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Man gets tongue stuck on ice sculpture at Sydney shopping mall
A man got his tongue stuck on an ice sculpture at an outdoor mall in Sydney, Australia on Thursday (12 Dec), after he let his intrusive thoughts win and tried to lick it.
The ice sculpture was part of a promotion set-up for a beverage brand called V Energy, reported 7 News Australia.
While the video of the man’s embarrassment has been circulating the Internet, it was not revealed how long he was stuck there or how he managed to escape.
Security guard assists man with tongue stuck on ice
The 28-second clip posted on Reddit shows a man leaning towards the ice sculpture with his tongue stuck on it.
He attempted to communicate with his rescuers, but a large part of his tongue seemed painfully stuck on the ice.
A female security guard stood close by to assist him and was eventually handed a tumbler by her colleague.
She began pouring water on the area where the ice was attached to the man’s tongue to free him, but it is unknown whether the rescue attempt was successful.
Netizens believe incident is PR stunt
While some believe that the man just wanted to cool down amid the hot weather down under, many users on Reddit believe that the incident is a PR stunt.
One user also pointed out that the ice seemed to be melting from the outside slowly, so the man’s tongue could not have gotten stuck on it.
Meanwhile, a V Energy spokesman reminded people not to lick ice sculptures “in public” and to drink their product instead, News.com.au reported.
They also also left a message to the man, saying, “To the Pitt Street licker, drop us a DM @venergyaus. We have a present for you.”
Also read: AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes hires private DJ, wears headphones so only he can enjoy the music
AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes hires private DJ, wears headphones so only he can enjoy the music
Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.
Featured image adapted from Reddit
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https://mustsharenews.com/tongue-stuck-ice-sculpture/
| 2024-12-16T06:43:10Z
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U.S Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a forward arming and refueling point exercise on Landing Zone Dodo at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 9-13, 2024. A FARP is a multi-discipline operation that increases the speed of maneuver for aerial operations, utilizing expeditionary advanced base operations, enhancing strike capabilities by decreasing the distance required for refueling and rearming while increasing the range of combined-joint all domain operation capabilities. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps' only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible force ready to perform a wide-range of military operations across the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Victor Gurrola)
This work, VMM-262 (Rein.) conducts Forward Arming and Refueling Point exercise, by LCpl Victor Gurrola, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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https://www.dvidshub.net/video/947009/vmm-262-rein-conducts-forward-arming-and-refueling-point-exercise
| 2024-12-16T06:43:13Z
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Former guitar shop to house homeless families
An east London council is to use a former guitar shop to house 55 homeless families amid growing financial pressures.
Havering Council plans to lease Chesham House in Romford and those in need would be able to stay there for between 12 and 24 months.
The council says one of the biggest financial burdens is the cost of temporary accommodation, but it hopes to save £9.7m over the next decade by entering a 10-year lease on the commercial building which has been vacant since the guitar shop closed in October.
Council leader Ray Morgon said using the site would have a "profound and positive" impact on at-risk residents.
According to London Councils, a collective of London local government, residents at risk of ending up on the streets are housed in hotels and bed-and-breakfast-style accommodation, which costs councils millions.
Havering Council, which is run by Havering Residents Association and Labour councillors, overspent its budget on accommodation by £6.1m and due to growing pressures, it is facing a £74m budget gap for 2025-26.
'A real mess'
Leasing the Chesham House site, which is owned by the National Housing Group, will cost the council £8.4m and a further £6.5m to operate the accommodation.
But, the authority said it would be able to recover the latter figure as service charges paid by its tenants.
Labour councillor Keith Darvill said the accommodation would need to be suitable and there had been plenty of examples where commercial property had not been appropriately converted.
However, he said the situation with temporary accommodation in Havering was a "real mess".
Patrick Odling-Smee, a member of the council's executive leadership team, said the council would rather not be using a commercial property to accommodate homeless families, but various housing challenges had led them to this situation.
Councillors approved the plan at a cabinet meeting on 11 December.
Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk
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https://ca.news.yahoo.com/former-guitar-shop-house-homeless-061007815.html
| 2024-12-16T06:43:15Z
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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
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https://www.wesa.fm/2024-12-15/storms-across-u-s-bring-heavy-snow-dangerous-ice-and-a-tornado-in-california
| 2024-12-16T06:43:17Z
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U.S. Air Force Master Seargent Aaron Strayhorn explains the importance and benefits of training both U.S. Airmen and Misawa JASDF members during a joint Fire Fighting training exercise at Misawa Air Base, Japan, October 9, 2024. Strayhorn believes this collusion of units is integral to boosting the U.S. and Japanese partnership while stationed at Misawa.
This work, Misawa Pacific Update: Joint Firefighting Training 091024-MIS-JOINT_FIREFIGHTING-PACUP-BERG, by PO2 TYLER BERGSTROM, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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https://www.dvidshub.net/video/947010/misawa-pacific-update-joint-firefighting-training-091024-mis-joint-firefighting-pacup-berg
| 2024-12-16T06:43:19Z
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Specifications for the 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Black Edition. Details include engine, fuel usage, interior features, safety and more.
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https://www.whichcar.com.au/specs/2017-porsche-911-carrera-4-black-edition-991-my16-petrol-2d-cabriolet-3bRlRvCmfN
| 2024-12-16T06:43:18Z
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French military aid starts to arrive in cyclone-battered Mayotte
(Refiles to correct typo in cyclone in headline)
NAIROBI (Reuters) -Emergency workers raced on Monday to restore basic services to the French overseas territory of Mayotte, where hundreds or even thousands are feared dead from the most powerful cyclone to hit the Indian Ocean island in nearly a century.
Maritime and aerial operations were underway to transport relief supplies and equipment, French authorities said late on Sunday, after Cyclone Chido slammed into the islands with winds of more than 200 kph (124 mph).
"The first intervention planes arrive in Mayotte to provide emergency aid in the face of the damage caused by the cyclone. The State is fully mobilised to support the inhabitants of Mayotte in this ordeal," Nicolas Daragon, France's minister for everyday security, said on X.
The extent of casualties and physical damage on the islands, which lie between Madagascar and Mozambique, remained unclear.
The prefect of Mayotte, Francois-Xavier Bieuville, said on Sunday that the death toll would "certainly be several hundreds, maybe we will reach a thousand, even several thousands."
Authorities had also established an air bridge between Mayotte and Reunion Island, another French overseas territory on the other side of Madagascar, said Sebastien Lecornu, the French minister of the armed forces.
"For the accommodation of emergency services, three structures capable of accommodating 150 people are on site, with an additional one currently on its way," Lecornu said on X late Sunday, adding that military rations and generators were also being provided.
The storm was the strongest to strike Mayotte in more than 90 years, the French weather service, Meteo France said. One resident on Sunday likened the scene to a nuclear apocalypse.
The wreckage of hundreds of makeshift houses was strewn across hillsides, coconut trees had crashed through building roofs and hospital corridors were flooded, according to images from local media and the French gendarmerie.
Located nearly 8,000 km (5,000 miles) from Paris, Mayotte is a major destination for undocumented immigrants from nearby Comoros. It is significantly poorer than the rest of France and has grappled with gang violence and social unrest for decades.
France colonised Mayotte in 1843 and annexed the four large islands of the Comoros archipelago in 1904. The rest of the archipelago voted for independence in a 1974 referendum, but Mayotte decided to remain under French control.
(Reporting by Ammu Kannampilly; Editing by Aaron Ross and Lincoln Feast.)
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https://ca.news.yahoo.com/french-military-aid-starts-arrive-063042708.html
| 2024-12-16T06:43:22Z
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ENGLEWOOD, Colo. - The Cardinals have had their fair share of hurdles this season. Injuries to multiple starters, including quarterback Carson Palmer, seemed to have the potential to derail their season.
But, Arizona has been outstanding and resilient, compiling a 3-0 record.
They'll face another obstacle on Sunday as they take on Peyton Manning and the Broncos in Denver. Head Coach Bruce Arians, Manning's former quarterbacks coach in Indianapolis, understands that injuries and suspensions are part of the game.
"Just stick to the plan and come to work every day and respect the process and that our guys have bought into that," he said regarding his team overcoming adversity. "It sounds like a cliché a lot of times, but it's true. You're not going to have all your guys every week, and coaching is a part of it, but the players win the games."
The Broncos have been busy preparing for Sunday's game against the Cardinals. Check out photos from Thursday's practice at Dove Valley.
In addition to Palmer, John Abraham has been placed on injured reserve due to concussions and inside linebackers Karlos Dansby and Daryl Washington were lost in the offseason. Darnell Dockett incurred a season-ending injuring during training camp and backup running back Jonathan Dwyer has been placed on the Non-Football Injury List.
Despite these setbacks, they defeated the Chargers and 49ers at home and dominated the Giants in New York.
"I think our team has learned to overcome all the bumps that are going to happen on the journey," Arians said. "It hasn't been a rosy three weeks, we've had injuries, we've had other things happen from last year. They've got to become a resilient bunch and showing up in the fourth quarter the way we're playing and it makes you proud that they are that."
Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson, in midst of his fourth year in the NFL, has never faced Manning in the regular season. He has studied Manning and is looking forward to facing the future Hall of Famer.
"I'm looking very forward to facing Peyton Manning," Peterson said. "Obviously this is my first career game going against him in a game that actually means something. I played against him two years in a row in the preseason, but like I said, this game actually means something, so to finally go against him when the game is actually on the line is going to be something special."
The Cardinals' secondary, which is a part of a defense that ranks second in the NFL in points allowed, is working to prevent Manning's vast experience from giving him a leg up. Peterson said Manning has "pretty much seen it all" so they are trying to make everything look the same in the secondary so he can't key in on their coverage and pick them apart.
Peterson said excellent communication within the defense and staying "plastered in our coverages" will be key to containing the Broncos' passing offense.
During his conference call with the Denver media, Peterson discussed the benefits of the AFC West and NFC West playing each other. He appreciates the opportunity to face AFC West opponents as three of the four were playoff teams in 2013. Taking on the Chargers, Chiefs, Broncos and Raiders provides the Cardinals is a "measuring stick" for how good their team is.
"Playing against Denver now, a year removed from the Super Bowl last year, is going to be a great measuring stick, not only for this team, but for the secondary as well, because Peyton Manning has so many great numbers, he added some receivers over there and now you have the tight end [Julius Thomas] playing good ball," Peterson said. "So the secondary, it's going to be a huge test for us. We have to be ready for every single play come Sunday."
Peterson noted that much of the Broncos' success in the air is based on wide receiver screens. Disrupting those screen passes and forcing Manning to throw the ball fast is a key part of the Cardinals' game plan. He said the Broncos' receiving corps will be an excellent test.
"Well the first couple games, we didn't really have a dominant receiving corps, or that one dominant receiver that we had over the last couple years I've been here. Against San Diego, they have a couple good guys there," he said. "Now we have Emmanuel Sanders, Thomas, both Thomases, you've got Welker coming back. So these guys have a good crop of receivers as well, but this week it might be a little more matchup than we did in the previous weeks."
The Arizona secondary has an interesting assignment placed upon them. Heading into this game, Manning currently holds 499 touchdown passes. Peterson said it's going to be a difficult task to prevent that score from happening.
"That's tough because Peyton always finds a way to get the ball in the end zone," he said laughing. "I believe he's on a streak now of at least having one touchdown pass a game. It's going to be difficult, but as a secondary, our goal is to keep opposing teams out of the end zone regardless. Our goal is obviously to keep those guys out of the end zone, and if we do that, we'll have a pretty good opportunity of winning the ball game."
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https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/what-they-re-saying-arians-peterson-13908614
| 2024-12-16T06:43:23Z
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SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
By many measures, California is a shining success story. On its own, it boasts the world's fifth-largest economy. It's one of the richest states in the U.S., with one of the country's highest per capita incomes. And California is also a place where Hollywood and Silicon Valley have set a standard for the U.S. and created a mythical, romantic version of the state that looms over pop culture. But in recent years, it is a story that has been told of one as a state in decline. And according to that narrative, the most populous state is overregulated and too expensive to live in, and so much so, according to some, that people are fleeing it in droves. But how true is that story? To answer, I am joined now by Tessa McLean, the California editor at the online publication SFGATE. She dug into this narrative - not just the current one, but previous times that everybody has been talking about California failing. Welcome to ALL THINGS CONSIDERED.
TESSA MCLEAN: Thanks for having me.
DETROW: Let's just start with the now - how dire is it? Is the California dream over? Are we packing it up?
MCLEAN: (Laughter) No, the California dream is not quite over yet, though many would say it is dying. The population in the last three years has declined, but it's never declined more than 1%. Each year since 2021, it's declined by a smaller and smaller number, and in 2023, it only declined 0.09%, according to figures from the State Department of Finance. So growth is simply slowing. It has not fully declined.
DETROW: But this led you to take a broader look because, you know, I covered California politics for a couple of years, and I heard this at the time I was there, and it seems like such a constant. This state is too expensive. It's overregulated. It's killing itself, and people are leaving in droves. And yet, the population - big-picture - continues to go up, the economy continues to grow. Why did you want to take a look back at these previous moments of doom and gloom? What was interesting about it to you?
MCLEAN: I write a lot about the movement of Californians, whether that's leaving the state entirely for a different state like Texas or Montana or whether they're moving around within the state itself. So I really wanted to take a look at the population data and see how big any decline has been in recent years and find out if this was a new phenomenon or if this had in fact been happening for years.
DETROW: Yeah.
MCLEAN: And leading up to the most recent election, it felt like California was in the spotlight more than ever. Kamala Harris was born in the Bay Area. She started her career in California, and that fact was often used against her. Meanwhile, Donald Trump is boasting about how Elon Musk left California for Texas. And Governor Gavin Newsom is sparring with the governors of Texas and Florida, and these conversations are making the national news. I wanted to take a step back and examine America's obsession with California failing.
DETROW: To be clear, though, you're not saying that some of the real problems that are being flagged, like the high cost of living, the cost of housing, in particular, aren't real. It's just that they may be overblown in terms of leading people to flee the state in droves?
MCLEAN: Absolutely. California is an expensive place to live. There's no doubt about it. And that high housing costs and all the cost of living expenses that come along with that are a big reason - the main reason, mainly - why people leave. There's been a lot more migration within the state itself, especially since the pandemic. You know, people might be leaving large coastal metros like San Francisco or Los Angeles for places like the Inland Empire or Sacramento, more so than are leaving the state itself.
DETROW: Why do you think then there's such an impulse over the years - and you're talking about the dot-com bust, you're talking about earlier periods in the 20th century. Why do you think there's such an interest in declaring the death of California?
MCLEAN: California has always been a prosperous place. It's a place that people look to, to go find wealth and success. People have been migrating out to California, looking for the California dream since the Gold Rush. And so I think that idea of the California dream is really important for people, and it really draws people out there.
DETROW: Were there any interesting parallels that you picked up on when you compared these moments?
MCLEAN: Yeah. I mean, the parallels is that the reasons that people are leaving are almost always the same. It's high housing costs. It's traffic. It's overpopulated cities, people just being fed up with the politics of the state. Those reasons never really changed, whether it's 1989 or 2023.
DETROW: That's Tessa McLean, the California editor at SFGATE. Her piece, "America's Obsession With California Failing," is at sfgate.com. Thanks so much for talking to us.
MCLEAN: Thank you. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.wesa.fm/2024-12-15/the-love-hate-tug-of-war-with-california
| 2024-12-16T06:43:24Z
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Friends and Family welcomed the newest members of the Chief Petty Officer organization at the Misawa Air Base, Japan, October 3, 2024. Of the selects, Master Seargent Sam Basham is the first Chief Season Graduate from the Space Force to receive the rank on Misawa Air Base.
This work, Misawa Pacific Update: Chief Pinning 2024 2024100322-MIS-CHIEF_PINNING-PACUP-BERG, by PO2 TYLER BERGSTROM, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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https://www.dvidshub.net/video/947011/misawa-pacific-update-chief-pinning-2024-2024100322-mis-chief-pinning-pacup-berg
| 2024-12-16T06:43:25Z
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What is the Golan Heights and why is the territory so important to Israel and Syria?
The Golan Heights, situated in the southwest corner of Syria and bordering Israel, Lebanon and Jordan, is a 1,000 square mile rocky plateau around 40 miles (60 kilometres) from Damascus, although it possesses a significance far beyond that and has been a political flashpoint for decades.
Israeli has occupied the Golan Heights since the 1980s and now its troops have seized the demilitarised buffer zone, in response to the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s brutal dictatorship in Syria.
Troops have also been deployed beyond the demilitarised buffer zone and into Syrian territory, with Israeli defence minister Israel Katz saying Israeli forces had been ordered to create a “sterile defence zone” in southern Syria, adding that they would not retain a permanent presence. Israel had previously described reports from Syrian sources that it had breached the buffer zone as “false”.
Speaking at a press conference in Jerusalem, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli control of the high ground “ensures our security and sovereignty” adding “the Golan will be part of the State of Israel for eternity”.
The Israeli cabinet has now unanimously agreed to Mr Netanyahu’s $11m (£8.7m) plan to double the population of Golan Heights due to potential security risk in the aftermath of Bashar al-Assad’s ouster from Syria.
His office said the money will be spent toward education, renewable energy, the establishment of a student village, and a plan for absorbing new residents.
It is a move that has sparked condemnation across the region and from the UN. Here, The Independent lays out why Israel considers the Golan Heights so important.
Why does Israel occupy the Golan Heights?
It was captured by Israeli forces during the Six-Day War of 1967, a short conflict between Israel and its Arab neighbours. Syrian Arab inhabitants fled the area during the conflict, before an armistice line was drawn and the region was brought under the control of the Israeli military. Settlers began to enter the Golan almost immediately afterward.
Fourteen years of military administration followed – including a failed attempt by Syria to retake the Golan in 1973. Israel and Syria signed an armistice in 1974 and a UN observer force has been in place on the ceasefire line since 1974. Israel unilaterally annexed it in 1981.
In December of that year, the UN Security Council passed resolution 497, declaring the Golan Heights still to be an occupied territory and the legal annexation to be "null and void and without international legal effect".
More than four decades later, the entire international community - bar the US and Israel - considers the Golan Heights to be Syrian territory under Israeli occupation. In 2019, the US recognised the Golan Heights as Israeli sovereign territory during Donald Trump’s first term – becoming the only state to do so.
Defence minister Israel Katz said the decision was made on Sunday to take over the territory to protect its civilians. Israel later told the UN Security Council that it was taking a “limited and temporary” measure to counter threats to its security.
The move was condemned by regional powers, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey.
Reports from Syrian sources said that Israel had breached Syrian territory beyond the occupied Golan Heights - and were just 25km from the Syrian capital of Damascus - were strongly refuted by Israel, which said its forces remained “within the buffer zone”.
Why is Israel so keen on Golan Heights?
Around 23,000 Druze people, who largely identify as Arabs and didn’t flee the land during the 1967 war, currently live alongside 30 Israeli settlements in the Golan Heights.
In 2021, Israel vowed to double the number of Jewish settlers in the Golan Heights within five years, approving 7,300 housing units in the area to bring an additional 23,000 settlers. The hard-right Israeli prime minister at the time, Naftali Bennett, told his cabinet: “It goes without saying that the Golan Heights are Israeli.”
The area is of strategic military importance. When Syria controlled the Heights between 1948 until 1967, it would use it as a vantage point to shell northern Israel. The top of the Heights sports a view reaching as far as Damascus and oversees much of southern Syria, allowing Israel to monitor Syrian movements and making militar action by Syria against Israel difficult.
The Golan also has fertile land, and is a vital water source for a dry region.
The Syrian regime has previously sought a peace agreement with Israel, demanding a complete withdrawal to the pre-1967 borders and a removal of all Israeli settlements.
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https://ca.news.yahoo.com/golan-heights-why-territory-important-124038437.html
| 2024-12-16T06:43:28Z
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Specifications for the 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Black Edition. Details include engine, fuel usage, interior features, safety and more.
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https://www.whichcar.com.au/specs/2017-porsche-911-carrera-4-black-edition-991-my16-petrol-2d-cabriolet-PkkZjpz5CL
| 2024-12-16T06:43:27Z
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U.S. Air Force Staff Seargent John Russ explains the importance and benefits of new training exercises to be performed by Airmen while in PAC-AFT at Misawa Air Base, Japan, October 16, 2024. Some of the Training members went through includes running PAR lines, Tactical Casualty Care and MOP training.
This work, Misawa Pacific Update: Warrior Training 271016-MIS-WARRIOR_TRAINING-PACUP-BERG, by PO2 TYLER BERGSTROM, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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https://www.dvidshub.net/video/947012/misawa-pacific-update-warrior-training-271016-mis-warrior-training-pacup-berg
| 2024-12-16T06:43:31Z
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SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
Fear was central to President Bashar al-Assad's control over Syria. For many Syrians, it didn't feel safe to express dissent anywhere. Even a whispered word against the government spoken at home was often enough for someone to disappear into a network of dozens of prisons where torture was routine. Since the fall of Assad's regime, many families have been searching, trying to find answers about their missing loved ones who vanished in places like this. NPR's Ruth Sherlock and Jawad Rizkallah visited one of these feared intelligence branches.
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #1: (Non-English language spoken).
JAWAD RIZKALLAH, BYLINE: He's saying this is the dirtiest place in Syria.
RUTH SHERLOCK, BYLINE: Palm trees growing on either side to the entrance way, the torn picture of Bashar al-Assad - we go inside what used to be the Assad regime's state security complex. It's huge, and the rebels who now control it take us to prison branch 85.
RIZKALLAH: Here, nobody was allowed to come in.
SHERLOCK: This is a grim place. These are the solitary cells. No light - there's only a blacked out grate for air, leading to the outside world, but no window.
RIZKALLAH: Oh, look.
SHERLOCK: Oh, my gosh. Somebody's marked lines on the wall in rows to keep track of how many days they've been in here. One, two, three, four, eight weeks - someone was here for eight weeks in this cell, 1 meter wide by about 2 meters long. Yeah.
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #2: (Non-English language spoken).
SHERLOCK: These intelligence branches were places of torture and terror in Syria. In branch 85, we're told, both Syrians and foreigners were held. There's even been claims that Austin Tice, the American journalist who disappeared in 2012, may have spent time here.
Hey, guys. There's English here. Somebody's turned these walls into a classroom - I see you, for you, listen to me, look at me, go away, miss you.
Last week, when opposition militias took Damascus from the regime, one of the first things they did was free the prisoners. Here, everything has been abandoned, left exactly as it was, including the art prisoners etched into the walls.
Somebody's drawn a beautiful picture of a house. It looks like a log cabin somewhere in mountains and a tree beside it and a forest in the background and a bridge over a river in the foreground. They've tried to make - there's a waterfall. They've tried to make this beautiful.
UNIDENTIFIED GUARD: (Non-English language spoken).
SHERLOCK: A guard breaks down in tears as he tells me if you're in prison and you don't know how to draw, you'll be driven to madness. He remembers how his cousin was jailed.
UNIDENTIFIED GUARD: (Non-English language spoken).
RIZKALLAH: And he told them everything that he went through there. And now when he's here and he's looking at everything, he's remembering everything his cousin told him.
SHERLOCK: The guard tells us that when they arrived, they found people dead.
RIZKALLAH: There were bodies, the corpses that were found here, and they took them to the hospital. And they're still in the morgue for people if they want to come check if their families are.
SHERLOCK: And there are so many thousands of families searching all across Syria, over 100,000 missing, a conservative estimate by rights groups. They come to places like this to search for threads of their loved ones' existence.
This is just one prison in a network of prisons that are all over the city. We know about the big ones - Sednaya, where thousands of people disappeared. But there's also these. Across the capitol, there's branch after branch, security branch after security branch after security branch.
The regime was meticulous in its brutality. Bureaucrats and intelligence officials kept detailed notes of every person detained, of every interrogation, of the torture applied and of every execution.
RIZKALLAH: Ruth.
SHERLOCK: Yeah?
RIZKALLAH: Come.
SHERLOCK: Coming, coming.
RIZKALLAH: The papers are still here. We still have papers.
SHERLOCK: These documents could provide families with the answers about what happened to their loved ones. They are valuable evidence of crimes, and the guards say we have to go and get permission to see them. We make our way outside.
Gosh, you just feel relief coming back out into the fresh air. You can't imagine what it must have been like to be held there, not knowing when you'd get out.
We walk away on a road that runs above the dungeon prison that holds so many secrets, many of which will be revealed, and many more will lie in darkness. Ruth Sherlock, NPR News, Damascus. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.wesa.fm/2024-12-15/we-head-inside-a-feared-intelligence-branch-after-the-fall-of-assad-regime-in-syria
| 2024-12-16T06:43:30Z
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Heathrow boss wants 'clear steer' on third runway
The boss of Heathrow Airport has said his company needs a "clear steer" from the new government by the end of 2025 over plans to expand the airport and build a third runway.
Thomas Woldbye, who has been in charge at the west London airport for 13 months, told BBC London that without a "positive indication" his company would not invest.
The project had secured parliamentary approval in June 2018 but was delayed by legal challenges over the environmental impact and by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Department for Transport said any expansion proposals "must demonstrate they contribute to economic growth".
Mr Woldbye said: "We need to be joined up with both government and our airlines to say this is what we all want and what is it we contribute to make this a success."
The former boss of Copenhagen Airport added: "The way I look at it is that Heathrow is uniquely well connected to the rest of the world and all of you get benefits from that.
"If we are to keep pace with economic growth, we need to expand beyond what we can do with the current runways."
So is he getting any indication from the new government about what it wants?
"I think government has been saying they would like to stimulate economic growth and airports can do that," said Mr Woldbye.
"The government has also been clear that they support airport expansion - exactly what and how that's defined we need to talk about - but those are two very positive messages."
Heathrow's plans for a third runway to the north-west of the existing two are currently supported by government policy through the Airports National Policy Statement.
Under these plans, capacity for an additional 260,000 flights per year would be created.
There would also be a new terminal and the M25 orbital motorway would go beneath the runway.
But the plans have proved controversial for a decade.
Much of the villages of Harmondsworth, Sipson and Longford would be destroyed.
Support has come from Slough but councils including Hillingdon, Richmond and Wandsworth all oppose the scheme.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan also said he was against expansion at Heathrow "due to the damaging impact it would have on air quality, noise and London's ability to achieve net-zero carbon by 2030".
'Enormous value'
The airport's next step would be to submit a planning application, and Mr Woldbye thinks a case for expansion can be made.
"It's important to underline that this airport and most other airports in the world make considerably less noise than we have ever done before. So the trajectory is right," he said.
"Next one is of course to involve and invite our neighbours in and say this is a company that creates enormous value for the entirety of the UK.
"We do put strain on our neighbours, how do we invite them in? We have an academy that over the past 20 years has helped 10,000 people get jobs in and around the airport."
Heathrow is one of the busiest airports in Europe and 90,000 people work on site.
Earlier this year, it recorded its highest passenger total for a 12-month period.
The cost of building a third runway would be at least £14bn and it would be paid for by the owners of Heathrow Airport.
Mr Woldbye acknowledges there will need to be climate mitigation and any expansion would have to keep within the UK's carbon targets.
"Now of course there are climate issues and other issues that we will need to solve in that process," he said.
"But I think if you just look from the point of people wishing to travel and the enormous support that has for not just travelling but also trade going through Heathrow was worth more than £200 billion a year.
"If we're to keep up with that growth we need it."
'Environmental obligations'
So what does Heathrow want from the government?
"Clear direction," said Mr Woldbye.
"Is this something that we strategically want from a transport national strategy point of view?
"Is this what we want? Then what can we do to make it happen? What are the safeguards we need?
"I cannot see a company like ours investing that sum of money without having a clear steer and clear wish from government that strategically that is the right thing to do."
If there is no clear direction, Mr Woldbye thinks a third runway will not happen.
"If the country doesn't want it, why would we build it?"
A DfT spokesperson said: "We are committed to securing the long-term future of the UK's aviation sector.
"However, any expansion proposals must demonstrate they contribute to economic growth, which is a foundation of this government's Plan for Change, while remaining in line with existing environmental obligations."
Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk
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https://ca.news.yahoo.com/heathrow-boss-wants-clear-steer-060909405.html
| 2024-12-16T06:43:35Z
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Specifications for the 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Black Edition. Details include engine, fuel usage, interior features, safety and more.
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https://www.whichcar.com.au/specs/2017-porsche-911-carrera-4-black-edition-991-my16-petrol-2d-coupe-CLkE9e59U5
| 2024-12-16T06:43:35Z
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U.S. Marines assigned to the Security Forces Regiment, Bravo Company, 1st Platoon, and Air Force 380th Expeditionary Security Forces conducted joint close combat training within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility on Oct. 15, 2024. This training provided an opportunity for U.S. Marines to share their experience with close quarters combat and the most effective methods to ensure mission success.
