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2024-01-01 00:29:56
2024-01-20 05:17:14
Zelenskiy speaks of war, Putin makes passing reference in contrasting New Year speeches By Lidia Kelly (Reuters) - Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy honoured his people's resilience in times of bloodshed in a long and lyrical New Year speech, while Russian leader Vladimir Putin stressed his country's unity in a short and stern message that made only passing reference to the war. The speeches - traditional Dec. 31 messages in both Russia and Ukraine - came as both countries marked the end of the year with increased air attacks on each other's territories. But neither side can point to any major frontline achievements in 2023. "The major result of the year, its main achievement: Ukraine has become stronger," Zelenskiy said in a televised address interspersed with footage of cities under attack and meetings with leaders of Ukraine's Western allies. Mentioning "war" 14 times in his 20-minute message, Zelenskiy also vowed, just like a year ago, that a free Ukraine would prevail. "No matter how many rockets the enemy launches, no matter how many shellings and attacks - vile, merciless, massive - the enemy carries out in an attempt to break Ukrainians, intimidate, knock Ukraine down, drive it underground, we will still rise," he said, dressed in his trademark khaki outfit. Comments by Putin, who faces an election in March, provided a sharp contrast to those of Zelenskiy and also to his own speech last year, when he cast the war as a near-existential fight. This year, he called Russia's soldiers "our heroes," but did not mention Ukraine by name and did not refer to the "special military operation" - his term for the war his invasion unleashed in February 2022. "We have proven more than once that we can solve the most difficult problems and will never retreat, because there is no force that can divide us," Putin said in a four-minute speech, dressed in a suit and a red tie against a backdrop of the Kremlin walls. "We are one country, one big family." The war - the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II - is nearing its second anniversary, with no end in sight. Thousands have been killed, millions of Ukrainians displaced and countless cities turned to rubble. Neither Putin nor Zelenskiy referred to the 1,000-km (600-mile) front line where Kyiv's counteroffensive had little success and where Moscow has been pushing on with its most recent but slow offensive along the eastern flank aiming to take control of more Ukrainian territory. And while Zelenskiy spoke of 6,000 or so air raid alerts in Ukraine in the past year, Putin made no mention of any attacks - not even an attack Russia says Ukraine carried out on Belgorod in recent days killing at least 24 civilians. Both spoke of the strength of their countries and their people, with Putin saying the future common effort will make Russia and its people stronger and Zelenskiy saying the war had already showed the strength of Ukrainians. "And just like last December 31, today, we say: 'We don't know for sure what the New Year will bring us'," Zelenskiy said. "But this year we can add: 'No matter what it brought, we will be stronger'." (Aditional reporting by Oleksandr Kozhukhar in Kyiv and Ronald Popeski in Winnipeg; Writing by Lidia Kelly in Melbourne: Editing by Neil Fullick)
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/zelenskiy-speaks-war-putin-makes-043058898.html
2024-01-01T05:09:14Z
2000 Singapore dollars to Rwandan francs Convert SGD to RWF at the real exchange rate Loading Top currencies Beware of bad exchange rates.Banks and traditional providers often have extra costs, which they pass to you by marking up the exchange rate. Our smart tech means we’re more efficient – which means you get a great rate. Every time. How to convert Singapore dollars to Rwandan francs - 1 Input your amount Simply type in the box how much you want to convert. - 2 Choose your currencies Click on the dropdown to select SGD in the first dropdown as the currency that you want to convert and RWF in the second drop down as the currency you want to convert to. - 3 That’s it Our currency converter will show you the current SGD to RWF rate and how it’s changed over the past day, week or month. Top currency pairings for Singapore dollars Change Converter source currency - Australian Dollar - Brazilian Real - British Pound Sterling - Bulgarian Lev - Canadian Dollar - Chinese Yuan RMB - Czech Republic Koruna - Danish Krone - Euro - Hong Kong Dollar - Hungarian Forint - Indian Rupee - Indonesian Rupiah - Israeli New Sheqel - Japanese Yen - Malaysian Ringgit - New Zealand Dollar - Norwegian Krone - Polish Zloty - Romanian Leu - Singapore Dollar - Swedish Krona - Swiss Franc - Turkish Lira - US Dollar Are you overpaying your bank? Banks often advertise free or low-cost transfers, but add a hidden markup to the exchange rate. Wise gives you the real, mid-market, exchange rate, so you can make huge savings on your international money transfers. Download Our Currency Converter App Features our users love:- Free and ad-free. - Track live exchange rates. - Compare the best money transfer providers.
https://wise.com/in/currency-converter/sgd-to-rwf-rate?amount=2000
2024-01-01T05:09:15Z
Ambedkar statue damaged by unknown people in UP's Maharajganj - Country: - India A statue of Bhimrao Ambedkar was damaged by some unknown people here following which the locals created a ruckus demanding strict action in the matter, police said on Sunday. According to them, the incident occurred at the Amrutiya ward in the Sadar Kotwali police station area on Saturday night. As news of the statue being damaged spread, the locals gathered at the spot and created a ruckus. Police officials reached the spot and pacified the people with an assurance that the culprits would be arrested soon. Deputy Superintendent of Police (Sadar) Abha Singh said that an adequate police force has been deployed in the area to maintain law and order. An FIR in the matter is yet to be lodged while the police are getting the statue repaired, she added. (This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) - READ MORE ON: - Kotwali - Abha Singh - Sadar - Amrutiya - Superintendent of Police - Bhimrao Ambedkar
https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/2762476-ambedkar-statue-damaged-by-unknown-people-in-ups-maharajganj
2024-01-01T05:09:14Z
Premier League Anytime Goal Scorer Prop Bets & Odds in the US Today, January 1 Published: Dec. 20, 2023 at 10:33 PM CST|Updated: 35 minutes ago The Premier League has only one match on its Monday slate -- continue reading for anytime goal scorer odds. Bet on Mohamed Salah or any other player with BetMGM. Sportsbook Promo Codes Fubo has Premier League games and plenty of other soccer too all season long! Top Premier League Goal Scorer Odds Today Mohamed Salah, Liverpool FC (-105) - Opponent: Newcastle United - Games Played: 19 - Goals: 12 Darwin Nunez, Liverpool FC (+125) - Opponent: Newcastle United - Games Played: 19 - Goals: 5 Cody Gakpo, Liverpool FC (+130) - Opponent: Newcastle United - Games Played: 17 - Goals: 2 Diogo Jota, Liverpool FC (+150) - Opponent: Newcastle United - Games Played: 13 - Goals: 5 Luis Diaz, Liverpool FC (+160) - Opponent: Newcastle United - Games Played: 18 - Goals: 3 Ben Doak, Liverpool FC (+185) - Opponent: Newcastle United - Games Played: 9 - Goals: 0 Callum Wilson, Newcastle United (+210) - Opponent: Liverpool FC - Games Played: 14 - Goals: 7 Alexander Isak, Newcastle United (+220) - Opponent: Liverpool FC - Games Played: 15 - Goals: 8 Anthony Gordon, Newcastle United (+350) - Opponent: Liverpool FC - Games Played: 18 - Goals: 6 Dominik Szoboszlai, Liverpool FC (+350) - Opponent: Newcastle United - Games Played: 19 - Goals: 2 Harvey Elliott, Liverpool FC (+350) - Opponent: Newcastle United - Games Played: 19 - Goals: 1 Curtis Jones, Liverpool FC (+400) - Opponent: Newcastle United - Games Played: 12 - Goals: 0 Ryan Gravenberch, Liverpool FC (+450) - Opponent: Newcastle United - Games Played: 14 - Goals: 0 Miguel Almiron, Newcastle United (+450) - Opponent: Liverpool FC - Games Played: 19 - Goals: 3 James McConnell, Liverpool FC (+450) - Opponent: Newcastle United - Games Played: 8 - Goals: 0 Today's Premier League Games Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER. © 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved.
https://www.kfvs12.com/sports/betting/2024/01/01/premier-league-anytime-goal-scorer-odds/
2024-01-01T05:09:18Z
9 injured in gas explosion in The Hague At around 4 p.m. local time (1500 GMT) a gas explosion caused the collapse of a three-story building in the Jan van der Heijdenstraat in the Laakkwartier district. The front of the entire building was blown away. Emergency services immediately rushed to the site and rescued three people from under the rubble. A fourth person is still buried but approachable. Due to instability of the construction, the rescue operation must be carried out very carefully, according to a statement of the The Hague fire brigade. For the time being there are no signs of more people trapped in the rubble. Of the nine injured, seven were taken to hospital. Residents of 20 homes in the area have been evacuated and are staying in a hotel for the night. Photo credit: twitter.com/RedactieD8
https://en.inform.kz/news/9-injured-in-gas-explosion-in-the-hague_a3492277/
2024-01-01T05:09:18Z
Ask Dr James: Why do the soles of my feet feel like they’re burning? Q: “I have a mixture of pain and burning in the soles of both my feet. This is not much of an issue during the day when I’m moving about, but in bed the burning can stop me dropping off and wake me every couple of hours. It is most troublesome.” A: The discomfort of burning feet is directly comparable to the effect of their being in too close proximity to an electric heater or radiator. Caused by disturbed functioning of the sensory nerve fibres (sensory neuropathy), it is indeed, as can be readily imagined, “most troublesome”. The skin is a highly sensitive organ packed with millions of miniscule sensory receptors conveying the subtleties of touch while also alerting us to potentially damaging extremes of temperature (both heat and cold), excessive pressure and the presence of injury-inducing chemicals. When activated, these specialised receptors convert noxious stimuli into electrical impulses, conveyed from the feet up to the spinal cord along the sensory nerves. These, the longest in the body, are vulnerable to the wear and tear of passing years, experienced variously as shooting pains, pins and needles, and burning. A treatable underlying cause? The first consideration is whether there might be some treatable underlying explanation, starting with vitamin B deficiency – rare nowadays but prevalent among heavy drinkers and the severely malnourished. “Burning feet are a source of terrible discomfort preventing sleep and rest,” wrote the famed Australian doctor “Weary” Dunlop of his fellow Japanese POWs on the notorious Thai-Burma Death-Railway. Vitamin B supplements are usually curative. Next, diabetes, the single commonest cause of sensory neuropathy, mitigated by adequate control with blood-sugar-lowering drugs. The third possible treatable cause is rather different – compression of the tibial nerve around the ankle, known as tibial tunnel syndrome. Similar to carpal tunnel syndrome at the wrist, this may improve with physiotherapy and local steroid injections, but for some an operation to decompress the nerve may be necessary. Cooling the feet There is inevitably no specific remedy that can correct the disturbed functioning of the sensory nerves, though the threshold for activation of those heat-sensitive receptors can be raised by cooling the feet in a water bath. A “cold” hot-water bottle tucked into the side of the bed until needed can be similarly useful. “When woken by burning in the night, it provides much welcome relief,” a woman reports. Medication The two classes of drugs that may mitigate the burning sensation are, first, the local anaesthetic lidocaine or chilli-derived capsaicin that, applied as a gel or patch, inhibit the firing of those heat-sensitive receptors in the skin. Next, the therapeutic effect of several classes of drugs depends on their “damping down” the transmission of the electrical impulses – gabapentin (epilepsy), amitriptyline (depression) and mexiletine (abnormal heart rhythms). Despite the rationale for their use in mitigating the discomfort of burning feet, the evidence for their efficacy is equivocal, with at best a 50 per cent improvement in a quarter of those taking them. Email your questions in confidence to Drjames@telegraph.co.uk
https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/ask-dr-james-why-soles-050000018.html
2024-01-01T05:09:21Z
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri rewarded coach Eliah Drinkwitz a contract extension through the 2028 season on Sunday after he led the Tigers to an 11-2 record and a victory over Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl. Drinkwitz’s contract was due to expire after the 2027 season. The extension approved by the Missouri Board of Curators also is expected to include a bump in pay, though the school had yet to announce the financial details. Drinkwitz was hired before the 2020 season after a single but ultra-successful season at Appalachian State, where he went 12-1 and won the New Orleans Bowl. The timing could not have been worse — the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult for him to build the program — and the result was three straight .500 regular seasons and two losses in bowl games. Despite the relatively mediocre results, Missouri gave the 40-year-old coach an extension in 2022 that took his pay to $6 million per year, and Drinkwitz made it pay off this season. Picked to finish in the middle of the SEC, the Tigers’ only losses came against Georgia and LSU, and they beat rival Kansas State along with Tennessee, Kentucky, Florida and Arkansas. “You can’t do this alone,” Drinkwitz said in a statement, “and our players, coaches and staff have worked tirelessly and believed in the process of building a championship program. The passion of our fan base, alumni and donors is awesome. We are extremely grateful for the resources they provided and the continued investment from our administration.” Drinkwitz was The Associated Press SEC coach of the year and finished third in voting for the national award. The Tigers were considered heavy underdogs in the Cotton Bowl against Ohio State, which barely missed out on a spot in the College Football Playoff. But they rallied in the fourth quarter for a 14-3 victory to cap their season. They could be in the mix for a playoff spot next year, too, when the field expands to 12. Quarterback Brady Cook, standout wide receiver Luther Burden III and several other key players are expected to return, and the Tigers already have supplemented them with a top-25 recruiting class highlighted by five-star defensive end Williams Nwaneri. “Coach Drinkwitz and his staff have done a tremendous job in this modern era of intercollegiate athletics,” Missouri athletic director Desiree Reed-Francois said. “Continuity is important in implementing a championship culture, maximizing student-athlete potential and recruiting future Tigers. Our program is positioned to continue our momentum into the future.” ___ AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/sports/ap-missouri-gives-coach-drinkwitz-a-contract-extension-through-the-2028-season/
2024-01-01T05:09:20Z
How I ‘became 20 years younger’ with exercise Most of us wonder how long we will actually live and wonder whether we could be in better shape in the second half of our life. As my 50th birthday loomed I became obsessed with my “health span” – in other words, my years of normal, active and healthy life to come. I view my health as a graph, where I need to keep the peak of the curve as high as possible in order to have a greater margin for it falling when, one day in the future, it inevitably does. The key step I took before I hit 50, was to get a detailed HRV (heart rate variability) score in a medical facility in Italy. The results were good news: a biological age of 32 for me, at the age of 48. And while any test needs to be taken with a degree of flex, it was a sign that it is possible to slow down the ageing process. I’m not just telling you this to brag. I am going to share the approach I’ve taken. Get out of our comfort zone First off it’s always about pushing beyond our comfort zone when we exercise, no matter how old you are. You should feel discomfort and challenge. Being out of breath and sweating, feeling some strain – these are all normal and good. You need to get used to the idea that “normal exercise” is to enjoy being challenged. Build up your muscles Good muscular strength is the number one goal for everyone – period. Without it, there is a knock-on effect on your entire body. Muscular strength affects your bones, skin, gut, brain and hormone system, so much so that if you are not strong you are fighting a losing battle for your health. Mobility and flexibility come next in importance as without them we can’t hold on to the strength we need, and we are more in danger of falls and stiffness. In turn, this affects how we view our capacity to move and stay young. We should be able to move without pain or limitation. Know your health ‘numbers’ On top of all this we need cardiovascular fitness - it’s critical to our ability to stay alive. Within this, our blood pressure is absolutely vital, and you should always know your own numbers. Blood pressure of 120/75 is good and normal. A reading of 140/90 should be viewed as concerningly high. Likewise, your cholesterol reading is vital as it determines our likelihood of stroke, heart attack and every other cardiac event going. Good cholesterol, or HDL, should be above 1.0mmol/L for men or above 1.2mmol/L for women. Bad cholesterol, or non HDL, should b below 4mmol/L with a total cholesterol reading of below 5mmol/L Lastly, we should all know our blood glucose reading. A GP blood test will show this, and the overall level should read between 3.9 and around 5.3, with levels above that requiring lifestyle adjustments in terms of diet and exercise straight away. Another vital reading is our apoB, which you may not have heard of, but is one the key indicators of a raised risk of cardiovascular problems that might materialise. You’ll need to ask a GP to carry out an apoB. The test is also available privately and relatively inexpensively at a large number of private testing centres. It is possible to protect yourself against ageing Whether we like it or not, midlife comes with a battle against muscle loss and hormone changes that make new challenges appear seemingly out of the blue. The good news is that the battle can be won, and won well. The bad news is perhaps that it’s going to take more of your time than you are currently giving. So how am I doing? Well, I challenged myself to be the same shape at 50 as I was at 20, and on paper, I am! 76kg, 8 per cent body fat (okay, I was 5 per cent at 20 but it’s in the ballpark), testosterone between 22 and 30, overall cholesterol of around 3.8, blood pressure of 122/70, resting heart rate 40-42 bpm. I am living proof that it is possible to protect yourself against ageing. In the coming weeks and months, I’m going to share the precise approach I’ve taken – so that you can adapt it and apply it to live a longer, stronger and healthier life yourself. Believe me, it will be worth it. Disclaimer: The exercise and activities discussed here are suggestions only and are strictly advised to be undertaken following prior consultation with a health or medical professional. Physical activity and lifestyle changes of all kinds should be tailored to the individual based on an assessment of their personal needs.
