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Afghanistan Qualifies for ICC World Cup Afghanistan reached the World Cup for the first time on Friday, completing a remarkable journey from refugee camp cricket to rubbing shoulders with the sport's superpowers. Afghanistan reached the World Cup for the first time on Friday, completing a remarkable journey from refugee camp cricket to rubbing shoulders with the sport's superpowers. The team who were playing in the fifth-tier just five years ago, and are forced by the precarious security situation in their country to stage home matches in the Gulf, swept past Kenya by seven wickets to secure an historic spot in the 2015 showpiece. After dismissing Kenya for just 93 in the 44th over at the Sharjah Cricket Ground, Afghanistan reached their target in the 21st over when captain Mohammad Nabi hit Shem Ngoche for a boundary through midwicket. They had to endure a brief moment of worry before romping to victory when they were reduced to 34 for 3. But Nabi, who finished on 46 not out, and Hashmatullah Shaidi, put on 62 for the fourth wicket to bring their side home with 175 balls to spare. Nabi smashed two huge sixes and three fours to assure his team of second place in the World Cricket League behind runaway winners Ireland who have also qualified for the World Cup. Afghanistan will play in Pool A at the World Cup in 2015 along with co-hosts Australia and New Zealand as well as Bangladesh, England, Sri Lanka and another qualifier. Netherlands, UAE, Scotland, Kenya, Namibia, Canada, Uganda, Hong Kong, Nepal and Papua New Guinea will now compete for the last two World Cup berths at the final qualifying event to be staged in New Zealand in February next year. Afghanistan were already overwhelming favourites to beat Kenya in the last match of an exhausting two-year qualifying competition. In Monday's Twenty20 international, they routed the African side by 106 runs and carried that form through to Wednesday when they romped to victory by eight wickets in the first of the two determining ODIs. Then, Kenya were dismissed for just 89 with Afghanistan reaching their target inside 18 overs. On Friday, Kenya were put into bat and struggled again with Morris Ouma top-scoring with 39. Rakep Patel, with 18, was the only other batsman to reach double figures in an innings where the first boundary didn't arrive until the 16th over. Slow left-armer Hamza Hotak was the leading Afghanistan bowler, claiming 3-19 off his 10 overs. Brief scores: Kenya - 93 all out in 43.3 overs (Morris Ouma 39; Hamza Hotak 3-19) Afghanistan - 96 for 3 in 20.5 overs (Mohammad Nabi 46 not out) AFP	https://www.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/afghanistan-qualifies-for-icc-world-cup-104971.html	2024-12-16T06:39:53Z
CLT20 PICS: Tendulkar's Woeful Run In three innings, the Master Blaster has scored just 20 runs, with an average of 6.66. In three innings, the Master Blaster has scored just 20 runs, with an average of 6.66. Perhaps for the first time, Sachin Tendulkar is seen lacking control of the game. (Photo: PTI) In the match against Highveld Lions, he was out after scoring just 5 runs. (Photo: PTI) In the match agains Perth Scorchers, he was out without troubling the scorers. (Photo: PTI) The awful run in the tournament has raised serious doubts about the batting legend's form and fitness. (Photo: BCCL) In what was believed as the last tournament for Mumbai Indians, Tendulkar has failed to deliver. (Photo: PTI) Load More	https://www.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/clt20-pics-sachin-tendulkars-woeful-run-104747.html	2024-12-16T06:39:59Z
Specifications for the 2016 Porsche 911 Carrera Black Edition. Details include engine, fuel usage, interior features, safety and more.	https://www.whichcar.com.au/specs/2016-porsche-911-carrera-black-edition-991-my16-petrol-2d-cabriolet-4823B5wpJZ	2024-12-16T06:40:00Z
PICS: Virat Kohli is the Face of Adidas Adidas introduced Virat Kohli as its brand ambassador at the Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi. Adidas introduced Virat Kohli as its brand ambassador at the Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi. Cricketer Virat Kohli during a promotional event of Adidas in New Delhi on Thursday. (Photo: PTI) Cricketer Virat Kohli signs autographs for fans during a promotional event of Adidas in New Delhi on Thursday. (Photo: PTI) Virat Kohli bats during a promotional event for Adidas in New Delhi, India, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013. The German sportswear brand has roped in Kohli as its brand ambassador. (Photo: AP) Cricketer Virat Kohli during a promotional event of Adidas in New Delhi on Thursday. (Photo: PTI) Indian cricket player Virat Kohli tosses a ball at the audience during a promotional event for Adidas in New Delhi, India, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013. The German sportswear brand has roped in Kohli as its brand ambassador. (Photo: AP)	https://www.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/pics-virat-kohli-is-the-face-of-adidas-104762.html	2024-12-16T06:40:06Z
Specifications for the 2016 Porsche 911 Carrera Black Edition. Details include engine, fuel usage, interior features, safety and more.	https://www.whichcar.com.au/specs/2016-porsche-911-carrera-black-edition-991-my16-petrol-2d-cabriolet-PAqAfG9TWv	2024-12-16T06:40:07Z
Rooney Returns for England Qualifiers Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge were on Thursday recalled by England manager Roy Hodgson for the decisive World Cup qualifiers at home to Montenegro and Poland later this month. Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge were on Thursday recalled by England manager Roy Hodgson for the decisive World Cup qualifiers at home to Montenegro and Poland later this month. Both players missed England's last two games through injury. Rooney has been recalled despite sitting out Manchester United's 1-1 draw away to Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Wednesday with a shin injury. England face Montenegro at Wembley Stadium on October 11, before tackling Poland at the same venue four days later. Hodgson's side approach the two games as the leading side in European qualifying Group H and know that a pair of victories will guarantee them a berth at next year's World Cup in Brazil. Despite the returns of Rooney and in-form Liverpool striker Sturridge, Southampton's Rickie Lambert kept his place from the squad that won 4-0 at home to Moldova and drew 0-0 in Ukraine in September. Everton midfielder Ross Barkley and Tottenham Hotspur winger Andros Townsend were also retained, having received their first senior international call-ups for those two games. There was a recall for United defender Phil Jones, but Liverpool full-back Glen Johnson, Arsenal wingers Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and West Ham United striker Andy Carroll all missed out through injury.United winger Ashley Young and Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling were not selected. England squad for 2014 World Cup qualifiers at home to Montenegro, on October 11, and Poland, on October 15: Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster (Celtic/SCO), Joe Hart (Manchester City), John Ruddy (Norwich City) Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole (both Chelsea), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Phil Jones, Chris Smalling (both Manchester United), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur) Midfielders: Ross Barkley (Everton), Michael Carrick, Tom Cleverley (both Manchester United), Steven Gerrard (capt, Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Manchester City), Andros Townsend (Tottenham Hotspur), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal) Forwards: Jermain Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur), Rickie Lambert (Southampton), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United) Reuters	https://www.indiatimes.com/sports/football/rooney-returns-for-england-qualifiers-104928.html	2024-12-16T06:40:12Z
Specifications for the 2016 Porsche 911 Carrera Black Edition. Details include engine, fuel usage, interior features, safety and more.	https://www.whichcar.com.au/specs/2016-porsche-911-carrera-black-edition-991-my16-petrol-2d-coupe-7j8frtkncj	2024-12-16T06:40:16Z
Subroto Cup: Assam Enter Final Betkuchi High School of Assam posted a stunning 1-0 win over defending champions Greenwood School, Nagaland to enter the U-14 final of the Subroto Cup football. New Delhi: The rain-soaked ground at the Ambedkar Stadium here witnessed history today as Betkuchi High School of Assam posted a stunning 1-0 win over defending champions Greenwood School, Nagaland to enter the U-14 final of the Subroto Cup football tournament for the first time. It was a well earned victory for the boys from Assam who had to defend fiercely for much of the game. The team from Nagaland held the upper hand for most of the first half but Assam's Birkwdao Daimary scripted an unexpected twist in the script just before half-time with a well-taken corner which eluded Greenwood goalkeeper Pitoka to find the net. As his team mates exploded with joy after the final whistle, Daimary was the very picture of steely determination. "It was a lucky goal. We now have to win the final," he said. Meanwhile, NCC (North Eastern Region) secured a berth in the second U-14 semifinal with a 1-0 win over St Anthony's School, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya. Meghalaya were the superior team by a considerable margin and the way they built up their attacks from the defence through the mid-field was a delight to watch. NCC were forced onto the backfoot for the whole of the opening session but took the lead just before the break as the unmarked striker exploited one of the rare lapses in the Meghalaya defence to head in a cross. Conceding the lead seemed to take the wind out of Meghalaya's sail while NCC became more confident. It was a more equal contest in the second half but NCC held on for the win. In the Junior (U-17) category matches which started on Friday, former champions NCC (West Bengal & Sikkim) rode on an Anil Kujur strike to beat North Eastern English School, Manipur by a single goal and give their campaign a winning start. PTI	https://www.indiatimes.com/sports/football/subroto-cup-assam-enter-final-105019.html	2024-12-16T06:40:18Z
Gang Rape, Sexual Slavery as Rapid Support Forces Attack Refuge Area - Rapid Support Forces fighters and allied militias have raped scores of women and girls, including in the context of sexual slavery, in Sudan's South Kordofan state since September 2023. - Conflict-related sexual violence is a serious violation of international humanitarian law, or the laws of war, and a war crime. Sexual violence may constitute crimes against humanity when committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack on a civilian population. - United Nations and African Union member states should urgently act to assist survivors, protect other women and girls, and ensure justice for these heinous crimes. (Nairobi, December 16, 2024) - Rapid Support Forces (RSF) fighters and allied militias have raped scores of women and girls, including in the context of sexual slavery, in Sudan's South Kordofan state since September 2023, Human Rights Watch said today. These acts of sexual violence, which constitute war crimes and may constitute crimes against humanity, underscore the urgent need for meaningful international action to protect civilians and deliver justice. A 35-year-old ethnic Nuba woman said six RSF fighters in beige uniforms stormed into her family compound, with one man saying, "You Nuba, today is your day." The men then gang raped her. "My husband and my son tried to defend me, so one of the RSF fighters shot and killed them. Then they kept raping me, all six of them," she said. "Survivors described being gang raped, in front of their families or over prolonged periods of time, including while being held as sex slaves by RSF fighters," said Belkis Wille, associate crisis and conflict director at Human Rights Watch. "United Nations and African Union member states should urgently act to assist survivors, protect other women and girls, and ensure justice for these heinous crimes." In October 2024, Human Rights Watch interviewed 93 people in person and remotely, including 70 in informal settlements for displaced people in the Nuba Mountains region of South Kordofan state, currently under the control of the armed group, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N). The RSF, which is fighting against the national military, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), for control of the country, has also engaged in hostilities with the SPLM-N. Researchers interviewed seven survivors of rape, including one who said she was held with 50 other women and raped repeatedly over three months. Human Rights Watch also interviewed 12 people who said their relatives or friends were raped, in many cases in incidents they personally witnessed. In total, the survivors and other witnesses provided information about 79 girls and women, between the ages of 7 and 50, who reported being raped. Most incidents documented were gang rapes that occurred since December 31, 2023, in and around the town of Habila, and at an RSF base, also involving victims from the town of Fayu, approximately 17 kilometers south of Habila, in South Kordofan. Survivors and witnesses said the attackers were all uniformed RSF members, or allied militia members, and some survivors said they knew some of the men by name from the community. In the cases documented by Human Rights Watch, RSF fighters raped 14 women and girls in their own homes or neighbors' homes, often in front of family members. In five such cases, the attackers raped the women and girls after killing or threatening family members. In a separate report published on December 10, Human Rights Watch documented large-scale killings, abductions, and injuries of civilians, as well as widespread looting and burning, in and around Habila and Fayu. Those abuses and the sexual violence are evidence of the RSF's widespread attacks on civilians in South Kordofan. An 18-year-old woman said that in February, RSF fighters took her and 17 other women and girls from Fayu to a military base where they were detained with a group of 33 women and girls already there. Under the total control of their RSF captors, the women and girls were held in conditions of enslavement, at times even chained together. On a daily basis for three months, the fighters raped and beat the women and girls, including the 18-year-old survivor, crimes that also constitute sexual slavery. None of the women interviewed saw any way to hold their attackers accountable. One said, "There is nothing anyone can do for justice. I just have to report to God." On November 25, Human Rights Watch shared a summary of its findings and related questions with Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the RSF commander, but has not received a response. These findings echo those of a recent report from the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan, which concludes the RSF is committing sexual violence on a large scale, including multiple incidents of sexual slavery. Human Rights Watch documented the rape of dozens of women and girls by the RSF in Darfur in 2023, as well as widespread conflict-related sexual violence by the RSF and, in fewer cases, by the SAF in Khartoum and neighboring cities since fighting broke out between the SAF and the RSF in April 2023. Conflict-related sexual violence is a serious violation of international humanitarian law, or the laws of war, and a war crime. Sexual violence may constitute crimes against humanity when committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack on a civilian population, Human Rights Watch said. Where people are held in conditions of enslavement--when their captors exercise control akin to the right of ownership over them--and subject to sexual violence, this constitutes sexual slavery. The UN and AU should urgently deploy a mission to protect civilians in Sudan, mandated and resourced to address sexual violence, including prevention, documentation, and provision of comprehensive services to all survivors. UN member states should also bolster support for the UN fact-finding mission, as the secretary-general recommended, to help pave the way toward meaningful accountability. "This research highlights what we have been hearing for some time now about the magnitude of sexual violence in Sudan, with the RSF coming into homes and raping women and girls time and again," Wille said. "Yet so far, Sudanese victims have barely had access to services, let alone redress or meaningful efforts to stop these horrific crimes." For more details on Human Rights Watch's new evidence of sexual violence, please see below. For more details on Human Rights Watch's evidence of killings, abductions, and looting in and around Habila, please visit: The names of interviewees have been left out or changed to protect their identity. Other pockets of South Kordofan are under the control of the SAF, while the RSF controls the town of Dibeibat and its surroundings. Parts of the state are not under the control of any particular force. The RSF has allied with predominantly Arab militias and has brutalized certain ethnic groups including the Massalit and the Nuba, by killing, injuring, torturing, detaining, and raping civilians from these communities, destroying their homes, and looting their possessions. Human Rights Watch in 2017 documented the obstruction of humanitarian assistance during the conflict in the Nuba Mountains by both the SAF and the SPLM-N, including preventing women and girls from accessing reproductive health care, including emergency obstetric care. Human Rights Watch previously found that men and boys have also been subjected to sexual violence, including in detention. International Criminal Court (ICC) judges have issued a number of arrest warrants in cases arising out of the court's investigation into crimes committed in Darfur during the 2000s. These include warrants against former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, who remains an ICC fugitive. Only one case has been brought to trial, that of a former Janjaweed militia leader, Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman (Ali Kosheib). Closing statements in the case were made to the ICC between December 11-13, 2024. Sexual Slavery Hania, 18, said the RSF attacked Fayu one night in February, when it was under the control of the SPLM-N. She was three months pregnant. RSF fighters entered Hania's home and grabbed her along with a 17-year-old girl who was her neighbor. One fighter said, "We have lost many of our children, we need to replace them." Others cheered, shouting, "Free wedding," and shot live rounds into the air. The fighters drove away with Hania, her neighbor, and 16 other girls she knew, aged 11 and above, in about 10 vehicles. Another Fayu resident said she saw RSF fighters taking groups of women and girls, including Hania, away that morning. The fighters drove to a large RSF military base in Dibeibat, about 85 kilometers north of Fayu. Hania estimated that 100 or more fighters were there, already holding 33 other women and girls from Habila, between the ages of 13 and 28. Over the next three months, she said, the fighters "[came] in groups of three every morning to take some girls to rape them and bring them back. Then again in the evenings, another group of three would come, take other girls, and rape them." The fighters only gave the women and girls a bit of sorghum flour and water as sustenance, which frequently made them vomit. Hania said the group tried to escape twice. After the second time--about a month and a half into her captivity--fighters chained the captives together in kneeling positions: They made a pen-like setup with wires and tree branches, like the one they keep animals in. We were tied up with chains, 10 girls on one chain. If we needed to go to the toilet, they set us free for only one minute, not enough time to do anything, you just got this minute, you needed to run going and coming back. Hania still experiences physical impacts from the experience: "I suffer from pain down my back. My legs become very stiff, if I am sitting, I cannot stretch them. If I sleep with my legs stretched, I can't move them without the help of my hands." When Hania once resisted a fighter trying to rape her, "he started beating me with a whip with a metal tip," she said. "Two other men came and helped him beat me." Hania bled heavily and ended up in the hospital for 20 days, after which a fighter, who she said was a commander, brought her back to the base and chained her up again. Fawzia, Hania's friend, also 18, became pregnant in captivity. An RSF fighter eventually took pity on the two pregnant women and helped them escape three months after they were abducted and one and a half months after they had been chained up. Hania said she and Fawzia eventually found their families and sought medical care. Doctors said Hania was malnourished, but her baby did not experience health problems at birth. She is not aware of what happened to the women and girls who remained at the base in Dibeibat. Hania and two of Fawzia's family members confirmed to researchers that Fawzia had been abducted, became pregnant, and escaped. Fawzia herself was in hiding and unreachable when Human Rights Watch met her family members because, her uncle said, a relative had threatened to kill her as punishment for "staying with the RSF and getting pregnant." Hania said she heard fighters in Dibeibat say that other groups of women and girls were held at two other known RSF bases in the region. Another woman from the Fayu area, Jamila, 22, said RSF fighters who detained her on a farm for 15 days near Fayu in January threatened to take her to Dibeibat on multiple occasions. Rape in the Homes of Civilians On the morning of December 31, 2023, after hostilities that led to the RSF taking control of the town of Habila from the SAF, RSF fighters and affiliated Arab gunmen moved between the compounds of primarily Nuba families. They killed many civilians, raped women and girls, and looted families' possessions, including tractors, carts, money, jewelry, and furniture. Ten uniformed RSF fighters entered the compound of Dana, 35, and her daughter Leila, 21, and killed eight men from the family including Dana's husband, Leila's husband, and at least six other relatives. Dana and Leila said the fighters then entered their home where the women and children were, and raped them both, as well as five other women: another daughter of Dana, a neighbor, and three relatives, including a girl of 16. "As they raped us, they said to each other, 'These Nuba are our slaves, we can do anything we want,"' Dana said. Dana said two men raped her. Leila said one man raped her. Intisar, 27, said once the fighting was over and the RSF was in control of Habila, a group of armed RSF fighters, all but one in beige uniform, came to their street. The man in civilian clothes entered Intisar's compound, where he trained his gun on her and raped her in front of her mother and her father-in-law. Nesrin, 35, said she was with her husband and five children in their family compound when six uniformed RSF fighters entered. "You Nuba, today is your day," she recalled one man saying. Then, the men forced her to the ground and started gang raping her: My husband and son tried to defend me, so one of the RSF fighters shot and killed them. Then they kept raping me, all six of them. They were saying to me, 'You Nuba, we will rape you and your husbands.' Nesrin said she saw the men also gang rape her neighbors' daughters, aged 13 and 15. Human Rights Watch previously found that Sudanese men and boys have also been subjected to sexual violence, including in detention. On January 2, Selma, 30, said she saw four RSF fighters in beige uniform storm her next-door neighbor's compound. Through the fence between the homes, Selma saw the men put guns to the heads of two sisters, both about 30 years old. Two men raped each of them and then told them to leave or else they would be killed, and then left. Selma said one of the women was bleeding badly and that neither could get up or walk. On January 5, six uniformed RSF fighters entered the compound of Hasina, 35, and her husband. They shot and killed Hasina's husband when he told them repeatedly not to steal the family's cattle. Then the fighters stole the couple's cattle and cart and all their money. Without the means to leave, Hasina remained home with her six children. Hasina said the fighters came back three days later: One said, 'We want you. What do you think about that?' I said, 'I don't want you.' He replied, 'If you want us or don't want us, it doesn't matter. You'll give it to us.' ... All three raped me, then they left. That same evening, three more came back and raped me again and told me to stay in my house. Hasina said groups of fighters came to her house and gang raped her on a near daily basis for the next month, until the SPLM-N took control of Habila, after which she fled. Sara, 36, from Fayu, said in February, on the day RSF fighters took Hania and Fawzia, four Fayu residents wearing beige uniforms who took up arms with the RSF--three of whom she knew--barged into her home. Her 15-year-old daughter hid under the bed. One fighter told her husband, "You Nuba, we will pluck your eyes out," as three of the men grabbed Sara's 16-year-old niece and shoved her into a bedroom, while the fourth blocked the door. After some time, the fighters came out of the room and asked Sara's husband where his own daughter was. When he said he did not know, one of the men shot and killed him. After they left, Sara rushed into the room where her niece was, and found her lying on the ground, bleeding. The niece said two of the men raped her but the third did not, after seeing her bleeding. She said the man told her, "If I didn't fear God, I would slaughter you." Sara and her daughter fled, leaving her niece with a relative. She later heard from relatives that her niece was pregnant. Zahra, 32, is from Dilling, a town under SAF control where the RSF has carried out regular incursions since late 2023. Zahra said in September 2023, during one such incursion, she saw groups of RSF fighters enter the town on motorbikes and attack the town's SAF base. During the attack, she saw two fighters enter her next-door neighbor's compound and rape her neighbor's daughter, a 10-year-old girl. Rape After Civilians Fled Their Homes In January, a few weeks before she was taken captive, Hania fled Fayu when the RSF first took control of the area. She and other civilians sheltered for weeks in the bush, outside the town. One day, Hania saw a group of approximately 12 Arab gunmen, whom she had previously seen operating alongside the RSF, approach a group of women she knew who were sheltering nearby. The men attacked and raped two girls, the younger one aged 12, and four women, the eldest aged 50, multiple times over three hours. Finally, three men in beige uniforms came with motorbikes and carts and took away both girls and a woman, 19, none of whom Hania saw again. Jamila, whom RSF fighters detained on a farm near Fayu, said she escaped after 15 days and fled to Qardud, a nearby village. The RSF carried out multiple incursions into the area at the end of January, and Jamila said uniformed RSF fighters came to Qardud and on three occasions over 15 days gang raped a 15-year-old girl and three women between the ages of 18 and 26, who had fled there from Habila and Fayu. After the third attack, Jamila, the other women, and the girl together fled to SPLM-N controlled territory, where they parted ways. Hiba, 22, fled her home of Kadugli, also plagued by fighting, in late 2023. As her family was passing through the outskirts of a nearby town, uniformed RSF members approached them and forced them to kneel on the ground, then ordered the family to follow them. Hiba's family refused, so the fighters started shooting, killing her father, mother, and husband. Hiba said that after that: They said, 'Where are you going? We are going to use you and then dump you.' I was lying on the floor and all five of them raped me, one after another. My children were right next to me, watching and crying. They told my children to be quiet and then they raped my sister as well. Impact on the Survivors All of the survivors interviewed said that they find it difficult to fall asleep and are haunted by flashbacks. They all also said they experience daily physical pain, particularly in their backs, which they had not had before the attacks. Hiba said, "Every time I try to sleep, I see how my parents and husband were killed, and I remember all the things they did to me. It is torturing me." Hania said: My head is full of bad thoughts ... I became absent minded. I cannot function normally, sometimes I think I lost my mind. I cannot finish even simple tasks ... After all the killing, the bloodshed, and what I witnessed, I don't think I will be well. Every day I get very depressed and start crying. Services for Survivors None of the survivors were able to seek medical support immediately after they were raped because they were forced to flee the area or continued to be held in conditions of enslavement. Once they arrived in towns where they felt safer, six of the seven survivors interviewed sought medical care. The six women said doctors told them all they were "fine" after examining them. In almost all cases, the women said doctors gave them some kind of medication before discharging them, though they were unsure of what kind. None were treated at a hospital able to test for HIV. In two cases, doctors took urine and blood samples, but did not explain clearly what they were testing for, the women said. None of the survivors interviewed had access to any form of psychosocial support. Hiba said the doctor who examined her after the attack could not offer psychosocial support and told her to be grateful she was still alive and to "focus on raising your children." Researchers spoke to four healthcare workers, including medical workers, working in facilities providing care to victims of sexual violence who said they were able to test for syphilis and gonorrhoea, which have high rates in the population, as well as pregnancy and chlamydia. Only one hospital in the Nuba Mountains is able to test for HIV, they said. When asked whether survivors could access abortion services, healthcare workers interviewed said access was not available. Access to abortion care is a human right, and under international human rights law, states should provide effective access to abortion care in cases of sexual violence including rape, and remove barriers that prevent women exercising their right to access abortion under the law. Donors should increase resources to ensure that sexual violence survivors from Sudan receive meaningful care, whether still in Sudan or in neighboring countries, including emergency post-rape care. Post-rape case management should address the full range of physical health needs: post exposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, treatment for wounds or injuries and sexually transmitted infections, emergency contraception, access to abortion, and other gynecological care as well as immediate and longer-term emotional or mental health support. Donors should help survivors who may want to seek redress against those responsible. Additional Recommendations The ICC prosecutor is investigating alleged crimes committed since April 2023 in Darfur, but its jurisdiction in Sudan, which is not an ICC member, is limited to that region under a 2005 UN Security Council referral. In September 2024, the UN fact-finding mission recommended that the UN Security Council vote to expand the jurisdiction of the ICC "to cover the entire country." The mission also recommended that UN member states consider other pathways to justice "in tandem and complementarity" with the ICC, such as establishing a special tribunal for Sudan to prosecute international crimes and encouraging judicial officials in other countries to investigate and prosecute those allegedly responsible, including through exercising universal jurisdiction. The mission also called for Sudan's cooperation with the ICC. States should urgently support the ICC's ongoing investigation in Darfur and work toward the implementation of the fact-finding mission's recommendations on accountability to check a cycle of impunity across Sudan that has fueled continuous rights violations, Human Rights Watch said. The UN secretary-general and Security Council members should press warring parties to end the ongoing willful obstruction of humanitarian supplies and personnel, including by immediately lifting ongoing bureaucratic restrictions. They should also condemn the RSF's looting of aid and medical supplies.	https://allafrica.com/stories/202412160081.html	2024-12-16T06:40:24Z
After 65 Decembers One Final Hurdle By Michael James Treacy After 65 Decembers By Michael James Treacy In August, he smiled at the memories of 65 Decembers, and put away his razor. . The ruddy complexion, jovial disposition, and expanded waistline where already his by right of genes, a penchant for English ale and a passion for bulked-up curries. . Throughout September, October, November and into December the beard became luxurious with the texture of cotton wool, showing every variant from peppered grey thru cumulous white. . Flair with a tenon saw ensured a serviceable sleigh, and a hard-won pension provided sacks full of presents, brand new wellies, and a funny red suit and hat. . Although they wouldn’t keep their antlers on, two great Danes made passable stand-in reindeer, and his grandchildren, who were taller than Munchkins though smaller than Oompa-Loompas, made charming, mischievous elves, . but how to visit eight billion people in just one night? Share this post Michael James Treacy's Colony name is mickleinapickle – if you’re not yet a member, join now. In August, he smiled at the memories of 65 Decembers, and put away his razor. . The ruddy complexion, jovial disposition, and expanded waistline where already his by right of genes, a penchant for English ale and a passion for bulked-up curries. . Throughout September, October, November and into December the beard became luxurious with… My paperback version of The Complete Works of Shakespeare was starting to look properly shabby. I’d bent the cover back a lot, and sat cups of tea on it a few too many times. It now looked like a book that got READ, which made me feel I’d was adulting like a boss. With that… Port and Lemon and Dirty Jokes My nan was the type of woman who couldn’t walk to the shop without stopping at least three times along the way to chat to someone she knew. She used to play a card game called Stop the Bus with me for a penny a hand. She kept budgies… I was approaching the halfway mark of my Shakespeare-a-thon, and methought it was time for some top scores. The Big H was coming up, so I was well excited. That’s got to deliver the goods, I thought, otherwise why was it quoted so often? But first, there was this. 21. As You Like It… Over the years, I slung my guitar in many bands, and although not exactly an international rock star, I have had the good fortune to play on a few minor tours in and around various European countries. Back in the mid-nineties just such an opportunity arose. A ten-date jaunt around Belgium and Holland. We completed… Much Ado About Nothing left me in a good place, so the thought of another comedy coming up was quite welcome. But would it deliver the goods? 19. The Merry Wives of Windsor If I could change the title it would be this: Falstaff, part III, Die Hard with a vengeance. Poor Falstaff… At first encounter, she slapped me on my backside and declared, “I don’t recognise that bottom!” . Then she skipped away on one of her missions to share a cuppa and a slice of humanity with a lonely soul. . At her behest, I carried bags of food and toys to a household of children… I don’t want to bring you down, but Christmas isn’t always fun for me. It’s a difficult time for a lot of people. The pressure is on to have a good time, but it’s not easy. The ideal of family around the table in a beautifully decorated, warm home, surrounded by love and gifts is… It is 1975. I am a teenager, listening for the first time to a protest song by Greg Lake. The tune mesmerises me, the riff stiffens the hairs on the nape of my neck. I want to hear it over and over, but I don’t get pocket money: I just have to hope they play… When I was eight years old, I auditioned for a part in my school’s Christmas play, Christmas is Cancelled! Despite being a shy child, I loved singing and role-playing and my timidity was overridden by the thought of getting to experience my dream of performing on stage. The audition took place in the school hall… I was cracking on with my stupidly self-imposed lockdown challenge to read The Complete Works of Shakespeare. I’d met a few Henry’s now, and although I knew one of them was meant to be rousing stuff, I had no clue which one it was. Could it be this one, I thought? 16. Henry IV part… Over the river and through the woods To Grandmother’s house we go. The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh Through the wide and drifted snow. I am retired and live in Hawaii after teaching and administering for the school district in Los Angeles for many years, but I grew up in Western New… I’d now hit the stage where I was half enjoying this challenge and half wishing I hadn’t told everyone I was gonna do it. There were expectations, and I’m never good with those. But I knew many of the famous plays were on their way, so that was good. 14. The Merchant of Venice Sadly,… “The werewolf’s bride is late.” The words echoing in my head were spoken by a black horse. With a toss of its mane, the horse became a giant bird with wings like grey shrouds. The thing’s eyes remained yellow. As drunkard’s piss, granddad would say. A woman held up an admonishing finger, her face hidden… I’d now encountered a few stand-out plays, in my great Shakespeare-reading marathon, so I felt quite buoyed up at the prospect of what was approaching. But then I was hit with this one. 11. King John I’m not saying this was mind-numbingly boring, but I had insomnia that night, and reading this was the only… Lady Brimstone-Smedley bought two female parrots, Polly and Dolly, but was shocked to discover they kept shouting out rude and inappropriate remarks. She sought advice from her parish priest about curing them of this embarrassing habit. The priest was mortified at the things the parrots were shouting. Polly squawked, “Do you fancy some hanky-panky?” Dolly… In my quest to read all of Shakespeare from start to finish, I finally made it to plays that I’d heard about and seen on the telly. I rubbed my hands in glee at what awaited me. Cover your eyes, I told Spock, it’s gonna be randy youngsters going all extra. 9. Romeo and Juliet… Don’t expect people who barely know you or don’t know you at all will promote your book. It’s not likely that people will go out of their way so you can climb a step up the ladder to success, unless they are invested. Nor can you count on the many faceless friends, acquaintances or followers… As you’ll know if you drop by the Colony between the 7th of each month and the 21st, we run a monthly contest between those dates in which you’re challenged to write One Perfect Sentence… It might be the first sentence to a book, the very last sentence – or something else entirely. It’s fabulously… Ten minutes before I left the house, my boss called. “The science class is cancelled today. Take Jisoo and Jennie instead. They need adjective practice.” (By the way, this happens a lot. I once opened the classroom door to find six quiet ESL teenagers instead of the rambunctious kindergartners for which I had the mood… Full of enthusiasm for my lockdown project of reading The Complete Works of Shakespeare, I wandered blindly on to play number 5. Some time later I stumbled back out, wondering if there’s any wriggle-room on those do not drink bottle warnings, as I felt the need for some kind of absolute cleansing. Should I sit… The Long and Short of It I enjoy writing short stories, which is a complete one-eighty compared to how I used to feel. I used to wonder how an author could convey so much meaning in so few words. It took practice and the motivation of entering competitions to change my mind. Love, Christmas is… When I first started down this self-publishing journey, I heard quiet rumours of the dangers of scammers. I knew they were out there. I knew they wanted my money (What little of it I have), and I knew they had no shame. What I didn’t know, and was unprepared for, was just how many of… We all remember those drawn out days of the first Covid lockdown, right? I don’t know how you coped, but while other people were learning new languages and putting out their trash dressed as Ru Paul, I decided to do something quite useless. I would read the Complete Works of Shakespeare. Oh yes. Armed with… Thank you for bearing with me. As a reward, we’re leaving high school. We’ll only revisit it in my dreams from now on. I promise. Okay, we’re going to fast-forward now. I won’t bother you with the interim. I think we should let it be said that I learned a lot that day. You’ve just… I am glad you’re still here. Come, sit down with me. We’re in my English class. Spring 1994 is the pre-Axe-Body Spray era, if you’re wondering why you’re not identifying it. I like English class, in general. When I was 14, I was awarded a prize for a short story, and Mrs. Williams has read… This is a story of grace, not of sadness. I’m saying that because it won’t feel like that. Not initially. I’m just going to take you on a journey with me, but only if you’re ready. We’re going to the fall of 1993. Take my hand. Watch your step. We’re going back to my high… The Good There’s so much to love about writing – the excitement of that initial spark of an idea; the stimulation of the challenge to make it work; that feeling you get when you find the perfect word/phrase/sentence/paragraph to express exactly what you mean in the most eloquent way you can; the thrill of positive… I’ve discovered a number of things to do with cloth serviettes which in today’s age we seldom use. Personally, I don’t use them anymore because I tend to look upon them with suspicion; as being unhygienic, just like cloth handkerchiefs. One gets a sense of nausea, a feeling of disdain in having to re-use something already… I recently participated in ALLi’s SelfPubCon, which focused on the business side of writing. There were sessions on using social media, monetising YouTube, website design, using AI for marketing … I watched video after video that made my brain turn off. Video after video teaching me how to cash in on the advertising deluge we… Bert and Harry had met at the ‘Hunter’s Moon’ village pub every Wednesday night at 7 pm for the last 15 years. Both now suffered from ‘old man’s bladder’, and restricted themselves to two pints each. Harry, being the more progressive, would choose lasagne or a pasta dish for his meal, whereas Bert… Giving Feedback The title of this post is a sentence that’s often used at the end of a fellow writer’s feedback in the Lab, and I think it’s perfect. The first time I submitted work for critique and someone responded with this line, I felt a huge wave of relief. It says so much in… I have to make a new word. This is not uncommon for me. Legiterally is now, officially, a thing. Coffeed is a passive verb that has long need to be in existence. I am still looking for one for accidentally on purpose and those people who talk on speakerphones in public if anybody’s feeling frisky.