(U.S. Air Force video)
This work, 1st Platon Marines and 380th ESFS CQC training, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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https://www.dvidshub.net/video/947018/1st-platon-marines-and-380th-esfs-cqc-training
| 2024-12-16T06:43:37Z
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SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
Two important food holidays are meeting up this year. December 25 is both Christmas and also the first night of Hanukkah.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
DETROW: Well, we did not want to miss the opportunity to explore the potential for a feast for all. And to help us imagine what to prepare, we have called on Sarah Lohman, who's a food historian and writer. Sarah has put together a menu for us, and my only regret here is that this is a remote interview and I cannot eat it all right now. So that being said, welcome to ALL THINGS CONSIDERED, Sarah.
SARAH LOHMAN: Hi, Scott. Thank you.
DETROW: When you first realized the alignment here, what was your first thought?
LOHMAN: OK, first thought was, of course, fry everything.
DETROW: Yeah.
LOHMAN: I mean, maybe it's obvious, maybe it's my first thought, but I was like, let's fry things that have never been fried before. Let's make it the Iowa State Fair up in here.
DETROW: (Laughter).
LOHMAN: OK, so the fun part of this project for me was I got to reach out to my community. And I started talking to my friend Leah Koenig, who is the author of the recent cookbook "Portico," which is about Roman Jewish culture. And she pointed out to me that latke, the traditional Hanukkah fried potato pancake - they really aren't that old in terms of Judaism. The practice originates with German Jews in the late 18th century. So that's like a drop in the bucket of the multiple-thousand-year history. So that's when I said, OK, well, is there another direction we can go here?
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
DETROW: So you have put together a menu. And before we go into it, tell me...
LOHMAN: Feast.
DETROW: A feast - important correction.
LOHMAN: (Laughter) I think.
DETROW: Tell me what you ended up organizing it around. What were the central thoughts? What were you trying to bring together?
LOHMAN: Well, I also happen to know a lot of people who are Christian or specifically Catholic and Jewish from populations around the world. And I think particularly in America, we can get sort of lost the idea of Christian as being a majority faith here, whereas in most of the world, it is a minority faith. And so I decided to put together a multicourse menu that looks at regions that have traditional, historical Christian and Jewish populations and look at where their food intersects and differentiates. I really believe that, like, cooking can be an act of learning; eating can be an act of education. And so I wanted to use this moment, this party, this feast, this festival to make space for the understanding of the long histories of these faiths throughout the world.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
DETROW: That being said, let's get going. Tell us what the first course is.
LOHMAN: OK, so for the first course, we're going to go to China, which does have a historical Jewish population. No one's quite sure when they came, but they came into the area around Kaifeng, which is in Henan, which - not Hunan, Henan, which is a northern Chinese province. And it's difficult to trace dishes from Jewish ancestry there. There's maybe only about 1,000 Kaifeng Jews today. But one we know of is a Kaifeng noodle-blanketed carp. And it's a whole fish that's wok fried, and it's served with a sauce made from vinegar, rice wine, ginger and scallions. And then you top it with crispy fried noodles.
But if you're not up for frying a whole fish, which not everybody is, I would recommend ordering in some Henanese cuisine. Soup dumplings, or xiaolongbao, are from the Henan area. But don't get the pork ones. Get ones made with lamb or chicken and vegetables, or you could also order in some hui mian (ph), which are wide wheat noodles. I should note in this whole menu, I decided to avoid pork, shellfish, and I didn't serve meat and dairy so that anyone can come to your house for this party of any religious background and be able to eat the food.
DETROW: All right, so walk me through the last main dish.
LOHMAN: OK, so last main dish, we're going to go to Ethiopia. And I think, you know, this might be - sound like a simple answer, but the national dish of Ethiopia is dora wat, which is a chicken stew, and it's dark meat chicken, slow cooked with hard boiled eggs, garlic ginger, onions, tomato, and you finish the top with a sprinkle of black cardamom. So I also love the connections, the spice connections and flavor connections made through these dishes. Now, dora wat is sort of the Coptic Christian name for it, but it's also known as sanbat wat in Ethiopian Jewish communities. And sanbat means Shabbat. So a lot of these two aren't necessarily Hanukkah dishes. Actually, the Ethiopian Jews didn't traditionally celebrate Hanukkah in Ethiopia. But now over 100,000 Ethiopian Jews have moved to Israel and another thousand are here in America too. So they've moved in the cultures that celebrate Hanukkah. And definitely, you should make it with injera, too.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
DETROW: So assuming there's any room left at all after all of these dishes so far, I know you've put a lot of thought into a very important holiday item, and that is desserts.
LOHMAN: Oh, my gosh, of course. I mean, but there is always room for dessert.
DETROW: (Laughter).
LOHMAN: So I've got two ideas here. One is cassola, which is from my original person who gave me this idea, Leah Koenig. It's a cheesecake that was created by Roman Jews, and it actually descends from this idea of pancake-making on Hanukkah. Hanukkah, you know, oil, things that are fried and things that are dairy are sort of traditional Hanukkah foods. Cassola was originally made on stove tops, like a really thick pancake. Now it's baked, and now it's actually crossed over that it's a favorite served by Roman Catholics on Christmas. So it's a ricotta cheesecake made with cinnamon, vanilla and raisins.
Now, for some people, having dairy after meat is OK, but for some people, it's not. So if you want to stick to a menu that's kosher friendly, I'd also recommend bolo menino. Bolo menino is named after the Christ child, and it's a cake made in Macao, which is governed somewhat by China, but not totally, so they have more religious freedom. And many people there are also Portuguese descendants, as well. So this is a cake made with crumbled cookies, coconut and pine nuts that is always served on Christmas in Macao.
DETROW: You know, I think a lot of people listening might be taking notes and thinking, I want to do this. And I think there might be a lot of people listening who are thinking, like, oh, my gosh, this sounds so overwhelming.
LOHMAN: (Laughter).
DETROW: What do you say to somebody who, like, loves the idea, but when it comes to, especially, like, a multicourse meal, just kind of gets intimidated?
LOHMAN: You know, there is always a potluck. There's always divvying this up. Or, you know, hey, if you love throwing a party like me, make the whole thing. But if not, just make the one dish that appeals to you. I think that food is always better with a story. And I love the idea of using this December 25 to reflect on these cultures throughout the world. And sometimes they're often difficult stories, too.
DETROW: Yeah. You know, we're talking about learning about different cultures, as this menus together. But, you know, I think for a lot of people, a holiday is also about kind of leaning into your heritage - right? - your family story - right? - in terms of food.
LOHMAN: Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. And I think that we can't forget that many of these cultures that I talked about today also exist within America. These communities are here. And I think for all of us during this holiday season, this is often a time where we connect to our own ancestry. I'm sure that there are people listening right now thinking about the recipes that they're going to make that have been passed down through their families and that really are labors of love that make this feel like a special and important time of year.
DETROW: Absolutely.
LOHMAN: It's religion, but it's celebration, it's family, it's ancestry, too.
DETROW: And all of this is kind of very American, right? Like, you've put together a meal that touches on a dozen different countries and cultures.
LOHMAN: Yeah, but they can all be found here, absolutely.
DETROW: Yeah.
LOHMAN: And to me, I think that that's the most powerful and beautiful thing about America, our diversity. We can be a little hard to govern sometime. We're an unruly lot. But just how many different people become American too, I think that's really the most wonderful thing about living here and celebrating the holidays here.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
DETROW: That is food historian Sarah Lohman. Her most recent book is just out in paper, "Endangered Eating: America's Vanishing Foods." Thank you so much for taking up the challenge and crafting a Christmas Hanukkah feast for us.
LOHMAN: Oh, my gosh, my pleasure. Now the real challenge is I'm going to have to sit down and make all of this.
DETROW: I think there's no question now. Thank you.
LOHMAN: Thank you.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC) Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.wesa.fm/2024-12-15/what-to-cook-on-hanumas-chrismukah
| 2024-12-16T06:43:37Z
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Donald Trump Appoints Truth Social CEO Devin Nunes as Chairman of President's Intelligence Advisory Board
BGT 2024-25: Smith and Head Shine with Centuries, Bumrah Claims Fifer as Australia Reach 405/7 at Stumps
Tata Cliq, JioMart, Ajio, Ola, Zomato & Others Commit to 'Safety Pledge' on National Consumer Day 2024
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https://www.thehawk.in/tag/rail-roko-punjab
| 2024-12-16T06:43:40Z
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Reuters Videos
STORY: :: Syrian Christians hope religious freedoms will remain as they attend their first mass since the fall of Assad:: Latakia, Syria
:: December 15, 2024“As for the past era, the era of Assad, we had complete and reasonable religious freedom. We do not know what the future holds after the victory of the armed uprising in Syria, or what the ruling system will look like. However, I hope that these freedoms will continue to preserve our political and religious liberties, ensuring full freedom for all people.”:: Damascus, Syria
Athanasios Fahed, the Metropolitan of Latakia and its dependencies for the Greek Orthodox Church, led Sunday's service in Latakia, the cathedral filling with people in brisk morning weather.As the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) swept to power last week, it sought to reassure Syria's minority groups that their way of life would not be at risk. Syria is home to multiple ethnic and religious minorities, including Christians, Armenians, Kurds and Shi'ite Muslims, who worshipped freely before Assad fell. Some remain jittery at the prospect of an Islamist government.The Assad family belongs to the minority Alawite faith, an offshoot of Shi'ite Islam, in Sunni Muslim-majority Syria. Tens of thousands of mostly Shi'ite Muslims have fled Syria for Lebanon in the last week out of fear of persecution by the country's new rulers, a senior Lebanese security official told Reuters last week.The protection of Syria's minorities was a key concern on Saturday (December 14) when top diplomats from Arab nations, Turkey, the United States and European Union met in Jordan.
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https://ca.news.yahoo.com/israel-approves-plans-golan-heights-222659263.html
| 2024-12-16T06:43:41Z
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RCC’s University Transfer graduate Hannah Pearson has a goal – to become a licensed teacher for the State of North Carolina by the age of 19. At the age of 17, she graduated from Robeson Community College with an associate of arts and from Fairmont High School with her diploma, and come this Friday, she will begin moving into her dorm at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, where she will begin classes with junior status next Wednesday.
“I’m actually really excited, I am just ready for the new experience, ready to meet more people, and ready to see what college life is all about,” Pearson said.
Pearson is ambitious, to say the least. She graduated at the top of her class as the valedictorian and was the only student from Fairmont to also earn an associate degree upon graduation.
So how did she do it?
“I was a CCP student, I started back in the 10th grade back in 2020,” Pearson said. “The program really helps prepare you for college, and honestly because I took CCP, now that I’m actually going to a university, I feel more at ease compared to somebody just now getting into college.
CCP stands for career and college promise, it’s an initiative that allows high school students in Robeson County to earn college credits for free at Robeson Community College.
“Starting high school, I actually had this goal, that before I graduated high school, I wanted to graduate with at least 60 college credits,” Pearson said. “So just knowing how much it would push me further in life, how much it could advance me, that’s what made me want to take those college classes.”
“CCP is honestly just a wonderful experience, not only do get a chance to experience college, but it provides free college classes, you don’t have to pay at all,” Pearson added. “You can take all the classes you want and get your credits without having to pay a dime, compared to going to college after high school and spending hundreds of thousands just to take a course.”
Pearson has already scheduled all of her classes for the Fall semester at UNCP.
“I went straight into my major,” she said.
Some of her classes include Intro to Education, Reading and Required Language Arts Skills, and Intro to Special Education.
“I’m really looking at teaching kindergarten or first grade, and if not those two age groups, then I’m looking at fifth-grade math,” Pearson stated, showing she already has a game plan in place for when she graduates from UNCP.
Pearson says she feels she is following in her mother’s footsteps, who like her, excelled in high school, was valedictorian of her class, and went on to become a teacher. Her mother in essence became her inspiration for wanting to go into the education field, to work hard, to persevere and to exemplify excellence in all that she does.
“She has been a teacher for 28 years,” Pearson said. “Growing up, I always saw how devoted she was to helping the kids and I actually took a job shadowing opportunity back in 8th grade where I went to Green Grove Elementary school, and acted as a teacher assistant for a class of kindergartners… I just loved that experience.”
As Pearson sets sail for UNCP over the next two years, she does have a message for high school students in Robeson County.
“I would say to never give up, continue to chase your dreams as long as you do the best you can do, nothing else matters,” Pearson says. “If you have a goal, set your goal and go for it, because you can do it, you can do anything that you put your mind to.”
“Attending Robeson Community College was great, I got a degree, not just a diploma, but a degree,” Pearson said. “I am really grateful to Robeson Community College for this opportunity. If it were not for the CCP program, I would not be as far in life as I am right now.”
“This has been such a pleasant experience,” Pearson continued. “Going through the CCP program, being able to graduate, and now being able to start college right at my major instead of having to worry about general education classes, and then also thinking about how much money RCC has allowed me to save, I just want to say that I am forever grateful.”
The CCP program at Robeson Community College is open to high school students who reside in Robeson County, including students enrolled in the Public Schools of Robeson County, private schools, or who may be homeschooled. Students can choose a variety of pathways, such as earning a degree like Hannah or obtaining industry-recognized credentials, certificates, and diplomas in healthcare, cosmetology, industrial technologies, firefighting, business, and more. To enroll in the CCP program at RCC, please contact Patricia Locklear, the director of admissions at 910-272-3356 or plocklear@robeson.edu.
Cheryl Hemric is the public information officer at Robeson Community College. Contact via email at chemric@robeson.edu.
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https://www.robesonian.com/news/289923/rcc-university-transfer-grad-hannah-pearson-enters-uncp-as-a-junior-at-17
| 2024-12-16T06:43:40Z
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U.S. Army Col. Slade K. Smith, Commander, 2d Theater Signal Brigade, and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Wendle V. Marshall, 2d Theater Signal Brigade Command Sergeant Major, wishes everyone happy holidays on behalf of the members of the 2d Theater Signal Brigade, located in Wiesbaden, Germany. Colonel Smith s a native of Texarkana, Texas. Command Sgt. Maj. Marshall is a native of Newark, New Jersey. (U.S. Army video by Candy Knight)
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https://www.dvidshub.net/video/947019/holiday-greetings-2d-tsb-commander-csm
| 2024-12-16T06:43:43Z
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Specifications for the 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Black Edition. Details include engine, fuel usage, interior features, safety and more.
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https://www.whichcar.com.au/specs/2017-porsche-911-carrera-4-black-edition-991-my16-petrol-2d-coupe-jMNrp8j2VK
| 2024-12-16T06:43:42Z
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SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
When you find success with a project, it can be daunting to try something new. But the comedian Ilana Glazer welcomes that kind of risk. Glazer co-created "Broad City" with Abbi Jacobson, and it was a huge hit. But the two decided to end the show two seasons before their contract ran out. Glazer told NPR's Rachel Martin that part of knowing what to do next is knowing when something should end. And that gamble to move on has paid off for Glazer. Earlier this year, Glazer cowrote and costarred in the movie "Babes." And this Friday, they have a new standup special coming out on Hulu called "Human Magic." Glazer spoke to Rachel Martin on Wild Card, the interview show where guests choose the questions they answer from a deck of cards. And a note, Glazer talks about sex and drug use in this conversation.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED NPR BROADCAST)
RACHEL MARTIN: First three cards - one, two or three.
ILANA GLAZER: I'm going to go with three.
MARTIN: Three - what was your form of rebelling as a teenager?
GLAZER: Oh, my goodness. This - you cracked right in, Rachel Martin.
MARTIN: (Laughter) I did?
GLAZER: You cracked right in. You know why? - because...
MARTIN: (Inaudible) what?
GLAZER: I mean, this is just playing three strings on a guitar for me. This is a whole chord, which is that I didn't quite rebel very much as a child or a teenager. I was very good and was focused on, I guess, goodness and achieving, and my rebellion came - honestly, like, I was not secure in it until, like, the past few years, my rebelling, like, literally against my parents. L-O-L, I'm 37 years old.
MARTIN: Wow.
GLAZER: But of course, I had some rebellion. And I guess it finally came in the form of having sex and smoking weed (laughter) in my, like, senior year of high school. It was like...
MARTIN: I mean, that's pretty, you know, by-the-book, definitional...
GLAZER: Yeah, standard...
MARTIN: ...Of rebelling as a teenager. Yeah, yeah.
GLAZER: ...I would honestly say patriotic.
MARTIN: (Laugher).
GLAZER: So, you know, like, finally, it came - as well as myself. But it was a late - I'm a late bloomer. And then I feel like, really, becoming a parent, I'm like, oh, I don't care. You know what I mean? I don't care about being accepted. Like, as long as I'm focused on fulfilling my needs of myself and my family and my child, then the rest of it - you know, I can be unlikable or not fulfilling the, you know, supportive role or appearance of supportive role that I was hoping to fill before or actually filling, you know? I have found the limits of how limited parenting makes the rest of your life really helpful. It has forced me...
MARTIN: Yeah, yeah.
GLAZER: ...To draw lines that I never wanted to draw before. I wanted to be everything for everybody.
MARTIN: Yeah.
GLAZER: And it's, like, so important to my health and my kid's health, but also, like, who you put out into the world. It's really important for the - it's actually - serves the world at large to give it the healthiest kid I can. So it's been, like, such a helpful reorganization.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
MARTIN: OK, we got three more cards. We're going to keep going - one, two or three.
GLAZER: No. 1, please.
MARTIN: How comfortable are you with being alone?
GLAZER: I'm going to buck the binary with this answer and say...
MARTIN: Buck it, Ilana.
GLAZER: I'm going to say increasingly.
MARTIN: Yeah.
GLAZER: Ooh, is your mind blown by all my therapy, Rachel Martin?
(LAUGHTER)
GLAZER: But that is the accurate answer - increasingly. Hoo (ph), but it's tough. I really feed off people. I love people. I love intellectual intercourse. I love connecting and engaging. But I'm increasingly comfortable alone. And also, like, having such a high-needs, tiny individual needing me so often, it's, like, much more contrasted as a relief to be a little alone.
MARTIN: Yeah. Yeah. But I am someone who very - I, like, crave alone time.
GLAZER: Cool.
MARTIN: And so yeah, then - yeah, it's complicated.
GLAZER: Are you tall?
MARTIN: I don't know. Am I?
GLAZER: How tall are you?
MARTIN: Five - I mean, I think I'm 5'7". My husband insists that I'm 5'6" and three-quarters.
GLAZER: Oh, copy that. You know, I don't know if it's changed, but in the early 2000s in those toxic days, I was a teenager at that time. And the toxic messaging I got, for some reason, I know that modeling, you have to be 5'7". So it's like, you're model height, babe, OK?
MARTIN: Wait, how does it - is this just random interstitial, or does this...
GLAZER: I don't know. I just feel like - like, craving alone time and being, like, walking, like, so tall...
MARTIN: And being a model?
GLAZER: ...Being a model and, like, gliding through the streets of D.C.
MARTIN: Yeah, that's what I do.
GLAZER: Like, popping your collar and, like, not wanting the bottom half of your face to you seen - I'm just like, yeah, she likes to be alone. I'm, like, short, and I'm like, hey, everybody. Anybody want to hear a joke? You know, I don't know.
(LAUGHTER)
GLAZER: I just wanted to - I just want to picture it. I'm trying to picture it (ph).
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
MARTIN: One, two or three.
GLAZER: Three.
MARTIN: Are you good at knowing when something should end?
GLAZER: Yes.
MARTIN: Yeah?
GLAZER: Yeah. Yeah, I am.
MARTIN: Have you always been that way?
GLAZER: Yes. Yes, I have. "Broad City" - I was, like, a big - you know, we had signed our contract of seven seasons. And then, you know, we both came to it, and - Abbi and I. But - and it was - Comedy Central was like, huh? But I was like - you know, and we were, like, ambivalent and unsure. But, like, it just - I think that's - yeah, that's something I would say is elegant about me, knowing when things are at their end.
MARTIN: Yeah. That's a admirable quality because it's not the same for everybody, and especially if you have - if you've got something good going on, and there are people telling you it's good, just keep going.
GLAZER: Yeah.
MARTIN: It's good. And to be able to have something internally that tells you, nah, I think I'm going to stop now.
GLAZER: Yeah. And, like, being able to trust that I am generative beyond this moment, whether it's a creative project or anything, you know, but that I am secure, that I will keep generating new layers and, like, do without thinking. That was something that - the experience of pregnancy was so incredible. I'm such an overthinker and a planner. Creating a person without thinking about it was - I was like, I'm not even thinking about this, and my body knows what to do. And, like, you know, we get a scrape, and the skin grows back. And it's just like...
MARTIN: Yeah.
GLAZER: ...Just trusting in - I don't know. I was a drummer for many years. I miss it. And I love...
MARTIN: You were?
GLAZER: Yes, and I just loved percussion. For a time, I was like, I'm going to be an orchestra percussionist. Can you imagine me, like, on a timpani, like, (vocalizing)?
MARTIN: Yes.
GLAZER: And it's like, I think it's, like, a rhythm thing. You know what I mean?
MARTIN: Yeah.
GLAZER: It's like a larger scale rhythm thing of, like, this is over.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
MARTIN: Ilana Glazer - you can see their new standup special out December 20 on Hulu. It's called "Human Magic." It is indeed magical, as are you, Ilana. Thank you so much for doing this.
GLAZER: Thank you, Rachel. This was such a pleasure. Thank you so much for having me.
DETROW: You can hear more of that conversation with Ilana Glazer by following the Wild Card podcast. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.wesa.fm/2024-12-15/wildcard-with-ilana-glazer
| 2024-12-16T06:43:44Z
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Donald Trump Appoints Truth Social CEO Devin Nunes as Chairman of President's Intelligence Advisory Board
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| 2024-12-16T06:43:47Z
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Labor’s old hand treasurer Tim Pallas departs, leaving a dilemma for Jacinta Allan
When Labor premiers faced a problem, they often turned to Tim Pallas for a solution. Whether it was Steve Bracks navigating a minority government in 1999, or Daniel Andrews during the pandemic, Pallas has been a trusted strategist and a steady hand for more than two decades.
But the current premier, Jacinta Allan, now faces her first dilemma without Pallas’ counsel after more than a year in the top job: who to replace him as treasurer.
Pallas, the self-described “humble staffer who maybe got a little bit ahead of himself”, announced on Monday he would be quitting politics after a decade as treasurer, 14 years as a minister and 18 years as the member for Werribee.
“This has been the great honour and privilege of my life,” he said.
The former union official said there was “no right time” to leave politics but he had recently marked 10 years in the role – making him Victoria’s longest-serving standalone treasurer – and last week released an economic growth statement and mid-year budget update.
“I have to accept the basic proposition that I don’t have exclusive tenure on the role,” he said. “We do need to present the opportunity for renewal, a new treasurer, a new perspective, new insights – all of those things I think are important.
“Good governments know that they have to renew themselves.”
Pallas said his only regret was having to “pour cold water” over the ambitions of his cabinet colleagues.
He openly admitted to “creative differences” with the Allan, though he defended their “frank, candid, and sometimes brutally honest” conversations.
“That’s what a good treasurer does,” Pallas said.
Politicians across the spectrum have paid tribute to Pallas as a man of integrity – kind, generous with his time and with a wry sense of humour, someone who lived by his father’s motto to “give more than you get.”
Allan said Pallas was a friend of more than 25 years, who had one of the most difficult jobs during the Covid pandemic alongside the premier and health minister. She also made reference to his work to make wage theft a crime, introduce portable long service leave and establish an mRNA facility in Melbourne.
In what can best be described as a backward compliment, the opposition leader, John Pesutto, described Pallas as “the best of the incompetent lot in the Labor party”.
“Regrettably, on all key measures Tim Pallas’s legacy will be one of enormous debt that Victorians in the present generation and in future generations will be saddled with,” Pesutto said.
As of Friday’s budget update, Victoria’s net debt stands at $155.2bn, a huge rise from the $21.2bn debt Pallas inherited in 2014. It is forecast grow to $187.3bn by 2028.
The update also essentially doubled taxes on property owners by replacing the fire services levy with an emergency services levy worth $2.1bn. This is on top of his introduction of $8.6bn in “temporary” levies to pay off pandemic-related debt, the mental health levy, increased vacant property and land taxes and the Airbnb levy, which comes into effect in January.
But Pallas maintains he never employed “austerity” and always looked after the welfare of the Victorian people, particularly “those who need government support and assistance”.
Pallas stayed on when Andrews – who rose to cabinet alongside Pallas – quit politics in 2023, providing an element of continuity for the Allan government.
But now, his departure follows that of a long list of senior Labor ministers who have left politics in recent years, which include former deputy premier James Merlino, former health minister Martin Foley and former police minister Lisa Neville, who all stepped down ahead of the 2022 election.
While it is up to Allan to appoint a new treasurer, several names have emerged as potential successors, including the assistant treasurer, Danny Pearson, the government services minister, Gabrielle Williams, and the deputy premier, Ben Carroll, who has previously expressed an interest.
One Labor minister described the portfolio as “poisoned chalice”.
The Labor caucus will also need to elevate a new minister to cabinet, with Nick Staikos and Gary Maas among the candidates.
Allan said there would be a cabinet reshuffle before Christmas.
The Victorian Labor branch, meanwhile, will meet on Tuesday to discuss a candidate for the upcoming byelection.
While the party chose not to field a candidate for the Prahran byelection, this is not an option in Werribee, which is considered Labor territory and is held by a 9.2% margin.
Last election, Pallas fended off a challenge from an independent candidate but the seat is now being targeted by the Liberal party, which saw an 8.7% increase in first-preference votes in 2022.
Labor sources are hopeful the byelection can be held at the same time as Prahran’s on 8 February, which would put pressure on the Liberal party’s resources. The party is also being warned not to “parachute” a candidate into the seat – as Pallas was in 2006.
Asked whether Labor should preselect a candidate from a diverse backgroundon Monday, Allan said: “As someone who has lived and worked in my community for the past 25 years, having good strong local connections is a good place to start”.
As for Pallas’s legacy?
He said: “My life in public office is now at an end, and it is your right to eulogise whether my passing is a good or a bad thing, it is entirely up to you.”
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https://ca.news.yahoo.com/labor-old-hand-treasurer-tim-060955298.html
| 2024-12-16T06:43:48Z
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Holiday Greetings: 2d TSB EO, Retention and S3
The 2d Theater Signal Brigade's Equal Employment Opportunity, Retention, and Operations NCO wishes everyone happy holidays. (U.S. Army video by Candy Knight)
Date Taken:
11.21.2024
Date Posted:
12.16.2024 00:01
Category:
Greetings
Video ID:
947020
VIRIN:
241121-A-FX425-2001
Filename:
DOD_110736720
Length:
00:00:07
Location:
WIESBADEN, HESSEN, DE
Hometown:
WIESBADEN, HESSEN, DE
Hometown:
ST. KITTS, KN
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ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.
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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
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https://www.wesa.fm/2024-12-15/zakir-hussain-legendary-tabla-virtuoso-who-defied-genres-dies-at-73
| 2024-12-16T06:43:51Z
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Mapped: ‘Horrific’ devastation as French island Mayotte hit by most powerful cyclone in 90 years
A cyclone barrelling towards southeast Africa for the last four days caused widespread devastation in Mayotte after it struck the French oversea region as the most powerful storm in 90 years.
Cyclone Chido made landfall on Saturday night with winds reaching over 200kph, Meteo-France said, causing damage to housing, government buildings and a hospital, and leaving at least 11 people dead.
Mayotte, one of the poorest regions under French administration of some 300,000 people, is located in the Mozambique Channel of the Indian Ocean.
“At least several hundred people” were feared dead on the island as authorities struggled to assess the damage. "I think there will certainly be several hundreds, maybe we will reach a thousand, even several thousands," prefect Francois-Xavier Bieuville said on local media channel Mayotte La 1ere.
The French interior ministry said that "it will be difficult to account for all victims" and a death toll could not be determined at this stage.
Aerial footage showed many settlements flatted as the storm blew away roofs, uprooted trees and damaged public infrastructure.
“What we are experiencing is a tragedy, you feel like you are in the aftermath of a nuclear war,” Mohamed Ishmael from the capital Mamoudzou said. “I saw an entire neighborhood disappear.”
Hundreds of poor people living in shacks with sheet metal roofs were hit especially hard as the storm tore up many of their homes.
The storm damaged power lines, causing outages in most parts of the territory and disrupting the water supply. It also damaged an airport.
“The hospital is hit, schools are hit. Houses are totally devastated,” Mamoudzou mayor Ambdilwahedou Soumaila said. The cyclone “spared nothing”, he added.
French president Emmanuel Macron said a military transport plane with supplies and emergency workers had left to help people suffering the “most horrific” ordeal. “My thoughts are with our compatriots in Mayotte, who have gone through the most horrific few hours and who have, for some, lost everything, lost their lives,” he said.
The cyclone entered northern Mozambique, 800km west of Mayotte, on Sunday, causing heavy rain, strong winds and hazardous sea conditions. It slammed the northern province of Cabo Delgado, affecting nearly two million people.
“Many homes, schools, health facilities have been partially or completely destroyed and we are working closely with government to ensure continuity of essential basic services,” the United Nations Children’s Fund said. “While we are doing everything we can, additional support is urgently needed.”
