeline compiled by Pam Walton, a former member who has used historical records and photographs to track the movements of predatory preachers.
Nine months after Bruer died, Doyle Smith, the overseer for Idaho and Oregon, wrote a letter to members. Evidence left on Bruer’s phone and laptop showed he had raped and abused multiple underage victims, Smith wrote.
“Dean was a sexual predator,” Smith wrote. “We never respect or defend such totally inappropriate behavior among us. There is a very united consensus among us that the only thing to do is to be transparent with all of you for obvious reasons, though this is very difficult.”
That transparency did not extend to dealings with local police. It was only after Autrey, another abuse survivor, and private investigator Cynthia Liles — all former sect members — pressured Smith that he turned Bruer’s laptop over to detectives, Autrey told the AP.
By then, the computer had been tampered with, according to records from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon. The web browser search history was cleared. Bruer’s Apple ID had been changed and files transferred out of his DropBox account. Bruer’s phone was never provided to police, and the “Find My iPhone” feature had been disabled.
“What web browsing history was present on the laptop that someone didn’t want anyone else knowing about?” Detective Jeffrey Burlew wrote in a police report. Unable to find any evidence of a crime within its jurisdiction, the office closed the investigation.
Smith did not respond to phone messages from the AP.
Survivors and law enforcement dig deeper
Though Autrey and others had long sought reforms in the sect, Bruer's death proved to be a catalyst. Autrey, Liles and another survivor launched a hotline, website and Facebook pages for survivors.
In February, the FBI's field office in Omaha, Nebraska, announced an investigation.
The outcry prompted some sect leaders to condemn the abuse and to ask consultants for advice on how to better protect members. But at least some regional overseers have ultimately declined to adopt recommended child abuse prevention policies — saying the only true code of conduct is the New Testament.
And some leaders still warn members against criticizing the sect.
At an August convention in Duncan, British Columbia, a worker helping to lead the event did not mention the abuse scandal directly but told members to lay aside “evil speakings.”
“It’s more easy to be critical than to be correct,” preached Robert Doecke, a worker from Australia. “If you feed on problems, it will only make more problems. But if you focus on the Lord, it will lead to solutions."
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https://www.independent.co.uk/news/fbi-ap-christian-idaho-boise-b2664871.html
| 2024-12-16T06:25:48Z
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Avalanche has made waves in the crypto market with a $250 million investment from major players like Galaxy Digital and Dragonfly Capital, sparking anticipation for its upcoming Avalanche9000 upgrade.
At the same time, the Stellar ecosystem is making strides with its “Build Better” initiative, which empowers communities to innovate in Web3 and expand practical financial applications.
Amid these developments, BlockDAG (BDAG) has captivated crypto enthusiasts with its record-breaking $166 million presale, bringing in $5 million daily. Whale activity around BDAG is soaring as traders hurry to secure their share before the next price hike. Analysts are optimistic, predicting BDAG could reach $20 by 2027, adding to the growing excitement.
Avalanche News: $250M Investment Powers Expansion
Avalanche’s recent announcement of a $250 million investment from major players like Galaxy Digital and Dragonfly Capital has electrified the market. This funding will accelerate Avalanche’s growth and strategic collaborations. Its upcoming Avalanche9000 upgrade, set for December 16, is expected to revolutionize the blockchain landscape.
With its innovative “subnets” for faster transactions and a subscription model tailored for developers, Avalanche has become a leader in horizontal scaling. These advancements solidify its position as a key player in decentralized finance, laying the groundwork for greater adoption and innovation.
Stellar Launches Web3 Initiative “Build Better”
The Stellar ecosystem has taken an ambitious step with its “Build Better” initiative. This program emphasizes community engagement to fuel Web3 breakthroughs, bridging the gap between visionaries and developers. By fostering impactful solutions, Stellar strengthens its mission to enhance global financial systems.
With over 550 million tokenized assets and 475,000 cash-to-crypto ramps across 180 countries, Stellar continues to expand its real-world applications. The initiative not only empowers users but also reinforces Stellar’s role as a leader in blockchain-based financial solutions.
BlockDAG’s $166M Presale Breaks Records with Whale Activity
BlockDAG’s presale has taken the crypto world by storm, pulling in up to $5 million daily—an impressive sign of soaring whale activity and growing confidence among traders. With $166 million raised and over 17.1 billion coins already sold, BlockDAG is quickly advancing toward its $600 million target. Analysts anticipate a massive price surge to $20 by 2027, making BlockDAG one of the most exciting cryptos to watch in 2024.
Currently priced at just $0.0234 in batch 26, BDAG has delivered an astounding 2240% ROI for early adopters since batch 1. Whales are aggressively accumulating BDAG, drawn by its cutting-edge tech ecosystem and potential to dominate the blockchain space in the future. Demand continues to soar, fueling a buying frenzy that shows no signs of slowing down.
BlockDAG’s Mainnet, now in its audit phase, marks a key milestone in its journey toward creating a scalable, high-performance blockchain ecosystem. As Avalanche’s recent updates settle and Stellar refines its Web3 efforts, BlockDAG stands out as the frontrunner for innovation and growth. With the opportunity to secure BDAG at current prices quickly diminishing, buyers are rushing to grab their share before the coin heads toward its projected $20 valuation.
Summing Up!
Avalanche’s recent $250 million investment reinforces its status as a frontrunner in blockchain scalability, while Stellar’s “Build Better” initiative takes Web3 innovation to new heights by empowering community-driven ideas. Both projects showcase impressive progress, but BlockDAG’s explosive growth remains unrivaled.
With its ongoing presale generating $166 million and early adopters enjoying an extraordinary 2240% ROI, BlockDAG is outpacing its competitors. Analysts project BDAG could reach $20 by 2027, sparking massive interest and a surge in whale activity, as demand continues to climb to record-breaking levels.