https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/became-20-years-younger-exercise-050000541.html
2024-01-01T05:09:22Z
250 Singapore dollars to Rwandan francs Convert SGD to RWF at the real exchange rate Loading Top currencies Beware of bad exchange rates.Banks and traditional providers often have extra costs, which they pass to you by marking up the exchange rate. Our smart tech means we’re more efficient – which means you get a great rate. Every time. How to convert Singapore dollars to Rwandan francs - 1 Input your amount Simply type in the box how much you want to convert. - 2 Choose your currencies Click on the dropdown to select SGD in the first dropdown as the currency that you want to convert and RWF in the second drop down as the currency you want to convert to. - 3 That’s it Our currency converter will show you the current SGD to RWF rate and how it’s changed over the past day, week or month. Top currency pairings for Singapore dollars Change Converter source currency - Australian Dollar - Brazilian Real - British Pound Sterling - Bulgarian Lev - Canadian Dollar - Chinese Yuan RMB - Czech Republic Koruna - Danish Krone - Euro - Hong Kong Dollar - Hungarian Forint - Indian Rupee - Indonesian Rupiah - Israeli New Sheqel - Japanese Yen - Malaysian Ringgit - New Zealand Dollar - Norwegian Krone - Polish Zloty - Romanian Leu - Singapore Dollar - Swedish Krona - Swiss Franc - Turkish Lira - US Dollar Are you overpaying your bank? Banks often advertise free or low-cost transfers, but add a hidden markup to the exchange rate. Wise gives you the real, mid-market, exchange rate, so you can make huge savings on your international money transfers. Download Our Currency Converter App Features our users love:- Free and ad-free. - Track live exchange rates. - Compare the best money transfer providers.
https://wise.com/in/currency-converter/sgd-to-rwf-rate?amount=250
2024-01-01T05:09:22Z
19:16, 31 January 2019 | GMT +6 Abdullah sworn in as the new king of Malaysia BANGKOK. KAZINFORM - The Sultan of Pahang, Tengku Abdullah, ascended the throne as the 16th king of Malaysia on Thursday after his predecessor, Sultan Muhammad V, suddenly abdicated earlier this month, EFE reports. Abdullah, 59, took the charge to be the king - Malaysia's head of state - for the next five years at the National Palace in Kuala Lumpur, the official residence of the monarch.
https://en.inform.kz/news/abdullah-sworn-in-as-the-new-king-of-malaysia_a3493764/
2024-01-01T05:09:25Z
8 terrorists killed in clashes with security forces in Pakistan Weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from the killed terrorists, it said in a separate statement.Pakistan has consistently been asking the interim Afghan government to ensure effective border management on their side of the border. - Country: - Pakistan At least eight terrorists were killed in clashes with the security forces in two separate incidents in Pakistan, the army said on Sunday. During the conduct of an intelligence-based operation on the night of December 30-31, five terrorists ''were sent to hell'' following intense clashes between troops and the militants, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the army. The terrorists’ hideout was also busted and a cache of arms, ammunition and explosives was recovered, it said, adding that a sanitisation operation was being carried out to eliminate other terrorists in the area. ''The security forces of Pakistan, in step with the nation, remain determined to thwart attempts of sabotaging peace, stability and progress of Balochistan,'' the statement added. In a separate incident, three terrorists attempting to infiltrate the Pakistan-Afghanistan border were killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bajaur district, the ISPR said. “After the fire exchange, all three terrorists were sent to hell. Weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from the killed terrorists,” it said in a separate statement. “Pakistan has consistently been asking the interim Afghan government to ensure effective border management on their side of the border. The interim Afghan government is expected to fulfil its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for perpetrating acts of terrorism against Pakistan,” the statement said. Pakistan has witnessed an increase in terror attacks in recent months, especially in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. A day earlier, the army said five terrorists were killed during an operation in the Mir Ali area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan District. Earlier this month, as many as 25 soldiers were killed in two separate incidents on a single day, including a terrorist attack in Dera Ismail Khan, claiming the lives of 23 soldiers. That was the military’s highest single-day death toll from terrorist attacks reported this year. According to statistics issued by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), the country witnessed the highest number of suicide attacks since 2014 during this year, with nearly half of them targeting the security forces. As many as 48 per cent of deaths and 58pc of injuries were inflicted upon security forces personnel. (This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/2762493-8-terrorists-killed-in-clashes-with-security-forces-in-pakistan
2024-01-01T05:09:24Z
BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — Naomi Osaka’s first win at the elite level since becoming a mother didn’t come easily. It did come on Day 1 of the year, though. So that was two items Osaka checked off the list Monday for her comeback to professional tennis. The former No. 1-ranked Osaka was broken while serving for the match at 5-3 in the second set and needed three match points before converting in the tiebreaker for a 6-3, 7-6 (9) victory over Tamara Korpatsch in the first round of the Brisbane International. “I was super nervous the whole time,” Osaka, 26, said of her comeback match against the 28-year-old German player. A two-time Australian and U.S. Open champion, Osaka pulled out of last year’s Australian Open in Melbourne before later revealing she was pregnant. The U.S.-based Japanese player and her partner, rapper Cordae, became parents to daughter Shai in Los Angeles in July. Osaka had only played one game since her first-round exit at the 2022 U.S. Open. She was leading Daria Gavrilova 1-0 at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo in September of that year before the Australian retired from the match with injury. Osaka said she has a renewed focus on living in the moment when it comes to her tennis. “The last couple years that I played before I had my daughter, I didn’t return as much love as I was given,” she told the crowd at Pat Rafter Arena. “So I really feel like that’s what I want to do in this chapter. “I just really appreciate people coming out and people knowing me and cheering for me. Reigning Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, Jelena Ostapenko, Victoria Azarenka, Sofia Kenin and Sloane Stephens are also in the 64-player women’s draw at the Brisbane International, one of the key tune-up events for the Australian Open in Melbourne. ___ AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/sports/ap-naomi-osaka-wins-her-opening-match-on-return-to-elite-tennis-at-the-brisbane-international/
2024-01-01T05:09:27Z
KINSHASA, Congo — Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi has won reelection with more than 70% of the vote, the country's election commission said Sunday as opposition candidates and their supporters questioned the validity of the results. The preliminary results of the Dec. 20 election were announced in the capital, Kinshasa, amid demands from the opposition and some civil society groups for the vote to be rerun due to massive logistical problems that they said had undermined the balloting. Tshisekedi's overwhelming declared victory was likely to fuel those concerns. The second-place candidate was businessman Moise Katumbi, who received 18% of the vote, and Martin Fayulu, who received 5%, finished third. Nobel Peace Prize winner Denis Mukwege, a physician renowned for treating women brutalized by sexual violence in eastern Congo, got less than 1%. Speaking from his headquarters in the capital after the results were announced, Tshisekedi thanked his supporters for giving him another five-year term. "You believed in my commitment so that our country can find its place in the concert of nations," he said. "You have embraced my vision of society. I will spare no effort for more jobs, more purchasing power, more access to basic services at all levels." About 18 million people voted in the election, which had a turnout of more than a 40%, according to the election commission. The results will be sent to the constitutional court for confirmation, election chief Denis Kadima said. Candidates opposing the results have two days to submit their claims, and the constitutional court then has seven days to decide. The final results are expected on January 10, and the president is scheduled to be sworn in at the end of that month. Congo has a history of disputed elections that can turn violent, and there's little confidence among many Congolese in the country's institutions. Before the results were announced Sunday, opposition candidates, including Katumbi, said they rejected the results and called on the population to mobilize. The logistical problems included many polling stations being late in opening or not opening at all. Some lacked materials, and many voter cards had smudged ink that made them illegible. Voting in the election had to be extended into a second day— something local observers and civil society organizations have called illegal — and parts of the country were still casting ballots five days after election day. "If a foreign country considers these elections to be elections, there's a problem," Fayulu said at a news conference in the capital Sunday before the results were announced. "It's a farce, don't accept (the results)." Violence was already flaring in parts of the country before the results were announced. In the eastern city of Goma, youth barricaded some main streets demanding a revote. Earlier this week, clashes erupted between some of Fayulu's supporters and police officers who fired tear gas at protesters who threw rocks and barricaded themselves inside the opposition headquarters. "These elections are an example of fraud and ballot-box stuffing, flouting any transparent and credible electoral process and, moreover, democracy," said Bienvenu Matumo, a member of LUCHA, a local rights group. Leading up to and during the vote, the election commission was accused of not being transparent enough. The East African Community said its election observer mission was not granted access to Congo, and the European Union canceled its mission after authorities did not authorize the use of satellite equipment by EU monitors. Congo analysts say the thousands of observers that were in the country were unable to say whether the irregularities had an impact on the overall integrity of the results, leaving it to the election commission. Tshisekedi already has spent much of his time in office trying to gain legitimacy after a disputed 2018 election that some observers said Fayulu had actually won. Overall, Tshisekedi's track record has been spotty. He's struggled to stem violence in the east, a goal he campaigned on. Conflict in eastern Congo has raged for decades, with more than 120 armed groups fighting for power, resources and to protect their communities. But the violence has spiked during Tshisekedi's term with the resurgence of the M23 rebels, who have displaced millions of people and seized swaths of land. The fighting prevented 1.5 million people from registering to vote. Attempts to quell the violence with an East African Force comprised of troops from neighboring countries have failed. The force is pulling out, along with a U.N. peacekeeping mission that has been in Congo for decades. Still, Tshisekedi's initiatives creating free health care for pregnant mothers and babies and providing free primary education has changed the lives of some people living in remote villages. "My brothers can go to school now without my parents paying, which allows my father to put that money to buying food for the family," John Nlaza, a resident of a small village in Kongo Central province told The Associated Press. Congolese analysts said it's important to view Tshisekedi's win with caution given the significant uncertainty of the presidential election's validity. "The opposition's contesting of the results is not only a predictable reaction, but it also highlights the persistence of a deeper crisis of legitimacy at the top of the state," Tresor Kibangula, a political analyst at the Congolese research institute Ebuteli, said. "This battle will depend on (the opposition's) ability to mobilize the Congolese people for its cause, with a view to reversing the balance of power." Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.
https://www.ideastream.org/2023-12-31/congos-president-is-declared-winner-of-election-that-opposition-wants-redone
2024-01-01T05:09:27Z
Don’t give up meat, it’s better for your health than you think Is the scent of a delicious roast dinner currently wafting from your oven, making you salivate? Will you feel just a smidge guilty as you tuck in? Never mind the people trying Veganuary this month, all of us have been told that eating meat is bad. Not only for the planet, but for our health. Every bite of that brisket will raise your risk of cancer, heart disease and more. A second helping will send you to an early grave. But will it? A growing body of research suggests that meat is a complex beast. Acres of difference stand between a high welfare, grass-fed sirloin steak and the impact on your body of a highly processed hot dog. The NHS advises that people who eat 90 grams of processed or red meat a day – equivalent to a couple of rashers of bacon – should cut down to 70 grams. What’s clear is that, cooked with care and eaten selectively, meat may even boost your health. A recent report by the University of Edinburgh suggests that without better awareness of alternative sources of nutrients, the targets to reduce meat and dairy consumption by 20 per cent by 2035 might actually raise health risks, inadvertently exacerbating deficiencies in important minerals including selenium, iron and zinc. But ethics and environment aside, what do we really know about the impact that eating meat has on our health? Why we shouldn’t give up on meat Veganism and vegetarianism have become shorthand terms for healthier lifestyles, says Dr Wenpeng You, biomedicine researcher at the University of Adelaide in Australia. But after he and his team examined the overall health effects of meat consumption in 175 countries, taking into account factors including affluence, obesity and overall calorie consumption, their results, published in the International Journal of General Medicine last year, suggest that meat consumption does not send people to an early grave. In fact, it extends life expectancy. Dr You is not hugely surprised. Humans, he suggests, are hardwired to eat animal protein. “Until about 12,000 years ago, there were not many sources of other nutrients that we could digest.” In fact, meat may become an increasingly useful and convenient source of nutrition as we age, suggests Prof James Goodwin, director of science at the Brain Health Network and author of Supercharge Your Brain. “From middle age onwards, a process called sarcopenia, or muscle loss, progresses at 1-2 per cent a year.” If you want to counter this loss, 30 per cent of your food should be protein, he suggests. You could, of course, get all this protein from plants. It is just a lot more complicated. Nutritional therapist Lucy Miller says animal proteins are “complete” – meaning they contain all the amino acids our bodies need. The odd BLT is OK but avoid processed meat when you can There is strong evidence that processed meat – including ham, bacon, corned beef and some sausages – increases the risk of bowel cancer, says Dr Julie Sharp, head of health information at Cancer Research UK. “Nitrates and nitrites, which are added to processed meat to keep it fresh for longer, can form chemicals called N-nitroso chemicals (or NOCs) during digestion that can damage the cells in the bowel,” she explains. Processed meats are also high in blood-pressure-raising sodium, says consultant cardiologist Dr Neil Srinivasan. Eating two servings a week may raise your risk of heart and circulatory diseases by 7 per cent. The other bad news is that processed meats have also been linked to Type 2 diabetes, while a 2021 observational study correlated the consumption of 25g of processed meat a day to a 44 per cent increase in risk of dementia. The good news about red meat “Red meat is one of the best available sources of iron, zinc and B vitamins, in particular vitamin B12,” says Dr Srinivasan. This means it has the potential to do your heart good, because low zinc levels have been linked to conditions including coronary artery disease and angina, while vitamins B6, B9, and B12 may lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. It is also rich in haem iron, says Miller, a highly absorbable form of the mineral that is only found in animal-based foods, “meaning that if you have a purely plant-based diet, you may not be absorbing high enough levels of iron”. That haem, however, is controversial. During digestion, it breaks down into cancer-causing chemicals, says Dr Sharp. Plus, “when processed and red meats are cooked at high temperatures, such as grilling or barbecuing, other cancer-causing chemicals are produced, called heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).” Eating large quantities is therefore considered a likely cause of bowel cancer, although further research is needed to confirm that. But what about heart disease? Red meat is higher in cholesterol than poultry or fish - a major reason it has, historically, been demonised. Yet “a number of studies now suggests it’s the mix of fats, sugar and refined carbohydrates in your diet that influences blood cholesterol, not the amount of cholesterol you eat from food,” says Miller. In fact, one study that came to this conclusion in 2010 criticised contemporary public health advice that promoted a move away from saturated fats found in animal products. The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, said the advice “has spurred a compensatory increase in consumption of refined carbohydrates and added sugars – a dietary shift that may be contributing to the current twin epidemics of obesity and diabetes”. And dementia? “There is definitely a relationship between the consumption of unprocessed red meat and dementia,” says Prof Goodwin. “It reduces the risk.” A 2021 study linked 50g of unprocessed red meat a day to a reduction in the risk of Alzheimer’s. Not surprising, says Prof Goodwin: “The five most critical nutrients for the brain are all predominantly from animal sources,” he says. “Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Omega 3 fatty acid, zinc and magnesium.” Modern Western diets are often low in them all. How to choose your chicken “White meat, such as chicken, and fish, are not linked to an increased risk of cancer,” says Sharp. In fact, good quality chicken is the best source of protein, says Miller, containing around 32g of protein in every 100g, compared to the 10g in the same amount of beans and legumes. That said, in 2021, Oxford University researchers published a study involving 475,000 people – from voracious meat eaters to vegetarians. Keren Papier, the lead author, explains that “higher consumption of poultry meat was associated with higher risks of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, gastritis and duodenitis, diverticular disease, gallbladder disease, and diabetes.” There is, however, one crucial and familiar addendum. “Most of these positive associations were reduced if body mass index (BMI) was taken into account,” says Papier. “This suggests that regular meat eaters having a higher average body weight could be partly causing these associations.” Control your weight, and a roast chicken may not be the death of you. But here’s the rub. Around 95 per cent of chicken consumed in the UK is factory-farmed, says Miller, making it liable to be less nutritionally dense, and also higher in fat. In other words, we’re being sold chicken that makes it harder to get the health benefits without the health risks. Why the quality and cut matters Choose meat from factory farms, where animals are confined and fed a grain-based diet, and the nutritional content of your meat will diminish, says Miller, citing a review spanning three decades which found that grass-fed beef not only had more healthy carotenoids, vitamin E and other antioxidants, but also contained less fat, of unhealthier sorts. “Grass-fed beef has more Omega 3 fatty acids than grain-fed beef,” agrees Prof Goodwin. “On organic [beef], the jury is out. Few studies show, unequivocally, that its nutrient levels are better, just that there are no pesticides in it.” The cut counts too. “Unprocessed, lean meats and cuts are healthier for your heart,” says Dr Srinivasan. “So ask your butcher for a lean cut and, if buying pre-packed meat, check the nutrition label to see how much fat it contains and compare products.” The healthy way to eat meat – and how much Back in 1996, a study was published that examined the health outcomes of 11,000 “health conscious” Brits, some vegetarian, others omnivore, recruited from places such as health food shops. After 17 years, both camps had half the death rate compared with the average population. The key influence appeared not to be whether or not they ate meat, but whether or not they ate lots of fresh fruit and raw salad. “In the West, an estimated 75 per cent of all our calories comes from just five animals and 12 plants – a woefully narrow diet,” says Prof Goodwin. It is this narrowness that lies at the root of many health problems, he suggests. So, “ask yourself the following question: have I eaten 30 types of plant and more than five types of animal food this week?” The answer, he suggests, may not be to exclude meat altogether but “to eat a better quality, more balanced and diverse diet”. Meat: the good and the bad for your health 1. Steak filet Good: a source of iron, zinc and B vitamins 2. Chicken breast Good: but avoid factory farmed chicken, which is higher in fat 3. Sausage Bad: processed meat raises your risk of bowel cancer 4. Lamb chops Bad: avoid barbecuing, as meat can become carcinogenic 5. Venison steak Good: lower in fat than any other red meat 6. Bacon rasher Bad: buy nitrate-free bacon to lower the cancer risk 7. Slice of turkey Good: an excellent source of selenium, a mineral that can help prevent certain cancers 8. Parma ham Good: free of additives, this is one of the healthiest ham options
https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/don-t-meat-better-health-050000322.html
2024-01-01T05:09:28Z
5 Singapore dollars to Rwandan francs Convert SGD to RWF at the real exchange rate Loading Top currencies Beware of bad exchange rates.Banks and traditional providers often have extra costs, which they pass to you by marking up the exchange rate. Our smart tech means we’re more efficient – which means you get a great rate. Every time. How to convert Singapore dollars to Rwandan francs - 1 Input your amount Simply type in the box how much you want to convert. - 2 Choose your currencies Click on the dropdown to select SGD in the first dropdown as the currency that you want to convert and RWF in the second drop down as the currency you want to convert to. - 3 That’s it Our currency converter will show you the current SGD to RWF rate and how it’s changed over the past day, week or month. Top currency pairings for Singapore dollars Change Converter source currency - Australian Dollar - Brazilian Real - British Pound Sterling - Bulgarian Lev - Canadian Dollar - Chinese Yuan RMB - Czech Republic Koruna - Danish Krone - Euro - Hong Kong Dollar - Hungarian Forint - Indian Rupee - Indonesian Rupiah - Israeli New Sheqel - Japanese Yen - Malaysian Ringgit - New Zealand Dollar - Norwegian Krone - Polish Zloty - Romanian Leu - Singapore Dollar - Swedish Krona - Swiss Franc - Turkish Lira - US Dollar Are you overpaying your bank? Banks often advertise free or low-cost transfers, but add a hidden markup to the exchange rate. Wise gives you the real, mid-market, exchange rate, so you can make huge savings on your international money transfers. Download Our Currency Converter App Features our users love:- Free and ad-free. - Track live exchange rates. - Compare the best money transfer providers.