🚨 Intense Tropical #CycloneChido hit Cabo Delgado, Nampula & Niassa early Sunday with winds over 200km/h & heavy rains, impacting an estimated 1.7M people in 🇲🇿
IOM, govt & partners are on the ground, assessing needs & coordinating early response, with PSEA measures reinforced. pic.twitter.com/KUd1N5Zbkb— IOM Mozambique (@IOM_Mozambique) December 15, 2024
Internet monitor NetBlocks said on X that heavy rain and winds had damaged power and telecommunications infrastructure in the region.
Save the Children warned that up to 650,000 children and their families were in danger after Chido hit northern Mozambique.
“Cyclone Chido is a catastrophe for children in northern Mozambique. They risk losing their homes, being separated from their families, and suffering limited access to water, sanitation, healthcare and education,” it said.
In Comoros, the storm destroyed 21 homes and left two people slightly injured, authorities said.
The remnants of Chido were expected to sweep southern Malawi, Météo-France reported, with heavy rains and gusty winds. The system could then move towards Zimbabwe, likely causing heavy rain and flooding.
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https://ca.news.yahoo.com/mapped-horrific-devastation-french-island-060905920.html
| 2024-12-16T06:43:54Z
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Donald Trump Appoints Truth Social CEO Devin Nunes as Chairman of President's Intelligence Advisory Board
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Holiday Greeting from U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Randy Buttram, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Theater Signal Brigade, Wiesbaden, Germany. 1st Sgt. Randy Buttram is a native of Winfield, Tennessee. (U.S. Army video by Candy Knight)
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| 2024-12-16T06:43:55Z
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Medieval origins of Oxford college unearthed
Medieval features of an Oxford college, including its original kitchen, have been unearthed during renovation works.
Archaeologists at the site said the medieval layout of Oriel College, which was founded in 1326, could now be better understood.
The dig is taking place alongside work by the college to rebuild its kitchen and bar area.
The remains of a stone wall were also discovered, which archaeologists said was probably a former boundary on the edge of land previously owned by the college.
'Archaeologically rich area'
Ben Ford, senior project manager at Oxford Archaeology, said: "The discovery of a roasting hearth and oven base tells us where Oriel's medieval kitchens were located.
"This is an archaeologically rich area of Oxford, having once been located in the late-Saxon town's south-eastern corner, before the city expanded to the east."
The discovery comes after the same renovation works unearthed Oxford's original defensive perimeter in October.
Ford added their previous understanding of the college's medieval structure from historical maps and documents had been "patchy".
"These recent findings at Oriel build on our understanding of how it has developed," he said.
Oriel's Provost, Lord Mendoza CBE, who is also Chairman of Historic England, said: "I am delighted that renovation and restoration at Oriel have enabled this wonderful and important archaeological work to take place.
"There is a serendipity in finding the medieval structures just before we celebrate 700 years since the college's royal foundation in 1326."
You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
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| 2024-12-16T06:44:00Z
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U.S. Army Capt. Matthew Hagy, Commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Theater Signal Brigade, USAG Wiesbaden, Germany, send holiday greetings. Captain Hagy is a native of Johnson City, Tennessee. (U.S. Army video by Candy Knight)
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| 2024-12-16T06:44:01Z
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Donald Trump Appoints Truth Social CEO Devin Nunes as Chairman of President's Intelligence Advisory Board
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| 2024-12-16T06:44:01Z
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One in four babies born by C-section last year, figures reveal
One in four babies born in NHS hospitals in England last year were delivered by caesarean section, figures reveal.
Experts said a gradual increase in caesarean births over the past decade is down to a “growing number” of complexities, caused by factors such as rising obesity rates and women waiting until they are older to have children.
The proportion of spontaneous deliveries, when a woman goes into labour without the use of drugs or other techniques, has steadily declined in the last 10 years.
Of the 398,675 deliveries in England last year where the method of childbirth was known, some 101,264, or 25 per cent, were caesarean sections.
This is up from 23 per cent in the previous 12 months and 13 per cent a decade ago.
A third of the total deliveries for 2023/24 were induced, meaning labour was started using artificial methods such as a membrane sweep, pessary or hormone drip.
This proportion has been broadly unchanged in the past few years.
Spontaneous delivery has steadily declined year on year from 62 per cent in 2013/14 to 42 per cent in 2023/24.
Of the total caesarean births last year, 67,100 were recorded as elective, a planned procedure which is usually carried out around the 39th week of pregnancy.
This is an increase on the 61,030 elective caesareans reported in 2022/23.
The proportion of emergency caesarean sections – when a vaginal birth may be deemed too risky by doctors – also increased from 29,315 to 32,463.
Dr Ranee Thakar, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), said: “Over the past decade, there has been a gradual national increase in the number of caesareans.
“A major factor of this is the growing number of complex births. We are seeing national rising rates of obesity and people choosing to have children at a later stage in their life, both of which can increase the chance of complications.”
Dr Thakar added: “The RCOG does not promote one form of birth over another. Women should be supported to make an informed decision about how they want to give birth, including a discussion on the risks and benefits of both vaginal and caesarean births.
“The safety and care of the woman and baby during pregnancy, labour and birth should always be the main focus.”
An NHS spokesman said: “A caesarean is a major operation that comes with risks, so it’s usually done when it’s the safest option for women and their baby, however some do choose to have a C-section for a non-medical reason.
“NHS maternity teams across the country are fully committed to providing the safest and most personalised care possible to all women, according to best practice guidance and informed by evidence, to help them to achieve the type of birth they would like.”
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https://ca.news.yahoo.com/one-four-babies-born-c-061400871.html
| 2024-12-16T06:44:07Z
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Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. until 0400 est. February 15th
Holiday Greetings: 2d TSB Special Programs Directorate
Holiday Greetings from the 2d Theater Signal Brigade Special Programs Directorate, Wiesbaden, Germany. (U.S. Army video by Candy Knight)
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| 2024-12-16T06:44:08Z
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Donald Trump Appoints Truth Social CEO Devin Nunes as Chairman of President's Intelligence Advisory Board
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Serbia used Israeli firm’s tech to enable spy campaign, Amnesty says
By Aleksandar Vasovic and James Pearson
BELGRADE/LONDON (Reuters) - Serbian officials installed homegrown spyware on the phones of dozens of journalists and activists, Amnesty International said in a report released on Monday, citing digital forensic evidence and testimony from activists who said they were hacked in recent months.
In two cases, software provided by Israeli surveillance company Cellebrite DI Ltd was used to unlock phones prior to infection, the report said.
The Serbian spyware, dubbed “NoviSpy” by Amnesty, then took covert screenshots of mobile devices, copied contacts, and uploaded them to a government-controlled server, the report said.
“In multiple cases, activists and a journalist reported signs of suspicious activity on their mobile phones directly following interviews with Serbian police and security authorities,” Amnesty said.
Serbia’s interior ministry, foreign ministry and intelligence agency BIA did not respond to requests for comment made on Dec. 12.
Cellebrite products are widely used by law enforcement, including the FBI, to unlock smartphones and scour them for evidence. Cellebrite Chief Marketing Officer David Gee said it was investigating the Amnesty allegations.
“Should those accusations be accurate, that could potentially be in violation of our end user license agreement,” Gee told Reuters. If that were the case, Gee said, Cellebrite could suspend the use of its technology by Serbian authorities.
Putting surveillance software on devices “is absolutely not what we do”, Gee said. He added that Cellebrite had begun contacting Serbian officials but declined to provide further details.
FORENSIC EXPERTS
One of the activists featured by Amnesty in the report said they had noticed the contacts on their phone had been exported immediately after a meeting with the BIA.
The activist told Reuters they showed their phone to digital forensic experts, who discovered the NoviSpy spyware had exported their contacts and sent private photos from their device to a BIA-controlled server.
According to Amnesty, Serbia received phone-cracking devices from Cellebrite as part of a broader package of assistance designed to help Serbia meet the requirements for integration into the European Union.
That package, which was funded by the Norwegian government and administered by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), was provided to the Serbian interior ministry from 2017 to 2021 in order to help Serbia fight organised crime, the report said.
The Norwegian government temporarily ceased delivery of Cellebrite devices to Serbia in 2018, Amnesty said. The Norwegian Embassy in Belgrade also raised concerns about the programme, the report added, but UNOPS eventually delivered the devices in June 2019.
“The claims made in the report are alarming and, if correct, unacceptable,” Norway’s deputy foreign minister, Maria Varteressian, told Reuters. “We will meet Serbian authorities as well as UNOPS later this month to get further information on the matter”.
“We expect UNOPS to investigate the allegations,” she added.
UNOPS said in a statement it welcomed Amnesty's report and said the agency had in the years since 2017 "further enhanced mechanisms to assess and mitigate potential adverse effects." The agency did not elaborate on those measures.
(Reporting by Aleksandar Vasovic in Belgrade and James Pearson in London; Additional reporting by Raphael Satter in Washington, AJ Vicens in Detroit and Nerijus Adomaitis in Oslo; Editing by David Holmes)
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https://ca.news.yahoo.com/serbia-used-israeli-firm-tech-060943965.html
| 2024-12-16T06:44:13Z
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Donald Trump Appoints Truth Social CEO Devin Nunes as Chairman of President's Intelligence Advisory Board
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Sturgeon ‘knows nothing more’ about police SNP probe 18 months after arrest
Nicola Sturgeon has claimed that she knows “nothing more” about the police investigation into SNP finances since her arrest more than 18 months ago.
The party’s former leader said she was “getting on with my life as best I can at the moment”, with the criminal investigation into her conduct yet to be resolved.
Detectives raided the home Ms Sturgeon shares with her husband, the former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, in April 2023 – weeks after she resigned as Scotland’s first minister.
She was arrested on June 11 last year, and Mr Murrell was charged with embezzlement of party funds the following April.
However, there have been few developments in the investigation made public since police submitted a report to prosecutors in August.
In her first comments on the probe for several months, Ms Sturgeon, who denies wrongdoing, suggested she was not aware of any progress being made.
Asked by the PA news agency whether she had heard anything further regarding the investigation, she said: “I have nothing to add. Nothing to offer you on that.
“I know nothing more than I did back then and I can’t comment on it anyway. I am just getting on with my life as best I can at the moment.”
Ms Sturgeon remains an MSP for Glasgow Southside but has faced criticism for her lack of activity at Holyrood.
She has spoken in the Scottish Parliament chamber on only four occasions this year – one of which was to inform the presiding officer that her voting app had not connected properly.
Ms Sturgeon has also failed to join any committees or cross-party groups, something which is usually expected of backbench MSPs.
However, despite an expectation she will stand down at the next Holyrood election in 2026, she has submitted nomination papers to the SNP which would allow her to run for another term.
Outside work
Meanwhile, Ms Sturgeon has found time to work on her memoirs, for which she negotiated a £300,000 advance.
She was also paid £25,000, plus VAT, to star in ITV’s coverage of the general election in July, in which the SNP lost 39 of the 48 seats it won in 2019.
Ms Sturgeon, who has been an MSP since the devolved Scottish Parliament was established in 1999, added that she was yet to make a final decision on whether to stand again.
She said: “I’ve submitted the papers, so as things stand I’m not planning to go anywhere. But I have not taken a final decision, I will take a final decision on that in due course.”
Ms Sturgeon added her decision would be made “in good enough time to either confirm myself as a candidate or allow the party to choose somebody else”.
Police ‘awaiting decision’
Regarding the police investigation, known as Operation Branchform, a spokesman for Police Scotland said: “On Aug 9 2024, we presented the findings of the investigation so far to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and we await their direction on what further action should be taken.”
Colin Beattie, the former SNP treasurer and the MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, was also arrested as part of the investigation. He has not been charged.
The probe into the SNP’s finances began in 2021 after independence supporters complained that around £600,000 solicited for campaigning in a second referendum had gone “missing” from the party’s accounts.
Sir Iain Livingstone, then the chief constable of Police Scotland, said in July 2023 that the inquiry had “moved beyond” initial reports and that officers were “considering fraud or potential embezzlement”.
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https://ca.news.yahoo.com/sturgeon-knows-nothing-more-police-063100093.html
| 2024-12-16T06:44:20Z
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Travel warning issued as seven tourists fall sick with alcohol poisoning in Fiji
At least seven people have been taken to hospital in Fiji after drinking cocktails at a popular resort bar over the weekend.
Four Australian women, two Americans and one Fijian, aged 18 to 56, were hospitalised for suspected alcohol poisoning on Saturday night.
One of the Australians, 56, was under constant hospital surveillance while another, 19, had experienced “serious medical episodes”. The other two, aged 49 and 18, were in critical but less severe condition.
Fiji’s police and health ministry were conducting investigations and toxicology tests to determine the cause of the poisoning.
The victims reportedly drank cocktails at Warwick Fiji Resort on the Coral Coast and soon developed nausea, vomiting, and “neurological symptoms”.
The country’s government insisted that the episode was “extremely isolated”.
An incident of alcohol poisoning left six tourists dead in the Southeast Asian country of Laos last month.
“We don’t have the cause of the incident yet but our team is currently investigating,” Jemesa Tudravu from the health ministry was quoted as saying by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. He said police were conducting separate toxicology exams as part of their investigation.
Viliame Gavoka, deputy prime minister, said all seven guests had been transferred to the Lautoka hospital for “medical care, investigation, and management”.
“We are glad to hear that they are stable and hope their conditions continue to improve,” the minister said in a statement. “This is an extremely isolated incident, affecting only these seven guests at a specific bar within the resort.”
“As we approach the festive season, we always advise everyone to exercise the usual caution about what they consume,” Mr Gavoka said.
Australia, meanwhile, warned travellers to Fiji to look for the potential risks of “drink spiking and methanol poisoning” when consuming alcoholic beverages.
The Warwick Fiji Resort earlier said it was operational despite the hospitalisations. “We do not have anything to disclose because the resort is under investigation,” the resort’s reception said in a statement to the BBC.
The establishment said they were taking the matter “very seriously” and “conducting a thorough investigation”. They were waiting for the “test result report” from the health ministry to “gather all necessary information”.
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https://ca.news.yahoo.com/travel-warning-issued-tourists-sick-062825557.html
| 2024-12-16T06:44:26Z
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Moving a modern wonder like Allure of the Seas through the ocean takes a lot of power. See how the complex combination of six engines provides 135,000 horsepower and a smooth ride for guests onboard.
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https://www.indiatimes.com/boyz-toyz/extra-large/the-engines-of-allure-cruise-ship-104774.html
| 2024-12-16T06:44:32Z
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Public Affairs
Contact: Marc Kovac
press@ohioauditor.gov
Columbus – Auditor of State Keith Faber’s office is responsible for auditing all public entities in Ohio. His mission is to protect Ohioans’ tax dollars while aggressively fighting fraud, waste, and abuse of public money.
The Auditor of State’s Office releases audit reports semiweekly and will release the following audits on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.
FFR = FINDINGS FOR RECOVERY
IPA = INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT
MED = MEDICAID PROGRAM INTEGRITY
County
Audit Entity and Period
Report Type
Brown
Brown County District Board of Health
1/1/2021 TO 12/31/2022
Financial Audit
Butler
Hamilton Central Business Special Improvement District, Inc.
7/1/2022 TO 6/30/2024
Basic Audit
Columbiana
Salem Public Library
1/1/2022 TO 12/31/2023
Agreed Upon Procedures
Franklin
The RiverSouth Authority
1/1/2023 TO 12/31/2023
Financial Audit
One Neighborhood New Community Authority
1/1/2022 TO 12/31/2023
Agreed Upon Procedures
Hamilton
Intercommunity Cable Regulatory Commission
1/1/2022 TO 12/31/2023
Agreed Upon Procedures
Hancock
Village of Mount Blanchard
1/1/2022 TO 12/31/2023
Financial Audit
Hocking
Hocking County Agricultural Society
Special Audit
10/8/2019 TO 1/31/2023
Special Audit
FFR
Jefferson
Warren Water Authority
1/1/2022 TO 12/31/2023
Basic Audit
Licking
Licking County District Board of Health
1/1/2023 TO 12/31/2023
Financial Audit
Lorain
Huntington Township
1/1/2022 TO 12/31/2023
Agreed Upon Procedures
Marion
Waldo Township
1/1/2022 TO 12/31/2023
Agreed Upon Procedures
Montgomery
Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission
7/1/2022 TO 6/30/2023
Financial Audit
Downtown Dayton Special Improvement District, Inc.
1/1/2022 TO 12/31/2023
Agreed Upon Procedures
Muskingum
Maysville Regional Water District
1/1/2022 TO 12/31/2023
Agreed Upon Procedures
Zanesville Muskingum County General Health District
1/1/2023 TO 12/31/2023
Financial Audit
Village of Roseville
1/1/2022 TO 12/31/2023
Agreed Upon Procedures
Noble
Village of Caldwell
1/1/2022 TO 12/31/2023
Agreed Upon Procedures
Noble Metropolitan Housing Authority
4/1/2023 TO 3/31/2024
Financial Audit
Ottawa
Salem Township
1/1/2022 TO 12/31/2023
Financial Audit
Village of Elmore
1/1/2022 TO 12/31/2023
Financial Audit
Stark
City of Alliance
Fiscal Watch Analysis Termination
1/1/2023 TO 12/31/2026
Fiscal Watch Analysis - Termination
Stark County District Board of Health
1/1/2023 TO 12/31/2023
Financial Audit
Trumbull
Vernon Township
1/1/2022 TO 12/31/2023
Agreed Upon Procedures
FFR
Warren
Village of Harveysburg
1/1/2022 TO 12/31/2023
Agreed Upon Procedures
Salem Township Public Library
1/1/2021 TO 12/31/2022
Financial Audit
Warren County Combined Health District
1/1/2023 TO 12/31/2023
Financial Audit
Wyandot
Village of Nevada
1/1/2022 TO 12/31/2023
Financial Audit
The Auditor of State’s office, one of five independently elected statewide offices in Ohio is responsible for auditing more than 6,000 state and local government agencies. Under the direction of Auditor Keith Faber, the office also provides financial services to local governments, investigates and prevents fraud in public agencies, and promotes transparency in government.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
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Audit Advisory for Tuesday, December 17, 2024
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https://www.einpresswire.com/article/769292560/audit-advisory-for-tuesday-december-17-2024
| 2024-12-16T06:44:32Z
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'Waste tourism' puts pressure on recycling centres
Rubbish and recycling centres in Belfast are facing pressure from "waste tourism", a council report has said.
This involves people from elsewhere travelling to the city to use council facilities to dump or recycle household waste.
Officials estimate dealing with the added rubbish will cost nearly £200,000 a year.
They warned the sites were vulnerable to "commercial waste abuse" - where businesses "exploit" them to avoid paying fees.
Unlike neighbouring local authorities, Belfast has few restrictions on who can access its rubbish and recycling centres.
Rules in other council areas can range from requiring proof of residency to online pre-booking.
In 2023, neighbouring Ards and North Down Borough Council (ANDBC) introduced a booking system for all its recycling centres.
Belfast City Council found in the first seven months of this system being in operation, there was a 12% increase in residual (non-recyclable) waste left at its sites.
At its Palmerstown Road site in east Belfast, near the council boundary, the increase was 21%.
Over the course of a full year, the report estimated this would amount to an extra 1,300 tonnes (1300000kg) of residual waste - and "handling and treatment" costs of £194,000.
Belfast does operate a booking system for vans, which was also examined in the report.
It found that from January to March, 156 accounts placed 6,868 bookings - about 56% of total bookings.
The report concluded the lack of access policies for Belfast recycling centres meant they were the "path of least resistance for those who may wish to exploit this opportunity".
This was having a detrimental impact, both financially and on recycling performance at the council's sites.
The report was discussed at a recent council committee, with councillors agreeing to develop an action plan.
Green Party councillor Anthony Flynn said it was "scandalous" Belfast ratepayers were facing "additional costs to dispose of residual waste from other council areas".
"This is happening because of Belfast City Council's lack of updated waste acceptance criteria and no overarching waste strategy from Stormont or joined-up thinking across council areas," he said.
When ANDBC introduced its booking system, some residents feared it would deter users and lead to an increase in fly-tipping.
But Belfast City Council's report said the policy had helped the neighbouring authority "reverse the trend of declining recycling performance" and "generate efficiency savings".
Keith Patterson from the charity Wrap (Waste and Resources Action Programme) said booking systems could bring a range of benefits.
"Having scheduled drop-off times can reduce vehicle queues and ensure that services are available to residents as advertised," he said.
Mr Patterson said councils should also continue to support residents who did not have online access.
ANDBC said its booking system had been highly successful, with very positive environmental and financial outcome.
"The booking system has led to less congested sites at peak times, with site use now spread more evenly across opening hours," a spokeswoman added.
A Belfast City Council spokesman said: "At the December meeting of the People and Communities Committee, elected members agreed to host a workshop to explore the challenges in greater detail and outline a future strategy focused on increasing the recycling rate and reducing the financial impact on ratepayers."
What are the rules for each NI council?
Northern Ireland's 11 council areas each have their own access policies for household recycling centres:
Ards and North Down Borough Council: Online booking system.
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council: Photo ID and proof of address required. Booking service for vans.
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council: No proof of residency required.
Belfast City Council: No proof of residency required. Online booking for vans, light goods vehicles and double-axle trailers.
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council: No proof of residency required.
Derry City and Strabane District Council: Booking required for some sites.
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council: Proof of address may be requested.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council: Access for residents only and proof of address may be required.
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council: Proof of residency required.
Mid Ulster District Council: Proof of residency may be requested at Tullyvar, near Aughnacloy.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council: No proof of residency required. Online booking system for large vehicle access.
More details of the arrangements are on the council websites.
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https://ca.news.yahoo.com/waste-tourism-puts-pressure-recycling-062741526.html
| 2024-12-16T06:44:33Z
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Ceatec Electronics Trade Show
Check out some of the latest technology products from Asia’s largest electronics trade show...
Check out some of the latest technology products from Asia’s largest electronics trade show...
Murata Manufacturing Co Ltd President Tsuneo Murata poses with his company's bicycle-riding robot "Murata Seisaku-kun" for a photo at its booth at CEATEC (Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies) JAPAN 2013 in Chiba, east of Tokyo October 1, 2013. Japan's flagship consumer technology brands have had a rough few years with their products overshadowed by Korean and U.S. rivals, but the Japanese parts makers who supply those rivals are doing a roaring trade. That is especially true for Murata Manufacturing Co Ltd, known as a supplier for Apple Inc's iPhone and Samsung's Galaxy series of smartphones, and which is projecting a 71 percent jump in operating profit this year. Orders between July to September were on a par with the previous quarter's record high of 190.5 billion yen ($1.94 billion), Murata told Reuters on Tuesday in an interview at CEATEC, one of Japan's biggest electronics trade shows held near Tokyo. Photo: Reuters
Japan's auto maker Honda Motor president Takanobu Ito rides a Moto GP machine, which boils water to explain a mechanism of cogeneration system, at the Ceatec electronics trade show in Chiba, Tokyo on October 1, 2013. Photo: AFP/Getty Images
Japan's auto maker Honda Motor president Takanobu Ito displays the prototype model of a three-seater micro commuter at the Ceatec electronics trade show in Chiba, Tokyo. Photo: AFP/Getty Images
Japan's auto maker Honda Motor president Takanobu Ito demonstrates the company's saddle style personal mobility devices 'Uni-Cub' at the Ceatec electronics trade show. Photo: AFP/Getty Images
Japan's electronics giant Sharp unveils the prototype model of the health care chair which has various vital sensors of temperature, pulse waves, blood presure, body weight and others and communicate with health care facilities at the Ceatec electronics trade show. Photo: AFP/Getty Images
Japan's auto giant Nissan displays its new autonomous vehicle at the preview of the Ceatec electronics trade show in Chiba, suburban Tokyo on September 30, 2013. The electric 'Leaf' based vehicle has five laser range sensors and digital cameras to drive autonomously. Photo: AFP/Getty Images
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https://www.indiatimes.com/boyz-toyz/machines/ceatec-electronics-trade-show-104753.html
| 2024-12-16T06:44:38Z
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Anthony Davis scores 40 points, LeBron James has 18 in return to help Lakers beat Grizzlies, 116-110
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Anthony Davis had 40 points and 16 rebounds, LeBron James added 18 points in his return and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Memphis Grizzlies 116-110 on Sunday night.
James also had eight rebounds, eight assists and five turnovers in 34 minutes after missing the previous two games because of a left foot injury. He was away from the team most of last week due to personal reasons.
Austin Reaves scored 19 points for Los Angeles. The Lakers never trailed and led by 23 points in the second half.
Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 25 points for Memphis, which had won four in a row. Ja Morant had 20 points, Zach Edey added 13 points and 10 rebounds and Luke Kennard had 12 points.
Takeaways
Grizzlies: Memphis entered as the NBA’s highest-scoring offense but trailed 64-46 at the half and was down by at least two possessions the entire second half.
Lakers: James’ return energized Los Angeles, but Davis continues to carry the team. The 31-year-old power forward had 22 points and 10 rebounds in the first half. He briefly left in the third quarter because of shoulder injury, then returned in the fourth and scored 12 critical points down the stretch.
Key moment
James scored his first points on a running one-handed dunk just over two minutes into the first quarter. He followed immediately with a block and added tip-in basket on the Lakers’ ensuing offensive possession to give Los Angeles a 9-2 lead.
Key stat
Davis has had at least 30 points and 10 rebounds in three of his last four games.
Up next
Both teams are back in action Thursday night. The Grizzlies host Golden State, and the Lakers are at Sacramento.
___
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
Kyle Glaser, The Associated Press
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https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/anthony-davis-scores-40-points-053150911.html
| 2024-12-16T06:44:39Z
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Alabama Women’s Basketball Bounces Back For Festive Home Win: Roll Call, Dec. 16, 2024
Sarah Ashlee Barker had 21 points, nine rebounds, five assists and three steals, and Zaay Green nearly matched her with 20 points and four assists as the Alabama women's basketball team bounced back from its only loss of the season with a home win against Murray State, 90-63.
Aaliyah Nye (14) and Essence Cody (11) also had double-digit games for the Crimson Tide (10-1) at Coleman Coliseum on Sunday. Alabama forced 16 turnovers and led by Cody's four tied its season high for blocked shots with 12.
“Proud of our response after finals," head coach Kristi Curry said. "As a coach, I think you try and adjust, and work and adapt on how we can put them in the best position to be ready for today. We looked like we might have been studying there for a few more extra minutes in the first quarter, but I thought for the majority of the game we held a team that's averaging 91 (points). Our goal was in the 50s. I think with four [minutes] to go, we had them in the fifties. So I’m really proud of our defensive effort. Everything starts for us when we can get stops and get our transition game going. Really proud of our team today, collectively, for a 40-minute effort.”
Guard Halli Poock led Murray State (5-3) in scoring with 17 points .
The Crimson Tide is off until playing in the West Palm Beach Classic on Dec. 20-21. It' open the tournament against Michigan State next Friday at 3:30 p.m. CT
Crimson Tide Schedule:
No games scheduled for Monday
Crimson Tide Results:
Women's basketball: Alabama 90, Murray State 63
Did You Notice?
- Former Crimson Tide safety Brian Branch had a whopping 15 tackles, including two for a loss, for the Detroit Lions. His previous career-high was 11 set last season against the Atlanta Falcons.
- Arizona Cardinals tackle Jonah Williams had a rare touchdown by an offensive lineman when he recovered a fumble in the end zone against the New England Patriots. It was his first career NFL touchdown.
- Jerry Jeudy topped 1,000 receiving yards in a season for the first time, and also 4,000 career yards. However, his 108 receiving yards in 11 catches weren't leading all former Crimson Tide players this week heading into Monday night's games, albeit barely. DeVonta Smith was credited with 109 yards on 112 yards, and had a touchdown. However, it was Smith's first 100-yard game this season with the Eagles.
- Remember Jerome Ford, the running back who transferred to Cincinnati in 2020? This was an impressive touchdown for the Cleveland Browns:
See Also Bama in the NFL, Week 15 Tracker: Top 5 Career Passing Ratings by Crimson Tide QBs
On This Date in Crimson Tide History:
December 16, 1988: Award-winning linebacker Derrick Thomas had a whirlwind day, traveling to Cincinnati to accept the trophy as CBS's Defensive Player of the Year and then Washington, D.C. to accept the Pigskin Club's Award as the nation's best lineman/linebacker. The subsequent day he returned to Tuscaloosa to travel with the team to El Paso for the Sun Bowl, where Alabama would face Army.
— Bryant Museum
Crimson Tide Quote of the Day:
“[While accepting the Butkus Award:] I just want to thank God for blessing me with some athletic talent and letting me play for the University of Alabama.”
- Derrick Thomas
Check us out on:
We'll leave you with this...
... Crimson Tide on Crimson Tide crime:
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https://www.si.com/college/alabama/all-things-bama/alabama-women-s-basketball-bounces-back-for-festive-home-win-roll-call-dec-16-2024-01jf6tgep895
| 2024-12-16T06:44:44Z
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Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign for the 2024 U.S. election is under the spotlight after Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings revealed an expenditure of over $1 billion in just three months and over $1.8 Billion in 15 weeks. The campaign’s financial decisions, which included payments to celebrity influencers, controversial activist groups, and extensive use of private jets, have sparked intense criticism and debate about political spending practices.