While Stellar sharpens its focus and Avalanche benefits from institutional support, BlockDAG emerges as the leading crypto to watch in 2024, offering unparalleled potential for transformative gains.
- Presale: https://purchase.blockdag.network
- Website: https://blockdag.network
- Telegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetworkOfficial
- Discord: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu
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https://techbullion.com/analysts-say-20-for-blockdag-is-coming-whale-activity-surges-avalanches-update-stellars-moves-shake-the-market/
| 2024-12-16T06:25:49Z
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Kangana Ranaut went to great lengths to prepare for her role as a 'mujrewali' in the upcoming 'Rajjo'. The film, directed by Vishwas Patil, is a love story between her, a Muslim, and a teenage Brahmin boy, essayed by Paras Arora.
The indiatimes.com privacy policy has been updated to align with the new data regulations in European Union. Please review and accept these changes below to continue using the website. We use cookies to ensure the best experience for you on our website.
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https://www.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/kangana-ranaut-visited-kothas-105116.html
| 2024-12-16T06:25:49Z
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SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
Starting January 1, all Italian companies will be required to carry insurance against natural disasters. The move comes as Italy faces more and more of them made more extreme by global warming. The G20 Climate Risk Atlas estimates that without reducing emissions drastically to address the climate crisis, Italy could lose nearly 4% of its GDP by 2050. That's tens of billions of dollars. To help us understand more about the new policy and how it compares to what other countries are doing to manage climate risks. We are joined by Petra Hielkema, chairperson for the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority. Welcome to ALL THINGS CONSIDERED.
PETRA HIELKEMA: Thank you. Thank you, Scott, for having me.
DETROW: Let's start with this. Can you, first of all, just help us understand the logic behind this lawj? Like, how does carrying insurance against natural disasters contribute to these broader climate goals?
HIELKEMA: Yeah, that's a great question. And it's a question, actually, that is asked in many capitals of the world, I would almost say. Why? What we've seen is that with climate change, there's a lot of climate events that are happening in many countries, also in Italy, and they range from floods to drought to thunderstorms that result in damages. Some of those damages are insured but not a lot. And so often, the government steps then in and covers for losses.
This has become unsustainable. And the reason for that is that major disasters keep happening at a pace much quicker, faster than we have seen so far. And that means that damages are going up very quickly as well. And as such, the question is, if this trend - and it's likely to continue - of more damages per year because of climate events is continuing, how are we going to pay for the damages?
DETROW: So is the goal to help make sure that all of the costs are paid for, or is the goal to make businesses better understand the real cost here and maybe not build in the vulnerable place to begin with?
HIELKEMA: Well, I think that is exactly what we need to get to. I think the first, of course, is that you want to - I think everyone wants people to get help. I mean, if you look at the television, you see the events, help is needed, and rebuilding is needed. However, at the same time, we also need to ask ourselves, can we limit the damages? Can we avoid damages? And that can indeed mean that you don't build somewhere or you move. But it could also mean that you adapt, actually, buildings. And having insurance in the place is actually putting risk managers in a position not only to assess the risk and pay when things happen, but also to assess the risk and then indicate what measures could be taken to avoid damages in the future.
DETROW: So we're talking about Italy here. I'm curious what other countries are doing. Are there similar policies or laws in place? Is this a conversation elsewhere?
HIELKEMA: This is definitely a conversation in Europe but also in the U.K. and elsewhere. Very concrete, Spain and Italy have schemes currently in place that are addressed not only to businesses, but also to citizens. So does Switzerland. We have been assessing 12 of these schemes now, and we will be publishing a report next Wednesday where we will discuss these schemes but also do some proposals on what you could think of when you want to establish a scheme like this also on an EU level.
DETROW: That is Petra Hielkema, chairperson for the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority. Thank you so much for helping us understand this a little better.
HIELKEMA: Thanks, Scott.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC) Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.wvxu.org/2024-12-14/a-look-at-italys-plan-to-force-companies-to-carry-insurance-against-risks-posed-by-climate-change
| 2024-12-16T06:25:49Z
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**Exciting developments are underway as plans for the first-ever Quantum Computing technology park advance rapidly.** This initiative is set to not only uplift the South Shore neighborhood but also bring a range of benefits to the broader region.
The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park will rise on a segment of the former US Steel South Works site. Professing significant advancements in technology, University of Illinois Professor Harley Johnson, who is overseeing the Park’s development, highlights that PsyQuantum, a pivotal collaborator, will employ a supercomputer to address complex challenges, including crafting genetically tailored medicines. Such endeavors will demand immense computational power to derive effective chemical formulations.
Moreover, the potential applications extend to the financial sector, focusing on fraud detection by analyzing vast data sets to uncover unusual patterns, ultimately assisting both financial institutions and consumers alike. Quantum industry experts emphasize that this cutting-edge technology could revolutionize transportation systems, enhancing both efficiency and safety in flight navigation.
With PsyQuantum and IBM as primary developers, the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park promises to be a groundbreaking project. Tenth Ward Alderman Peter Chico underscores the optimism surrounding this development, emphasizing job creation and educational opportunities linking local schools to the campus.
Experts predict that by 2035, the region could see approximately 190,000 Quantum-related jobs and an economic boost of $80 million, with the park’s completion anticipated in 2026.
Unlocking the Future: How Quantum Computing Park Will Transform the South Shore
## The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park: A Game-Changer for Technology and Economy
Exciting advancements in quantum computing are set to reshape not only the local South Shore community but also the broader landscape of technology and industry. The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, a pioneering initiative built on the historic grounds of the former US Steel South Works site, aims to be a beacon of innovation, collaboration, and job creation.
### Features of the Quantum Park
The park will feature state-of-the-art facilities, designed to foster research and development in quantum computing and microelectronics. This includes dedicated spaces for startups, established tech firms, and academic institutions to collaborate on groundbreaking projects. The goal is to create an ecosystem that accelerates technological advancements and drives economic growth.