… There has long been an association between mental illness and creativity with seemingly endless examples of successful creatives affected by anxiety, depression, bipolar and other mental disorders: F. Scott Fitzgerald, Edgar Allen Poe, Virginia Woolf, Leo Tolstoy, Sylvia Plath, Ernest Hemmingway, J.K. Rowling, Stephen King, Stephen Fry, Emily Dickinson, Franz Kafka, Matt Haig, Van Gogh,… We are back from a river cruise down the Danube from Budapest to Bucharest. Well, what did we see? We were amazed at the people who are beathing; that is, the air of freedom. New entrepreneurial enterprises have opened up—many businesses started by people under forty. In fact, our program director on our Viking cruise… When, after the August sun, the first rains fall there’s something nostalgically magical that lures you outside or look through a window in silence and be embedded with the atmosphere. You feel the moments of childhood crowding around you: when the first days of school were mingled with the anticipation of falling leaves; when learning and the… It was an irresistible afternoon, the gorgeously seductive late summer / early-autumn sunlight inviting me to come play in the woods… how could I refuse? So I grabbed some wild garlic bulbs and a trowel and hied me to the dappled paradise. Work could wait, at least for a couple of hours. Bulb planting is… I’ve been avoiding the subject of AI for a long time. I’ve tried to ignore it, tried to pretend it won’t be as big a deal as people are making out, and that it will find its place somewhere and make life a little less cumbersome. But the more time that passes and the more… I’m Fine Whenever I meet someone new, I try to learn their language. I don’t mean French or German; I mean things like what they convey without actually saying the words, or the way they might say something but mean something different. For the latter, take “I’m fine” as an example. It can mean different… Come over here for a moment, would you? But be careful of the edge of the table, it’s rather sharp. Good. Now you can see things from my side of the desk. That towering pile you see in front of you? It’s what some unkind publishing folk call “the slush pile”. Yes, most of it’s… Thinking back to December 1973… a village called Oberjoch (over the hill) in the Bavarian Alps. Six feet of snow! I was learning to ski with a six-man unit from 49 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. It was a 2-week course, and we manage to ski fairly well down the smaller slopes… I recently had a great movie night with my daughter. We made a fort (three kitchen chairs with a blanket thrown over the top and far too many stuffed toys to get comfortable), we made popcorn and a bowl of Skittles, and settled down in the living room to watch a movie with all the… Well, it sort of is… I’ve been fascinated by dystopian fiction for many years – any story which explores a dramatic change in the way of life for a society, if not humanity (which can of course cross into the post-apocalyptic sub-genre). But it’s not just the ‘big picture’ of these novels which intrigues me,… Marcel Duchamp said this: it’s art if I say so. He’s the guy who stuck a urinal on the wall and called it ‘Fountain’. And ever since he did that, the art world swivelled on its axis and became a place where apparently anything goes. And usually for a gazillion quid. Which really gets the… As a writer, I tend to focus on plot. I love a good action scene, and I also enjoy writing dialogue (probably stems from loving to talk, myself. LOL!). Over the years, I’ve developed a method for outlining my novels that’s sort of a mash-up of different methods I’ve read about. I start with a… The 28 Delegates from Earlston in Scotland here on their annual twinning visit with Cappella Maggiore attended Mass at a local church in Anzano. Fr Mario wanted to say a few words of welcome to them in English and then would I translate simultaneously the rest of the sermon. I didn’t say no, I just… As a kid, I watched Star Trek. Some things have come true. I remember at the market you had to push to open the door. On Star Trek, the doors opened automatically with a SWOOSH when Captain Kirk made his dramatic entrance (wow, he’s still with us as I write this). A few years later… Out of the Mouths of Babes This post was inspired by a comment made by my eleven-year-old son. It was prompted by his question regarding what I’d hypothetically create a YouTube channel about (reading and writing novels of course!). He summed up in one sentence what I took years to work out: “The most important… The sun blazing down on this our fragile humanity enticing us to the cooling waters of the sea or the breezy shade of mountain trees. It is time for ball games on beaches, hide and seek on mountain slopes: laughter, friendship, care-freeness. It is time for distraction, the distraction that once saturated must eventually lead… There are debates about audio books vs paperback vs digital formats. This post is not about that. Although that would be an interesting post. But I will not try to convince you to listen to a book if that’s not your jam. Well, I won’t deliberately try. As for SFF… you either love it or… I recently wrote a blog post about bad writing in current media and decided that this month I would write about good writing instead. Bad writing is low-hanging fruit; it’s easy to spot, and easier still to complain about after you realise something has relieved itself on it. The Acolyte, the show I talked about… My neighbouring village in Northern Italy enacted the 1917- 18 Year. They called the event the “L’an de la Fan” which is a Veneto Region dialect expression for “The Year of Hunger.” There was something special about this year. Apart from the massacre that left a painful dent in Italian history, it also attracted the… Be Brave I’ve been writing seriously for years. The more I wrote (and read the work of other authors), the more I experimented with different genres, voice, style and structures. I realised I had nothing to lose by going down experimental rabbit holes, except time and effort. But hey, writing is a craft, right? And… My Writing Journey During my formative years, I had spells when I thought I’d like to be an author when I grew up (if we ever really do). But I didn’t know any writers and it seemed like something that other, cleverer, more privileged people did, not someone like me. But when I reached my… Donald Sutherland is gone. I saw him on stage at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles years ago in a play. What can one say? MASH etc… I knew Eddie Albert and bid him adieu nineteen years ago. Wow, stop the clock! I sat next to him at a few dinner parties at our… I’ve never liked my voice. I’m not alone. People, in general, hate their voices. We are simply not biologically intended to hear our voices the way that other people do. I hear it and I think, “Who’s that guy?” No, actually, I don’t. I don’t do that. I hear it and I think, “Who’s that… This year, for the first, time, I noticed the absence of something in June: rainbows. I’d never been particularly in love with them. The fact that Subaru will slap a rainbow on their ads, or that once a year a random company I never really patronize will reassure me how much they like the gays,… Lately, I’ve been hearing lots of complaints about awful writing. Not mine – people aren’t saying it to my face anyway – but some movies and television shows that are getting some scathing reviews. Some cry that this is racism, homophobia, sexism etc. That these criticisms don’t hold water because of the place from which… Originating from an informal meeting of finance ministers in 1973, in Washington DC, two years later the G6 established at its first meeting in Château de Rambouillet the following principles: a united commitment to promoting free trade, multilateralism, cooperation with the developing world, and rapprochement with the Eastern Bloc. In 2024 the group, now G7,… A long-lost friend dropped by recently. Myka was in Berlin for a conference, and found herself with a free evening. We offered her a barbecue, a bed and a walk in the woods. Myka was thrilled. Like us, she had bought a house on the edge of a wood. She loves forest-bathing, or walking away… Be Up-Front Agent Pete often says that writers should play to their strength and put it front and centre in the opening of their novel. It sounds so obvious but this hadn’t occurred to me before I heard him say it. Are you good at dialogue? Open with a conversation. Do you excel at action?… A Rose By Any Other Name Would Smell as Sweet, Right? The Silence of the Lambs, For Whom the Bell Tolls, Elinor Oliphant is Completely Fine, 1984, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, The Colour Purple – titles that we remember, titles that I love. But what makes them so effective? And do titles affect… Food, travel, books, movies, television shows, and on…and on… A family member of mine doesn’t like avocado. Won’t dip his chip into guacamole. YUM. A friend I dine with loves escargot. YUK! Slimmy crawl ya’all. I recently watched—what I thought would be—a simple detective series, but when in episode 7 it was revealed the detective… I always find Beta reading such a great opportunity to learn. I discover things that I’m sure I do myself as a writer that I critique as a reader. In my last few rounds of beta reading, I found myself thinking about the gap between being “the writer” and being “the reader.” I mean, of… My experience with deal sites. This one is for the writers. Last week, I ran a promotion for my novel The Trouble with Prophecies. I slashed the price down to 0.99 for the week in an attempt to get sales going. For context, the last time I ran a promotion I made the book free… I’ve always had a sense of affinity with the Mystic Padre Pio and the fact that he was born the same day I was, May 25th, makes that bond even closer. For years he drew upon himself the abuse of many, including that of the Pope because people were sceptical – claiming to have the… Don’t Start with a Character Waking Up, Looking in the Mirror, or with a Hangover On Pop-Up Submissions, we received a lot of openings like this. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t, at least in my humble opinion. It may be a cliché, but Fifty Shades of Grey starts with Anastasia Steele looking in the… (Disclaimer: although not politically perfect, I’m going to use the familiarity of the term ‘disability’ rather than, say, ‘differently abled’ in this post.) I’m gonna say, straight up, that I can’t tell you how to write about disability, primarily because everyone’s experience is different. But I might be able to give you some food for… I decided to self-publish my contemporary romances after unsuccessful attempts at the traditional route. There are pros and cons to making this decision and lots of issues to consider. Will you pay someone to edit and format your novel? What about the cover design? What platform/s should you upload to? How will you market the… The pebble skimmed the surface ten times before running out of momentum, then seeming to flounder for a split second, sank into the dark still lake sending ripples radiating outwards. “Ten, dad. Beat that,” said Michael. “Hah, easy,” I said. I scanned the shoreline and spotted a perfect skimmer. A small piece of ancient flint;… “I’m home, darling! Early finish today. Hurrah!” The masculine voice echoed through the house, and fell on the ears of Mrs Brown and the insurance salesman. “Quick!” she exclaimed. “It’s my husband. He’ll go crazy if he catches you.” “Who…what?” the salesman stuttered. “I didn’t expect him home yet. He’ll commit murder if he finds… The 25th April is a national holiday here in Italy and it’s called Liberation Day. I had noticed, however, as the years went by, the enthusiasm to celebrate was dwindling a bit and basically I put the cause down to the fact that there seemed to be some confusion among the various sectors of Italian… “So, what is the worst thing about being a writer?” my neighbor asks me at the Spring Social. “Ummmm,” I say, looking past him to the office. I had forgotten that there was a Spring Social going on today. I see the notices clipped next to my door for them a few times a year:… Remember lockdown? Remember how we all got a bit excited in the first one and felt we had to make it count? And some of us, you know, wrote a book? Yeah. Turns out quite a lot of us were wrong there. 80,000 words of relatively competent sentences don’t always add up to a book.… Rules and Commonalities I’m not a musician but even I know that songs have a structure, verses and a chorus, that they often have a beginning, middle and end, that they can build to a crescendo, explore a narrative, evoke deep emotion and stay in our hearts forever. But just what is the magic ingredient… I’ve been doing the daily Wordle puzzle since it started. In case you missed it, Wordle is an online game that gives you six chances to guess a five-letter word. It was invented by Josh Wardle, a software developer, for his girlfriend who loved word games. Just for fun, so the story goes. Until he… Last time, I spoke about stories that stay with you – or more accurately, the ones that don’t. This month, I want to take some time to unpick what makes a good story. One that lives in your psyche days, even years, after the final page has been turned. I think it’s fair to say… You Are Not Alone Most people experience rejection when querying. Beatrix Potter, author of The Tale of Peter Rabbit, got so many rejections she ended up self-publishing. Now, over 45 million copies have been sold world-wide. Rudyard Kipling was told that he didn’t know how to use the English language. F. Scott Fitzgerald was told… Time and Head Space When I was teaching full-time, I found it difficult to fit in any writing. It’s definitely not a nine-to-three job! My evenings and weekends were taken up by planning, preparing and assessing, as well as various administrative tasks. Not to mention the demands of family and general life. However, switching to… “He’s gonna stuff me.” “Don’t talk like that!” Collo grabbed my arms. “He’s just a twinkling fairy!” “Yeah, but look at the size of him!” “Don’t think like that! You can beat him… you’re representing ‘B’ troop. Remember your training! Don’t let him catch you… keep moving… you’re faster than he is.” “Yeah, but he… In that heady, comforting, all-encompassing safety-net that is the deep love forged by a long life together, my soul-mate and I tried to find ‘our song’. Amongst all the haunting melodies and time-tested lyrics, surely we could find a single song that expressed the depths of our feelings for each other? He suggested some, I… Who the hell do you think you are? I once heard that authors alternate between two perceptions of their work-in-progress. One is: ‘This is amazing! I’m a bloody genius!’ The other is: ‘This is the worst thing ever written! Ever! In the whole history of story!’ The truth, of course, is that it’s usually somewhere… The International Children Books Illustration Exhibition opens its doors for six weeks every year at Sarmede, my home town, gathering the usual crowd of fans and supporters from various parts of the country. The Exhibition used to be held in the Town Hall of the village which has permanent mural illustrations done by the artists… “Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents,” grumbled Jo, lying on the rug. That opening line is indelibly inked in my memory. Other fictional characters captured my childhood imagination before the March sisters: Anne of Green Gables, Black Beauty, Big Red. All great stories for children. But ‘Little Women’, Louisa May Alcott’s coming-of-age story set… The Brother has a view on modern verbiage ++ Now, c’mere ’til I tell you this. I’m all ears. What is it? The brother has barred himself from watching television above in the digs. Excuse me? Barred himself for the foreseeable future on account of him having been roaring at the TV in the residents’… We All Have Our Own Opinions Of course we do! Life would be very boring if we didn’t. But there are elements to story that seem to be essential and universal. I’ve listed some below but it’s not exhaustive and I’m interested to hear other ideas. Character I often hear authors talk about the… Say What? Writing a novel with more than one point-of-view can be tricky. How can you juggle different personalities and motivations – and somehow use them to tell a balanced, coherent and compelling story? How can you ensure that each character has their own ‘voice’ (something that I find extremely difficult to achieve!)? But does… There’s something about cats. Yes, in January I burst my eardrum trying to cure the ear mite infection I caught from our two. They wont be sleeping on the bed pillows after that. But I mean more. The truth encapsulated in this post from Jennifer Adcock, writer. “You know who doesn’t get impostor… Sorry! I’ve been a tad disingenuous with this title because I’m not referring to the act of writing on behalf of others, but rather the literal act of writing about ghosts! Trick, or treat? Of course, there are many ghost stories, especially in the horror genre, but I’ve selected a few from other genres to… The last few weeks, I have been replaying a video game from my distant past. An old favourite by the name of Final Fantasy VII. I used to play this game almost once a year; I kept going back to it again and again throughout my childhood and often used to inform my imaginative play… “Do you still see the Bulgarian?” The question tumbled out. “Yes.” Her reply was instant, instinctive, intuitive. “His name is Krasimir.” “Sorry.” He stuttered his response. “I didn’t mean to pry… just a silly question. None of my business. Sorry.” “It’s OK.” She attempted to heal. “I have no problem with your question. It’s not… Over achievers rarely herald from untroubled upbringings. Being born to a mother with low confidence in her own abilities wouldn’t have been so bad, had she managed an ounce of confidence in her own children. Such is life. The poor woman was bullied by her father. He, in turn, had been emotionally wrecked by the… Ciao. Getting ready for our two-week trip to Northern Italy. Northern Italy you say. What about the rest of Italy? Well, in due course. A friend of mine recently went to Italy and did the typical, American 9 day, 10 night tour of Italy on a bus. “Bring down your luggage and be on the… “Aren’t you supposed to be writing?” I shove the nagging question away. The computer will still be there when I return to it, cursor blinking patiently at the top of a blank page. It is Thursday, one of my two weekdays designated for writing. I am cradling a cup of coffee and standing in the… An Issue of Trust I’ll admit, novels with an unreliable narrator are not everyone’s cup of tea, but I love them. You start off thinking the character is taking us on a believable journey and that we can trust their telling of the events, then unease creeps in. We start asking questions. We wonder where… Mention the word Trope to us writers and we’ll recoil. Add the word Cliche and you’ll see us running for the hills. These two five-letter words are not what any of us want in our wonderful, new, original, works, right? But consider this: things only become tropes when they are overused, and they only become… Save the Cat? My three psychological novels have unlikeable point-of-view characters. Without balance, they can appear two-dimensional – and I’ve discovered that achieving that balance is rather tricky! What do I mean by balance? I suppose I’m talking in terms of the reader’s perception. Is the character’s dark side countered by a bit of light,… I am made of regret, but not of sadness. During my brief and somewhat misguided youth, I spent my money and spoke my mind. I moved countries and continents. I learned languages, had adventures, and spent my life coloring outside the lines. I don’t recommend it unless you want to come back to where you… A writer friend of mine and I have exchanged writerly encouragement to each other for many years. The most frequent reminder we bounce back and forth is that writing is really hard. We take baffling things in our life, in society, in the world, often stuff that strike us as chaotic, and we try to… Dear Grandpoppypops Wish you were here? Look at the size of the stamps now! So much larger than the penny black you showed me from your visit. Not much has changed so far as I can see in human structure, society is still set on exploiting other sections of itself. Your industrial revolution really set… Flann O’Brien’s much-loved character – The Brother – transported to the 21st century. What would he make of contemporary trends and fads? This episode imagines his reaction to Molecular Gastronomy, Nouvelle Cuisine, and the tampering of a subject very close to his heart. ***************** Now the brother has a thing or two to say on… This is my first post on this forum, so I wanted to do something short and light. What types of distractions interrupt you when you’re hammering away at your keyboard? The phone rings? Your significant other shouts at you from the other side of the house? Your cat comes in and plops down onto your… Go beyond the usual guide book notes of the Trevi Fountain and savour its unexpected pleasures. PART ONE Walk through the heart of Rome and you will be lured in one direction and then another as instantaneously as a magnet does with a piece of iron… The Pantheon will attract you with its metaphysical force of the gods, the Foro Imperiale with its magnitude of power… while the Fountain of Trevi… My first day as a professional writer, I lifted a police report from the pile at the Coffeyville station and read “Murder.” Now, this was a small town, and I was pretty sure this sort of thing was a rarity. I wasn’t sure there had been much in the way of this most heinous of… First Things First I’ve never understood people who have a favourite song, book or film. Surely your choice depends on your mood. It’s the same with genre. Maybe today I fancy reading something light-hearted and fun. Tomorrow I might want to feel a shiver run down my spine. The next day I might be enticed… Lucky seven they say, but the morning I had to load that many strong-minded mustangs onto a lorry at the top of the Swiss Alps with a 4am deadline, it seemed a doomed number. Especially when lorry drivers with ferry schedules and EU regulations have famously short fuses. They have been known to… Hands up anyone who’s had a bit of writer’s block? Looking around I can see that’s pretty much all of us, right? Even you at the back, hiding behind your laptop screen, pretending you’re doing research into character types, whilst actually playing Royal Match and posting videos of your cat. Why do we have such… I’m delighted to give you an early peek into this year’s Litopia Book Club selections, together with relevant purchase links. It’s a particularly strong and carefully-selected list, and as you’ll know if you’ve attended one of Jason’s riotous Zoom sessions, a good time can be guaranteed for all! For further information and exact dates, please… Selling highly-priced, poor-value seminars and writing courses to aspiring authors isn’t just unethical – it’s also damaging to the publishing industry, says Litopia’s Peter Cox in this article for “The Bookseller” That old scoundrel Sam Brannan would have felt completely at home in today’s publishing business. Sam, you may recall, was the original promoter of… Get The Digest Subscribe to our occasional email featuring all the best writing from the Colony. Free to subscribe, unsubscribe whenever you want (but we don't think you'll want to!)	https://litopia.com/after-65-decembers/	2024-12-16T06:40:24Z
On Friday, ESPN’s Randy Moss ended all the speculation about his health on an Instagram Live stream, detailing that a cancerous mass was found in his bile duct between his pancreas and his liver. In the days following this admission, Moss has received countless messages of support from his peers in sports media, including a show of support from his cast mates on the Week 15 edition of Sunday NFL Countdown. Moss is of course a regular on the show before stepping away to focus on his health problems. With just over a minute left in the Sunday Night Football matchup between the Green Bay Packers and the Seattle Seahawks, Cris Collinsworth made it a point to send well wishes to Moss and his family during this trying time. “Can we say hello and wish well to Randy Moss?” said Collinsworth. “Our friend, battling cancer as we speak. Just one of the greatest players in the history of our game. When he came on the scene — that guy just exploded on the scene. I’ve had a chance to work with him on a couple of different things. You just love being around him. He kinda had a reputation as a player of being kinda rough or whatever. Not at all, just not at all. Just thinking about you and praying for you.” Mike Tirico responded in tune, sharing a story about Moss at Tom Brady’s Patriots Hall of Fame induction back in June before offering his thoughts and prayers for him. “You know Cris, I had a chance to be up in Foxborough six months ago when they honored Tom Brady,” said Tirico. “And they filled the stadium. It was a great night. Randy Moss came out and before you could say a word, he got a standing ovation from the 200 ex-Patriots that were there and the entire Gillette Stadium. Just an appreciation for that great season with Tom and what he meant to them and means to a lot of folks around the league. Does a great job with the ESPN crew on Sundays. So Randy, we are praying for you and thinking of you man.” Cris Collinsworth and Mike Tirico send well wishes to Randy Moss on the NBC SNF broadcast. 🏈🎙️❤️ pic.twitter.com/tukIjnmF23 — Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 16, 2024 This shoutout just shows how many people Moss has impacted not just as a player, but also as an ESPN analyst every Sunday. Luckily, Moss appears to be recovering as well as possible after a six-hour surgery to remove the cancerous mass, and vows to be back on ESPN programming “soon”.	https://awfulannouncing.com/nbc/cris-collinsworth-mike-tirico-send-well-wishes-randy-moss-snf.html	2024-12-16T06:40:24Z
Specifications for the 2016 Porsche 911 Carrera Black Edition. Details include engine, fuel usage, interior features, safety and more.	https://www.whichcar.com.au/specs/2016-porsche-911-carrera-black-edition-991-my16-petrol-2d-coupe-zmPSCxMWWZ	2024-12-16T06:40:23Z
PICS: Hot Tampa Bay Cheerleaders Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleaders performed during the NFL game against Arizona Cardinals. Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleaders performed during the NFL game against Arizona Cardinals. Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleaders perform during the second half of an NFL football game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013 in Tampa, Fla.. (Photo: AP) Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleaders perform during the second half of an NFL football game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013 in Tampa, Fla.. (Photo: AP) Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleaders perform during the second half of an NFL football game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013 in Tampa, Fla.. (Photo: AP) Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleaders perform during the second half of an NFL football game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013 in Tampa, Fla.. (Photo: AP) Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleaders perform during the second half of an NFL football game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013 in Tampa, Fla.. (Photo: AP) Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleaders perform during the second half of an NFL football game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013 in Tampa, Fla.. (Photo: AP) Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleaders perform during the second half of an NFL football game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013 in Tampa, Fla.. (Photo: AP) Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleaders perform during the second half of an NFL football game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013 in Tampa, Fla.. (Photo: AP) Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleaders perform during the second half of an NFL football game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013 in Tampa, Fla.. (Photo: AP) Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleaders perform during the second half of an NFL football game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013 in Tampa, Fla.. (Photo: AP)	https://www.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/pics-hot-tampa-bay-cheerleaders-104779.html	2024-12-16T06:40:25Z
PICS: Muscle Mania Fitness in Korea The Muscle Mania Fitness Korea Competition was recently held in Seoul. The Muscle Mania Fitness Korea Competition was recently held in Seoul. Women body builders pose in front of judges during the Muscle Mania Fitness Korea Competition in Seoul on October 3, 2013. Successful participants will be eligible to compete in the 2014 Fitness Universe Competition. (Photo: AFP) Women body builders prepare before going on stage during the Muscle Mania Fitness Korea Competition in Seoul on October 3, 2013. Chosen bodybuilders from the competition will be able to participate in the Fitness Universe Competition in the next year. (Photo: AFP) Women body builders pose in front of judges during the Muscle Mania Fitness Korea Competition in Seoul on October 3, 2013. Successful participants will be eligible to compete in the 2014 Fitness Universe Competition. (Photo: AFP) Women bodybuilders check their appearance before taking the stage during the Muscle Mania Fitness Korea Competition in Seoul on October 3, 2013. Successful participants will be eligible to compete in the 2014 Fitness Universe Competition. (Photo: AFP) Women body builders prepare before going on stage during the Muscle Mania Fitness Korea Competition in Seoul on October 3, 2013. Chosen bodybuilders from the competition will be able to participate in the Fitness Universe Competition in the next year. (Photo: AFP) Body builder Robert Timms warms up before going on stage during the Muscle Mania Fitness Korea Competition in Seoul on October 3, 2013. Chosen bodybuilders from the competition will be able to participate in the Fitness Universe Competition in the next year. (Photo: AFP)	https://www.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/pics-muscle-mania-fitness-in-korea-104889.html	2024-12-16T06:40:31Z
Specifications for the 2016 Porsche 911 Carrera S. Details include engine, fuel usage, interior features, safety and more.	https://www.whichcar.com.au/specs/2016-porsche-911-carrera-s-991-my16-petrol-2d-cabriolet-2KEvQxNnV7	2024-12-16T06:40:31Z
The Philadelphia Eagles extended their winning streak to 10 on Sunday with a 27-13 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. But after the game, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts made it a point to show his respect to Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson in a heartfelt exchange after the game. Hurts put his apparent animosity with A.J. Brown to the side, throwing for 290 yards and two touchdowns along with 45 yards and a rushing touchdown. Meanwhile, Wilson and the Steelers offense was largely stifled all game long, putting up just 163 yards of total offense. After the game, the two quarterbacks met at midfield to share an embrace. Hurts then told Wilson how he watched him play growing up, thanking him for “paving the way” for him and other young quarterbacks of his generation. “Watched you my whole childhood… You paved the way.” – Jalen to Russ postgame 🤝 pic.twitter.com/HGjchCuMnW — NFL (@NFL) December 16, 2024 Some of the comments from Hurts were hard to pick up due to the outside audio inside of Lincoln Financial Field. But the sentiment here is most definitely that Hurts has a ton of admiration for Wilson and all that he has done to pave the way from the next generation of quarterbacks. In comparison to some of his peers, Wilson doesn’t get all that much credit for what he has done for the quarterback position. But Wilson has been as impactful as any current quarterback over the course of his long career. While the loss likely stings for Wilson, these kind words from someone as great as Hurts have to be nice to hear. And despite the loss for the Steelers, they actually clinched the postseason following the Indianapolis Colts’ loss to the Denver Broncos. So perhaps we may see another Eagles-Steelers matchup — in Super Bowl LIX. [NFL on X]	https://awfulannouncing.com/nfl/jalen-hurts-russell-wilson-micd-up-moment.html	2024-12-16T06:40:30Z
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.	https://www.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/pictures-taken-at-the-right-moment-104785.html	2024-12-16T06:40:37Z
Specifications for the 2016 Porsche 911 Carrera S. Details include engine, fuel usage, interior features, safety and more.	https://www.whichcar.com.au/specs/2016-porsche-911-carrera-s-991-my16-petrol-2d-cabriolet-bQtJLW5tWe	2024-12-16T06:40:38Z
VIDEO: AAP Announces Fourth List Of Candidates, Gives Ticket To PMLA Accused The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has released its fourth list of candidates for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, raising eyebrows with one controversial inclusion. Among the names is a candidate currently under investigation for alleged violations of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This decision has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, who have questioned AAP’s candidate selection process and accused the party of compromising on ethics. The controversial candidate’s inclusion has also sparked widespread debate about the standards political parties should uphold while nominating individuals for public office. While AAP has yet to respond to these allegations, this development adds a layer of controversy to the election campaign, challenging the party’s claims of transparency and clean politics.	https://www.republicworld.com/videos/india/delhi-assembly-elections	2024-12-16T06:40:39Z
US Defy Comeback to Lead Presidents Cup Steve Stricker saved par from an 18th-hole bunker to give the United States a 3 1/2-2 1/2 lead over the Internationals after Thursday's opening four-ball matches at the storm-hit Presidents Cup. Steve Stricker saved par from an 18th-hole bunker to give the United States a 3 1/2-2 1/2 lead over the Internationals after Thursday's opening four-ball matches at the storm-hit Presidents Cup. The escape allowed Stricker, the oldest US player at 46, and Jordan Spieth, the youngest at 20, to edge South Africa's Ernie Els and Zimbabwe's Brendon de Jonge 1-up in the last match. Spieth had birdied to win the 14th for a 2-up US lead. Els made his first birdie to win the 17th but Stricker blasted out to two feet at the last and De Jonge missed a 15-foot birdie putt to leave the Americans on top. "It was a little nerve wracking," Stricker said. "I didn't hit a good iron shot but I made a good up and down to get it done." American duos at one point led in five matches and were level in another when a 90-minute storm delay hit, eventually helping the visitors who proceeded to fight back at Muirfield Village. "My team made a great effort coming back," said Nick Price, the Internationals captain. "They played some incredible golf. I'm just so proud of the way they brought it back. They showed the true grit and spirit they have." The US team, celebrating the 54th birthday of captain Fred Couples, leads the rivalry 7-1-1 and while the Internationals still have not led after a session since 2005, they turned potential disaster into a solid first-day effort. "The rain delay obviously helped them," Couples said. "They played their hearts out. That last point meant a lot." It takes 17 1/2 points to win the Cup. Six alternate-shot foursomes are scheduled for Friday with five four-ball and five foursomes matches Saturday and 12 singles on Sunday. Australia's Jason Day made a 15-foot birdie putt on the last hole as he and Canada's Graham DeLaet rallied from 3-down after six holes to beat Hunter Mahan and 2012 PGA playoffs winner Brandt Snedeker 1-up. "It was important for us to get off to a good start to get the momentum," Day said. "We had to stay patient." Snedeker sank the fifth US birdie in a row from 25 feet to win the sixth, but Day answered on the par-5 seventh with a birdie and the eighth with a par 3. DeLaet birdied the 15th and par-3 16th to put the global duo 1-up but Snedeker birdied 17 from four feet to square the match, setting up the dramatic finish. "We were down," DeLaet said. "We just hung in there and what a putt on 18." South Africans Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel were 2-down after seven but beat five-time major winner Phil Mickelson, the reigning British Open champion, and Keegan Bradley, the 2011 PGA Championship winner, by 2 and 1. Mickelson, the only man to play every Presidents Cup, birdied to win the first hole, then Schwartzel birdied to win the second and Mickelson answered with a three-foot birdie at the par-3 fourth. Bradley eagled to win the par-5 seventh for a 2-up lead, but 2010 British Open winner Oosthuizen answered with a 20-foot birdie to win the par-3 eighth and 2011 Masters champion Schwartzel birdied the ninth to level the match. After the storm, Oosthuizen birdied the par-5 11th to give the Internationals a lead and Schwartzel birdied 17 to win. World number one Tiger Woods, a 14-time major champion and US PGA Player of the Year, and WGC Match Play winner Matt Kuchar won 5 and 4 over Argentina's Angel Cabrera and Australian Marc Leishman. AFP	https://www.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/us-defy-comeback-to-lead-presidents-cup-104935.html	2024-12-16T06:40:44Z
Specifications for the 2016 Porsche 911 Carrera S. Details include engine, fuel usage, interior features, safety and more.	https://www.whichcar.com.au/specs/2016-porsche-911-carrera-s-991-my16-petrol-2d-coupe-Ef7f7CYT4k	2024-12-16T06:40:46Z
Published 11:59 IST, December 16th 2024 When Will Bangladesh Hold Next Elections? Mohd Yunus Reveals Muhammad Yunus, announced on Monday that the country's general elections are expected to be held between late 2025 and early 2026. New Delhi, India: Bangladesh 's interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, announced on Monday that the country's general elections are expected to be held between late 2025 and early 2026. Yunus, who is serving as the chief adviser to the caretaker government following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made this announcement during a televised statement. “The election dates could be fixed by the end of 2025 or the first half of 2026,” Yunus said. His remarks come amid mounting pressure for a firm election schedule, as political instability continues to grip the country. Sheikh Hasina’s Ouster Amid Protests Yunus’s appointment as the interim leader came after a violent student-led protest in August 2024 forced the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Thousands of demonstrators stormed the Prime Minister's Palace in Dhaka, leading to Hasina's flight to India. The unrest was fueled by long-standing allegations against Hasina’s government of politicizing the judiciary, the civil service, and staging unfair elections. Additionally, her administration faced serious charges of mass detentions and extrajudicial killings of political opponents during her 15-year rule. In his statement, Yunus emphasized the importance of electoral reforms before the next general elections. “If the political parties agree to hold the election on an earlier date with minimum reforms, the election could be held by the end of November 2025,” Yunus explained. However, he warned that implementing a complete list of reforms would necessitate a delay of several months. The last general elections in Bangladesh were held on January 7, 2024, where the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League secured a fourth consecutive term in power. However, the credibility of those elections was widely questioned, with allegations of voter suppression and irregularities. Updated 12:04 IST, December 16th 2024	https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/bangladesh-elections-likely-to-be-held-by-end-of-2025-or-early-2026-muhammad-yunus	2024-12-16T06:40:47Z
Hamilton Sets Pace, Kimi Escapes Crash Lewis Hamilton was fastest in both free practice sessions for the Korean Grand Prix Friday as Kimi Raikkonen escaped a heavy crash in the opening run-out. Lewis Hamilton was fastest in both free practice sessions for the Korean Grand Prix Friday as Kimi Raikkonen escaped a heavy crash in the opening run-out. Britain's Hamilton, whose debut season for Mercedes is in danger of petering out, nudged Red Bull's world championship leader Sebastian Vettel into second in both sessions. Vettel, 60 points ahead in the standings and firmly on course for a fourth world title in a row, was 0.108sec off Hamilton's best time of 1min 38.673sec in the second outing. Under blue skies at the Yeongam circuit Lotus driver Raikkonen, fourth in the title race, was only eighth quickest in both sessions and span off towards the end of the morning practice, slamming into a wall. The Ferrari-bound Raikkonen appeared unharmed and he was back in action in the afternoon, but the incident will spark fresh concern over his long-term back injury which flared again last month in Singapore. There were heads in hands in the Lotus pit after the team watched images of Raikkonen careering into the concrete wall. Asked by one of his engineers what happened, the famously terse Raikkonen replied sardonically over the team radio: "I hit the wall." Hamilton's team-mate Nico Rosberg was third-fastest in the second session, followed by Vettel's stablemate Mark Webber. Felipe Massa was fifth but the fellow Ferrari of Fernando Alonso, Vettel's nearest rival in the world championship, was down in seventh after an error-strewn run. AFP	https://www.indiatimes.com/sports/motorsport/hamilton-sets-pace-kimi-escapes-crash-104898.html	2024-12-16T06:40:50Z
Specifications for the 2016 Porsche 911 Carrera S. Details include engine, fuel usage, interior features, safety and more.	https://www.whichcar.com.au/specs/2016-porsche-911-carrera-s-991-my16-petrol-2d-coupe-kPMRSJgvJu	2024-12-16T06:40:53Z
Sebastien Ogier Wins World Rally Title French driver Sebastien Ogier clinched his first world rally title on Thursday, succeeding compatriot Sebastien Loeb who won the last nine championships. French driver Sebastien Ogier clinched his first world rally title on Thursday, succeeding compatriot Sebastien Loeb who won the last nine championships. Ogier, in a Volkswagen, wrapped up the crown in the Power Stage on the Rally of France's first day. He was assured of the title when Belgium's Thierry Neuville, the only man who could delay the celebrations, managed just second place on the stage which was won by Spain's Dani Sordo in a Citroen. Ogier was third while Loeb, who has only raced in four rallies in his retirement season, was down in seventh spot. Neuville, in a Ford, needed to take the three points on offer to the winner of the Power Stage to keep his slim hopes of snatching the title alive. But he now stands 82 points behind Ogier with just 81 left to fight for in the last three races -- in France, Spain and Great Britain. Ogier, 29, and co-driver Julien Ingrassia, capped a fine first full season in the world rally championship for German manufacturer Volkswagen. Loeb, 39, had pledged to push Ogier all the way in France, but his challenge fizzled out on Thursday. "I'm so happy. Before the stage I was a bit confused about whether it would happen, but we're here and we managed to do it," said Ogier after seeing Neuville finish just 0.7sec off Sordo's pace. "Eight year's we've worked for this!" added Ingrassia. Neuville, who had needed to win the last three rallies while also hoping that Ogier would finish without another point, remained upbeat. "We knew already that we couldn't really win, so it doesn't change anything," said the Belgian. "What's important is that we were quicker here than Jari-Matti Latvala and I hope to get one or two more points this weekend. Can I win? I don't know, we will try, but we want second in the championship more, so points are the priority." Mikko Hirvonen is fourth overnight, with Andreas Mikkelsen fifth and Latvala sixth. Loeb is seventh, 2.9sec off the lead. AFP	https://www.indiatimes.com/sports/motorsport/sebastien-ogier-wins-world-rally-title-104934.html	2024-12-16T06:40:56Z
We recently compiled a list of the 11 Best Cannabis Stocks To Invest In. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NASDAQ:REFI) stands against the other best cannabis stocks to invest in. The history of cannabis cultivation in America dates back to the early colonists, who grew hemp for textiles and rope. The plant was also widely used as a patent medicine during the 19th and early 20th centuries, described in the United States Pharmacopeia for the first time in 1850. Several political and racial factors led to the criminalization of cannabis in 1937 with the passage of the Marijuana Tax Act, but its legal status is now finally changing in many places. The United States of America is the country that consumes the most weed in the world. As we mentioned in our article – 30 Cities with the Highest Weed Consumption in the US – the American legal cannabis industry fared well in 2023 as legal sales across the 38 states that allow some form of regulated marijuana reached $28.8 billion, a 10.3% increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, the legal cannabis industry also added 22,952 new jobs last year – a sign that the national business climate has somewhat stabilized following the turmoil of the previous two years. According to the 2024 Vangst Jobs Report, there were over 440,445 jobs supported by legal cannabis nationwide as of early 2024, an increase of 5.4% from 2023. The increasing legalization of cannabis and rising acceptance of its use for medical purposes are the key factors fueling the industry. Growth is also expected to come from new markets. One such example is Nebraska’s vote in favor of legalizing medical marijuana last month. As of the writing of this article, 24 states have legalized recreational weed in America, in addition to the District of Columbia. However, possessing or selling marijuana remains a crime under federal law, punishable by prison time and fines. Major Blow to the US Cannabis Revolution In a significant setback for America’s legal cannabis industry, Florida voters rejected a ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana in November. The measure, known as Amendment 3, got 55.9% support, failing to meet the required 60% threshold. This was despite historic levels of funding, a rigorous advertising campaign, and even an endorsement from President-elect Donald Trump. Florida, with its population of 20 million people, is already home to the country’s largest medical marijuana market, boasting an annual revenue of $2 billion. The Sunshine State is also a popular tourist destination (especially during spring break) and attracts more than 140 million tourists every year. If Amendment 3 had been passed, Florida was expected to become a $6 billion cannabis market by 2026. Through the Smart & Safe Campaign, Florida’s cannabis companies and individual donors collectively contributed more than $150 million to get legalization enacted into law, with most of it coming from the largest medical marijuana operator in the state. On the other hand, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who aggressively campaigned against Amendment 3, spent an estimated $50 million of taxpayer money on radio and television ads to successfully convince enough voters to reject the measure. Meanwhile, hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin also came out against legalization and donated $12 million to the Vote No On 3 campaign. This setback inevitably had an impact on cannabis stocks, which witnessed a downturn following the news of the rejection. Amplify Alternative Harvest ETF, the first US ETF to target the global cannabis industry, has fallen by almost 30% since November 4, closing at $2.33 on December 13, 2024. Florida voters will now have to wait for two more years before cannabis legalization can get back on the ballot. The skyline of a major metropolitan center, dotted with commercial real estate properties. Our Methodology To collect data for this article, we scanned Insider Monkey’s database of 900 hedge funds and picked the top 11 companies operating in the cannabis sector with the highest number of hedge fund investors. When two or more companies had the same number of hedge funds investing in them, we ranked them by the revenue of their last financial year instead. Following are the Best Cannabis Stocks According to Most Hedge Funds. At Insider Monkey we are obsessed with the stocks that hedge funds pile into. The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here). Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NASDAQ:REFI) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 6 Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NASDAQ:REFI) is a company that provides loans and financing for commercial real estate. They focus on state-licensed cannabis operators in limited-license states, offering secured loans and other financial help to support their businesses. The firm has chosen to be taxed as a commercial mortgage real estate investment trust (REIT), so it isn’t required to pay corporate taxes. This allows it to distribute 90% of its taxable income to stockholders, making it a great option for investors looking for a regular income. Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NASDAQ:REFI) had a strong Q3 2024, reporting revenue of $14.16 million, a 4.6% YoY increase. Net income also grew by 19% YoY to reach $11.2 million. As a result, the company paid a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.47 per share of common stock for Q3 2024 on October 15, 2024. Also in October, Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NASDAQ:REFI) secured a $50 million unsecured term loan with a fixed interest rate of 9% and received an investment-grade BBB+ rating from Egan-Jones, giving it liquidity of over $75 million to fund new investments. Shares of Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NASDAQ:REFI) were held by 6 hedge funds in the IM database at the end of Q3 2024, with a total stake value of $7.1 million, up by over 53% from the previous quarter. Overall, REFI ranks 9th on our list of the best cannabis stocks to invest in. While we acknowledge the potential for REFI to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than REFI but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.	https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/chicago-atlantic-real-estate-finance-061233040.html	2024-12-16T06:40:58Z