Lavish Celebrity Endorsements and Promotions
A significant portion of the campaign’s spending went toward enlisting high-profile celebrity endorsements. The Federal Election Commission records show two $500,000 payments to Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Productions, coinciding with Oprah Winfrey’s appearances alongside Harris at campaign events, including a town hall and a Philadelphia rally. The move led to widespread allegations of Harris “buying” endorsements.
While Oprah Winfrey denied receiving personal fees, claiming the payments were for production costs, critics like GOP Rep. Greg Murphy lambasted the expenditure as “unconscionable.” Similarly, former stockbroker Jordan Belfort likened the payments to “money laundering.”
The campaign reportedly paid nearly $4 million to Village Marketing Agency, which connects brands with social media influencers. Celebrities such as Beyoncé, Bon Jovi, Ricky Martin, and Jennifer Lopez participated in campaign events, underscoring Harris’ emphasis on star power to energize voters.
Event and Media Production Costs
FEC filings show over $15 million was allocated for event production, which included lavish rallies and concerts featuring celebrity performers. The campaign also spent six figures creating a set for Kamala Harris’ interview on the popular Call Her Daddy podcast. Additionally, $12 million was directed to digital media consultants to bolster online outreach.
While these expenditures aimed to engage younger and diverse voter demographics, they drew criticism for prioritizing spectacle over substance, especially given the campaign’s eventual failure.
Controversial Donations to Activist Groups
The Harris campaign also allocated funds to left-leaning organizations that advocate for progressive causes. Among these were $150,000 contributions each to the Black Voters Matter Fund and the Black Church PAC, groups associated with calls to defund the police and push for reparations.
This financial support provoked a backlash from conservative commentators, who accused Harris of aligning with “radical” activist agendas. Despite these criticisms, Harris’ supporters argue that the contributions reflect her commitment to addressing systemic inequalities.
Environmental Hypocrisy Claims
Despite advocating for aggressive action against climate change, Kamala Harris’ campaign faced accusations of hypocrisy for spending over $4 million on private jet travel. Critics highlighted the discrepancy between her rhetoric on environmental sustainability and her campaign’s carbon footprint.
Mounting Debt and Fallout
Despite raising over $1 billion, the campaign ended in financial turmoil, carrying a $20 million debt by Election Day. Reports indicate $56 million was spent on payroll and payroll taxes, while over $100 million went to consulting and marketing firms such as Gambit Strategies LLC and Bully Pulpit Interactive LLC.
The campaign’s financial woes drew mockery from President-elect Donald Trump, who sarcastically offered to “help” the Democrats manage their debt, emphasizing his campaign’s reliance on low-cost “earned media.”
Lessons from a “$1 Billion Disaster”
Some commentators have characterized Harris’ campaign spending as an “epic disaster.” While her strategy aimed to merge celebrity influence, digital outreach, and progressive policy advocacy, it failed to resonate with voters. Critics argue that excessive spending highlights a disconnect between campaign priorities and voter concerns, particularly on economic and social issues.
As Kamala Harris conceded defeat at Howard University on November 6, she thanked her supporters but left unanswered questions about the effectiveness and ethics of modern political campaign spending.
The fallout from Harris’ campaign spending raises broader questions about the role of money in politics. With political campaigns becoming increasingly reliant on celebrity endorsements and costly productions, future candidates may face pressure to balance financial extravagance with grassroots outreach.
Ultimately, Harris’ campaign is a cautionary tale about the challenges of navigating modern electoral politics in the age of celebrity culture and digital media.
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https://mybigplunge.com/politics/us-politics/us-elections/kamala-harris-1-billion-campaign-spending-shocker-lavish-parties-private-jets-and-celebrity-endorsements-spark-outrage/
| 2024-12-16T06:44:44Z
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The indiatimes.com privacy policy has been updated to align with the new data regulations in European Union. Please review and accept these changes below to continue using the website. We use cookies to ensure the best experience for you on our website.
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https://www.indiatimes.com/boyz-toyz/ships-and-planes/electric-airplanes-for-the-future-104771.html
| 2024-12-16T06:44:45Z
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Chelsea injury update: Romeo Lavia, Benoit Badiashile and Joao Felix latest news and return dates
Chelsea are enjoying life under Enzo Maresca.
Already through to the last 16 of the Europa Conference League and now just two points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool after beating rivals Brentford on Sunday night, it could be a special season for the west London outfit.
It’s now five successive Premier League victories for the Blues, made all the more impressive when taking into account the number of first-team players who were missing for one reason or another.
Despite being able to welcome back Pedro Neto after suspension, Maresca must plan for this weekend’s Premier League clash against Everton without Marc Cucurella after the Spaniard was sent-off after the final whistle against Brentford.
With that said, as the Italian is in line to welcome back two key players for the trip to Merseyside, so here’s the latest Chelsea injury news.
Joao Felix
The Portugal forward missed Chelsea’s Europa Conference League win over Astana as well as the west London derby victory against Brentford with a problem that hasn’t been disclosed.
Nevertheless, Maresca has revealed Joao Felix should be ready for the Everton game.
Potential return date: December 22 vs Everton
Romeo Lavia
The midfielder is in the same boat as Joao Felix as he too has missed the last two games after picking up a knock that forced him off at half-time against Tottenham on December 9.
“We had Joao Felix and Romeo Lavia can probably be available for the next one [against Everton],” Maresca told reporters following the win against Brentford.
Potential return date: December 22 vs Everton
Benoit Badiashile
The Frenchman is a fresh injury concern after sustaining a problem in training on the eve of the Brentford clash and subsequently his place in the starting line-up went to summer signing Tosin Adarabioyo.
Worryingly, Maresca is unsure as to how long Benoit Badiashile will be sidelined.
“Benoit had a problem yesterday during the session,” the Chelsea boss revealed.” For now, we do not know how long he will be out for.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Carney Chukwuemeka
After starting the Europa Conference League win over Astana, Carney Chukwuemeka didn’t make the matchday squad against Brentford, with it later being revealed that he was ill.
Much depends on how quick he recovers as the dead-rubber at home to Shamrock Rovers could be a potential return game.
Potential return date: December 19 vs Shamrock Rovers
Ben Chilwell
Despite being named in Chelsea’s 25-man Premier League squad after the summer transfer window closed, Ben Chilwell hasn’t made a single matchday squad and illness denied him the chance to end a 16-game absence against Brentford.
Not eligible for the Europa Conference League, Sunday’s trip to Everton is a possible target, but even with Cucurella suspended, there’s no guarantee he will be selected if fit.
Potential return date: Unknown
Wesley Fofana
Fofana had been a near ever-present for Chelsea this season prior to suffering an injury in the 3-0 win over Aston Villa at the beginning of the month.
At the time, Maresca offered a pessimistic update on the French international after the game, revealing it was a hamstring injury that could see Fofana miss the entire festive fixture schedule.
"Unfortunately it is bad news,” he said. “A hamstring problem. These kind of things usually require three, four, five weeks.”
Potential return date: Late December or January
Reece James
Chelsea’s other known injury absentee at present is skipper James, who has not played since the 1-1 draw with Arsenal on November 10 after suffering another hamstring injury during a training session at Cobham.
The England right-back has been plagued by such problems over recent seasons and his latest setback was understandably met by plenty of concern from fans.
James underwent a scan, though the severity of the injury remains unclear and Chelsea are not putting a timeline on his return to action.
"Yes [he's had a scan],” Maresca said before the Conference League win over Heidenheim. “The only thing we can say is that he is getting better day by day.
“We don't know how many days he needs. He's getting better."
Potential return date: Unknown
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https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/chelsea-injury-romeo-lavia-benoit-062004702.html
| 2024-12-16T06:44:46Z
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The cryptocurrency world is like a carnival ride—full of ups, downs, and twists that keep everyone guessing. But if you’ve been watching the meme coin market lately, you’ll know it’s booming with fresh opportunities to turn small investments into life-changing gains. Some say the rise of coins like Dogecoin and Shiba Inu was just the beginning.
Now, as we dive into the latest crypto frenzy, there’s a new wave of meme coins stealing the spotlight. From explosive presales to revolutionary features, this list covers the best meme coins to join now. Among these, BTFD Coin (BTFD) reigns supreme, turning heads with its innovative approach and jaw-dropping presale figures.
Ready to unlock your financial freedom? Let’s explore five tokens that analysts predict could shake up 2025!
1. BTFD Coin (BTFD): The Ultimate Buy-The-Dip Movement
What’s the one rule seasoned traders swear by? Buy low and sell high. BTFD Coin, short for “Buy The F***ing Dip,” is built on this philosophy. But this isn’t just another meme coin with a catchy name—it’s an ecosystem ready to reward bold investors.
With its Play-to-Earn (P2E) game, staking rewards, and a fierce community led by the Bulls Squad, BTFD is redefining how meme coins operate. Imagine earning a 90% APY through staking or smashing through challenges in the P2E game while stacking tokens. And with its Beta game version now live, excitement is brewing as users test the waters.
The ongoing presale is in its 12th stage, with over $3.9 million raised and 55 billion coins sold. Early investors are buying in at $0.00013 per coin, but with a listing price of $0.0006, potential gains are staggering. Let’s break it down: If you invest $650 today, you’ll bag over 5.4 million BTFD coins. If the price hits $0.0006, that’s a cool $3,240—a 5x return on your initial investment!
Why did BTFD Coin make this list? With its community-driven ethos, cutting-edge features, and irresistible presale entry points, BTFD isn’t just a coin—it’s a movement.
2. Book of Meme (BOME): A Legendary Take on Memecoins
Ever wished meme coins could offer more than hype? Meet Book of Meme, a project that blends crypto culture with storytelling. Each token is tied to chapters in a digital “book” that evolves with the community. Intriguing, right?
This isn’t just about holding coins; it’s about being part of a narrative. From limited-edition NFTs to exclusive airdrops, Book of Meme is constantly rolling out features to keep holders engaged. And let’s not forget their commitment to transparency, with all smart contracts audited to ensure trust.
Their recent partnership with leading blockchain influencers has given the project significant momentum. It’s not just a coin; it’s a club for meme enthusiasts who believe in something bigger than moonshots.
Why is Book of Meme worth your attention? It combines the fun of meme coins with an immersive experience, making it a standout choice for long-term growth.
3. Dogs (DOGS): The Pack Leader of Meme Coins
If there’s one coin living up to its name, it’s Dogs. As a community-first project, Dogs celebrates everything we love about our furry companions—loyalty, fun, and connection. With a growing base of holders and steady market activity, Dogs has cemented itself as a fan-favourite in the crypto space.
The project recently introduced a liquidity farming feature, allowing users to earn while holding their tokens. Plus, Dogs’ active social media campaigns keep their audience hyped, attracting more investors daily.
As meme coins go, Dogs is perfect for those who want to balance fun with functionality. It’s more than a trend; it’s a pack that’s here to stay.
Why did Dogs make the cut? Its solid foundation, vibrant community, and consistent growth make it a no-brainer for meme coin enthusiasts.
4. SPX6900 (SPX): The Meme That’s Breaking All Moulds
SPX6900 is the rebel of the meme coin universe. Built on the Ethereum blockchain, this token combines outrageous humour with groundbreaking tech. With its quirky branding and ultra-low fees, SPX6900 appeals to Gen Z investors who want something fresh and fun.
One unique feature is its “Memewars” platform, where users can vote on memes to earn SPX tokens. This gamified approach has created a loyal fanbase that’s as engaged as it is entertained. Add in the team’s commitment to sustainability (with a portion of proceeds going to green initiatives), and you’ve got a project that’s as responsible as it is hilarious.
Why does SPX6900 deserve your attention? It proves meme coins can be innovative, entertaining, and eco-conscious all at once.
5. Brett (BRETT): The People’s Choice
Brett started as a joke, but it’s become a sensation. With a no-frills approach to meme coins, Brett focuses on community empowerment. There are no elaborate games or flashy promises—just a strong group of believers rallying behind a project they love.
What makes Brett special is its grassroots growth. Without major backing or hype, the coin has gained traction solely through word-of-mouth and community efforts. It’s a reminder that in crypto, authenticity still wins.
Why is Brett on this list? It’s proof that meme coins don’t need gimmicks to succeed—just a dedicated community and a clear vision.
Conclusion
If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, now’s the time to jump in. These coins represent the best meme coins to join now, each with its own unique spin on how meme coins can deliver financial freedom. But let’s be real—BTFD Coin stands out as the must-have pick, thanks to its presale pricing, high APY staking rewards, and exciting Play-to-Earn ecosystem.
With the clock ticking, there’s no better moment to act. Join the BTFD Coin presale before it’s too late and secure your spot in one of the most promising projects of 2025. The Bulls are charging—don’t get left behind!
Find Out More:
Website: https://www.btfd.io/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/BTFD_COIN
Telegram: https://t.me/btfd_coin
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| 2024-12-16T06:44:48Z
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Photo Credit: Samsung
Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2025 will take place early next year, according to a tipster's claims on social media. The annual event is speculated to bear witness to the launch of the purported Samsung Galaxy S25 series, which might follow past trends and comprise three models — the standard Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, and Galaxy S25 Ultra. Further, the South Korean technology conglomerate is also tipped to provide a glimpse at Project Moohan, its first extended reality (XR) headset.
In a post on X formerly Twitter), tipster Alvin (@sondesix) claimed Samsung will hold its Galaxy Unpacked 2025 event on January 22, 2025. The annual event is expected to kick off at 10 am PT (11:30 pm IST) at the company's headquarters in San Jose, California.
Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2025
— Alvin (@sondesix) December 14, 2024
📅 : January 22nd, 2025
🕙 : 10 a.m. PT
📍 : San Jose, California
Devices to be announced:
• Galaxy S25
• Galaxy S25+
• Galaxy S25 Ultra
• "Project "Moohan" XR headset teaser pic.twitter.com/EODr2h4A99
This leak corroborates a previously reported timeline that suggested January 23 as the most likely date of the Galaxy Unpacked event. Notably, Samsung held its Unpacked event on January 17 this year when it took the wraps off the Galaxy S24 series.
As per the tipster, Samsung will launch its purported Galaxy S25 series, expected to be one of the standout announcements, at the event. The smartphone lineup is said to comprise Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+ and the Galaxy S25 Ultra models.
Further, the South Korean company may provide a teaser for its XR headset that was announced last week. Dubbed Project Moohan, it is claimed to be equipped with state-of-the-art displays, passthrough capabilities, and support for multi-modal input.
As per previous leaks, the price of the base Samsung Galaxy S25 may start at $799 (roughly Rs. 67,000) for the 12GB+128GB variant. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S25+ is said to have 256GB storage as standard and its price may begin at $999 (roughly Rs. 84,000). The top-of-the-line Galaxy S25 Ultra is still speculated to have 12GB+256GB as its base configuration, which may cost $1,299 (roughly Rs. 1,10,000).
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https://www.gadgets360.com/mobiles/news/galaxy-unpacked-2025-date-venue-expected-launches-samsung-7258491
| 2024-12-16T06:44:48Z
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Charlotte Transfer Kicker Kyle Cunanan Commits to Cal
Charlotte transfer place-kicker Kyle Cunanan announced on social media on Sunday that he has commted to Cal for next season.
Cunanan, a sophomore, shared the placekicking chores with Stephen Rusnak this past season wth Charlotte, and neither one of them missed a feld goal attempt all season. Cunanan was the 49ers kcker for the first two games, and was 2-for-2 on field goals, although neither was longer than 31 yards.
In the third game, he was then replaced by Rusnak, who was 11-for-11 with a long of 54 yards over the next nine games.
Cunanan then returned as the kicker in the final game against UAB and made all three of his field-goal attempts, although none was longer than 31 yards.
Boh Cunanan and Rusnak entered the transfer portal after he season.
Cunanan was 5-for-5 on feld goal atempts with a long of 31 yards in 2024, and he was 9-for-15 with a long of 49 yards as a freshman in 2023.
Freshman Derek Morris ended up doing most of the place-kickng for Cal this season. He was 10-for-13 on field-goal atempts ths season with a long of 46 yards. But he mssed his final two field goals of the season -- a 48-yard attempt against Syracuse and a 38-yard attempt against SMU. He also mssed a 28-yard field goal with 1:34 left against North Carolina State that would have given Cal the lead.
Redshirt senior Ryan Coe began he season as Cal's place-kicker, but he struggled early in the season and was used only on long field-goal attempts late in the season. He wound up 13-for-21 on feld-goal tries, but he made two 54-yard field goals against Wake Forest and a 53-yarder against SMU. He will be out of college eligibiliy after Wednesday's LA Bowl.
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https://www.si.com/college/cal/football/charlotte-transfer-kicker-kyle-cunanan-commits-to-cal-01jf6waza64m
| 2024-12-16T06:44:50Z
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The Arjun features a 120 mm main rifled gun, one 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, and a 12.7 mm machine gun. It is powered by a single MTU multi-fuel diesel engine rated at 1,400 hp, and can achieve a maximum speed of 70 km/h and a cross-country speed of 40 km/h.
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https://www.indiatimes.com/boyz-toyz/weapons/arjun-mbt-104768.html
| 2024-12-16T06:44:51Z
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LeBron James returns in Lakers' victory over Grizzlies after 2-game absence
LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James returned to the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night in a 116-10 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies after a two-game break.
James is fighting a left foot injury and and was away from the team most of last week because of personal reasons.
James did not play last Sunday against Portland or Friday night at Minnesota. The Lakers announced about 45 minutes before tip-off against Memphis that James' status had been upgraded from questionable to available.
James had 18 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and five turnovers in 34 minutes.
“I felt pretty good,” James said. “It's very rare throughout the course of the season where you can take advantage of the schedule, and I was able to do that the past week.”
The Lakers described James' time away as an excused absence while noting that he's also been managing some left foot pain. Lakers coach JJ Redick revealed before the game with Memphis that he and the four-time NBA MVP met on the day of the Portland game to discuss his plan for a break.
“When I talked to him earlier this week, I think I said something along those lines, just hoping that he was getting a good mind and body reset," Redick said in his pregame availability Sunday. "He said he felt like he was."
James is the NBA's oldest player and turns 40 on Dec. 30. Including playoffs, no player in league history has appeared in more games or played more minutes than James — who is in his 22nd season, tying Vince Carter for the NBA record.
“I felt my foot, felt my body....I did my pregame workout on that Sunday for the Portland game and decided it was probably best if I took that day off,” James said. “I had the opportunity to take more days and get my mind, body and just everything where I wanted to be for tonight, and it worked out.”
Redick indicated that he could appreciate if James felt the need for a few days off.
“I played 15 (years) and was emotionally, mentally, physically drained, fried," Redick said. "I put everything I had into this game. I had nothing left. For guys like him and (Chris Paul), the Tom Brady's of the world, the Roger Federer's of the world, it's hard to comprehend having that level of sustained excellence for so long because of the toll that it takes on all of you, not just your body.”
James said he spent most of his time away rehabbing his foot and training to stay in game shape.
“It was a very easy decision for myself and for the team and for my trainer to be able to take advantage of those days, just for everything,” James said. “It was great.”
James is averaging 23 points, 9.1 assists and eight rebounds this season. He also has seven triple-doubles, second-most in the NBA behind Denver's Nikola Jokic.
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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
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https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/lakers-announce-lebron-james-available-021035904.html
| 2024-12-16T06:44:52Z
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Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus, who heads the caretaker government installed after an August revolution, said Monday that general elections would be held late next year or in early 2026.
Pressure has been growing on Nobel Peace Prize winner Yunus — appointed the country’s “chief adviser” after the student-led uprising that toppled ex-premier Sheikh Hasina in August — to set a date.
The 84-year-old microfinance pioneer is leading a temporary administration to tackle what he has called the “extremely tough” challenge of restoring democratic institutions in the South Asian nation of about 170 million people.
“Election dates could be fixed by the end of 2025 or the first half of 2026,” he said in a broadcast on state television.
Hasina, 77, fled by helicopter to neighbouring India as thousands of protesters stormed the prime minister’s palace in Dhaka.
Hundreds of people were killed in the weeks before Hasina’s ouster, most by police gunfire.
Scores more died in the hours after her toppling, largely in reprisal killings against prominent supporters of her Awami League party.
Her government was also accused of politicising courts and the civil service, as well as staging lopsided elections, to dismantle democratic checks on its power.
Hasina’s 15-year rule saw widespread human rights abuses, including the mass detention and extrajudicial killings of her political opponents.
– ‘Voting rights’ –
Yunus has launched commissions to oversee a raft of reforms he says are needed and setting an election date depends on what political parties agree.
“Throughout, I have emphasised that reforms should take place first before the arrangements for an election,” he said.
“If the political parties agree to hold the election on an earlier date with minimum reforms, such as having a flawless voter list, the election could be held by the end of November,” he added.
But including the full list of electoral reforms would delay polls by a few months, he said.
Key among the reforms needed is an updated voter list, a “complex” challenge after years of turbulent democratic processes, requiring both the stripping of false names from lists and registering first-time voters in a rapidly growing youth population, he said.
Yunus said he dreamed of “ensuring 100 percent voter turnout” in polls.
“If this can be achieved, no government will ever dare to strip citizens of their voting rights again,” he said.
Bangladesh last held general elections in January when Hasina celebrated victory — poll denounced as neither free nor fair and boycotted by rivals after a crackdown during which thousands of opposition party members were arrested.
Former opposition groups, such as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), are now rebuilding after years of repression under Hasina
AFP
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https://punchng.com/elections-to-hold-2025-or-2026-says-bangladeshs-yunus/?utm_source=rss.punchng.com&utm_medium=web
| 2024-12-16T06:44:54Z
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Missouri Women's Basketball on Five Game Win Streak: The Buzz, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024
Tiger's women's basketball secured its fifth straight win of the season, improving its record to 10-3. Missouri led in the first quarter 24-22 and continued through halftime with a 35-34 lead. After halftime, Missouri improved its lead to 56-46 heading into the fourth quarter.
Graduate point guard De'Myla Brown had a season-high of 13 points including three rebounds and two steals. Heading into halftime Brown scored to give Missouri a 35-34 lead.
Head coach Robin Pingeton has led the Tigers to their first five consecutive victories since the 2022 season. Next, the Tigers will host Oral Roberts at home on Wednesday, December 18, at 6 p.m. The game will be available on SEC Network+.
Today's Schedule
- There are no games scheduled for today.
Mizzou Results
- Women's basketball: Missouri (10-3) 78, Lipscomb (6-4) 57
Did you notice?
Read more Missouri Tigers news:
2025 Missouri Tigers Football Offseason Tracker: Coming and Going
Three Transfer Portal Options for Mizzou at the Quarterback Position
Report: Mizzou Football Makes First Splash in Transfer Portal with WR
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| 2024-12-16T06:44:56Z
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South Korea Displays Military Might
South Korea displayed its sophisticated weapons at the country's biggest Armed Forces Day ceremony in a decade.
South Korea displayed its sophisticated weapons at the country's biggest Armed Forces Day ceremony in a decade.
South Korean Hyunmu-3 cruise missiles are displayed during a ceremony marking the 65th anniversary of Armed Forces Day at a military airport near Seoul, in Seongnam, South Korea, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013. South Korea displayed the domestically-built missiles capable of hitting all parts of North Korea and other sophisticated weapons at the country's biggest Armed Forces Day ceremony in a decade. Photo: AP
More than 11 thousand troops participated in this year's ceremony while about 300 of the latest air and ground military equipment were showcased. Getty Images
South Korean Marine's armor vehicles parade during the 65th South Korea Armed Forces Day ceremony at Seongnam Military Airbase on October 1, 2013 in Seongnam, South Korea. Photo: Getty Images
South Korean military parade during the 65th South Korea Armed Forces Day ceremony at Seongnam Military Airbase on October 1, 2013 in Seongnam, South Korea. Photo: Getty Images
ore than 11 thousand troops participated in this year's ceremony while about 300 of the latest air and ground military equipment were showcased. Photo: Getty Images
South Korean military parade during the 65th South Korea Armed Forces Day ceremony at Seongnam Military Airbase on October 1, 2013 in Seongnam, South Korea. Getty Images
Israeli-made Spike missiles are displayed during a street parade marking the 65th anniversary of the Armed Forces Day in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013. Photo: AP
South Korean mechanized unit personnel riding on their armored vehicles parade during the 65th anniversary of the Armed Forces Day ceremony at Seoul military airport in Seongnam, South Korea, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013. Photo: AP
South Korean military's heavy armored vehicles parade on a street with the country's landmark Sungnyemun Gate in the background during a street parade marking the 65th anniversary of the Armed Forces Day in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013. Photo: AP
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https://www.indiatimes.com/boyz-toyz/weapons/south-korea-displays-military-might-104758.html
| 2024-12-16T06:44:57Z
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LeBron James returns from absence, foot injury to help lead Lakers past Grizzlies
LeBron James finished just shy of a triple-double while leading the Lakers to a 116-110 win over the Grizzlies on Sunday night
After missing two games with a foot injury, LeBron James returned to the lineup on Sunday night and led the Los Angeles Lakers to a win like nothing had happened.
James finished just shy of a triple-double and seemed largely back to his old self in the Lakers’ 116-110 win over the Memphis Grizzlies at Crypto.com Arena. He had 18 points, eight assists and eight rebounds in the win.
James first missed last Sunday’s win over the Portland Trail Blazers with a store foot. James then missed time at practice last week, including one that was labeled simply for “personal reasons.” He did not play in Friday’s loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves either, and coach JJ Redick didn’t seem to have an idea as to when he’d be back on the floor.
But before the game, Redick revealed that he and James spoke about the star taking time off to recover from his left foot injury — which is something that sounded like was much-needed.
“I played 15 [seasons] and was emotionally, mentally, physically drained, fried. I put everything I had into this game,” Redick said, via the Los Angeles Times. “I had nothing left. For guys like him and [Chris Paul], Tom Bradys of the world, the Roger Federers of the world, it’s hard to comprehend having that level of sustained excellence for so long, because of the toll that it takes on all of you, not just your body.”
The Lakers, who built up a 20-point lead at one point in the third quarter, appeared as if they were going to cruise to a dominant win on Sunday night. But the game nearly flipped completely when star big man Anthony Davis went down with a shoulder injury during that period after he collided with Grizzlies center Zach Edey.
Davis left the game briefly for the locker room, and the Grizzlies almost immediately cut the game to single digits. They ended the third quarter on a 16-5 run after Davis left the game, too.
But Davis returned to the game in the fourth quarter to close out the wire-to-wire win. He matched season-highs with 40 points and 16 rebounds for the Lakers. Austin Reaves finished with 19 points and eight assists. Those two and James were the only Lakers players to hit double figures.
Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with 25 points in the loss. Ja Morant finished with 20 points, seven rebounds and six assists, and Edey finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds off the bench. The loss snapped a four-game win streak for Memphis, which now sits at 18-9 on the season.
The Lakers improved to 14-12 with the win, which was just their second in their last six games. Even though his sudden absence may have been concerning, James insisted after the game that he was in a good place health-wise. After taking a week off, and with the Lakers not due to play again until Thursday when they take on the Sacramento Kings, he should be good to go.
“I feel pretty good,” James said, via The Associated Press’ Tim Reynolds. “It’s very rare throughout a season when you can take advantage of a schedule and I was able to do that over the past week.”
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https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/lebron-james-returns-from-absence-foot-injury-to-help-lead-lakers-past-grizzlies-062817124.html
| 2024-12-16T06:44:59Z
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SCOA Nigeria Plc has rejected recent media reports criticising the appointment of its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Massad Boulos, as Senior Adviser on Arab and Middle East Affairs to the United States President-elect Donald Trump, describing them as “baseless and misguided.”
The firm called the attacks a smear campaign driven by individuals who were unaware of his significant achievements in business and leadership, unfairly targeting his professional accomplishments and character.
Boulos, a Lebanese-American businessman and father-in-law to Trump’s daughter, Tiffany, has been under scrutiny since his nomination.
But providing more answers, the Non-Executive Independent Director and Chairman of Audit Committee, SCOA Nigeria Plc, Mr Magnus Onyibe, in a statement on Sunday, described the conglomerate owner as a highly accomplished businessman with a proven track record of delivering exceptional results across various industries.
The statement titled, “Celebrating the Legacy of Mr Massad Boulos’s Leadership at SCOA Nigeria Plc”, highlighted Boulos’s pivotal role in steering the company to its current status as a key player in Nigeria’s industrial and economic sectors.
He added that the serial investor is an expert at executing complex international transactions and facilitating trade between Nigeria, France, and Germany.
The statement read in part, “Recent media criticisms questioning the breadth of experience and business acumen of Mr Massad Boulos, the incoming Senior Adviser on Arab and Middle East Affairs to US President-elect Donald Trump, are not only misguided but also dismissive of the remarkable track record of both the man and the companies he has been instrumental in nurturing.
“Contrary to unfounded claims in certain media outlets, the suggestion that Mr Boulos is not a billionaire is both baseless and misleading. As President-elect Donald Trump rightly described, Mr. Massad Boulos is a “deal-maker,” a characterisation grounded in fact.
“His proven ability to negotiate and execute complex international transactions has facilitated significant partnerships between Nigerian, German, and French businesses, delivering substantial value and mutual benefit.