#### Collaboration with Leading Tech Firms
One of the standout partners in this ambitious project is **PsyQuantum**, known for its cutting-edge supercomputing capabilities. They will be tackling challenges in various fields such as:
– **Pharmaceutical Development**: Crafting genetically tailored medicines that require extensive computational analysis.
– **Financial Sector Innovations**: Utilizing quantum algorithms for real-time fraud detection by scrutinizing large data sets.
Additionally, tech giants like **IBM** will play a crucial role, likely enhancing the park’s capacity for research and real-world applications.
### Economic Impact and Job Creation
According to experts, the park is projected to create around **190,000 quantum-related jobs** by 2035, with a potential economic boost of **$80 million**. This growth will be fueled by the demand for skilled professionals in various sectors:
– Software development
– Data analysis
– Quantum hardware engineering
Local leaders, including Tenth Ward Alderman **Peter Chico**, emphasize the importance of linking educational institutions to developments within the park, paving the way for training programs that align with industry needs.
### Pros and Cons of the Quantum Initiative
#### Pros:
– **Job Creation**: Significant employment opportunities in a high-demand field.
– **Educational Links**: Strengthening ties between local schools and the park to cultivate future talent.
– **Economic Boost**: Potential for millions in economic development and increased local investment.
#### Cons:
– **Resource Allocation**: Concerns about the funding and resources needed to sustain the park long-term.
– **Technological Barriers**: The complexity of quantum computing may present challenges in translating research into practical applications.
### Use Cases of Quantum Technology
The applications of quantum computing extend beyond what’s currently imagined. Some potential use cases include:
– **Transport Systems Enhancement**: Revolutionizing navigation and logistics with advanced computational power to analyze traffic patterns and improve safety measures.
– **Energy Management**: Optimizing energy consumption and smart grid systems using quantum algorithms.
### Future Trends and Innovations
As the project progresses, experts anticipate several trends shaping the quantum computing landscape:
1. **Increased Investment**: More venture capital and public funding flowing into quantum research.
2. **Collaborative Research Models**: Universities, corporations, and government entities working together more effectively.
3. **Sustainability**: Quantum computing has the potential to develop solutions for complex sustainability challenges, particularly in energy and resource management.
### The Park’s Timeline and Expectations
The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park is slated for completion in **2026**, positioning itself at the forefront of technological advancements just as the quantum computing sector is poised for exponential growth.
### Conclusion
The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park is not just a technological initiative; it represents a transformative opportunity for the community, catalyzing economic growth, job creation, and innovation in multiple sectors. As we approach the completion date, the excitement around this groundbreaking project continues to build, promising a future enriched by quantum possibilities.
For more information on technological advancements and related topics, visit the University of Illinois at illinois.edu.
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https://www.yanoticias.es/uncategorized-en/transforming-the-future-with-quantum-tech-a-new-era-begins-in-chicago/12603/
| 2024-12-16T06:25:49Z
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At least 25 Palestinians killed by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza
Gaza, Dec 16 (IANS) At least 25 Palestinians were killed in two Israeli airstrikes targeting a school sheltering displaced people and a civil defence centre in the Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian sources.
Marwan al-Hams, an official at Gaza-based health authorities, told Xinhua that on Sunday about 21 Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a school for displaced people in Khan Younis, while dozens of others, mostly women and children, were injured.
A Xinhua photographer at the scene witnessed bloodied bodies of the dead and wounded among the rubble of the top floor of the school, which belongs to The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military on the attack, Xinhua news agency reported.
In central Gaza, four members of the civil defence, including a journalist, were killed in an airstrike targeting an emergency post in the middle of the Nuseirat refugee camp, sources said.
Mahmoud Basal, spokesman for the civil defence in Gaza, accused Israel of committing a "heinous crime" against the civil defense teams. "The victims were carrying out their humanitarian and national duties," he told Xinhua.
The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate said in a press statement that among the dead was a journalist named Ahmed Al-Louh, who worked as a photographer for Qatar's Al Jazeera TV. However, the Israeli army accused him of being a military operative for the Islamic Jihad movement in Gaza.
In a statement issued later in the day, the Israeli army said its air force targeted a site in the Nuseirat camp used by "terrorists" to plan and carry out attacks against the Israeli Defense Forces.
Israel has been waging a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on October 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and about 250 taken hostage.
The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 44,976, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Sunday.
Disclaimer: This story has not been edited by the Sakshi Post team and is auto-generated from syndicated feed.
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https://www.sakshipost.com/news/least-25-palestinians-killed-israeli-airstrikes-gaza-359227
| 2024-12-16T06:25:50Z
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By MICHAEL MAROT
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Mike Woodson won one Big Ten title and one NIT championship while playing for Bob Knight.
He’s hoping to celebrate a lot more frequently at his alma mater over the next several years.
Indiana hired the former star player as its new coach Sunday, issuing a four-word statement on Twitter — “Welcome home, Coach Woodson” — before the formal announcement.
Woodson returned to the New York Knicks as an assistant this season after previously serving as New York’s head coach for a little more than two seasons. He was expected to meet with his new players Sunday evening and will be introduced Monday.
“I have spoken with numerous individuals at the college and NBA levels, and they were unanimous in their support of and respect for Mike,” athletic director Scott Dolson said. “From his ability in terms of X’s and O’s to his skill at building relationships and developing players, his reputation is outstanding. As a coach, he’s succeeded at the highest levels of the NBA, and he’s mentored some of the game’s all-time great players.”
The 63-year-old Indianapolis native was a college star, finishing his playing career as the second-leading scorer in Hoosiers history. After graduating in 1980, he went to play in the NBA and then spent his entire coaching career at the professional level. In nine seasons as coach, most of those with the Atlanta Hawks, Woodson went 315-365.
“We know it is a very special opportunity for Mike to return to his alma mater as head coach and wish him the very best,” Knicks president Leon Rose said in a statement posted on Twitter. “Woody had a great impact on our team’s play and culture this season and he will be missed.”