https://wise.com/in/currency-converter/sgd-to-rwf-rate?amount=5
2024-01-01T05:09:29Z
Abe, Merkel agree to cooperate over free trade, security "Japan and Germany will closely work together to maintain and strengthen a free and open economic system," Abe said in a joint press conference after their talks in Tokyo. The meeting between the leaders of the world's third- and fourth-largest economies came on the heels of the entry into force Friday of a free trade agreement between Japan and the European Union, with Merkel saying the accord covering about a third of the global economy will "send an important signal to the world." The two leaders said they agreed to support the development of self-driving car, artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies. As part of efforts to expand security cooperation, Abe and Merkel broadly agreed on a pact aimed at facilitating the exchange of classified information, including in the field of terrorism. "This agreement will be helpful in cybersecurity cooperation as both our countries are facing the same challenges," Merkel said. Japan has similar deals with Australia, Britain, France, India, Italy, South Korea, the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Abe and Merkel, who intends to step down as chancellor in 2021 after 16 years in power, also discussed regional issues, including China, North Korea and Russia. "It is very significant that Japan and Germany agreed to work together toward the realization of a free and open Pacific," Abe said. Merkel expressed concern over China's territorial ambitions in Asia, while stressing the need for working closely with Beijing in various areas. On Russia, Abe explained his recent talks with President Vladimir Putin toward concluding a bilateral postwar peace treaty, but Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasutoshi Nishimura, who briefed reporters after the meeting, declined to elaborate further. Britain's exit from the 28-member European Union, of which Germany is a leading member, was also one of the topics of their talks. The shape of Brexit remains unclear, with Britain's House of Commons voting late last month to reopen negotiations with the regional bloc over the departure deal, under which the country is scheduled to leave the bloc on March 29. In the news conference, Abe said he told Merkel that a no-deal divorce should be avoided as it would have a negative impact on the global economy, given that a number of Japanese companies are operating in Britain. Merkel, who came to Japan for the first time in about three years, said Germany is making all-out efforts to avoid such an outcome and the issue will not advance without hearing from Britain what it wants. They confirmed their cooperation for the success of a Group of 20 summit in late June in the western Japan city of Osaka, which Abe will chair and Merkel is likely to take part in. On Tuesday, the German chancellor is scheduled to have an audience with Emperor Akihito, who will abdicate on April 30, and Crown Prince Naruhito, who will succeed him on May 1, before leaving Tokyo in the afternoon.
https://en.inform.kz/news/abe-merkel-agree-to-cooperate-over-free-trade-security_a3495075/
2024-01-01T05:09:32Z
Cale Yarborough, considered one of NASCAR’s all-time greatest drivers and the first to win three consecutive Cup titles, died Sunday. He was 84. NASCAR announced the death of the Hall of Famer and South Carolina native in a statement. No cause was given. “Cale Yarborough was one of the toughest competitors NASCAR has ever seen. His combination of talent, grit and determination separated Cale from his peers, both on the track and in the record book,” said Jim France, chairman and CEO of NASCAR. “He was respected and admired by competitors and fans alike and was as comfortable behind the wheel of a tractor as he was behind the wheel of a stock car.” Known for his fierce toughness and grit, Yarborough won the Daytona 500 four times and the Southern 500 at his home track of Darlington Raceway five times. His 83 Cup Series victories are tied with Jimmie Johnson for sixth on NASCAR’s all-time wins list, and Yarborough ranks fourth with 69 pole positions. But one of his most famous moments came in the 1979 Daytona 500, the first to be televised live flag to flag across the country. Yarborough, a Golden Gloves boxer who also earned a football scholarship to Clemson, crashed while racing with Donnie Allison on the final lap for the win. The two drivers got out of their wrecked cars to fight, Allison’s brother, Bobby, pulled over to join the scrap and it was two Allison brothers versus Yarborough as Richard Petty crossed the finish line first. It was a breakthrough moment for NASCAR, which, because of a snowstorm on the East Coast, was being shown on live television to its largest audience ever. Yarborough quit full-time racing after winning six races in 1980 and finishing second in the Cup standings after winning three straight crowns from 1976-78. He said at the time it was to spend more time with his three daughters. During his NASCAR Hall of Fame induction speech in 2012, Yarborough said he felt like he’d completed his journey from the bottom rung of the ladder to the top. “I sure hoped I was going to get to this point because working in the back of the fields in that hot sun would make you want to do something else,” he said. “I always dreamed of … ending up where I have ended up tonight.” After retirement, Yarborough opened and operated a used car dealership in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina and served on the Florence County Council. “The NASCAR industry and our millions of fans have lost one of the grittiest and most successful superstars of all time,” Winston Kelley, executive director of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, said in a statement. “Cale’s remarkable legacy and accomplishments in NASCAR will live in our minds, our hearts and the archives of the NASCAR Hall of Fame forever.” Yarborough is survived by his wife, Betty Jo, and daughters Julie, Kelley and B.J. ___ AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/sports/ap-nascar-hall-of-famer-cale-yarborough-a-3-time-cup-champion-in-the-1970s-dies-at-84/
2024-01-01T05:09:33Z
New England's Spider Cake Got Its Unique Name From A Type Of Skillet A New England spider cake, for those who are unfamiliar, is essentially a sweeter version of cornbread, typically featuring more sugar, as well as heavy cream. Further, the cake is often served with maple syrup drizzled over the top, truly cementing it as an ultra-sweet treat. In other words, New England spider cake and cornbread really represent the difference between a "bread" and a cake," despite both having the corn flavor at the forefront. But why is it called a spider cake? Well, the name comes from the type of skillet that it used to be made in. A spider skillet is a cast iron pan with three legs underneath -- to keep it from touching the flame. This was necessary back in the day when a lot of cooking was done over an open flame or a hearth fire. Nowadays, the spider skillet has essentially become obsolete thanks to modern stoves and cookware — but, still, the name has stuck around for New England spider cake. It certainly has a nice ring to it, that's for sure. If you're intrigued, either by the sound of a super sweet version of cornbread or by the fascinating history of the spider skillet, you're probably curious about attempting to bake it yourself — even though you likely do not own a spider skillet. Read more: 30 Types Of Cake, Explained Can You Make New England Spider Cake Without A Spider Skillet? Luckily for us, the New England spider cake has stuck around even though the spider skillet is no longer a common pan to have lying around. This brings us to one important question: What type of pan has replaced the spider skillet when it comes to making spider cake? Nearly every recipe for spider cake you'll find calls for a cast iron skillet — in other words, a much more common type of pan to find in modern kitchens. Just like with traditional cornbread, the cast iron skillet will distribute heat evenly and help the spider cake cook evenly and give it the crispy, golden brown crust that can make or break a good cornbread (or spider cake). If you don't have a cast iron skillet, a carbon steel pan is also a great choice — it's the lesser appreciated pan to substitute for a cast iron and will deliver similar results. The main difference between the two is that the cast iron takes longer to heat up than the carbon steel pan, but retains heat for longer, which shouldn't affect the outcome of your New England spider cake. Read the original article on Tasting Table.
https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/englands-spider-cake-got-unique-043010323.html
2024-01-01T05:09:34Z
Burglars cut SBI ATM, steal Rs 29 lakh in Sikar - Country: - India Two unidentified burglars cut an ATM of the State Bank of India in Sikar with a gas cutter and fled with Rs 29 lakh, police said on Sunday. Kotwali SHO Vikrant Sharma said that two unidentified burglars cut the ATM installed on the Bajaj Road in Sikar on Saturday night. Sharma said that on the basis of a complaint lodged by the bank on Sunday, a case has been registered and investigation is on. He said that the burglars had also cut the wire connections of the ATM and sprayed black colour on the CCTV cameras installed inside and outside the ATM. The SHO said that efforts are being made to identify the burglars from the surrounding CCTV footages. (This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) - READ MORE ON: - Kotwali SHO - Vikrant Sharma - CCTV - Sikar - Rs 29 - Sharma ALSO READ Women's safety: HC asks Delhi govt about feasibility of installing CCTV cameras on DTC buses Blast near Israeli embassy: Police say plan orchestrated knowing no CCTV camera on spot Blast near Israel's embassy: NSG collects samples; CCTV footage scanned, security beefed up Blast near Israeli embassy: Police say plan orchestrated knowing no CCTV camera on spot Israel Embassy blast: Two youths caught on CCTV, security beefed up in Delhi
https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/2762495-burglars-cut-sbi-atm-steal-rs-29-lakh-in-sikar
2024-01-01T05:09:33Z
50 Singapore dollars to Rwandan francs Convert SGD to RWF at the real exchange rate Loading Top currencies Beware of bad exchange rates.Banks and traditional providers often have extra costs, which they pass to you by marking up the exchange rate. Our smart tech means we’re more efficient – which means you get a great rate. Every time. How to convert Singapore dollars to Rwandan francs - 1 Input your amount Simply type in the box how much you want to convert. - 2 Choose your currencies Click on the dropdown to select SGD in the first dropdown as the currency that you want to convert and RWF in the second drop down as the currency you want to convert to. - 3 That’s it Our currency converter will show you the current SGD to RWF rate and how it’s changed over the past day, week or month. Top currency pairings for Singapore dollars Change Converter source currency - Australian Dollar - Brazilian Real - British Pound Sterling - Bulgarian Lev - Canadian Dollar - Chinese Yuan RMB - Czech Republic Koruna - Danish Krone - Euro - Hong Kong Dollar - Hungarian Forint - Indian Rupee - Indonesian Rupiah - Israeli New Sheqel - Japanese Yen - Malaysian Ringgit - New Zealand Dollar - Norwegian Krone - Polish Zloty - Romanian Leu - Singapore Dollar - Swedish Krona - Swiss Franc - Turkish Lira - US Dollar Are you overpaying your bank? Banks often advertise free or low-cost transfers, but add a hidden markup to the exchange rate. Wise gives you the real, mid-market, exchange rate, so you can make huge savings on your international money transfers. Download Our Currency Converter App Features our users love:- Free and ad-free. - Track live exchange rates. - Compare the best money transfer providers.
https://wise.com/in/currency-converter/sgd-to-rwf-rate?amount=50
2024-01-01T05:09:35Z
CHEAT SHEET TOP 10 RIGHT NOW 1 ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ Star Ian Ziering Beaten by Bikers in LA: Report BIG BRAWL Beverly Hills, 90210 star Ian Ziering was assaulted by a group of people in Los Angeles Sunday, TMZ reported. The tabloid published video of the incident, which apparently began when a biker—part of a large group cruising the City of Angels—hit his car while weaving through traffic. In the video, Ziering can be seen stepping out of his car and taking a swing at the offender, before a large group gangs up on him, sparking a massive brawl. TMZ reports that everyone drove away moments later—though law enforcement is aware of the situation and investigating. It’s unclear whether any charges will be filed.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/beverly-hills-90210-star-ian-ziering-beaten-by-bikers-in-la
2024-01-01T05:09:39Z
Les McCann, a jazz titan best known for his performance with musical partner Eddie Harris of the protest song "Compared to What," has died at age 88, his manager said Sunday. Cause and manner of death were unavailable, but manager Alan Abrahams said the piano player and singer died Friday at a Los Angeles-area hospital after developing pneumonia roughly one week ago. McCann was an architect of the soul-jazz sound, helped jazz connect with the counterculture's protest music and provided a wellspring of material for sample-crazed hip-hop stars, including Notorious B.I.G., Pete Rock and C.L. Smooth, Warren G., Slick Rick, Dr. Dre and A Tribe Called Quest. "He brought something from the Black church to jazz," said Abrahams, a prolific producer of gospel albums. Get San Diego local news, weather forecasts, sports and lifestyle stories to your inbox. Sign up for NBC San Diego newsletters. For the September release of "Never A Dull Moment! – Live from Coast to Coast (1966-1967)," a vinyl collection of live performances and accompanying essays, super-producer Quincy Jones said, "Les McCann has been a musical force of nature since he burst on the scene in the early 60’s. Whenever I heard him live or on record, he always did the unexpected."
https://www.nbcsandiego.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/compared-to-what-performer-les-mccann-a-wellspring-for-hip-hop-samples-dies-at-88/3392306/
2024-01-01T05:09:39Z
About 56 mln in urgent need of food in 8 conflict zones Yemen, South Sudan, Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic are the five zones that experienced conflict-driven food insecurity the most in the latter part of 2018, according to the report. The report was prepared by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) for the UN Security Council. "The link between conflict and hunger remains all too persistent," it asserted, Anadolu Agency reported. The other three conflict zones -- Somalia, Syria and Lake Chad Basin -- have seen improvements in food security in line with improvements in security. The report, however, said a "major deterioration" is projected during the 2019 lean season across Lake Chad Basin. The report "clearly demonstrates the impact of armed violence on the lives and livelihoods of millions of men, women, boys and girls caught up in conflict", said FAO director Jose Graziano da Silva. WFP Executive Director David Beasley urged "better and quicker access in all conflict zones" in order to reach more people in need. "But what the world needs most of all is an end to the wars," said Beasley. The report also said that violence against humanitarian workers is on the rise, which has forced aid organizations to suspend their operations and deprive vulnerable populations of humanitarian assistance.