Nadal Keeps Hopes of Number 1 Spot Alive World number two Rafael Nadal staged an extraordinary comeback in his China Open quarterfinal match Friday, keeping alive his hopes of unseating Novak Djokovic at the top of the men's rankings. World number two Rafael Nadal staged an extraordinary comeback in his China Open quarterfinal match Friday, keeping alive his hopes of unseating Novak Djokovic at the top of the men's rankings. The Spanish number two seed in Beijing looked to be heading for a crushing defeat after Fabio Fognini claimed the first set and powered to a 4-1 lead in the second. But Nadal broke the Italian's serve in the seventh game, before winning the next three to take the second set 6-4. Fognini, who is ranked 19th in the world, won the opener of the third set, but Nadal sealed his passage through to the semi-finals with victory in the remaining games. Nadal is aiming to unseat Djokovic at the top of the men's rankings by making the final in Beijing. Current China Open champion Djokovic can only remain top if he reclaims his title and if Nadal fails to win his semifinal against either American John Isner or Czech fourth seed Tomas Berdych. Nadal has not lost a hardcourt match all season. The China Open reaches its climax on Sunday. AFP	https://www.indiatimes.com/sports/tennis-and-badminton/nadal-keeps-hopes-of-number-one-spot-alive-104937.html	2024-12-16T06:41:03Z
By Kevin Buckland TOKYO (Reuters) -The dollar hovered close to a three-week peak versus major peers on Monday amid expectations the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates this week but then signal a measured pace of easing for 2025. Bitcoin soared above $105,000 for the first time, buoyed by signs President-elect Donald Trump will go ahead with a potential strategic bitcoin reserve. The yen struggled to recover following its worst week since September after Reuters and other news outlets reported that the Bank of Japan is leaning towards forgoing a rate hike on Thursday. Sterling was also under pressure after data on Friday showed a surprise economic contraction. The Bank of England is due to announce a policy decision just hours after the BOJ. The dollar got additional support from climbing U.S. Treasury yields. Traders are confident of a quarter-point Fed rate reduction on Wednesday but now expect officials to forgo a cut in January, according to CME's FedWatch tool. With inflation running above the central bank's 2% annual target, Fed policymakers have stated that recent upticks are part of the bumpy path to lower price pressures and not a reversal of the disinflationary trend. But analysts say they are also likely to be wary of renewed inflation with Trump set to take office in January. "The U.S. economy has been resilient in the face of high interest rates, which means the potential for inflation to rise if the economy overheats is a problem the Fed will need to address," said James Kniveton, a senior FX dealer at Convera. "There is concern that the incoming administration's policies may be inflationary, but as the Bank of Canada Governor commented earlier this month, decisions cannot be based on potential U.S. policy, and (Fed Chair) Jerome Powell may follow suit." The U.S. dollar index - which tracks the currency against the euro, sterling, yen and three other top rivals - was steady at 106.80 as of 0605 GMT, after rising to 107.18 on Friday for the first time since Nov. 26. The U.S. currency added 0.1% to 153.87 yen, and earlier touched 153.91 for the first time since Nov. 26. Sterling rose 0.22% to $1.2636, pulling up from $1.2607 on Friday, its lowest point since Nov. 27. The euro edged up 0.2% to $1.0518, after dipping to $1.0453 at the end of last week, its weakest since Nov. 26, not helped by news that ratings agency Moody's unexpectedly downgraded France on Friday. Bitcoin surged as much as 3.6% from Sunday's close to reach an all-time high of $106,533. Trump suggested in an interview with CNBC on Friday that he plans to go ahead with a plan to build a U.S. bitcoin strategic reserve, similar to its strategic oil reserve.	https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/dollar-hovers-near-3-week-013040051.html	2024-12-16T06:41:04Z
Who's Playing SE Louisiana Lions @ Grambling State Tigers Current Records: SE Louisiana 4-6, Grambling State 2-6 How To Watch - When: Monday, December 16, 2024 at 1 p.m. ET - Where: Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center -- Grambling, Louisiana - Follow: CBS Sports App - Online Streaming: Catch select College Basketball matches on Fubo (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.) What to Know The SE Louisiana Lions' road trip will continue as they head out to face the Grambling State Tigers at 1:00 p.m. ET on Monday at Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center. Given that the two teams suffered a loss in their last game, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this contest. On Wednesday, SE Louisiana couldn't handle Louisiana and fell 68-61. The Lions haven't had much luck with the Ragin Cajuns recently, as the team's come up short the last three times they've met. Meanwhile, after soaring to 82 points the game before, Grambling State faltered in their matchup on Saturday. They were completely outmatched by Pepperdine on the road and fell 85-57. The game marked the Tigers' lowest-scoring match so far this season. Even though the team lost, they still had their share of impressive performances. One of the best came from Chilaydrien Newton, who scored 11 points plus two steals. He continues to roll, besting his previous point total in each of the last three games he's played. Another player making a difference was Mikale Stevenson, who earned 14 points plus five rebounds. SE Louisiana's defeat dropped their record down to 4-6. As for Grambling State, their loss was their seventh straight on the road dating back to last season, which dropped their record down to 2-6. SE Louisiana won a contest that couldn't have been any closer in their previous meeting back in December of 2023, slipping by Grambling State 48-47. The rematch might be a little tougher for SE Louisiana since the squad won't have the home-court advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference. Series History Grambling State has won 3 out of their last 5 games against SE Louisiana. - Dec 20, 2023 - SE Louisiana 48 vs. Grambling State 47 - Dec 23, 2020 - SE Louisiana 77 vs. Grambling State 70 - Nov 13, 2019 - Grambling State 81 vs. SE Louisiana 70 - Dec 19, 2018 - Grambling State 69 vs. SE Louisiana 68 - Dec 16, 2017 - Grambling State 68 vs. SE Louisiana 67	https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/grambling-state-tigers-vs-se-louisiana-lions-live-stream-info-start-time-tv-channel-how-to-watch-ncaa-29541698/	2024-12-16T06:41:08Z
7 Frost-Resistant Plants for Containers — That Will Brighten Up Your Patio During the Frost Our experts choose the best hardy plants that combine resilience with beauty to offer color and texture right through the cold season Winter container gardens bring so much joy, adding an instant lift that can quickly transform an outdoor space. They give you a much-needed shot of color and interest that becomes a focal point when there's less competition from the rest of the garden. These easy potted planting ideas are guaranteed to deliver as long as you choose the best frost-resistant plants for containers that will happily celebrate the season. When choosing container gardening ideas for winter make sure the plants you pick are as happy tucked under a blanket of frost as basking in winter sunshine. Our expert selection includes some old favorites plus a few surprises. Choose one variety to star as a focal point in your container, or mix together several plants to make a mini feature garden. All the following suggestions will work beautifully together. 1. Winter pansies These cold-hardy plants (in zones 4-7) add a splash of color to winter containers with their delicately etched petals. While they will soldier on through the coldest weather, their flower production will get a particular boost on sunny days. "Pansies are a welcome addition to the cool season garden," says horticulturalist Jenny Rose Carey, author of The Ultimate Flower Gardener's Guide. "The flat-faced flowers come in a cheerful range of colors and multi-colors. Pansies and the smaller Johnny-jump-ups are annuals or biennials. Choose your favorite colors and tuck them in." Jenny Rose recommends planting spring bloomers like medium and small-sized daffodils in the container too. Winter pansies may temporarily stop flowering if temperatures drop below 25°F but they do survive and will start blooming again once things warm up a little. 2. Cyclamen This is one of my personal favorites, and I've been growing it for years. I think they are one of the best frost-resistant plants for containers you can choose. It's also one of the best bulbs to plant in shady backyards. Dainty flowering hardy cyclamen come into their own in winter. Nothing raises the spirits quite like a scattering of their delicate petals nodding above a dusting of frost. Not to be confused with the larger houseplant variety, these beauties will flower freely in the garden right through winter into spring. The delicate upswept petals come in a range of colors, from deep carmine and magenta to pale pink and crisp white. The leaves are attractive in themselves and range from dark green to silvery green, all with a distinctive marbled pattern. They adda real wow factor to containers in the winter garden. Hardy in Zones 4-8, they cope with snow and temperatures down to minus 14°F, and will continue to flower during a cold snap. 3. Holly "I find that holly is a very striking and appropriate plant for winter container interest," says landscape designer Scott Seargeant. "The shiny dark green leaves contrast with copious red berries, and will captivate all who pass by." Hollies are ideal container plants for patios and front porches or entryways. There are hundreds of holly species to choose from, both evergreen and deciduous. The right one for your container will depend on your USDA zone and the container size. The hardiest hollies can grow in zone 3 and up to zone 11. Hollies are slow-growing, making them ideal for containers, and the smallest ones are around three feet tall. They also make for a wonderful shrub for winter berries. Hollies like well-drained soil. In general, they prefer full sun to part shade. "Hollies are dioecious, which means they have male and female plants," says Scott. "The female plants have the berries, so it's good to have one or two male hollies to pollinate the female flowers." Scott recommends the following holly varieties for containers. "I like the upright form 'Sky Pencil', which has small purple berries, and likes full sun to part shade (USDA zones 5-9). Also, the 'A Berri-Magic/Kids Holly' combination (Ilex meserveae ‘Blue Girl' & ‘Blue Boy’), which likes full sun to part shade (USDA zones 5-9) and is one of the hardiest hollies. With this one a profusion of bright red berries is assured because a male pollinator is planted in the same container as the fruiting female." 4. Hellebore Looking for winter-blooming plants for a vibrant backyard? The delicate blooms of hellebore (also known as Lenten rose) make a stunning winter container plant. Super stars of the seasonal garden, they are tough and adaptable. They might look fragile but these easy-care plants will withstand frost, snow, ice, and torrential rain, and are hardy in Zones 4-9. "Hellebores are the perfect addition to winter container gardens," says gardening expert Kelly Funk from Jackson & Perkins. "These perennials bloom from early winter to early spring, showcasing elegant white, pink, green, or burgundy flowers. Thriving in the cold, they are disease-resistant and drought-tolerant, making them an ideal choice for winter patio containers." They are one of the best frost-resistant plants for containers, surviving in temperatures as low as -10°F, especially when they are well-established. "The majority of hellebores are evergreen so you can enjoy the foliage even when they aren’t in bloom, while their preference for well-draining soil makes them perfect for deep containers," says Kelly. These winter gems also come in exotic looking varieties featuring sploshes and spots on their petals, just like orchids. Try planting hellebore in a pot and positioning it high up on a windowsill so they are at eye level to fully appreciate the blooms. Perfect for porches, covered patios, and other shady spaces, they love free-draining soil and some bark chippings to keep weeds at bay, plus protect foliage and flowers in wet weather. 5. Edgeworthia chrysantha 'Red Dragon’ "If you’re looking for frost-resistant plants for containers in winter, my top choice would be Edgeworthia chrysantha 'Red Dragon’," says Texas-based landscaping expert Floyd Dotson founder of Fine Lubbock Landscapes. "Its flowers are a vibrant red and are absolutely beautiful, bringing a touch of warmth to your winter landscape." Both the buds and leaves are resistant to the cold and are hardy in USDA zones 7-10, which means down to 0°F. The plant grows to only 4-6 feet, which means it fits easily into a large container garden. In fact, it requires well-draining, slightly acidic soil, which is much easier to achieve in a pot. So, if you're wondering what to plant in December, this beauty is a great option. Blooming in late winter, it has lush green tropical leaves and an architectural pattern of branches to add plenty of visual appeal for the rest of the year. "So overall, if you’re looking for a single plant to breathe life into your patio in the winter and provide tropical appeal at other times during the year, Edgeworthia chrysantha 'Red Dragon’ is definitely my number one recommendation," says Floyd. 6. Heuchera (Coral Bells) "Heuchera, also known as Coral Bells, are loved for their colorful burgundy, lime, and bronze foliage, making them an excellent choice for adding color and texture to winter container gardens," says Kelly Funk. "Their evergreen leaves provide year-round interest, even when flowers are out of season. Compact and versatile, they pair beautifully with other plants, filling out mixed arrangements without overpowering them." They are also a great choice if you're looking for frost-resistant plants for containers and are great partial shade plants. "The hardy foliage withstands frost and remains evergreen in milder climates," says Kelly. "Use a thin layer of mulch to protect from extreme freezes." Heuchera are hardy in Zones 4-9. The striking foliage enhances container displays with texture and color, while their moderate size works well in layered arrangements. 7. Winter aconites If you love the idea of planting up a pint-size container with small flowers to brighten dark days in January and February then put winter aconites at the top of your list. These bulbs are a super-easy add to create an amazing winter garden this season. Also known as Eranthis hyemalis, the darling yellow blooms welcome early spring with a burst of rich buttercup color (they're actually part of the buttercup family). Plant up near a window and when you look out you may even be lucky and see early bees visiting them for pollen. Found throughout growing zones 3-7, these easy-care flowers are one of the best frost-resistant plants for containers too. They will also push up through snow. FAQs What is the most cold-tolerant plant? "In my opinion, the award of most cold-tolerant plant goes to either the dwarf Alberta spruce or the Siberian cypress," says Floyd Dotson. "Both are able to survive up to USDA zone 2, which can go down to -50°F. As far as I know, these are the two plants that are able to survive the lowest temperatures." The dwarf Alberta spruce is perfect for containers too as it grows very slowly, says Floyd. "But the Siberian cypress is harder to grow in containers. It can be done, but the container will have to be large and able to withstand the same cold temperatures." Include a dwarf Alberta spruce as part of your frost-resistant plants for containers as it's guaranteed to be a focal point in the winter garden. Be The First To Know The Livingetc newsletter is your shortcut to the now and the next in home design. Subscribe today to receive a stunning free 200-page book of the best homes from around the world. Lifestyle journalist Sarah Wilson writes about flowers, plants, garden design and trends. She has studied introductory garden and landscape design and floristry, and also has an RHS Level 2 qualification in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development. In addition to homesandgardens.com and livingetc.com she's written for gardeningetc.com, Real Homes, Modern Gardens and Country Homes & Interiors magazines. Her first job was at Elle magazine, during which time a trip to the beautiful La Colombe d'Or in St-Paul-de-Vence led to an interest in writing about all things botanical. Later as lifestyle editor at Country Homes & Interiors magazine the real pull was the run of captivating country gardens that were featured. - How to Grow Cactus Plants Indoors — 6 Easy Steps to Bring These Striking Houseplants Into Your Stylish Home These prickly plants offer so much style to an indoor space, and our round-up of expert suggestions will make being a cactus plant parent an easy feat By Amiya Baratan Published - 5 Easy Ways To Eliminate Cooking Odors In Your Home — Expert-Approved Tips for Strong Smells Trust us, tackling harsh scents in your space can make a great difference to the overall feel of your home By Cheyenne Brown Published - How to Grow Cactus Plants Indoors — 6 Easy Steps to Bring These Striking Houseplants Into Your Stylish Home These prickly plants offer so much style to an indoor space, and our round-up of expert suggestions will make being a cactus plant parent an easy feat By Amiya Baratan Published - 5 Easy Ways To Eliminate Cooking Odors In Your Home — Expert-Approved Tips for Strong Smells Trust us, tackling harsh scents in your space can make a great difference to the overall feel of your home By Cheyenne Brown Published - What to Do With Old Stuff When Decluttering — It Only Takes 5 Simple Tasks to Get Rid of Your Past Items From donating to recycling, experts discuss what you can do to remove old items from your space By Becca Cullum-Green Published - 10 Tips for an Easy Household Cleaning Schedule During the Holiday Rush — Bring On the Christmas Chaos! If overstimulation is a common consequence of planning your cleaning timetable, then this expert guide will help you navigate the process like a pro By Amiya Baratan Published - 6 Plants to Propagate in December for Gorgeous Greenery — Start Now for Fabulous Foliage Next Year It's so easy to multiply plants to gift, swap, or grow your indoor garden with these expert tips By Jacky Parker Published - Why Is My Snake Plant Drooping? Experts Say There Are 4 Reasons for Your Houseplant's Downfall There will be no sad plants on our watch, so here's how to identify the cause and help your leafy greens stand tall again By Amiya Baratan Published - 9 Designer-Approved Cleaning Tools That Will Transform Your Home — And Make Tiresome Chores a Whole Lot Easier Struggling to keep on top of your household cleaning? These chic and highly-effective cleaning tools should do the trick By Seraphina Kyprios Published - How to Declutter a Closet — Professional Organizers Say There Are 7 Simple Ways to Free Up Space Quickly Create an area for your clothing and shoes that is easy to access using these smart expert tips By Ciéra Cree Published	https://www.livingetc.com/advice/frost-resistant-plants-for-containers	2024-12-16T06:41:08Z
Twitter Hopes to Raise $1Bn Via IPO According to the IPO filings, Twitter generated $317 million in revenue in 2012 and had more than 218 million active users in the second quarter, up 44 per cent from a year earlier. On Thursday, Twitter Inc. unsealed the papers with the Securities and Exchange Commission, giving potential investors and its users a look inside its business. Twitter was required to unseal its documents at least three weeks before it starts holding events around the country to woo potential investors. At this rate, the company will likely price its IPO by Thanksgiving. According to the IPO filings, Twitter generated $317 million in revenue in 2012 and had more than 218 million active users in the second quarter, up 44 per cent from a year earlier. That compares with nearly 1.2 billion for Facebook and 240 million for LinkedIn. Three-quarters of Twitter users accessed the service from a mobile device in the second quarter, and 65 per cent of its advertising revenue was generated from mobile in the same period. That's more than the 71 per cent and the 41 per cent, respectively, for Facebook in the same period. Twitter also said that it lost $69.3 million in the first six months of 2013, compared with a loss of $49.1 million in the same period last year. Revenue more than doubled to $254 million from $122 million. The revenue figures are largely in line with what analysts have been expecting. Research firm eMarketer had projected ad revenue for all of 2013 at $583 million. Gartner analyst Brian Blau said the company's expenditures "seemed to be a little bit higher than what I had imagined," but he said it wasn't "totally out of whack" for a growing company that's investing a lot in its business. Twitter says it expects capital expenditures of $225 million to $275 million this year. During the first six months of 2013, Twitter got nearly all of its revenue — 87 per cent — from advertising. Advertisers pay Twitter to insert their tweets, accounts or topics into users' feeds. Burger King, for example, recently promoted its new lower-calorie fries, called "statisfries," on Twitter. Twitter's IPO has been long expected. The San Francisco-based company has been ramping up its advertising products and working to boost ad revenue in preparation. But it is still tiny compared with Facebook, which saw its hotly anticipated IPO implode last year amid worries about its ability to grow mobile ad revenue. Facebook has since made a comeback, having proven that it is able to generate money from mobile advertisements. Its stock price has been hovering around $50, up from its $38 IPO price. __PAGEBREAK__ Twitter's moneymaking potential has minted the company with an estimated market value of $10 billion, based on the appraisals of venture capitalists and other early investors. The IPO could value it higher or lower. PrivCo analyst Sam Hamadeh expects Twitter to aim for a market value of about $15 billion when it prices its IPO. A big part of Twitter's appeal is in its simplicity. Users send short messages — either public or private — that consist of up to 140 characters. Anyone can "follow" anyone else, but the relationship doesn't have to be reciprocal, which makes the service especially attractive for celebrities and companies that use Twitter to communicate directly with customers. Twitter has 2,000 employees, up from 200 at the start of 2010. Twitter did not say which stock exchange it plans to list its shares on, though the company said it intends to use the ticker symbol "TWTR." It also doesn't say how many shares it plans to offer, or at what price. The underwriters of the offering are Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan, BofA Merrill Lynch, Deutsche Bank Securities and CODE Advisors.Twitter has unsealed the documents for its planned initial public offering of stock and says it hopes to raise up to $1 billion in one of the year's most eagerly awaited stock market debuts. The documents revealed for the first time how much money the social networking company makes. Founded in 2006, Twitter has never turned a profit and has an uninterrupted history of losses totaling $419 million since its inception. But its revenue is growing. Twitter disclosed three weeks ago that it filed confidential papers to start the IPO process. The company was taking advantage of federal legislation passed last year that allows companies with less than $1 billion in revenue in its previous fiscal year to avoid submitting public IPO documents. AP	https://www.indiatimes.com/technology/enterprise/twitter-hopes-to-raise-$1bn-via-ipo-104903.html	2024-12-16T06:41:09Z
Pulock scored his first goal of the season in Sunday's 5-3 loss to the Blackhawks. Pulock beat Arvid Soderblom with a slap shot to tie the game at 1-1 late in the first period. The 30-year-old Pulock has gotten on the scoresheet in back-to-back games after recording just one assist over seven prior outings. The right-shot blueliner has provided one goal, 10 helpers, eight PIM, 45 shots on goal and a plus-5 rating while averaging 22:46 of ice time through 32 contests. The Manitoba will attempt to earn his first three-game point streak of the season against Carolina on Tuesday. More News - Islanders' Ryan Pulock: Nabs helper in Thursday's win • - Islanders' Ryan Pulock: Collects 200th career point • - Islanders' Ryan Pulock: Slides helper Wednesday • - Islanders' Ryan Pulock: Manages assist in overtime loss • - Islanders' Ryan Pulock: Contributes power-play helper • - Islanders' Ryan Pulock: Supplies assist in win •	https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/hockey/news/islanders-ryan-pulock-finds-back-of-net-in-defeat/	2024-12-16T06:41:14Z
How to Grow Cactus Plants Indoors — 6 Easy Steps to Bring These Striking Houseplants Into Your Stylish Home These prickly plants offer so much style to an indoor space, and our round-up of expert suggestions will make being a cactus plant parent an easy feat I find that I'm particularly drawn to landscapes adorned by cacti. Perhaps it's the eye-catching prickly silhouettes or maybe it's because they don't need a ton of upkeep — either way, there's just something about a cactus garden that immediately elevates an outdoor space. But if you don't have heaps of exterior square footage to work with, the good news is that cacti can be grown indoors too. So if you're interested in introducing an earthy flourish to your home, decorating with cacti may be your untapped source of focal foliage. Now, there's the question of where to begin. Since these American native grows are usually relegated to front yards, the trick is to tweak the guide to better suit an interior environment. If you're unsure of how to begin plant parenting these gorgeous crops, you've come to the right place. We have put together an extensive guide to growing and caring for cacti like a pro. Plus, we also have a couple of homebound cacti recommendations that will set you up for success. How to Grow Cactus Indoors Gardening expert Tony O'Neill tells us that you're only six steps away from a beautiful indoor cacti garden. Step 1 - Choose the Right Pot: Before you begin sowing your cacti, he points out that it's important to ensure your pot has good drainage holes. Step 2 - Select Suitable Soil: Next, he suggests picking out a gritty, well-draining mix as this is crucial to creating a conducive environment for cacti growth. Step 3 - Planting: "Plant the cactus in the pot, positioning it so that the soil level is just right," he advises. "Make sure it's not too deep to cover the base excessively." Step 4 - Lighting: "Follow through by placing the cactus in a spot that receives plenty of indirect sunlight," he says. Step 5 - Watering: When it comes to hydrating your cacti, he explains that it's best to water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Step 6 - Fertilizing: "During the growing season (spring and summer), you can feed your cacti with a diluted low-nitrogen fertilizer every few weeks," he says. This Dynamite Sun Bulb Cactus & Succulent Plant Food from Walmart comes in a convenient shaker bottle for easy feeding. If you'd like to bring the charm of cacti into your home now, then we recommend following our winter cacti care guide for a winning houseplant collection. How to Care for Cactus Indoors In conversation with Paris Lalicata, a plant expert at The Sill, she tells us that there are a couple of important factors to consider when growing cacti indoors. Lighting: She explains that cacti thrive in bright, indirect sunlight to full sun, preferably in a south or west-facing window. If natural light is not enough, she recommends using indoor growing lights for up to 12 to 14 hours a day so the cactus gets the light it needs to grow. Watering: During the active growing months, she encourages watering them on a one to two-week basis; whereas during the dormant months, she finds that a three to four-week frequency is best. "Some cacti can even go the entire winter without water if you reduce the light," she adds. Environment: "Maintain indoor temperatures between 60 to 80°F and try to avoid sudden drafts or cold temperatures below 50°F for species that aren't cold hardy," she advises. "Cacti prefer low humidity so make sure the room has good air circulation or even consider a dehumidifier if the room tends to get extra humid." This Small Home Dehumidifier from Walmart is a best-seller, available in both black and white hues to camouflage into your home. Soil: She tells us to always use a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix as standard potting mix will retain too much moisture. This Rosy Soil Cactus and Succulent Organic Potting Mix from Amazon is perfect for your budding cacti collection. Potting: She recommends using a planter with drainage holes to ensure water never sits at the roots. "Some plant parents even prefer using terracotta for cacti as its porous nature allows more airflow to the roots," she notes. "Depending on your cacti’s growth, you may need to repot it every two to three years or whenever it outgrows its current pot." Best Cacti for Houseplants Similar to the best indoor succulents, there are some varieties that are meant to be bred inside while others are better suited to the outdoors. Here are some expert-approved cacti species that will thrive within the walls of your home. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera): Unlike typical desert cacti, Tony explains that this variety thrives in indirect light and higher humidity, making it perfect for indoor environments. Star Cactus (Astrophytum asterias): "Its small size and low water requirements make it ideal for desktops or windowsills," he notes. Plus the star-like cacti spiral is quite the pretty prickly. Golden Barrel (Echinocactus grusonii): He finds that the golden barrel cactus offers striking visual appeal with its spherical shape and ribbed body, suitable for sunny indoor locations. Bunny Ears Cactus (Opuntia microdasys): "This cacti species is named for its unique, ear-like pads," he explains. "It's easy to care for and adds a quirky touch to any indoor setting." Zebra Cactus (Haworthia fasciata): "Its distinctive striped, spiky leaves are visually appealing," he notes. "And it's very tolerant of indoor light conditions." Cuddly Cactus (Cereus cactus): "The cuddly cactus from The Sill gets its name due to the absence of spine clusters, making it a safe option to keep around pets and children," Paris explains. "They are perfect for an indoor garden for those who love cacti without the harmful spines." Nana Cactus (Espostoa nana): "The Sill's Peruvian nana cactus is named for its distinctive white, hair-like covering that brings to mind your sweet nana or pop pop," she says. "This slow-growing cactus requires minimal watering, making it an excellent low-maintenance choice for plant lovers." Price: $22 Size: 4" Pot This Bunny Ears Cactus from Walmart makes for an incredibly adorable addition to your home garden and one look at the plant will banish any questions about the name's origin. Price: $35 Size: 6" Pot Perfectly festive and wonderfully pink, we recommend treating your home to this Christmas Cactus from Garden Goods Direct now so you can enjoy the foliage through the holiday and after too. If you've been looking to grow your indoor jungle and buy some houseplants to start the new year off with a calm and connected living space, you can't go wrong with cacti. They won't take too much of your time in terms of upkeep and are small enough to adorn most nooks. Consider this your sign to get yourself a couple of cute cacti plants and sparse them around your home for a touch of striking ornamental plant life. Be The First To Know The Livingetc newsletter is your shortcut to the now and the next in home design. Subscribe today to receive a stunning free 200-page book of the best homes from around the world. Amiya is a News Writer at Livingetc. She recently graduated with a Masters Degree in Magazine Journalism from City, University of London, and has lent her words to beauty, fashion, and health sections of lifestyle publications including Harper’s Bazaar and Women’s Health. Her experience as a research analyst has equipped her with an eye for emerging trends. When she’s off the clock, she can be found reading, listening to music, or overanalyzing her latest Co-Star update. - 5 Easy Ways To Eliminate Cooking Odors In Your Home — Expert-Approved Tips for Strong Smells Trust us, tackling harsh scents in your space can make a great difference to the overall feel of your home By Cheyenne Brown Published - I Shop Every Day — And Justina Blakeney’s Target Pouf Might Be My Best Find of the Year This stackable ottoman is the stylish solution to your space-saving woes and seating dilemmas By Julia Demer Published - 5 Easy Ways To Eliminate Cooking Odors In Your Home — Expert-Approved Tips for Strong Smells Trust us, tackling harsh scents in your space can make a great difference to the overall feel of your home By Cheyenne Brown Published - What to Do With Old Stuff When Decluttering — It Only Takes 5 Simple Tasks to Get Rid of Your Past Items From donating to recycling, experts discuss what you can do to remove old items from your space By Becca Cullum-Green Published - 10 Tips for an Easy Household Cleaning Schedule During the Holiday Rush — Bring On the Christmas Chaos! If overstimulation is a common consequence of planning your cleaning timetable, then this expert guide will help you navigate the process like a pro By Amiya Baratan Published - 6 Plants to Propagate in December for Gorgeous Greenery — Start Now for Fabulous Foliage Next Year It's so easy to multiply plants to gift, swap, or grow your indoor garden with these expert tips By Jacky Parker Published - Why Is My Snake Plant Drooping? Experts Say There Are 4 Reasons for Your Houseplant's Downfall There will be no sad plants on our watch, so here's how to identify the cause and help your leafy greens stand tall again By Amiya Baratan Published - 9 Designer-Approved Cleaning Tools That Will Transform Your Home — And Make Tiresome Chores a Whole Lot Easier Struggling to keep on top of your household cleaning? These chic and highly-effective cleaning tools should do the trick By Seraphina Kyprios Published - How to Declutter a Closet — Professional Organizers Say There Are 7 Simple Ways to Free Up Space Quickly Create an area for your clothing and shoes that is easy to access using these smart expert tips By Ciéra Cree Published - Untangle String Lights Forever! Experts Tell Us Their Secrets to Storing These Dainty Little Bulbs With the help of these clever tips, you'll no longer lose your lights to a tangled mess that's too tough to tackle By Amiya Baratan Published	https://www.livingetc.com/advice/how-to-grow-cactus-plants-indoors	2024-12-16T06:41:14Z
Stock market today: Asian shares fall as China reports lackluster data, while bitcoin hits new highs BANGKOK (AP) — Shares retreated Monday in Asia after China reported lackluster economic indicators for November, while bitcoin surged to fresh highs, topping $106,000. Oil prices fell and U.S. futures were little changed. Bitcoin was trading at $104,948 early Monday, up 3.4% but down from an earlier high of $106,495. The price of the cryptocurrency has surged since the election in November given U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's bitcoin-friendly stance. Trump signaled a lighter regulatory approach to digital currencies with his choice of crypto advocate Paul Atkins to be the next chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Bitcoin was trading below $70,000 before the Nov. 5 election. A report Monday showed Chinese retail sales slowed in November, while growth in factory output was flat and home sales declined. The report said the economy and employment were stable, but noted a complicated “external environment," reflecting unease over the outlook in coming months once U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office, potentially delivering on promises to sharply hike tariffs on imports from China. Japan's Nikkei 225 index edged 0.1% lower, to 39,438.74, while the Hang Seng in Hong Kong lost 0.8% to 19,821.24. The Shanghai Composite index was almost unchanged, at 3,390.91. South Korea's Kospi lost 0.3% to 2,486.47 as South Korean law enforcement authorities were pushing to summon impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol for questioning over his short-lived martial law decree and the Constitutional Court met to discuss whether to remove him from office or reinstate him. Taiwan's Taiex edged 0.1% higher, while the Sensex in India fell 0.4%. Thailand's SET dropped 0.9%. On Friday, major stock indexes on Wall Street drifted to a mixed finish Friday, capping a rare bumpy week for the market. The S&P 500 ended essentially flat, down less than 0.1% at 6,051.09. The benchmark index posted a loss for the week, its first after three straight weekly gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.2% to 43,828.06, while the Nasdaq composite rose 0.1% to 19,926.72, ending just below the record high it set on Wednesday. There were more than twice as many decliners than gainers on the New York Stock Exchange. Gains in technology stocks helped temper losses in communication services, financials and other sectors of the market. Broadcom surged 24.4% for the biggest gain in the S&P 500 after the semiconductor company beat Wall Street’s profit targets and gave a glowing forecast, highlighting its artificial intelligence products. The company also raised its dividend.	https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/stock-market-today-asian-shares-061633056.html	2024-12-16T06:41:14Z
Adobe Hacked, Sensitive Data Stolen Adobe Systems said a cyberattack on its systems has exposed credit card information of 2.9 million customers. Adobe Systems said a cyberattack on its systems has exposed credit card information of 2.9 million customers. The maker of Photoshop and other software said that the attacker accessed Adobe customer IDs and passwords on its systems. Through that, they were able to remove customer names, encrypted credit and debit card numbers, expiration dates and other information related to orders from customers worldwide. The company does not believe attackers removed credit and debit card numbers that weren't encrypted. Adobe is notifying customers and resetting passwords. It has alerted banks processing Adobe payments to help protect customer accounts. It is also working with federal law enforcement on its related investigation. "Cyberattacks are one of the unfortunate realities of doing business today," Brad Arkin, Adobe's chief security officer, wrote in a blog post Thursday. "Given the profile and widespread use of many of our products, Adobe has attracted increasing attention from cyberattackers." The San Jose, California, company says it is also investigating illegal access to the source code of numerous Adobe products and believes the attacks are related. AP	https://www.indiatimes.com/technology/internet/adobe-hacked-sensitive-data-stolen-104897.html	2024-12-16T06:41:15Z
We recently compiled a list of the 11 Best Cannabis Stocks To Invest In. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Tilray Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ:TLRY) stands against the other best cannabis stocks to invest in. The history of cannabis cultivation in America dates back to the early colonists, who grew hemp for textiles and rope. The plant was also widely used as a patent medicine during the 19th and early 20th centuries, described in the United States Pharmacopeia for the first time in 1850. Several political and racial factors led to the criminalization of cannabis in 1937 with the passage of the Marijuana Tax Act, but its legal status is now finally changing in many places. The United States of America is the country that consumes the most weed in the world. As we mentioned in our article – 30 Cities with the Highest Weed Consumption in the US – the American legal cannabis industry fared well in 2023 as legal sales across the 38 states that allow some form of regulated marijuana reached $28.8 billion, a 10.3% increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, the legal cannabis industry also added 22,952 new jobs last year – a sign that the national business climate has somewhat stabilized following the turmoil of the previous two years. According to the 2024 Vangst Jobs Report, there were over 440,445 jobs supported by legal cannabis nationwide as of early 2024, an increase of 5.4% from 2023. The increasing legalization of cannabis and rising acceptance of its use for medical purposes are the key factors fueling the industry. Growth is also expected to come from new markets. One such example is Nebraska’s vote in favor of legalizing medical marijuana last month. As of the writing of this article, 24 states have legalized recreational weed in America, in addition to the District of Columbia. However, possessing or selling marijuana remains a crime under federal law, punishable by prison time and fines. Major Blow to the US Cannabis Revolution In a significant setback for America’s legal cannabis industry, Florida voters rejected a ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana in November. The measure, known as Amendment 3, got 55.9% support, failing to meet the required 60% threshold. This was despite historic levels of funding, a rigorous advertising campaign, and even an endorsement from President-elect Donald Trump. Florida, with its population of 20 million people, is already home to the country’s largest medical marijuana market, boasting an annual revenue of $2 billion. The Sunshine State is also a popular tourist destination (especially during spring break) and attracts more than 140 million tourists every year. If Amendment 3 had been passed, Florida was expected to become a $6 billion cannabis market by 2026. Through the Smart & Safe Campaign, Florida’s cannabis companies and individual donors collectively contributed more than $150 million to get legalization enacted into law, with most of it coming from the largest medical marijuana operator in the state. On the other hand, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who aggressively campaigned against Amendment 3, spent an estimated $50 million of taxpayer money on radio and television ads to successfully convince enough voters to reject the measure. Meanwhile, hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin also came out against legalization and donated $12 million to the Vote No On 3 campaign. This setback inevitably had an impact on cannabis stocks, which witnessed a downturn following the news of the rejection. Amplify Alternative Harvest ETF, the first US ETF to target the global cannabis industry, has fallen by almost 30% since November 4, closing at $2.33 on December 13, 2024. Florida voters will now have to wait for two more years before cannabis legalization can get back on the ballot. A laboratory with white-coated technicians carefully measuring out cannabis extracts. Our Methodology To collect data for this article, we scanned Insider Monkey’s database of 900 hedge funds and picked the top 11 companies operating in the cannabis sector with the highest number of hedge fund investors. When two or more companies had the same number of hedge funds investing in them, we ranked them by the revenue of their last financial year instead. Following are the Best Cannabis Stocks According to Most Hedge Funds. At Insider Monkey we are obsessed with the stocks that hedge funds pile into. The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here). The New York-based Tilray Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ:TLRY) has a highly diversified global portfolio – operating in more than 20 countries with businesses in medical adult-use cannabis, beverages, spirits, wellness products, and a vast array of consumer-connected lifestyle brands. The core business of Tilray Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ:TLRY) is cannabis and it is the number one cannabis business in Canada, the leading medical cannabis business across Europe, and the top branded hemp business in North America. The company has lately been very active in acquiring other industry players to expand its presence and the strategy seems to be paying off. For example, its acquisition of Redecan in June 2023 has helped it gain a strong footing in categories like pre-rolls, oils, and capsules. As a result, Redecan has now moved up to the number six position in Canada as reported by Hifyre data, and now the brand is also launching in Australia. Moreover, in September, Tilray entered the lucrative US THC beverage market with a range of Delta-9 THC mocktails and seltzers through its newly formed Tilray Alternative Beverages business unit. Tilray Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ:TLRY) forayed into the alcohol sector last year when it acquired eight beer and beverage brands from Anheuser-Busch InBev for an undisclosed amount, making it the 5th largest craft beer business in the US with a 4.5% market share. To further strengthen its craft portfolio, the company announced in August that it had agreed to acquire another four craft beer brands from Molson Coors – Hop Valley Brewing Company, Terrapin Beer Co., Revolver Brewing, and Atwater Brewery. This venture seems to be bearing fruit, as Tilray Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ:TLRY)’s alcohol business now accounts for 28% of its revenue. Overall, the company’s beverage segment, including craft beer, spirits, non-alcoholic beers, and other drinks grew 132% in net revenue YoY during the fiscal Q1 of 2025. With 16 hedge fund investors tracked by IM at the end of Q3 2024, Tilray Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ:TLRY) was also included in our list of the Best Beer Stocks to Buy Now. Overall, TLRY ranks 2nd on our list of the best cannabis stocks to invest in. While we acknowledge the potential for TLRY to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than TLRY but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.	https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/tilray-brands-tlry-among-best-062504745.html	2024-12-16T06:41:20Z