“His ability to navigate the complexities of international commerce, exemplified by the supply of a significant fleet of trucks to Lafarge Africa through a tripartite arrangement between a logistics firm, GPC and Union Bank Plc, has earned him widespread recognition and respect.”
The statement further highlighted the activities of the businessman in Nigeria.
It continued, “Mr Boulos’s leadership has not only been vital to SCOA Plc’s achievements but also to the broader international business successes of the FADOUL Group.
“This is precisely the kind of experience and strategic vision he brings to his new role as Senior Adviser on Arab and Middle East Affairs to President-elect Trump.
“ The truth remains that Mr. Boulos played a pivotal role in mobilising the Arab-American and Middle Eastern-American vote, contributing significantly to the Trump-Vance victory—an achievement that underscores his political and organizational acumen.
“Efforts to denigrate Mr. Boulos’s qualifications and achievements are not only futile but also a disservice to the facts. Mr. Boulos’s expertise and accomplishments are well-suited for his new role, where he will undoubtedly deliver impactful results on behalf of President-elect Trump and the United States.”
Onyibe further explained that under Boulos’s leadership, SCOA Nigeria Plc has cemented its position as a leading supplier of trucks, power generators, agricultural equipment, and construction machinery.
He added that the company serves major clients, including Julius Berger, Lafarge Africa, Dangote Group, and others, supporting critical infrastructure projects like the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the Abuja-Kano highway.
According to him, SCOA has also played a role in transformative projects such as Eko Atlantic City, providing machinery essential to the development of the urban project set to host the world’s largest US. Embassy.
The statement continued, “For instance, SCOA Nigeria Plc, where Mr. Boulos serves as Managing Director/CEO, is far from being just another company. It is a formidable force in Nigeria’s industrial and economic landscape.
“With roots spanning over four decades, it holds the distinction of being the first European automotive assembly plant in Nigeria.
“In the 1970s, SCOA Nigeria PLC made a name for itself by assembling Peugeot 404 and then 504 pickup trucks at its assembly plant at Apapa, Lagos and service centre at its Lapal House facility on Lagos Island. Today, the company continues this proud legacy, assembling, distributing, and marketing M.A.N trucks and buses, power generators, tractors, agricultural equipment, industrial equipment and other heavy-duty construction and mining machinery critical to Nigeria’s key sectors.
“SCOA Nigeria PLC’s clients include some of the most prominent and respected names in Nigeria’s construction industry, such as Julius Berger—widely regarded as the nation’s leading construction firm—Lafarge Africa PLC, a major cement producer, the Chagoury Group, renowned for developing the prestigious Banana Island, a premier residential enclave in Lagos, the DANGOTE Group, and many others. “
It added, “Beyond trucks, SCOA Nigeria Plc is a trusted supplier of concrete, road construction and mining equipment, partnering with leading infrastructure companies to drive Nigeria’s development. For example, Julius Berger relies heavily on SCOA’s equipment for large-scale projects, including the 376km Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano highway and the 43.6km Lagos-Shagamu stretch of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the Abuja-Kano Highway.
“Similarly, Hi-Tech Construction, currently working on the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Lagos-Badagry-Sokoto road network, depends significantly on SCOA Plc for the machinery and technology required to execute these ambitious projects, aimed at enhancing connectivity and trade across Nigeria’s southern, central, and northern regions.
“SCOA PLC has also been instrumental in the development of Eko Atlantic City, a groundbreaking urban project built on reclaimed land from the Atlantic Ocean.
“This visionary initiative, designed to address Lagos’s urbanization challenges and promote sustainable development, has been made possible in part by state-of-the-art machinery supplied by SCOA. Notably, Eko Atlantic City is set to host the United States Embassy, projected to be the largest of its kind globally upon completion, further underscoring the strategic importance of this landmark project.
“SCOA Nigeria Plc’s impact extends beyond Nigeria’s shores. As a member of the FADOUL Group – one of the largest and most successful family-owned businesses in Africa – its influence spans across West and Central Africa.”
He noted that SCOA Nigeria Plc’s influence extends beyond the country’s borders as part of the FADOUL Group, adding that it is multinational conglomerate valued at over $1bn.
Established in 1966, the group operates across West and Central Africa, employing over 20,000 people and contributing to regional economic growth.
“This legacy highlights the scale and scope of the operations under Mr. Boulos’s leadership,” the statement concluded.
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https://punchng.com/scoa-defends-boulos-on-trumps-appointment/?utm_source=rss.punchng.com&utm_medium=web
| 2024-12-16T06:45:00Z
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Anthony Davis scores 40 points, LeBron James has 18 in return to help Lakers beat Grizzlies, 116-110
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Anthony Davis had 40 points and 16 rebounds, LeBron James added 18 points in his return and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Memphis Grizzlies 116-110 on Sunday night.
James also had eight rebounds, eight assists and five turnovers in 34 minutes after missing the previous two games because of a left foot injury. He was away from the team most of last week due to personal reasons.
Austin Reaves scored 19 points for Los Angeles. The Lakers never trailed and led by 23 points in the second half.
Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 25 points for Memphis, which had won four in a row. Ja Morant had 20 points, Zach Edey added 13 points and 10 rebounds and Luke Kennard had 12 points.
Takeaways
Grizzlies: Memphis entered as the NBA’s highest-scoring offense but trailed 64-46 at the half and was down by at least two possessions the entire second half.
Lakers: James’ return energized Los Angeles, but Davis continues to carry the team. The 31-year-old power forward had 22 points and 10 rebounds in the first half. He briefly left in the third quarter because of shoulder injury, then returned in the fourth and scored 12 critical points down the stretch.
Key moment
James scored his first points on a running one-handed dunk just over two minutes into the first quarter. He followed immediately with a block and added tip-in basket on the Lakers’ ensuing offensive possession to give Los Angeles a 9-2 lead.
Key stat
Davis has had at least 30 points and 10 rebounds in three of his last four games.
Up next
Both teams are back in action Thursday night. The Grizzlies host Golden State, and the Lakers are at Sacramento.
___
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://kstp.com/associated-press/ap-national-sports/anthony-davis-scores-40-points-lebron-james-has-18-in-return-to-help-lakers-beat-grizzlies-116-110/
| 2024-12-16T06:45:00Z
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Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus, who heads the caretaker government installed after an August revolution, said Monday that general elections would be held late next year or in early 2026.
Pressure has been growing on Nobel Peace Prize winner Yunus — appointed the country’s “chief adviser” after the student-led uprising that toppled ex-premier Sheikh Hasina in August — to set a date.
The 84-year-old microfinance pioneer is leading a temporary administration to tackle what he has called the “extremely tough” challenge of restoring democratic institutions in the South Asian nation of some 170 million people.
“Election dates could be fixed by the end of 2025 or the first half of 2026,” he said in a broadcast on state television.
Hasina, 77, fled by helicopter to neighbouring India as thousands of protesters stormed the prime minister’s palace in Dhaka.
Her government was also accused of politicising courts and the civil service, as well as staging lopsided elections, to dismantle democratic checks on its power.
Hasina’s 15-year rule saw widespread human rights abuses, including the mass detention and extrajudicial killings of her political opponents.
Yunus has launched commissions to oversee a raft of reforms he says are needed, and setting an election date depends on what political parties agree.
“Throughout, I have emphasised that reforms should take place first before the arrangements for an election,” he said.
“If the political parties agree to hold the election on an earlier date with minimum reforms, such as having a flawless voter list, the election could be held by the end of November,” he added.
But including the full list of electoral reforms would delay polls by a few months, he said.
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https://www.digitaljournal.com/news/bangladesh-to-hold-elections-in-late-2025-or-early-2026-yunus/article
| 2024-12-16T06:45:00Z
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7 familiar names on NRL train and trial deals including Super League icon’s son
There’s a heap of young players on train and trial contracts with NRL clubs ahead of next season, trying to prove their worth so they can potentially feature in first-grade in 2025.
From international players to sons of Super League icons: there are several names on the NRL train and trial lists that may be familiar to British rugby league fans, too.
Let’s get into them, shall we?
Cooper Bai – Gold Coast Titans
English fans will certainly recognise the surname here, with Titans train and trialist Cooper Bai being none other than the son of former Bradford Bulls and Leeds Rhinos winger Marcus Bai.
Marcus actually first came over to England in 1996 with Hull FC: but it was at Leeds and Bradford where he really became a household name in England, winning a Super League title and Challenge Cup with the Rhinos and a World Club Challenge title with the Bulls.
Cooper has also gone on record in saying he wants to follow in his father’s footsteps in representing Papua New Guinea on the international stage one day.
Peter Hola – Dolphins
British rugby league fans might be familiar with the name because Hola has been linked with a move to Super League several times over the last couple of years: but the move has never materialised.
The Australia-born prop, who was raised in New Zealand and is of Tongan heritage, has 15 appearances in the NRL to his name – 12 for North Queensland Cowboys and three for Canberra Raiders. Hola is currently on a train and trial with the Dolphins.
LRL RECOMMENDS: History-making England star agrees long-term contract in Australia after starring in NRLW
Morgan Harper – Melbourne Storm
Harper is probably one of the most high-profile names who is on a train and trial contract in the NRL ahead of next season.
The Kiwi centre has 64 first-grade appearances to his name, having played for Parramatta Eels and Manly Sea Eagles since making his NRL debut for Canterbury Bulldogs back in 2019.
A Māori All Stars representative, Harper is another player who has been linked with Super League in the past but never made the move. He is currently training with Melbourne.
Kyle Pickering – Cronulla Sharks
Not many British rugby league fans may have heard of Pickering: but the international rugby league gurus out there will have.
Why’s that? Well, Pickering has actually played on British soil before, having played for Italy in the Rugby League World Cup back in 2022, representing his Italian heritage against his birth nation Australia in St Helens.
Pickering is currently on a train and trial with Cronulla as he seeks his NRL debut.
TRANSFER NEWS: Brisbane Broncos half-back offered to Super League clubs in shock recruitment move
Morea Morea – North Queensland Cowboys
Morea Morea: so good they named him twice!
The 23-year-old made his international debut for his native Papua New Guinea in this year’s Pacific Championships, scoring a try in their 42-20 win over the Cook Islands in Port Moresby. He was actually 18th man for the Test, but was allowed to come on following head injury protocols to his team-mates.
Morea is an exciting player: and his dazzling performance for the Kumuls has seemingly earned him a shot with the Cowboys.
Jaxson Rahme – Wests Tigers
Any more of you internationalistas out there? Well, here is another one for you…
Lebanon international Rahme is on a train and trial with the Tigers as he aims to make his NRL breakthrough in 2025.
Rahme was born and raised in Australia but is of Lebanese heritage. He made his international debut for Lebanon in the Rugby League World Cup in 2022, representing the Cedars against Ireland, Jamaica and Australia.
DON’T MISS: Super League clubs alerted to surprise Las Vegas recruitment opportunity
Jett Cleary – New Zealand Warriors
We think you may recognise the surname, potentially…
Jett (what a name, by the way) is the younger brother of NRL superstar Nathan Cleary and the son of Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary.
Jett will start his own NRL journey via a train and trial contract with the Warriors before moving onto a development deal in 2026.
Cleary was born in Auckland on April 2, 2005, just as his father Ivan was beginning his role as an assistant coach with the Warriors before becoming head coach in 2006. The Cleary DNA is rugby league through and through.
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https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/nrl-train-trial-deals-2025-including-super-league-icon-son
| 2024-12-16T06:45:00Z
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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.
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https://www.kdlg.org/2024-12-15/drones-in-new-jersey-skies-something-or-nothing
| 2024-12-16T06:45:00Z
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Rats can have fun too
People aren’t the only ones who love to go for a drive. Rats do, too.
“I’m a neuroscientist who taught rats to drive − their joy suggests how anticipating fun can enrich human life,” writes Kelly Lambert for The Conversation. “My colleagues and I found that rats could learn to drive forward by grasping a small wire that acted like a gas pedal. Before long, they were steering with surprising precision to reach a Froot Loop treat… Unexpectedly, we found that the rats had an intense motivation for their driving training, often jumping into the car and revving the ‘lever engine’ before their vehicle hit the road. Why was that?” Read the research at theconversation.com.
Going to the pigs
In the lowlands of Hawaii, things are going to pigs. Feral pigs have invaded six of the state’s islands with shocking efficiency and left a path of overwhelmed ecosystems in their wake. “Their impact is profound on Kaua‘i. Its mountains are home to 255 unique native plant species and 208 native birds, including 11 found nowhere else on Earth,” reports Brendan Borrell of Hakai magazine. “Their wallows breed mosquitoes that spread avian malaria, contributing to 10 of Kaua‘i’s 16 native honeycreepers [birds] going extinct… Despite the damage that feral pigs are causing, you can’t just shoot them on sight…”
The amazing serviceberry tree
Like humans, a tree species has a history. The serviceberry tree was once common in the United States, particularly in colonial New England, where its bloom cycle indicated when the soil was soft enough to begin digging graves for the many settlers who didn’t make it through the winter. “Preachers then went from settlement to settlement to perform funeral services,” writes Jessica Damiano of The Associated Press. “Because it’s one of the earliest spring bloomers, the serviceberry is an important food source for bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Later, its berries sustain dozens of bird species and mammals… There are more than 20 species of the North American native tree, which is sadly underused.” Here are four favorites.
Be grateful to animals
Whether it’s that hefty frozen turkey, a delectable ham or ground lamb ready to be transformed into meatballs, the holidays can be a special time to be thankful for the meat on our tables. As an act of gratefulness for farm animals, a donation to an animal charity that works to make the lives of factory animals better may be in order. “Animal Charity Evaluators, a California-based nonprofit, puts out an annual guide for recommended animal charities,” report Sigal Samuel and Kenny Torrella of Vox. “ACE researches and promotes the most high-impact, effective ways to help animals.”
We love a comeback
Americans love a comeback, especially when the returning member is cute, social and unique. “The red-cockaded woodpecker, an iconic bird in southeastern forests, has recovered enough of its population to be downlisted from an endangered species to a threatened one,” reports Christina Larson of The Associated Press. Will Harlan of the nonprofit Center for Biological Diversity, told Larson, “It’s an amazing bird that has an unusual communal nesting structure. All nests usually cluster in the same tree, and the birds stick together as a family unit.”
Hazelnut trees poised to flourish
Hazelnut trees are poised to flourish where they once died by the thousands. “Bullied by blight, the filbert has long failed to find a home on farms in the eastern U.S.,” of Ambrook Research. “All across the eastern United States, hazelnuts had been cut down by Eastern filbert blight, or EFB, an endemic disease that chokes life from a tree… But now, after nearly three decades of developing a way for farmers to overcome EFB… A collection of four cultivars, [was] released in 2020, that can withstand even the intense pressure on [a] New Jersey research farm, where numerous strains of the blight are present.”
Learning more about wolves
New AI tracking technology is making it easier for wolves and ranchers near Yellowstone Park to coexist. “After 30 years of using traditional boots-on-the-ground observations, researchers are collecting wolf calls in hopes of honing population estimates, tracking wolves without using radio collars, and reducing conflict between the animals and ranchers,” reports Devin Farmiloe of The Washington Post. “Learning more about how wolves communicate from a young age can shed light on pack dynamics that wildlife managers can use to better track and protect the species.”
This article appeared first in the Rural Blog, a digest of events, trends, issues, ideas and journalism from and about rural America, by the Institute for Rural Journalism, based at the University of Kentucky.
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https://nkytribune.com/2024/12/flora-fauna-roundup-joyrides-for-rats-feral-pigs-in-hawaii-serviceberry-trees-comeback-bird-wolves/
| 2024-12-16T06:45:00Z
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WVU Bowl History: Bowl-by-Bowl Results
The West Virginia University football program will make its 41st bowl appearance in the Frisco Bowl Tuesday night. The Mountaineers are 17-23 all-time in bowl games.
WVU BOWL HISTORY
2023 (9-4)
Dukes Mayo Bowl (Charlotte, NC, 12/27/23) vs. North Carolina W 30-10
2021 (6-7)
Guaranteed Rate Bowl (Pheonix, AZ, 12/28/21) vs. Minnesota L 6-18
2020 (6-4)
AutoZone Liberty Bowl (Memphis, TN, 12/31/20) vs. Army W 24-21
2018 (8-4)
Camping World Bowl (Orlando, FL, 12/28/18) vs. No. 17 Syracuse L 18-34
2017 (7-6)
Heart of Dallas Bowl (Dallas, TX, 12/26/17) vs. Utah L 14-30
2016 (10-3)
Russell Athletic Bowl (Miami, FL, 12/28/16) vs. Miami L 14-31
2015 (8-5)
Cactus Bowl (Pheonix, AZ, 1/2/16) vs. Arizona State W 43-42
2014 (7-6)
Liberty Bowl (Memphis, TN, 12/29/14) vs. Texas A&M L 37-45
2012 (7-6)
Pinstripe Bowl (Bronx, NY, 12/29/12) vs. Syracuse L 14-38
2011 (10-3)
Orange Bowl (Miami Gardens, FL, 1/4/12) vs. No. 14 Clemson W 70-33
2010 (9-4)
Champs Sports Bowl (Orlando, FL, 12/28/10) vs. NC State L 7-23
2009 (9-4)
Gator Bowl (Jacksonville, FL, 1/1/10) vs. Florida State L 21-33
2008 (9-4)
Meineke Car Care Bowl (12/27/08) vs. North Carolina W 31-30
2007 (11-2)
Fiesta Bowl (Glendale, AZ, 1/2/08) vs. No. 3 Oklahoma W 48-28
2006 (11-2)
Gator Bowl (Jacksonville, FL, 1/1/07) vs. Georgia Tech W 38-35
2005 (11-1)
Sugar Bowl (Atlanta, GA, 1/2/06) vs. No. 8 Georgia W 38-35
2004 (8-4)
Gator Bowl (Jacksonville, FL, 1/1/05) vs. No. 17 Florida State L 18-30
2003 (8-4)
Gator Bowl (Jacksonville, FL, 1/1/04) vs. No. 23 Maryland L 7-41
2002 (9-4)
Continental Tire Bowl (Charlotte, NC, 12/28/02) vs. Virginia L 22-48
2000 (7-5)
Music City (Nashville, TN, 12/28/00) vs. Ole Miss W 49-38
1998 (8-4)
Insight.com Bowl (Tucson, AZ, 12/26/98) vs. No. 23 Missouri L 31-34
1997 (7-5)
Carquest Bowl (Miami Gardens, FL) vs. Georgia Tech L 30-35
1996 (8-4)
Gator Bowl (Jacksonville, FL, 1/1/97) vs. No. 12 North Carolina L 13-20
1994 (7-6)
Carquest Bowl (Miami Gardens, FL 1/2/95) vs. South Carolina L 21-24
1993 (11-1)
Sugar Bowl (New Orleans, LA, 1/1/94) vs. No. 8 Florida L 7-41
1989 (8-3-1)
Gator Bowl (Jacksonville, FL, 12/30/89) vs. No. 14 Clemson L 7-27
1988 (11-1)
Fiesta Bowl (Tempe, AZ, 1/2/89) vs. No. 1 Notre Dame L 21-34
1987 (6-6)
Sun Bowl (El Paso, TX, 12/25/87) vs. No. 11 Oklahoma State L 33-35
1984 (8-4)
Bluebonnet Bowl (Houston, TX, 12/31/84) vs. TCU W 31-14
1983 (9-3)
Hall of Fame Classic (Birmingham, AL, 12/22/83) vs. Kentucky W 20-16
1982 (9-3)
Gator Bowl (Jacksonville, FL, 12/30/82) vs. Florida State L 12-31
1981 (9-3)
Peach Bowl (Atlanta, GA, 12/31/81) vs. Florida W 26-6
1975 (9-3)
Peach Bowl (Atlanta, GA, 12/31/75) vs. NC State W 13-10
1972 (8-4)
Peach Bowl (Atlanta, GA, 12/29/72) vs. NC State L 13-49
1969 (10-1)
Peach Bowl (Atlanta, GA, 12/30/69) vs. South Carolina W 14-3
1964 (7-4)
Liberty Bowl (Atlantic City, NJ, 12/19/64) vs. Utah L 6-32
1953 (8-2)
Sugar Bowl (New Orleans, LA, 1/1/54) vs. No. 8 Georgia Tech L 19-42
1948 (9-3)
Sun Bowl (El Paso, TX, 1/1/49) vs. UTEP W 21-12
1937 (8-1-1)
Sun Bowl (El Paso, TX, 1/1/38) vs. Texas Tech W 7-6
1922 (10-0-1)
San Diego East-West Christmas Classic (San Diego, CA, 12/25/22) vs. Gonzaga W 21-13
BOWL RECORDS
Bluebonnet Bowl 1-0
Cactus Bowl 1-0
Camping World Bowl 0-1
Carquest Bowl 0-2
Champs Sports Bowl 0-1
Continental Tire Bowl 0-1
Duke's Mayo Bowl 1-0
Fiesta Bowl 1-1
Gator Bowl 1-6
Guaranteed Rate Bowl 0-1
Hall of Fame Classic 1-0
Heart of Dallas Bowl 0-1
Insight.com Bowl 0-1
Liberty Bowl 1-2
Meineke Car Care Bowl 1-0
Music City Bowl 1-0
Orange Bowl 1-0
Peach Bowl 3-1
Pinstripe Bowl 0-1
Russell Athletic Bowl 0-1
San Diego East-West Christmas Classic 1-0
Sugar Bowl 1-2
Sun Bowl 2-1
BOWL OPPONENT RECORDS
Arizona State 1-0
Army 1-0
Clemson 1-1
Florida 1-1
Florida State 0-3
Gonzaga 1-0
Georgia 1-0
Georgia Tech 1-2
Kentucky 1-0
Maryland 0-1
Miami 0-1
Minnesota 0-1
Missouri 0-1
North Carolina 2-1
NC State 1-2
Notre Dame 0-1
Oklahoma 1-0
Oklahoma State 0-1
Ole Miss 1-0
South Carolina 1-1
Syracuse 0-2
Texas A&M 0-1
TCU 1-0
Texas Tech 1-0
Utah 0-2
UTEP 1-0
Virginia 0-1
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https://www.si.com/college/westvirginia/football/wvu-bowl-history-bowl-by-bowl-results-2024
| 2024-12-16T06:45:02Z
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Can Aamir Recreate 3 Idiots Magic?
Aamir Khan's next release after Dhoom 3 titled P.K will arrive in June 2014
The last time Aamir Khan and Rajkumar Hirani came together for a project, they rewrote box office history with 3 Idiots. The first film to enter the Rs 200 Crore club, 3 Idiots was India’s biggest blockbuster ever, until that record was recently broken by Shahrukh Khan’s Chennai Express.
While everyone expected Hirani to make the third Munnabhai film after 3 idiots, the director chose to reunite with 'Rancho', for yet another unconventional comedy with a social message.
Like all Aamir Khan films, there is tremendous secrecy around P.K and a lot of curiosity around Khan’s look in the film. Photos leaked from the sets suggest that Khan is all set to surprise his fans yet again with a maverick character.
As per earlier reports P.K was to open on Republic Day, but Salman Khan blocked that date for his home production Jai Ho, which is directed by Sohail Khan. Salman has also blocked EID for Kick, while Diwali and Christmas belong to SRK and Ranbir Kapoor who will arrive with Happy New Year and Bombay Velvet respectively.
However now the confusion over the release date is over, and P.K will arrive in cinemas on June 06 2014.
This gives perfectionist Aamir Khan a six-month break after his December 2013 release Dhoom 3, but he will not have the advantage of a festival date. However given Aamir and Hirani’s flawless record, the trade feels that the quality of the film will be enough to make sure it breaks opening records even without a lucrative release date.
So will P.K recreate the 3 Idiots magic? We shall find out in June 2014.
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https://www.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/aamir-khan-to-recreate-3-idiots-magic-in-june-2014_-104687.html
| 2024-12-16T06:45:03Z
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PHILIPPINES, December 16 -
Press Release
December 16, 2024
Sen. Robin Bill Reverts Devolved Agricultural Functions to National Government
With problems such as lack of funding and political interference keeping local government units from discharging basic agricultural functions, Sen. Robinhood "Robin" C. Padilla has filed a bill reverting such functions to the national government.
Padilla on Monday filed Senate Bill 2904, which amends Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code to ensure food security, poverty alleviation and social equity.
"Under the Local Government Code of 1991, agricultural support, extension and on-site research services and facilities were devolved to the LGUs. Years after the enactment of the LGC, studies from the agriculture and economy experts... revealed issues such as lack of funds and varying needs at the local government levels, resulting in varying standards for agricultural productivity and inconsistent implementation of agricultural policies and programs," Padilla said in his bill.
He said a 2020 study by University of the Philippines Los Banos Prof. Dario Cidro noted several problems in the devolution of agricultural extension:
* inability to discharge functions of extension workers probably due to lack of funding
* partisan politics and political interference
* in some cases, lack of support from local chief executives
"Cognizant of the issues that have plagued the agriculture sector for so long, Senate President Sen. Francis 'Chiz' Escudero renewed his interest to push for the renationalization of agricultural services and facilities," Padilla said.
The bill amends the Local Government Code to remove agricultural support services from the barangay; and extension and on-site research services from the municipality and provincial levels.
It reverts the devolved agricultural services and facilities to the national government through the Department of Agriculture, including agricultural support services, extension and on-site research services.
"All personnel, technicians, facilities and properties previously transferred to the barangay, municipalities, provinces and cities shall be transferred back to the National Government," it said.
Meanwhile, the National Agricultural and Fishery Council, in consultation with concerned sectors, shall identify the problems of the industry and recommend measures to enhance agricultural productivity.
Panukala ni Sen. Robinm Ibabalik sa Gobyerno ang Mga 'Devolved' na Agricultural Functions
Dahil balakid sa mga lokal na pamahalaan ang pagpapatupad ng serbisyong agrikultural ang problema tulad ng kakulangan ng pondo at pulitika, iminungkahi ni Sen. Robinhood "Robin" C. Padilla ang pagbalik ng mga serbisyong ito sa pambansang pamahalaan.
Ihinain ni Padilla nitong Lunes ang Senate Bill 2904, na aamyenda sa Republic Act 7160 (Local Government Code) upang matiyak ang food security, paglaban sa kahirapan, at pantay na panlipunan.
"Under the Local Government Code of 1991, agricultural support, extension and on-site research services and facilities were devolved to the LGUs. Years after the enactment of the LGC, studies from the agriculture and economy experts... revealed issues such as lack of funds and varying needs at the local government levels, resulting in varying standards for agricultural productivity and inconsistent implementation of agricultural policies and programs," ani Padilla sa kanyang panukala.
Aniya, may pag-aaral noong 2020 si University of the Philippines Los Banos Prof. Dario Cidro kung saan nakita ang mga problema sa pag-devolve ng agricultural extension:
* hindi matupad ang trabaho ng extension workers dahil sa kakulangan sa pondo * pamumulitika * sa ilang sitwasyon, ang kakulangan ng suporta mula sa lokal na opisyal
"Cognizant of the issues that have plagued the agriculture sector for so long, Senate President Sen. Francis 'Chiz' Escudero renewed his interest to push for the renationalization of agricultural services and facilities," ani Padilla.
Layon ng panukalang batas na amyendahan ang Local Government Code para alisin ang agricultural support services sa barangay; at ang extension at on-site research services sa municipality at provincial na lebel.
Ibabalik din nito ang na-devolve na agricultural services at facilities sa pambansang pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng Department of Agriculture, kabilang ang agricultural support services, extension at on-site research services.
"All personnel, technicians, facilities and properties previously transferred to the barangay, municipalities, provinces and cities shall be transferred back to the National Government," ayon sa panukala.
Ang National Agricultural and Fishery Council naman, sa pakikipagugnayan sa mga kinauukulang sektor, ang kikilala sa mga problema ng industriya at magrekomenda ng hakbangin para tiyakin ang agricultural productivity.
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https://www.einpresswire.com/article/769293101/sen-robin-bill-reverts-devolved-agricultural-functions-to-national-government
| 2024-12-16T06:45:03Z
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Wales boss Wilkinson wants 'best of best' at Euro 2025
Rhian Wilkinson says Wales want to play "the best of the best" as they prepare for a first major tournament appearance.
Wilkinson's side will find out their opponents at the 2025 European Championships, to be held in Switzerland, when the draw is made at 17:00 GMT on Monday, 16 December. It is available to watch on BBC Two, iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.
The head coach says Wales do not care who they are grouped with and will not be despondent if they draw one of the main candidates to win the tournament, such as defending champions England, World Cup winners Spain, or Olympic champions Germany.
"I'm in a perfect situation, which is that I don't care and I think that is the gift of it, being our first opportunity we get to walk into this experience fearless," Wilkinson told BBC Sport Wales.
"There are not many people that expect much from us, the people that expect the most are ourselves.
"And so would we like to face the best? Why wouldn't we?
"There was an off-hand comment about the Nations League A draw, someone said, 'I'm sure Wales are pleased they didn't get England'.
"I would've loved England. I mean why wouldn't I want the Spains, the Englands, Germanys? These are the top, top level of the women's game."
Wilkinson says she has complete faith her players will show they belong on the biggest stage and can surprise people.
"Yes, it is really challenging to get wins against some of these top teams but you can't get a better measure [of where you are at], and what an experience for my players," she said.