https://en.inform.kz/news/about-56-mln-in-urgent-need-of-food-in-8-conflict-zones_a3492741/
2024-01-01T05:09:39Z
2024 in clean energy: Wind, solar and batteries grow regardless of economic challenges Dec 31, 2023, 8:00 PM (AP File Photo) Led by new solar power, the world added renewable energy at breakneck speed in 2023, a trend that if amplified will help Earth turn away from fossil fuels and prevent severe warming and its effects. Clean energy is often now the least expensive, explaining some of the growth. Nations also adopted policies that support renewables, some citing energy security concerns, according to the International Energy Agency. These factors countered high interest rates and persistent challenges in getting materials and components in many places. The IEA projected that more than 440 gigawatts of renewable energy would be added in 2023, more than the entire installed power capacity of Germany and Spain together. Here’s a look at the year in solar, wind and batteries. ANOTHER BANNER YEAR FOR SOLAR China, Europe, and the U.S. each set solar installation records for a single year, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency. China’s additions dwarfed those of all other countries, at somewhere between 180 and 230 gigawatts, depending on how end-of-the-year projects turn out. Europe added 58 gigawatts. Solar is now the cheapest form of electricity in a majority of countries. Solar panel prices fell a whopping 40% to 53% in Europe between December 2022 and November 2023 and are now at record lows. “Particularly in Europe, it’s been really at breakneck speed of scaling up the deployment,” said Michael Taylor, senior analyst at IRENA. When the final numbers for 2023 are in, solar energy is expected to surpass hydropower in total capacity globally, but for actual electricity produced, hydropower will still make more clean power for some time because it can produce around the clock. In the United States, California continues to have the most solar energy, followed by Texas, Florida, North Carolina, and Arizona. Both state and federal incentives had a large influence on U.S. solar growth, said Daniel Bresette, president of the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, a non-profit education and policy organization. Despite solar’s success in 2023, there are hurdles. There has been a shortage of transformers, Bresette said, while interest rates have risen. In the U.S., solar manufacturing grew as well. “We have seen the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act in terms of fueling investments … more than 60 solar manufacturing facilities were announced over the past year,” said Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association. CHALLENGES FOR WIND ENERGY By the end of 2023, the world will have added enough wind energy to power nearly 80 million homes, making it a record year. As with solar, most of the growth, or more than 58 gigawatts, was added in China, according to research from Wood Mackenzie. China is on track to surpass its ambitious 2030 target of 1,200 gigawatts of utility-scale solar and wind power capacity five years ahead of schedule if planned projects are all built, the Global Energy Monitor said. China was one of the few growing markets this year for wind, the Global Wind Energy Council said. Faster permitting and other improvements in key markets such as Germany and India also helped add more wind energy. But installations were down in Europe by 6% year-over-year, Wood Mackenzie said. Short-term challenges such as high inflation, rising interest rates and increased costs of building materials forced some ocean wind developers to renegotiate or even cancel project contracts, and some land-based wind developers to delay projects to 2024 or 2025. The economic headwinds came at a difficult time for the nascent U.S. offshore wind industry as it tries to launch the nation’s first commercial-scale offshore wind farms. Construction began on two this year. Both aim to open early in 2024 and one of the sites is already sending electricity to the U.S. grid. Large offshore wind farms have been making electricity for three decades in Europe, and more recently in Asia. After years of record growth, the industry group American Clean Power expects less land-based wind to be added in the United States by year’s end, about enough to power 2.7 million to 3 million homes. The group says developers are taking advantage of new tax credits passed last year in the Inflation Reduction Act, but it takes years to bring the projects online. There has been $383 billion in announced clean energy investments since passage of the IRA, it said. “We’re talking about 2023 essentially as a lower performance year, but in the grand scheme of things, 8 to 9 gigawatts is still a number to get excited about. It’s a lot of new clean energy that’s being added to the grid,” said John Hensley, ACP’s vice president for research and analytics. Globally the wind buildout was slower this year as well. The top three markets this year are still China, the United States and Germany for wind energy produced on land, and China, the United Kingdom and Germany for offshore. The analysts are predicting that the global industry will rebound next year and make nearly 12% more wind energy available worldwide. In June, the industry celebrated passing 1 terawatt of installed wind energy worldwide. It took more than 40 years to reach that milestone, but it could take less than seven years for the second terawatt, at the pace the industry is on now. MASSIVE YEAR FOR BATTERIES Amid an ongoing push to make transportation less damaging to the climate, the electric vehicle trend accelerated globally in 2023, with one in five cars sold this year expected to be electric, according to the International Energy Agency. That meant it also turned out to be another banner year for batteries. More than $43.4 billion has been spent on battery manufacturing and battery recycling just in the U.S. this year, thanks largely to the Inflation Reduction Act, according to Atlas Public Policy. This puts the U.S. on a more level playing field with Europe, but still behind battery powerhouse China. As for large battery factories, called gigafactories, the U.S. and Europe each had 38 in the works by late November, according to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence. But China had 295 in the works. The industry continued to explore different ways of making batteries without depending so much on harmful materials, as well as ways of making components more sustainable, and the battery recycling industry made headway, experts said. The cost of key battery raw materials, including lithium, also dropped significantly, Benchmark senior analyst Evan Hartley said. “The battery cost is now on that trajectory that most Americans will be able to afford an EV,” said Paul Braun, a University of Illinois professor of materials science and engineering. 2023 wasn’t an easy journey. The U.S. industry, in particular navigated several headwinds. A massive Panasonic battery facility in Kansas had energy challenges. Toyota needs to shore up a talent pool for its site in North Carolina. Health and safety violations were found at a joint venture plant between General Motors Co. and LG Energy Solution in Ohio. The list goes on. Regardless of the region, roadblocks remain in minerals, responsible supply chains, and the buildout of charging infrastructure. “That’s going to be the next agenda item,” John Eichberger, executive director of the Transportation Energy Institute. But experts are optimistic that battery growth across the globe will continue. “The story of batteries in the U.S. in small is the story of batteries globally in 2023 at large,” said Daan Walter, principal in the strategy team at the Rocky Mountain Institute, a sustainability research group, “and how momentous this shift in 2023 has been.”
https://ktar.com/story/5555446/2024-clean-energy-grows-regardless-economic-challenges/
2024-01-01T05:09:39Z
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jordan Love threw three touchdown passes and ran for a score to put the Green Bay Packers in control of a spot in the playoffs with a 33-10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night. Aaron Jones rushed for 120 yards and Jayden Reed had two touchdown catches for the Packers (8-8), who can get the NFC’s last wild-card spot by beating Chicago at home next week. They moved above the cut when Seattle lost earlier in the day. Love went 24 for 33 for 256 yards in what might have been the finest game in his first season as the Packers’ starter in the post-Aaron Rodgers era. The Vikings (7-9) benched another turnover-prone quarterback after an interception and a fumble by Jaren Hall in the first half were converted into touchdowns by the Packers. Nick Mullens took over for Hall for the second half, the fifth time the Vikings have switched quarterbacks since Kirk Cousins tore his Achilles tendon in the fourth quarter of a 24-10 win at Green Bay on Oct. 29. Detroit clinched the NFC North by beating Minnesota here last week, marking just the second time in 13 seasons the division wasn’t won by either the Packers or the Vikings, but a prime-time game between these border-state rivals always generates plenty of energy in the stadium. Cousins got the party off to a rowdy start when he — wearing a thick gold chain around his neck — and his son ripped off their shirts to lead the crowd in the “Skol!” chant and blow the Gjallarhorn. The “Go Pack Go!” serenades quickly joined the soundtrack, though, and this became quite the New Year’s Eve blowout. Love was flustered two months ago in Green Bay by the Vikings defense. But despite his penchant for overthrows, he has come a long way and given the Packers abundant optimism for the future at quarterback that is missing in Minnesota with Cousins set to become a free agent and no clarity about a potential return. Hall, who was the first reliever for Cousins two months ago only to be forced out of his first start with a concussion, hardly had any time to throw. Green Bay’s defense that was shredded over the last three games by the Giants, Buccaneers and Panthers — and now missing starting cornerbacks Jaire Alexander (suspension) and Eric Stokes (hamstring) — took full advantage of the rookie from BYU. Hall’s off-target throw in the first quarter glanced off the hands of Johnny Mundt — in an elevated role after the season-ending knee injury to Pro Bowl tight end T.J. Hockenson — and in the air to Carrington Valentine for an interception. Love’s 33-yard touchdown pass to Reed came two plays later. Preston Smith’s strip-sack of Hall with 26 seconds left before halftime sealed the deal. Karl Brooks recovered at the Minnesota 37, and the Love-to-Reed connection got Green Bay in the end zone three plays after that for a 23-3 lead. REED IS BOOKING IT Reed has 10 touchdown catches to lead the Packers. The second-round draft pick from Michigan State set the franchise rookie record with 60 receptions, passing Sterling Sharpe (1988). Both of Reed’s scores belong on the season highlight reel. Love did the work on the first one with the prettiest pass of the game to hit Reed in stride on a post route. Reed did the heavy lifting on the second by running a crossing route, dodging two tacklers after the catch and dragging two more defenders into the end zone. Reed hurt his chest on that play and didn’t return for the second half. With Christian Watson and Dontayvion Wicks already sidelined by injuries, the Packers have some depth concern at wide receiver after Samori Toure also left in the fourth quarter. INJURY REPORT Packers: Smith and RB A.J. Dillon (neck) left with injuries in the third quarter. … LB Isaiah McDuffie (concussion) was carted off in the second quarter when he collided with Lukas Van Ness and Colby Wooden during a sack. McDuffie started in place of De’Vondre Campbell (neck), who missed his second consecutive game. Vikings: RG Ed Ingram (shoulder) left in the third quarter. … CB Byron Murphy (knee) was sidelined for the second straight game. UP NEXT Packers: host Chicago next Sunday. Vikings: play at Detroit next Sunday. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/sports/ap-packers-take-control-of-playoff-spot-as-they-cruise-past-vikings-33-10-on-loves-4-touchdown-night/
2024-01-01T05:09:40Z
Foegele enjoys five-point night as Oilers rout Ducks 7-2 ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Warren Foegele had two goals and a career-high five points, Leon Draisaitl scored for the third straight game and the Edmonton Oilers routed the Anaheim Ducks 7-2 on Sunday to extend their NHL winning streak to five games. “It's kind of surreal. I don’t really think about having those types of nights,” said Foegele, who set a career best with three assists. “We were moving the puck well and taking it to the net. We were fortunate with a couple bounces.” Foegele became the ninth NHL player with a five-point game this season, and the second on the Oilers. Connor McDavid had a goal and four assists on Nov. 26 against the Ducks. Edmonton's second line of Foegele, Draisaitl and Ryan McLeod accounted for four goals and 10 points. Draisaitl had a pair of assists and McLeod added a goal and an assist. “They're starting to get some chemistry. They're playing well,” coach Kris Knoblauch said. “They're cycling the puck well, getting in on the forecheck and creating turnovers. They're also not giving up valuable turnovers.” Evander Kane, Zach Hyman and Brett Kulak also scored for Edmonton. Darnell Nurse had two assists and Calvin Pickard stopped 28 shots. McDavid had an assist and needs two points to reach 900 for his career. The Oilers have won 15 of 21 games since Knoblauch took over as coach. After starting the season 2-9-1, they have moved within three points of Arizona for the second wild-card berth in the Western Conference going into 2024. Anaheim's Frank Vatrano scored for the third time in four games and leads the team with 17 goals. Max Jones also had a goal for the Ducks, who have dropped four of five on their eight-game homestand. John Gibson made 32 saves. Edmonton led 2-1 after 20 minutes before it broke open the game with three goals in the first 12 minutes of the second period. Draisaitl made it 3-1 at 1:48 when he hammered in a one-timer from Nurse at a nearly 90-degree angle. Draisaitl put the puck inside the near post and just beyond Gibson's glove for his 17th goal of the season. Foegele then scored the next two in the period for his second multi-goal game of the season. “We came out in the second period flat-footed and they came out flying,” Anaheim coach Greg Cronin said. “We just kind of stood around and watched them skate around our zone. We didn’t stop progress. We didn’t get out into shooting lanes. We didn’t stop their movement at the blue line. You can’t play a team, like that, flat-footed.” Foegele helped open the scoring 4:15 into the game when he passed from behind the net to McLeod, who put the puck past Gibson. It was McLeod's seventh of the season and fifth in five games. Jones tied it 1-1 five minutes later on a rebound in front after Pickard made a pad save on Ryan Strome’s shot. It was his first goal in 14 games and fourth of the season. Kane produced the go-ahead goal at 17:22 on a wraparound, his 14th of the season. UP NEXT Oilers: Host the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday. Ducks: Host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday. --- AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl Joe Reedy, The Associated Press
https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/foegele-enjoys-five-point-night-040140471.html
2024-01-01T05:09:41Z
Live to 100 exercise guide with celebrity trainer Matt Roberts - Week 1 Week 1: Build a strong base This week is about improving mobility – the starting point for building full body strength that will sustain you for years to come. These full body sessions are designed to be performed three times a week with each week building on the previous one so you progress safely and effectively. For the full guide click here.
https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/live-100-exercise-guide-celebrity-050000888.html
2024-01-01T05:09:42Z
Reckitt's Mead Johnson Nutrition recalls baby formula powder from US, FDA says Reckitt Benckiser Group's Mead Johnson Nutrition (MJN) is voluntarily recalling select batches of Nutramigen Powder from the U.S. market due to a possibility of contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii in product sampled outside the U.S, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Sunday. Nutramigen Powder, a specialty infant formula for the dietary management of Cows Milk Allergy (CMA) in 12.6-ounce and 19.8-ounce cans, went through extensive testing by MJN and tested negative for the bacteria, the FDA said. (This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Advertisement ALSO READ North Korea missile has 15,000 km-plus range, can reach anywhere in U.S., Japan says Turkey calls on U.S. to use influence to halt Israeli attacks on Gaza -Turkish source North Korea condemns U.S., South Korea for raising tensions North Korea fires suspected ballistic missile, condemns U.S. for raising tensions Turkey calls on U.S. to use influence to halt Israeli attacks on Gaza -Turkish source
https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/2762497-reckitts-mead-johnson-nutrition-recalls-baby-formula-powder-from-us-fda-says
2024-01-01T05:09:41Z
500 Singapore dollars to Rwandan francs Convert SGD to RWF at the real exchange rate Loading Top currencies Beware of bad exchange rates.Banks and traditional providers often have extra costs, which they pass to you by marking up the exchange rate. Our smart tech means we’re more efficient – which means you get a great rate. Every time. How to convert Singapore dollars to Rwandan francs - 1 Input your amount Simply type in the box how much you want to convert. - 2 Choose your currencies Click on the dropdown to select SGD in the first dropdown as the currency that you want to convert and RWF in the second drop down as the currency you want to convert to. - 3 That’s it Our currency converter will show you the current SGD to RWF rate and how it’s changed over the past day, week or month. Top currency pairings for Singapore dollars Change Converter source currency - Australian Dollar - Brazilian Real - British Pound Sterling - Bulgarian Lev - Canadian Dollar - Chinese Yuan RMB - Czech Republic Koruna - Danish Krone - Euro - Hong Kong Dollar - Hungarian Forint - Indian Rupee - Indonesian Rupiah - Israeli New Sheqel - Japanese Yen - Malaysian Ringgit - New Zealand Dollar - Norwegian Krone - Polish Zloty - Romanian Leu - Singapore Dollar - Swedish Krona - Swiss Franc - Turkish Lira - US Dollar Are you overpaying your bank? Banks often advertise free or low-cost transfers, but add a hidden markup to the exchange rate. Wise gives you the real, mid-market, exchange rate, so you can make huge savings on your international money transfers. Download Our Currency Converter App Features our users love:- Free and ad-free. - Track live exchange rates. - Compare the best money transfer providers.
https://wise.com/in/currency-converter/sgd-to-rwf-rate?amount=500
2024-01-01T05:09:42Z
A section of Cemetery Road where road works are ongoing Public Works Minister Juan Edghill has issued a stern warning to contractors carrying out major works on two main roads in Georgetown, at Cemetery Road and Conservation Tree Road, cautioning that they could face termination if they do not meet new deadlines given to them. “These two important thoroughfares that we can’t allow to languish like this,” Edghill posited at his Ministry’s end-of-year press conference on Friday. At Cemetery Road, the Public Works Minister said this project should have been completed this year and Government is concerned about the delays. “The project is significantly behind time, which is of concern to us. The contractor has received a revised deadline of January 2024 to complete this road… If January end comes and this project is not completed, the contractor will be removed from the project and we will get a proper contractor, a dedicated contractor, to complete, or the Special Projects Unit,” the Minister cautioned. Public Works Minister Juan Edghill He noted that Cemetery Road is too much of an important road for the Ministry to allow the delays to prolong further. In fact, he noted that the delays with this project “is not one of our proud moments in 2023 at all.” The $475M contract for the upgrade works on Cemetery Road was awarded to Avinash Construction and Metal Works Company last year and the project was expected to be completed since July 2023. Back in August, Edghill had told the National Assembly, in response to questions from the Opposition, that rain and procurement delays took a toll on the project’s advancement.At the time, Edghill revealed that only 25 per cent of the project had been completed, with some $197.4 million of the contract sum spent. A breakdown of the contract shows that from Princes Street to Sussex Street, 20 per cent has been completed. It was explained that this section of the project has been delayed by rain, shortage of concrete and materials and the relocation of utilities. Meanwhile, five per cent was completed from Sussex Street to Middle Road as of August. A similar per cent was also completed from Middle Road to Front Road. Both sections, $68.6 million and $66.5 million, respectively, were delayed by rain. While $86.1 million was allocated from the contract for Front Road to Mandela Avenue and $15.9 million for traffic lights, signs and other road furniture, no notes accompanied these categories. However, 50 per cent was listed under per cent done for traffic management and control. General items meanwhile saw 80 per cent of $54.2 million from the contract being spent. The Cemetery Road upgrade is part of $1.4 billion Enhancement Project along Independence Boulevard and Cemetery Road. Conversation Tree Meanwhile, Edghill during Friday’s press conference similarly expressed concerns about the pace of the works being done on sections of the Conversation Tree Road. [File Photo] A section of the Conversation Tree/Delhi Street road widening projectGuyanese company S Jagmohan Construction and General Supplies Inc (Lot One) and Trinidadian-owned Kalco Guyana Inc (Lot Two) were awarded the contract for the $1.8 billion road widening project from Conversation Tree to Dennis Street, Georgetown. According to Edghill, while the works on Lot One are progressing satisfactorily, the same cannot be said for Lot Two. “Significant delays are being experienced at Lot Two. The contractors also received a revised deadline and if Lot Two is not completed as well – that’s the contract with Kalco – they will be removed from the project and we will complete it,” the Public Works Minister stated. In July, Minister Edghill had called out Kalco for being behind schedule on the project, which had a November 5 deadline. At the time, both contractors were experiencing delays but while works were progressing on Lot One, there was no progress at Lot Two. After expressing concerns about Kalco’s non-performance, the Public Works Minister had told reporters in September that the Government and the company have since met and made certain agreements. This included Kalco engaging Guyanese subcontractors to do specific aspects of the work so that multiple things will be done simultaneously to move the project along. This project involves the construction of a four-lane carriageway from the East Coast Highway at Conversation Tree to Delhi Street. It also includes a double-lane carriageway on the reserve west of Delhi Street for northbound traffic and the implementation of concrete revetments between the East Coast Demerara Highway and Railway Embankment. During the project launch last year, Minister Edghill had emphasised that this initiative forms part of Government’s plan to provide alterna Public Works Minister Juan Edghill tive routes to persons entering and leaving Georgetown. S Jagmohan Construction and General Supplies Inc.’s contract is to the tune of $1,066,358,738, while Kalco Guyana Inc.’s contract is $830,293,458.