Confirmed: iMessage Glitch in iOS7 Apple fans who updated their smartphones to iOS7 are reportedly facing issues while sending or receiving messages through iMessage feature. Apple fans who updated their smartphones to iOS7 are reportedly facing issues while sending or receiving messages through iMessage feature. Apple's Trudy Muller said that the company is aware of the issue affecting a fraction of a percent of their iMessage users, and they will have a fix available in an upcoming software update. Muller further asked users to refer to the troubleshooting documents or contact AppleCare to help resolve their issue, ABC News reports. Due to the issue, failed iMessages are unable to be sent as text messages, as they usually do if the iMessage service is down, however, text messages are sending without fail. Users have been facing many issues since updating their devices to the new operating system, and analysts believe that part of the issues are due to the 'default settings' which come with the device, and resetting the device can solve the issue. ANI	https://www.indiatimes.com/technology/internet/confirmed-imessage-glitch-in-ios7-104721.html	2024-12-16T06:41:22Z
We recently compiled a list of the 11 Best Cannabis Stocks To Invest In. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Advanced Flower Capital Inc. (NASDAQ:AFCG) stands against the other best cannabis stocks to invest in. The history of cannabis cultivation in America dates back to the early colonists, who grew hemp for textiles and rope. The plant was also widely used as a patent medicine during the 19th and early 20th centuries, described in the United States Pharmacopeia for the first time in 1850. Several political and racial factors led to the criminalization of cannabis in 1937 with the passage of the Marijuana Tax Act, but its legal status is now finally changing in many places. The United States of America is the country that consumes the most weed in the world. As we mentioned in our article – 30 Cities with the Highest Weed Consumption in the US – the American legal cannabis industry fared well in 2023 as legal sales across the 38 states that allow some form of regulated marijuana reached $28.8 billion, a 10.3% increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, the legal cannabis industry also added 22,952 new jobs last year – a sign that the national business climate has somewhat stabilized following the turmoil of the previous two years. According to the 2024 Vangst Jobs Report, there were over 440,445 jobs supported by legal cannabis nationwide as of early 2024, an increase of 5.4% from 2023. The increasing legalization of cannabis and rising acceptance of its use for medical purposes are the key factors fueling the industry. Growth is also expected to come from new markets. One such example is Nebraska’s vote in favor of legalizing medical marijuana last month. As of the writing of this article, 24 states have legalized recreational weed in America, in addition to the District of Columbia. However, possessing or selling marijuana remains a crime under federal law, punishable by prison time and fines. Major Blow to the US Cannabis Revolution In a significant setback for America’s legal cannabis industry, Florida voters rejected a ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana in November. The measure, known as Amendment 3, got 55.9% support, failing to meet the required 60% threshold. This was despite historic levels of funding, a rigorous advertising campaign, and even an endorsement from President-elect Donald Trump. Florida, with its population of 20 million people, is already home to the country’s largest medical marijuana market, boasting an annual revenue of $2 billion. The Sunshine State is also a popular tourist destination (especially during spring break) and attracts more than 140 million tourists every year. If Amendment 3 had been passed, Florida was expected to become a $6 billion cannabis market by 2026. Through the Smart & Safe Campaign, Florida’s cannabis companies and individual donors collectively contributed more than $150 million to get legalization enacted into law, with most of it coming from the largest medical marijuana operator in the state. On the other hand, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who aggressively campaigned against Amendment 3, spent an estimated $50 million of taxpayer money on radio and television ads to successfully convince enough voters to reject the measure. Meanwhile, hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin also came out against legalization and donated $12 million to the Vote No On 3 campaign. This setback inevitably had an impact on cannabis stocks, which witnessed a downturn following the news of the rejection. Amplify Alternative Harvest ETF, the first US ETF to target the global cannabis industry, has fallen by almost 30% since November 4, closing at $2.33 on December 13, 2024. Florida voters will now have to wait for two more years before cannabis legalization can get back on the ballot. A high-rise office building with exterior illuminated in the company's colors, symbolizing the company's presence in the financial industry. Our Methodology To collect data for this article, we scanned Insider Monkey’s database of 900 hedge funds and picked the top 11 companies operating in the cannabis sector with the highest number of hedge fund investors. When two or more companies had the same number of hedge funds investing in them, we ranked them by the revenue of their last financial year instead. Following are the Best Cannabis Stocks According to Most Hedge Funds. At Insider Monkey we are obsessed with the stocks that hedge funds pile into. The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here). Advanced Flower Capital Inc. (NASDAQ:AFCG) provides financial services to the cannabis industry, including real estate loans and loan underwriting. The Florida-based company offers direct and bridge loans ranging from $10 million to $100 million, which are crucial for an industry growing quickly but facing severe banking and financing issues. In Q3 of 2024, Advanced Flower Capital Inc. (NASDAQ:AFCG) reported distributable earnings of $0.35 per share, beating the Wall Street Analysts’ estimate of $0.34 per share. Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates twice. Moreover, it also paid its first post-spin dividend of $0.33 per share to shareholders and maintains a dividend policy to pay between 85% and 100% of its distributable earnings over the year. Advanced Flower Capital Inc. (NASDAQ:AFCG) remains focused on partnering with strong operators in limited license states and further diversifying its portfolio. It closed several important deals in Q3, including an $11 million senior secured credit facility for Private Company Q, expansion of senior secured facilities to two existing borrowers, and closing of a $41 million senior secured credit facility for Story of Maryland, a leading vertically integrated operator in Maryland’s adult-use cannabis market. The company has exceeded its $100 million origination target for the year, reaching $116 million in total new originations by the end of Q3. Advanced Flower Capital Inc. (NASDAQ:AFCG) ended the quarter with total assets of $366.6 million, including cash and cash equivalents of $122.2 million, which included $60 million drawn on its line of credit that was subsequently repaid in full on October 1, 2024. Its line of credit provides it with up to $60 million in available funds that can be drawn as needed. Overall, AFCG ranks 10th on our list of the best cannabis stocks to invest in. While we acknowledge the potential for AFCG to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than AFCG but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.	https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/why-advanced-flower-capital-afcg-061051010.html	2024-12-16T06:41:26Z
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.	https://www.indiatimes.com/technology/internet/i-quit-viral-video-sensation-gets-job-offer-104887.html	2024-12-16T06:41:28Z
Security Firm Uncovers New Flaw in iOS 7 A German security company has uncovered a bug in the new iPhone's software that it said enables hackers to overcome a safeguard allowing users to remotely wipe stolen or lost phones. BOSTON: A German security company has uncovered a bug in the new iPhone's software that it said enables hackers to overcome a safeguard allowing users to remotely wipe stolen or lost phones. Berlin's Security Research Labs, known as SRL, said that the vulnerability could potentially give criminals time to break into the Apple phones, gain complete control of data, access email accounts and then potentially take over the user's bank accounts. The research firm also said it has figured out an easier way to crack the iPhone fingerprint scanner than has been demonstrated thus far. It published a video demonstrating the newly discovered flaws on its website. SRL, which this summer disclosed a major security flaw in sim card technology that affected mobile systems around the globe, said it has shared its research with Apple's security team. Apple declined to comment. The company sometimes refrains from discussing potential security bugs while it reviews research. If SRL's findings are verified, this would mark at least the fifth security bug in the iPhone and its iOS operating system uncovered since July. Apple has already fixed some of those flaws, including one disclosed at a summer hacking conference that make the devices vulnerable to snooping. The company has remained silent since concerns have been raised about the security of its "Touch ID" fingerprint scanner on its top-of-the-line iPhone 5S, which went on sale last month. A German hacker known as Starbug was able to crack Touch ID within two days of its release. Several experts in mobile security and biometrics say they have independently verified his work. Reuters	https://www.indiatimes.com/technology/mobile/security-firm-uncovers-new-flaw-in-ios-7_-104956.html	2024-12-16T06:41:34Z
Specifications for the 2016 Porsche 911 R. Details include engine, fuel usage, interior features, safety and more. 2016 Porsche 911 R 991 My16 4.0L Petrol 2D Coupe Standard Features - 12 Volt Power Outlet - Four Wheel Steer - Dual Front Airbags Package - Anti-lock Braking - Auto Climate Control with Dual Temp Zones - Active Suspension - Alarm with Interior Movement Sensor - All Season Tyres 20 Inch - Adjustable Steering Wheel - Tilt & Telescopic - Bi-Xenon Headlights - Body Kit Sports - Cruise Control - Ceramic Composite Brakes - Centre Console Storage - Carbon Fibre Front Guards Painted - Carbon Fibre Interior Pack - Carbon Fibre Seats - Race - Cup Holders - Front Seats - Central Locking Remote Control - Carbon Fibre Rear Guards Painted - Coloured Seat Belts - Door Pockets - Front Seat - Daytime Running Lights - LED - Dry Sump Lubrication System - Exterior Accented Trim - Electronic Differential Lock - Electric Parking Brake - Electric Power Steering - Front Footwell Lights - Head Airbags - Front Seats (side) - Headlights - Automatic Levelling - Headlights Follow Me Home Function - Headlight Washer System - Engine Immobiliser - Interior Trim Special - Leather & Cloth trim - Leather Gear Knob - Lowered Suspension - Leather Steering Wheel - Leather Trim - Map/Reading Lights - Front - Painted Brake Calipers - Painted Alloy Wheels - Power Steering Variable - Power Windows Front - Remote Boot/Hatch Release - Rear Diffuser - Remote Fuel Lid Release - Rear Lights - LED - Rear Spoiler Special - Side Airbags - Front Seats side - Seatbelts - Height Adjustable Front Seats - Seatbelts - Load Limiters Front Seats - Seatbelts - Lap/Sash for All Seats - Seatbelts - Pre-tensioners Front Seats - Sports Exhaust System - Sports Instrumentation - Smoke Pack - Storage Net - Front Passenger Footwell - Sport Seats - Speed Sensitive Power Steering - Sports Steering Wheel - Sunvisors with Vanity Mirrors & Illumination - Tinted Headlights - Tyre Pressure Monitoring Display - Tyre Pressure Monitoring System - Tinted Rear Lights - LED - Torque Transfer Control Optional Extras - Auto Dimming Int & Ext Mirrors with Rain Sensor - $1,190 - Adaptive Sports Seats 18 Way & Memory - Black Alloy Wheels - $1,430 - CD with 6 CD Stacker - $1,450 - Carbon Fibre Door Mirrors - $2,390 - Communication Management System - Car Phone - $1,450 - Carbon Sill Guards Illuminated - $2,490 - Digital Audio Broadcast Radio Plus - $1,090 - Dynamic Light System Plus - $7,590 - Electronic Data Recorder - $1,450 - Fire Extinguisher/s - $380 - Floor Mats - Front - $270 - Heated Front Seats - $990 - Home Link - $720 - Headlight Washer System Covers - Painted - $490 - LED H/lights in Black with Dynamic Light System - Lockable Fuel Cap - Special - $320 - Leather Int Pack Partial Leather Seats - Two Tone - $4,250 - Light Pack - $990 - Leather Interior Standard Colour - $7,490 - Leather Interior Two-Tone - $11,840 - Leather Steering Column Surround - $810 - Metallic Paint - Paint Colour Special - $12,190 - Side Skirts - Painted - $1,480 - Single Mass Flywheel - $7,390 - Solid Paint - Surround Sound System - $3,490 - Tail Lights - Special - $1,290 - Voice Recognition System - $1,090	https://www.whichcar.com.au/specs/2016-porsche-911-r-991-my16-petrol-2d-coupe-unjwB2ht8w	2024-12-16T06:41:33Z
We recently compiled a list of the 11 Best Cannabis Stocks To Invest In. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ:ACB) stands against the other best cannabis stocks to invest in. The history of cannabis cultivation in America dates back to the early colonists, who grew hemp for textiles and rope. The plant was also widely used as a patent medicine during the 19th and early 20th centuries, described in the United States Pharmacopeia for the first time in 1850. Several political and racial factors led to the criminalization of cannabis in 1937 with the passage of the Marijuana Tax Act, but its legal status is now finally changing in many places. The United States of America is the country that consumes the most weed in the world. As we mentioned in our article – 30 Cities with the Highest Weed Consumption in the US – the American legal cannabis industry fared well in 2023 as legal sales across the 38 states that allow some form of regulated marijuana reached $28.8 billion, a 10.3% increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, the legal cannabis industry also added 22,952 new jobs last year – a sign that the national business climate has somewhat stabilized following the turmoil of the previous two years. According to the 2024 Vangst Jobs Report, there were over 440,445 jobs supported by legal cannabis nationwide as of early 2024, an increase of 5.4% from 2023. The increasing legalization of cannabis and rising acceptance of its use for medical purposes are the key factors fueling the industry. Growth is also expected to come from new markets. One such example is Nebraska’s vote in favor of legalizing medical marijuana last month. As of the writing of this article, 24 states have legalized recreational weed in America, in addition to the District of Columbia. However, possessing or selling marijuana remains a crime under federal law, punishable by prison time and fines. Major Blow to the US Cannabis Revolution In a significant setback for America’s legal cannabis industry, Florida voters rejected a ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana in November. The measure, known as Amendment 3, got 55.9% support, failing to meet the required 60% threshold. This was despite historic levels of funding, a rigorous advertising campaign, and even an endorsement from President-elect Donald Trump. Florida, with its population of 20 million people, is already home to the country’s largest medical marijuana market, boasting an annual revenue of $2 billion. The Sunshine State is also a popular tourist destination (especially during spring break) and attracts more than 140 million tourists every year. If Amendment 3 had been passed, Florida was expected to become a $6 billion cannabis market by 2026. Through the Smart & Safe Campaign, Florida’s cannabis companies and individual donors collectively contributed more than $150 million to get legalization enacted into law, with most of it coming from the largest medical marijuana operator in the state. On the other hand, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who aggressively campaigned against Amendment 3, spent an estimated $50 million of taxpayer money on radio and television ads to successfully convince enough voters to reject the measure. Meanwhile, hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin also came out against legalization and donated $12 million to the Vote No On 3 campaign. This setback inevitably had an impact on cannabis stocks, which witnessed a downturn following the news of the rejection. Amplify Alternative Harvest ETF, the first US ETF to target the global cannabis industry, has fallen by almost 30% since November 4, closing at $2.33 on December 13, 2024. Florida voters will now have to wait for two more years before cannabis legalization can get back on the ballot. A modern cannabis retail store with a wide selection of products and vaporizers. Our Methodology To collect data for this article, we scanned Insider Monkey’s database of 900 hedge funds and picked the top 11 companies operating in the cannabis sector with the highest number of hedge fund investors. When two or more companies had the same number of hedge funds investing in them, we ranked them by the revenue of their last financial year instead. Following are the Best Cannabis Stocks According to Most Hedge Funds. At Insider Monkey we are obsessed with the stocks that hedge funds pile into. The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here). Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ:ACB), together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production, distribution, and sale of cannabis and cannabis-derived products across Canada, Europe, Australia, and South America. The company is the leading provider of medical cannabis to Canadian patients – a market worth over $250 million in fiscal year 2023-24. Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ:ACB) had a strong Q2 2025, ending September 30th, 2024, with total net revenue of $81.1 million, compared to $63.1 million in the prior year period. Medical cannabis, which is the core segment of Aurora, grew 41% YoY to reach $61.3 million. The company’s strategy of going global also seems to be paying off, as its international revenue increased 93% to $35 million, exceeding Canadian medical revenue for the first time and contributing 57% to total global medical cannabis revenue. The only offset came from the consumer cannabis segment, which witnessed a YoY downturn of 13%, but it represents only around 13% of the firm’s total sales. As a result, Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ:ACB) reported a net profit of $1.7 million in the last quarter, a YoY increase of a notable 325%. This means that the company came out with quarterly earnings of $0.04 per share, beating Wall Street analysts’ estimates of a loss of $0.22 per share and topping consensus revenue estimates three times over the last four quarters. It also ended the quarter with approximately $152 million in cash and cash equivalents and no debt in its cannabis business. Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ:ACB) maintains a world-class research and genetics facility in Canada and announced several new medical product advancements last month, keeping its primary focus on the high-margin medical cannabis business. Overall, ACB ranks 7th on our list of the best cannabis stocks to invest in. While we acknowledge the potential for ACB to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than ACB but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.	https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/why-aurora-cannabis-acb-among-061549006.html	2024-12-16T06:41:33Z
Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain has passed away, confirmed his family on Monday. He was 73. Hussain died at a hospital in San Francisco due to complications arising out of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the family said in a statement. Hussain, who is regarded as the greatest tabla player of his generation, is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola and his daughters, Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi. Born on March 9, 1951, he is the son of legendary tabla master Ustad Alla Rakha. "He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy cherished by countless music lovers around the globe, with an influence that will resonate for generations to come," the statement read. In his six-decade career, the musician worked with several renowned international and Indian artists. In 1973 he worked on a musical project with English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L. Shankar, and percussionist T.H. 'Vikku' Vinayakram bringing together Indian classical and elements of jazz in a fusion hitherto unknown. He collaborated with virtually all of India's iconic performers, including Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan and Shivkumar Sharma in his career. His groundbreaking work with Western musicians such as Yo-Yo Ma, Charles Lloyd, Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer, Mickey Hart, and George Harrison brought Indian classical music to an international audience. Hussain has received four Grammy Awards in his career, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year. The percussionist received the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023. In October, Hussain revealed he was spending the autumn season in the US. He took to his social media handle and shared a video in which he gave his followers a glimpse of the changing weather in the US. "Just sharing a wonder moment ..," he captioned the post. Messages of condolence poured in on social media as the news of Hussain's demise spread. (With inputs from IANS)	https://www.ibtimes.co.in/how-did-tabla-maestro-zakir-hussain-die-family-reveals-reason-876480	2024-12-16T06:41:38Z
Specifications for the 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera 4. Details include engine, fuel usage, interior features, safety and more.	https://www.whichcar.com.au/specs/2017-porsche-911-carrera-4-991-my16-petrol-2d-cabriolet-Cm3M4nPeAw	2024-12-16T06:41:41Z
Zakir Hussain, the legendary tabla maestro and composer, passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at the age of 73. On Monday morning, the news was confirmed by Jon Bleicher of Prospect PR, representing the family. The statement read: "Zakir Hussain, one of the world's most transcendent musicians, passed away from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in San Francisco at the age of 73." #ZakirHussain, one of the world’s most transcendent musicians, has passed away at the age of 73 - confirms Jon Bleicher of Prospect PR, representing the family. pic.twitter.com/Hkrm5xkrqK — ANI (@ANI) December 16, 2024 The family added, "He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy cherished by countless music lovers around the globe, with an influence that will resonate for generations to come." The Indian Consulate in San Francisco expressed its condolences, stating: "His legacy will live on through his music and the lives he influenced." The Consulate further remarked: "The son of legendary tabla master Ustad Allarakha, Ustad Zakir Hussain is known for his unparalleled mastery of the tabla. His innovative contributions to music have touched the hearts of countless individuals around the world." In a conversation with PTI, Zakir Hussain's sister, Khurshid Aulia, opened up about her brother's unfortunate demise. She shared that he passed away "very peacefully." She further revealed that the ventilator was switched off moments before the tabla maestro took his last breath. For the uninitiated, Zakir Hussain was placed on a ventilator after developing life-threatening complications caused by idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease. Hussain's Health The tabla maestro had been hospitalized in San Francisco due to a heart-related condition. According to his manager, Nirmala Bachani, he had been undergoing treatment for the past two weeks. Bachani also revealed that he had been dealing with blood pressure issues before his hospitalization. JUST IN : Zakir Hussain dies at 73. Reports @NPR. In a statement, his family said the cause of death was idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. https://t.co/Q5kHWV0Mpj pic.twitter.com/45KVlXcXp9 — Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) December 16, 2024 Outpouring of Tributes Since the news of his passing broke, condolences have been pouring in on social media. Ministers, celebrities, and admirers from all over the world have shared their memories and tributes, honouring the legendary tabla maestro and his immense contribution to music. Zakir Bhai ! He left too soon. Yet we are grateful for the times he gave us and what he left behind in the form of his art. — Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) December 16, 2024 Goodbye and Thank you.#ZakirHussain pic.twitter.com/ln1cmID5LV T 5224 - .. a very sad day ..? — Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) December 15, 2024 The US Embassy of India took to social media and wrote, "Forever in our hearts, Wah Ustaad Wah! We pay our tributes to Ustad Zakir Hussain, a true maestro who touched millions of hearts worldwide with this special video we created with him to celebrate 75 years of the U.S.-India relationship." Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut shared a video of Zakir Hussain on her Instagram stories, in which the late maestro was heard saying, "Knowledge is like a fast-flowing river. And that river is passing through, just like Lord Shiva, Ganga passed through him." On top of the video, Kangana penned a heartfelt note, thanking Zakir Hussain for his incredible contribution to Indian music. Her note read: "Thank you, Ustad Zakir Hussain, for your unparalleled genius and your invaluable contribution to Indian music. Your legacy will forever live on through your art, and we are grateful for the wisdom you shared with the world." Prayers for your onward journey in the rhythm of the universe, Ustad #ZakirHussain Ji! You will be missed ❤️? pic.twitter.com/4pzH0QFLuR — Gaur Gopal Das (@gaurgopald) December 16, 2024 Kamal Haasan wrote, "Zakir Bhai! He left too soon. Yet we are grateful for the times he gave us and what he left behind in the form of his art. Goodbye and Thank you." India has lost its cultural rhythm keeper ? Rest in peace maestro ?#ZakirHussain pic.twitter.com/6ku5Bn0xwE — Randeep Hooda (@RandeepHooda) December 16, 2024 A R Rahman wrote, "Zakir Bhai was an inspiration, a towering personality who elevated the tabla to global acclaim . His loss is immeasurable for all of us. I regret not being able to collaborate with him as much as we did decades ago, though we had planned an album together . You shall be truly missed. May his family and his countless students worldwide find the strength to bear this immense loss." Forever in our hearts, Wah Ustaad Wah! We pay our tributes to Ustad Zakir Hussain, a true maestro who touched millions of hearts worldwide with this special video we created with him to celebrate 75 years of the U.S.-India relationship. pic.twitter.com/GvQ2CJpGNf — U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) December 16, 2024 The Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani posted on X social media platform that "the world has lost a rhythm it can never replace". "Ustad Zakir Hussain, our maestro whose tabla beats will forever echo in the soul of India, leaves behind his inimitable form of timeless art. His legacy is an eternal 'taal', resonating through generations to come. RIP," Gautam Adani said. The बोल of Zakir Hussain Ji’s tabla spoke a universal language, transcending borders, cultures and generations. — Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (@JM_Scindia) December 15, 2024 This clip defines how we will remember him, and celebrate his legacy. The sound & vibrations of his rhythm will echo in our hearts forever. सदैव गूंजेगा, वाह ताज! My… pic.twitter.com/duGIHgnTYY Union Minister, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia shared a clip of Hussain playing Tabla, he wrote, "The bol (voice) of Zakir Hussain Ji's tabala spoke a universal language, crossing borders, cultures, and generations. This clip perfectly encapsulates how we will remember him and celebrate his legacy. The sound and vibrations of his rhythm will resonate in our hearts forever. My deepest condolences to his family, fans, and loved ones. Om Shanti." Zakir Hussain's nephew slams media for misinformation When reports of Zakir Hussain's ill health surfaced earlier, prayers began pouring in on social media, with fans and admirers wishing for his speedy recovery. On Sunday night, rumours of his passing started circulating. However, his nephew Ameer Aulia, refuted the claims, clarifying that Hussain was critical and battling for his life. He also criticized the media for spreading misinformation during such a sensitive time. One of our last pictures with my mother and Zakir mamu @ZakirHtabla pic.twitter.com/RUYUgX7zCl — Ameer Aulia (@AmeerAulia) December 15, 2024 In a series of tweets, he first mentioned, "I am Zakir Hussain nephew and he has not passed away. We ask for prayers for my Uncle's health. Can you please remove this misinformation. He is in a serious condition and we ask for all his fans around the world to pray for his health." Thank you Sir. No death certificate but the media would like to insensitively send information that my Uncle has passed away. Please show the Great man more respect than this. All the amazing things he did for India, please. #zakirhussain — Ameer Aulia (@AmeerAulia) December 15, 2024 The next tweet that he penned reads, "My uncle Zakir Hussain is very much alive and we would ask the news media not to post mis-information. We ask for prayers and we ask for everyone's well wishes." He also shared Zakhir's recent picture. I am Zakir Hussain nephew and he has not passed away. We ask for prayers for my Uncle's health. Can you please remove this misinformation. He is in a serious condition and we ask for all his fans around the world to pray for his health — Ameer Aulia (@AmeerAulia) December 15, 2024 He wrote, "One of our last pictures with my mother and Zakir mamu." He wrote, "Thank you Sir. No death certificate but the media would like to insensitively send information that my Uncle has passed away. Please show the Great man more respect than this. All the amazing things he did for India, please. #zakirhussain."	https://www.ibtimes.co.in/tabla-maestro-zakir-hussain-passes-away-73-kamal-haasan-r-rahman-big-b-pay-heartfelt-tributes-876481	2024-12-16T06:41:44Z
We recently compiled a list of the 11 Best Cannabis Stocks To Invest In. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Canopy Growth Corporation (NASDAQ:CGC) stands against the other best cannabis stocks to invest in. The history of cannabis cultivation in America dates back to the early colonists, who grew hemp for textiles and rope. The plant was also widely used as a patent medicine during the 19th and early 20th centuries, described in the United States Pharmacopeia for the first time in 1850. Several political and racial factors led to the criminalization of cannabis in 1937 with the passage of the Marijuana Tax Act, but its legal status is now finally changing in many places. The United States of America is the country that consumes the most weed in the world. As we mentioned in our article – 30 Cities with the Highest Weed Consumption in the US – the American legal cannabis industry fared well in 2023 as legal sales across the 38 states that allow some form of regulated marijuana reached $28.8 billion, a 10.3% increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, the legal cannabis industry also added 22,952 new jobs last year – a sign that the national business climate has somewhat stabilized following the turmoil of the previous two years. According to the 2024 Vangst Jobs Report, there were over 440,445 jobs supported by legal cannabis nationwide as of early 2024, an increase of 5.4% from 2023. The increasing legalization of cannabis and rising acceptance of its use for medical purposes are the key factors fueling the industry. Growth is also expected to come from new markets. One such example is Nebraska’s vote in favor of legalizing medical marijuana last month. As of the writing of this article, 24 states have legalized recreational weed in America, in addition to the District of Columbia. However, possessing or selling marijuana remains a crime under federal law, punishable by prison time and fines. Major Blow to the US Cannabis Revolution In a significant setback for America’s legal cannabis industry, Florida voters rejected a ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana in November. The measure, known as Amendment 3, got 55.9% support, failing to meet the required 60% threshold. This was despite historic levels of funding, a rigorous advertising campaign, and even an endorsement from President-elect Donald Trump. Florida, with its population of 20 million people, is already home to the country’s largest medical marijuana market, boasting an annual revenue of $2 billion. The Sunshine State is also a popular tourist destination (especially during spring break) and attracts more than 140 million tourists every year. If Amendment 3 had been passed, Florida was expected to become a $6 billion cannabis market by 2026. Through the Smart & Safe Campaign, Florida’s cannabis companies and individual donors collectively contributed more than $150 million to get legalization enacted into law, with most of it coming from the largest medical marijuana operator in the state. On the other hand, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who aggressively campaigned against Amendment 3, spent an estimated $50 million of taxpayer money on radio and television ads to successfully convince enough voters to reject the measure. Meanwhile, hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin also came out against legalization and donated $12 million to the Vote No On 3 campaign. This setback inevitably had an impact on cannabis stocks, which witnessed a downturn following the news of the rejection. Amplify Alternative Harvest ETF, the first US ETF to target the global cannabis industry, has fallen by almost 30% since November 4, closing at $2.33 on December 13, 2024. Florida voters will now have to wait for two more years before cannabis legalization can get back on the ballot. A close-up of a cannabis flower bud in its natural state with a shallow depth of field. Our Methodology To collect data for this article, we scanned Insider Monkey’s database of 900 hedge funds and picked the top 11 companies operating in the cannabis sector with the highest number of hedge fund investors. When two or more companies had the same number of hedge funds investing in them, we ranked them by the revenue of their last financial year instead. Following are the Best Cannabis Stocks According to Most Hedge Funds. At Insider Monkey we are obsessed with the stocks that hedge funds pile into. The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here). An early mover in the Canadian market, Canopy Growth Corporation (NASDAQ:CGC) engages in the production, distribution, and sale of cannabis and cannabinoid-based products for both adult use and medical purposes. Canopy Growth Corporation's (NASDAQ:CGC) net revenue decreased 9% YoY in Q2 2025 ending September 30th 2024. However, if we exclude net revenue from businesses divested during the prior fiscal year, net revenue increased by 3%. Its Germany-based Storz & Bickel business, known for premium high-margin devices like the Volcano and Venti, delivered an overall net revenue growth of 32% YoY. The brand also witnessed strong growth in the US, led by increased orders from new distribution partners. Moreover, the company’s Canadian medical cannabis segment grew 16% YoY, while the Canada adult-use cannabis declined by 24%, in part due to an interruption in the supply of Wana edibles. It also seems to be doing well on the international front, as its sales grew by 72% YoY in the high-margin European markets. Canopy Growth’s asset-light model for Europe is also coming online now, supported by agreements with multiple EU-based cultivators, and is expected to provide the scalability that it needs to meet rising demand over the coming quarters without the need for heavy capital investments. The firm still incurred a net loss of $820,000 during Q2 2025, but it was approximately 37% less than the net loss it suffered in the same period last year. The company is positioning itself to be a top Canadian entrant into the US market, as earlier this week, it announced the acquisition of Acreage, a multi-state operator of cannabis cultivation and retailing facilities in the country. This comes after it had already announced the acquisitions of Wana Wellness, The CIMA Group, and Mountain High Products in October. David Klein, CEO of Canopy Growth Corporation (NASDAQ:CGC) stated: "Completing the acquisition of Acreage marks the final step in establishing Canopy USA as a unified platform which we believe offers significant upside as the Canopy USA portfolio of brands can now capitalize on the rapidly expanding U.S. cannabis market, independent of the need for federal legalization. With a vertically integrated presence across key U.S. states in the Midwest and Northeast, as well as licensing agreements which support asset-light operations in state-legal markets nationally, Canopy USA is well positioned to demonstrate efficient growth ahead." Overall, CGC ranks 5th on our list of the best cannabis stocks to invest in. While we acknowledge the potential for CGC to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than CGC but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.	https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/why-canopy-growth-cgc-among-061901058.html	2024-12-16T06:41:42Z
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.	https://www.indiatimes.com/technology/mobile/stop-looking-at-your-phone-every-5-seconds-%5Bviral-video%5D-104718.html	2024-12-16T06:41:49Z
We recently compiled a list of the 11 Best Cannabis Stocks To Invest In. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ:CRON) stands against the other best cannabis stocks to invest in. The history of cannabis cultivation in America dates back to the early colonists, who grew hemp for textiles and rope. The plant was also widely used as a patent medicine during the 19th and early 20th centuries, described in the United States Pharmacopeia for the first time in 1850. Several political and racial factors led to the criminalization of cannabis in 1937 with the passage of the Marijuana Tax Act, but its legal status is now finally changing in many places. The United States of America is the country that consumes the most weed in the world. As we mentioned in our article – 30 Cities with the Highest Weed Consumption in the US – the American legal cannabis industry fared well in 2023 as legal sales across the 38 states that allow some form of regulated marijuana reached $28.8 billion, a 10.3% increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, the legal cannabis industry also added 22,952 new jobs last year – a sign that the national business climate has somewhat stabilized following the turmoil of the previous two years. According to the 2024 Vangst Jobs Report, there were over 440,445 jobs supported by legal cannabis nationwide as of early 2024, an increase of 5.4% from 2023. The increasing legalization of cannabis and rising acceptance of its use for medical purposes are the key factors fueling the industry. Growth is also expected to come from new markets. One such example is Nebraska’s vote in favor of legalizing medical marijuana last month. As of the writing of this article, 24 states have legalized recreational weed in America, in addition to the District of Columbia. However, possessing or selling marijuana remains a crime under federal law, punishable by prison time and fines. Major Blow to the US Cannabis Revolution In a significant setback for America’s legal cannabis industry, Florida voters rejected a ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana in November. The measure, known as Amendment 3, got 55.9% support, failing to meet the required 60% threshold. This was despite historic levels of funding, a rigorous advertising campaign, and even an endorsement from President-elect Donald Trump. Florida, with its population of 20 million people, is already home to the country’s largest medical marijuana market, boasting an annual revenue of $2 billion. The Sunshine State is also a popular tourist destination (especially during spring break) and attracts more than 140 million tourists every year. If Amendment 3 had been passed, Florida was expected to become a $6 billion cannabis market by 2026. Through the Smart & Safe Campaign, Florida’s cannabis companies and individual donors collectively contributed more than $150 million to get legalization enacted into law, with most of it coming from the largest medical marijuana operator in the state. On the other hand, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who aggressively campaigned against Amendment 3, spent an estimated $50 million of taxpayer money on radio and television ads to successfully convince enough voters to reject the measure. Meanwhile, hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin also came out against legalization and donated $12 million to the Vote No On 3 campaign. This setback inevitably had an impact on cannabis stocks, which witnessed a downturn following the news of the rejection. Amplify Alternative Harvest ETF, the first US ETF to target the global cannabis industry, has fallen by almost 30% since November 4, closing at $2.33 on December 13, 2024. Florida voters will now have to wait for two more years before cannabis legalization can get back on the ballot. A close up of cannabis plants growing in an outdoor facility, symbolizing the product of the cannabinoid company. Our Methodology To collect data for this article, we scanned Insider Monkey’s database of 900 hedge funds and picked the top 11 companies operating in the cannabis sector with the highest number of hedge fund investors. When two or more companies had the same number of hedge funds investing in them, we ranked them by the revenue of their last financial year instead. Following are the Best Cannabis Stocks According to Most Hedge Funds. At Insider Monkey we are obsessed with the stocks that hedge funds pile into. The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here). Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ:CRON), a cannabinoid company based in Canada, is engaged in the cultivation, manufacture, and marketing of cannabis and cannabis-derived products for both medical and adult-use markets. A noteworthy aspect of the company is its close association with Altria Group, a bigwig in the tobacco industry which maintains a 41% stake in Cronos that it acquired for $1.8 billion in 2019. Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ:CRON) also hasn’t been able to make any net profit over the last 4 years, but its revenue has improved consistently. That said, the company had a solid Q3 2024 as it reported a net revenue uptick of 38% YoY to $34.4 million. This comes after Cronos had already reported a notable 46% YoY increase in net revenue in Q2, highlighting its strong growthtrajectory. The majority of this growth stems from its increasing market share in Canada, despite the high excise taxes and overregulation in the country. Notably, Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ:CRON) managed to deliver such impressive results while also decreasing operating expenses by $3 million YoY (adjusted for non-cash impairments), significantly improving EBITDA from -$15 million to -$6 million. Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ:CRON) maintains a strong balance sheet, enabling it to capitalize on future growth opportunities. At the end of Q3, the company reported $862 million in cash – significantly exceeding its current market capitalization – and additional value in loan receivables and real estate assets, with zero debt obligations. Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ:CRON) presents a good opportunity to investors, offering limited downside risk thanks to its balance sheet strength while capturing market share in multiple countries and improving efficiency. Overall, CRON ranks 3rd on our list of the best cannabis stocks to invest in. While we acknowledge the potential for CRON to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than CRON but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.	https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/why-cronos-group-cron-among-062243072.html	2024-12-16T06:41:52Z
First Shift 🏒 The Stars had some of the most balanced scoring in the NHL last season. Two seasons ago, they seemed to rely way too much on the top line. This year, it’s a little bit of everything. After starting out with the trio of Duchene, Mason Marchment and Seguin surging as one of the best even strength lines in the league, Dallas has sort of become a grab bag of good and bad. With Seguin out 4-6 months after hip surgery, the Duchene line has quieted down a bit. With Joe Pavelski retiring, the top line with Hintz and Robertson still is looking for its chemistry with new winger Johnston. And with Johnston moving up to the top line from the third line, the chemistry that was once there with Benn also is missing. That leaves some need for spackle and paste in the 2024-25 edition of the Dallas Stars. “We’re not scoring easily right now,” said coach Pete DeBoer. “We’re creating quality chances, they’re just not going in right now.” Dallas ranked third in scoring at 3.54 goals per game and fourth in shooting percentage at 11.4 percent last season. They are 10th in scoring this season at 3.24 goals per game and 16th in shooting percentage at 10.6 percent. A significant backstep in power play success rate from sixth last season (24.2 percent) to 25th this season (17.6 percent) is a big part of the dropoff, but there is some frustration overall in how the lines are coming together and how the offense is panning out. “We’ve just been trying to grow our game every time we go out,” said Hintz. Whose points per game has dropped from 0.81 to 0.61. “We’re just trying to create plays and work hard. We want to build on that and keep going.” Robertson has had one of the biggest drops from 0.98 to 0.66 in points per game, while Benn has gone from 0.73 to 0.62 and Johnston has fallen from 0.79 to 0.59. Robertson, who scored a power play goal on Saturday, said he has to just keep pushing ahead. “If you do it, it should go in,” Robertson said of increasing his shot volume. “Just keep getting the volume up and hitting the net. I definitely want to get that up.” Robertson is on pace to shoot the puck 40 times fewer than the team-leading 231 shots on goal he had last season, and he’s not alone in that regard. The Stars as a team could definitely shoot more. Again, getting chemistry is key in making that happen. When Seguin played, the Duchene line created a ton of opportunities. Now, they have to build new chemistry with Stankoven. Likewise, Hintz and Robertson have to get going with Johnston and Benn has to mesh with Steel, Dadonov or whoever else ends up on that line. On Saturday, the entire team looked in sync and outshot St. Louis, 37-16. “We generated a lot tonight,” Duchene said. “If we keep generating like that, we’ll get our swagger going and start scoring more.” If they do that, then the swagger can become contagious. Robertson said when one line has a good shift, it can hand off to the next line, and that line will then be in a good place to have a good shift, and then it can hand off to the next line and so on. “A lot of lines were going and we kind of put each other in good spots, in good situations, and we kept rolling and rolling,” Robertson said. “You build momentum and then you start feeling it. We definitely want to take the next step.”	https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/game-day-guide-dallas-stars-vs-washington-capitals-121624	2024-12-16T06:41:53Z