Woodson becomes the first Indiana alum hired as head coach since Lou Watson replaced Branch McCracken in 1965. Dan Dakich, who also played for Knight and is now a radio personality and color commentator on ESPN, was interim coach for seven games in 2008 after Kelvin Sampson was fired.
Woodson is the second Black coach and third minority to lead the program, after Mike Davis, Knight’s successor, and Sampson, who is Native American. He becomes one of 14 Black coaches in the Power Five and Big East conferences, a group that includes other NBA stalwarts in Juwan Howard (Michigan) and Patrick Ewing (Georgetown).
Reaction to the hiring was positive from those closest to the program.
“I love it. Woody is a proven coach,” former Indiana and New York Knicks star Jared Jeffries said. “He did an amazing job with our Knicks team. One of the nicest guys I’ve ever met. Most of all, understands our school better than anyone.”
Dolson may have telegraphed the move when he announced March 15 that Archie Miller had been fired after four mediocre seasons. In explaining what he was seeking in a coach, Dolson told reporters he wanted an updated offense that appealed to recruits and college players who hoped to play in the NBA.
Another attractive attribute is Woodson’s history of mentoring top players. During his NBA career, he’s worked with more than two dozen All-Stars. Fans have complained loudly about player development through most of the 21-year post-Knight era.
Some who played for Woodson believe he could be successful immediately.
“One of my favorite coaches to play for,” Jamal Crawford said.
An immediate concern for Woodson is that six Indiana players are currently in the transfer portal. His hiring could prompt at least some of those to reconsider.
To help with the transition, Dolson has hired former Ohio State coach Thad Matta as an associate athletic director for basketball administration. Matta, who played at Butler and later served as head coach at Butler and Xavier, also reportedly interviewed for the coaching job.
Woodson, who still ranks fifth all-time at Indiana with 2,061 points, was one of dozens of players who attended Knight’s return to Assembly Hall in February 2020.
___
More AP college basketball: and
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https://www.timesleader.com/wire/nation-world/1160427/hoosiers-bring-back-former-star-player-woodson-as-coach
| 2024-12-16T06:25:49Z
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Royal Mail takeover by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky ‘approved’
The takeover by Daniel Kretinsky’s EP Group from current owner International Distribution Services will be announced on Monday, the BBC reported
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Your support makes all the difference.The sale of Royal Mail’s parent company to a Czech billionaire has been approved by the Government, according to a BBC report.
The takeover by Daniel Kretinsky’s EP Group from current owner International Distribution Services will be announced on Monday, the BBC reported.
Mr Kretinsky is believed to have made several concessions to gain approval, including allowing workers to get a 10% share of any dividends paid out to him.
The government will reportedly keep a so-called “golden share” that will mean it needs to approve any key changes to Royal Mail’s ownership, headquarter location and tax residency.
He had already guaranteed not to raid the pensions surplus, to maintain the universal service and to keep the brand name and Royal Mail’s headquarters and tax residency in the UK for the next five years.
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https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/royal-mail-takeover-billionaire-daniel-kretinsky-net-worth-b2664877.html
| 2024-12-16T06:25:54Z
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Moving to a new apartment can be an exciting step, whether you’re upgrading to a bigger space or relocating to a new city. However, the process of packing, organizing, and settling in can feel overwhelming. The good news is that with the right strategies, you can simplify the experience and avoid unnecessary stress. Here, we share insider tips and tricks to help make your apartment move as seamless as possible.
1. Plan Ahead for a Smooth Move
The key to a stress-free move is preparation. Start by creating a checklist of tasks you need to accomplish, such as notifying your landlord, scheduling utilities, and gathering packing supplies. Having a timeline for each task ensures nothing gets overlooked and helps you stay on track.
Pro Tip:
Begin the planning process at least a month in advance to give yourself plenty of time to tackle tasks without feeling rushed.
2. Declutter Before You Pack
One of the biggest challenges of moving is dealing with the sheer amount of stuff you own. Use your move as an opportunity to declutter. Sort through your belongings and separate items into categories: keep, donate, sell, and toss.
Benefits of Decluttering:
- Saves time and effort when packing.
- Reduces moving costs, as you’ll have fewer boxes to transport.
- Helps you start fresh in your new space with only the items you truly need.
Donate gently used clothing, furniture, or kitchenware to local charities or sell items online for extra cash.
3. Pack Like a Pro
Packing efficiently is one of the most critical aspects of a stress-free move. Here are some tricks to streamline the process:
- Label Everything: Use color-coded labels or write detailed descriptions on each box, noting the room it belongs to and its contents.
- Pack Essentials Separately: Prepare a “first-night” box with essentials like toiletries, a change of clothes, basic kitchen items, and important documents.
- Use Everyday Items as Packing Supplies: Wrap fragile items in towels, blankets, or clothing to save on bubble wrap and reduce waste.
- Pack Vertically: For breakables like plates, stack them vertically in boxes, as this minimizes the chance of breakage.
4. Measure Your New Space
One common frustration during apartment moves is discovering that your furniture doesn’t fit through the doors or into the new layout. Before moving day, measure doorways, hallways, and the rooms in your new apartment. Compare these dimensions to your furniture to ensure everything will fit comfortably.
Bonus Hack:
If certain pieces won’t fit, consider disassembling them ahead of time. Keep screws and hardware in labeled plastic bags for easy reassembly.
5. Hire the Right Apartment Moving Company
While a DIY move may seem cost-effective, hiring professionals can save you time, energy, and stress—especially when dealing with heavy furniture, narrow staircases, or long distances.
When choosing an apartment moving company, research online reviews, ask for quotes from multiple providers, and confirm that the movers are licensed and insured. This ensures you’re entrusting your belongings to a reliable team that will handle them with care.
Insider Tip:
Schedule movers for mid-week or mid-month if possible, as these are typically less busy times and may be more affordable.