https://guyanainquirer.com/cemetery-road-conversation-tree-contractors-could-face-termination-over-delayed-works/
2024-01-01T05:09:44Z
Originally appeared on E! Online Look what you made Taylor Swift do to her NFL style game. While cheering on her boyfriend Travis Kelce at the Kansas City Chiefs' home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. Dec. 31, the "Blank Space" singer wore a cream and black varsity jacket with the team's logo, customized with a patch that appeared to read, "Tay-Tay." Kelce, 34, had sported a nearly identical jacket—minus the patch and with different trim—last week when he arrived at Arrowhead for the Chiefs' Christmas Day game against the Las Vegas Raiders, as seen in a photo shared on his and the NFL's Instagram pages. Get San Diego local news, weather forecasts, sports and lifestyle stories to your inbox. Sign up for NBC San Diego newsletters. Swift paired her jacket with black pants worn over matching stiletto boots at the game, which the Chiefs won 25-17. This marked the ninth time the 34-year-old has been seen at Kelce's games since the two began dating over the summer. She has so far showcased a variety of stylish outfits incorporating various pieces of Chiefs apparel during her outings. Entertainment News The Grammy winner had previously attended the Chiefs' Dec. 25 game and made that event a full family affair, bringing along for the first time both of her parents at the same time—with her mom Andrea Swift making her debut—as well as her brother Austin Swift. Taylor Swift's mom and her dad Scott Swift were spotted chatting with Travis Kelce's dad Ed Kelce at the event. Both Taylor Swift's dad and brother have accompanied her to Chiefs games before. Travis Kelce, 34, recently revealed on his and brother Jason Kelce's podcast "New Heights" that Austin Swift gave him a holiday gift while dressed as Santa during the Christmas Day game. "He made me feel like a child because his gift to me was straight out of the bag—in the Santa sack," the Chiefs tight end said. "And handed me a VHS of my favorite football movie of all time: Little Giants." Meanwhile, the power couple's romance has received a stamp of approval from Gracie Hunt, daughter of Kansas City Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt. "We're so happy," she said, "and excited for them."
https://www.nbcsandiego.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/taylor-swift-matches-travis-kelces-jacket-at-chiefs-nye-game/3392276/
2024-01-01T05:09:46Z
A Colorado mother suspected of killing two of her children, who has been the subject of a two-week manhunt, was arrested in the United Kingdom this weekend. Kimberlee Singler, 35, was locked in a custody dispute with her ex-husband when police were summoned to her Colorado Springs home Dec. 19 after a 911 call about a burglary. There, they found a 9-year-old boy, Aden, and a 7-year-old girl, Ellie, dead. Singler and her 11-year-old daughter were also injured. Investigators soon realized the burglary call was bogus and on Dec. 26, a warrant for Singler’s arrest on murder charges was issued. But by then, she was in the wind. Colorado police did not say where in the U.K. Singler was found or how authorities tracked her down. Her ex, Kevin Wentz, issued a statement through his attorney to KRDO. “Mr. Wentz is thankful to all of the law enforcement here in the United States and the United Kingdom that were involved in the homicide investigation and Kimberlee's subsequent arrest. It is his hope that Kimberlee will be extradited to Colorado soon,” it read. “Kevin Wentz continues to hope for justice for his children Aden and Ellie. He prays for peace and healing for his surviving daughter.” Wentz and Singler were divorced in 2018 and had fought bitterly since. In an earlier statement to KRDO, his lawyer said Singler had made “egregious” allegations of child abuse and domestic violence against her client. “Kevin Wentz has never committed an act of domestic violence or abuse against his ex-wife or his children. The repeated allegations that Ms. Singler made during the custody case were each made to coincide with Kevin’s parenting time,” the lawyer said. “The Larimer County Court heard testimony related to each of the allegations and did not find them credible. The Court further found that Kevin was not a threat to the children.” A court order for Singler to hand the children over to Wentz was issued the day before the children were killed. The Singler family also released a statement before Kimberlee’s arrest, saying they were cooperating with police efforts to find her. “We are grieving deeply over this horrific tragedy and we ask for privacy and prayers as we navigate this storm. Our focus is on God and His glory and our surviving niece,” they said. “We hope everyone remembers the innocence involved in this and our sole goal is protecting her. Please pray for all involved for healing and peace as we seek answers, and grant us our privacy. Thank you.”
https://www.thedailybeast.com/colorado-mom-kimberly-singler-accused-of-killing-2-kids-found-in-uk
2024-01-01T05:09:46Z
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Panthers owner David Tepper threw the contents of a drink into the visiting crowd near the end of Carolina’s 26-0 loss at Jacksonville on Sunday. Tepper’s reaction came after rookie Bryce Young was intercepted with less than 3 minutes to play. It was unclear whether Tepper was reacting to something said to him or the latest miscue for the team with the NFL’s worst record. General manager Scott Fitterer was standing near Tepper when he tossed the remnants of his drink while watching the game from a club suite. The Panthers (2-14) dropped to 0-9 on the road and were shut out for the first time since losing to Atlanta in Week 12 in 2002. They also clinched the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft in April — a selection that will go to Chicago. Nothing went right in this one for Carolina, and had Jacksonville not gone 1 for 5 scoring in the red zone, the outcome likely would have been way more lopsided. Bryce Young completed 19 of 32 passes for 112 yards, with an interception, and was sacked six times. He now has been sacked a whopping 59 times. “Yeah, not fun. Not fun at all,” Young said. “It’s on us. It’s what we put out. It’s our tape. It’s what we did. We own it, accept it. It is what it is, but it’s not fun.” Carolina had issues before the coin flip. Kicker Eddy Pineiro injured his right hamstring in pregame warmups and was unable to go. Starting linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill handled the opening kickoff, and interim coach Chris Tabor kept his offense on the field for a fourth-and-7 play in normal field-goal range on the team’s opening drive. Young was sacked and took a shot to his back. He spent several minutes getting checked on the sideline and returned in time for the next series. “Obviously when there’s only one kicker on your 48, that’s a tough deal,” Tabor said. Cornerback Jaycee Horn (toe) also was a late scratch after going through warmups. Horn had been scheduled to play, and Tabor even made CJ Henderson inactive. But Horn couldn’t go, so Shaquill Griffin was thrust into the starting lineup. Griffin was burned for a 48-yard gain, part of a lackluster performance all around for the visitors. “I’m disappointed, obviously, and that’s a pretty generic answer,” Tabor said. “Did not see it coming. I will tip my hat to the Jaguars. The way we were trending, I did not see this performance coming down. “We never got on track. We talked a lot about starting fast this week, and we did not do that. … How are you going to deal with it? There’s only two choices: It’s either character or compromise. Those are questions for everybody.” The Panthers had more injury issues during the game. Guard Cade Mays left with a finger injury and then linebacker Marquis Haynes, a sixth-year pro who grew up in Jacksonville, was carted off the field in the third quarter with a concussion. He was taken to a hospital for further testing and did not fly home with the team. Haynes flashed a thumbs-up sign to the crowd as he left the stadium. It was one of the few occasions Carolina fans had to cheer. The Panthers finished with 124 yards, were 1 of 13 on third down and had defensive lineman Derrick Brown ejected along with Jacksonville left tackle Cam Robinson late in the fourth. They ripped off each other’s helmets after a play. “Missed opportunities. Just execution top to bottom,” Young said. “There’s a long list of stuff I’ve got to do better, and then offensively we all take responsibility. We all look in the mirror, and I think ‘disconnected’ is a good word. “Just wasn’t executing, wasn’t translating, and as far as the offense, that’s on me.” ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/sports/ap-panthers-owner-david-tepper-tosses-drink-into-visiting-stands-late-in-26-0-loss-to-jaguars/
2024-01-01T05:09:46Z
ADB grant to help develop railways in CAREC countries "Railways have an important role to play in helping CAREC countries move from landlocked to land-linked," said ADB Senior Transport Specialist Mr. Jurgen Sluijter. "Rail should be the mode of choice for trade in the region and yet railways struggle to compete against road transport. This grant will support the study and development of a regional rail system that is quick, efficient, accessible for customers, and easy to use throughout the region." An increasing amount of freight traffic is carried by roads, costing CAREC economies more in the form of traffic congestion, road crashes, and road asset deterioration. Development of railways requires ways to prioritize investments, structure financing, and improve institutions. A regional railway system will enhance access to regional and international markets and help increase economic growth and social welfare. The technical assistance will enable research on the railway transport market and develop a regional rail traffic model. It will also help identify and prepare priority bankable investment projects and train staff of railway agencies on how to prepare bankable projects. The technical assistance project will also strengthen knowledge in common areas such as financial restructuring, corporatization, marketing, asset management, interoperability, and railway safety. CAREC countries are increasing their emphasis on railways for regional connectivity and have adopted the CAREC railway strategy up to 2030 to guide long-term development of railways. The CAREC partnership comprises Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, the People's Republic of China, Georgia, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan-and six multilateral institutions. ADB has served as the CAREC Secretariat since 2001. ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members-48 from the region.
https://en.inform.kz/news/adb-grant-to-help-develop-railways-in-carec-countries_a3492278/
2024-01-01T05:09:46Z
Rapper DDG took offense to fans questioning whether he and Halle Bailey had a baby girl. Over the weekend, Gossip of the City reported that Halle gave birth to a seven-pound baby boy just before Christmas, and a video of a baby crying in the background has also piqued fans’ interest as they question why the couple is hiding the baby. Addressing the questions for the first time on Sunday, DDG was angry with fans who asked about the baby. “Bro, I don’t know why people is like so invested in what I got going on or what we got going on like. Bro, mind your business. Go outside, touch some grass, go do a cart wheel in your backyard, bro. It’s weird,” DDG said. The rapper and YouTuber says he loves his supporters, but he doesn’t know them in real life to share his personal business. “Bro, why do you care so much? Whatever is going on in my life or her life, it’s not gonna change yours. Best believe… Let’s focus on ourselves 202, let’ try to lock in on ourselves in 2024 mind yo own business… I don’t give a damn if you like me for her,” he added. He also addressed comments by other fans who think he isn’t good enough for Halle. DDG and Halle are suspected to have welcomed a baby more than a week ago, but neither has publicly acknowledged the birth of the child or the fact that she was pregnant. Suddenly, Halle has also resumed posting images that include her belly area after posting only throwbacks and photos from back for the past six months. Many believe she kept her pregnancy private due to her Disney Little Mermaid deal.
https://guyanainquirer.com/ddg-tell-fans-mind-your-business-reacts-to-halle-bailey-having-daughter-rumors/
2024-01-01T05:09:47Z
Luke Littler feels he can ‘beat even more records’ ahead of world quarter-final Teenager Luke Littler wants to “beat even more records” as he continues his dream World Darts Championship campaign with a quarter-final against Brendan Dolan on Monday. The 16-year-old has burst onto the scene at Alexandra Palace and became the youngest player to reach the last eight when he hammered five-time world champion and his hero Raymond van Barneveld in the last 16 on Saturday. That set up a winnable tie with Northern Irishman Dolan, who has seen off former world champions Gerwyn Price and Gary Anderson in the last two rounds, on New Year’s Day and he is now dreaming of lifting the Sid Waddell Trophy on Wednesday. If Littler was to win the title it would be one of the greatest sporting stories and he would out-do several famous young achievers. WOW 👀 pic.twitter.com/gDnxGmJumB — Luke Littler (@LukeTheNuke180) December 31, 2023 Pele was 17 when he won the World Cup with Brazil, Boris Becker claimed his first Wimbledon title at 18 while Mike Tyson was 20 when he became heavyweight world champion. Littler, nicknamed ‘The Nuke’, has not heard of all of those names, including that of 2021 US Open singles champion Emma Raducanu, who his story shares many parallels with, but he believes there is more to come. “Unbelievable, the names you have just said,” he said. “I know Mike, I only know Pele off FIFA and I don’t know the other ones. “I have certainly broken the rules and records already but I know if my game is there I can beat even more records. “My game is there, it is every darting kid’s, man’s, whoever’s dream to win it. I have certainly got the game, it is whatever happens on the day, whatever Luke Littler turns up.” Littler’s impressive run has seen him hit the headlines around the world and enjoy celebrity status. Littler and his family received complimentary tickets to watch Arsenal in the Premier League on Thursday night, with Gunners pair Declan Rice and Aaron Ramsdale asking him for a photo, while players from his beloved Manchester United sent him good luck messages before the match with Van Barneveld. “It was unbelievable,” he added. “I was walking to my room and one of the security guards from Arsenal said to me Declan and Aaron wanted a picture with me and I just went ‘a picture with me’, and they came out for one. “They said they have a dartboard up in the changing room. It is crazy for them to want a picture with me, it should be the other way around. “It was incredible to get the messages, obviously United didn’t get the win (at Forest), but Jonny (Evans) and Gary (Neville) are United legends and Jonny is still playing for us, it was just incredible.” Rob Cross plays Chris Dobey in the opening match of 2024 while Michael van Gerwen should have too much for controversial Scott Williams and Luke Humphries takes on Dave Chisnall in the other quarter-final.
https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/luke-littler-feels-beat-even-043022612.html
2024-01-01T05:09:48Z
5000 Singapore dollars to Rwandan francs Convert SGD to RWF at the real exchange rate Loading Top currencies Beware of bad exchange rates.Banks and traditional providers often have extra costs, which they pass to you by marking up the exchange rate. Our smart tech means we’re more efficient – which means you get a great rate. Every time. How to convert Singapore dollars to Rwandan francs - 1 Input your amount Simply type in the box how much you want to convert. - 2 Choose your currencies Click on the dropdown to select SGD in the first dropdown as the currency that you want to convert and RWF in the second drop down as the currency you want to convert to. - 3 That’s it Our currency converter will show you the current SGD to RWF rate and how it’s changed over the past day, week or month. Top currency pairings for Singapore dollars Change Converter source currency - Australian Dollar - Brazilian Real - British Pound Sterling - Bulgarian Lev - Canadian Dollar - Chinese Yuan RMB - Czech Republic Koruna - Danish Krone - Euro - Hong Kong Dollar - Hungarian Forint - Indian Rupee - Indonesian Rupiah - Israeli New Sheqel - Japanese Yen - Malaysian Ringgit - New Zealand Dollar - Norwegian Krone - Polish Zloty - Romanian Leu - Singapore Dollar - Swedish Krona - Swiss Franc - Turkish Lira - US Dollar Are you overpaying your bank? Banks often advertise free or low-cost transfers, but add a hidden markup to the exchange rate. Wise gives you the real, mid-market, exchange rate, so you can make huge savings on your international money transfers. Download Our Currency Converter App Features our users love:- Free and ad-free. - Track live exchange rates. - Compare the best money transfer providers.