"My players need to go against them to recognise how good they are and also for the world to know how good they are.
"Once you see my players up against the best then you can really start valuing them for the level that they are.
"This is a special group and they want to compete against the best of the best."
Where and when will Euro 2025 be held?
Switzerland will host the 14th version of the Uefa Women's European Championship, with the opening game involving the hosts in Basel on 2 July - 199 days after Monday's draw.
The final will take place on 27 July back at St Jakob-Park – Switzerland's biggest football stadium with a capacity of 37,500.
Seven other stadiums will host games for the 2025 tournament, including grounds that staged games in the men's 2008 Euros such as the Stadion Wankdorf in Bern, Stade de Genève in Geneva and Stadion Letzigrund in Zurich.
How does the draw work?
Hosts Switzerland will be drawn automatically into the A1 spot, with the remaining teams from pot one drawn out to fill position one in groups B-D.
The remaining 12 teams will then be drawn per pot and allocated random spots 2-4 in each group. The group positions will then determine the order of matches.
Wales, as the lowest ranked side in the competition, will be in pot four.
When do Euro 2025 tickets go on sale and how can I buy them?
Euro 2025 tickets have already been on sale since 1 October 2024, with more than 250,000 tickets made available for all 31 matches of the tournament.
Around 120,000 additional tickets have been held back specifically for supporters of the national teams that have qualified - and they will be made available following the tournament draw on 16 December.
Tickets for all matches throughout the Euro 2025 tournament have been made available via the Women's Euro 2025 ticket website.
An official ticket resale platform is also due to be launched in spring 2025, allowing ticket holders to safely buy and sell official tickets at face value.
Where can I watch Euro 2025?
Every match of the Women's Euro 2025 tournament will be shown in the UK on either the BBC or ITV.
Alongside live TV coverage and highlights across the BBC and iPlayer, radio commentary will also be available on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, BBC Radio 5 Live and 5 Sports Extra.
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https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/wales-boss-wilkinson-wants-best-061121582.html
| 2024-12-16T06:45:05Z
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Taiwan has received 38 advanced M1A2 Abrams battle tanks from the United States as part of its ongoing effort to enhance military capabilities amid increasing tensions with China.
The tanks, which are the first of 108 ordered in 2019, were delivered late Sunday and are now stationed at an army training base in Hsinchu, near the capital, Taipei.
This delivery marks the first new tanks to be added to Taiwan’s military in three decades. The M1A2 Abrams are considered some of the most advanced and heavy tanks globally and will replace outdated models in Taiwan’s current tank force, which includes Taiwan-made CM 11 Brave Tigers and US-made M60A3s.
Taiwan’s reliance on US arms has grown as a means to deter potential Chinese aggression, with China maintaining its stance on reunification, potentially by force.
The arrival of these tanks is part of a larger order totaling more than $1.2 billion, with further shipments expected by 2025 and 2026.
Despite logistical delays, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and global arms supply challenges, Taiwan continues to increase its defense budget, with a record $19 billion allocated for 2024.
This development comes amidst rising military pressures from China, which regularly conducts military drills around Taiwan, including large-scale naval exercises in the region. Taiwan’s strategic military buildup, including the acquisition of the Abrams tanks, is aimed at strengthening its defense against any potential threats.
AFP
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https://punchng.com/taiwan-strengthens-security-with-us-made-battle-tanks/?utm_source=rss.punchng.com&utm_medium=web
| 2024-12-16T06:45:06Z
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LeBron James returns in Lakers’ victory over Grizzlies after 2-game absence
LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James returned to the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night in a 116-10 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies after a two-game break.
James is fighting a left foot injury and and was away from the team most of last week because of personal reasons.
James did not play last Sunday against Portland or Friday night at Minnesota. The Lakers announced about 45 minutes before tip-off against Memphis that James’ status had been upgraded from questionable to available.
James had 18 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and five turnovers in 34 minutes.
“I felt pretty good,” James said. “It’s very rare throughout the course of the season where you can take advantage of the schedule, and I was able to do that the past week.”
The Lakers described James’ time away as an excused absence while noting that he’s also been managing some left foot pain. Lakers coach JJ Redick revealed before the game with Memphis that he and the four-time NBA MVP met on the day of the Portland game to discuss his plan for a break.
“When I talked to him earlier this week, I think I said something along those lines, just hoping that he was getting a good mind and body reset,” Redick said in his pregame availability Sunday. “He said he felt like he was.”
James is the NBA’s oldest player and turns 40 on Dec. 30. Including playoffs, no player in league history has appeared in more games or played more minutes than James — who is in his 22nd season, tying Vince Carter for the NBA record.
“I felt my foot, felt my body….I did my pregame workout on that Sunday for the Portland game and decided it was probably best if I took that day off,” James said. “I had the opportunity to take more days and get my mind, body and just everything where I wanted to be for tonight, and it worked out.”
Redick indicated that he could appreciate if James felt the need for a few days off.
“I played 15 (years) and was emotionally, mentally, physically drained, fried,” Redick said. “I put everything I had into this game. I had nothing left. For guys like him and (Chris Paul), the Tom Brady’s of the world, the Roger Federer’s of the world, it’s hard to comprehend having that level of sustained excellence for so long because of the toll that it takes on all of you, not just your body.”
James said he spent most of his time away rehabbing his foot and training to stay in game shape.
“It was a very easy decision for myself and for the team and for my trainer to be able to take advantage of those days, just for everything,” James said. “It was great.”
James is averaging 23 points, 9.1 assists and eight rebounds this season. He also has seven triple-doubles, second-most in the NBA behind Denver’s Nikola Jokic.
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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://kstp.com/associated-press/ap-national-sports/lebron-james-returns-in-lakers-victory-over-grizzlies-after-2-game-absence/
| 2024-12-16T06:45:06Z
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Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus, who heads the caretaker government installed after an August revolution, said Monday that general elections would be held late next year or in early 2026.
Pressure has been growing on Nobel Peace Prize winner Yunus — appointed the country’s “chief adviser” after the student-led uprising that toppled ex-premier Sheikh Hasina in August — to set a date.
The 84-year-old microfinance pioneer is leading a temporary administration to tackle what he has called the “extremely tough” challenge of restoring democratic institutions in the South Asian nation of about 170 million people.
“Election dates could be fixed by the end of 2025 or the first half of 2026,” he said in a broadcast on state television.
Hasina, 77, fled by helicopter to neighbouring India as thousands of protesters stormed the prime minister’s palace in Dhaka.
Hundreds of people were killed in the weeks prior to Hasina’s ouster, most by police gunfire.
Scores more died in the hours after her toppling, largely in reprisal killings against prominent supporters of her Awami League party.
Her government was also accused of politicising courts and the civil service, as well as staging lopsided elections, to dismantle democratic checks on its power.
Hasina’s 15-year rule saw widespread human rights abuses, including the mass detention and extrajudicial killings of her political opponents.
– ‘Voting rights’ –
Yunus has launched commissions to oversee a raft of reforms he says are needed, and setting an election date depends on what political parties agree.
“Throughout, I have emphasised that reforms should take place first before the arrangements for an election,” he said.
“If the political parties agree to hold the election on an earlier date with minimum reforms, such as having a flawless voter list, the election could be held by the end of November,” he added.
But including the full list of electoral reforms would delay polls by a few months, he said.
Key among the reforms needed is an updated voter list, a “complex” challenge after years of turbulent democratic processes, requiring both the stripping of false names from lists, alongside registering first time voters in a rapidly growing youth population, he said.
Yunus said he dreamed of “ensuring 100 percent voter turnout” in polls.
“If this can be achieved, no government will ever dare to strip citizens of their voting rights again,” he said.
Bangladesh last held general elections in January when Hasina celebrated victory — poll denounced as neither free nor fair and boycotted by rivals after a crackdown during which thousands of opposition party members were arrested.
Former opposition groups, such as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), are now rebuilding after years of repression under Hasina.
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https://www.digitaljournal.com/news/bangladesh-to-hold-elections-in-late-2025-or-early-2026/article
| 2024-12-16T06:45:06Z
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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.
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https://www.kdlg.org/2024-12-15/learning-as-an-adult-can-be-hard-its-even-harder-on-a-balance-beam
| 2024-12-16T06:45:07Z
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By Patricia Scheyer
NKyTribune reporter
PARK HILLS
Councilmember Sarah Froelich again brought up the subject of having people sponsor legislation so that if council has questions about the legislation, they can go back to the author and ask what was meant.
Council member Pam Spoor felt that a lot of the legislation does not necessarily have an author; case in point, when a piece of legislation has already passed, but it needs to have an update. She said she has never seen the sponsorship done locally and she has been at hundreds of council meetings.
Attorney Daniel Braun said that the Kentucky League of Cities made some kind of indication that cities could do legislative sponsorship, but he said he has never seen it done, and he has looked at other cities and has not seen it done. He said the usual method is to discuss a matter at a caucus meeting, and if everyone decides that it should be an ordinance or an order then it comes up as such in the next regular meeting.
Froelich indicated that she has seen other cities clarify their regulations for sponsorship, but she did not name any cities for reference.
The second reading of an ordinance updating the abandoned urban property passed with one no vote from council member Froelich.
A municipal order allowing the purchase of a police vehicle passed with one no vote from Council member Froelich.
Council member Spoor led words of appreciation for Dr. Joe Daugherty’s service to the city, and that was followed by applause. Council also approved his appointment to be the TBNK representative from the city.
Council member Steve Elkin made the suggestion that the council meetings start at 6 pm instead of 7 pm, and though there was an immediate no to the suggestion from one council member, Elkins restated that he wanted discussion on the subject.
FT. MITCHELL
Stacee Hans and Nikki Boden from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet came to the Ft. Mitchell council meeting Monday evening to go over current plans for the Brent Spence Bridge project/Dixie Highway interchange. Much of the conversation included the Cabinet’s plans to put a roundabout off the I-75 exit in Ft Mitchell.
An ordinance was read for the first time confirming meeting dates for next year.
Six municipal orders passed which appointed people to committees and agencies. Alyson Roeding will serve on the OKI board, with Jude Hehman as alternate. Greg Pohlgeers will be the representative for PDS with Jude Hehman as the alternate. Jeff Dietrich will serve on the Telecommunications Board of Northern Kentucky, and Carol Buckout will be on the Ethics board. Glen Rice, Aimee Wulfeck, Jeff Epplen were appointed to the Park Board, and Bill Reis, Chris Zowtiak, and Keaton Brownstead will be on the Tree Committee.
Mayor Jude Hehman presented outgoing Council member Mike Stoeckle with a plaque for his 31 years of service to the city.
LAKESIDE PARK
New council member Cassi Schabell was sworn in at the Monday night meeting by Steve Rawlings. Her children, Violet, Dylan and Layla took part in the ceremony, holding the bible and watching their mom.
The other five members of council who were reelected, Mary Ann Thaman, Brian Waite, Tom Bernheimer, David Wolfer, and Dennis Landwehr were sworn in by Senator Chris McDaniel, who also congratulated Schabell.
Council passed a municipal order which approved a year end wage adjustment to each regular and part time employee of the city as of December 1.
Chris Korba from NKADD came to the meeting to talk to council about the organization, and inform them about what the organization does.
Jeff Schabell stood up at the citizens comments and asked Mayor Paul Markgraf and council who paid for the sidewalks on Applewood, North Ashbrook and South Ashbrook in the city. Mayor Markgraf said that the sidewalks were replaced at the time of the road repair because it was necessary to replace them at that time. Markgraf also apologized for saying that the sidewalks on Arcadia had been replaced at the time of the street repair there, saying he misspoke. Schabell asked the mayor, the attorney, and the council members to review how the taxpayer money has been spent on sidewalks in the city, and whether it has been spent equally for all the residents.
FLORENCE
The Florence Police Department introduced two new recruits Tuesday night, and Mayor Julie Aubuchon administered the oath of office to them while family members looked on. Austin Messer, 22, was a firefighter/paramedic, but decided to switch careers and he now lives in Florence. Jeffrey Morgan, 24, was an Army medic, and now lives in Union. Both men have started the online portion of the police training, and will soon leave for Richmond for the 18-week training course.
Chris Gunkel, president of the Boone County Pee Wee Athletic Association, came to the council meeting to give an update on the fields that the city has helped them fix. He reported that the new turf was installed by April of this year, and the new lights were in by May 31. He presented a ceremonial check to Mayor Aubuchon for their monthly payment on the loan which they have been paying since last year, when the city agreed to help them with the cost of repairing the fields and obtaining new lighting. That was also when the city annexed the remaining piece of property on Gridiron Lane, off Hopeful Church Road.
Tara Johnson-Noem, Executive Director of the Northern Kentucky Area Development District, came to talk to council about what the organization does, and how they can help people and cities.
Municipal orders were passed that reappointed Lois Evans and Duane Froelicher to the Florence Board of Adjustment and Zoning appeals for four year terms.
Council member Gary Winn was reappointed to the OKI Board of Directors.
KENTON COUNTY
Kenton County Police Chief Spike Jones presented the police Life Saving Award to Officer Travis Bryson, Officer Jacob Brown, OfficerJason Deacon, Sergeant Charles Duncan and Officer Michael Whitford for their actions on June 30 of this year when they respond to an accident where two people were ejected and ended up down a hill with potentially life threatening injuries. Even after the paramedics arrived they stayed to help the victims.
“I am very proud to recommend this Life Saving Award to Officers Bryson, Brown, Deacon, and Whitford, and Sergeant Duncan for their swift action and critical patient care,” said Chief Jones.
Judge Executive Kris Knochelmann praised the police for their actions.
Mitchell Deaton, president of the Enzweiler Building Institute, presented an award to the Fiscal court for the 2024 Partner of the Year recipient for their commitment of $3.59 million in order to help produce a more skilled workforce.
“My background is education, and I have always advocated that when we build new high schools in the state of Kentucky, there ought to be an adjoining vocational school, so at least you get exposure to some different kinds of things,” said Commissioner Draud. “I think it is an ideal kind of education, to get academic and vocational next door. I appreciate the work you all are doing.”
TAYLOR MILL
Police Chief James Mills introduced the two newest police officers, Trenton Bailey and Michael Lyon at the December Taylor Mill Commission meeting. Bailey is a new recruit, and Lyon used to work at Taylor Mill and now he is back. Chief Mills had told commissioners about the officers last month, but they were out on the road, so they were introduced Wednesday night.
Officer Billy Roberts was promoted to Sergeant, and his wife pinned the new badge on him. Sergeant John ‘Mac’ Vollet was promoted to Assistant Chief, but he is on vacation and was not present at the meeting.
Heather Cochran, CPA, presented the audit for the city. One of the major results she announced was that the city put $3 million back into the general fund this year. Mayor Dan Bell thanked Cochran for her work on the audit, and thanked the city’s staff, notably CAO Brian Haney and Treasurer Tonya Mohnen for keeping the city in line and achieving the increase in funds.
Commissioner Ed Kuehne thanked the other commissioners for working with him, since this was his last meeting as commissioner.
“I’ve been blessed to represent the city of Taylor Mill and its citizens for 14 years,” Kuehne said. “I say what I think, I listen to a lot of the community, but during my tenure here Pride Parkway was completed. The ambulance operation went from a basic BLS operation to a paramedic operation in both squads.We built the Trifecta. We are building a new fire station. I love this city, I will miss being on the commission but I know you do good work. I will attend the meetings and help whatever way I can. I will continue to speak my piece. Thank you to all the citizens of Taylor Mill.”
Applause followed.
Chris Courtney came to give commissioners an insight into what NKADD does and how they help people and cities.
Commissioners voted to put a single port-o-let at Pride Park for the winter. Due to excessive and repeated vandalism in the bathrooms at the park, commissioners discussed what to do about the problem at the recent caucus meeting, and they decided to lock the bathrooms for the winter, and install a port-o-let for the cost of $117 per month. Since the city had paid to heat the bathrooms through the winter, the cost of the port-o-let would be about equal to the heating bill.
Commissioners also voted for the road selection list for 2025, and for building a structure to replace the tent housing public works equipment with the insurance money. They also approved the contract with Verdantas, which is the company that purchased CT Consulting.
There will be no caucus meeting this month, but the formal oath of office ceremony will be at the January meeting
NEWPORT
Rosemary Williams, a Newport resident who has been working off and on with the city, will be formally joining the legal staff as a Legal Administrative Assistant effective January 1 2025.
The city of Newport also hired a new firefighter/paramedic Sean Callero, and a new police officer, Eythan Nubern.
Commissioners passed the second reading of an ordinance amending another section concerning the appeal of code citations.
They also read another ordinance for the first time which amends another section regarding personnel within the police department. This is to pave the way for a Police Social Worker in the department, with the opioid settlement money.
ELSMERE
Five of the six council members in the city of Elsmere were sworn in by Representative Kim Moser. Joanne Barnett-Smith, Gloria Grubbs, Missy Tester, and Maria Vogt were reelected to their council seats, and Justin Wade is the new councilmember.
Serena Owen was not present.
Elsmere Mayor Marty Lentof gave an award to outgoing councilmember Malcolm Daniels for his service to the city.
Police Chief Russ Woods gave a run down of all the police calls during the month of November.
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https://nkytribune.com/2024/12/government-briefs-a-busy-week-last-week-for-local-governments-heres-a-summary/
| 2024-12-16T06:45:07Z
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Specifications for the 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Gts. Details include engine, fuel usage, interior features, safety and more.
2017 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Gts 991 My18 3.0L Petrol 2D Coupe
Standard Features
- 12 Volt Power Outlet
- Automatic Brake Differential
- Anti-lock Braking
- Air Conditioning Charcoal Filter
- Adaptive Headlights
- Aluminium Bonnet
- Aluminium Doors
- Aluminium Roof Panel
- App Display & Control
- 20 Inch Alloy Wheels
- Brake Assist
- Body Coloured Exterior Mirrors
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- Ceramic Brakes
- Dry Sump Lubrication System
- Electronic Damper Control
- Electronic Differential Lock
- Electric Parking Brake
- Electronic Stability Control
- Electronic Throttle Control
- Front Spoiler
- Heated Front Seats
- Hill Holder
- Headlining Special
- High Mounted Rear Stop Light
- Engine Immobiliser
- Interior Accents
- Launch Mode Control
- Multi-function Control Screen
- Multi-function Steering Wheel
- Map/Reading Lights - Front
- On board Computer
- Painted Brake Calipers
- Parking Distance Control Front & Rear
- Power Folding Rear Seat
- Power front seat Driver
- Power front seat Passenger
- Power Exterior Mirrors - Heated
- Passenger Seat Height Adjustable
- Power Steering Variable
- Power Windows Front
- Remote Boot/Hatch Release
- Rear Lights - LED
- Rear Spoiler Special
- Rain Sensing Wipers
- Reversing Camera
- Rear View Mirror - Auto Dimming
- Rear Wiper/Washer
- Side Airbags
- Satellite Navigation
- Seatbelts - Load Limiters Front Seats
- Seatbelts - Lap/Sash for All Seats
- Seatbelts - Pre-tensioners Front Seats
- Storage Compartment - Centre Floor Console
- Solar Control Glass
- Scuff Plates On Door Sills
- Sound System with 12 Speakers
- Sports Steering Wheel
- Subwoofer
- Performance Suspension
- Sunvisors with Vanity Mirrors & Illumination
- Trip Computer
- Traction Control System
- Tail Lights - Special
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
- Torque Transfer Control
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Windscreen - Solar Attenuating
Optional Extras
- Adaptive Cruise Control Pack - $4,690
- Adaptive Chassis Control - $7,690
- Aluminium Gear Selector
- Alloy Pedals - $830
- Adaptive Sports Seats 18 Way & Memory - $6,880
- Alloy Wheels Special 20 Inch
- Chassis Control - Sports Chassis - $7,690
- Carbon Fibre Brakes - $19,990
- Coloured Instrument Dials - $1,450
- Coloured Seat Belts - $1,050
- Carbon Sill Guards - $1,490
- Carbon Sill Guards Illuminated - $2,490
- Carbon Steering Wheel Special - $1,150
- Exterior Accented Trim - $1,090
- Exclusive Paint - $11,990
- Fire Extinguisher/s - $380
- Floor Mats - Front & Rear - $270
- Gear Lever - Carbon - $520
- Home Link - $720
- Headlight Washer System Cover - $490
- Interior Aluminium Pack
- Interior Carbon Pack - $1,730
- Interior Leather Pack
- Interior Pack - Painted
- Interior Pack - $7,990
- Keyless Entry & Drive - $2,390
- Lane Change Assist - $1,690
- LED Dynamic Light System - $6,490
- Lockable Fuel Cap - Special - $320
- Leather Interior Exclusive - $12,490
- Leather Instrument Panel - $770
- Light Pack - $990
- Leather Interior - Special - $9,630
- Leather Interior Two-Tone - $12,610
- Leather Steering Column Surround - $810
- Lifting System Front Axle - $5,490
- Leather Sill Guards - Special - $2,470
- Leather Sunvisors - $990
- Leather Trim Special - $1,990
- Multi-function Steering Wheel - Heated - $1,090
- Metallic Paint
- Painted Air Vent Slats - $1,430
- Painted Alloy Wheels
- Painted Alloy Wheels - Premium - $1,290
- Power Mirrors With Folding
- Premium Paint - $5,990
- Power Steering Plus - $650
- Power Sunroof - $3,890
- Power Sunroof - Glass - $4,990
- Rear Axle Steering - $5,490
- Rear Privacy Glass - $850
- Rear Privacy Glass - Rear & Side Windows - $1,290
- Roof Transport System - $790
- Side Skirts - $1,480
- Smoke Pack - $130
- Storage Net - Front Passenger Footwell
- Solid Paint
- Sports pack - $2,710
- Sport Seats - $8,290
- Sports Seats - Special - $3,790
- Stainless Steel Sill Guards - Illuminated - $1,690
- Sports Seats Powered 14 Way - $3,590
- Stainless Steel Sill Guards - $790
- Surround Sound System Premium - $7,190
- Sports Steering Wheel - Leather
- Ventilated Front Seats - $2,190
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https://www.whichcar.com.au/specs/2017-porsche-911-carrera-4-gts-991-my18-petrol-2d-coupe-KnFdXF945a
| 2024-12-16T06:45:05Z
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Super League’s best loose forwards of 2024 ranked: Wigan Warriors and Hull KR stars headline
There were some consistently impressive performers all over the field in Super League in 2024: including at loose forward.
Below, we rank the seven best stars we saw in the #13 spot in Super League this year…
9. Leroy Cudjoe (Huddersfield Giants)
Cudjoe is now 36 years of age, but scooped five awards at Huddersfield’s end-of-season dinner, including the Players’ Player of the Year and Supporters’ Player of the Year. Those two accolades alone evidence just how integral he remains to Luke Robinson’s side, both on and off the field.
In 2024, the veteran missed just five Super League games, and one of those was down to a suspension. A leader in every sense of the word, he made over 800 tackles across all competitions and over 1700 metres, still proudly donning the shirt of his hometown club.
8. James Bell (St Helens)
In a season of mediocrity at Saints, Australia-born Bell was the dream player for boss Paul Wellens, filling in wherever required in the pack. Missing just four Super League games, when he got the chance to play at loose, he rarely failed to impress and ended the campaign with more than 60 tackle busts to his name.
The nine-time Scotland international, also managed eight direct try involvements (4T, 4A) and surpassed 500 tackles in league games alone. He’ll hope to hit 100 games in the Red V in 2025, needing to play in 26 more matches to reach that tally.
LRL RECOMMENDS: St Helens’ superb potential 2025 line-up, including THREE new arrivals from NRL
7. John Asiata (Leigh Leopards)
2024 was a year which saw Leigh skipper Asiata plagued by injury, missing a total of 12 Super League games, but the Samoa international still managed to catch the eye when he did take to the field.
Averaging over 18 tackles and more than 11 carries per game, he helped Adrian Lam’s side to a top-flight play-off semi-final for the first time in the summer era, cementing his legacy at the Leopards’ Den ahead of his move to Hull FC.
6. Morgan Knowles (St Helens)
England international Knowles was also plagued by injury in 2024, and missed 12 Super League games himself. He still averaged a whopping 96.2 metres per game with the ball in hand when he did play though in a campaign which saw Saints desperately struggle to score points.
Knowles also hit triple figures for tackles on the marker in the season just gone despite his injury woes, and boss Wellens will hope the forward is able to remain fit for the duration of 2025 with it evident how much he’s missed when he’s not available.
LRL RECOMMENDS: Super League ins and outs for 2025 – Every confirmed signing and departure
5. Ben Garcia (Catalans Dragons)
Veteran Garcia has been a standout in Super League for a while, and that was no different in 2024 despite Catalans failing to make the top six. The Frenchman led from the front oncemore, and we’re not sure whether the Dragons have an in-house Player of the Year award, but we’d wager he’d have been among the contenders for it if there is one.
Now 31, he missed just two league matches and made over 73 metres per game with the ball in hand on average. Producing an important try early on in the campaign in a win away at Warrington, he was another at loose to hit triple figures for tackles on markers and also managed 27 offloads.
4. Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves)
In terms of people we expected to be putting on this list at the start of 2024, Currie was nowhere near it, never mind 4th. Sam Burgess arrived at the Halliwell Jones Stadium and transformed his game, moving him to loose from the back row. That switch has seemingly handed the veteran a new lease of life, becoming Mr Consistent for Warrington.
Missing just four league games, he more than played his part as the Wolves came within a hare’s breath of an Old Trafford return, making almost 1500 metres and heading the other way, 125 tackles on the marker.
LRL RECOMMENDS: Warrington Wolves coach Sam Burgess makes Matty Nicholson prediction following NRL move
3. Ollie Partington (Salford Red Devils)
2024 was arguably the best year of Partington’s senior career to date, earning himself a move to Catalans as a result. As Salford reached the play-offs for the second time in three seasons, he featured 21 times and grabbed three tries as well as three assists.
Averaging over 13 carries and more than a tackle bust per game, he chalked up 1420 metres with the ball in hand. His offload average ended at almost two per match and in defence, he made an average of nigh on 40 tackles every game, too.
2. Elliot Minchella (Hull KR)
KR fans, we’re not underestimating Minchella’s impact on your run to your maiden Grand Final, make no mistake about that. He took his spot in the Dream Team without many arguments against his inclusion, and there’s no argument against it from us, but we’re just of the opinion that a certain Wigan star deserves the #1 spot in this ranking.
Anyway, back to Minchella and the Robins. Averaging close to 70 metres per game, he managed seven direct try involvements (4T, 3A), the skipper led from the front all year long and was an ever-present in Willie Peters’ side until a suspension late on in the campaign.
His defensive efforts were perhaps even more impressive, and the statistics show that – averaging virtually 35 tackles per game and amassing a total of 132 tackles on the marker throughout the league campaign. Anyone of a KR persuasion will be delighted the club have tied him down until the end of the 2029 season.
LRL RECOMMENDS: Super League’s best back-rowers of 2024 ranked – Hull KR duo included
1. Kaide Ellis (Wigan Warriors)
Now that you know #2, it’ll probably come as no surprise who #1 in this ranking is. Wigan won all four major honours on offer, and for us, Ellis was one of the most underrated players in Matt Peet’s star-studded squad. Even when he didn’t stand out in a game with anything glitzy or glamorous, he was more than solid, a linchpin.
When the games that really mattered came around, he delivered some of his absolute best, and we wouldn’t be surprised in the slightest if the Warriors offer him a longer-term deal to stick around longer than his current contract expiration date of 2026.
The Australian truly has made that 13 spot his own at The Brick Community Stadium, missing just two league games all year and averaging a gain of over six metres having made more than 300 carries. With exactly 2000 metres to his name in Super League in 2024, a tally of 685 tackles isn’t to be sniffed at either, and that includes 118 on the marker.
READ NEXT: Ranking every 2025 Super League home kit from worst to best with one clear winner…
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https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/super-leagues-best-loose-forwards-ranked-2024
| 2024-12-16T06:45:07Z
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ONE Championship Rebooks Takeru vs. Rodtang for ONE 172 at Saitama Super Arena
Two of the world’s most decorated strikers will finally meet in a kickboxing superfight when ONE Championship makes its debut at Saitama Super Arena.
ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang
ONE Fight Night 26 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand closed out the non-Friday Fights portion of the promotion’s 2024 schedule earlier this month, leaving fans to look ahead to a year-opening ONE Fight Night 27 card on January 10 that boasts a pair of huge title fights.
Tang Kai to Defend Belt Against Akbar Abdullaev in ONE Fight Night 27 Main Event
Multiple title bouts have also already been confirmed for ONE 170 and ONE 171: Qatar, and now ONE Championship has informed MMA Knockout that promotion will officially make its first trip to Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan on March 23 for ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang.
The two striking stars were slated to meet at ONE 165 last January before Rodtang Jitmuangnon was forced to withdraw from the event due to injury, and his countryman Superlek subsequently stepped in to face Takeru Segawa and successfully defended his ONE Flyweight Kickboxing title via unanimous decision.