6. Tackle Tight Spaces Strategically
Apartment living often involves navigating tight staircases, small elevators, or narrow hallways. To make this easier:
- Use Moving Blankets and Sliders: These tools protect walls and floors and make moving heavy furniture smoother.
- Break Down Furniture: Disassemble beds, tables, and other bulky items.
- Communicate with Movers: Let your movers know about any tight spaces or obstacles in advance so they can come prepared with the right tools.
7. Switch Utilities Early
A smooth move isn’t just about packing; it’s also about making sure your new home is ready for you. Arrange for utility services—like electricity, water, and internet—to be activated in your new apartment before your move-in date.
Likewise, cancel or transfer utilities from your current apartment to avoid double payments or service interruptions.
8. Settle In Strategically
Once you’re in your new apartment, prioritize unpacking room by room. Start with the kitchen and bedroom, as these areas are essential for daily living.
Additional Tips for Settling In:
- Clean Before Unpacking: Wipe down surfaces, vacuum, and sanitize your new apartment before bringing in your belongings.
- Decorate Slowly: Take your time to arrange furniture and décor. Living in the space for a few weeks can give you a better sense of how to organize it effectively.
9. Stay Positive and Flexible
Moving can be unpredictable, and hiccups may arise despite careful planning. Keep a positive attitude and remain flexible. Focus on the exciting aspects of your new apartment—decorating, meeting neighbors, and exploring the local area.
Final Thoughts
Moving to a new apartment doesn’t have to be a daunting experience. By decluttering, packing efficiently, and enlisting the help of a trusted apartment moving company like Liberty Moving, you can simplify the process and start fresh with minimal stress. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle your next move like a pro.
Whether you’re relocating across the city or to a new state, remember that careful planning and organization can make all the difference. Happy moving!
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https://techbullion.com/apartment-moving-hacks-tips-and-tricks-for-a-stress-free-move/
| 2024-12-16T06:25:55Z
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Sonakshi Sinha, who will be seen coming out of the water wearing a sari in her upcoming film 'R...Rajkumar', says she will not wear a bikini. Asked while other actresses are seen donning a bikini while on beach, she said: "No bikini...jitna hai usi se kaam chalao...be happy with what you get."
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https://www.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/no-bikini-for-me-says-sonakshi-sinha-105117.html
| 2024-12-16T06:25:55Z
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SCOTT SIMON, HOST:
Thousands of people have been freed from Syria's prisons with the toppling of the Assad regime there. But those thousands are just a fraction of the people who have disappeared into those prisons. NPR's Emily Feng has the story of one man who has been found and of the heartbreak for families who still search.
EMILY FENG, BYLINE: George Hawami grew up hearing stories of his father, who disappeared when he was just 10 months old.
GEORGE HAWAMI: At the beginning, they were telling me that he's traveling. He's abroad - he's working abroad.
FENG: Working abroad. But in truth, his father was part of a Christian militia in Lebanon and had been kidnapped there and taken across the border by Syrian troops.
G HAWAMI: We thought that we will never see him again.
FENG: A now-33-year-old son was glued to the news as rebel forces made a lightning offensive, taking the Syrian capital of Damascus. They smashed into Assad's prisons, breaking open cells.
No. Have your coffee first.
SUHEIL HAMAWI: (Speaking Arabic.)
FENG: And one of the prisoners let out was Hawami's father.
S HAMAWI: (Speaking Arabic).
FENG: This is Suheil Hamawi, George's father, now 61 years old. We all sat down together just two days after he'd returned home to Lebanon.
S HAMAWI: (Speaking Arabic).
FENG: The elder Hawami recounts to us the years of torture and solitary confinement he endured, being ferried between prisons, including a long confinement in Syria's notorious Sednaya prison.
S HAMAWI: (Speaking Arabic).
FENG: But this December 8, everything changed. Hawami tells us he heard a commotion outside the prison. Rebels were fighting their way in.
S HAMAWI: (Speaking Arabic).
FENG: He says the guards just abandoned their posts.
S HAMAWI: (Speaking Arabic).
FENG: And as he stumbled out of the prison into the morning light, he says he found himself amid gun battles. So he ran, found a phone and dialed a family number he'd committed to memory. His son picked up.
How long was your father away for?
G HAWAMI: Thirty-two years and five days.
FENG: The first place Hawami senior told his son he wanted to go after being freed was here, where we are sitting together - the home in northern Lebanon where he was kidnapped in 1991. It overlooks the Mediterranean Sea, whose waves he now gazes towards constantly.
S HAMAWI: (Speaking Arabic).
FENG: A sound he says he has not heard in more than three decades. And he's considered one of the lucky ones. Other families in Lebanon are still hoping for a reunion of their own.
UNIDENTIFIED PEOPLE: (Singing in Arabic).
FENG: On a recent weekend, some of these families gathered in a Beirut park, holding portraits of their missing loved ones as the Lebanese anthem played. They're demanding information about them after the fall of the Syrian regime.
FATMA KABBARA: (Speaking Arabic).
FENG: Fatma Kabbara has been scouring video footage of Syria for her brother Mohammad, last seen in a Syrian prison, and she hopes that her brother might still be alive. Others, like Nabil Haddad, have stopped hoping. At his home in Beirut, Haddad rearranges his chairs, pulling me to his kitchen table, as he tells me the story of his uncle Miled, who was kidnapped in the 1980s. They searched for him for decades, but two years ago, Haddad consulted his church.
NABIL HADDAD: The reverend told us that it's 40 years now, and he's disappeared. He's dead.
FENG: So Haddad's family decided to officially declare his missing uncle deceased. He and his family want a break from the past.
HADDAD: Honestly, they don't want anymore to talk about the past. They have suffered enough.
FENG: For the Hawami family, now reunited with their father after decades in a Syrian prison, joy finally permeates. The offer of sweets and nuts from their home in northern Lebanon is endless.
Oh, actually. Thank you.