Specifications for the 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera 4. Details include engine, fuel usage, interior features, safety and more.	https://www.whichcar.com.au/specs/2017-porsche-911-carrera-4-991-my16-petrol-2d-cabriolet-RNemE5EAKm	2024-12-16T06:41:53Z
New Treatments to Tackle Allergies Scientists have zeroed-in on new treatments for people with allergies to grasses and to dust mites, says a study. LONDON: Scientists have zeroed-in on new treatments for people with allergies to grasses and to dust mites, says a study. The treatments are from a new class of therapy, known as 'synthetic peptide immuno-regulatory epitopes', or SPIREs. There are two treatments, one for grass allergy, which is commonly known as hay fever, and the other for dust mite allergy. These are expected to help people who, as a reaction to grass pollen or the tiny bugs that live in house dust, have sneezing bouts, itching eyes and a running nose, impacting their productivity at school or work. The two studies were conducted by Adiga Life Sciences, a joint venture between McMaster University and Circassia, a UK-based biotechnology company, and was supported by St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton. It is estimated that these allergens together are responsible for more than 50 percent of allergic respiratory disease. Between 15 and 25% of the population in North America and Europe is sensitive to pollen from different grass species. One in four people is sensitized to house dust mites, more than any other common allergen, which includes millions of people in these regions, reports Science Daily. IANS	https://www.indiatimes.com/technology/science/new-treatments-to-tackle-allergies-104961.html	2024-12-16T06:41:56Z
We recently compiled a list of the 11 Best Cannabis Stocks To Invest In. In this article, we are going to take a look at where GrowGeneration Corp. (NASDAQ:GRWG) stands against the other best cannabis stocks to invest in. The history of cannabis cultivation in America dates back to the early colonists, who grew hemp for textiles and rope. The plant was also widely used as a patent medicine during the 19th and early 20th centuries, described in the United States Pharmacopeia for the first time in 1850. Several political and racial factors led to the criminalization of cannabis in 1937 with the passage of the Marijuana Tax Act, but its legal status is now finally changing in many places. The United States of America is the country that consumes the most weed in the world. As we mentioned in our article – 30 Cities with the Highest Weed Consumption in the US – the American legal cannabis industry fared well in 2023 as legal sales across the 38 states that allow some form of regulated marijuana reached $28.8 billion, a 10.3% increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, the legal cannabis industry also added 22,952 new jobs last year – a sign that the national business climate has somewhat stabilized following the turmoil of the previous two years. According to the 2024 Vangst Jobs Report, there were over 440,445 jobs supported by legal cannabis nationwide as of early 2024, an increase of 5.4% from 2023. The increasing legalization of cannabis and rising acceptance of its use for medical purposes are the key factors fueling the industry. Growth is also expected to come from new markets. One such example is Nebraska’s vote in favor of legalizing medical marijuana last month. As of the writing of this article, 24 states have legalized recreational weed in America, in addition to the District of Columbia. However, possessing or selling marijuana remains a crime under federal law, punishable by prison time and fines. Major Blow to the US Cannabis Revolution In a significant setback for America’s legal cannabis industry, Florida voters rejected a ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana in November. The measure, known as Amendment 3, got 55.9% support, failing to meet the required 60% threshold. This was despite historic levels of funding, a rigorous advertising campaign, and even an endorsement from President-elect Donald Trump. Florida, with its population of 20 million people, is already home to the country’s largest medical marijuana market, boasting an annual revenue of $2 billion. The Sunshine State is also a popular tourist destination (especially during spring break) and attracts more than 140 million tourists every year. If Amendment 3 had been passed, Florida was expected to become a $6 billion cannabis market by 2026. Through the Smart & Safe Campaign, Florida’s cannabis companies and individual donors collectively contributed more than $150 million to get legalization enacted into law, with most of it coming from the largest medical marijuana operator in the state. On the other hand, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who aggressively campaigned against Amendment 3, spent an estimated $50 million of taxpayer money on radio and television ads to successfully convince enough voters to reject the measure. Meanwhile, hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin also came out against legalization and donated $12 million to the Vote No On 3 campaign. This setback inevitably had an impact on cannabis stocks, which witnessed a downturn following the news of the rejection. Amplify Alternative Harvest ETF, the first US ETF to target the global cannabis industry, has fallen by almost 30% since November 4, closing at $2.33 on December 13, 2024. Florida voters will now have to wait for two more years before cannabis legalization can get back on the ballot. A farmer placing an accessory into a hydroponic system, filled with a nutrient-rich growing media. Our Methodology To collect data for this article, we scanned Insider Monkey’s database of 900 hedge funds and picked the top 11 companies operating in the cannabis sector with the highest number of hedge fund investors. When two or more companies had the same number of hedge funds investing in them, we ranked them by the revenue of their last financial year instead. Following are the Best Cannabis Stocks According to Most Hedge Funds. At Insider Monkey we are obsessed with the stocks that hedge funds pile into. The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here). Next on our list of the Best Cannabis Stocks to Invest in is GrowGeneration Corp. (NASDAQ:GRWG), a company that sells hydroponic gardening products that end users may purchase for use in new and emerging industries or segments, including the growing of cannabis. Incorporated in Colorado in 2014, GrowGen claims to be the largest chain of specialty retail hydroponic and organic garden centers in the United States. The company had a tough Q3 2024 as its revenue fell by over 10.1% YoY to reach $50 million. The drop was driven by the closure of 19 retail locations as part of the company’s ongoing restructuring, including 12 solely in the last quarter. Net loss also increased by almost 56% YoY to reach $11.4 million. However, there was positive news regarding same-store sales, which grew by 12.5%, supported by strong commercial sales and robust customer retention. This marked the first quarter of positive same-store sales in 3 years. Operating expenses were also decreased by 5.4%, falling to $22.9 million, as GrowGeneration Corp. (NASDAQ:GRWG) continued to streamline its operations through store consolidations and cost-cutting measures. The company ended Q3 with a solid cash position, maintaining $55.2 million in cash equivalents and marketable securities, with no debt. It also repurchased an additional $1.8 million of stocks during the quarter, as it ‘continues to believe its equity has a compelling value’. GrowGeneration Corp. (NASDAQ:GRWG) is shifting its focus to e-commerce operations, where the demand is higher. Its new B2B e-commerce portal, meant to be a one-stop destination for all hydroponic product needs across various categories, is set to go live in the fourth quarter. 6 hedge funds in the IM database held a stake in GrowGeneration Corp. (NASDAQ:GRWG) at the end of Q3 2024, with D E Shaw holding the largest stake of 608.944 shares, valued at just under $1.3 million. Overall, GRWG ranks 8th on our list of the best cannabis stocks to invest in. While we acknowledge the potential for GRWG to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than GRWG but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.	https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/why-growgeneration-grwg-among-best-061420900.html	2024-12-16T06:41:58Z
Specifications for the 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera 4. Details include engine, fuel usage, interior features, safety and more.	https://www.whichcar.com.au/specs/2017-porsche-911-carrera-4-991-my16-petrol-2d-coupe-jUCsucTLwg	2024-12-16T06:42:01Z
This story is part of the My Unsung Hero series, from the Hidden Brain team. It features stories of people whose kindness left a lasting impression on someone else. In the summer of 2024, Caroline Davis and her partner were doing a DIY home project that required 1,500 pounds of gravel. So Davis headed to a home improvement store, and started filling up her Toyota Corolla with 50-pound bags. "I'm loading, loading. And this older man comes over," she recalled. "And he says, 'Do you know that your car has a weight limit?'" Davis did not know that. It had never even occurred to her that she could damage her car with a heavy load. "That feels to me like something your dad would tell you," Davis said. Her dad had died of a heart attack in 2017, at the age of 57. "So I'm doing DIY later in life," she said. "I didn't [learn] that from him." Davis started to feel overwhelmed; how was she going to unload the gravel from her car and bring it back to the store? And then how would she transport all the gravel she needed back home for her project? That's when the man made an offer of unusual generosity. "He says, 'I can load you up in my truck. Do you live nearby?' And I say, 'Yes,'" Davis said. The man helped her unload all the gravel from her car, and then loaded it into his truck. They exchanged numbers, and she shared her address. When she pulled onto the highway, the kindness of what he had done began to hit her. "I just start to cry in my car because I was so grateful for the goodness of strangers, of this person helping me," Davis said. "The whole interaction just reminded me of my dad, of knowing that that's something that he would do." When they arrived at her house, the man helped her unload all 1,500 pounds of gravel onto her driveway. She thanked him, again and again, and he insisted that she not worry about it. Davis didn't want him to leave empty-handed. She tried to offer him money, then wine, but he wouldn't accept them. Then she thought of something he might like. "I have a garden. And it's the end of the season. And I just say, 'Do you like cucumbers?'" Davis recalled. "He's been pretty serious up until now," she said. "And his face just lights up and he says, 'I love cucumbers.'" She offered him a tour of the garden; it turned out he, too, had been a gardener, before his work got in the way. Davis twisted a handful of big, prickly cucumbers off the vine, and gave them to the man. He seemed thrilled. "He tucks them under his arm, and he just marches off back to his truck," she said. "And I watched him drive off, leaving behind my 1,500 pounds of gravel." Today, inspired by her unsung hero, Davis tries to be on the lookout for others who might need a hand. "I just am so grateful for people like that, who teach me the things I don't know I don't know." My Unsung Hero is also a podcast — new episodes are released every Tuesday. To share the story of your unsung hero with the Hidden Brain team, record a voice memo on your phone and send it to myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Copyright 2024 NPR	https://www.wxpr.org/2024-12-14/thats-something-that-he-would-do-a-strangers-generosity-reminded-her-of-her-dad	2024-12-16T06:42:03Z
We recently compiled a list of the 11 Best Cannabis Stocks To Invest In. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Hydrofarm Holdings Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:HYFM) stands against the other best cannabis stocks to invest in. The history of cannabis cultivation in America dates back to the early colonists, who grew hemp for textiles and rope. The plant was also widely used as a patent medicine during the 19th and early 20th centuries, described in the United States Pharmacopeia for the first time in 1850. Several political and racial factors led to the criminalization of cannabis in 1937 with the passage of the Marijuana Tax Act, but its legal status is now finally changing in many places. The United States of America is the country that consumes the most weed in the world. As we mentioned in our article – 30 Cities with the Highest Weed Consumption in the US – the American legal cannabis industry fared well in 2023 as legal sales across the 38 states that allow some form of regulated marijuana reached $28.8 billion, a 10.3% increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, the legal cannabis industry also added 22,952 new jobs last year – a sign that the national business climate has somewhat stabilized following the turmoil of the previous two years. According to the 2024 Vangst Jobs Report, there were over 440,445 jobs supported by legal cannabis nationwide as of early 2024, an increase of 5.4% from 2023. The increasing legalization of cannabis and rising acceptance of its use for medical purposes are the key factors fueling the industry. Growth is also expected to come from new markets. One such example is Nebraska’s vote in favor of legalizing medical marijuana last month. As of the writing of this article, 24 states have legalized recreational weed in America, in addition to the District of Columbia. However, possessing or selling marijuana remains a crime under federal law, punishable by prison time and fines. Major Blow to the US Cannabis Revolution In a significant setback for America’s legal cannabis industry, Florida voters rejected a ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana in November. The measure, known as Amendment 3, got 55.9% support, failing to meet the required 60% threshold. This was despite historic levels of funding, a rigorous advertising campaign, and even an endorsement from President-elect Donald Trump. Florida, with its population of 20 million people, is already home to the country’s largest medical marijuana market, boasting an annual revenue of $2 billion. The Sunshine State is also a popular tourist destination (especially during spring break) and attracts more than 140 million tourists every year. If Amendment 3 had been passed, Florida was expected to become a $6 billion cannabis market by 2026. Through the Smart & Safe Campaign, Florida’s cannabis companies and individual donors collectively contributed more than $150 million to get legalization enacted into law, with most of it coming from the largest medical marijuana operator in the state. On the other hand, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who aggressively campaigned against Amendment 3, spent an estimated $50 million of taxpayer money on radio and television ads to successfully convince enough voters to reject the measure. Meanwhile, hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin also came out against legalization and donated $12 million to the Vote No On 3 campaign. This setback inevitably had an impact on cannabis stocks, which witnessed a downturn following the news of the rejection. Amplify Alternative Harvest ETF, the first US ETF to target the global cannabis industry, has fallen by almost 30% since November 4, closing at $2.33 on December 13, 2024. Florida voters will now have to wait for two more years before cannabis legalization can get back on the ballot. A large field of sunflowers under bright agricultural lighting. Our Methodology To collect data for this article, we scanned Insider Monkey’s database of 900 hedge funds and picked the top 11 companies operating in the cannabis sector with the highest number of hedge fund investors. When two or more companies had the same number of hedge funds investing in them, we ranked them by the revenue of their last financial year instead. Following are the Best Cannabis Stocks According to Most Hedge Funds. At Insider Monkey we are obsessed with the stocks that hedge funds pile into. The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here). Hydrofarm Holdings Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:HYFM) is a leading manufacturer and distributor of hydroponics equipment and supplies for controlled environment agriculture. The company's products are used in new or emerging industries or segments, including cannabis. Hydrofarm Holdings Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:HYFM) had mixed results in Q3 of 2024 as its revenue decreased by 18.8% to $44 million compared to $54.2 million in the same period last year. This decline was primarily attributed to a 13.7% decrease in volume mix due to oversupply in the cannabis industry. However, profitability remains a top priority for the company and it has executed several restructuring initiatives to become more cost-efficient. Notably, since the beginning of 2023, Hydrofarm has reduced its manufacturing footprint by nearly 60% and its total manufacturing and distribution space by almost 45%. As a result, despite the decrease in revenue, the company achieved a Q3 gross profit of $8.5 million or 19.4% of net sales, compared to $3.3 million or 6.1% of net sales a year ago. Its net loss also declined by over 34% to reach $13.1 million. Hydrofarm Holdings Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:HYFM) ended Q3 with over $41 million of total liquidity, including cash in hand and over $17 million of availability on its untapped revolving line of credit. Meanwhile, its net debt at the end of the quarter was approximately $104 million. The company also remains focused on the diversification of its revenue sources as it wants to be less reliant on cannabis in the US and Canada. As a percentage of sales, its non-cannabis and non-US-Canada revenue sources increased several hundred basis points compared to Q3 last year. 5 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey held shares of Hydrofarm Holdings Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:HYFM) at the end of Q3 2024, with Renaissance Technologies holding the largest stake of 753,600 shares, valued at $519,230. Overall, HYFM ranks 11th on our list of the best cannabis stocks to invest in. While we acknowledge the potential for HYFM to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than HYFM but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.	https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/why-hydrofarm-holdings-group-hyfm-060936615.html	2024-12-16T06:42:05Z
Updated December 15, 2024 at 19:06 PM ET OMAHA, Neb. — A tornado near a mall in central California swept up cars, uprooted trees and sent several people to the hospital. In San Francisco, authorities issued the first-ever tornado warning. Elsewhere, inclement weather plagued areas of the U.S., with dangerous conditions including heavy snow in upstate New York, a major ice storm in Midwest states and severe weather warnings around Lake Tahoe. The ice storm beginning Friday evening created treacherous driving conditions across Iowa and eastern Nebraska on Friday and into Saturday and prompted temporary closures of Interstate 80 after numerous cars and trucks slid off the road. In upstate New York, more than 33 inches (84 centimeters) was reported near Orchard Park, which is often a landing point for lake-effect snow. On Saturday, a tornado touched down around 1:40 p.m. near a shopping mall in Scotts Valley, California, about 70 miles (110 kilometers) south of San Francisco. The tornado overturned cars and toppled trees and utility poles, the National Weather Service said. The Scotts Valley Police Department said several people were injured and taken to hospitals. In San Francisco, some trees toppled onto cars and streets and damaged roofs. The damage was due to 80-mph (130-kph) straight-line winds, not a tornado, weather service meteorologist Dalton Behringer said Sunday. Roger Gass, a meteorologist in the weather service's office in Monterey, California, said the warning of a possible tornado in San Francisco was a first for the city, noting an advanced alert did not go out before the last tornado struck nearly 20 years ago. "I would guess there wasn't a clear signature on radar for a warning in 2005," said Gass, who was not there at the time. The fast-moving storm prompted warnings for residents to take shelter, but few people have basements in the area. Heavy snow fell at some Lake Tahoe ski resorts, and a 112-mph (181-kph) gust of wind was recorded at the Mammoth Mountain resort south of Yosemite National Park, according to the weather service's office in Reno, Nevada. Up to 3 feet (91 centimeters) of snow was forecast for Sierra Nevada mountaintops. The weekend Tahoe Live music festival at Palisades Tahoe ski resort in California went ahead as planned in spite of a snowstorm Saturday. Lil Wayne and Diplo were scheduled to perform Sunday, the festival's website said. The resort said it has received 3.5 feet (1 meter) of snow since Friday. An avalanche warning was in effect at least until Monday morning in the area. Interstate 80 was closed along an 80-mile (130-kilometer) stretch from Applegate, California, to the Nevada line just west of Reno on Saturday. The California Highway Patrol reopened the road in the afternoon for passenger vehicles with chains or four-wheel drive and snow tires. The severe weather in the Midwest resulted in at least one death. The Washington County Sheriff's office in Nebraska said a 57-year-old woman died after she lost control of her pickup on Highway 30 near Arlington and hit an oncoming truck. The other driver sustained minor injuries. Businesses announced plans to open late Saturday as temperatures rose high enough in the afternoon to melt the ice in most places. "Luckily some warmer air is moving in behind this to make it temporary," said Dave Cousins, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's office in Davenport, Iowa. Copyright 2024 NPR	https://www.wxpr.org/2024-12-15/storms-across-u-s-bring-heavy-snow-dangerous-ice-and-a-tornado-in-california	2024-12-16T06:42:10Z
A Must Read Article About The Global, Orchestrated "Pedophilic Wasteland"—Much Worse Than You Know, Even If You Know A Lot [Trigger Warning] "To Say This Author Acquired PTSD From This Nightmare Excavation Would Probably Not Be Far From The Truth." Read Tritorch’s extremely well documented article here.	https://celiafarber.substack.com/p/a-must-read-article-about-the-global	2024-12-16T06:42:10Z
Specifications for the 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera 4. Details include engine, fuel usage, interior features, safety and more.	https://www.whichcar.com.au/specs/2017-porsche-911-carrera-4-991-my16-petrol-2d-coupe-l52HJSFsJK	2024-12-16T06:42:09Z
ISLAMABAD: The Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA) and the environment wing have allowed commercial activities on state land in the national park. The DMA allowed an owner of a snack bar in Shakarparian to use a huge area of land for running a restaurant in the garb of open space, while the environment wing is patronising a restaurant near Lok Virsa. Both restaurants have been using vast land in the national park with immunity as they have the permission from the DMA and the environment wing. Collectively, they can accommodate hundreds of people in the open area. On the other hand, recently on the order of the Supreme Court, authorities got the Monal and La Montana restaurants razed to the ground, which were operating in the Margalla Hills national park area. However, in the forest of Shakarparian, two restaurants are not only operating, but they also have permission to use the land for commercial purposes. “You know, we can’t stop the owner of snack bar/restaurant from using our land, therefore, we decided to charge it against the open space,” said an official of the DMA, adding that in the last fiscal year, the DMA collected Rs20 million from the owner of this property. “The previous permission for the open space ended in July this year, and for this year, he will have to pay Rs18 million, if we extend the permission,” the official said. Asked how the DMA/CDA or other state entities can allow the commercial use of the national park’s land in the name of open space, the official said: “As per our understanding, we did nothing wrong, but we will look into the Supreme Court judgement in the Monal case. We collected a handsome amount last year to generate revenue for the state,” he said. Interestingly, in Shakarparian, the open space was granted to the owner of a snack bar. However, now, one of the largest restaurants is operating there with a capacity to cater to hundreds of customers with sitting arrangements made on the state land allowed under the open space policy. During a visit to the said restaurant, it seemed that the area, where seating arrangements were made, used to have a large number of trees. In July last year, the DMA had also issued a notice to its owner, accusing him of illegally utilising additional land. “Our attention has been drawn to the process of utilising the unauthorised land, your restaurant management caused unimaginable loss to the environment, which includes cutting down of trees and improper disposal of hotel waste and garbage in the green prohibited areas. “You are hereby advised in your own interest to make payment on account of extra land measuring 10039.78 square yards from the period July 2022 to July 2023 used by your restaurant within three days of issuance of this notice.” The notice also asked them to immediately stop the unauthorised use of state land and take necessary measures to restore the affected area to its original state. It also alleged violators to replant the trees, in lieu of chopped ones. Later on, as per the DMA officials, the said owner deposited Rs20 million against the open space upto July this year. Meanwhile, talking about the other restaurant being run near Lok Virsa, the DMA official said that they had nothing to do with it; rather, the environment wing of the CDA was dealing with it. Environment wing officials said that the owner had a legal right, as CDA had leased out the space many years ago, and the facility was allowed to use the extra land. “We are collecting around Rs3 million per month from this restaurant, and it was allowed to use the building and open space as well for the restaurant business many years ago,” said a director of the CDA. Published in Dawn, December 16th, 2024	https://www.dawn.com/news/1878937/eateries-in-protected-national-park-thrive-under-cda-patronage-in-islamabad	2024-12-16T06:42:10Z
Of bulls and bears: Bitcoin rally continues amid correction concerns Bitcoin prices have surged above 45% since November, amid the US presidential election and Donald Trump’s reelection, adding fuel to a rally that has been in the making since late 2023. What goes up must come down, and this holds true for Bitcoin as well. Consider the price fluctuations of the cryptocurrency this year alone. In January, Bitcoin hovered around $42,000. Come March, its price zoomed to $73,000, only to later hit $60,000. As of mid-day on December 14, the Bitcoin price was $101,739.82 This raises the question: How long will the current rally last? According to several industry experts YourStory spoke to, the Bitcoin price is expected to increase in the coming year, but it is also expected to undergo some correction during this climb. While there will be correction from the economic point of view, it may not be a very sharp one, opines Vugar Usi Zade, Chief Operating Officer at Bitget, a Seychelles-based crypto exchange. "I don't think we'll see a 60,000 or 50,000 correction at this point because everyone is too excited. The key definitive factor would be (Donald) Trump and how the US government tries to manoeuvre around the Bitcoin,” says Zade. Bitget is currently awaiting approval from the Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) to enter the Indian market. “I'm sure that there will always be a little bit of correction here and there. The hope is that, even with the correction net, next year, we are still high,” remarks Balaji Srihari, Vice President at CoinSwitch, a crypto trading platform. History in the making The price of the cryptocurrency, popularly known as digital gold due to its store of value, has been steadily increasing due to large institutional interest in the digital asset class, followed by Trump’s re-election. The former president has taken a pro-crypto stance, signalling hopes of a more friendly regulatory approach to the crypto market. If Trump changes his stance on the asset, the ecosystem can witness a drastic change. The former president was initially opposed to the asset class before embracing it. In fact, he even set up his own decentralised finance project, World Liberty Financial, in September this year. If the factors that made the price of Bitcoin go up change, then there will definitely be an adverse impact, says Avinash Shekhar, Co-founder of Pi42, a crypto-INR perpetual futures trading exchange. "We are in the realm of ‘what ifs’, and I think we don't have to wait too long. We are maybe another four or five weeks away from him (Trump) actually taking office and announcing his first 100-day plan. This itself would be an indication,” he says. The promises Trump made to the crypto community include ensuring that the federal government doesn't sell its Bitcoin holdings and maintains its current levels, unseating the SEC Chairman Gary Gensler who has led a crackdown on cryptocurrency, taking steps to spearhead Bitcoin mining in the US, and lowering interest rates. On November 22, weeks after Trump’s re-election, Gensler announced that he would step down from his post on January 20. On December 4, Trump nominated Paul Atkins to the position; Atkins is known for his pro-crypto stance. The global push Cryptocurrencies are a volatile asset class and have seen bull runs in the past—once in 2017 and another one between 2020 and 2021. While the rallies in 2017 and 2020 can be attributed to investors being introduced to crypto and a largescale token frenzy, the current rise is due to a "mature reasoning," as described by industry experts. The 2020-2021 rally attracted institutional interest into the asset class; and three years later, in January 2024, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved the first spot Bitcoin exchange traded funds (ETFs). These are investment funds traded on stock exchanges that directly hold Bitcoin as their underlying assets, allowing investors to gain exposure to the asset class without needing to buy, store, or manage it themselves. According to Vikram Subburaj, Co-founder and CEO of cryptocurrency exchange Giottus, the ETF approval took the attention away from the regulatory trouble that was brewing for crypto exchanges like Coinbase, Kraken and others at the time. But, as time went by, and the market began to refocus on the issues in the landscape, the prices of the digital asset class began stabilising. However, the sentiment changed since Trump got re-elected. “This is the first time the ecosystem is having someone like the president of an important nation supporting Bitcoin or the crypto ecosystem,” says Subburaj. While the US elections have given a green signal to the global crypto community, China, which banned cryptocurrencies in 2021, presents a whole new story. Amid a swirl of media reports and market rumours about the country potentially lifting the ban, the country is expected to roll out 2 trillion yuan ($284.43 billion) as part of a fresh fiscal stimulus package. “China has basically announced a $2 trillion stimulus package to prop up its economy, which effectively means that it is going to print $2 trillion worth of money. And that's going to be infused into the broader economy,” points out Edul Patel, CEO and Co-founder of crypto-exchange Mudrex. According to Patel, this money could lead to an increase in crypto investment in Southeast Asia. "Once the stimulus comes in, it means more money is coming to people. Typically, once more money comes in to people, people start putting in more riskier products,” he notes. One of the main drivers of the heightened interest in cryptocurrency is the fact that unlike in the US, equities markets are not very large and developed in Southeast Asia. Raj Karkara, Chief Operating Officer at ZebPay, observes that 2024 was a remarkable year overall for crypto, and he expect 2025 to be even better on this front. “While predicting prices is speculative, we remain optimistic about Bitcoin’s potential for further growth, driven by its rising adoption and increasing global awareness,” he says. Investors should exercise caution Amid the investor rush to the exchanges to grab a slice of the Bitcoin, experts caution that any investments should be made after much consideration and research. “Do not try to time the market. Be in the market, be a patient long-term investor and let the capital work for you for a slightly longer while. Do not do things you don’t fully understand. If you are a trader and you understand leverage, take leverage. But if you are not a trader, do not leverage trade because somebody else is doing it. Do not get FOMO from other people’s returns,” says Mridul Gupta, Founding Partner at CoinDCX. Srihari of CoinSwitch says users should be careful of the platform they choose to facilitate trading in and be wary of get-rich-quick schemes floated on social media platforms. Investors should also look for FIU-IND registered entities to facilitate trading in Bitcoin, advise experts.	https://yourstory.com/2024/12/bulls-bears-bitcoin-rally-continues-amid-correction-concerns	2024-12-16T06:42:10Z
We recently published a list of 10 Best Stocks to Buy for the Long-Term According to Charles Akre. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Roper Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ROP) stands against other best stocks to buy for the long-term according to Charles Akre. “Above-average returns at below-average risk” is the mantra that defines Charles Akre, one of the most successful asset managers on Wall Street. As the founder of Akre Capital Management, he is a celebrated value-oriented investor. He is best known as a collector of great business, which he has invested in for many years to generate optimum value. His dedication to long-term planning and systematic valuation has consistently yielded exceptional results. Akre’s investment portfolio has generated more than 300% returns over the past ten years. He has become one of the most successful investors focusing on an investment philosophy dubbed the “three-legged stool” approach. The investment approach advocates for examining business models’ rates of return and reinvestment opportunities before investing. Likewise, Akre advocates investing in companies with enduring competitive advantages, robust balance sheets, and long-term earnings growth prospects. Unlike most investors focusing on market trends, Akre’s philosophy focuses on finding companies trading at fair value. By avoiding popular stocks, the value investor has succeeded in concentrating on cheap opportunities that most investors often overlook. He also adopts a strategic approach that goes beyond buying and holding stock for the long term. Instead, Akre consistently evaluates the core business strengths and fundamental aspects of companies. His focus on “outstanding businesses” indicates that he has carefully considered factors like competitive advantage, growth potential, and top-notch management. Consequently, the best stocks to buy for the long term, according to Charles Akre, are companies well poised to navigate short-term market fluctuations. Similarly, they are companies that capitalize on long-term compounding effects. In contrast to passive index investing, Akre’s approach necessitates active monitoring of a company’s performance to ensure that it maintains the standards of an exceptional business. Having a thorough understanding of the management team, business operations, and industry dynamics is also essential. The value investor also advocates for diversification as one of the ways of spreading the risk and shrugging off market volatility. Therefore, Akre Capital Management’s portfolio is spread across technology, financial services and other sectors. While the overall market has been trending over the past year, resulting in overstretched valuations, Akre believes there is still value to unlock. Nevertheless, he expects the financial markets to remain volatile. “…The US stock market and quite likely the markets of Western Europe can continue to be very volatile as they respond to good news and bad news, which will pop up on a regular basis. From my perspective, this is actually good news-that kind of volatility will increasingly give us opportunities periodically… Therefore, markets can go up even when economic activity has not picked up. But my expectation is a fair amount of volatility for some time,” said Charles Akre. Our Methodology To compile our selection of the best stocks to buy for the long-term, according to Charles Akre, we began by analyzing Akre Capital Management’s 13F portfolio and chose to highlight the stock holdings that have remained within the portfolio for at least 5 years. Next, we assessed the number of hedge fund investors associated with each stock as of the end of the third quarter of this year. Finally, the stocks were ranked in ascending order based on the value of Charles Akre’s stakes in the companies. At Insider Monkey, we are obsessed with the stocks that hedge funds pile into. The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here). A software engineer hunched over a laptop writing code, embodying the companies technical expertise. Akre Capital Management’s First Major Purchase: 2014 Akre Capital Management’s stake value: $834.34 million Number of Hedge fund holders as of Q3: 40 Roper Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ROP) is a diversified technology company that develops software and engineered products for niche markets. The stock has underperformed the market, going by a 3.36% year-to-date gain compared to a 26% gain for the S&P 500. Nevertheless, Roper Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ROP) is one of the best long-term stocks to buy as it demonstrates resilience in a challenging market landscape. Strong financial results and strategic moves underscore the company’s long-term prospects and growth metrics. The technology company delivered better-than-expected third-quarter results on October 23, 2024. Revenue in the quarter increased 13% year-over-year to $1.76 billion as distributable earnings per share surged 6% to $3.40. Its free cash flow increased 15% to $719 million, affirming financial health and ability to fund future growth initiatives. Roper Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ROP) raised its full-year guidance amid continued expansion of its recurring revenue base and improving demand for business mission-critical solutions. The company has also turned to acquisitions to accelerate growth. It is in the process of acquiring Transact Campus for $1.5 billion. The acquisition should increase its Card Systems/Integrated Security Solutions sector market share. Conestoga Capital Advisors stated the following regarding Roper Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ROP) in its Q3 2024 investor letter: “Roper Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ROP) operates a collection of market-leading vertical software franchises and industrial technology businesses. The company reported an uncharacteristic miss in revenue, the first in nearly three years. Its smart meter business, Neptune, faced operational issues during the quarter (since corrected), leading to delayed revenue. Looking ahead, the highly acquisitive company is seeing an attractive pipeline of M&A targets that should see more reasonable valuations in the coming months, a key source of earnings growth.” Overall, ROP ranks 7th on our list of best stocks to buy for the long-term according to Charles Akre. While we acknowledge the potential of ROP to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than ROP but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.	https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/why-roper-technologies-rop-best-063046419.html	2024-12-16T06:42:11Z
Advent Calendar, December 15: "Life Goes On" Plaza Nueva Dancers Brave The Cold To Bring The Spirit Of The Season [From the Instagram page of Julian Lennon.] Feels like our theme that we discussed earlier today, here. Just after I posted it, I rushed to my Spanish lesson, and the dancers were back, in Plaza Nueva. They were all wearing red and black, sparkly Christmas outfits, even! I have no idea how they were not cold, I was wearing two sweaters and a coat. It’s all spontaneous, and free—no money enters the picture at all, no collection. My Spanish teacher, Jorge, is from Alicante, and he said nothing like this happens in Alicante. Go Granada!	https://celiafarber.substack.com/p/advent-calendar-december-15-life	2024-12-16T06:42:16Z
Indian tabla player Zakir Hussain — who united musicians from diverse cultures and by doing so, shaped modern world music — died on Sunday in San Francisco. He was 73. In a statement, his family said the cause of death was idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. "His prolific work as a teacher, mentor and educator has left an indelible mark on countless musicians. He hoped to inspire the next generation to go further. He leaves behind an unparalleled legacy as a cultural ambassador and one of the greatest musicians of all time," his family added. Hussain's career spanned over five decades, during which he was revered as both a national treasure in India and admired worldwide. He defied genres and collaborated with an impressive range of musicians, including jazz saxophonist Charles Lloyd, bluegrass artists Edgar Meyer and Béla Fleck, as well as rockstars George Harrison and Van Morrison. His versatility earned him the rare distinction of performing twice on NPR's Tiny Desk — once in 2010 and then in 2023. "You know, you come from India and you say, 'OK, I'm representing a 3,000-year-old history,' so you think you're gonna teach the world about rhythms and drums and so on," he told NPR in 2015. "And then you arrive here. You suddenly realize that you know nothing. You're just one little dot in the painting that is the music of the universe." Beyond his performances, Hussain was admired for his passion to teaching Indian drumming, further spreading appreciation for the art form. Hussain often said that his musical journey began soon after he was born in Bombay. In the 2015 NPR interview, he recalled a tradition where a father whispers a prayer into his newborn son's ear. Instead, his father chose to sing him rhythms. "My mother was very upset and said, 'Why are you doing this?' And he said, 'Because this is my prayer,'" Hussain said. He told NPR that it was his father's dream for him to carry on the tradition of being an Indian classical musician. His father, Alla Rakha, was considered one of the world's greatest player's of tabla, a centuries-old Indian hand drum. His father taught Hussain how to play the tabla when he was 7 years old. But his father also introduced Hussain to music from around the world, which is how Hussain fell in love with rock and Western music. "I was the only kid on the block who was walking down the street with a boombox on my shoulder, playing as loud as I could 'Light My Fire,'" Hussain recalled. In 1970, at 19, Hussain traveled to the U.S. where he spent the following years working with rockstars like George Harrison, Van Morrison and Mickey Hart, the drummer from The Grateful Dead. He also played with jazz musician John Handy. In 1973, Hussain formed the Indian jazz fusion band Shakti with jazz guitarist John McLaughlin. With its melodic and rhythm instruments, the band helped American listeners appreciate sounds and instruments beyond Western music. In 2024, Hussain became the first musician from India to receive three Grammy awards in the same year after Shakti won Best Global Music Album, and Hussain's collaboration with Edgar Meyer and Béla Fleck featuring Rakesh Chaurasia won Best Global Music Performance and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album. Hussain told NPR in 2015 that throughout the course of his career, he has found similarities between rhythmists around the world — regardless of approach or style. "We were all on the same wavelength, the same quest, looking for perfection, which we will never find. But that didn't matter because it's all about the journey — not the goal," he said. NPR's Felix Contreras contributed reporting. Copyright 2024 NPR	https://www.wxpr.org/2024-12-15/zakir-hussain-legendary-tabla-virtuoso-who-defied-genres-dies-at-73	2024-12-16T06:42:16Z
GILGIT: Protest demonstrations were held in various districts of Gilgit-Baltistan on Sunday against the arrest of political workers in the region. The protesters, who took to the streets in response to a call of the GB Awami Action Committee (AAC), chanted slogans against the arrests and alleged harassment of political leaders and demanded an immediate end to the alleged victimisation of political workers. The main protest was organised in Garibagh Gilgit which was attended by a large number of people. Smaller demonstrations were held in Skardu, Ghizer, Hunza, Nagar, Ghanche, and Diamer areas. Speaking at the main protest, ACC chairman Ehsan advocate, Ghulam Abbas and others condemned the recent arrest of former chairman of the Karakoram National Movement, Mohammad Javed, and other activists who had been picked up allegedly on false charges. They said victimisation of political workers who were struggling for rights is condemnable, adding that registration of cases against political workers under the Anti-Terrorism Act was not acceptable. They lamented that even those people had been taken into custody who had obtained pre-arrest bail and condemned applying the Fourth Schedule on these political workers. Published in Dawn, December 16th, 2024	https://www.dawn.com/news/1878992/protests-in-gb-over-arrest-of-political-workers	2024-12-16T06:42:16Z