https://wise.com/in/currency-converter/sgd-to-rwf-rate?amount=5000
2024-01-01T05:09:48Z
UN peacekeeping mission in Mali completes its withdrawal The U.N. peacekeeping mission in Mali, MINUSMA, is poised to complete its withdrawal from the country on Sunday, the United Nations said in a statement. Security experts warn the area could now become the focus of a struggle in the north as rebel groups and the army seek to take areas that the U.N. has left, further destabilising Mali, where Islamist militants linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State also roam. The U.N. peacekeeping mission in Mali, MINUSMA, is poised to complete its withdrawal from the country on Sunday, the United Nations said in a statement. Security experts warn the area could now become the focus of a struggle in the north as rebel groups and the army seek to take areas that the U.N. has left, further destabilising Mali, where Islamist militants linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State also roam. Violence in Mali has spiked since June when the military junta which took power in a 2021 coup ordered the U.N.'s decade-old peacekeeping mission to leave. The U.N. said only a small team will stay behind to oversee the transportation of assets and disposal of U.N.-owned equipment. "U.N. funds, agencies and programmes were in Mali well before the deployment of MINUSMA and will stay in Mali well after the withdrawal," MINUSMA chief El-Ghassum Wane said. The peacekeeping mission in Mali was launched in 2013 following a violent insurrection by separatist rebels attempting to take control of the north of the country and a subsequent military-led coup. Mali has since become the epicentre of a violent movement that has spread across West Africa and forced millions to flee. (This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) - READ MORE ON: - al Qaeda - U.N. - West Africa - Islamic - Mali - El-Ghassum Wane - Islamist ALSO READ Militants with ties to the Islamic State group kill 10 people in Uganda's western district Islamic Jihad releases video of two Israeli hostages pleading for their release Deadly blast in Guinea's capital threatens gas shortages across the West African nation Jordan warns U.N. Gaza vote crucial to avoid "dangerous double standards" President Weah steps in to reverse Liberia's U.N. vote against Gaza ceasefire
https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/2762498-un-peacekeeping-mission-in-mali-completes-its-withdrawal
2024-01-01T05:09:49Z
Hollywood closed out an up and down 2023 with “Wonka” regaining No. 1 at the box office, strong sales for “The Color Purple” and an overall $9 billion in ticket sales that improved on 2022’s grosses but fell about $2 billion shy of pre-pandemic norms. The New Year’s weekend box office this year lacked a true blockbuster. (This time last year, “Avatar: The Way of Water” was inundating theaters.) Instead, a wide array of films – among them “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” “The Boys in the Boat,” “Migration,” “Ferrari,” “The Iron Claw” and “Anyone But You” – sought to break out over the year’s most lucrative box-office corridor. The top choice, though, remained “Wonka,” Paul King’s musical starring Timothée Chalamet as a young Willy Wonka. In its third weekend, the Warner Bros. release collected an estimated $24 million Friday through Sunday and $31.8 million factoring in estimates for the Monday holiday. That brings the film’s domestical total to $142.5 million. That bested Warner Bros.’ own “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” which, like previous DC superhero films, is struggling. James Wan’s “Aquaman” sequel starring Jason Momoa took in $19.5 million in its second weekend to bring its two-week haul to a modest $84.7 million including New Year’s Day estimates. Get San Diego local news, weather forecasts, sports and lifestyle stories to your inbox. Sign up for NBC San Diego newsletters. The original “Aquaman,” which ultimately surpassed $1.1 billion worldwide, had grossed $215.4 million over a similar period in 2018 – more than double that of the sequel. Internationally, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” added $50.5 million. Weekend sales only tell part of the story this time of year. From Christmas through New Year’s, when kids are out of school and many adults aren’t working, every day is like Saturday to film distributors. “The Color Purple,” Blitz Bazawule's adaptation of the 2005 stage musical from Alice Walker's novel, debuted on Monday and led all movies on Christmas with $18 million. Through the week, the Warner Bros. release has grossed $50 million, including $13 million Friday through Sunday. That’s a strong start for the crowd-pleaser starring Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson and Danielle Brooks. Audiences gave it an “A” CinemaScore. Entertainment News The roughly $100 million production, which boasts Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg and Quincy Jones (all from the 1985 film) as producers, should play well through awards season. It's nominated for several Golden Globes and expected to be in the Oscar mix. “We saw this opportunity to go wide at Christmas since there were so few movies and we were confident the movie would be well received,” said Jeffrey Goldstein, distribution chief for Warner Bros. “Going into the competitive landscape that's so thin in January and February, the excitement of awards season could really help ignite a bigger box office.” Despite a blockbuster-less holiday frame, the last weekend of the year pushed the industry past $9 billion in box office for the year in U.S. and Canadian theaters for the first time since before the pandemic. Ticket sales on the year were up 21% from 2022, according to data firm Comscore. Still, it was a mark that seemed more easily within reach during the summer highs of Barbenheimer when both “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” were breaking box-office records. The enormous success of those two films changed the trajectory of Hollywood’s 2023, but so did the monthslong actors and writers strikes. Those forced the postponement of some top films (most notably “Dune: Part Two” ), diminishing an already patchwork fall lineup with few guaranteed ticket-sellers. One exception was the last-minute addition of “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour,” which set a new record for concert films. This year, Hollywood needed Swift and every penny to reach $9 billion. It crossed that threshold Saturday, with one day to spare. That total, though, still doesn't come close to the $11 billion-plus years that preceded the pandemic. The number of wide releases in 2023 came about 20 films shy of those released in 2019. The production delays caused by the strikes could have an even greater impact on 2024. Several top releases have already been postponed until at least the following year, including “Mission: Impossible” and “Spider-Verse” sequels. After a rocky year for Marvel and a string of less predictable hits, Hollywood will have to hope it can adapt to changing audience tastes – and that another “Barbie” is lurking somewhere. "It's an $11 billion business. We're climbing our way back," said Goldstein. “This next year is going to be a big challenge because of the strikes. But we're seeing very clearly in 2023, when there are movies out there that people want to see, they come.” Meanwhile, a host of releases sought to capitalize over the holidays – and most succeeded. “This crop of seven wide releases at the end of the year, they got us over the hump of $9 billion,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for data firm Comscore. “This final push of the year provided great insight into what audiences are looking for. It's movies big and small. It's different types of movies." Though “Wonka” won out as the family movie choice for the holidays, Universal Pictures’ “Migration” is attracting young audiences, too. The animated movie from “Minions”-maker Illumination notched $17.2 million in 3,839 theaters in its second weekend, and $59.4 million since opening. “The Boys in the Boat,” the George Clooney-directed sports drama, grossed $24.6 million since opening Dec. 25. The Amazon MGM Studios release, about the U.S. men’s crew in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, wasn’t a smash with critics (58% “fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes) but audiences gave it an “A” CinemaScore. “The Boys in the Boat,” which cost about $40 million to make, could hold well in coming weeks. Though romantic comedies have largely migrated to streaming platforms, Sony Pictures' “Anyone But You” is proving the genre can still work in theaters. The film, starring Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell, collected $9 million in its second weekend to bring its total to $27.6 million through Monday. Sean Durkin's wrestling drama “The Iron Claw" is also performing well. The A24 film, starring Zac Efron, Holt McCallany and Jeremy Allen White, has grossed $18 million since opening Dec. 22, including $5 million on the three-day weekend. The film dramatizes the tragic story of the Von Erich family. Michael Mann's “Ferrari," a project the director sought to make for three decades, took in $10.9 million since launching in theaters on Monday, including $4.1 million for the weekend. While that ranks as one of the biggest debuts for indie distributor Neon, it's nowhere near what a movie that cost close to $100 million to make needs to turn a profit. The film, starring Adam Driver as Enzo Ferrari, has been celebrated by critics, but appears likely to follow Mann's previous film, 2015's “Blackhat” ($19.6 million worldwide against a $70 million budget), as a commercial disappointment. Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore. Final domestic figures will be released Monday. 1. “Wonka,” $24 million. 2. “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” $19.5 million. 3. “Migration,” $17.2 million. 4. “The Color Purple,” $13 million. 5. “Anyone But You,” $9 million. 6. “The Boys in the Boat,” $8.3 million. 7. “The Iron Claw,” $5 million. 8. “Ferrari,” $4.1 million. 9. “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” $2.9 million. 10. “The Boy and the Heron,” $2.5 million.
https://www.nbcsandiego.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/wonka-no-1-at-box-office-again-as-2023-ends-2-billion-shy-of-pre-pandemic-sales/3392254/
2024-01-01T05:09:52Z
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Stampede) — The Sioux Falls Stampede fell, 6-2, to the Des Moines Buccaneers on New Year’s Eve at the PREMIER Center. Beckett Hendrickson and Tyler Borgula each found goals while Caleb Heil was tabbed with the night’s loss. The Herd now falls to 15-13-1-1 this season. A scoreless first period for the Herd set the Buccaneers up with a 2-0 lead heading into the second frame. The Buccaneers outshot the Herd, 13-6, while both teams went 0-and-1 on their powerplay opportunities. Michael Chambre had the start and marked a .846 save percentage in the first 20 minutes. He would come out of the net during the first intermission due to injury and be replaced by Caleb Heil. Beckett Hendrickson got the Herd on the board just 1:36 into the second frame. His unassisted goal was the only change to the scoreboard during the period. John McNelis was tabbed with the only penalty as well. The Herd started to find a groove and was able to mark more shots on goal, this time tallying 15 versus the Buccaneers’ 10. Heil prevented every shot from entering his net, giving him a 1.00 save percentage after one period. After over seven minutes had passed in the second period, the Buccaneers slid one past Heil to go up by two goals. Just 19 seconds later, they would score again to increase the lead to three goals, with a score of 4-1. Gennadi Chaly would be served a minor penalty for hooking at the 11:54 mark and give the Buccaneers their third powerplay opportunity of the night. He soon gained a friend in Hayden Reid who earned a tripping penalty 13:20 into the frame, sending the Herd to a three-on-five penalty kill. During a bout of four-on-four hockey, the Buccaneers added to their lead on the Herd’s empty net with just over five minutes remaining. The Herd then killed their penalty and Tyler Borgula netted the team’s second goal of the night as the powerplay expired. Another Des Moines empty netter would nullify the gain from Borgula 1:31 minutes later. Splitting their time in net 20:40, Michael Chambre and Caleb Heil saved a combined 35 shots from entering the Stampede net. Chambre ended the first period with a save percentage of .846 and allowed two of the Buccaneers’ goals. Heil marked 37:48 minutes in net, allowing three goals and marking a 4.76 save percentage. The Herd now prepares to make the trek to Geneva, Ill. on Jan. 5 and 6 to take on the Chicago Steel. The team will then come back to Sioux Falls for a three-game weekend beginning Jan. 11. Hosting the Team USA NTDP and Omaha Lancers, the Herd has a full slate of fun planned for the weekend, including Hockey Moms Night and Hockey Day South Dakota. More information on all three games will be available the week of the game. Tickets for all Stampede home games are available now through the KELOLAND box office, Stampede office, or any Ticketmaster outlets.
https://www.keloland.com/sports/herd-falls-to-bucs-on-new-years-eve/
2024-01-01T05:09:52Z
News In Memoriam posted on by Crystalyn Hodgkins To those who left us in 2023 Shuji Abe Producer Robot founder, producer for Godzilla Minus One, Stand By Me Doraemon Frank Agrama Harmony Gold founder Yasunori Arai Drummer for rock band BAAD Slam Dunk Naoto Asahara Novelist Kanojo ga Suki na Mono wa Homo de Atte Boku de wa Nai Yusuke Chiba The Birthday band's singer, guitarist, and songwriter The First Slam Dunk, Zombie-Loan theme songs Keijirō Chō Manga creator 13 Dogs, Kiseki no Hito Jiro Dan Actor Return of Ultraman Masanori Hata Zoologist and essayist Koneko Monogatari/The Adventures of Milo and Otis writer and director, Donbē Monogatari author Miyuki Ichijou Voice actress Detective Conan, The House of the Lost on the Cape Shōzō Iizuka Voice actor Zendarman, Mobile Suit Gundam, Dr. Slump Manabu Ishikawa Producer and scriptwriter Evangelion: 1.0 You Are [Not] Alone, Psycho-Pass 2, Fullmetal Alchemist Shōji Izumi Manga creator Jan-Ken-Pon James (Jim) Kaposztas Longtime Otakon staffer Recognized in the U.S. anime fandom as the first known person to create an anime music video (AMV) Hajime Kikuchi eufonius composer True Tears, Clannad, Futakoi soundtracks Takahiro Kimura Character designer and animator Code Geass, GaoGaiGar: King of the Braves Haruko Kitahama Voice actress Mazinger Z, Osomatsu-kun Ippei Kuri (birth name Toyoharu Yoshida) Former CEO and co-founder of Tatsunoko Production Junnosuke Kuroda Rock band sumika guitarist Maon Kurosaki Singer A Certain Magical Index II, Hakuōki, Dances with the Dragons theme songs Yasumichi Kushida Voice actor planetarian, Demon Prince Enma, The aquatope on white sand Shunpei Maruyama Producer Former president of Actas, producer for Girls & Panzer, Princess Principal Leiji Matsumoto Manga creator, illustrator, designer Space Pirate Captain Harlock, Galaxy Express 999, Queen Emeraldas David McCallum Actor The Man from U.N.C.L.E., NCIS, Batman: Gotham Knight Yousuke Naka Voice actor Doraemon, The Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Die Neue These Hisaya Nakajo Manga creator Hana-Kimi Tohru Okada Musician Japanese rock band Moonriders member, also known for creating the iconic sound effect of the PlayStation logo. Ryuho Okawa Happy Science founder The Laws of the Sun, The Golden Laws, The Laws of Eternity Gosaku Ota Manga creator Mazinger Z, UFO Robo Grandizer, Mach SOS Lance Reddick Actor and voice actor The Wire, John Wick, Castlevania, live-action Resident Evil Paul Reubens Actor Pee-wee's Playhouse, Voltron: Legendary Defender William Ruzicka Storyboard artist / animation director High Guardian Spice, Onyx Equinox Ryuichi Sakamoto Musician and composer YMO (Yellow Magic Orchestra) founder, composer for The Wings of Honneamise, Appleseed Toshio Sakata Comedian and voice actor Member of comedian duo "Comedy No1," voice actor in Mind Game Kenichi Sakemi Novelist Like the Clouds, Like the Wind Atsushi Sakurai BUCK-TICK vocalist Nightwalker: The Midnight Detective, Trinity Blood, xxxHOLiC Nami Sano Manga creator Haven't You Heard? I'm Sakamoto, Migi & Dali Takako Sasuga Voice actress Sazae-san, Dangonronpa Kenpachiro Satsuma (real name Yasuaki Maeda) Godzilla suit actor 1984 Godzilla film to the 1995 Godzilla vs. Destoroyah film Mitsuo Senda Voice actor Kingdom, Gon, Golgo 13 Peter Spellos Actor, voice actor Transformers: Robots in Disguise, Digimon Adventure Leo D. Sullivan (Leo Sullivan) Animator 1986 U.S. television series Transformers, Soul Train opening sequence Yukihiro Takahashi Musician Drummer and lead vocalist of the group Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO) Hiroyuki Takizawa Manga creator Female Announcer Nanase, Secret night of a national qualified woman Yoshitaka Tamaki Game artist Shining Force, Shining Tears Shinji Tanimura Singer, songwriter Theme songs for Turn A Gundam, Great Conquest: The Romance of Three Kingdoms Buichi Terasawa Manga creator Space Adventure Cobra, Goku - Midnight Eye Osamu Tezuka (no relation to the manga creator of the same name) Toei Company Ltd. president and CEO Yoshiko Tsuchida Manga creator Tsuruhime-ja! Hiroe Tsukamoto Producer Samurai Champloo, Trigun, Serial Experiments Lain English dubs Nizo Yamamoto Art director Laputa: Castle in the Sky, Grave of the Fireflies, Princess Mononoke Hitoshi Yoshioka Novelist The Irresponsible Captain Tylor Producer Robot founder, producer for Godzilla Minus One, Stand By Me Doraemon Frank Agrama Harmony Gold founder Yasunori Arai Drummer for rock band BAAD Slam Dunk Naoto Asahara Novelist Kanojo ga Suki na Mono wa Homo de Atte Boku de wa Nai Yusuke Chiba The Birthday band's singer, guitarist, and songwriter The First Slam Dunk, Zombie-Loan theme songs Keijirō Chō Manga creator 13 Dogs, Kiseki no Hito Jiro Dan Actor Return of Ultraman Masanori Hata Zoologist and essayist Koneko Monogatari/The Adventures of Milo and Otis writer and director, Donbē Monogatari author Miyuki Ichijou Voice actress Detective Conan, The House of the Lost on the Cape Shōzō Iizuka Voice actor Zendarman, Mobile Suit Gundam, Dr. Slump Manabu Ishikawa Producer and scriptwriter Evangelion: 1.0 You Are [Not] Alone, Psycho-Pass 2, Fullmetal Alchemist Shōji Izumi Manga creator Jan-Ken-Pon James (Jim) Kaposztas Longtime Otakon staffer Recognized in the U.S. anime fandom as the first known person to create an anime music video (AMV) Hajime Kikuchi eufonius composer True Tears, Clannad, Futakoi soundtracks Takahiro Kimura Character designer and animator Code Geass, GaoGaiGar: King of the Braves Haruko Kitahama Voice actress Mazinger Z, Osomatsu-kun Ippei Kuri (birth name Toyoharu Yoshida) Former CEO and co-founder of Tatsunoko Production Junnosuke Kuroda Rock band sumika guitarist Maon Kurosaki Singer A Certain Magical Index II, Hakuōki, Dances with the Dragons theme songs Yasumichi Kushida Voice actor planetarian, Demon Prince Enma, The aquatope on white sand Shunpei Maruyama Producer Former president of Actas, producer for Girls & Panzer, Princess Principal Leiji Matsumoto Manga creator, illustrator, designer Space Pirate Captain Harlock, Galaxy Express 999, Queen Emeraldas David McCallum Actor The Man from U.N.C.L.E., NCIS, Batman: Gotham Knight Yousuke Naka Voice actor Doraemon, The Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Die Neue These Hisaya Nakajo Manga creator Hana-Kimi Tohru Okada Musician Japanese rock band Moonriders member, also known for creating the iconic sound effect of the PlayStation logo. Ryuho Okawa Happy Science founder The Laws of the Sun, The Golden Laws, The Laws of Eternity Gosaku Ota Manga creator Mazinger Z, UFO Robo Grandizer, Mach SOS Lance Reddick Actor and voice actor The Wire, John Wick, Castlevania, live-action Resident Evil Paul Reubens Actor Pee-wee's Playhouse, Voltron: Legendary Defender William Ruzicka Storyboard artist / animation director High Guardian Spice, Onyx Equinox Ryuichi Sakamoto Musician and composer YMO (Yellow Magic Orchestra) founder, composer for The Wings of Honneamise, Appleseed Toshio Sakata Comedian and voice actor Member of comedian duo "Comedy No1," voice actor in Mind Game Kenichi Sakemi Novelist Like the Clouds, Like the Wind Atsushi Sakurai BUCK-TICK vocalist Nightwalker: The Midnight Detective, Trinity Blood, xxxHOLiC Nami Sano Manga creator Haven't You Heard? I'm Sakamoto, Migi & Dali Takako Sasuga Voice actress Sazae-san, Dangonronpa Kenpachiro Satsuma (real name Yasuaki Maeda) Godzilla suit actor 1984 Godzilla film to the 1995 Godzilla vs. Destoroyah film Mitsuo Senda Voice actor Kingdom, Gon, Golgo 13 Peter Spellos Actor, voice actor Transformers: Robots in Disguise, Digimon Adventure Leo D. Sullivan (Leo Sullivan) Animator 1986 U.S. television series Transformers, Soul Train opening sequence Yukihiro Takahashi Musician Drummer and lead vocalist of the group Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO) Hiroyuki Takizawa Manga creator Female Announcer Nanase, Secret night of a national qualified woman Yoshitaka Tamaki Game artist Shining Force, Shining Tears Shinji Tanimura Singer, songwriter Theme songs for Turn A Gundam, Great Conquest: The Romance of Three Kingdoms Buichi Terasawa Manga creator Space Adventure Cobra, Goku - Midnight Eye Osamu Tezuka (no relation to the manga creator of the same name) Toei Company Ltd. president and CEO Yoshiko Tsuchida Manga creator Tsuruhime-ja! Hiroe Tsukamoto Producer Samurai Champloo, Trigun, Serial Experiments Lain English dubs Nizo Yamamoto Art director Laputa: Castle in the Sky, Grave of the Fireflies, Princess Mononoke Hitoshi Yoshioka Novelist The Irresponsible Captain Tylor
https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-12-31/in-memoriam/.206031
2024-01-01T05:09:52Z
Denver Nuggets Star Reveals Moments Leading Up to Brutal Dog Attack ‘TOO MUCH EGGNOG’ Denver Nuggets star Aaron Gordon shared what led to a recent incident in which his own Rottweiler attacked him, leaving him with 21 stitches to his shooting hand and face and leaving him unable to play indefinitely. “I guess it’s a little bit embarrassing, but not too embarrassing to where I can’t talk about it,” he told The Denver Post. “I don’t drink a lot during the season. I probably had a little bit too much eggnog. I was kind of roughhousing with my dog, and I think my dog got a little excited and just basically chomped down. Gave me a bite. And I was basically wrestling him off of me, and then he bit my hand.” He added: “For lack of better words, I was (messing) around with my dog, and when you (mess) around, you find out.”