FENG: The elder Hawami says he feels like he's come back from the dead, but he struggles with the weight of memory.
S HAMAWI: (Speaking Arabic).
FENG: And he still does not quite believe Assad is gone. Hawami's miraculous return to Lebanon has gotten a lot of attention. And so his family is now fielding hundreds of calls from other families, wondering if he saw their loved ones imprisoned in Syria. His son says they've been bombarding his father with names.
G HAWAMI: He's telling them, don't give me names because I don't know the name. Maybe it's someone he stayed with him for 10 years, but he don't know his name. He knows his number.
FENG: The number he and all the prisoners were assigned by the wardens. Hawami's was 55.
How did you survive?
At this, Hawami points to his son.
Your son.
S HAMAWI: (Speaking Arabic).
FENG: His son's eyes well with tears.
To hear that he feels like he survived because he was thinking of you the entire time, how does that feel?
G HAWAMI: Responsibility, because he's counting on us now to recover all these years.
FENG: Recovering nearly 33 lost years, that's impossible. But he is going to do his best for his father.
Emily Feng, NPR News, Chekka, Lebanon. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.wvxu.org/2024-12-14/after-32-years-and-5-days-a-father-and-son-reunite-after-syrian-prisoners-are-freed
| 2024-12-16T06:25:55Z
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Narayana Murthy defends 70-hour workweek concept again, calls on youth to work hard
New Delhi, Dec 16 (IANS) Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy has reiterated the call to work 70-hour a week, urging young people in India to work hard for the country’s growth.
Murthy first suggested the idea of a 70-hour work week in 2023 to boost the country’s growth. While he invited widespread criticism from people and doctors, the concept was hailed by many including Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal.
Murthy, during his recent visit to Kolkata, said that the younger generation needs to realise that they have to “work hard and work towards making India number one.” He emphasised the need for Indians to strive for excellence.
"At Infosys, I said we will go to the best and compare ourselves with the best global companies. Once we compare ourselves with the best global companies, I can tell you we Indians have a lot to do" Murthy said, speaking at the Indian Chamber of Commerce's centenary launch alongside RPSG Group Chairman Sanjiv Goenka.
“We have to set our aspirations high because 800 million Indians get free ration. That means 800 million Indians are in poverty. If we are not in a position to work hard, then who will work hard?” he added.
Murthy said that he “realised the only way a country can fight poverty is by creating jobs that lead to disposable incomes. The government has absolutely no role in entrepreneurship”.
He stressed that entrepreneurs play a crucial role in building nations by creating wealth and generating employment.
"Entrepreneurs build a nation as they create jobs, they create wealth for their investors and they pay taxes. Therefore, if a country embraces capitalism, it will create good roads, good trains, and good infrastructure," he said.
His comments come amid concerns of workplace stress faced by young Indians, resulting in the loss of lives of many. Health experts have also warned of severe consequences of working long hours that may not only be detrimental to the physical and mental health of the employees but may also have serious effects on their personal and social relationships.
Disclaimer: This story has not been edited by the Sakshi Post team and is auto-generated from syndicated feed.
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https://www.sakshipost.com/news/narayana-murthy-defends-70-hour-workweek-concept-again-calls-youth-work-hard-359224
| 2024-12-16T06:25:56Z
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Mapped: ‘Horrific’ devastation as French island Mayotte hit by most powerful cyclone in 90 years
Hundreds – if not thousands – are feared dead in Indian Ocean territory
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Your support makes all the difference.A cyclone barrelling towards southeast Africa for the last four days caused widespread devastation in Mayotte after it struck the French oversea region as the most powerful storm in 90 years.
Cyclone Chido made landfall on Saturday night with winds reaching over 200kph, Meteo-France said, causing damage to housing, government buildings and a hospital, and leaving at least 11 people dead.
Mayotte, one of the poorest regions under French administration of some 300,000 people, is located in the Mozambique Channel of the Indian Ocean.
“At least several hundred people” were feared dead on the island as authorities struggled to assess the damage. "I think there will certainly be several hundreds, maybe we will reach a thousand, even several thousands," prefect Francois-Xavier Bieuville said on local media channel Mayotte La 1ere.
The French interior ministry said that "it will be difficult to account for all victims" and a death toll could not be determined at this stage.
Aerial footage showed many settlements flatted as the storm blew away roofs, uprooted trees and damaged public infrastructure.
“What we are experiencing is a tragedy, you feel like you are in the aftermath of a nuclear war,” Mohamed Ishmael from the capital Mamoudzou said. “I saw an entire neighborhood disappear.”
Hundreds of poor people living in shacks with sheet metal roofs were hit especially hard as the storm tore up many of their homes.
The storm damaged power lines, causing outages in most parts of the territory and disrupting the water supply. It also damaged an airport.
“The hospital is hit, schools are hit. Houses are totally devastated,” Mamoudzou mayor Ambdilwahedou Soumaila said. The cyclone “spared nothing”, he added.
French president Emmanuel Macron said a military transport plane with supplies and emergency workers had left to help people suffering the “most horrific” ordeal. “My thoughts are with our compatriots in Mayotte, who have gone through the most horrific few hours and who have, for some, lost everything, lost their lives,” he said.
The cyclone entered northern Mozambique, 800km west of Mayotte, on Sunday, causing heavy rain, strong winds and hazardous sea conditions. It slammed the northern province of Cabo Delgado, affecting nearly two million people.
“Many homes, schools, health facilities have been partially or completely destroyed and we are working closely with government to ensure continuity of essential basic services,” the United Nations Children’s Fund said. “While we are doing everything we can, additional support is urgently needed.”
Internet monitor NetBlocks said on X that heavy rain and winds had damaged power and telecommunications infrastructure in the region.
Save the Children warned that up to 650,000 children and their families were in danger after Chido hit northern Mozambique.
“Cyclone Chido is a catastrophe for children in northern Mozambique. They risk losing their homes, being separated from their families, and suffering limited access to water, sanitation, healthcare and education,” it said.