We recently compiled a list of the 11 Best Cannabis Stocks To Invest In. In this article, we are going to take a look at where The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (NYSE:SMG) stands against the other best cannabis stocks to invest in. The history of cannabis cultivation in America dates back to the early colonists, who grew hemp for textiles and rope. The plant was also widely used as a patent medicine during the 19th and early 20th centuries, described in the United States Pharmacopeia for the first time in 1850. Several political and racial factors led to the criminalization of cannabis in 1937 with the passage of the Marijuana Tax Act, but its legal status is now finally changing in many places. The United States of America is the country that consumes the most weed in the world. As we mentioned in our article – 30 Cities with the Highest Weed Consumption in the US – the American legal cannabis industry fared well in 2023 as legal sales across the 38 states that allow some form of regulated marijuana reached $28.8 billion, a 10.3% increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, the legal cannabis industry also added 22,952 new jobs last year – a sign that the national business climate has somewhat stabilized following the turmoil of the previous two years. According to the 2024 Vangst Jobs Report, there were over 440,445 jobs supported by legal cannabis nationwide as of early 2024, an increase of 5.4% from 2023. The increasing legalization of cannabis and rising acceptance of its use for medical purposes are the key factors fueling the industry. Growth is also expected to come from new markets. One such example is Nebraska’s vote in favor of legalizing medical marijuana last month. As of the writing of this article, 24 states have legalized recreational weed in America, in addition to the District of Columbia. However, possessing or selling marijuana remains a crime under federal law, punishable by prison time and fines. Major Blow to the US Cannabis Revolution In a significant setback for America’s legal cannabis industry, Florida voters rejected a ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana in November. The measure, known as Amendment 3, got 55.9% support, failing to meet the required 60% threshold. This was despite historic levels of funding, a rigorous advertising campaign, and even an endorsement from President-elect Donald Trump. Florida, with its population of 20 million people, is already home to the country’s largest medical marijuana market, boasting an annual revenue of $2 billion. The Sunshine State is also a popular tourist destination (especially during spring break) and attracts more than 140 million tourists every year. If Amendment 3 had been passed, Florida was expected to become a $6 billion cannabis market by 2026. Through the Smart & Safe Campaign, Florida’s cannabis companies and individual donors collectively contributed more than $150 million to get legalization enacted into law, with most of it coming from the largest medical marijuana operator in the state. On the other hand, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who aggressively campaigned against Amendment 3, spent an estimated $50 million of taxpayer money on radio and television ads to successfully convince enough voters to reject the measure. Meanwhile, hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin also came out against legalization and donated $12 million to the Vote No On 3 campaign. This setback inevitably had an impact on cannabis stocks, which witnessed a downturn following the news of the rejection. Amplify Alternative Harvest ETF, the first US ETF to target the global cannabis industry, has fallen by almost 30% since November 4, closing at $2.33 on December 13, 2024. Florida voters will now have to wait for two more years before cannabis legalization can get back on the ballot. A farmer standing in a lush field of vegetables that has been enhanced by the company's hydroponic products. Our Methodology To collect data for this article, we scanned Insider Monkey’s database of 900 hedge funds and picked the top 11 companies operating in the cannabis sector with the highest number of hedge fund investors. When two or more companies had the same number of hedge funds investing in them, we ranked them by the revenue of their last financial year instead. Following are the Best Cannabis Stocks According to Most Hedge Funds. At Insider Monkey we are obsessed with the stocks that hedge funds pile into. The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here). The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (NYSE:SMG) is the world's largest marketer of branded consumer products for lawn and garden care. The Ohio-based company has applied its expertise in horticulture and gardening to develop innovative technologies and solutions specifically tailored for cannabis cultivation. In Q4 of 2024, net sales of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (NYSE:SMG) rose 10.7% YoY to $414.7 million and surpassed the consensus estimates of $393 million. The uptick was due to higher sales in the US consumer division, where sales went up by 54% to $309.7 million, driven by the normalization of shipment timing. However, the company still ended the quarter with a loss of $244 million, though it was much better than the $468.4 million loss it suffered in the same period last year. Moreover, it ended the fiscal year 2024 with adjusted EBITDA growth of 20%, finishing at $539 million, despite a lawn and garden market that was down overall. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (NYSE:SMG) has been facing several challenges over the last few years, including high debt and an unsustainable cost structure due to a decrease in demand after the pandemic. Consequently, the company has made some hard decisions to right-size its business and cut over $400 million in operating expenses. These decisions included mass layoffs and the closure of distribution facilities, leading to a loss of talent and hindering the company’s ability to innovate, which is crucial given the shifting market dynamics. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (NYSE:SMG)’s $1.5 billion investment into its Hawthorne segment has proven to be a very costly affair. In 2023, Hawthorne’s revenue fell dramatically, and the business reported a loss of $50 million. However, SMG announced in its Q4 2024 earnings call transcript that it has managed to dismantle Hawthorne to make it a much smaller and more profitable business, while also reinvesting $100 million into its brands, sales force, supply chain, and innovation. Shares of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (NYSE:SMG) were held by 28 hedge funds in the IM database at the end of Q3 2024, making it the Best Cannabis Stock According to Hedge Funds. Overall, SMG ranks first on our list of the best cannabis stocks to invest in. While we acknowledge the potential for SMG to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than SMG but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.	https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/why-scotts-miracle-gro-company-062652497.html	2024-12-16T06:42:17Z
Exotel rides AI momentum to profitability, projects doubling EBITDA growth in FY25 Exotel has catered to over 7,000 clients globally, including Ola, Swiggy, Uber, and HDFC Bank—facilitating more than 25 billion annual conversations. Bengaluru-based full-stack customer engagement platform has reported profitability with positive EBITDA in the third and fourth quarters of FY24.The company pared down its annual losses by 65%, from Rs 108.8 crore in FY23 to Rs 38.8 crore in FY24, while revenue inched up from Rs 420 crore to Rs 445 crore during the same period. Adarsh Kumar, CFO of Exotel, credited the company’s turnaround to its focus on AI-driven initiatives, which have become a cornerstone for the company’s growth. “It's a combination of multiple factors. First, we are growing our business in the space that we think is a future for all of us—the AI side of the business. That has excited us and we are seeing a fair amount of traction in that space, making it a key driver for future-proofing our business and creating growth opportunities,” Kumar told YourStory. With this momentum, Exotel is projecting 100% year-on-year EBITDA growth for FY25 as it strengthens its market leadership by adopting emerging technologies. “Second, we have focused on improving operational efficiency. Together, these factors have set us up for achieving EBITDA profitability in FY25 and beyond,” he added. The company has also expanded into high-growth international markets, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the USA, opening new revenue streams and strengthening its global presence. Exotel has catered to over 7,000 clients globally, including Ola, Swiggy, Uber, and HDFC Bank—facilitating more than 25 billion annual conversations through its unified platform, it noted in a statement. “Sustainable profitability is a function of multiple things. We have to continuously innovate to offer new products to our existing customers. We are certainly focused on the international market…but domestic continues to be our mainstay, and the market in itself is very exciting,” Kumar said. “Digital-native companies such as Swiggys and Zeptos of the world are growing exponentially, with some achieving 60% to even 100% year-over-year growth, and their growth is quite intertwined with ours,” he added. Harmony, the company’s flagship AI-driven enterprise solution, integrates generative AI voice bots and Conversational Quality Analysis (CQA) to unify conversations, context, and workflows across channels. The platform has enabled businesses to deliver personalised customer interactions, make real-time decisions with intelligent routing, and collaborate between AI and human agents. It also offers industry-specific capabilities tailored for BFSI, healthcare, ecommerce, and other sectors. Looking ahead, Exotel aims to sustain its growth trajectory by continuing to invest in AI, expanding its global footprint, and helping enterprises achieve better customer outcomes. "As a company, we are geared for double-digit revenue growth in FY25 and beyond. We aim to grow on the profitability vector for the next 2-3 years, ensuring strong opportunities for our investors," Kumar proclaimed. Founded in 2011 by Shivakumar Ganesan, Ishwar Sridharan, and Sachin Bhati, Exotel integrates AI-powered solutions that unify conversational AI, CCaaS (contact-centre-as-a-service), and CPaaS (communication-platform-as-a-service) into a single, scalable platform. The company combines chatbots, voicebots, and AI-driven insights to create meaningful customer interactions. “We have been delighted to be partners with Exotel for the last four years. The company’s commitment to constant improvement and transforming customer engagement through AI will allow Exotel to maintain its industry leadership status while continuing its financial growth path,” said Gautam Mago, General Partner at A91 Partners, in a statement. In 2022, Exotel secured $40 million (Rs 298 crore) in a Series D funding round led by . To date, the startup has secured approximately $100 million through various debt and equity rounds.Edited by Kanishk Singh	https://yourstory.com/2024/12/exotel-ai-momentum-profitability-ebitda-growth-fy25-customer-engagement	2024-12-16T06:42:17Z
Where the Bands Are: This Week in Live Music and Concert News More opportunities to give back to the music community, road trip-worthy gigs, new music, holiday shows & more Happy holidays, Music Lovers. (First off - I’ve got TWO PAIRS of TICKETS to gift paid supporters of Miers On Music for the Samara Joy special holiday show at the Center for the Arts. If you’re a paid subscriber, drop me a line in the comments below to be entered to win!) A slew of artists dropped news regarding their summer plans this week. Most (but not all) of those plans don’t include a stop in Buffalo. Not that such a minor inconvenience will stop the hardiest road-trippers among us… Costello, Imposters & Sexton Elvis Costello, who recently announced a duo tour with pianist Steve Nieve - including a March 7, 2025 stop in Buffalo, at UB’s Center for the Arts - dropped news this week of a tour with his Imposters and the great guitarist Charlie Sexton. There aren’t any Northeast dates on this jaunt, for which Costello and friends will dig deep for material from the early Attractions albums in an attempt to inhabit that material in the present tense (and perhaps bid a fond farewell to some of it). But this tour truly screams ‘road trip’. Santana The iconic guitarist and bandleader is only doing a handful of North American dates on his 2025 Oneness Tour, before hauling the whole shebang to Europe. They’re as follows: April 16, 2025 – Highland, Calif. – Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel April 18, 2025 – Phoenix, Ariz. – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre April 19, 2025 – Albuquerque, N.M. – Isleta Amphitheater April 22, 2025 – San Antonio, Texas – Majestic Theatre April 23, 2025 – Sugar Land, Texas – Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land April 25, 2025 – Thackerville, Okla. – Lucas Oil Live at WinStar April 26, 2025 – Tulsa, Okla. – River Spirit Casino Resort *ON SALE 2/18/25 April 29, 2025 – Nashville, Tenn, – The Pinnacle Have Trombone, Will Travel Trombone Shorty seems to have grown fond of Artpark over the years, and he’ll bring his Might Not Make It Home Tour, which boats a bill that includes performances by JJ Grey & Mofro, and Dumpstaphunk, to the Lewiston, NY venue on July 17, 2025. Tickets go on sale this Friday, December 13 at 10am. (Front of Stage standing room $39; Reserved seating: $49; Lawn $25.) NEWS: Kindred Spirits Honored The Grateful Dead, Bonnie Raitt, Francis Ford Coppola, Arturo Sandoval and the Apollo Theater were honored as part of the the 47th Annual Kennedy Center Honors, which took place on Sunday in Washington. D.C. Here’s what the Dead’s Bob Weir told Relix just prior to the ceremony: “This is nothing short of the Medal of Honor. It puts us in pretty distinguished company here and around the world for the Grateful Dead and for our fans—those kindred spirits who were right there with us with what we were trying to do over the decades. It’s always been the storytelling that leads us on, gives us direction and fulfillment. It’s been about reaching something deeper that connects us all.” Amen. Nicko McBrain bids farewell to road life Nicko McBrain - for my money, the most simultaneously masterful, adventurous and groove-conscious drummer in the history of heavy metal - announced his retirement from the touring life this week, following a sold-out stadium show in Brazil. The 71 year-old drummer suffered a stroke a year back, and went through rigorous physical rehab in order to ready himself for Iron Maiden’s Future Past Tour, a typically demanding road jaunt that encompassed some 18 months of activity. McBrain will stay on as a non-touring member of Maiden, and the band has already found a replacement for their upcoming North American dates. But it’s an undeniable fact that an era has ended for the band, held by many (including myself) to be the greatest heavy music act of its generation. Kudos on a job well done, Nick. A Soft Machine Classic Gets Dusted Down Progressive jazz-rock legends Soft Machine’s Drop covers an exciting peior in the band’s development, and MoonJune Records will, ahem, drop a remastered edition of the album is available for pre-order now. From the album’s liner notes, by British music journalist Sid Smith: ”In 1971 the ever-evolving Soft Machine entered yet another period of transition following the departure of one of their founding members, drummer Robert Wyatt five months after the release of their Fourth album in February 1971. His replacement was Phil Howard, who had come to the UK along with a wave of other top-drawer players from Australia and New Zealand in the 1960s and was part of Elton Dean’s group, Just Us… “Howard's arrival altered the band’s sound with a challenging approach that tipped the group into a deeper improvisational direction that fully embraced a more strident and uncompromising presentation during their live shows. When observers describe drummers as 'whipping up a storm' this is certainly true in Howard’s case. His playing often sounds more like a force of nature than anything remotely to do with keeping time or adding rhythmic emphasis, reminiscent at times of Stu Martin or Tony Williams’ polyrhythmic salvos, constantly pushing the group out to the very edge of their material.” SUPPORTING OUR SCENE THIS SEASON: Terrapin Station Presents: Cool Yule Kickoff Event, to benefit The Sportsmens Americana Music Foundation Saturday, December 21, Noon - 8 pm, Terrapin Station, Buffalo, NY Featuring the Little Mountain Band Acoustic Duo performing ‘The Best of Garcia & Kahn,’ a special screening of the ‘Closing of Winterland’ film, refreshments, and a host of basket raffles. The Buffalo Hive The Buffalo area non-profit journalism startup The Buffalo Hive is working to fill the gap left by the Buffalo News’ greatly diminished arts and culture coverage and reporting. The Hive has been buzzing since August of this year, and if you believe in independent arts journalism and value coverage of Buffalo culture, you might consider donating to support the Hive’s efforts this holiday season. Music Is Art: Eighth Note Membership Circle From Music is Art: “Your support allows MiA to continue to create opportunities throughout the year, build community, & keep our festival free for all! We invite you to explore the monthly & annual membership options below and decide which level is right for you!” Heres where you can find the membership options. Sportsmens Americana Music Foundation Become a member to support SAMF’s mission to foster music education opportunities for underserved members of our community, while spreading the gospel of Americana music. Become a member here or donate directly to the foundation. JazzBuffalo Support the Buffalo Jazz scene by contributing here. JUST ANNOUNCED: Brit Floyd Wednesday, April 23, 7:30 pm at Shea’s Performing Arts Center, Buffalo. $59+. Get tickets here. The Strictly Hip January Residency Fridays, January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 2025, 7 pm doors at the 9th Ward in Babeville, Buffalo. $25 for single show; or $100 for ‘Residency ticket’ to all January 3 – UP TO HERE w/ special guest Erin Hoyle & Ian Liedke January 10 – ROAD APPLES w/ special guest Fuzzy January 17 – FULLY COMPLETELY w/ special guest Jamie Holka January 24 – PHANTOM POWER w/ special guest Jamie Holka January 31 – YER FAVORITES w/ special guest Erin Hoyle & Ian Liedke The Strictly Hip 30th Anniversary Concert Friday, March 21, 2025, 7 pm doors at Kleinhans’s Music Hall, Buffalo. $30/$60 VIP Big Big Train Sunday, April 13, 2025, 7 pm at Electric City, Buffalo. $$ THIS WEEK: Samara Joy ‘A Joyful Holiday’ ft/ the McLendon Family Tuesday, December 17, 7:30 pm at Center for the Arts Mainstage Theatre, Buffalo. $44/$49/$79 (Don’t forget - I’m giving away TWO PAIRS of TICKETS for this special holiday show. If you’re a paid subscriber, post in the comments below that you are interested, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win!) The Damone Jackson Outcome Friday, December 13, 6:30 pm doors at The Caz, South Buffalo. $18-$24 After Dark presents BLISSMAS 2024 w/ Better Lovers wsg/Converge, Fleshwater, Twitching Tongues, Dying Wish, Teenage Wrist, Anxious, Atomic Rule Saturday, December 14, 1 pm at Buffalo RiverWorks, Buffalo. $45 Holiday Stroll in Larkinville Saturday, December 14, 11 am - 7 pm, at Larkinville and Flying Bison Brewing Company, Buffalo. Free. Featuring The Restless Souls, Flying Bison, 4 pm. Musicians of Buffalo: Christmas Rocks Concert 2024 w/Billy Sheehan, Jessie Galante, Bobby Lebel Saturday, December 14, 7 pm doors at Asbury Hall in Babeville, Buffalo. $30 GA/$40 reserved FARROW w/ Katie Henry Band Thursday, December 12, 6 pm doors at The Caz, South Buffalo. $20 JoAnn’s Classical Christmas w/ Nikki Chooi and the BPO Friday, December 13, 10:30 am and Saturday, December 14, 7:30 pm at Kleinhans Music Hall, Buffalo. $16.50-$121.50 GROSH Saturday, December 14, 8 pm at Sportsmens Tavern, Buffalo. $ After Dark presents Oso Oso wsg/Flycatcher, Riley! and The Weather Might Say Otherwise Sunday, December 15, 7:00 pm at the Mohawk Place, Buffalo. Disciple of The Garden – The Legacy of Chris Cornell Sunday, December 15, 7 pm doors at Buffalo Iron Works, Buffalo. $15/$20 The Sadies w/ Special Guests Saturday, December 14, 7 pm doors at Buffalo Iron Works, Buffalo. $15/$20 Adam Rafferty w/Jamie Holka Friday, December 13, 8 pm at The Cave, Buffalo. $20 Passed Out: Bright Eyes Tribute w/ Tuesday Nite, West Ferry Saturday, December 14, 7 pm doors at Nietzsche’s, Buffalo. $15/$20 Elliot Scozzaro Quartet plays Vince Guaraldi‘s “A Charlie Brown Christmas” TWO SHOWS! Saturday, December 14, 6 pm and 9 pm at The Lounge at Revolution Gallery, Buffalo. $17.85 Standing Room/$19.98 GA seating/$44.52 table for 2/$87.21 table for 4 Project X-mas Presented by Travis Allen ft/Akloh, Skyway, Little Liar, Mother Nature’s Son & Letters to Elise Wednesday, December 18, 6 pm doors at Buffalo Iron Works, Buffalo. $10/$15 Thursday Night Live: Notforinkus Thursday, December 12, 5:30 pm at Wilson Town Square, Knox Building, Buffalo AKG Art Museum, Buffalo. FREE Thundersmack w/ DJ Scafetta Thursday, December 12, 7 pm doors at Buffalo Iron Works, Buffalo. $20/$25 Tommy Z Saturday, December 14, 7 pm doors at The Caz, South Buffalo. $24-$29 Corinne Mammana’s “In Love At Christmastime” Saturday, December 14, 7:30 pm at Seneca One Tower, Buffalo. $20/$25 Jupiter Trolley, Pam Swarts, Division Rivals Friday, December 13, 9 pm at Nietzsche’s, Buffalo. $10 Jingle Bell Jam with the BPO Sunday, December 15, noon and 4 pm at Kleinhan’s Music Hall, Buffalo. $7 COMING UP: Friends Helping Friends 2024 Saturday, December 21, 8 pm at Sportsmens Tavern, Buffalo. $10 Gantzer Does Pink Floyd Tuesday, December 31, 8 pm at Town Ballroom, Buffalo. $33.25 Mary Ramsey and Friends' Holiday Show ft/ violinist Susan Ramsey Thursday, December 19, 6:30 pm doors at PAUSA art house, Buffalo. $15/$12 Eggy Friday, December 27, 7 pm at Electric City, Buffalo. $23-$50 22nd Annual Tribute to Joe Strummer & The Clash Friday, December 20, 7 pm doors at Town Ballroom, Buffalo. $21 FAR Sunday, December 22, 5 pm at Sportsmens Tavern, Buffalo. $10 The Ultimate Doors – A Tribute to the Doors Friday, December 27, 7 pm doors at Buffalo Iron Works, Buffalo. $20/$25 The Sheila Divine New Years Eve Tuesday, December 31, 8 pm at Sportsmens Tavern, Buffalo. $30 Funtime Presents Lowest Of The Low Friday and Saturday, December 27 and 28, 6:30 pm doors at Town Ballroom, Buffalo. $37.25/$55 for 2-night pass Christmas at The Caz \| Buffalo Jazz Collective ft/ Alex McArthur Friday, December 20 and Saturday, December 21, 6 pm doors at The Caz, South Buffalo. $79-$89 Dinner and a Show Experience We’re Not Yet Dead Thursday, December 19, 6:30 pm doors at Buffalo Iron Works, Buffalo. $12 The Great Bluesky Revival: Celebrating the Music of the Allman Brothers Band Saturday, December 21, 6:30 pm doors at Town Ballroom, Buffalo. $26.50 The Jay/Sharptet presents the Music of Chet Baker and More Saturday, December 28, 7 pm at PAUSA art house, Buffalo. $15/$12 King Buffalo & Handsome Jack Saturday, December 28, 7 pm at Electric City, Buffalo. $25-$75 Star People ft/ Alex McArthur Friday, December 27, 7 pm at PAUSA art house, Buffalo. $20/$15 1st Annual Winter Jam Friday, Decemer 20, 9 pm at Sportsmens Tavern, Buffalo. $20/$25	https://jeffmiersmusic.substack.com/p/where-the-bands-are-this-week-in-644	2024-12-16T06:42:22Z
• KWSC chief says BRT Red Line workers damaged water main on University Road during digging • Says repair work to be completed ‘within 72 hours’ • Supply to Clifton, Gulshan-i-Iqbal, Jamshed town and old city areas will remain suspended for five more days KARACHI: Most city areas will have to wait for at least five days to get the water supply restored as yet another leakage has developed in the main line crossing the alignment of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Red Line project on main University Road near Karachi University. The localities are facing suspension of water supply for the past many days after the same 84-inch main had ruptured earlier this month. The Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation said that the repair work on the damaged portion of the main line would start on Monday (today) and complete by Wednesday. Residents of the affected areas that included Clifton, Gulshan-i-Iqbal, parts of in Jamshed Town, PECHS, SMCHS, Lyari, Saddar, Burns Road, Liaquatabad and old city areas, said that they had been without a drop of tap water for the past two weeks. The city has remained short of 150 million gallons per day (MGD) of water for the past two weeks after the main line burst that flooded the main road near Karachi University. It has also caused a great deal of hardship to commuters and motorists who remained stuck in the traffic jam for hours. The water utility had set a 72-hour deadline for the repair work, but it took them to complete the work one whole week as the main line was found burst in another nearby section, delaying the timely restoration of the water supply. However, only two days after the water supply was restored, the pipe was again found leaked at a nearby distance and the water utility had to suspend the supply for repair till Wednesday. KWSC Chief Executive Officer Salahuddin Ahmed, who visited the site of the damaged line on Sunday evening, said that the repair work would be completed by Wednesday and water supply would be restored to the affected areas. Speaking to journalists, he said that the repair work was carried out on an emergency basis and the water utility would try its best to complete the work within the stipulated time. The water utility said that the 84-inch main had been damaged several times in the past during the construction and digging work by the BRT workers. They said that the water utility had held several meetings with the BRT authorities in this regard, but in vain. KWSC seeks damages from TransKarachi KWSC CEO Salahuddin has written a letter to TransKarachi, the company responsible for BRT Red Line project, and asked it to deposit Rs35 million in favour of the water utility as expenses incurred during the repairs. He said that sections of the main ruptured due to negligent behaviour of BRT Red Line contractor during the piling work. He said that the KWSC had repaired two sections of the main on emergent basis. “However, soon after the opening of water flow, another leakage emerged causing damage to the main university road and yet again it needs to be repaired.” The sources said that the KWSC had already given the whole plan of its underground infrastructure, including water mains and sewerage lines, on the route of the BRT, but still the pipe lines had damaged in digging and construction of the BRT track. Sources in the TransKarachi said that an inquiry had been ordered to ascertain the causes of damage caused by the workers of the contractor and further course of action would be taken after the inquiry report. Published in Dawn, December 16th, 2024	https://www.dawn.com/news/1878993/many-areas-in-karachi-go-dry-again-as-repairs-on-damaged-line-restart-today	2024-12-16T06:42:23Z
We recently compiled a list of the 11 Best Cannabis Stocks To Invest In. In this article, we are going to take a look at where SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ:SNDL) stands against the other best cannabis stocks to invest in. The history of cannabis cultivation in America dates back to the early colonists, who grew hemp for textiles and rope. The plant was also widely used as a patent medicine during the 19th and early 20th centuries, described in the United States Pharmacopeia for the first time in 1850. Several political and racial factors led to the criminalization of cannabis in 1937 with the passage of the Marijuana Tax Act, but its legal status is now finally changing in many places. The United States of America is the country that consumes the most weed in the world. As we mentioned in our article – 30 Cities with the Highest Weed Consumption in the US – the American legal cannabis industry fared well in 2023 as legal sales across the 38 states that allow some form of regulated marijuana reached $28.8 billion, a 10.3% increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, the legal cannabis industry also added 22,952 new jobs last year – a sign that the national business climate has somewhat stabilized following the turmoil of the previous two years. According to the 2024 Vangst Jobs Report, there were over 440,445 jobs supported by legal cannabis nationwide as of early 2024, an increase of 5.4% from 2023. The increasing legalization of cannabis and rising acceptance of its use for medical purposes are the key factors fueling the industry. Growth is also expected to come from new markets. One such example is Nebraska’s vote in favor of legalizing medical marijuana last month. As of the writing of this article, 24 states have legalized recreational weed in America, in addition to the District of Columbia. However, possessing or selling marijuana remains a crime under federal law, punishable by prison time and fines. Major Blow to the US Cannabis Revolution In a significant setback for America’s legal cannabis industry, Florida voters rejected a ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana in November. The measure, known as Amendment 3, got 55.9% support, failing to meet the required 60% threshold. This was despite historic levels of funding, a rigorous advertising campaign, and even an endorsement from President-elect Donald Trump. Florida, with its population of 20 million people, is already home to the country’s largest medical marijuana market, boasting an annual revenue of $2 billion. The Sunshine State is also a popular tourist destination (especially during spring break) and attracts more than 140 million tourists every year. If Amendment 3 had been passed, Florida was expected to become a $6 billion cannabis market by 2026. Through the Smart & Safe Campaign, Florida’s cannabis companies and individual donors collectively contributed more than $150 million to get legalization enacted into law, with most of it coming from the largest medical marijuana operator in the state. On the other hand, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who aggressively campaigned against Amendment 3, spent an estimated $50 million of taxpayer money on radio and television ads to successfully convince enough voters to reject the measure. Meanwhile, hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin also came out against legalization and donated $12 million to the Vote No On 3 campaign. This setback inevitably had an impact on cannabis stocks, which witnessed a downturn following the news of the rejection. Amplify Alternative Harvest ETF, the first US ETF to target the global cannabis industry, has fallen by almost 30% since November 4, closing at $2.33 on December 13, 2024. Florida voters will now have to wait for two more years before cannabis legalization can get back on the ballot. A close-up shot of a cannabis plant, showing its intricate details. Our Methodology To collect data for this article, we scanned Insider Monkey’s database of 900 hedge funds and picked the top 11 companies operating in the cannabis sector with the highest number of hedge fund investors. When two or more companies had the same number of hedge funds investing in them, we ranked them by the revenue of their last financial year instead. Following are the Best Cannabis Stocks According to Most Hedge Funds. At Insider Monkey we are obsessed with the stocks that hedge funds pile into. The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here). SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ:SNDL) is the largest private-sector liquor and cannabis retailer in Canada. The company also operates as a licensed cannabis producer and stands as one of the country’s premier vertically integrated cannabis enterprises. SNDL has shown massive growth over the last few years, with its revenue skyrocketing from $60.9 million in 2020 to just over $909 million last year. That said, the Calgary-based firm still hasn’t made a profit in its last four financial years. To help improve its profitability, the liquor and cannabis retailer announced a restructuring plan in July to help slash its annual expenses by $20 million. SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ:SNDL) is finally transitioning from a meme stock into a realbusiness. The company represents deep value with an imminent catalyst for growth as it offers robust downside protection through its various assets. These include its core Canadian liquor and cannabis business which is nearing cash flow breakeven after recent efficiency improvements. Other US assets, including loans and properties in Michigan, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Texas, provide a safety net against potential downturns. SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ:SNDL) remains focused on strategic expansion and announced the acquisition of all outstanding shares of Nova Cannabis Inc. recently, marking a major milestone. Moreover, it has also won a bid to acquire Indiva Limited, a leading producer of cannabis edibles in Canada. To return value to its shareholders, SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ:SNDL) announced a share repurchase program of around $70.3 million in November. In Q3 of 2024, the company also increased its cash balances from $183 million to $263 million and continues to have no outstanding debt. Overall, SNDL ranks 4th on our list of the best cannabis stocks to invest in. While we acknowledge the potential for SNDL to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than SNDL but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.	https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/why-sndl-inc-sndl-among-062055391.html	2024-12-16T06:42:24Z
The role of cybersecurity in protecting digital infrastructure As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, maintaining a steadfast commitment to cybersecurity is critical. Organisations that prioritise robust security measures, leverage innovative solutions, and foster collaborative efforts will be better equipped to address evolving challenges. In today’s interconnected era, digital infrastructure forms the foundation of contemporary economies, businesses, and societies. It powers everything from financial operations and essential healthcare services to government functions and personal communications. As reliance on these digital systems continues to surge, it brings unprecedented opportunities alongside considerable vulnerabilities. Cybersecurity has become a cornerstone in protecting this infrastructure, ensuring its robustness, dependability, and sustainability. Understanding digital infrastructure Digital infrastructure encompasses the hardware, software, networks, data centres, and cloud systems that facilitate the functioning of the digital economy. Key elements include communication networks, servers, storage devices, and the software applications that power digital platforms. In recent years, technologies such as IoT, artificial intelligence (AI), and 5G have further expanded the scope and complexity of digital infrastructure, amplifying its strategic importance. As digital infrastructure underpins nearly every sector i.e. healthcare, finance, transportation, education, and critical public services, it has become a prime target for cyberattacks. Threat actors ranging from individual hackers to organised cybercriminals and state-sponsored entities exploit vulnerabilities to disrupt operations, steal sensitive data, or compromise national security. This makes cybersecurity not just a technical requirement but a strategic imperative. The growing threat landscape The threat landscape for digital infrastructure is evolving rapidly. Cyberattacks have grown in sophistication, frequency, and impact. Major trends include: Ransomware attacks: Ransomware attacks have escalated, increasingly targeting critical infrastructure, including healthcare systems, energy grids, and municipal services. These incidents frequently disrupt vital operations and impose substantial ransom demands, posing significant challenges to service continuity and security. Supply chain vulnerabilities: Cybercriminals are targeting supply chain weaknesses to breach larger networks, leveraging these vulnerabilities to infiltrate systems, compromise data, and disrupt operations on a wider scale. IoT exploits: The proliferation of billions of IoT devices worldwide has introduced substantial security risks, as many endpoints suffer from inadequate protections and outdated firmware, making them vulnerable to exploitation. Phishing and social engineering: Human error remains a major vulnerability, as attackers exploit phishing schemes and social engineering tactics to circumvent technical defences and gain unauthorised access to systems and sensitive information. Cybersecurity: The pillar of digital resilience Cybersecurity serves as the foundation of digital resilience, enabling organisations to navigate an increasingly interconnected world while safeguarding against sophisticated threats. By integrating advanced technologies, streamlined processes, and robust practices, it ensures the protection of networks, devices, and sensitive data from unauthorised access, breaches, and cyberattacks. In the era of digital transformation, where the threat landscape continuously evolves, cybersecurity has become critical for maintaining operational continuity, securing information assets, and preserving stakeholder trust. Modern approaches prioritise proactive measures, including threat intelligence, automation, and cutting-edge encryption, empowering businesses to fortify their digital infrastructure and achieve sustainable growth in a secure digital ecosystem. Key cybersecurity practices for protecting digital infrastructure Safeguarding digital infrastructure demands a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. Core practices include enforcing stringent access controls to ensure only authorised personnel can access critical systems and data. Routine software updates and patch management address vulnerabilities, while firewalls and intrusion detection systems shield networks from external threats. Leveraging advanced threat detection technologies, such as AI-powered analytics, enables rapid identification and mitigation of emerging risks. Data encryption secures information during transmission and storage, complemented by regular backups to ensure business continuity. Employee training programs enhance cybersecurity awareness, reducing human error. Adopting zero-trust architecture and conducting regular risk assessments fortifies defences, ensuring a resilient and secure digital environment. Investing in cybersecurity is not just an expense but a strategic necessity. The financial and operational impacts of cyberattacks, including service disruptions, data breaches, and reputational harm, often exceed the cost of implementing strong security measures. Beyond risk mitigation, robust cybersecurity fortifies digital infrastructure, creating a reliable foundation for businesses to innovate and grow. It enables organisations to embrace emerging technologies with confidence, opening new avenues for revenue generation and competitive advantage. A secure digital environment fosters trust among stakeholders, enhances operational resilience, and positions businesses to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and threat-prone digital landscape. In today’s world, where digital infrastructure is integral to nearly all aspects of life, cybersecurity has become essential. It serves as the foundation of modern progress, enabling businesses, governments, and individuals to utilise technology securely and with confidence. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, maintaining a steadfast commitment to cybersecurity is critical. Organisations that prioritise robust security measures, leverage innovative solutions, and foster collaborative efforts will be better equipped to address evolving challenges. By doing so, they can protect their digital assets, ensure operational resilience, and secure the future of their digital infrastructure in an increasingly complex technological landscape. (Zakir Hussain Rangwala is the CEO of BD Software Distribution Pvt. Ltd.)	https://yourstory.com/2024/12/role-cybersecurity--protecting-digital-infrastructure	2024-12-16T06:42:24Z
I was in Romania last week. My return flight happened to fall on what should have been the second round of Romania’s presidential election. That vote, however, was cancelled. I discovered this the day before my departure flight when I walked to the Parliament building, curious to visit the largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon, only to find that the gates were locked. A pair of cops stationed outside Parliament told me it was closed “due to an emergency.” This “emergency,” I soon discovered, was that Romania’s High Court had annulled the first-round election results. Why? Romania’s intelligence authorities released a report alleging Russian interference through TikTok. Sound familiar? The same allegations were made in 2016 after Donald Trump won. Hilary Clinton and her media allies told us that his win was due to Russian interference through social media bots. Trump was Putin’s unwitting stooge. Worse, he was Putin’s puppet. Worst, he was fatally compromised because Putin had footage of him playing water sports with prostitutes in Moscow hotels. This story went on and on,1 despite it being Trump who armed Ukraine in 2018, reversing Obama’s policy of refusing lethal aid to Ukraine, and who withdrew from the INF missile treaty with Russia. I’m no Trump cheerleader, but these are facts. And having spent most of my life leapfrogging between fact and fiction, I have a nose for it when others do too. You can’t defend democracy by subverting it. And, forget TikTok, if we intend to descry election interference, one need look no further than U.S. foreign policy, with its soft coups and hard coups and Voice of America coos. We’d have to cancel half the world’s electoral results since World War II. After Poland, Romania has seen the largest influx of Ukrainian refugees, which may help explain why Calin Georgescu, a skeptic over Romania’s involvement with NATO, outperformed in the election. Even so, he was expected to come in fourth at best, so his first-round victory was a shock (“Ultranationalist leads first round of Romania’s Presidential Election,” “Romania in shock after far-right populist enters presidential election’s runoff,” etc). But it’s not such a shock if you look at the recent results of its neighbors. The nationalist, anti-establishment vote has been the norm in European elections since Brexit. Of course, in Romania, the memory of the Soviet occupation is strong, and the Romanians I spoke with viewed Russia as a major threat. At the same time, however, all were cleareyed in recognizing that U.S. involvement in the Ukraine war had nothing to do with a desire to promote democracy, resist autocracy, or any other such saccharine legacy media myths. So did Russia interfere with the Romanian election through TikTok vids? Maybe. Maybe not. Work is now underway to make Romania’s NATO Black Sea base the largest NATO military base in Europe, so Russia clearly has a stake in the election results. It will obviously support the candidate in its perceived interest. Interference or not, what I do know is that cancelling elections is not a great precedent. As with suppressing speech, it’s a double-edged sword. It might work in the short term for skewering your opponents – to use a cherished tactic of Romania’s most notorious leader, Vlad the Impaler – but in the long term, like Vlad, you may get your head cut off. I have a different theory as to why Georgescu won the first round and why the results were then nullified. It has nothing to do with Russian interference. The great bear to the west is, I will argue, a red herring. Here goes: Look closely at the surname of the first round winner: Georgescu. Note his suffix: “escu.” Now look at the string of the following Romanian heads of state since 1967 (excluding the two brief interim presidents): Ceausescu (1967-1989), Iliescu (1989-1996), Constantinescu (the best-named of the “escus” in my unbiased opinion, 1996-2000), Iliescu (yes, him again, a bit Trumpy, really, 2000-2004), Băsescu (2004-2014), Klaus Iohannis (2014 – present). As you can see, in the last roughly six decades, only the current head of state, Klaus Iohannis has lacked the escu suffix. Iohannis is an aberration among a long line of escus. This is a clear and illiberal violation of Romanian linguistic norms. Some might call it treachery. Beware Romanians bearing Greek surnames. With this 60-year history of leadership in mind, now consider the results of last month’s first round of voting, which as mentioned was annulled. From 1st to 7th, they were: Georgescu Lasconi Ciolacu Simion Ciucă Geoană Kelemen Notice anything? Look again. That’s right, the only escu in these top seven was the winner, Calin Georgescu. Voilà! Romania’s shock election results had nothing to do with Russian interference or NATO expansion. It was a nationalist linguistic movement seeking to re-establish the great escu suffix for Romanian heads of state. The public, simply put, voted escu, or “son of.” Georgescu may mean “son of George,” but as with all escus, the subtext is Son of Romania. So what seems to be happening here is that the Non-Escu-Suffixed Establishment of Iohannis and his cadre are trying to pull a linguistic coup and irrevocably alter the makeup of Romanian sovereignty for their globalist linguistic agenda. They eschew the escu. There you have it, the first case of election interference on etymological grounds. I say, for better or worse, if the public votes escu, let them have escu. I leave you with this catchy Romanian classic “Made in Romania,” which promotes a welcoming albeit controversial message of unity—that all Romanians are Romanian, no matter their suffix. Yours in linguistic self-determination, Trăiască România! -Consantine(escu) This was a thrilling time for American liberalism. It was a spy novel unfolding in the halls of power, a real-life hybrid of The Americans and House of Cards. MSNBC leaned into it and made a killing. The Russians! The Russians! The RUSSIANS!	https://constantinemarkides.substack.com/p/make-romania-escu-again	2024-12-16T06:42:29Z