Joshua Pacio vs. Jarred Brooks Trilogy Fight Booked for ONE 171: Qatar
Takeru rebounded from that result with a win over Thant Zin while Rodtang went on to score back-to-back wins over Denis Purić and Jacob Smith, but “The Iron Man” was also stripped of his ONE Flyweight Muay Thai belt when he missed weight ahead of the fight with Smith at ONE 169 in November.
Moraes vs. Wakamatsu 2 For Vacant Flyweight Belt
The kickboxing superfight between Takeru and Rodtang will serve as the five-round main event for ONE 172, and ONE Championship gold will be on the line in the co-main event when three-time champion Adriano Moraes meets Yuya Wakamatsu in a rematch for the promotion’s newly-vacant men's flyweight MMA title following the retirement of Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson.
Moraes is coming off a submission-win in another rematch with Danny Kingad at ONE 169 and will try to claim the ONE Championship flyweight belt for a fourth time when he meets Wakamatsu, who previously challenged the Brazilian for the title in 2022 and is currently on a three-fight win streak after defeating Gilbert Nakatani at ONE Fight Night 26.
ONE Friday Fights: Jonathan Haggerty's Brother Brutalizes 57-Fight Veteran
ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang will take place on March 23 at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, and with the incredible main and co-main events now set combat sports fans should be on the lookout for more fight announcements in the near future.
Read More ONE Championship & MMA News
Stick with MMA Knockout for more FREE coverage of the UFC, MMA and Boxing.
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https://www.si.com/fannation/mma/news/one-championship-takeru-vs-rodtang-one-172-saitama-super-arena
| 2024-12-16T06:45:08Z
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The indiatimes.com privacy policy has been updated to align with the new data regulations in European Union. Please review and accept these changes below to continue using the website. We use cookies to ensure the best experience for you on our website.
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https://www.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/alia-sidharth-speak-their-hearts-out-104679.html
| 2024-12-16T06:45:10Z
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Mavericks, Warriors combine for NBA-record 48 3-pointers in Dallas’ 143-133 victory
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors combined for an NBA-record 48 3-pointers Sunday night.
Golden State hit 27 and Dallas made 21 in the Mavericks’ 143-133 victory at Chase Center.
Klay Thompson connected for seven of the Mavs’ 3-pointers facing his former team for the second time in just more than a month, and longtime Splash Brother Stephen Curry also hit seven. Dallas star Luka Doncic shot 6 for 11 from deep on the way to his 80th career triple-double that featured a season-high 45 points.
“The shot making was at a high, both teams shot the ball extremely well from 3,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said. “It was a fun game to watch, a fun game to participate in and making shots, and both teams did that at a high level tonight.”
In addition, Draymond Green had season highs of five 3s and 21 points and teammate Andrew Wiggins also hit five from long range.
Doncic shot 16 for 23, making 9 of his first 11 shots with four 3-pointers on the way to 28 points by halftime.
At 2,549 career 3s, Thompson moved within 11 of tying Reggie Miller for fifth on the career list with 2,560. Damian Lillard will be the next person for Thompson to chase — Lillard is in fourth place with 2,683.
“I love shooting at Chase Center,” Thompson said. “I’ve been lucky enough to set records here and have incredible memories.”
Curry is the career leader with 3,832, followed by James Harden (3,010) and Ray Allen (2,973).
___
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://kstp.com/associated-press/ap-national-sports/mavericks-warriors-combine-for-nba-record-48-3-pointers-in-dallas-143-133-victory/
| 2024-12-16T06:45:12Z
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It takes a week to put up my Christmas trimmings
While we all love Christmas, most of us normally get out the old box of tinsel and baubles that we've used for years when festive season comes around.
The idea of buying more decorations can feel like a bit of a chore - but for one man, from Seaford, East Sussex, hunting for new festive items to adorn the inside his house is the highlight of the year.
Geoff Stonebanks - who has previously been called "Britain's most festive man" - has spent his lifetime collecting decorations from across the world which he uses to transform his modest seafront bungalow into a winter wonderland every December.
The entire process of decorating his house normally takes Geoff, 71, an entire week.
Some of the decorations were handed down from his family, such as a tree from Woolworths which was bought in the 1960s and stood in his parent's pub for decades, while others include 90-year-old decorations from Prague.
"My parents opened on Christmas and our lives were dominated by that," he said.
"As a child I probably didn't get as much benefit from Christmas as other children.
"On Christmas morning we weren't allowed to open our presents until my father had got the bar ready and my brother and I had filled the shelves up with bottles."
Asked about his reputation as one of the most festive people in the country, Geoff told BBC Radio Sussex: "It's been said on TV programmes in the past [being called Britain's most festive man].
"I'm sure there must be hundreds of people that are equally as interested in Christmas but aren't as blasé about putting it online."
In previous years, Geoff has decorated 40 trees inside his home with his vast array of tinsel and baubles.
He has scaled back to seven trees of varying sizes this year due to needing a knee replacement.
"It's caused me trouble over the last five years and I need a new knee replacement," he said.
"All my decorations are in a purpose-built loft above the garage that require getting on your knees to get out.
"We've been more conservative with the number of trees but it still looks fabulous."
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.
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https://ca.style.yahoo.com/takes-week-put-christmas-trimmings-060855413.html
| 2024-12-16T06:45:12Z
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Taiwan has received 38 advanced Abrams battle tanks from the United States, the defence ministry said Monday, as the island boosts its military capabilities against a potential Chinese attack.
Washington has long been Taipei’s most important ally and biggest arms supplier — angering Beijing, which claims Taiwan as part of its own territory.
The M1A2 tanks — the first batch of 108 ordered in 2019 — arrived in Taiwan late Sunday and were transferred to an army training base in Hsinchu, south of the capital Taipei, the defence ministry said.
The M1A2s are the first new tanks to be delivered to Taiwan in 30 years, the semi-official Central News Agency said.
Taiwan’s current tank force consists of around 1,000 Taiwan-made CM 11 Brave Tiger and US-made M60A3 tanks, technology that is increasingly obsolete.
Abrams tanks, which are among the heaviest in the world, are a mainstay of the US military.
Taiwan faces the constant threat of an invasion by China, which has refused to rule out using force to bring the self-ruled island under its control.
While it has a home-grown defence industry and has been upgrading its equipment, Taiwan relies heavily on US arms sales to bolster its security capabilities.
Taiwan requested the state-of-the-art M1A2 tanks in 2019, allocating the equivalent of more than $1.2 billion for them. The rest of the order is expected to be delivered in 2025 and 2026, an army official told AFP.
While US arms supplies to Taiwan are enshrined into law, a massive backlog caused by Covid-19 supply chain disruptions and US weapons shipments to Ukraine and Israel have slowed deliveries to Taiwan.
The backlog now exceeds $21 billion, according to Washington think tank Cato Institute.
Taiwan would be massively outgunned in terms of troop numbers and firepower in any war with China and in recent years has increased spending on its military.
Taipei allocated a record $19 billion for 2024 and next year’s budget is set to hit a new high as it seeks to bolster its defence approach.
China has increased military pressure on Taiwan in recent years, regularly deploying fighter jets and warships around the island.
Taiwanese authorities said last week that China had held its biggest maritime drills in years, with around 90 ships deployed from near the southern islands of Japan to the South China Sea.
The vessels simulated attacks on foreign ships and practised blockading sea routes, a Taiwan security official said previously.
Beijing did not confirm the drills and its defence ministry did not say whether the manoeuvres had taken place when asked at a press conference on Friday.
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https://www.digitaljournal.com/world/taiwan-receives-first-batch-of-us-made-abrams-tanks/article
| 2024-12-16T06:45:13Z
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The Kenton County Mayors’ Group has received an award from the American Society for Public Administration, Greater Cincinnati Chapter. It is a lovely prize, and it was awarded in 2020, but since the mayors group is still in existence, meeting, interacting and collaborating every month, the ASPA group wanted to present it to the mayors.
The ASPA-GCC partnered with Cincinnatus for this award, and the title they decided on for the winning entry is the ‘Cincinnatus Government Cooperation Award.’ Officials created it to focus on initiatives that point up the success of all the government bodies in all the regions of the areas working together in a cooperative manner.
In other words, they want to encourage groups with a lot of leaders who come together to share ideas and learn from each other, without any one leader taking over, or more than one fighting for the chance to lead. The goal is to encourage various leaders of different regions to play well together in a harmonious, productive monthly meeting.
They thought the Kenton County Mayors’ Group fit that bill.
“The Kenton County Mayors Group has become a reliable way for the cities in Kenton County to collaborate on public affairs of mutual interest,” said Julie Olberding, Director and Professor at Northern Kentucky University, in a letter. “It was formed in 1994, and has met consistently since. It meets monthly, and to anyone in the audience, looks very much like a ‘Senate of the Cities.’ There are 19 cities in Kenton County. Covington is the largest, but has a population of 41,000 in a county of 167,000, so the majority of the counties’ residents are spread among those other 18 cities.”
Three other items of note went into the decision to pick the mayors’ group as the winner of this award.
It was pointed out that what consolidated the group back in 1994 was a threat of disintegrating the boundaries of the cities by gathering them all together under a regional form of government. Twenty-six years later, the group is more solid than ever.
Even though the mayors’ group does have some basic rules that hold it together, including bylaws, when the group comes together to discuss matters of mutual interest, everyone speaks out on their position.
They also invite people in, such as representatives from the water department, the county, and state representatives and senators who can help deepen the conversation.
Olberding also observed that the group regularly discusses a variety of subjects, including paramedic service, the census, subdivision regulations, transportation demands, as well as federal funding for local projects.
She also noted that there are occasional speakers, such as the executive director of the Kentucky Retirement Systems who was able to answer questions about the pension contribution increases, a huge issue for the cities and counties in Kentucky.
Saturday the conversation started with Judge Executive Kris Knochelmann giving an update on the progress of the parking garage being built in the back of the Kenton County building, telling the other members that it is due to be finished around October or November of next year, but qualified the wait by saying when there are people around people are generally safer.
He talked about the progress of Spark Haus, a center for startup businesses, and other organizations around the county. He also brought up 5,000 acres on the southwest side of the county, by the Boone County line, where they hope to expand the exploration of what would be the best use of the land.
He talked about the new redevelopment fund which is partnering with the state to encourage more projects to take shape in area cities. Knochelmann said if the cities have a project they would love to become reality, but the funds aren’t there, they could contact the county to see if they would qualify for these funds.
Ft. Wright Mayor Dave Hatter related that the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has been to his city to talk about a roundabout being installed just off the I-75 exit. He said the first rendering of how the exit could be improved was well received, but the second rendering was less in line with what the city had in mind, and on top of that, the Cabinet has portrayed a roundabout as the answer to any and all traffic problems. Hatter is not at all sure a roundabout will be a solution where they want to put it, and he hopes the Cabinet is listening to the city.
He brought up the issue of a centralized payroll tax, and said it is a terrible idea and he is 100 percent against it.
Hatter talked about a fiber collaboration system in Ohio where if a city has experienced a cyber incident trained experts from the Ohio National Guard come and help. In addition there are educational programs where cities learn about how to handle cyber threats.
Hatter has testified in Frankfort about the program many times, and he hopes at some point they can adopt a similar program. He said they don’t have to re-invent the wheel; they can lift and shift the ‘awesome’ program from Ohio. He said he will need some help from people to make this a reality.
One by one the members contributed to the conversation, and at the end, Group President Heather Jansen, Mayor of Villa Hills, told them all about the glass engraved award that was sent to Sharmili Reddy, Executive Director of PDS.
“This is an Outstanding Public Service Award,” said Jansen. “If anyone would like to keep it in a place of honor, it is a very nice award.”
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https://nkytribune.com/2024/12/kenton-mayors-group-recognized-for-cooperation-get-update-from-judge-executive/
| 2024-12-16T06:45:13Z
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SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
By many measures, California is a shining success story. On its own, it boasts the world's fifth-largest economy. It's one of the richest states in the U.S., with one of the country's highest per capita incomes. And California is also a place where Hollywood and Silicon Valley have set a standard for the U.S. and created a mythical, romantic version of the state that looms over pop culture. But in recent years, it is a story that has been told of one as a state in decline. And according to that narrative, the most populous state is overregulated and too expensive to live in, and so much so, according to some, that people are fleeing it in droves. But how true is that story? To answer, I am joined now by Tessa McLean, the California editor at the online publication SFGATE. She dug into this narrative - not just the current one, but previous times that everybody has been talking about California failing. Welcome to ALL THINGS CONSIDERED.
TESSA MCLEAN: Thanks for having me.
DETROW: Let's just start with the now - how dire is it? Is the California dream over? Are we packing it up?
MCLEAN: (Laughter) No, the California dream is not quite over yet, though many would say it is dying. The population in the last three years has declined, but it's never declined more than 1%. Each year since 2021, it's declined by a smaller and smaller number, and in 2023, it only declined 0.09%, according to figures from the State Department of Finance. So growth is simply slowing. It has not fully declined.
DETROW: But this led you to take a broader look because, you know, I covered California politics for a couple of years, and I heard this at the time I was there, and it seems like such a constant. This state is too expensive. It's overregulated. It's killing itself, and people are leaving in droves. And yet, the population - big-picture - continues to go up, the economy continues to grow. Why did you want to take a look back at these previous moments of doom and gloom? What was interesting about it to you?
MCLEAN: I write a lot about the movement of Californians, whether that's leaving the state entirely for a different state like Texas or Montana or whether they're moving around within the state itself. So I really wanted to take a look at the population data and see how big any decline has been in recent years and find out if this was a new phenomenon or if this had in fact been happening for years.
DETROW: Yeah.
MCLEAN: And leading up to the most recent election, it felt like California was in the spotlight more than ever. Kamala Harris was born in the Bay Area. She started her career in California, and that fact was often used against her. Meanwhile, Donald Trump is boasting about how Elon Musk left California for Texas. And Governor Gavin Newsom is sparring with the governors of Texas and Florida, and these conversations are making the national news. I wanted to take a step back and examine America's obsession with California failing.
DETROW: To be clear, though, you're not saying that some of the real problems that are being flagged, like the high cost of living, the cost of housing, in particular, aren't real. It's just that they may be overblown in terms of leading people to flee the state in droves?
MCLEAN: Absolutely. California is an expensive place to live. There's no doubt about it. And that high housing costs and all the cost of living expenses that come along with that are a big reason - the main reason, mainly - why people leave. There's been a lot more migration within the state itself, especially since the pandemic. You know, people might be leaving large coastal metros like San Francisco or Los Angeles for places like the Inland Empire or Sacramento, more so than are leaving the state itself.
DETROW: Why do you think then there's such an impulse over the years - and you're talking about the dot-com bust, you're talking about earlier periods in the 20th century. Why do you think there's such an interest in declaring the death of California?
MCLEAN: California has always been a prosperous place. It's a place that people look to, to go find wealth and success. People have been migrating out to California, looking for the California dream since the Gold Rush. And so I think that idea of the California dream is really important for people, and it really draws people out there.
DETROW: Were there any interesting parallels that you picked up on when you compared these moments?
MCLEAN: Yeah. I mean, the parallels is that the reasons that people are leaving are almost always the same. It's high housing costs. It's traffic. It's overpopulated cities, people just being fed up with the politics of the state. Those reasons never really changed, whether it's 1989 or 2023.
DETROW: That's Tessa McLean, the California editor at SFGATE. Her piece, "America's Obsession With California Failing," is at sfgate.com. Thanks so much for talking to us.
MCLEAN: Thank you. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.kdlg.org/2024-12-15/the-love-hate-tug-of-war-with-california
| 2024-12-16T06:45:13Z
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Draymond Green Makes Blunt Statement About Warriors-Nets Trade
The Golden State Warriors made the biggest trade of the NBA season so far when they acquired Dennis Schroder from the Brooklyn Nets (on Sunday).
The veteran point guard has played for several elite teams and is expected to be a significant addition to a roster that already features Steph Curry, Andrew Wiggins, and Draymond Green.
After Sunday's 143-133 loss (at home) to the Dallas Mavericks, Green was asked about Schroder when he met with the media.
Green: "I don't think he was necessarily brought here to fit. We play a certain style of basketball that he does not really play. I don't think the goal is to get him to play the style of baskebtall that we play. We need somoene that can do the things that he does. I'm looking froward to us adjusting to him... We have to adjust to him, because he's bringing something that this team needs."
Schroder is currently averaging 18.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.1 steals per contest while shooting 45.2% from the field and 38.7% from the three-point range to start the 2024-25 season.
Green also added about Schroder: "I just love the demeanor that he carries himself with. He carries himself like he belongs in every room at all times, and I respect people like that."
With the loss to Dallas, the Warriors dropped to 14-11 in their first 25 games, which has them as the seventh seed in the Western Conference.
They have gone just 2-8 over their last ten games.
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https://www.si.com/fannation/nba/fastbreak/draymond-green-makes-blunt-statement-about-warriors-nets-trade-schroder
| 2024-12-16T06:45:15Z
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The indiatimes.com privacy policy has been updated to align with the new data regulations in European Union. Please review and accept these changes below to continue using the website. We use cookies to ensure the best experience for you on our website.
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https://www.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/besharam-movie-review-104645.html
| 2024-12-16T06:45:16Z
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Survivors seek a reckoning as FBI investigates child sex abuse in little-known Christian sect
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Nearly every detail about the religious group Lisa Webb’s family belonged to was hidden from the outside world. Its followers met in homes rather than churches. Its leadership structure was hard to discern, its finances opaque. It didn’t even have an official name.
But for decades, no secret was as closely guarded as the identities of the sexual predators inside the group known as the “Two by Twos.”
Now a growing number of public allegations from around the world have prompted a broad investigation by the FBI and placed an uncomfortable spotlight on the long-quiet Christian sect. Survivors say the group’s leaders protected child-abusing ministers by pressuring victims to forgive, ignoring legal reporting requirements and by transferring abusers to new locations to live with unsuspecting families.
Ministry leaders have publicly condemned the abuse but several declined to answer questions from The Associated Press.
For Webb, who was sexually abused by one of the group’s ministers as a child, the attention has brought an unexpected sense of “strength in numbers.”
“There are so many who are frustrated and disheartened,” said Webb. “But there’s also camaraderie in that, and support.”
A website, a hotline and social media pages established by victims have documented allegations against more than 900 abusers, with survivors in more than 30 countries and cases continuing to emerge. In the past year, news stories and a Hulu documentary have focused on the sect’s predator preachers and the leaders who enabled them.
While perpetrators have been sentenced to prison in isolated cases, the sect has largely avoided legal repercussions, protected by its decentralized structure, hidden finances and state laws that limit the timeline for criminal charges.
The secret sect’s origin story
The sect, also known to its members as “The Way” or “The Truth,” was founded in Ireland in 1897 by William Irvine, who railed against the existence of churches. The only way to spread Christianity, he argued, was to do as Jesus instructed in the Book of Matthew: to send apostles out to live among those they sought to convert.
The sect grew as volunteer preachers — known as workers — went “two by two” to live in the family homes of followers for days or weeks at a time. Sect historians say there were up to a few million members just a few decades ago, but current estimates put the figure at 75,000 to 85,000 worldwide.
Unlike the Boy Scouts or the Catholic Church, which have paid out billions to sex abuse victims, the sect’s aversion to property leaves it without apparent assets that might be used to pay settlements, legal experts say.
Workers are supposed to shun worldly possessions, relying on followers for food, shelter and transportation. But that also ensures abusive workers have access to potential victims.
Webb was abused by a preacher who stayed with her family in Michigan when she was 11. The man, Peter Mousseau, was convicted much later — after he expressed an interest in visiting her in 2008 and she decided to pursue charges. A regional overseer to whom she previously reported the abuse was later convicted for failing to report abuse allegations against another local worker.
“You have this mindset that they are angels in your home. They can do no wrong, so you don’t have any kind of wall up,” she said. “It was just the perfect storm created, the perfect recipe for this kind of behavior.”
Abusers live among their victims
Sheri Autrey had just turned 14 when a 28-year-old worker moved into her family’s home in Visalia, California, for two months.
He began abusing her immediately, sneaking to her room at night and taking her for daytime drives. He turned up the radio whenever the Hall & Oates song “Maneater” came on, singing: “Watch out boy, she’ll chew you up.”
When Autrey revealed the abuse to her mother a few years later, her mom reported it to the sect’s regional overseer, who was in charge of all the workers in the area.
The overseer refused to warn other families. Instead, he sent the worker back to Autrey’s home to apologize.
Autrey, raised to be meek, erupted. Her family took her to the district attorney’s office but declined to put her through a prosecution.
“I would have to explain, explicitly, what happened,” Autrey said. “And I was in no way prepared for that.”
Decades later, Autrey was at a baseball game when “Maneater” came on. She had to walk around the stadium to calm herself down, and she resolved to send a letter about the abuse to hundreds of sect members.
“I wanted anyone else who was a victim to know she is not the only one,” Autrey said. “She needs to know there is help.”
Many more cases of abuse
One worker from Peru, Americo Quispe, was sent to Garland, Texas, in the early 2000s after facing allegations of inappropriate behavior in his home country. He soon found new victims, some of whose families went to police. He returned to Peru before he could be arrested.
Quispe was later convicted of molestation in Peru and sentenced to 30 years. He has never faced the charges in Texas.
Another worker, Ruben Mata, abused dozens of boys, among them 10-year-old Douglas Patterson, who was lured away from his family during a sect convention in the early 1990s. Patterson said he kept quiet about it because he feared his family would leave the sect — and thus be barred from eternal salvation — if he told.
Mata was eventually convicted in 2006 in a separate sex abuse case. He died in a California prison.
Members told to keep abuse reports quiet
A few months before Mata’s trial, the Saskatchewan, Canada, overseer, Dale Shultz, sent two letters to colleagues.
One was to be shown to any concerned members. It acknowledged Mata was a pedophile and that workers had been alerted to his abuse at least three times. The sect only notified authorities after Mata resigned, according to the letter.
The second was for staff. It said no copies should be made of the first letter.
“The purpose of the letter is to help those who have concerns, not to advertise a kingdom problem to those who either do not know about it or are not having a problem with it,” Shultz wrote.
In another case, a regional overseer for Arizona, Ed Alexander, wrote a letter to a child-molesting elder in 2005 observing that “we love our people very much and don’t want to report their misdeeds.”
The letter suggested the sect could fulfill its mandatory abuse-reporting obligations by recommending offenders get professional counseling, because then the counselors — rather than sect leaders — would be obligated to make the reports to police.
“They believe that child sexual assault is just a sin. Like, you’re a sinner, they are a sinner, it’s all just sin,” said Eileen Dickey, one of the man’s victims. She reported the abuse to sect leaders because she was worried other children would be targeted.
“I was told never to talk about it,” she said.
Alexander would not speak with The Associated Press: “Unfortunately, the media coverage has been so negative and one-sided that I am going to have to decline an interview,” he texted.
Former minister recounts culture of downplaying misdeeds
Jared Snyder spent more than two decades as an itinerant minister before becoming disillusioned and quitting. No one told him directly about abuse, Snyder said, but he occasionally heard rumors.
The sect’s culture — which makes gossip taboo and places tremendous pressure on members to be merciful — meant that misdeeds big or small were downplayed, he said.
“One overseer just explicitly told me, ‘The less you know, the better off you are,’” he said.
As a worker, Snyder received no paychecks, retirement benefits or health insurance benefits, and he was discouraged from using banks. But he was never without spending money: Followers regularly offer cash to the workers, and Snyder said he frequently had thousands of dollars in his pockets.
Most of that money would get spent on building materials, food or other supplies at regional conventions, Snyder said.
The case that exposed the sect to more scrutiny
In June 2022, a regional overseer named Dean Bruer died in an Oregon motel room. Bruer, 67, had served in at least 22 states and territories and seven countries since 1976, according to a timeline compiled by Pam Walton, a former member who has used historical records and photographs to track the movements of predatory preachers.
Nine months after Bruer died, Doyle Smith, the overseer for Idaho and Oregon, wrote a letter to members. Evidence left on Bruer’s phone and laptop showed he had raped and abused multiple underage victims, Smith wrote.
“Dean was a sexual predator,” Smith wrote. “We never respect or defend such totally inappropriate behavior among us. There is a very united consensus among us that the only thing to do is to be transparent with all of you for obvious reasons, though this is very difficult.”
That transparency did not extend to dealings with local police. It was only after Autrey, another abuse survivor, and private investigator Cynthia Liles — all former sect members — pressured Smith that he turned Bruer’s laptop over to detectives, Autrey told the AP.
By then, the computer had been tampered with, according to records from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon. The web browser search history was cleared. Bruer’s Apple ID had been changed and files transferred out of his DropBox account. Bruer’s phone was never provided to police, and the “Find My iPhone” feature had been disabled.
“What web browsing history was present on the laptop that someone didn’t want anyone else knowing about?” Detective Jeffrey Burlew wrote in a police report. Unable to find any evidence of a crime within its jurisdiction, the office closed the investigation.
Smith did not respond to phone messages from the AP.
Survivors and law enforcement dig deeper
Though Autrey and others had long sought reforms in the sect, Bruer’s death proved to be a catalyst. Autrey, Liles and another survivor launched a hotline, website and Facebook pages for survivors.
In February, the FBI’s field office in Omaha, Nebraska, announced an investigation.
The outcry prompted some sect leaders to condemn the abuse and to ask consultants for advice on how to better protect members. But at least some regional overseers have ultimately declined to adopt recommended child abuse prevention policies — saying the only true code of conduct is the New Testament.
And some leaders still warn members against criticizing the sect.
At an August convention in Duncan, British Columbia, a worker helping to lead the event did not mention the abuse scandal directly but told members to lay aside “evil speakings.”
“It’s more easy to be critical than to be correct,” preached Robert Doecke, a worker from Australia. “If you feed on problems, it will only make more problems. But if you focus on the Lord, it will lead to solutions.”
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://kstp.com/associated-press/ap-us-international/survivors-seek-a-reckoning-as-fbi-investigates-child-sex-abuse-in-little-known-christian-sect/
| 2024-12-16T06:45:18Z
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The Rural Blog
The planned $20 billion merger between Kroger and Albertsons was blocked by a federal judge who “agreed with the Federal Trade Commission’s argument that Kroger would become the dominant player in traditional supermarkets if allowed to add nearly 2,000 stores by taking over Albertsons,” report Dave Michaels and Patrick Thomas of The Wall Street Journal.
U.S. District Judge Adrienne Nelson “rejected the companies’ counterargument that selling 579 stores to C&S Wholesale Grocers would replace the lost competition.”
The ruling is a victory for FTC Chair Lina Khan, “who has waged legal battles to stop megadeals rather than accept companies’ proposed fixes to address competition concerns,” Michaels and Thomas write.
Kroger and Albertsons executives marketed the deal as a necessary move to compete with Walmart and Amazon.
Nelson’s ruling cited the fierce “head-to-head competition” between Kroger and Albertsons, which the proposed merger “would have removed.”
Michaels and Thomas write, “An FTC spokesman said the ruling ‘protects competition in the grocery market, which will prevent prices from rising even more.'”
If the deal had succeeded, Kroger’s store count would have almost doubled, “exceeding the scale of Walmart’s 3,500 supercenters,” Michaels and Thomas add. “Rodney McMullen, Kroger’s longtime chief executive, had pledged to eventually invest $1 billion annually in lowering prices at the acquired Albertsons stores. . . . FTC attorneys argued the deal would only give Kroger a reason to increase prices by removing a competitor.”
Earlier in the year, Albertsons CEO Vivek Sankaran told a federal court that “if Albertsons’s sale to Kroger was blocked, the supermarket chain would consider closing stores or laying off workers,” the Journal reports. “He said that while the company’s business is sound for now, in the next two to three years it could need to find another buyer.”
The Rural Blog is a news service of the University of Kentucky’s Institute for Rural Journalism.
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https://nkytribune.com/2024/12/kroger-albertsons-20-billion-merger-blocked-by-federal-judge-who-cites-lack-of-competition/
| 2024-12-16T06:45:19Z
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SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
Two important food holidays are meeting up this year. December 25 is both Christmas and also the first night of Hanukkah.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
DETROW: Well, we did not want to miss the opportunity to explore the potential for a feast for all. And to help us imagine what to prepare, we have called on Sarah Lohman, who's a food historian and writer. Sarah has put together a menu for us, and my only regret here is that this is a remote interview and I cannot eat it all right now. So that being said, welcome to ALL THINGS CONSIDERED, Sarah.
SARAH LOHMAN: Hi, Scott. Thank you.
DETROW: When you first realized the alignment here, what was your first thought?
LOHMAN: OK, first thought was, of course, fry everything.
DETROW: Yeah.
LOHMAN: I mean, maybe it's obvious, maybe it's my first thought, but I was like, let's fry things that have never been fried before. Let's make it the Iowa State Fair up in here.
DETROW: (Laughter).
LOHMAN: OK, so the fun part of this project for me was I got to reach out to my community. And I started talking to my friend Leah Koenig, who is the author of the recent cookbook "Portico," which is about Roman Jewish culture. And she pointed out to me that latke, the traditional Hanukkah fried potato pancake - they really aren't that old in terms of Judaism. The practice originates with German Jews in the late 18th century. So that's like a drop in the bucket of the multiple-thousand-year history. So that's when I said, OK, well, is there another direction we can go here?