In Comoros, the storm destroyed 21 homes and left two people slightly injured, authorities said.
The remnants of Chido were expected to sweep southern Malawi, Météo-France reported, with heavy rains and gusty winds. The system could then move towards Zimbabwe, likely causing heavy rain and flooding.
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https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/mayotte-cyclone-chido-map-deaths-damage-b2664849.html
| 2024-12-16T06:26:00Z
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Clinical trials play a vital role in advancing medical science and developing new treatments. But many people wonder: are clinical trials safe? This question is crucial for those considering participating in paid clinical trials. Let’s dive into the safety aspects of clinical trials and explore why they’re an essential part of medical progress.
What Are Clinical Trials?
Clinical trials are research studies that test new medical treatments, drugs, or devices on human volunteers. They aim to find better ways to prevent, detect, or treat diseases. These studies help researchers understand how well new treatments work and if they’re safe for wider use.
Safety Measures in Clinical Trials
When it comes to safety, clinical trials follow strict rules and guidelines. Here’s how researchers keep volunteers safe:
- Careful Planning: Before a trial starts, experts review the study plan to make sure it’s safe.
- Informed Consent: Volunteers learn about all risks and benefits before joining.
- Constant Monitoring: Doctors watch volunteers closely throughout the study.
- Ethical Oversight: Special boards check that trials follow ethical guidelines.
Are Paid Clinical Trials Safe?
Many people ask if paid clinical trials are as safe as unpaid ones. The answer is yes. Payment doesn’t affect safety standards. All clinical trials, paid or not, must follow the same strict safety rules.
Benefits of Joining Clinical Trials
Participating in clinical trials can offer several benefits:
- Access to New Treatments: You might try new medicines before they’re widely available.
- Regular Health Check-ups: You get free medical care during the study.
- Helping Others: Your participation helps advance medical knowledge.
- Compensation: Paid clinical trials offer money for your time and effort.
How to Choose a Safe Clinical Trial
If you’re thinking about joining a trial, here’s what to do:
- Ask Questions: Don’t be shy about asking the research team anything.
- Read Carefully: Go through all the information given to you.
- Talk to Your Doctor: Discuss if the trial is right for you.
- Check Credentials: Make sure the trial is run by a reputable organization.
→ https://www.biotrial.us/our-center/
The Role of Regulatory Bodies
Government agencies like the FDA play a big role in keeping clinical trials safe. They set rules that all trials must follow. These rules help protect volunteers and make sure the research is done right.
Real-Life Safety Success Stories
Many life-saving treatments we use today came from clinical trials. For example, the COVID-19 vaccines were developed and tested through carefully monitored clinical trials. These trials showed that the vaccines were safe and effective before they were made available to the public.
Common Myths About Clinical Trial Safety
Let’s bust some myths:
- Myth: Volunteers are guinea pigs. Fact: Trials have many safety checks to protect volunteers.
- Myth: Once you start, you can’t leave. Fact: You can quit a trial at any time.
- Myth: Only sick people join trials. Fact: Many trials need healthy volunteers too.
How to Become a Clinical Trial Volunteer
Ready to help advance medical science? Here’s how to get started:
- Sign Up: Register as a volunteer with a reputable research center.
- Get Screened: Answer questions about your health to find suitable trials.
- Learn More: Get detailed info about trials that match you.
- Make a Choice: Decide if you want to join a trial.
The Impact of Clinical Trials on Medical Progress
Clinical trials have led to many important medical breakthroughs. They’ve helped create treatments for diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. By joining a trial, you become part of this progress.
Ensuring Diversity in Clinical Trials
Clinical trials must include people from all backgrounds. This helps make sure new treatments work for everyone. Many research centers are working to make trials more diverse and inclusive.
The Future of Clinical Trials
As technology advances, clinical trials are changing too. New methods like virtual trials and wearable devices are making it easier and safer for people to take part. These changes could lead to faster discoveries and better treatments.
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https://techbullion.com/are-clinical-trials-safe/
| 2024-12-16T06:26:01Z
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| 2024-12-16T06:26:01Z
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SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
For decades, the Syrian army ruled over parts of neighboring Lebanon. One place that Syrians controlled was a village in northern Lebanon. And that is where NPR Diaa Hadid begins this story in 1984 in her father's ancestral home. And we do want to let you know that there is the sound of gunfire in this story.
DIAA HADID, BYLINE: I was playing by the old oak when I heard Mum wailing, and I froze. A kindly older cousin scooped me up. Let's go play, she said. I was so little, so easily distracted. We were in Dad's village of Kaferkahel because my grandfather had passed away. Dad flew us in from Australia to pay his respects. Following Levantine tradition, Dad didn't trim his beard for 40 days after his father's passing.
(SOUNDBITE OF GUNFIRE)
HADID: And that made him a target of Syrian forces who were ostensibly keeping the peace in our part of Lebanon during our country's civil war. With his unruly beard, Dad looked like a supporter of the Islamist group, the Muslim Brotherhood.
At the time, Syrian forces were chasing down Brotherhood supporters who fled to neighboring Lebanon after they tried to overthrow the Assad regime. The Syrians took Dad while he was near our village. As the afternoon stretched on and he didn't return, Mum feared the worst because so many others had disappeared.
Dad later told me he was taken to a school that Syrian forces were using as a lockup. He told me he could hear men screaming in the other rooms. While he was being held, he recited verses of the Muslim Holy book, the Quran, like this...
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
UNIDENTIFIED SINGER: (Singing in non-English language).
HADID: ...Verses about Jonah. Muslims too believe the Biblical story of Jonah and the whale. And Dad prayed, Lord, as you freed Jonah, please free me. My father was eventually freed. By chance, the driver of a Syrian officer recognized Dad. He pleaded for his freedom. The driver was a distant relative. We left Lebanon soon after, only returning years later, as the war's embers faded in 1990.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #1: The horrors and madnesses of the war are over.