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (Pide), a state-run think tank, while highlighting challenges to electrical vehicles (EVs) transition and adaptation at home has asked the government to focus on export opportunities to draw maximum economic benefits from global revolutionary transformation in the field. In a policy advice, Pide suggested the government and the automobile industry to target 10pc of all EVs and 5pc of auto parts produced are exported by 2030, and 50pc of all EVs and auto parts produced in Pakistan are exported by 2040. This comes following the Prime Minister’s recent directives for a robust EV policy. “A shift towards EVs could reduce this burden, cutting down oil imports and improving the current account balance,” it said, adding that the adoption of EVs offered the country with a dual opportunity: environmental protection through reduced emissions and economic resilience by curbing import costs. Embracing this shift will support Pakistan’s climate goals and bolster its economic stability. Govt think tank calls for policy framework that addresses all obstacles effectively However, achieving this vision faced significant hurdles. From two- and three-wheelers to larger commercial vehicles, the shift to EVs encounters complex challenges across all categories of transport, Pide noted, and called for policy framework that addressed these obstacles effectively and comprehensively. It noted a series of challenges to this shift including high upfront costs, low vehicle ownership, range anxiety, limited charging facilities, low production volumes and limited manufacturing capacity and disintegration from global value chain. It said the technology to assemble or manufacture EVs in the country was in a nascent stage, thus the cost of EV production remains high. Also, the vehicle cost of production was very high due to significant import dependence, lack of allied industries and high import tariffs. But more importantly, low vehicle ownership was also a problem. Although 61pc of Pakistani households own a personal vehicle, only 6pc have a passenger car. Motorbikes are far more common, with 57pc of households owning only a bike, and about 4.5pc owning both a motorcycle and a car. Additionally, 2.7pc of households own rickshaws, primarily for commercial use. This means the market for EVs, particularly in the passenger car segment, is limited, and the high upfront cost makes EVs accessible to only a small segment. Although more than half of households own two-wheelers, their high initial cost renders electric options financially impractical for the middle- and low-income groups who largely rely on them. On top of that, adopting electric vehicles demands a behavioural shift, as recharging takes considerably more time than refuelling conventional vehicles. Also, international auto parts and automobile manufacturing had shifted to a global value chain, while Pakistan continued to focus on localising all production processes. As a result, not only have Pakistan-based OEMs and auto parts manufacturers failed to build high-quality production capacity but also become isolated from the global automobile industry. Based on these challenges, Pide called for a long-term EVs development policy with short-term goals for 2030, medium-term targets till 2035 and long-term targets set to be achieved by 2040. These include 10pc of all new four-wheelers and 25pc of all new two- to three-wheeler sales to be EVs by 2030, while increasing the shares of all new four-wheelers to 50pc and all new two- to three-wheeler to 75pc by 2040. Published in Dawn, December 16th, 2024	https://www.dawn.com/news/1879003/ev-export-key-to-meeting-multiple-challenges-pide	2024-12-16T06:42:29Z
We recently compiled a list of the 11 Best Cannabis Stocks To Invest In. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Village Farms International, Inc. (NASDAQ:VFF) stands against the other best cannabis stocks to invest in. The history of cannabis cultivation in America dates back to the early colonists, who grew hemp for textiles and rope. The plant was also widely used as a patent medicine during the 19th and early 20th centuries, described in the United States Pharmacopeia for the first time in 1850. Several political and racial factors led to the criminalization of cannabis in 1937 with the passage of the Marijuana Tax Act, but its legal status is now finally changing in many places. The United States of America is the country that consumes the most weed in the world. As we mentioned in our article – 30 Cities with the Highest Weed Consumption in the US – the American legal cannabis industry fared well in 2023 as legal sales across the 38 states that allow some form of regulated marijuana reached $28.8 billion, a 10.3% increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, the legal cannabis industry also added 22,952 new jobs last year – a sign that the national business climate has somewhat stabilized following the turmoil of the previous two years. According to the 2024 Vangst Jobs Report, there were over 440,445 jobs supported by legal cannabis nationwide as of early 2024, an increase of 5.4% from 2023. The increasing legalization of cannabis and rising acceptance of its use for medical purposes are the key factors fueling the industry. Growth is also expected to come from new markets. One such example is Nebraska’s vote in favor of legalizing medical marijuana last month. As of the writing of this article, 24 states have legalized recreational weed in America, in addition to the District of Columbia. However, possessing or selling marijuana remains a crime under federal law, punishable by prison time and fines. Major Blow to the US Cannabis Revolution In a significant setback for America’s legal cannabis industry, Florida voters rejected a ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana in November. The measure, known as Amendment 3, got 55.9% support, failing to meet the required 60% threshold. This was despite historic levels of funding, a rigorous advertising campaign, and even an endorsement from President-elect Donald Trump. Florida, with its population of 20 million people, is already home to the country’s largest medical marijuana market, boasting an annual revenue of $2 billion. The Sunshine State is also a popular tourist destination (especially during spring break) and attracts more than 140 million tourists every year. If Amendment 3 had been passed, Florida was expected to become a $6 billion cannabis market by 2026. Through the Smart & Safe Campaign, Florida’s cannabis companies and individual donors collectively contributed more than $150 million to get legalization enacted into law, with most of it coming from the largest medical marijuana operator in the state. On the other hand, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who aggressively campaigned against Amendment 3, spent an estimated $50 million of taxpayer money on radio and television ads to successfully convince enough voters to reject the measure. Meanwhile, hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin also came out against legalization and donated $12 million to the Vote No On 3 campaign. This setback inevitably had an impact on cannabis stocks, which witnessed a downturn following the news of the rejection. Amplify Alternative Harvest ETF, the first US ETF to target the global cannabis industry, has fallen by almost 30% since November 4, closing at $2.33 on December 13, 2024. Florida voters will now have to wait for two more years before cannabis legalization can get back on the ballot. A farmer in overalls happily harvesting vegetables in a lush greenhouse. Our Methodology To collect data for this article, we scanned Insider Monkey’s database of 900 hedge funds and picked the top 11 companies operating in the cannabis sector with the highest number of hedge fund investors. When two or more companies had the same number of hedge funds investing in them, we ranked them by the revenue of their last financial year instead. Following are the Best Cannabis Stocks According to Most Hedge Funds. At Insider Monkey we are obsessed with the stocks that hedge funds pile into. The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here). Village Farms International, Inc. (NASDAQ:VFF) stands as one of North America’s leading growers, marketers, and distributors of top-quality, greenhouse-grown fruits and vegetables. The company’s wholly-owned Canadian subsidiary, Pure Sunfarms, is one of the single largest cannabis operations in the world, the lowest-cost greenhouse producer, and one of Canada's best-selling brands. In Q3 2024, Village Farms International, Inc. (NASDAQ:VFF) continued its solid performance with total sales growth of 20% YoY to $83.4 million, with strong top-line growth in both Canadian cannabis and fresh produce. It also maintained the #1 market share in flower in Canada and then grew that market share by 2.7% during the third quarter. The company remains focused on innovation and introduced a new strain called Neon Lambo, and is also set to launch new brand and product introductions in the vape and infused pre-roll categories in the next two quarters. However, Q3 still ended with a loss of over $212,000, though it was much better than the loss of over $900,000 incurred during the same period last year. Village Farms International, Inc. (NASDAQ:VFF) is benefitting from its focus on the international cannabis market. Exports from Canada increased 111% from the third quarter last year, with continued improvement in sales to its German, Australian, and UK partners. Moreover, the company’s EU-GMP certification has been recently renewed and it has also commenced cultivation in the Netherlands – its first international recreational market. Sales are set to commence during the first quarter of 2025, catering to a fully legal market estimated to be between $3.1 to $3.7 billion annually. Unlike Canada, there is no excise tax in the Netherlands, which will enable the company to offer much more favorable product pricing. Overall, VFF ranks 6th on our list of the best cannabis stocks to invest in. While we acknowledge the potential for VFF to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than VFF but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.	https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/why-village-farms-international-vff-061714991.html	2024-12-16T06:42:30Z
Unearthing Dholavira’s buried secrets; Journeying to the best flavours of Asia The ancient township of Dholavira offers up a myriad of secrets from the Harappan era. Fine dining Southeast Asian brand KOKO makes its way to Hyderabad’s HITEC City. Hello, Something old, something new: That’s the way global funds want to welcome the new year. Global funds are exploring ways to blend the new-age economy and the old to shield their investments in Asia in 2025, especially from the challenges of uncertain future US trade policies and a strengthening dollar. Select chipmakers and bank stocks have made their way on to investors’ radars, but they’re also focusing on the potential of stable returns through dollar-denominated debt. Meanwhile, gold is still king as an asset, especially going into next year. Uncertainty in global trade policies is a major concern for several international organisations. World Trade Organization Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala cautioned that global poverty may rise if the world does not band together to ensure a stable, open and free trading system. While countries like Indonesia, China and India are drawing investor interest due to their robust economic growth and stimulus efforts, other developing nations are struggling under ballooning interest payments on $29 trillion of emerging-market debt that built up over the last decade. A record 54 countries are spending more than 10% of their revenues on interest payments, according to the United Nations. Some, including Pakistan and Nigeria, are using more than 30% of revenue just to make coupon payments on bonds. The sum–a total of around $850 billion–is forcing countries to divert funds from domestic spending on infrastructure while raising the risk for investors. That’s steep! Looks like it’s shaping up to be a bumpy 2025 ahead, after all. In today’s newsletter, we will talk about - Unearthing Dholavira’s buried secrets - Journeying to the best flavours of Asia Here’s your trivia for today: What floor number is often skipped in Chinese buildings, as the thirteenth is in the West? Travel and Leisure Unearthing Dholavira’s buried secrets While the glistening white salt marshes of Kutch have attracted travellers from far and beyond, the region is home to many other sites that tell stories of yore. One such is Dholavira, once the southern centre of the Harappan civilisation on the arid island of Khadir Bet. Dholavira is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, listed among the most well-preserved urban settlements that existed between 3000 BCE and 1500 BCE. It is a testament to the ingenuity of Harappan city planning, even thousands of years later. Exploring history: - A conjectural view of the township is the first introduction to Dholavira. Another board in close proximity visually represents its magnet points, featuring an east-west arterial street, a bailey, stairways, and tanks. - The township was also once home to a bead factory. Excavations also point to a weekly haat or bazaar that used to be held at the centre of the middle town, which was also the site for a sports stadium where bull or horse fights were held. - While most people end up going for a day trip, one could also choose to stay back and spend more time here. There's also a museum in Dholavira, albeit without a guide, offering insights into the civilisation that was. Wine and Food Journeying to the best flavours of Asia Originating from Mumbai’s celebrated culinary landscape, KOKO, founded by the Tham Brothers’ Pebble Street Hospitality, creates an experience from the word get-go for those looking for a fine dining experience. Between signature Southeast Asian inspired flavours, traditional aesthetic choices with wicker lamps, origami lights, and murals, and innovative cocktail concoctions and desserts, KOKO offers the perfect getaway for a leisurely meal away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Contemporary flavours: - Lunch at KOKO offers some standout highlights, including a tender coconut carpaccio with Ponzu drizzle and crunchy quinoa, smoked Brie and scallion dumpling, Hamachi maki sushi roll with yellowtail fish and the signature Lantern chicken. Definitely don’t miss the crispy pork belly either. - KOKO’s celebrated cocktails are in a league of their own with the Tom Yum Cup—boozy and chilled version of the Tom Yum Soup—taking center stage with its notes of galangal, Thai chilli, lemongrass, and lime brought together with Absolut vodka. - The dessert selection includes classics like the coffee pecan nut mousse, the dark chocolate, truffle mousse and ice cream loaded Forest Log Law, and the innovative Who Stole My Cheese, bringing together Miso brown butter cheesecake, honeycomb, fruit sorbet with pretzels, and almond crumble. News & updates - Stalemate: The US Treasury has told Nippon Steel that the panel vetting its proposed acquisition of US Steel has not reached consensus on how to mitigate security risks, raising the odds that President Joe Biden will block the $15 billion deal. - Stable economy: South Korea's finance ministry vowed on Sunday to continue to swiftly deploy market stabilising measures as needed to support the economy after President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached over his brief imposition of martial law. - Free release: Elon Musk's artificial intelligence startup, xAI, said on Saturday that its new version of the Grok-2 chatbot will be available for free to all users of the social media platform X. What floor number is often skipped in Chinese buildings, as the thirteenth is in the West? Answer: Four. We would love to hear from you! To let us know what you liked and disliked about our newsletter, please mail [email protected]. If you don’t already get this newsletter in your inbox, sign up here. For past editions of the YourStory Buzz, you can check our Daily Capsule page here.	https://yourstory.com/2024/12/unearthing-dholavira-buried-secrets-journeying-best-flavours-asia	2024-12-16T06:42:31Z
Remember J Ann Selzer? She’s the pollster who published that ridiculous presidential poll which had Kamala Harris winning Iowa by three points. Trump eventually won Iowa by double-digits. That poll gave ‘journalists’ and their fellow Democrats not only hope that Kamala could win, but the poll was used by the legacy media to push that fake narrative. Many are accusing her of election interference for sharing the poll. Now, she’s out trying to refute them. See for yourself. (WATCH) Pollster J Ann Selzer defends herself against accusations that she criminally manipulated her Iowa poll to benefit the Kamala Harris campaign: — Eric Abbenante (@EricAbbenante) December 15, 2024 J Ann Selzer: "In such a public poll: And the allegations I take very seriously, they're saying that this was election interference,… pic.twitter.com/423WYGb52f Assuming no ill intent, many posters are wondering with the numbers so out of whack why she still decided to share the poll with the public. Read on. There's no way she could have gotten it so wrong unless she was biased in her poll. A good statistician not only looks at their results, but checks to see if it makes sense. When no other poll has been near your results you should question them. — Someone Important (@justimportant2) December 15, 2024 She's the pollster that lied about Iowa, isn't she? pic.twitter.com/BmdUZso2GK — I Love America News (@ILA_NewsX) December 15, 2024 Others are assigning ill intent, because the alternative is she’s a blundering fool. Here’s how they’re framing it. She either did it on purpose or she's completely incompetent — Ignatius J Reilly (@Ign_J_Reilly) December 15, 2024 It matters not what she claims. Either she lied or was off by a Grand Canyon margin and discredited herself either way. — 𝐃𝐁 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝕋𝕏 (@DBCooperTX) December 15, 2024 Many are confused why she’s okay with being labeled incompetent, instead of just confessing she wanted to help Kamala, if that’s the case. Commenters explain. Wouldn't it be easier to admit you did intentionally carry water for Harris than admitting that you suck so badly at your job that your results are off by many, many, many standard deviations from reality? — Please Stop (@plzstop42069) December 15, 2024 Ones a serious crime, the other isn't. — Max Rockatansky (@maxrockatans) December 15, 2024 She's going with totally incompetent. Not surprised she chose play dumb... That could be seen as election interference or manipulation. — Martin Lara (@Lucky7MLJ) December 15, 2024 She would probably face legal troubles. “0% of Dem likely voters are voting Trump” That was in her poll. Data not seen in any other poll state or nation wide. Not once. Her and Nate Silver should be ashamed. She's either a manipulative liar lacking good moral judgment or hopelessly incompetent and should maybe seek a career in tending a garden. Either way, can we never hear from her again? — Nicomachus (@evan_georgeson) December 15, 2024 We won’t have to hear much from her again. Well, at least no more crazy polls. Selzer announced her retirement last month. That decision is currently polling 100% ‘favorable’ with Trump voters.	https://twitchy.com/warren-squire/2024/12/16/ann-selzer-defends-iowa-poll-19-points-n2405229	2024-12-16T06:42:37Z
B.C.'s Sea To Sky Highway reopens after storm triggered landslide B.C.'s Sea to Sky Highway has reopened after being closed on Saturday by a landslide that swept a home off its foundation. It occurred during a powerful windstorm that slammed the South Coast, claiming at least two lives, including one person caught in the landslide. Yvette Brend has more on the rescue efforts.	https://ca.news.yahoo.com/b-c-sea-sky-highway-062609035.html	2024-12-16T06:42:37Z
This story is part of the My Unsung Hero series, from the Hidden Brain team. It features stories of people whose kindness left a lasting impression on someone else. In the summer of 2024, Caroline Davis and her partner were doing a DIY home project that required 1,500 pounds of gravel. So Davis headed to a home improvement store, and started filling up her Toyota Corolla with 50-pound bags. "I'm loading, loading. And this older man comes over," she recalled. "And he says, 'Do you know that your car has a weight limit?'" Davis did not know that. It had never even occurred to her that she could damage her car with a heavy load. "That feels to me like something your dad would tell you," Davis said. Her dad had died of a heart attack in 2017, at the age of 57. "So I'm doing DIY later in life," she said. "I didn't [learn] that from him." Davis started to feel overwhelmed; how was she going to unload the gravel from her car and bring it back to the store? And then how would she transport all the gravel she needed back home for her project? That's when the man made an offer of unusual generosity. "He says, 'I can load you up in my truck. Do you live nearby?' And I say, 'Yes,'" Davis said. The man helped her unload all the gravel from her car, and then loaded it into his truck. They exchanged numbers, and she shared her address. When she pulled onto the highway, the kindness of what he had done began to hit her. "I just start to cry in my car because I was so grateful for the goodness of strangers, of this person helping me," Davis said. "The whole interaction just reminded me of my dad, of knowing that that's something that he would do." When they arrived at her house, the man helped her unload all 1,500 pounds of gravel onto her driveway. She thanked him, again and again, and he insisted that she not worry about it. Davis didn't want him to leave empty-handed. She tried to offer him money, then wine, but he wouldn't accept them. Then she thought of something he might like. "I have a garden. And it's the end of the season. And I just say, 'Do you like cucumbers?'" Davis recalled. "He's been pretty serious up until now," she said. "And his face just lights up and he says, 'I love cucumbers.'" She offered him a tour of the garden; it turned out he, too, had been a gardener, before his work got in the way. Davis twisted a handful of big, prickly cucumbers off the vine, and gave them to the man. He seemed thrilled. "He tucks them under his arm, and he just marches off back to his truck," she said. "And I watched him drive off, leaving behind my 1,500 pounds of gravel." Today, inspired by her unsung hero, Davis tries to be on the lookout for others who might need a hand. "I just am so grateful for people like that, who teach me the things I don't know I don't know." My Unsung Hero is also a podcast — new episodes are released every Tuesday. To share the story of your unsung hero with the Hidden Brain team, record a voice memo on your phone and send it to myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Copyright 2024 NPR	https://www.wesa.fm/2024-12-14/thats-something-that-he-would-do-a-strangers-generosity-reminded-her-of-her-dad	2024-12-16T06:42:37Z
Zerodha crosses $1B in revenue in FY24; profit up 89% Zerodha, however, expects a 10% revenue dip this fiscal year due to SEBI's new fee circular and a potential 30-50% drop from regulation on index derivatives. Online brokerage platform Zerodha saw its net profit increase in the financial year ended March 2024, buoyed by strong growth in revenue. The company also managed to trim its expenses. However, Zerodha expects a 10% revenue dip this fiscal year due to SEBI's new fee circular and a potential 30-50% drop from regulation on index derivatives. This has prompted the company to diversify into margin trade funding, investments, and loan-against-securities services, according to a blog post by Co-founder and CEO Nithin Kamath in September. In FY24, net profit was up 89% to Rs 5,496 crore from Rs 2,908 crore last fiscal year. Revenue from operations rose by 37.16% to Rs 9,372 crore or a little over $1.1 billion in FY24, compared to Rs 6,832 crore in FY23. Total income, which includes other gains, surged 45.32% to Rs 9,994 crore from Rs 6,877 crore in the previous fiscal year. The company saw a significant 24% drop in employee benefit expenses to Rs 473.96 crore. Meanwhile, other expenses rose by 11% to Rs 2,619 crore, driven by a 28% increase in information technology expenses to Rs 492 crore. Exchange and depository charges, a key operational cost, surged 42% to Rs 14,756 crore as trading volumes climbed. Its competitor Groww has reported consolidated revenue of Rs 3,145 crore for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, marking a 119% growth compared to Rs 1,435 crore in FY22-23. The Bengaluru-based company's operational profitability also improved, with an operating profit of Rs 535 crore for FY24, up from Rs 458 crore the previous year. Groww reported a net loss of Rs 805 crore for FY24, primarily due to a one-time tax expense of Rs 1,340 crore related to the company’s recent move to domicile in India. Edited by Affirunisa Kankudti	https://yourstory.com/2024/12/zerodha-crosses-1b-in-revenue-reports-89-profit-growth-fy24	2024-12-16T06:42:38Z
Specifications for the 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera 4. Details include engine, fuel usage, interior features, safety and more.	https://www.whichcar.com.au/specs/2017-porsche-911-carrera-4-991-my17-petrol-2d-coupe-LjR9JbnNqz	2024-12-16T06:42:40Z
Chris Cillizza has made a startling discovery - cable news is dying! Well, duh! That’s a pretty safe thing to say. But, Chris decided to include a graph with his proclamation. See, if you can figure out why Chris and his graph are causing lots of laughs. Take a look. Cable is dying, people (via @WSJ) pic.twitter.com/SBlVZQQv7M — Chris Cillizza (@ChrisCillizza) December 15, 2024 FIFY: — Darth Bulldog #GoDawgs (@OverpaidA) December 15, 2024 MSNBC and CNN are dying, people pic.twitter.com/Uiprhq21LZ Yes, overall cable is dying, but it’s left-leaning cable news that’s in a free fall. Cable news got an election viewership bump. That’s gone for CNN and MSNBC, only Fox News has been able to build viewers post-election season. That’s all obvious from the graph. Well, unless you’re Chris Cillizza. Posters really let him have it. First, attacking his inability to clearly see the graph. Here we go! This graph definitely tells a story, Chris. Try again with the headline. — Rational Numbers (@rat_numbers) December 15, 2024 You seem to be missing a LARGE section of that chart if that's what you're taking away from it. — Walter Watson (@crazywalt77) December 15, 2024 LOL, just "cable" Chris? I get that you can't be honest about it but my goodness man, have some self respect. — Roper (@Roper70) December 15, 2024 Those bars in the middle would seem to provide a counterpoint — #CMFL (@seeemmeffell) December 16, 2024 Ouch! Next, they attacked his inability to process the info on the graph. Fox News is dominating while the far left garbage networks are failing badly. — JWF (@JammieWF) December 15, 2024 Amusing that you can't see the obvious. Looks like Fox's ratings are up in that chart. — Andrew Follett (@AndrewCFollett) December 15, 2024 I think you meant MSNBC and CNN are dying... Recommended CNN and MSNBC are hemorrhaging viewers for doing exactly what you're doing right now: — End the Simpsons (@EndTheSimpsons) December 15, 2024 blatantly lying when there's obvious evidence to the contrary right in front of you MSNBC and CNN are dying. Fox’s ratings improved. — Small Gov Lizard (@smallgovlizard) December 15, 2024 Except for Fox News, CNN is almost non-existent they can't even get a million viewers on any show, night time so-called stars can't even get a half a million — ANJI USA PASSION🇺🇲🙏😘 (@usa_anji) December 15, 2024 400,000 peak time viewers in a country of 300 million. — Cannae, Gaugamela, Austerlitz (@TherouxPeter) December 15, 2024 It’s a well deserved death. — ChazParker1 (@ChasParker1) December 15, 2024 Entirely self inflicted. Yes, CNN and MSNBC are getting exactly what they deserve. Let’s summarize what we (but not Chris) have learned (mostly) from the graph. Cable is dying, that’s a given. Left-leaning news outlets, CNN and MSNBC, are hemorrhaging viewers after the election. Fox News was able to build off of its election coverage. Pretty sure Chris doesn’t want a graph of what comes next for his buds at CNN. Even if he did, could he even understand it?	https://twitchy.com/warren-squire/2024/12/16/cillizza-cable-is-dying-n2405245	2024-12-16T06:42:43Z
Brighton theatre to be renamed after panto star A Brighton panto star's legacy will be "immortalised" in a theatre named after him. Jason Sutton, known as Miss Jason and described as a "phenomenal pantomime dame, drag queen and comedian", died in April following an illness. He was due to play the dame in Sleeping Beauty at the Brighton Family Panto Theatre, which will be renamed the Jason Sutton Theatre. The role will be taken on by the producer and his friend, David Hill. Mr Hill said the press night show would be dedicated to Jason, with his partner Terry, and many close friends due to attend. "There are subtle references to him throughout the show and I have no doubt that he will be there in spirit," Mr Hill said. "His legacy will be immortalised in the Jason Sutton Theatre, a name that will remind all who pass through its doors of the laughter, joy, and heart he brought to the community." Miss Jason had performed on stage in pantomime in Brighton, as well as appearing on TV shows. Across a 32-year drag career, he performed at Pride events across the UK, appeared on television shows and made costumes for other drag queens. Sleeping Beauty will run from 19 to 30 December at the DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole hotel on Brighton's seafront. Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.	https://ca.news.yahoo.com/brighton-theatre-renamed-panto-star-060917060.html	2024-12-16T06:42:43Z
As the mystery grows around the drones flying over New Jersey, so do the calls from puzzled residents to authorities about the flying machines. Reports of drone sightings have spread from New Jersey to other states, including Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, Connecticut and Ohio. Federal authorities on Sunday repeated assurances that the drones are not a security threat. But they still don't know where they came from or who is responsible. Meanwhile, some state and federal officials called for Congress to pass expanded legislation that would give federal authorities greater resources to mitigate risks from drones. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told ABC News' This Week on Sunday that the federal government has deployed additional resources, including personnel and technology, to assist New Jersey State Police with addressing drone sightings and that the Biden administration remains "vigilant" in investigating the drone sightings. "There's no question that people are seeing drones," he added, but noted that some of the recent sightings on the East Coast are likely crewed aircraft or duplicate sightings. He called for Congress to act quickly to extend and expand the current drone-countering authorities — authorized in the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2018 — which are set to expire on Dec. 20. The law enables the Homeland Security and Justice Departments to use advanced detection technologies to identify, track and mitigate drones. "It is critical, as we all have said for a number of years, that we need from Congress additional authorities to address the drone situation," Mayorkas said in the ABC interview with George Stephanopoulos. A joint congressional subcommittee hearing held last week centered on a bipartisan bill — called the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act — that would expand federal drone-countering measures, like bolstering the FAA's oversight powers of drones. The federal government is also sending a drone detection system to New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul said Sunday. "I am grateful for the support, but we need more," she said on X. Passing the Counter-UAS legislation, she said in a separate statement, "will give New York and our peers the authority and resources required to respond to circumstances like we face today." Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., who sits on the House Intelligence Committee, said on Fox News Sunday, "There's a lot of us who are pretty frustrated right now." "'We don't know' is not a good enough answer," he said, in reference to what he said is a lack of information from federal agencies. Drone activity over the weekend forced a pause on air traffic in at least two states. The New York Stewart International Airport runways shut down for an hour on Friday night after the FAA reported drone sightings in the area, a spokesperson confirmed. In Ohio, there was a temporary closure of the airspace above Wright Patterson Air Force Base between Friday night and Saturday morning after "small unmanned aerial systems were spotted in the vicinity of and over" the base, base spokesman Bob Purtiman told NPR member station WVXU. During a call with reporters on Saturday, a Pentagon spokesperson acknowledged that there had also been sightings of drones over two military installations in New Jersey, at Picatinny Arsenal and Naval Weapons Station Earle, but said such sightings are typical. "This is not a new issue for us," the Joint Staff spokesperson said, according to the Pentagon's news service. "We've had to deal with drone incursions over our bases for quite a time now. It's something that we routinely respond to in each and every case when reporting is cited." Still unclear who is responsible for drone activity The military maintained over the weekend that there were no signs of foreign adversary involvement. "To date, we have no intelligence or observations that would indicate that they were aligned with a foreign actor or that they had malicious intent," the Pentagon spokesperson said. "But ... we don't know. We have not been able to locate or identify the operators or the points of origin." The spokesperson also said the drones are frustrating the Department of Defense, adding that the military has "limited authorities" to investigate outside military installations in the U.S., and is also prohibited from conducting intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations that could help determine the origins of the drones. "We don't know what the activity is," the Pentagon news service quoted the spokesperson as saying. "We don't know ... if it is criminal. But I will tell you that it is irresponsible." Copyright 2024 NPR	https://www.wesa.fm/2024-12-15/as-drone-sightings-spread-across-east-coast-federal-officials-still-dont-know-much	2024-12-16T06:42:44Z
The Strategic Role of Music in Creating the Optimal Retail Environment Overhead music in brick-and-mortar stores is so common today that many people don’t think twice about it. There’s a reason why it’s become an unofficial industry standard — music has a powerful psychological effect on shoppers. The best marketing is the kind that customers don’t even perceive as such. In-store music can fall comfortably into that category if you use it correctly. Once you know how your song choice can influence customers, you can use it to your advantage. Improving Shopper Comfort One of overhead music’s most straightforward impacts on shoppers is creating a comfortable environment. Songs around 60 beats per minute (BPM) can trigger brains to release alpha waves as they synchronize with the beat. Because alpha waves are also present when people are conscious and relaxed, this phenomenon can fight stress. When your customers feel relaxed, they’ll be more receptive to what you have to say. Conversations with potential buyers have a better chance of being productive, and shoppers may stay in the store longer. If nothing else, creating a subconscious association with positive, relaxed feelings and your storefront is beneficial. Solidifying Your Brand Image The songs you play in your retail storefront can also craft a stronger brand image. Your identity as a brand consists of four key elements — purpose, values, personality and voice — and in-store music affects at least the last two. A playlist of songs that gained popularity on TikTok could give your brand a youthful personality and communicate that you want to appeal to a younger audience. By contrast, classical music gives your location an air of sophistication and suggests you’re more concerned with quality than jumping on trends. No message is necessarily better than the other, but it’s important that your song choices match the rest of your branding. Encouraging Specific Shopping Habits You can even use music to influence specific behaviors among shoppers. Studies find that people tend to speed up when listening to fast music, so playing high-tempo songs could encourage buyers to make impulsive purchases. Alternatively, you could play slower music to make customers linger and consider multiple options. Similarly, upbeat, happy songs make people prefer short-term rewards for their behavior, while slow music increases carefulness. You can drive specific purchases with your playlist, too. In one instance, German wines outsold French ones when a store played German music and vice versa. Factors to Consider When Optimizing In-Store Music The broad psychological effects of overhead music are too significant to ignore. However, making the most of this opportunity requires attention to a few key considerations. Audience As with any marketing strategy, your in-store music selection should start with identifying your audience. Song choices that work well for one demographic may not be ideal for another, so it’s important to build your playlist around your target market. While you can start by recognizing your current audience’s preferences, matching specific tastes alone isn’t always a reliable strategy. Remember to keep your song choices aligned with the image you’re trying to create. Song Popularity How recognizable a song is can also play a role in your music’s impact. Playing nothing but radio hits may work well in some instances, but you also risk turning away shoppers who may feel tired of hearing the same track everywhere else. Recognition can also affect the speed at which people shop. Customers will pay more attention to the music if they recognize it, which causes time to feel as if it’s passing slowly, leading to hurried actions. This effect can be beneficial if you want to encourage fast sales, but detrimental if you want shoppers to slow down and explore all you have to offer. Audio Quality The platform and files you use to play music matter, too. Innovations have greatly improved the dynamic range of digital tracks, so streaming options like Spotify and Pandora offer acceptable levels of quality. However, be sure to have a steady internet connection when using these options, as any dips in quality can hinder your music’s efficacy. Distortion, buffering and other quality issues will stand out more than the song itself. These undesired audio signals, in turn, have the opposite effect of good music choice — they may increase stress and drive buyers away. Your speaker hardware will also impact this factor, so make sure you have a reliable, high-quality system. Tempo Tempo is another easily overlooked but critical factor. Studies show that fast-tempo music causes consumers to consider more variety when shopping, while slow songs have the opposite effect. Which behavior is best depends on how you’re trying to generate sales. Variety-seeking behaviors are ideal when you want buyers to explore a wider range of products or if you’re trying to reel in new customers as a less recognizable brand. However, established companies or stores relying on fast impulse purchases don’t want to encourage comparisons, so songs below the 60 BPM threshold may be better. Volume Finally, you should consider how loud your in-store soundtrack is. When music is too loud, it can increase stress and drive people away. On the other extreme, songs are unlikely to influence behavior much if shoppers cannot hear them. An ideal level lies somewhere shoppers can recognize and enjoy the music without needing to raise their voices to communicate. The optimal volume may also vary between demographics, so some trial and error may be necessary. Use Music to Your Advantage Effective brick-and-mortar experiences engage all the senses. Auditory signals are an important part of that strategy, and music can affect people in many ways. Consequently, brands must learn how they can use overhead songs to influence shoppers. The specific actions you want to spur through music will vary depending on your brand and audience. They may even change between seasons. In every case, though, recognizing how different qualities affect consumers is key to capitalizing on this potential.	https://www.socpub.com/articles/strategic-role-music-creating-optimal-retail-environment-18004	2024-12-16T06:42:44Z
Xiaohongshu user appeals for information after sister’s Chanel bag stolen from KL hotel A Xiaohongshu user is appealing for information after their sister’s Chanel handbag and card holder were stolen during a wedding at a five-star hotel in Kuala Lumpur (KL), Malaysia. The post included an image from CCTV footage showing the suspected thief, a man dressed in a light blue shirt with a black jacket tucked under his arm. It is believed that the thief used the jacket to conceal the stolen bag, which is also thought to have contained the cardholder, as he exited the hotel. “If you encounter anyone trying to sell these two suspicious bags, please let me know,” the Xiaohongshu user wrote. According to the official Chanel Singapore website, the Small Boy Chanel Handbag has a suggested retail price of S$9,290. The cardholder retails for US$910 (approximately S$1,200) on Sotheby’s. Briefly left seat to go to restroom, Chanel bag stolen in 5 minutes Providing a detailed timeline of the incident, the Xiaohongshu user shared that the handbag was still in plain sight at 10.51pm that night. At 11.24pm, the sister briefly left her seat to go to the restroom, leaving her bag behind while her friends remained at the table. When she returned just five minutes later, at 11.29pm, the bag was gone. She immediately notified the hotel. A police report was eventually filed, and CCTV footage was reviewed. The footage showed the suspect entering the ballroom and walking back and forth at 10pm. At 11.27pm, the suspect was seen using his coat to cover the bag before taking it and walking out of the venue, which was located on the ground floor. He then casually exited the hotel lobby at 11.30pm. “I don’t understand how a random ‘stranger’ could move so freely in a private event at a five-star hotel,” the user wrote. It is unclear where the victim’s friends — who were supposedly at the table with the bag — were at the time of the theft, or whether they noticed anything suspicious. Disappointed in hotel’s alleged response to incident The Xiaohongshu user then expressed frustration over the hotel’s allegedly lacklustre response to the theft. They claimed the hotel failed to act immediately, even telling them that the CCTV footage showed no suspicious movements. “I don’t understand why they hid this,” the user stated. It wasn’t until two hours later, when they reviewed the footage with the police, that they saw the thief in action. “We are very dissatisfied with the hotel’s security and their response at the time,” the user said. “Please make sure to keep your valuables safe, as the hotel doesn’t guarantee security.” Netizens say victim should take better care of valuables Many netizens sympathised with the victim’s plight, with several sharing similar unpleasant experiences at other hotels and establishments. However, some also pointed out that she should have been more cautious with her belongings. “Why would such an expensive bag be left unattended?” one commenter questioned. Another went as far as to say: “The owner should be held responsible for inciting the crime.” In defence of the sister, one user observed that “Malaysians really like to blame the victim”. “Even though she was robbed and is clearly innocent, people are still saying she should have looked after her bag better,” they wrote. “She’s already unfortunate enough to have lost her belongings — why add insult to injury?” They added: “People like that, who kick someone when they’re down and have no empathy, are just annoying.” Also read: Elderly woman’s bag snatched in Clementi, thief caught in just 2 hours thanks to police cameras Elderly woman’s bag snatched in Clementi, thief caught in just 2 hours thanks to police cameras Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com. Featured image adapted from Xiaohongshu.	https://mustsharenews.com/chanel-bag-stolen-kl/	2024-12-16T06:42:44Z
The Israel Air Force struck Hamas terrorists operating in a command and control center embedded in what had previously been the UNRWA "Sheikh Jamil School" in Khan Yunis on Sunday, the military said on Monday morning. The school, also dubbed the "Ahmed Abdul Aziz School," was located within the Khan Yunis Humanitarian Zone in southern Gaza, the IDF added. The military further noted that the terrorists had planned to carry out terror activities against IDF troops and the State of Israel from within the training compound in the area. Terrorists exploit civilian infrastructure Before the strike, the IDF implemented extensive precautions to minimize civilian harm, including the use of aerial surveillance, intelligence, and precision munitions, the military said. "The terrorists operated from a structure that previously served as a school, which is yet another example of how the terrorist organization systematically operates within civilian population," the IDF stated. "The terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip systematically violate international law, exploiting civilian infrastructure and the Gazan population as human shields for terrorist activity," it added.	https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-833605	2024-12-16T06:42:46Z