https://www.thedailybeast.com/denver-nuggets-star-aaron-gordon-reveals-moments-leading-up-to-brutal-dog-attack
2024-01-01T05:09:52Z
PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court has ordered the police to quash a sedition case identical to an FIR already registered by a police station against three Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf leaders declaring that such acts amount to double jeopardy. A bench consisting of Chief Justice Mohammad Ibrahim Khan and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim ruled: “Courts are sanctuaries to protect the fundamental rights of citizens of the country and are under statutory obligation to respond in such situations to protect them from vexatious prosecution.” The ruling came as the court accepted a petition jointly filed by Babuzai town mayor in Swat district Shahid Ali Khan, former MNA Saleemur Rehman and former MPA Fazal Hakeem against an FIR registered against them in Miramshah police station of North Waziristan tribal district on identical charges mentioned in two earlier cases. The bench, however, declared that the complainant in the controversial FIR would be at liberty to record statements with the investigation officer in the case already registered against the petitioners in Swat that should be looked into in light of the principles set forth in a 2018 judgement by the Supreme Court. The petitioners – the residents of Swat district – contended that an FIR of identical nature was already registered against them in police station Saidu Sharif, Swat, on May 9, 2023, and subsequently another FIR was registered in Spin Daim police station of Lower South Waziristan tribal district on Oct 28 against one of the petitioners, Saleemur Rehman. Declares multiple FIRs for ‘same offence’ double jeopardy They added that the impugned FIR was registered later, on Nov 2, under different Pakistan Penal Code provisions, including 124-A (sedition) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy). The bench ruled: “The language of Article 13 of the Constitution is very much plain and clear which loudly speaks against double prosecution and punishment of an accused person. “In light of clear commands of Article 13, the courts while applying the principle of double jeopardy and extending protection under Article 13 of the Constitution have to see whether the accused is being prosecuted twice for the same offence or otherwise. There is no cavil with the proposition in view of the salutary command of the Constitution that nobody can be prosecuted and punished for an offence when he has already been prosecuted and acquitted or punished for the same offence by the competent court of law.” It, however, declared that if the case of the accused fell within certain exceptions provided in sub-clauses 2, 3 and 4 of Section 403 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, he might legitimately be tried for the same offence. In the impugned FIR, North Waziristan resident Malik Abdullah Zeb said on Nov 1, he saw a social media video that showed that after the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan by law-enforcement agencies in a criminal case, the three petitioners, while addressing a 200-250-strong mob used abusive and derogatory language against the government and Pakistan Army. He also alleged that the petitioners also incited the mob to “rise up” against national institutions” and that their speeches hurt his feelings towards Pakistan and its army. The petitioners’ lawyers, including Alam Khan Adenzai and Mohammad Inam Yousfzai, contended that as their clients were booked for the same offences, the registration of the impugned FIR was a violation of the law and the judgements of the superior courts. In its 23-page detailed judgement authored by Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, the bench also referred to the Supreme Court’s orders in Senator Azam Khan Swati’s case to quash multiple FIRs registered against him for “uploading obnoxious tweets on his social media account.” The bench referred to the judgements of Pakistani and Indian Supreme Courts and high courts on the same issue. “For the sake of discussion if the impugned FIR is allowed to remain in the field, it will open a Pandora box as an unlimited and countless number of persons, on watching the said video on social media, will resort to the exercising of registration of separate FIR against the petitioners. “Another situation, which is also possible if the impugned FIR is not quashed is that, if on conclusion of trials in the multiple FIRs about the same incident, the petitioners are found guilty and are convicted and sentenced, it would amount to double jeopardy which is against the mandate of Article 13 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973,” it declared. The court also referred to Section 403(1) of the CrPC and observed that the provision of the law disallowed the second trial of an accused for the same offence. It added that while sub-clauses 2, 3 and 4 of Section 403 of the CrPC spoke about the “circumstances in which an accused could be retried for the same set of commission or omission constituting a different offence in different circumstances.” Published in Dawn, january 1st, 2024
https://www.dawn.com/news/1802191/phc-quashes-sedition-case-against-three-pti-leaders
2024-01-01T05:09:52Z
The PGA Tour believes it has made enough progress with the Saudi backers of LIV Golf to extend their negotiations into next year for a new commercial deal that would include a U.S. investment group and the European tour. Commissioner Jay Monahan sent a memo to players on Sunday afternoon, just seven hours before the deadline to finalize the deal that was set in the June 6 framework agreement. The PGA Tour board unanimously agreed three weeks ago to negotiate exclusively with Strategic Sports Group, a consortium of American-based professional sports teams owners led by Fenway Sports Group. Monahan said the tour has made “meaningful progress” with SSG and provided the group with all the information it requested. “As we move forward in our discussions, we are focused on the finalization of terms and drafts of necessary documents,” Monahan said. Far more complicated are the negotiations with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the financial supporters of the rival LIV Golf League which lured away Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka in 2022, and most recently Masters champion Jon Rahm earlier this month. Monahan described conversations with PIF and the European tour as “active and productive.” The framework agreement was to expire Dec. 31, though it included language that the deadline could be extended if all parties agreed. “We are working to extend our negotiations into next year based on the progress we have made to date,” Monahan said in his memo. Monahan said the goal for 2024 was to reach agreements with SSG, PIF and the European tour to bring them in as minority co-investors in the for-profit PGA Tour Enterprises. “These partnerships will allow us to unify, innovate and invest in the game for the benefit of players, fans and sponsors,” Monahan said. Under the framework agreement, PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan would have a seat on the PGA Tour board. The agreement also included PGA Tour Enterprises doing an “objective, empirical-driven evaluation” of LIV and to determine if team golf can be integrated into the PGA Tour and European tour. It also was to determine a “fair and objective” process for LIV players who might want to return to the PGA Tour or European tour, which is said to be a sticking point because of the players who turned down Saudi riches to remain on the PGA Tour. The PGA Tour season begins Thursday at The Sentry on Maui, the first of eight “signature” events with a $20 million purse and limited field. LIV Golf already has announced the bulk of its 2024 schedule and $20 million purses. It starts the first week of February. ___ AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/sports/ap-pga-tour-seeks-extension-on-commercial-deal-with-saudis-private-investors/
2024-01-01T05:09:53Z
“The King Of The Dancehall” Beenie Man To Headline The Old School New Year’s Eve Bash And Benefit Concert On St. Croix “The King Of The Dancehall” Beenie Man To Headline The Old School New Year’s Eve Bash And Benefit Concert On St. Croix Home Entertainment DJ Akademiks Accused Of Sexual Assaulting Woman At His House The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz A woman is alleging that DJ Akademiks and his friends raped her after she went over to his house to spend time with him. On Saturday, a clip went viral of
https://guyanainquirer.com/dj-akademiks-accused-of-sexual-assaulting-woman-at-his-house/
2024-01-01T05:09:53Z
NHL roundup: Nedeljkovic, Eller lift Penguins over Islanders 3-1 PITTSBURGH (AP) — Alex Nedeljkovic made 37 saves, Lars Eller scored twice and the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the New York Islanders 3-1 in NHL action on Sunday night. Nedeljkovic was spectacular at times to help the Penguins win for the fifth time in six games following a blowout loss to Toronto on Dec. 16. Eller scored early in the first period and added an empty-netter in the final minute as Pittsburgh beat the Islanders for the second time in five days. Noel Acciari added his third of the season for Pittsburgh. Samuel Bolduc drew the Islanders within one with 6:09 left with the third goal of his career, but New York could get no closer. Ilya Sorokin made 35 saves. Pittsburgh has at least a point in each of its last six games and is 7-1-1 over its last nine to climb into wild-card contention as the season’s midway point nears following an iffy start. Elsewhere in the NHL on Sunday: LIGHTNING 4 CANADIENS 3 TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Calvin de Haan ended his 46-game goal drought with the tiebreaking score in the third period, and Tampa Bay rallied past Montreal. The defenceman put Tampa Bay up 3-2 at 7:49 off a pass from Nikita Kucherov, who became the first NHL player to reach 60 points this season. Kucherov added an insurance goal before Nick Suzuki pulled Montreal to 4-3 with 2:05 left. Tampa Bay backup Jonas Johansson made 27 saves in his first game since Dec. 7. The Lightning got also goals from Brayden Point and Austin Watson. Lightning captain Steven Stamkos had an assist and set a franchise record by playing in his 1,038th game. Johnathan Kovacevic scored from his own defensive zone and Cole Caufield had the other Montreal goal. Sam Montembeault stopped 16 shots. --- SENATORS 5 SABRES 1 OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Anton Forsberg made 45 saves and Ottawa beat Buffalo in Senators interim coach Jacques Martin’s 1,300th NHL game. Ottawa won after removing the interim tag and appointing Steve Staios as general manager Sunday. Martin took over as interim coach about two weeks ago after D.J. Smith was fired. Zack MacEwen and Mark Kastelic each had their first goal of the season and Dominik Kubalik, Jakob Chychrun and Artem Zub also scored to help Ottawa improve to 15-18-0. Thomas Chabot had two assists in his return after missing 12 games because of a leg injury. Tage Thompson scored for Buffalo, and Devon Levi made 26 saves. The Sabres are 15-19-4. --- JETS 3 WILD 2 ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Dominic Toninato scored the tiebreaking goal in the third period and Winnipeg swept a weekend home-and-home series against Minnesota. Adam Lowry and Vladislav Namestnikov also scored for Winnipeg. Laurent Brossoit stopped 24 shots for the Jets, who are 6-0-2 in their last eight games. Marcus Foligno and Frederick Gaudreau scored for Minnesota, which lost for just the third time in its last 10 games. Marc-Andre Fleury, who was playing in his 1,000th NHL game, made 26 saves for the Wild. --- BRUINS 5 RED WINGS 3 DETROIT (AP) — Trent Frederic scored twice, Charlie Coyle had the go-ahead goal and Boston beat Detroit for its third straight win. Boston forward Pavel Zacha scored an empty-net goal in his 500th regular-season game. Jake DeBrusk also added an empty-netter and Charlie McAvoy had three assists for the Bruins. Jeremy Swayman made 25 saves. Jake Walman scored his third goal in two games for Detroit. Ben Chiarot and J.T. Compher had the Red Wings’ other goals, and Alex Lyon stopped 23 shots. --- AVALANCHE 3 SHARKS 1 DENVER (AP) — Valeri Nichushkin scored a tiebreaking goal late in the third period and Colorado beat slumping San Jose. Nichushkin also had an assist, Mikko Rantanen scored and Nathan MacKinnon had two assists for Colorado. Alexandar Georgiev faced just 11 shots in his 19th win. MacKinnon extended his home point streak to 19 games, the longest to start a season in franchise history. He matched his longest home point streak, set from Jan. 2 to March 24, and is four games shy of tying Joe Sakic for the club record. Sharks goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen made 30 saves. Tomas Hertl scored for San Jose, which has lost eight straight games — all in regulation. --- FLAMES 4 FLYERS 3 CALGARY, Alberta (AP) — Mikael Backlund, Dennis Gilbert, Nazem Kadri and Blake Coleman scored and Calgary outlasted Philadelphia. Jacob Markstrom made 27 saves to help the Flames improve to 15-16-5. Andrew Mangiapane had three assists and Jonathan Huberdeau added an assist to snap a 12-game points drought. Rasmus Ristolainen, with his first of the season, and Bobby Brink and Egor Zamula scored for Philadelphia. Sam Ersson made 28 saves. The Flyers dropped to 19-12-5, failing to earn points for the first time in their last 10 road games. --- OILERS 7 DUCKS 2 ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Warren Foegele had two goals and a career-high five points, Leon Draisaitl scored for the third straight game and Edmonton extended its winning streak to five games. Draisaitl and Darnell Nurse each had two assists, and Ryan McLeod had a goal and an assist. Evander Kane, Zack Hyman and Brett Kulak also scored for Edmonton. Calvin Pickard stopped 28 shots. Connor McDavid had an assist and needs two points to reach 900 for his career. The Oilers have won 15 of 21 games since Kris Knoblauch took over as coach. Max Jones and Frank Vatrano had the goals for Anaheim, which has dropped four of five on its eight-game homestand. John Gibson made 32 saves. --- STARS 7 BLACKHAWKS 1 DALLAS (AP) — Mason Marchment had three goals and an assist, Scott Wedgewood made 24 saves to improve to 11-2-2 and Dallas routed Chicago. Tyler Seguin had a goal and two assists and Roope Hintz, Ryan Suter, Craig Smith and Sam Steel also scored. The Stars matched a season high in goals in their sixth consecutive home victory, two nights after topping the Chicago 5-4 in overtime at American Airlines Center. Philipp Kurashev scored for the Blackhawks. They have lost 11 consecutive road games (0-10-1) and have the second-fewest points in the NHL at 24. Chicago's Connor Bedard assisted on the power-play goal 39 seconds into the third period for his rookie-leading 33rd point. Petr Mrazek allowed six goals on 32 shots. He was replaced almost five minutes into the third period by Arvid Soderblom, who gave up two goals on 10 shots. --- AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/NHL The Associated Press
https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl-roundup-nedeljkovic-eller-lift-043233827.html
2024-01-01T05:09:54Z
1 Singapore dollar to Saudi riyals Convert SGD to SAR at the real exchange rate Loading Compare prices for sending money abroad Leading competitors have a dirty little secret. They add hidden markups to their exchange rates - charging you more without your knowledge. And if they have a fee, they charge you twice. Wise never hides fees in the exchange rate. We give you the real rate. Compare our rate and fee with our competitors and see the difference for yourself. Top currencies Beware of bad exchange rates.Banks and traditional providers often have extra costs, which they pass to you by marking up the exchange rate. Our smart tech means we’re more efficient – which means you get a great rate. Every time. How to convert Singapore dollars to Saudi riyals - 1 Input your amount Simply type in the box how much you want to convert. - 2 Choose your currencies Click on the dropdown to select SGD in the first dropdown as the currency that you want to convert and SAR in the second drop down as the currency you want to convert to. - 3 That’s it Our currency converter will show you the current SGD to SAR rate and how it’s changed over the past day, week or month. Top currency pairings for Singapore dollar Change Converter source currency - Australian Dollar - Brazilian Real - British Pound Sterling - Bulgarian Lev - Canadian Dollar - Chinese Yuan RMB - Czech Republic Koruna - Danish Krone - Euro - Hong Kong Dollar - Hungarian Forint - Indian Rupee - Indonesian Rupiah - Israeli New Sheqel - Japanese Yen - Malaysian Ringgit - New Zealand Dollar - Norwegian Krone - Polish Zloty - Romanian Leu - Singapore Dollar - Swedish Krona - Swiss Franc - Turkish Lira - US Dollar Are you overpaying your bank? Banks often advertise free or low-cost transfers, but add a hidden markup to the exchange rate. Wise gives you the real, mid-market, exchange rate, so you can make huge savings on your international money transfers. Download Our Currency Converter App Features our users love:- Free and ad-free. - Track live exchange rates. - Compare the best money transfer providers.