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
DETROW: So you have put together a menu. And before we go into it, tell me...
LOHMAN: Feast.
DETROW: A feast - important correction.
LOHMAN: (Laughter) I think.
DETROW: Tell me what you ended up organizing it around. What were the central thoughts? What were you trying to bring together?
LOHMAN: Well, I also happen to know a lot of people who are Christian or specifically Catholic and Jewish from populations around the world. And I think particularly in America, we can get sort of lost the idea of Christian as being a majority faith here, whereas in most of the world, it is a minority faith. And so I decided to put together a multicourse menu that looks at regions that have traditional, historical Christian and Jewish populations and look at where their food intersects and differentiates. I really believe that, like, cooking can be an act of learning; eating can be an act of education. And so I wanted to use this moment, this party, this feast, this festival to make space for the understanding of the long histories of these faiths throughout the world.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
DETROW: That being said, let's get going. Tell us what the first course is.
LOHMAN: OK, so for the first course, we're going to go to China, which does have a historical Jewish population. No one's quite sure when they came, but they came into the area around Kaifeng, which is in Henan, which - not Hunan, Henan, which is a northern Chinese province. And it's difficult to trace dishes from Jewish ancestry there. There's maybe only about 1,000 Kaifeng Jews today. But one we know of is a Kaifeng noodle-blanketed carp. And it's a whole fish that's wok fried, and it's served with a sauce made from vinegar, rice wine, ginger and scallions. And then you top it with crispy fried noodles.
But if you're not up for frying a whole fish, which not everybody is, I would recommend ordering in some Henanese cuisine. Soup dumplings, or xiaolongbao, are from the Henan area. But don't get the pork ones. Get ones made with lamb or chicken and vegetables, or you could also order in some hui mian (ph), which are wide wheat noodles. I should note in this whole menu, I decided to avoid pork, shellfish, and I didn't serve meat and dairy so that anyone can come to your house for this party of any religious background and be able to eat the food.
DETROW: All right, so walk me through the last main dish.
LOHMAN: OK, so last main dish, we're going to go to Ethiopia. And I think, you know, this might be - sound like a simple answer, but the national dish of Ethiopia is dora wat, which is a chicken stew, and it's dark meat chicken, slow cooked with hard boiled eggs, garlic ginger, onions, tomato, and you finish the top with a sprinkle of black cardamom. So I also love the connections, the spice connections and flavor connections made through these dishes. Now, dora wat is sort of the Coptic Christian name for it, but it's also known as sanbat wat in Ethiopian Jewish communities. And sanbat means Shabbat. So a lot of these two aren't necessarily Hanukkah dishes. Actually, the Ethiopian Jews didn't traditionally celebrate Hanukkah in Ethiopia. But now over 100,000 Ethiopian Jews have moved to Israel and another thousand are here in America too. So they've moved in the cultures that celebrate Hanukkah. And definitely, you should make it with injera, too.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
DETROW: So assuming there's any room left at all after all of these dishes so far, I know you've put a lot of thought into a very important holiday item, and that is desserts.
LOHMAN: Oh, my gosh, of course. I mean, but there is always room for dessert.
DETROW: (Laughter).
LOHMAN: So I've got two ideas here. One is cassola, which is from my original person who gave me this idea, Leah Koenig. It's a cheesecake that was created by Roman Jews, and it actually descends from this idea of pancake-making on Hanukkah. Hanukkah, you know, oil, things that are fried and things that are dairy are sort of traditional Hanukkah foods. Cassola was originally made on stove tops, like a really thick pancake. Now it's baked, and now it's actually crossed over that it's a favorite served by Roman Catholics on Christmas. So it's a ricotta cheesecake made with cinnamon, vanilla and raisins.
Now, for some people, having dairy after meat is OK, but for some people, it's not. So if you want to stick to a menu that's kosher friendly, I'd also recommend bolo menino. Bolo menino is named after the Christ child, and it's a cake made in Macao, which is governed somewhat by China, but not totally, so they have more religious freedom. And many people there are also Portuguese descendants, as well. So this is a cake made with crumbled cookies, coconut and pine nuts that is always served on Christmas in Macao.
DETROW: You know, I think a lot of people listening might be taking notes and thinking, I want to do this. And I think there might be a lot of people listening who are thinking, like, oh, my gosh, this sounds so overwhelming.
LOHMAN: (Laughter).
DETROW: What do you say to somebody who, like, loves the idea, but when it comes to, especially, like, a multicourse meal, just kind of gets intimidated?
LOHMAN: You know, there is always a potluck. There's always divvying this up. Or, you know, hey, if you love throwing a party like me, make the whole thing. But if not, just make the one dish that appeals to you. I think that food is always better with a story. And I love the idea of using this December 25 to reflect on these cultures throughout the world. And sometimes they're often difficult stories, too.
DETROW: Yeah. You know, we're talking about learning about different cultures, as this menus together. But, you know, I think for a lot of people, a holiday is also about kind of leaning into your heritage - right? - your family story - right? - in terms of food.
LOHMAN: Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. And I think that we can't forget that many of these cultures that I talked about today also exist within America. These communities are here. And I think for all of us during this holiday season, this is often a time where we connect to our own ancestry. I'm sure that there are people listening right now thinking about the recipes that they're going to make that have been passed down through their families and that really are labors of love that make this feel like a special and important time of year.
DETROW: Absolutely.
LOHMAN: It's religion, but it's celebration, it's family, it's ancestry, too.
DETROW: And all of this is kind of very American, right? Like, you've put together a meal that touches on a dozen different countries and cultures.
LOHMAN: Yeah, but they can all be found here, absolutely.
DETROW: Yeah.
LOHMAN: And to me, I think that that's the most powerful and beautiful thing about America, our diversity. We can be a little hard to govern sometime. We're an unruly lot. But just how many different people become American too, I think that's really the most wonderful thing about living here and celebrating the holidays here.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
DETROW: That is food historian Sarah Lohman. Her most recent book is just out in paper, "Endangered Eating: America's Vanishing Foods." Thank you so much for taking up the challenge and crafting a Christmas Hanukkah feast for us.
LOHMAN: Oh, my gosh, my pleasure. Now the real challenge is I'm going to have to sit down and make all of this.
DETROW: I think there's no question now. Thank you.
LOHMAN: Thank you.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC) Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.kdlg.org/2024-12-15/what-to-cook-on-hanumas-chrismukah
| 2024-12-16T06:45:19Z
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All Car Brands That Have Announced Price Hikes For 2025
Modified On Dec 16, 2024 11:04 AM By CarDekho
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The price hikes are primarily attributed to rising input costs, with the list featuring mostly mass-market carmakers and some luxury brands
We typically see automakers offering discounts on their models at the end of the calendar year. However, this is also the period when, if not all, but major brands announce price hikes for the following year. So, if you are in the market to buy a new car, now might be the right time, as carmakers from both mainstream and premium segments are set to raise prices starting January 2025.
Here’s a look at all the brands that have announced price hikes for next year so far.
Maruti
Maruti was among the first to announce a price hike on all its models, including those sold through Arena as well as Nexa dealerships. The leading carmaker of our nation has announced a price increase of up to 4 percent, depending on the model. The price increase, as stated by Maruti, is intended to cover the surge in input costs and operational expenditures.
Currently Maruti offers 17 models in its portfolio, ranging from Alto K10 that starts from Rs 3.99 lakh (ex-showroom), to the Invicto MPV which is priced up to Rs 28.92 lakh (ex-showroom).
Tata Motors
Recently, Tata Motors announced a price increase of up to 3 percent across its entire lineup, including both EVs and ICE-powered models. However, the increase will vary depending on the model and variant you choose. The Indian automaker cited rising input costs and inflation as the reasons for the price hike.
Tata currently sells 13 models, including 5 EVs – Tiago EV, Tigor EV, Punch EV, Nexon EV and Curvv EV.
Mahindra
Indian SUV maker Mahindra is set to increase the prices of all its models by up to 3 percent starting January 2025. The price revision will vary depending on the model. According to Mahindra, the rise in operational costs due to increased commodity prices and other manufacturing expenses are the primary reasons for the hike. Recently, the company made headlines with the introduction of two new EVs – the XEV 9e and the BE 6.
Other SUVs from the carmaker's portfolio include the Thar Roxx, Scorpio N, XUV700, and XUV 3XO.
Hyundai
Starting next year, Hyundai will also hike the prices across its entire range. Depending on the model, the cost increase will be up to Rs 25,000. According to the Korean carmaker, adverse exchange rates and rising logistics costs are the primary reasons for the price hike.
Priced between Rs 5.92 lakh and Rs 46.05 lakh (ex-showroom), Hyundai India’s portfolio includes Grand i10 Nios, Creta SUV, Verna sedan, and Ioniq 5 EV.
Kia
Kia joined its sister brand in announcing a price increase of up to 2 percent across its entire lineup. Like other car manufacturers, the main causes for the price jump are rising input costs and higher supply chain expenditures.
Kia is set to launch the Syros in India on December 19. Apart from that, it retails six models, including the Sonet, Seltos, and the flagship EV9.
MG Motor India
Another car brand that will increase its model prices by up to 3 percent is MG Motor India. Rising input costs and other external factors have driven the price escalation. The automaker offers seven models, including the Comet EV, Windsor EV, Astor, Hector, Hector Plus, ZS EV, and the Gloster, with prices ranging between Rs 6.99 lakh and Rs 41.05 lakh (ex-showroom).
Mercedes-Benz
Moving on to the premium car segment, Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that its cars will become more expensive by up to 3 percent starting from the first day of the next year. The German carmaker stated that they are facing increased pressure on their cost structure, driven by escalating material costs, fluctuating commodity prices, higher logistics expenses, and inflation. Hence, the price increase.
Mercedes sells 24 models in India, including 5 EVs such as the EQS sedan, EQE SUV, and EQS SUV.
BMW
BMW is the next luxury carmaker on our list, which has announced a price hike of up to 3 percent across its entire lineup. This will be effective from January 1, 2025. While BMW has not specified a particular reason, it has stated that this increase will also affect its locally assembled models, such as the 5 Series LWB, 7 Series LWB, X7, and M340i.
Audi
Audi has joined its German rivals and confirmed that, effective January 2025, the prices of its entire lineup will increase by 3 percent. Audi locally assembles models like the A4, A6, Q3, Q5 and Q7 SUV. It must be noted that cars like A5 Sportback, Q8 SUV and e-Tron GT are brought through import route.
You can also expect other brands like Toyota, Honda, Skoda, and Volkswagen to announce price hikes for 2025 in coming weeks.
Make sure to follow CarDekho's WhatsApp channel for more automotive updates.
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https://www.cardekho.com/india-car-news/all-car-brands-that-have-announced-price-hikes-for-2025-33666.htm
| 2024-12-16T06:45:19Z
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Luka Doncic Makes Honest Klay Thompson Statement After Mavs-Warriors Game
On Sunday evening, the Dallas Mavericks lost to the Golden State Warriors by a score of 143-133 at the Chase Cente.r
Despite the loss, Luka Doncic was sensational, putting up 45 points, 11 rebounds, 13 assists, three steals and two blocks while shooting 16/23 from the field and 6/11 from the three-point range.
Klay Thompson also had an excellent showing against his former team.
The four-time NBA Champion finished with 29 points, five rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block while shooting 9/14 from the field and 7/11 from the three-point range in 29 minutes of playing time.
After the game, Doncic was asked about his new teammate (h/t House of Highlights).
Doncic on Thompson: "He couldn't miss... It's hard to play; you've been here your whole life and then come back and play against them. It's hard. But it's special at the same time. He played amazing today. We just need him to do this every game, and I know he can do it."
While the Mavs were unable to get the win, their superstar trio of Doncic, Thompson (and Kyrie Irving) was phenomenal.
Via Mavs PR: "Luka Dončić (45), Klay Thompson (29) and Kyrie Irving (21) combined for 95 points tonight at GSW, marking the most by the trio thus far (previous: 81 at PHX 10/26/24).
It marked the third time they each went for 20+ points on the season (also: at GSW 11/12/24, at TOR 12/7/24)."
The Mavs (17-10) will play their next game on Thursday when they host the LA Clippers.
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https://www.si.com/fannation/nba/fastbreak/luka-doncic-makes-honest-klay-thompson-statement-after-mavs-warriors-game-sunday-nba
| 2024-12-16T06:45:21Z
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Chee turns chic? B-town's worst dressed!
If the clothes of these characters could speak, they'd be screaming out loud! Take a look at some of cinema's worst dressed folks...
If the clothes of these characters could speak, they'd be screaming out loud! Take a look at some of cinema's worst dressed folks...
We're used to admiring the sartorial sense of our favourite Bollywood characters and even aping them in real life, but there are always exceptions. If the clothes of these characters could speak, they'd be screaming out loud! Take a look at some of cinema's worst dressed folks...
Ranbir Kapoor in Besharam: There's enough colour in Ranbir Kapoor's 'Besharam' wardrobe to put a rainbow to shame and no, we don't mean that in a nice way. It's a relief that Bollywood's current numero uno heartthrob was born with a face like that and innate charm or else we'd have found little else to appreciate about his look in the Abhinav Kashyap potboiler
Ranveer Singh in Ramleela: It's hard to pick the item we loathe most from the distressed jeans, silly shirt and loud boxers that Ranveer sports in the 'Tattad Tattad' song from Ramleela. And that was just the amuse-bouche. Judging from the trailer, his other ensembles are just as busy as a Dalal street stockbroker at opening bell
Vidya Balan in Ghanchakkar: To play the role of a loud Punjabi housewife, Vidya Balan slipped into the clothes that maketh the building aunties we strive to avoid everyday. Think garish prints, unflattering cuts and even, *gulps*, feather boas
Priyanka Chopra in What's Your Raashee?: Not all of the avatars PeeCee essayed in the box office turkey 'What's Your Raashee?' were ugly, but some deserved two thumbs down - Scorpio, Aries and Capricorn in particular
Govinda in Gambler: Chi Chi is not only how we'd refer to the actor, but to his clothes as well. Of the countless fashion disasters the actor's subjected us to over the years, his outfits from Gambler would undoubtedly take not only the cake, but the shop and baker too
Alisha fell into writing about films before she fell in love with films. Her favourite Khan is Shah Rukh, she prefers coffee over Koffee but is yet to choose the Deepika Padukone boyfriend she likes best. When she's not watching or writing about the movies, she's eating bacon, reading fantasy fiction and scouring retail websites with credit card firmly in hand.
Read More
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https://www.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/bollywoods-5-worst-dressed-characters-104385.html
| 2024-12-16T06:45:23Z
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Specifications for the 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S. Details include engine, fuel usage, interior features, safety and more.
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https://www.whichcar.com.au/specs/2017-porsche-911-carrera-4s-991-my16-petrol-2d-cabriolet-QWep7eJsSK
| 2024-12-16T06:45:20Z
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Takeaways from AP’s reporting on a child sex abuse crisis inside a secretive Christian sect
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — For decades, a little-known Christian sect has dealt with its abusive ministers and spiritual elders mostly in secret, shunning legal action in favor of urging victims to forgive the predators in their midst.
Forgiveness, however, was far from a cure: The abusers were often sent to live with other unsuspecting families, where they had easy access to new victims.
Now a grassroots effort by survivors has exposed the depth of the scandal — documenting allegations against more than 900 abusers in 30 countries, with cases continuing to emerge — and thrust the nameless sect into the public eye. The FBI has also launched an investigation into the group, sometimes called the “Two by Twos.”
The Associated Press interviewed more than a dozen current and former members, workers and experts, and reviewed letters, court documents and other records supporting the allegations. Several sect leaders and ministers either declined interview requests or did not respond to messages.
Here are some takeaways from the AP’s reporting.
The core doctrine of the sect put kids at high risk
Child sex abuse is a significant problem within many religious institutions: Insurance data company Advisen lists child sexual abuse as the second most frequent insurance loss for religious organizations, after wage-related claims. But survivors say the tenets of the Two by Twos place kids at particularly high risk.
The sect believes its volunteer ministers, called “workers,” should live among followers and rely on them for food, housing and other needs.
Many survivors told the AP they were abused by preachers staying in their homes. In some cases, the abuse was revealed and the offending worker was asked to leave the ministry. Frequently, however, regional leaders called “overseers” simply transferred the worker to a new region without warning other members.
Former sect member Pam Walton uses photos from annual sect conventions, reports from members and other records to track the movements of workers and overseers with abuse allegations.
“I don’t think people were understanding the magnitude that these men and women traveled,” Walton said.
One abusive overseer, Dean Bruer, served in at least 22 states and territories and seven countries from the time he joined the ministry in 1976 until his death in 2022.
A culture of ‘mercy’ enabled abusers
Former worker Jared Snyder says bringing up someone’s past sins is considered taboo because that person “has already been forgiven by God.” As a result, members and workers alike often would only talk euphemistically about problems, Snyder said, and even major misdeeds were frequently downplayed.
“There is an underlying fear of being judged as a person who has a ‘bad spirit’ if you are not merciful enough,” Snyder says.
Some sect leaders cautioned against digging into allegations. One overseer told Snyder, “The less you know, the better off you are,” he said.
Sect leaders sometimes ignored legal reporting requirements
Some U.S. states have laws that require spiritual leaders, teachers and others in positions of authority to report child abuse allegations to authorities. Letters and other documents show some overseers tried to skirt those laws.
Ed Alexander, a regional overseer for Arizona, wrote a letter to a child-molesting elder urging him to seek professional counseling. That way, Alexander claimed, the sect would not have to report the man’s crime and instead the counselor could take on reporting responsibility.
Alexander declined to comment.
Survivors often faced dead ends in their search for justice
As a teen, Sheri Autrey felt unprepared to describe the intimate details of her abuse to a jury, so her parents declined to put her through the criminal prosecution process. When Autrey tried to press charges as an adult, it was too late — under California state law, too many years had passed since the crime.
Autrey tried to find an attorney to sue the sect, but no one would take the case. Legal experts say the sect’s aversion to property leaves it without any apparent assets that could be used to pay a legal settlement.
Left without legal options, many survivors joined grassroots efforts to support each other. One organization, Advocates for the Truth, created a 24-hour confidential hotline for survivors, investigated and tracked allegations, and connected victims with therapeutic resources and funding.
Facebook pages and online chat rooms have also given survivors a place to compare stories, discuss faith and share suggestions for reform.
A grand jury began looking into the sect last year, and in February the FBI asked people with information to come forward. Agents have interviewed multiple survivors and sect leaders over the last several months.
Change within the sect is slow — and limited
Some sect leaders have condemned the abuse and asked consultants for advice on how to better protect members. Others have rejected recommended child abuse prevention policies outright, or implemented scaled-down versions with fewer safeguards.
Still, the pressure doesn’t seem likely to let up anytime soon. Former sect member and survivor Lisa Webb says advocating for other survivors has been her therapy.
“I’m not trying to take away your salvation or attack your faith, but how can we keep our kids safe? You can respect the faith, respect the religion, but still not be naive,” Webb said. “Just the fact that the conversation is out there now means we’ve already improved the safety. … There’s a rallying behind survivors.”
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://kstp.com/associated-press/ap-us-international/takeaways-from-aps-reporting-on-a-child-sex-abuse-crisis-inside-a-secretive-christian-sect/
| 2024-12-16T06:45:24Z
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By Judy Clabes
NKyTribune editor
Now that Giving Tuesday is behind us and we have all given to our favorite nonprofits that support terrific local human services, education, arts, and more, the NKyTribune is kicking its NewsMatch campaign into high gear.
We really don’t want to get the way of support for traditional and necessary nonprofits who provide for the needs of kids and families and the disadvantaged and so much more. We support those organizations too.
In fact, the Tribune supports them in a special way — by helping those organizations get their messages out about their services and by reporting on the needs that need to be met, and by giving a voice to the voiceless.
Now, the Tribune hopes individuals will consider supporting our nonprofit local news, which is what the national NewsMatch funders are encouraging with the match they provide for every dollar contributed.
Your support will be doubled — and that means a lot to those of us who have been providing news, features, sports, great storytelling, and more FREE to all readers — and open to all opinions.
The professional journalists who founded the NKyTribune in 2015 and have for nearly 10 years provided a daily news service to the NKY region had ties to the former Kentucky Post and lamented its absence as much as its loyal readers did. We have endeavored to fill the void.
We have enjoyed — and still value — the support we have received from the business community and foundations who have funded us from Day One. Now, we hope our community of readers will make voluntary contributions — ALL tax deductible because of the Tribune‘s 501-c-3 status as a publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism. Our aim is to make voluntary individual support equal to the corporate and business support — and create a sustainable news site that is truly “owned” by the community.
We have just until the end of 2024 to meet our goal. Please help with your individual contribution to the NKyTribune. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season — and we look forward to continue to serve you in a prosperous 2025.
Click the graphic above to donate online or send your check to The Northern Kentucky Tribune, 644 Braddock Ct., Edgewood, Ky. 41017.
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https://nkytribune.com/2024/12/nkytribune-asks-for-reader-support-of-its-newsmatch-funding-opportunity-for-local-nonprofit-news/
| 2024-12-16T06:45:25Z
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NBA Fans React To LeBron James' Performance In Grizzlies-Lakers Game
On Sunday evening, the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Memphis Grizzlies by a score of 116-110 in California.
LeBron James returned to the starting lineup and finished with 18 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, one steal and two blocks while shooting 7/17 from the field and 3/6 from the three-point range in 34 mintues of playing time.
Many fans reacted to his performance on social media.
@LakersLead: "LEBRON IS 37-19 VS. MEMPHIS IN HIS CAREER 🐐 (66% WP) "
@Mira_Yorudan: "Yall was really worried about Lebron for nothing lmao"
@A1Landing: "LeBron has been decent passing in the half court tonight but that’s been about it. Not a great game."
@novig_app: "Don't ever disrespect my glorious king"
@chiefkeith7: "How can you not be impressed"
@212youngbull: "LeBron and his freethrow blunders .. this team has learned nothing from the Orlando game! Lakers are cooked bro"
@flugameludort: "He turns 40 this month btw"
@gregi_l: "Lebron took that break and still ain’t learn how to shoot free throws bruh"
@CrosbySacks_v2: "LeBron is checked tf out two missed free throw then a inbound violation"
The Lakers improved to 14-12 in their first 26 games, which has them as the tenth seed in the Western Conference.
They will play their next game on Thursday evening against the Kings in Sacramento.
James is in his 22nd NBA season (and seventh with the Lakers).
He is now averaging 22.8 points, 8.0 rebounds and 9.1 assists per contest while shooting 49.2% from the field in his first 24 games.
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https://www.si.com/fannation/nba/fastbreak/nba-fans-react-to-lebron-james-performance-in-grizzlies-lakers-game-sunday
| 2024-12-16T06:45:27Z
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The indiatimes.com privacy policy has been updated to align with the new data regulations in European Union. Please review and accept these changes below to continue using the website. We use cookies to ensure the best experience for you on our website.
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https://www.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/boss-har-kisi-ko-nahi-milta-yahan-pyaar-104698.html
| 2024-12-16T06:45:29Z
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Seahawks QB Geno Smith exits with knee injury against Green Bay and will undergo testing
SEATTLE (AP) — An awkward hit ended quarterback Geno Smith’s night and may have done serious damage to the Seahawks’ playoff chances.
Smith left Seattle’s 30-13 loss to Green Bay on Sunday night with a right knee injury and was replaced by Sam Howell midway through the third quarter. The injury doomed the Seahawks’ comeback attempt and put a serious chill on their hopes for an NFC West title. They dropped into a tie atop the division with the Los Angeles Rams, who beat the Seahawks earlier this season and host them to end the season.
Smith will undergo scans on Monday to determine the extent of the injury.
“It’s tough,” linebacker Ernest Jones IV said. “Geno’s the heartbeat of this offense, the heartbeat of this team and one of our leaders. So obviously, you don’t want to see him get hurt. But we’ve got confidence in Sam, confidence in the guys behind him. So, I pray everything is OK with Geno. But we’ve got to be ready to go.”
Smith went down on a low hit by linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, who rolled over Smith’s leg. He tried to walk off the field, went down, then got up again and limped to the sideline, where he threw his helmet. He walked to the locker room with trainers a short time later.
Seattle coach Mike Macdonald said there did not appear to be any structural damage to Smith’s right knee. Smith returned to the sideline with an ice bag held in place by a bandage, and Macdonald said the team considered allowing him to return until a late turnover put the game out of reach.
Howell, acquired in an offseason trade with Washington, completed 5 of 14 passes for 24 yards with an interception and led one touchdown drive.
Smith entered the night ranking second in the league in attempts, completions and passing yards and was on the way to breaking all the Seahawks single-season marks he set last year.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for Geno, and just watching him through his career how he’s reinvented himself,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. “And he’s playing really good football — I mean, you’re not the second-ranked passing leader in this game for no reason.”
Smith, who was not available to speak to reporters, struggled before he was hurt. He threw his fourth end-zone interception this season, tying the Browns’ Jameis Winston for the NFL high, when Carrington Valentine picked him off late in the first quarter. He was 15 of 19 for 149 yards and the pick, and Seattle trailed 20-6 when he left.
Howell said he’d be ready if called upon when the Seahawks host the Minnesota Vikings next Sunday.
“I prepare every week like I’m going to start,” Howell said. “But if I am playing, just getting those reps in practice will be important, and you just getting the whole week to get ready to go will be a big thing and I’ve got to make sure I’m doing the right things to prepare myself for Sunday.”
___
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://kstp.com/associated-press/regional-sports/seahawks-qb-geno-smith-exits-with-knee-injury-against-green-bay-and-will-undergo-testing/
| 2024-12-16T06:45:31Z
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Specifications for the 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S. Details include engine, fuel usage, interior features, safety and more.
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https://www.whichcar.com.au/specs/2017-porsche-911-carrera-4s-991-my16-petrol-2d-cabriolet-my72etKEP2
| 2024-12-16T06:45:29Z
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Emirates comes on top again with multiple accolades at the 2024 World Travel Awards and World Travel Tech Awards
Emirates has taken home multiple gongs at the World Travel Awards 2024, including ‘World’s Leading Airline – First Class,’ ‘World’s Leading Airline – Brand,’ ‘World’s Leading Airline – Inflight Entertainment’ and ‘World’s Leading Airline – Rewards Programme.’ The airline was also recognised as ‘Best Airline App Worldwide’ and ‘Best Airline App in the Middle East’ at the World Travel Tech Awards 2024.
The world’s largest international airline is on a roll this year, recently winning top honours at the ‘ULTRAs 2024,’ ‘Telegraph Travel,’ ‘Forbes Travel Guide’s Air Travel Awards;’ and has also ranked as a 2025 APEX World Class Airline.
The ceremony was held at the Savoy Palace in Madeira, Portugal. David Quinto, Emirates’ Country Manager in Portugal accepted the awards on behalf of Emirates. The World Travel Awards (WTA) is one of the industry’s most prestigious events – acknowledging, rewarding and celebrating excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry. The World Travel Tech Awards recognises and celebrates excellence in travel technology.
Emirates is focused on consistently delivering the best service, continually investing to elevate the onboard experience, and launching industry-first concepts to expand the ecosystem of loyalty, including:
Rolling out 36 fully refurbished aircraft (26 A380s and 10 Boeing 777s) with new interiors that include highly lauded Premium Economy as part of its multi-billion dollar retrofit programme.
Emirates’ First-Class experience continues to set the industry benchmark for excellence with fully enclosed private suites, ‘dine on demand’ service, and A380 Shower Spa. The airline recently enhanced its wine in the sky experience with the launch ‘L’art du vin’ – a bespoke wine course for cabin crew to serve customers even better with acclaimed wines and rare vintages.
Emirates recently expanded its already vast inflight entertainment catalogue, collaborating with Spotify – the world’s most popular audio-streaming subscription service – to offer customers a wide array of podcasts and playlists in the sky.
Emirates Skywards’ 33 million members worldwide ‘earn better’ and ‘spend better’ with more than 200 brand partnerships, ranging from airlines, hotels, and car rentals to financial, leisure and lifestyle brands. Skywards attracts more than 120,000 new members every month who redeem Miles on a range of fantastic rewards including flight tickets and upgrades on Emirates, flights with partner airlines, hotel stays, gift cards, hospitality at sporting and cultural events, tours, and money can’t buy experiences.
Emirates continues to enhance its digital experiences and integrate new technologies to make the travel experience even more seamless for customers. Recognized for offering the best functionality, user experience and a range of features – the Emirates app offers customers real-time flight updates, baggage tracking, an airport map guide, a chance to explore all fleet cabins in 3D, and the option to create bespoke playlists ahead of the flight. Earlier this year, Emirates was ranked top 3 in an independent benchmarking report of airline websites by Catchpoint, where Emirates.com was recognized as the only website to fall within the recommended page load time (total time for a page to fully display to a visitor) of under 5 seconds.
For more information or to book tickets, visit emirates.com. Tickets can also be booked on Emirates App, Emirates Retail stores, Emirates contact centre, or via travel agents.
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https://www.techtrends.co.zm/emirates-comes-on-top-again-with-multiple-accolades-at-the-2024-world-travel-awards-and-world-travel-tech-awards/
| 2024-12-16T06:45:31Z
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