Somebody who runs a high-profile restaurant and bar in one of Kampala’s leafy suburbs was once looking for an item that would help him reduce costs at his outlet. He wanted to find a locker for one of the consumables that he can’t do away with. Many of the revelers that would pay highly for his food and drinks were also nipping away something. He wanted to lock it so he reduces the cost of replenishment. Over some time, he had realized that his toilet paper costs were increasingly becoming high yet toilet paper is not one of the most expensive items in Kampala. He wondered why that was the case. He decided to make some observations. He was scandalized to realize that some of the patrons pocketed some rolls of toilet paper. That is why he was looking for a toilet paper roll locker. That would ensure nobody takes away a full roll. They could only use what they needed. This story, unfortunately, is not isolated. Theft is becoming widespread everywhere. When my friend Anita Ntomi decided to publish a long missive about her experience at the hands of tax collectors, bonded warehouse managers and quality inspectors that stole her merchandise, it sounded like it was a one off. Only that it wasn’t. On many WhatsApp groups, traders narrated similar experiences. Somebody said she had lost 36 rolls of curtains in a similar manner. Another mentioned sports equipment. Somebody else said cosmetics. Another said shoes, bags and children’s clothes. Supermarket owners do full body searches of their employees before signing out at the end of their shifts as a counter measure to widespread pilferage. Factory owners do the same. Police officers have been arrested before for stealing stolen goods (exhibits) in their custody. We learned recently that employees of a commercial bank deposited a whopping Shs500m of fake notes in the vaults. They must have taken out the genuine ones and probably hoped to pass on fake notes to the customers. Customers usually don’t suspect a bank to supply them with counterfeit bank notes. The good news was that the bank managed to detect them before money was circulated to hundreds of customers. At the central bank, according to media reports, US$60m disappeared in 60 seconds. Although originally reported as the handiwork of hackers, some reports claimed it was an inside job. I think inspired by those reports, some cash in transit personnel of a security firm decided to deliver some Shs1billion to themselves instead of delivering it to a bank. Some of the security guards were arrested while hiding in their villages wondering what to do with the money. Almost everywhere in Uganda, somebody is trying to shortchange somebody. Stories are told of a famous minister who likes his beer. That whenever he goes out to drink, he keeps every beer bottle top so that when they present the bill, he can be able to reconcile. He can’t trust anyone with his bar bill. Talking of bar bills, many people in bars say they prefer to pay cash to avoid inflated bills but the problem, sometimes many bar tenders disappear with the change. There is a famous TikTok video of a guy who ordered for a chapati in a restaurant and asked the waiter to cut it into pieces. When the waiter presented the chapati that had been cut into pieces, the customer decided to reconstruct it. Some pieces had been kept away somewhere in the kitchen. The ashamed waiter re-appeared with the missing pieces. Those who eat roast meat demand that the meat is presented on skewers. That way they can be sure their meat hasn’t been stolen by those serving it. If you notice at butchers, some people buy many kilos of meat but pack into smaller amounts of 500 grams each or less. The reason some of these people give is that at home, the domestic workers steal the meat claiming they cooked it. When they bring it packed in such packages, they will be able to account for it. What does this all mean to our country? That we can’t grow and build sustainable businesses. We can’t attract investment. Investors can’t be looking over their shoulders all the time. We need as a country to find a way to instill integrity otherwise we are becoming a den of thieves. And that means abject poverty for the majority of Ugandans. The writer is a communication and visibility consultant. djjuuko@gmail.com Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at editorial@watchdoguganda.com	https://www.watchdoguganda.com/op-ed/20241216/175819/denis-jjuuko-shortchanging-each-other-will-only-lead-to-poverty.html	2024-12-16T06:42:46Z
It’s beginning to look a lot like Cringemas! This is our last holiday season with Vice President Kamala Harris in the White House. Take a second and cherish that glorious thought. Ok, this is our final cackling Christmas with the biggest loser of 2024. You ready? Unleash the cackle! (WATCH) KAMALA (CRINGE): "The holiday season is one of my favorite times of year. That, and my birthday. Ha ha ha ha ha!" — Jake Schneider (@jacobkschneider) December 16, 2024 We really dodged a bullet here. pic.twitter.com/HoP0QYPF79 Now, we want you do something. You ready? Alright, now imagine four more years of Kamala. We know, it’s absolutely terrifying. Let’s see how our commenters on X are doing with the exercise. Please don’t make me! I’ll do anything you want, but please don’t make me imagine it! 😫 — The Stealthy Stethoscope 🩺🇺🇸 (@Stealthoscope) December 16, 2024 I did. Almost bought property in Costa Rica — Eric the Red (@EricSmi82883915) December 16, 2024 Thankfully, that's all it will be. An imagination. — A Stoner Plays VR (@PaulMos96939035) December 16, 2024 Of course, we already have a frame of reference since we’ve just endured four loooooonnnnngggg years of Kamala cracking herself up and laughing over nothing. Pepperidge Farm remembers… No thanks! I already had enough after the last 4 years of her! — Nicki 🇺🇸 (@so_anyway_) December 16, 2024 We had 4 years of that already, and it sucked !! — The Dibster (@richarddibX) December 16, 2024 We already endured 4 years of this. Haven't you noticed? — Boris Goldstein (@BMGoldstein) December 16, 2024 Some took the imagining too far. Truth be told, we probably dodged President Kamala (shudder) announcing Trans-Indigenous Horticulture Day or something equally cringey. and imagine all the dei/woke holidays meanwhile they cancel all the ones we grew up with — MAGA Firearms & Tech (@O094864176) December 16, 2024 Recommended The sheer narcissism of her "birthday" being her other favorite holiday. She definitively wasn't joking about that, she's the worst kind of self serving women. — KJ (@val_runs_ok) December 16, 2024 Kamala’s birthday, a holiday? Um, no. Let’s face it, Christmas happened on Election Day. We must have been extra nice to avoid these two rocks in our stockings for four to eight years. Take a last look at what could have been. Yeesh. pic.twitter.com/zcVRDXLK1u — Five Times August (@FiveTimesAugust) December 16, 2024 — C R Certified Deplorable Garbage Baier (@Swingguy50200) December 16, 2024 What a knucklehead! Count your (early) Christmas and holiday blessings. We dodged the ultimate bullet — MAGA Garbage (@Jake_Young2) December 16, 2024 We dodged the cringe bullet, didn’t we? — Mago (@Magoofliberty) December 16, 2024 Trump literally dodged a bullet so we wouldn't have to imagine this. — Uncle Sigma (@unclesigma30) December 16, 2024 Yes, the election of President-Elect Donald Trump means that a Harris/Walz administration remains locked in our imaginations and nightmares, not running wild in our White House.	https://twitchy.com/warren-squire/2024/12/16/kamala-dnc-holiday-speech-cackle-cringe-n2405247	2024-12-16T06:42:49Z
China's weak consumption drags on economy as Trump tariff threat looms By Kevin Yao, Joe Cash and Ethan Wang BEIJING (Reuters) - China's industrial output growth quickened slightly in November, while retail sales disappointed, keeping alive calls for Beijing to ramp up consumer-focused stimulus as policymakers brace for more U.S. trade tariffs under a second Trump administration. The mixed data underline how challenging it will be for China's leaders to mount a durable economic recovery heading into 2025, when trade relations with China's biggest export market could worsen while domestic consumption also stays weak. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's vow to impose tariffs exceeding 60% on Chinese goods could push Beijing to accelerate plans to rebalance its $19 trillion economy, analysts said. This comes after over two decades of deliberation on transitioning from the current growth model focused on fixed-asset investment and exports to a consumption-driven one. China's industrial output in November grew 5.4% from a year earlier, faster than the 5.3% pace seen in October, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed on Monday, beating expectations for a 5.3% increase in a Reuters poll. However, retail sales, a gauge of consumption, grew at its weakest pace in three months at 3.0% last month, much slower than a 4.8% rise seen in October. Analysts had predicted a 4.6% expansion. "China's economic policies have been amazingly consistent in promoting manufacturers over consumers despite clear signs of lasting weakness," said Dan Wang, a Shanghai-based independent economist. "So, one can expect production capacity to strengthen, potentially agitating the overcapacity issue and motivating Chinese companies to seek overseas markets." Fixed asset investment also increased at a slower 3.3% pace in January-November from the same period a year earlier, compared with an expected 3.4% rise. It grew 3.4% in the January to October period. "Worries about the poor retail sales may be overdone, as it results from an early start of the 'Double 11' shopping festival which frontloaded sales to October," said Xu Tianchen, senior economist at the Economist Intelligence Unit. "If we smooth the October-November data, then growth should average around 3.9%, which is higher than the previous months," he added. "But consumer demand is not strong in itself, it is still very reliant on government subsidies, which contributed about 1.5-2 percentage points to monthly retail sales." China's blue chip index dropped 0.37% in early afternoon and Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index was down 0.57%. POLICY SUPPORT PLEDGES Policymakers have begun voicing their plans for 2025 in recent weeks, well aware of the fact that Trump's return to the White House will place considerable strain on an already ailing economy. Over the weekend, an official at China's central bank said it had room to further cut the amount of cash banks must hold as reserves, but credit numbers out last week showed past easing had done little to boost borrowing. That is partly because policymakers have yet to find a fix to a years-long property crisis that is dragging on consumer confidence, with some 70% of household savings parked in real estate. And while there was some encouraging signs in China's new home prices, which fell at the slowest pace in 17 months in November, it remains too early to call a recovery, analysts say. Stabilising the property sector, which at its peak constituted 25% of the economy, will be key if Beijing is to maintain a growth target of around 5% for next year, which Reuters has reported that policy advisers have recommended. A recent Reuters poll predicted China will grow 4.5% next year, with new U.S. tariffs potentially shaving up to 1 parentage point off growth. On Monday, Moody's Ratings raised China's GDP growth forecast to 4.2% from 4% for 2025. At last week's Central Economic Work Conference (CEWC), a closely-watched agenda-setting meeting, China's top leaders pledged to raise the budget deficit, issue more debt, and make boosting consumption a top priority. The remarks echoed commitments made by a meeting of top Communist Party officials, the Politburo, earlier this month, which endorsed an "appropriately loose" monetary policy in the first easing of its stance in 14 years. "We think the deleration in November will probably prove temporary, with growth likely to pick up again over the coming months as policy support continues to be stepped up," said Julian Evans-Pritchard, head of China economics at Capital Economics. "But we doubt that stimulus can deliver anything more than a short-lived improvement, not least because the current strength of export demand is unlikely to last once President Trump starts to put some of his tariff threats into action." (Reporting by Kevin Yao, Joe Cash and Ethan Wang; Editing by Shri Navaratnam and Jacqueline Wong)	https://ca.news.yahoo.com/chinas-factory-output-quickens-nov-023210931.html	2024-12-16T06:42:50Z
Durian delivery worth S$400 stolen by customer who promised later payment A Yishun durian shop had its delivery allegedly stolen by a customer. Durian Kaki is a small business in Singapore selling durians. Its owner, 29-year-old Adam, told 8world News that the incident started on 12 Dec. At around noon that day, a customer contacted Durian Kaki through WhatsApp and placed an order for an alleged company event. The customer acted as if they were an old regular and said they needed 10 boxes of durians to feed 15 people. Adam replied that six boxes should be enough but the alleged regular insisted on 10. They also haggled for discounts, which Adam felt was realistic for a frequent patron. Ultimately, Durian Kaki settled on S$40 per box, for a total of S$400. Since Adam trusted his regulars, he decided to allow the customer to pay after delivery. He told Shin Min Daily News that he generally does not ask for full payment in advance from regulars. New customers, on the other hand, usually pay before delivery. Durian delivery stolen in 12 minutes At 5.37pm, the deliveryman arrived with the goods at the designated HDB flat. However, he reportedly found the place seemingly unoccupied with many untaken leaflets. Adam instructed the deliveryman to wait for some time and to take the durians back if no one collected them or paid. He also messaged the customer who confirmed that the unit was occupied. After hanging the bags on the door and taking a photo, the deliveryman went downstairs for a smoke break. He returned 12 minutes later, only to find the 10 boxes of durians now gone. As such, Adam requested e-payment from the alleged regular, who promised to do it by 7pm. Despite this, they made no payment to Durian Kaki. Adam became suspicious and asked them to pay before nighttime or he would call the police. This time, the customer refused to take any calls and blocked him on WhatsApp. Realising he had been scammed, Adam reported the incident to the police. Durian shop warns others about scam The Durian Kaki Facebook page made a post on 13 Dec, saying they were “heartbroken” at the customer taking advantage of their trust to scam them. “As a small durian shop, we value every relationship and treat our customers like family. We never expected this.” Durian Kaki warned other shops about the scammer, claiming the theft was planned and executed well. The business said that while the experience stung, they would not lose faith in both their regulars and new customers. “We believe in the goodness of people,” the post read. The police confirmed with MS News that a report was lodged about the incident. MS News has also reached out to Durian Kaki for more information. Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com. Featured image adapted from Adam via 8world News on Facebook.	https://mustsharenews.com/durian-delivery-stolen/	2024-12-16T06:42:50Z
SCOTT DETROW, HOST: We want to turn back now to the conversation of holiday movies. It is a thing here on ALL THINGS CONSIDERED, and a lot of our staff have strong feelings and opinions about them. But one of our producers, Elena Burnett, might top them all. She has some pretty serious rules about what to watch and when. (SOUNDBITE OF MONTAGE) ELENA BURNETT, BYLINE: So the most sacred - on the 24th, Christmas Eve, we watch "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" - the Chuck Jones version, not the Jim Carrey version. ..."Charlie Brown Christmas" - you know, earlier in the season, it's more laid back. We go through "Elf," "Nativity"... ...Claymation Christmas - "Scrooge," "It's A Wonderful Life." ...Some of the more special ones, "A Christmas Story"... DETROW: So it was very clear we had to continue this conversation in studio. Elena, welcome to ALL THINGS CONSIDERED. BURNETT: Thank you. Bring it on. DETROW: So we are here to argue about "The Polar Express," which we will do. But before we get to "The Polar Express," walk me through why it is so important to you and your family to watch specific movies on specific dates in a specific order. BURNETT: I think it's something that kind of just evolved because for me and our - and my family, Christmas movies are so atmospheric. And so for the really - the ones that feel really Christmasy (ph), we got to wait. We got to wait 'cause otherwise it feels like you're starting the season too early. DETROW: And before we continue, I do have to point out you're wearing reindeer antlers we talk. BURNETT: Yeah. DETROW: Yeah. BURNETT: Yeah. This is my season. This is - I take this seriously. DETROW: So "The Polar Express," why do you like it? - because I think it is very likely I am watching "The Polar Express" tonight with my family, but I have a lot of problems with it. BURNETT: You're definitely in the majority. I've definitely, I think, spent more hours of my life defending "The Polar Express" than I have watching it. I feel sad for y'all. For me, it's a beautiful story about growing up. DETROW: This really puts me on the offensive to dispute that. OK, so here's what I would say. I would say the book by Chris Van Allsburg, it's a beautiful book, one of my favorite books. BURNETT: Same. DETROW: The pictures come to life in this dark and mysterious way, and you could feel the three dimensions. You could feel the backstories of the characters, right? So that's that. And then you watch this movie, and it's early Pixaresque (ph) CGI that just doesn't quite click. BURNETT: So I would say it's motion capture. It came out in 2004, when I think a bunch of studios were trying to do different things. And I will say, I'm not saying the animation's perfect, but I also think they had a hard task in front of them because you have this gorgeous book that I love very much, and they wanted to capture the themes of that. And it's very flat illustrations, and so what happens when you bring flat illustrations to life? It's going to feel a little uncanny valley. DETROW: Yeah. BURNETT: I know that's the phrase a lot of people use. DETROW: In that it's not quite realistic and you know it. BURNETT: Exactly. Exactly. But I genuinely think the colors and the snow that falls and the way that the steam goes into the cold air and the warmth of the lights from the North Pole, it's so cozy. And that's what settles me into that Christmas feeling. DETROW: I do think the best part of the movie is when they're at the North Pole, and there's that early 20th century industrial feeling of it all. Like, I do really love that. Are there other favorite parts in the movie for you? BURNETT: So I - my favorite scene happens at the North Pole, and here's where we're going to go into the weeds. The main character, who's literally in the credits as Hero Boy - that's canon. Hero Boy really wants to believe. You know, he's looking in encyclopedias, trying to figure out if life can exist at the North Pole. He's being skeptical of everything, but he gets on the train. He's hesitant, but he's curious. And so my favorite scene is everybody is in the - you know, all the elves, all the kids are in the center of the North Pole. The tree's there. And the whole thing with the movie, if you haven't seen it, is Hero Boy cannot hear the bells of Santa's sleigh, and that represents his doubt. And there's - and they bring out these reins with the bells on them. They put them on the reindeer. He can't hear them. Santa shows up. He can't see Santa. And the scene goes all slow motion, and a bell flies off of the reins. And it thunks (ph) on the frozen ground in front of Hero Boy, and he picks it up in his hands. And he says three times... (SOUNDBITE OF FILM, "THE POLAR EXPRESS") UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: (As Hero Boy) I believe. I believe? BURNETT: And the second time's a question, and that's important. And then he whispers, I believe. And he rings the bell, and he can hear it. (SOUNDBITE OF BELL RINGING) BURNETT: And for me, that's what he asked Santa for as the first gift of Christmas. And it's not something material. It's a guide post that he's taking with him to be able to hold that belief as he goes on throughout his life. He loses in on the seat of the sleigh, but it doesn't matter. He still has found within himself whatever he needs to be moving on into this scary adult world. And that's why the bell comes back to him at the end. Even though he doesn't need it, it's always going to be there for those who truly believe. (SOUNDBITE OF GEEK MUSIC'S "THE POLAR EXPRESS (MAIN THEME)") DETROW: I will let that be the last word. (LAUGHTER) DETROW: That is ALL THINGS CONSIDERED producer Elena Burnett, Christmas season zealot, I feel like... BURNETT: Sure. Sure. DETROW: ...And defender of "The Polar Express." Thank you. BURNETT: Thank you. (SOUNDBITE OF GEEK MUSIC'S "THE POLAR EXPRESS (MAIN THEME)") 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.	https://www.wesa.fm/2024-12-15/christmas-movies-the-case-for-the-polar-express	2024-12-16T06:42:50Z
While mediators have confirmed that there is an "unprecedented readiness" on both sides to complete a Gaza hostage-ceasefire deal, talks have come to a standstill, the Hezbollah-affiliated Lebanese outlet Al Akhbar reported on Monday. Egyptian officials told the Lebanese outlet that the discussions taking place in recent days have "focused on expanding the deal to include larger numbers and extending it over a longer duration, though this matter has not been definitively resolved." The Egyptian sources reportedly believed the IDF’s recent activities in the Gaza Strip were motivated by US President-elect Donald Trump’s efforts to exert pressure to complete a ceasefire deal. IDF reportedly trying to maximize leverage The officials told Al Akhbar they viewed the Israeli military’s activities in the enclave as an effort to extract more concessions from the Palestinian parties, such as “freedom of movement” for the IDF during the period following the implementation of a potential deal. The Al Akhbar report follows one from Saturday when the news outlet cited Egyptian sources as claiming Israeli terms had complicated talks. According to the earlier report, the Philadelphi Corridor, a strip running parallel to Gaza’s border with Egypt in the southern portion of the Strip, remained a hurdle as Israel continues to pursue maintaining control of the area as a critical component for preventing Hamas’s future rearmament. Late last month, an Israeli official told Walla that Hamas was willing to compromise on several points of disagreement in the hostage deal negotiations. Earlier this month, Palestinian sources familiar with the matter reiterated the idea, telling the Saudi-owned news outlet Asharq Al-Awsat that Hamas may have been more open than it previously had been to compromise in the hostage deal talks and that the terror group had indicated it would accept a gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip, including the Philadelphi and Netzarim corridors. The Netzarim Corridor is an eight-kilometer stretch of land located a few kilometers south of Gaza City that bisects the Gaza Strip. On Thursday, Arab mediators told The Wall Street Journal that Hamas has agreed to yield to two of Israel's "key demands" for a ceasefire deal. Danielle Greyman-Kennard and Aaron Reich contributed to this report.	https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-833607	2024-12-16T06:42:52Z
‘If at first you don’t succeed, try try again,’ is great advice unless you’re Kamala Harris. After being humiliated by President-Elect Donald Trump in the presidential election, you’d think she would’ve learned her lesson. But, no. She’s considering running for president again despite a California governorship that essentially has her name already on it. Have a listen. (WATCH) HAHAHAHAHA. Holy shlit. Kamala Harris is gearing up to run for president in 2028.pic.twitter.com/2yB9bn92xK — End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) December 15, 2024 Trump supporters want Kamala to run again because she’ll be a weak candidate against JD Vance or whoever succeeds Trump for the nomination. This poster has his fingers crossed. We can only hope she does. Everyone should b e encouraging her. — Russell (@RussellM__) December 15, 2024 Kamala "You just needed more time for people to get to know you. You just needed more money to get the word out" Kamala Harris has never won a Democrat Party primary for president, she now has a loss under her belt in a presidential contest as well. The party keeps handing her stuff. Posters know why. This is the epitome of DEI with a $1 billion campaign budget, plus a corrupt media and judiciary system. Yet, they claim she lost because she didn't have a fair shot? These people are delusional. — WhatDidYouSay (@NoFilterMeSorry) December 15, 2024 Kamala cannot fail in the eyes of Libdom for petty ethnic and gendered reasons...she can only be failed. — Andrew Follett (@AndrewCFollett) December 15, 2024 This was a very visible trend in her campaign, notably an arrogant assumption that she shouldn't need to campaign. Many are hoping that she runs again just so she can waste billions in Democrat donor money like she recently did. Recommended Kamala is going to fleece these idiots of their money for a second time and they are going to happily hand it over! — Right Angle News Network (@Rightanglenews) December 15, 2024 It keeps getting better and better! She needs to busted for the money laundering and barred from ever holding a position of trust. — michelehope (@michelehope) December 15, 2024 Maybe if Democrats give her $3-$4 Billion to spend, things will work out better for Kamala in 2028. pic.twitter.com/zZiHVBrBBw — Marla Hohner (@marlahohner) December 15, 2024 Jokingly, there’s only one way for Kamala to make herself appealing to national voters. Check this out. Truth: #Loser pic.twitter.com/zYstb7UCZj — I Love America News (@ILA_NewsX) December 15, 2024 Kamala Harris is practically a shoo-in if she runs for California governor in 2026. Kamala, take the uncontested layup. You’re not going to hit the full-court shot and win the presidency.	https://twitchy.com/warren-squire/2024/12/16/kamala-harris-2028-presidential-governor-run-cnn-n2405234	2024-12-16T06:42:55Z
Chip shop owner 'humbled' by Parliament praise The owner of a fish and chip shop said he was "humbled" that his business was mentioned in the House of Commons in celebration of its 50th anniversary. Ronnie Christodoulou, who runs Sussex Circus Fish Bar, in Chaddesden, Derby, said he was two weeks old when his mother and father took on the business in July 1974. The local MP Catherine Atkinson congratulated the shop, and Mr Christodoulou, in Parliament on Thursday for its 50 years of frying. The Leader of the House responded by saying it "sounds like one place we should all be visiting". Responding to the praise, Mr Christodoulou said: "We feel truly humbled. "It's a team effort. We just keep our heads down, do the best we can, and that is the end product." When asked what the secret was, he said: "Keep everything simple, use the best ingredients, use the best suppliers, have the best staff. "Be blessed with what you have got and appreciate your good customers." Mr Christodoulou said he learned the trade from family members. "We chip and fry as we go along," he added. "No chemicals are used whatsoever because that's what we have been taught from mum, dad and other people in the industry. "You have always got to try and produce something better than yesterday." When asked what his local MP thought of his chips when she visited, he said: "Obviously, she loved them, didn't she?" Atkinson, Labour MP for Derby North, told the House of Commons: "Will the Leader of the House join me in congratulating Sussex Circus Fish Bar in Chaddesden for its 50 years of frying, and its owner Ronnie, who was two weeks old when his parents opened it? "With one in seven of us choosing to have fish and chips for Christmas dinner, a debate on the enduring contribution of chippies to our national culture and cuisine and as a focal point in our communities would be timely, allowing us to discuss how we can support and thank those high street food businesses that serve us at this time of year." Lucy Powell, Leader of the House, said: "I think we can agree that we are all a bit partial to some lovely fish and chips... so can I congratulate them as well." Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.	https://ca.news.yahoo.com/chip-shop-owner-humbled-parliament-060920201.html	2024-12-16T06:42:56Z
Half-marathon in China offers cow, chickens & ducks as prizes The Nong’an Taipingchi Ice and Snow half-marathon in Jilin Province, China, recently attracted attention on social media after announcing that the top prize for the event would be a cow. In addition to the cow, other unique prizes, such as wild fish, chickens, ducks, rice, and whole wheat flour, will be awarded to the top 50 finishers. According to local media reports, the event features two categories: a half-marathon and a five-kilometre health run. 50 finishers to receive unique prizes The champion of the half-marathon will have the option to take home a cow or exchange it for 6,000 yuan (approximately S$1,000) in cash. Meanwhile, the runner-up will receive cash, while the third-place finisher will take home wild fish. Those finishing in fourth to 20th place will receive cash along with chickens or ducks, while finishers in 30th to 50th place will receive 10kg of rice or whole wheat flour. A staff member from the event’s organising committee explained that these prizes not only add a fun element to the event but also highlight local agricultural products. “Registration has been very enthusiastic, and people are excited about this special reward,” the staff member added. Livestock prizes become a trend in China As expected, the half-marathon’s livestock prizes sparked reactions from netizens. “Winning and taking home a cow would feel incredibly rewarding and certainly make you the centre of attention on social media,” one commenter noted. While some praised the promotion of local culture, others raised concerns about how non-local winners would manage to transport their prizes. Livestock prizes have, in fact, become a growing trend in China in recent years. In 2023, the Guizhou “Village Super” Football League finals awarded chickens, geese, sheep, pigs, and cattle as prizes. More recently, in November 2024, the Anhui Lu’an Marathon gave live geese to 18 winners. Also read: Father in China insist on running full 42km marathon with young son, gets stopped by police Father in China insist on running full 42km marathon with young son, gets stopped by police Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com. Featured image adapted from TommL on Canva and ChiemSeherin on Canva, for illustration purposes only.	https://mustsharenews.com/half-marathon-china/	2024-12-16T06:42:57Z
SCOTT DETROW, HOST: For weeks now, residents in New Jersey and across the Northeast have looked up to the night sky and seen drones, dozens of car-sized drones flying above critical infrastructure like reservoirs and military bases. (SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING) UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #1: ...One low looks pretty close, right? UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #2: So I - this one's going to fly over us right now. UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #1: You think so? DETROW: That is footage captured by one New Jersey resident, U.S. Senator Andy Kim, who spent his Thursday night drone hunting with local police in a rural part of the state and posting about it on social media. Naturally, these mysterious drones have raised some questions. Where are they coming from? Who's flying them? Why? Federal officials say they don't have answers to those questions but say they see no evidence so far of a national security threat. Here's Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas speaking on ABC earlier today. (SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING) ALEJANDRO MAYORKAS: There's no question that people are seeing drones, and I want to assure the American public that we in the federal government have deployed additional resources, personnel, technology to assist the New Jersey state police in addressing the drone sightings. DETROW: So in the era of see-something-say-something, the Feds seem to be assuring the public that there is nothing to see here. Local firefighters do say do not approach any drones that have crashed into the ground. (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.	https://www.wesa.fm/2024-12-15/drones-in-new-jersey-skies-something-or-nothing	2024-12-16T06:42:57Z
Council secures £2.8m grant for EV charging points The number of public electric vehicle (EV) charging points in Brighton & Hove is set to increase, thanks to a successful funding bid. A £2.8m government grant will allow 500 EV charging points to be installed every year for the next three years. New contracts to be awarded in 2025 will also offer more choice and flexible tariffs, including off-peak rates and access to more than 2,000 charging points. Councillor Trevor Muten, cabinet member for transport and parking, said: "The dramatic increase in the number of public locations will help give residents confidence they can use a charging point close to where they live." Over the past five years, the council has used grants to target areas where residents have no off-street access to charge their vehicle. From the new year, the city will have over 500 on-street charge points. The council said the on-street charging infrastructure in the city already has the best coverage outside of London. The council recently installed 100 new lamp column charging points. A further 12 sites are now being prepared to accommodate 37 new dedicated EV charging bays. Mr Muten added: "Scaling up also offers new opportunities to introduce flexible and off-peak tariffs to make it cost effective for residents to charge their electric vehicles in the city." Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.	https://ca.news.yahoo.com/council-secures-2-8m-grant-060948977.html	2024-12-16T06:43:02Z
SCOTT DETROW, HOST: Seeing a total solar eclipse along its path of totality is a rare, often once-in-a-lifetime event. It only lasts a few minutes, which is enough time to wow and awe observers but not nearly enough time for scientists who study the sun and its outer atmosphere called the corona. A new mission from the European Space Agency wants to solve this problem. Last week, a pair of satellites rocketed into orbit with a simple goal - to create more solar eclipses, ones that last hours instead of minutes. Here to tell us more about this and how it works is Damien Galano. He's the project manager for this mission, called Proba-3. Welcome. DAMIEN GALANO: Thank you for having me. DETROW: Let's just start with a question that I think anybody hearing that introduction is asking - how exactly does this work? How do two satellites create solar eclipses? GALANO: So there are two satellite, and basically, we want to recreate the condition of a total solar eclipse. So the first spacecraft - we call it the Occulter spacecraft and - plays the role of the moon and to block out the light from the sun. And the other spacecraft - that we call the Coronagraph - will have to be positioned precisely in the shadow cast by the Occulter spacecraft at a distance of about 500 feet. DETROW: So this is creating an eclipse for the second satellite. How much beyond that will this eclipse last and reach? I mean, somebody might be thinking, can I see this from Earth? I assume the answer is no, but I want to ask. GALANO: No, no. This will be done when the spacecraft are at their maximum altitude at about 40,000 miles. And when they are far from the gravity of the Earth, that is a perturbation for us to be able to control precisely the spacecraft. And they will maintain this formation for about six hours. DETROW: Six hours - and will this be a one-time experiment or will this be able to be recreated over and over with these two satellites? GALANO: We expect to be able to recreate it every orbit. So the period of the orbit is 20 hours. DETROW: Oh, wow. GALANO: So every orbit, every 20 hours, we expect to be able to have a consecutive six hours of eclipse condition. DETROW: I love this image of two satellites almost dancing with each other in this aligned orbit. Can you tell us why you want to do this, though? What are you looking for? What does a solar eclipse allow scientists to study? GALANO: So the solar corona matters because it's intimately linked to the sun, the way the sun - our star - works and all the physics. We know that it's in the corona that originates the solar wind, so the constant flow of charged particles expanding from the sun. So observing the corona help the solar physicist to better model how the sun works and to better understand the activities inside this corona and how it can affect the Earth. That's through what we call the space weather. DETROW: So the satellites launch, they're in orbit now. When are you expecting the first attempt at creating an eclipse? GALANO: So we are performing at the moment the commissioning of the spacecraft. So little by little, we are activating the different equipment, the different functions on board. We expect if everything goes well that in March, we should be able to have the two spacecraft aligned to observe for the first time and take the first images of the corona with our system. DETROW: That's Damien Galano, the project manager for the Proba-3 mission at the European Space Agency. Thanks so much, and good luck. GALANO: Thank you, Scott. Bye-bye. (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.	https://www.wesa.fm/2024-12-15/how-satellites-are-helping-scientists-study-the-sun	2024-12-16T06:43:03Z
36 weeks pregnant idol in Thailand performs on stage Pregnant mothers usually take great precautions in their daily activities, as a wrong step can end up harming both herself and the baby she’s carrying. However, for a Thai idol part of the girl group Girly Berry, pregnancy did not deter her from performing on stage — even when she was 36 weeks along. A post of her dancing during a concert in October recently went viral again on Instagram, garnering over 60,000 likes and close to 400 comments. While an impressive feat, many netizens pointed out the danger this posed to the baby. Performing on stage The idol, 40-year-old Belle, announced her pregnancy in May this year. By the time the concert in October happened, she was already 36 weeks along — or 9 months pregnant. At 9 months, the mother was likely close to her projected due date, ready to deliver her baby soon. Nonetheless, this did not stop her from fulfilling her duties as an idol. Putting on a two-piece and proudly showing off her pregnant belly, Belle danced on the stage all the same. The concert took place at IMPACT Arena, a concert hall in Pak Kret, Thailand. “Another memory to show my child that you’ve been to the concert at Impact with Mommy twice! From the concert in February to this one at the end of October,” the idol wrote on her Instagram after the concert. “You didn’t fuss at all, no matter how loud the music was—you slept peacefully without moving or kicking.” The idol has since given birth and provided regular updates of her baby on social media, seemingly in good health. Netizens both impressed & critical As photos of the idol performing in October gained traction on social media this week, netizens are divided on their opinions towards her decision to keep on performing way into her pregnancy. Some are impressed by her ability to dance despite being pregnant and see this as a symbol of strength. Her own husband gave similar reactions, in which he dedicated a post to her expressing how proud he was that she rocked the concert despite being 36 weeks pregnant. Others, however, are critical towards her choice of proceeding with the performance. Many thought she should have prioritised the health and safety of the baby, and that her actions reflect what pregnant mothers should not be doing. Also read: Expectant mother in China supposed to have triplets, finds out she’s pregnant with 9 babies Expectant mother in China supposed to have triplets, finds out she’s pregnant with 9 babies Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com. Featured image adapted from @bellegb on Instagram.	https://mustsharenews.com/pregnant-idol-thailand/	2024-12-16T06:43:03Z
'I felt goosebumps when first red kites arrived' A conservationist has told how he felt "goosebumps" when he saw the first of a new colony of red kites arrive as part of a major reintroduction project 20 years ago. The Northern Kites project released almost 100 of the birds of prey into the lower Derwent Valley in Gateshead, Tyneside, between 2004 and 2006. The birds used to be a common sight in Britain but damage to their habitats meant they were all but extinct from the country by the 19th Century. RSPB official Pat Thompson said he was "staggered" it had been two decades since the start of the scheme. It followed several other red kite reintroduction projects across the UK. Mr Thompson said the difference with the project in north-east England was that the team made a "strategic decision" to bring the birds back "right on to the edge" of the urban population. "This is a species that has a long history of being close to people," he said. 'Bit of history' The first birds were brought up from the Chilterns. "I remember thinking this is a bit of real history," said Mr Thompson. "Those first moments, they're really vulnerable then. You don't always know how those sorts of animals are going to settle into a new area of habitat." At that early stage the birds face a strong risk from other predators, vehicle crashes and even starvation, Mr Thompson said. He said the team initially hid food stashes across the Derwent Valley, which spans parts of Gateshead and County Durham, so the birds could get used to scavenging. Friends of the Red Kites volunteer Harold Dobson, who has been regularly monitoring the birds in the area since 2009, said there were about 150 to 170 of the birds in the area now. "The ones we're seeing now, I suppose you could say are the grandchildren of those first birds," he said. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk.	https://ca.news.yahoo.com/felt-goosebumps-first-red-kites-062132521.html	2024-12-16T06:43:09Z
SCOTT DETROW, HOST: Some things are easier to learn when you're a kid, like an instrument or a sport. NPR's Avery Keatley visited a gymnastics class outside of Washington, D.C., to find out why it's important to keep learning new things, no matter your age. AVERY KEATLEY, BYLINE: On a dark, rainy Tuesday night, the Barcroft Sports & Fitness Center in Arlington, Virginia, is brightly lit and absolutely buzzing. The gymnastics floor is mobbed with kids wearing bright leotards, taking turns on the vault, uneven bars, balance beam and floor. It is loud as the kids tumble across the floor and parents wait in the bleachers overlooking the gymnasium. But as the kids' classes begin winding down, a different group files in. GAELEN WOOD: (Inaudible) forward rolls, so arms up. ERIN WEISENBERGER: This is the worst one because it really hurts your head. When I was a kid, this didn't hurt, but it really gives me a headache doing it. I don't know why. KEATLEY: That's 32-year-old Erin Weisenberger. She's warming up doing somersaults across the gymnastics floor along with the rest of her class. It's a group of nearly all women ranging in age from their late 20s to their early 40s, and they're all here trying something a little different. WOOD: So we're going to learn something new today. KEATLEY: They're part of an adult beginner gymnastics class. It's a bit of a rarity in the gymnastics world, where most classes are geared towards kids and teens. WOOD: And if you're lefty, you're going to jump, land on your right foot, extend your left foot into your lunge. KEATLEY: That's Coach Gaelen Wood. Tonight, they're learning how to power hurdle. It's a move that helps generate momentum for tumbling, and the footwork is a little complicated. UNIDENTIFIED PERSON: So think about jumping off of two feet and just land on your right foot. WEISENBERGER: Just land on my right foot. Just land on my right foot. (LAUGHTER) KEATLEY: While Erin tries to master the power hurdle, classmate Shateela Winters has a simpler goal in mind. SHATEELA WINTERS: So my goal is to not injure myself. I have a bad back amongst other things. But if I could pick the dream thing that I had learned to do, if I could just do one back handspring, I'd be incredibly happy. WOOD: Awesome. KEATLEY: After warming up on the floor, the class files over to a trampoline that stretches almost halfway across the gym. WOOD: All right, we're going to straddle jumps. So remember, either straddle jumps can go out to the side or straddle jumps can come up in front of you, OK? KEATLEY: Gymnastics program supervisor Alex Asante-Dean says that for adult beginners, breaking out of their normal patterns of movement, like jumping really high in the air on a trampoline, can be uncomfortable. ALEX ASANTE-DEAN: When we start, some of the things are really jarring 'cause you're moving your body in ways that hasn't been done before. KEATLEY: And it's not just physical movements. ASANTE-DEAN: When we get older and we have, you know, routines that we're used to, gets hard to break those habits. KEATLEY: That's an observation backed up by research. RACHEL WU: Adults might have a more fixed mindset in terms of thinking, if I'm not good at something now, I'm never going to be good at it. KEATLEY: Rachel Wu is an associate professor of psychology at University of California, Riverside. She studies the way children learn and how those patterns might help adults learn too. She says that in some ways, learning is easier as an adult. Adults generally grasp concepts more quickly. They're less distracted, and they have better motor control than kids. But learning as an adult requires time, money and quality teachers, which can all be harder to find. She also says adults are often convinced they simply lack a talent for something. WU: I've never been good at languages, or I've never been good at art, or I don't have a musical ear or something like that - that kind of, like, very fixed mindset. So you're either born with some talent or you're not. KEATLEY: But continuing to learn as an adult has serious brain benefits. WU: You will increase a lot of different types of cognitive abilities - your attention, memory. You have existing neurons that can be strengthened and existing pathways between neurons that can be strengthened as well. KEATLEY: She says physical activities can be especially helpful in growing new neurons, which help the brain remain healthy and flexible later in life. Community can also play a big role in supporting adult learning. WU: Learning new stuff is really hard, and if you're doing it with other people, it may be less depressing (laughter) in some ways because those people can help hold you accountable. You can see through how other people are struggling that you're not the only one struggling. UNIDENTIFIED PERSON: There you go. Yes. Pull, pull, pull, pull, pull. Good. KEATLEY: Back in the gym, the class is practicing on the uneven bars. WEISENBERGER: The Olympians make it look so smooth and so easy and just like a walk in the park. But it is not (laughter). KEATLEY: Erin Weisenberger says that even though class is challenging, she gets a lot out of it. WEISENBERGER: Just proud of myself for trying something that I thought I would be really bad at. KEATLEY: Coach Gaelen Wood says that for him, seeing adult students achieve something new is one of the best parts of the class. WOOD: I love when people are nervous of something, and they finally take that step forward, and they're like, I can do this. KEATLEY: As class winds down, one of those moments unfolds as Erin successfully pulls herself all the way over the uneven bar for the first time. WEISENBERGER: I did it. (LAUGHTER) UNIDENTIFIED PERSON: There you go. Yay. KEATLEY: Avery Keatley, NPR News. (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.	https://www.wesa.fm/2024-12-15/learning-as-an-adult-can-be-hard-its-even-harder-on-a-balance-beam	2024-12-16T06:43:10Z

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