HADID: But the wounds were still fresh. Bullet holes were shot through the bus that ferried us from the plane. There was dried blood on the floor. In the airport, there were posters everywhere of one man. I pointed and asked, who's that, Dad? He hissed at me to shut up. I didn't know the Syrian ruler Hafez al-Assad, and I didn't know that just pointing at his image could get us in trouble. Assad was effectively in charge of Lebanon.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #2: Motorists are still checked by Syrian troops.
HADID: Because Syrian forces were allowed to stay in Lebanon as part of the deal to end the war - the Assad Regime - first Hafez, then his son Bashar - ruled Lebanon like they ruled Syria, with terror. My cousins schooled us. Never talk about the regime. Don't even talk to the mirror, my cousin warned. Maybe your reflection will squeal on you. Years later, I studied Arabic, listening to songs to get the cadence of the language. Dad helped me understand this poem sung by Egyptian diva Umm Kulthum.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
UMM KULTHUM: (Singing in non-English language).
HADID: I see you do not cry, she sings. You are steadfast. As I immersed myself in Arabic, I asked Dad if I could go to Syria, where there were excellent language courses. No way, he said. So I went to our ancestral village in Lebanon to study and nursed a deep resentment of my father. Syrian forces stayed on in Lebanon until a bombing on Valentine's Day 2005 killed the Lebanese prime minister, Rafic Hariri.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #3: (Non-English language spoken).
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #4: This was the moment that brought change to Lebanon's relations with Syria.
HADID: Hariri's killing was widely blamed on Syria. It led to a movement demanding Syrian forces leave, nearly three decades after they arrived.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #5: (Chanting in non-English language).
UNIDENTIFIED GROUP: (Chanting in non-English language).
HADID: By then, I was a journalist, mostly covering conflict and its consequences, from Iraq to Gaza to Libya. Dad never worried. For him, life and death were in the hands of God. Except for Syria - when I was assigned to cover the Syrian civil war in 2013, Dad pleaded, don't go. I pushed back hard, and finally, nearly 30 years after it happened, he told me how he was nearly swallowed into the belly of the Assad regime in '84. Still, I went to Syria. But that revelation helped me make sense of my reserved father - his embrace of prayer, his gratitude to be a citizen of Australia, a country that upheld the rule of law.
(SOUNDBITE OF GUNFIRE)
HADID: Last weekend, news began filtering in.
UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Now, we begin with breaking news out of Syria, of course. Opposition forces have declared the end of President Bashar al-Assad's rule after 13 years of civil war.
HADID: Syrians were toppling statues, cheering in the streets.
(SOUNDBITE OF CAR HORNS HONKING)
HADID: Now, thousands of families are searching for their missing loved ones swallowed by the Assad regime. Dad passed away nearly two years ago, and I couldn't stop thinking, the terror that haunted him and millions of Lebanese and Syrians was over. Diaa Hadid, NPR News, Mumbai.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
Copyright © 2024 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR's programming is the audio record.
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.wvxu.org/2024-12-14/assads-fall-came-too-late-for-one-npr-reporters-father
| 2024-12-16T06:26:02Z
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December 16 - 22 OTT releases: Latest movies and web series!
The festive season has begun; the entertainment world is ready to enchant every corner of the globe. As December starts, viewers and binge-watchers have something very special to look forward to. From December 16-22, there is a galore of films lined up for a roller coaster ride with some thrilling and entertaining experiences across various platforms.
More than a dozen films are scheduled to release in theatres, including some eagerly awaited Telugu releases. Meanwhile, prominent OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hotstar, Zee5, Aha, Apple TV+, Lionsgate Play, and BookMyShow have lined up an impressive series of movies and web series that will soon be released.
Prepare for a blast of spine-chilling tales, scintillating dramas and laugh-out-loud comedies from December 16 to 22. Here is your guide to all the action of theatrical releases and OTT premieres happening this week.
Here are the OTT releases in detail, from December 16-22:
Netflix
Aron Rodgers: Enigma (Dec 17 - English Series)
Ronnie Chieng: Career Advice (Dec 17 - English Comedy Special)
Julia Stephens' Stepping Stones (Dec 18 - English movie)
Mana Mana (Dec 18 - Thai movie)
The Maney Season 2 (Spanish series, Dec 18)
Dilan 1983 (Indonesian movie, Dec 19)
The Dragon Prince (English series, Dec 19)
Virgin River Season 6 (English series, Dec 19)
Ferry 2 (Dutch movie, Dec 20)
Six Triple Eight (English movie, Dec 20)
Unjulado (English movie, Dec 20)
Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous (Hindi movie, Dec 20)
Spy x Family Code: White (Hindi movie, Dec 21)
The Forge (English movie, Dec 22)
Amazon Prime Video
Girls Will Be Girls (Hindi movie, Dec 18)
Beast Games (English series, Dec 19)
Piyaa Pardesiya (Marathi movie, Dec 20)
Aaj Piya Jine Ki Tamanna Hai (Bhojpuri movie, Dec 20)
Hotstar
What If? Season 3 (English series, Dec 22)
O Kaamanu Aalaa Faithful (English movie, Dec 17)
Zee5
Twisters (English movie, Dec 18)
Moonwalk (Hindi series, Dec 20)
Palottees 90s Kids (Malayalam movie, Dec 20)
Aha
Jeebra (Telugu movie, Dec 20)
Apple TV+
The Secret Lives of Animals (English series, Dec 18)
Lionsgate Play
Boy Kills World (English film, Dec 20)
BookMyShow
Sentimental (Bengali film, Dec 20)
Jio Cinema
Thelma (English film, Dec 21)
Also read: Zakir Hussain: The Ustad of the Ustads
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https://www.sakshipost.com/news/ott/december-16-22-ott-releases-latest-movies-and-web-series-359223
| 2024-12-16T06:26:03Z
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