https://wise.com/in/currency-converter/sgd-to-sar-rate?amount=1
2024-01-01T05:09:55Z
Hundreds of people are heading to San Diego's coasts to see the king tides. But the large waves are causing significant damage to one of San Diego’s most iconic landmarks: the Ocean Beach Pier. In some areas, the waves have reached up to 12 feet. “I couldn’t believe the size of the waves," Mike Sheetz said. "They were huge." Get San Diego local news, weather forecasts, sports and lifestyle stories to your inbox. Sign up for NBC San Diego newsletters. Sheetz went to the Ocean Beach Pier to see the breathtaking power of Mother Nature. "I've lived here for 50 years, and I don't ever recall seeing the waves this big, and I was just amazed,” Sheetz said. Others heard pilings on the pier had been taken out and wanted to see the damage caused by the high tide. Local "It's kind of sad to see the demise of something that's been part of a community, and it's been a draw for people all over the world to come and look at this,” Elizabeth said. People like Paul Yancey worry about the pier’s future. "I wonder if it's worth the repairing or just take it down and not have one,” Yancey said. Earlier this year, the city unveiled three renderings of potential redesigns. The pier has undergone several million dollars in repairs in the past few years. The City of San Diego finally shut the pier down in October because it was too dangerous. And these waves are just making it worse. City officials said last month that the threat of storms will keep the pier closed through the winter.
https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/high-surf-batters-ocean-beach-pier/3392263/
2024-01-01T05:09:58Z
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Dominic Toninato scored the tiebreaking goal in the third period and the Winnipeg Jets defeated the Minnesota Wild 3-2 on Sunday, sweeping a home-and-home series. Adam Lowry and Vladislav Namestnikov also scored for Winnipeg. Laurent Brossoit stopped 24 shots for the Jets, who are 6-0-2 in their last eight games. Marcus Foligno and Frederick Gaudreau scored for Minnesota, which lost for the third time in 10 games. One of those was a 4-2 loss at Winnipeg on Saturday. “Going into both games, you knew it was going to be a hard-fought battle,” Winnipeg coach Rick Bowness said. “There wasn’t much room out there. Kind of low-event game for a while. That’s the way both teams play. John (Hynes) has got these guys playing really, really hard. They’re tough to play against.” Marc-Andre Fleury, who was playing in his 1,000th NHL game, made 26 saves for the Wild. “I’m kinda happy it’s over. I wish it was a win. Disappointing,” Fleury said. “I thought the guys played great tonight. Battled hard. It’s a better game than last night in Winnipeg. Two points is what’s important here.” The teams traded power-play goals early in the third, with Gaudreau giving the Wild a 2-1 lead at 3:56 and Namestnikov evening the score less than a minute later. Toninato scored the eventual winner at 7:32 of the third. A delayed penalty was called on the Wild, and with an extra attacker on the ice, the Jets set up in Minnesota’s zone. Toninato chipped a rebound over Fleury and into the net for his first of the season. A tense atmosphere prevailed before the game as Wild star Kirill Kaprizov was scratched because of an injury that he sustained in Saturday’s 4-2 loss at Winnipeg. Kaprizov left that game in the third period after taking two cross-checks to the lower back from Jets defenseman Brenden Dillon. The Wild were upset that no penalty was called, and Minnesota defenseman Jake Middleton later fought Dillon, setting a hostile tone for a rematch less than 24 hours later. Just two seconds into Sunday’s game, Wild forward Pat Maroon and Jets captain Lowry dropped their gloves and fought at center ice. But that was the extent of the fighting for the day. “He just asked if I wanted to go,” Lowry said of Maroon. “We knew they would come out and probably be looking for a response after Kaprizov gets hurt. Just settle things down, try to get it out of the way rather than wait a little bit. “He asked me politely, let me take the faceoff, and it was one of the few ones I won tonight” Lowry added. “So (we) got that out of the way and we were able to play some hockey.” Ryan Hartman appeared to put the Wild on top 1-0 late in the first period, but the Jets challenged the play and the goal was overturned as a Wild player was ruled offside. But not long after, the Wild scored one that counted when Foligno redirected Jared Spurgeon’s shot from the center point past Brossoit at 18:07 of the first. Lowry tied it for Winnipeg early in the second, tucking a rebound of a Mason Appleton shot past Fleury for his seventh of the season. The Jets kept up the pressure in the second period, hitting a post and a crossbar, but Fleury kept them in check until the third, when Gaudreau temporarily put them ahead before Namestnikov and Toninato won it for Winnipeg. UP NEXT Jets: At Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday. Wild: Host Calgary Flames on Tuesday.
https://www.keloland.com/sports/jets-score-twice-in-third-to-beat-wild-3-2/
2024-01-01T05:09:58Z
LAHORE: A verdict issued by the returning officer of NA-122 on Sunday regarding the rejection of the nomination papers of Imran Khan stated that the papers of the former premier were rejected on “moral” and other grounds, whereas Shehbaz Sharif’s papers were accepted from the NA-132 (Kasur) constituency on late Saturday night. In the detailed decision, the election officer quoted the judgement of the additional session judge (Islamabad) that established the conviction of the respondent related to the offence of moral turpitude. The candidature of respondent Imran Khan was hit by Article 62, Article 63 (1h) of the Constitution of Pakistan, the RO said, adding that the conviction had not been suspended or set aside by any court to date. “In light of the above, the allegations levelled by the objector Mian Naseer Ahmad against the respondent Imran Ahmad Khan Niazi are legal and substantial in nature and have succeeded in making out a case against the respondent. Consequently, the papers of the respondent from NA-122 stand rejected,” concluded the eight-page verdict. Shehbaz’s papers from Kasur accepted as more PTI candidates fail scrutiny phase According to reports, the returning officer accepted the papers of Shehbaz Sharif and PTI’s Rashid Tufail and rejected the papers of the PTI’s Javaid Hussain Baito, Sharif Shabbir, Asadullah and Riffat Adnan Zahid — all independents. In NA-131, the RO approved papers of the PML-N candidate Saad Waseem, Bakhtiar Kasuri (PTI) and Ch Manzoor Ahmad (PPP). The RO, however, rejected the papers of Maqsood Sabor and Mehar Saleem — both representing the PTI from the same constituency. In NA-133, the nomination papers of Rana Ishaq (PML-N) and Asif Nakai (IPP) were approved, whereas Azeemuddin Lakhvi and Sana Kareemi (both PTI candidates) and Waqas Mokal (PML-Q) were rejected. For NA-134, the papers of Rana Hayat (PML-N) and Talib Nakai (IPP) were accepted whereas Azeemuddin Lakhvi’s (PTI) papers were rejected. In Khanewal (NA-144), the papers of PML-N’s Peer Mukhtar Shah, Syed Fakhar Imam, and Raza Hayat Hiraj (independents) were accepted while the PTI’s Shahbaz Sial failed to pass the scrutiny. Similarly, in NA-145, PML-N’s Muhammad Khan Daha, PPP’s Dr Waqar Daha and Rana Abdul Rehman and independent candidates Hamid Yar Hiraj and Tariq Noonari were accepted while the PTI’s Abid Mahmood Khagga’s papers were rejected. In NA-146, papers of PML-N’s Pir Aslam Bodla, PTI’s Zahoor Qureshi and Sikandar Hayat Bosan (independent) were accepted. In NA-147, the nomination papers of Ch Iftikhar Nazir and IPP leader Aleem Khan were accepted. However, PTI’s Mujtaba Maitla papers were rejected. Haqooq-i-Khalq Party On the other hand, Haqooq-i-Khalq Party (HKP) organised a public meeting to protest the rejection of the nomination papers of Ammar Ali Jan, party’s candidate for Punjab Assembly’s constituency PP-160 in Lahore. The corner meeting was held at Shanghai Chowk, Chungi Amar Sadhu. The police had tried to disrupt the public gathering by not allowing chairs to be arranged at the venue and also threatened several activists of the HKP. A heavy contingent of police, however, encircled the venue throughout the meeting. Speaking on the occasion, Ammar Ali Jan said that despite police hurdles, they were able to organise this public meeting to make it clear that “we are here to stay”. He said: “The people of PP-160 had long been neglected, there is no gas, clean water, sanitation system, proper roads and public schools… Those who were elected from this constituency made their housing societies but not public hospitals or schools.” HKP President Farooq Tariq said the rejection of Mr Jan’s papers was a “political move to keep the party out of the electoral race” and added that the party would challenge the rejection in the election tribunal. He hoped that the nomination of Mr Jan would be restored. He criticised the PML-N for taking the price hike to a historic level and termed its policies anti-people. Amjad Mahmood also contributed to this report Published in Dawn, January 1st, 2024
https://www.dawn.com/news/1802223/imran-denied-election-bid-on-moral-grounds-says-returning-officer
2024-01-01T05:09:58Z
Snoop Dogg is getting an Olympic promotion. The rapper provided often hilarious commentary on the Peacock streaming service during the 2021 Summer Games in Tokyo. For this year’s Olympics in Paris, he will be back—in primetime. “We’re going to have some amazing competitions and, of course, I will be bringing that Snoop style to the mix,” he said in a statement. “It’s going to be the most epic Olympics ever, so stay tuned, and keep it locked.” Read it at The Hollywood Reporter
https://www.thedailybeast.com/nbc-taps-snoop-dogg-for-primetime-olympics-coverage
2024-01-01T05:09:58Z
Gujarat: Man, two daughters, son end lives by jumping in front of train in Botad - Country: - India A man, his two daughters and a son allegedly committed suicide on Sunday by jumping in front of a train in Botad district in Gujarat, an official said. The incident took place at 6:30pm between Ningala and Alampur railway stations, Railway Protection Force sub inspector VS Gole said. ''As part of a suicide pact, the four jumped in front of a passenger train on its way from Bhavnagar to Gandhidham. The bodies of the man, his two daughters and a son were found along the tracks,'' he said. The man, identified as Mangabhai Vijuda (42), was out on bail after getting arrested on charges of attempt to murder following a fight with a relative, as per police. The others who died are his daughters Sonam (17) and Rekha (21) and son Jignesh (19). They belonged to Nana Sakhpar village in the district's Gadhada taluka, he said. The bodies have been sent for post mortem and further probe into why they took this extreme step is underway, the official said. (This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/2762501-gujarat-man-two-daughters-son-end-lives-by-jumping-in-front-of-train-in-botad
2024-01-01T05:09:57Z
MIAMI (AP) — Goran Dragic, a former All-Star guard with the Miami Heat and the leader of Slovenia’s team that won the EuroBasket championship in 2017, announced his retirement on Sunday. Dragic spent 15 seasons in the NBA and played for seven teams — Phoenix, Houston, Chicago, Brooklyn, Milwaukee, Toronto and the Heat. He was part of the All-NBA team in 2013-14, the same season in which he was voted the league’s most improved player, and made his lone All-Star appearance in 2018. “I have lived my greatest dream and I am extremely grateful for the countless people in my life who have enabled me to play this long,” Dragic said. “It starts with my parents, Marinko and Mojca, my brother, Zoran, my kids, Mateo and Vikorita and their mother Maja, and the rest of my family who always allowed this passion of basketball to be a priority for me.” Dragic intends to have a retirement celebration this summer in Ljubljana, Slovenia, likely after the Paris Olympics conclude. There are tentative plans to announce details of that celebration later this week. The 37-year-old Dragic spoke often in recent years about what the 2017 EuroBasket win meant to him, especially considering that it is generally considered to be Slovenia’s finest moment in team sports. Dragic averaged 22.6 points and 5.1 assists in the nine games at that tournament and finished off the gold with 35 points in the title game win over rival Serbia, his father’s homeland. Slovenia is his mother’s homeland. He became a national hero, receiving one of Slovenia’s highest civilian honors after that tournament, and was brought to tears by a gift of a jersey from the mother of one of his idols, the late star Drazen Petrovic. “It was everything,” Dragic said. A young guard on that 2017 Slovenia team that Dragic mentored: Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic. “It was an amazing run for him,” Doncic said Saturday, when word began to leak out of Europe that Dragic’s retirement announcement was imminent. “I’m just glad I know him, I’m glad I played with him and man, I learned a lot about him, especially about leadership in that tournament.” Dragic was beloved in Miami, where he and his family continue to maintain homes. When he was a free agent in 2020, the Heat surprised Dragic with billboards in his native Slovenia, with slogans such as “Your second family is always with you.” That gesture, Dragic said, was deeply moving and led to him quickly re-signing with the Heat. The left-handed Dragic was the 45th overall pick in the 2008 draft by San Antonio. He averaged 13.3 points and 4.7 assists in his career, and averaged 20 points in a season twice — in 2013-14 with Phoenix, and 2016-17 with the Heat. He helped Miami reach the NBA Finals in 2020, the season that ended in the bubble at Walt Disney World because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dragic hurt his foot early in that series and appeared in only two games, an injury that seriously impacted Miami’s chances at a title. “Can you do something for me?” he asked a reporter when that series against the Los Angeles Lakers ended, the Heat having lost in six games. “Tell the fans we really tried and I’m sorry. I really tried.” Dragic thanked a long list of people for their involvement in his career, including David Stern and Adam Silver — the NBA’s two commissioners during his tenure — along with coaches, team executives and his agents Rade Filipovich and Bill Duffy. “All good things come to an end but this dream of basketball will always be with me,” Dragic said. ___ AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/sports/ap-slovenian-guard-goran-dragic-announces-his-retirement-after-a-15-year-nba-career/
2024-01-01T05:09:59Z
The items found on the suspect Police ranks in Georgetown have arrested a man along with his wife after he was found in possession of several weapons. The discovery was made sometime around 10:15hrs on Saturday. Based on reports, the officers were on Anti-Crime Patrol duty in a Police vehicle on Freeman Street, East La Penitence, Georgetown when they observed a man holding an AR rifle in his right hand and a haversack on his back. On seeing the ranks, the suspect, who later gave his name as John Moore, a 23-year-old unemployed resident of East La Penitence (and an ex-police constable), began to run in a southern direction. He then turned West and ran into his yard, where he quickly took off the haversack from his back, placed the AR rifle into the haversack and threw the haversack into a yard which is owned by a 59-year-old Security Guard. The ranks gave chase and Moore was eventually apprehended. The ranks picked up the bag where the AR rifle was found, with a magazine containing 19 live .223 ammunition. There was also one .223 spent shell. They also found a Glock 9mm pistol with an empty magazine in the haversack. There was also a .32 magazine without ammunition. The haversack also had Visa and Bank cards from Republic Bank, GBTI, Demerara Bank, and Citizen’s Bank and one National Identification card all in favour of Moore’s reputed wife, Mellissa Lindo, a 21-year-old Businesswoman operating a Boutique at their home address in East La Penitence. Also in the haversack was one National Identification card of Mellissa’s 45-year-old mother Karen Lindo, a Republic Bank Visa card in favour of Mellissa’s 23-year-old brother Rayon Alves, US$65, one motorcar sensor, one yellow metal chain and one cell phone. Moore was asked if he had a license to carry the firearms and he said “no”. He was told of the offences committed and cautioned. The firearms, ammunition and magazines found were marked, sealed and lodged and will be taken to the Ballistics section for examination. The rest of the articles were also lodged. Mellisa was also arrested for questioning. Investigations continue.
https://guyanainquirer.com/east-la-penitence-man-nabbed-with-guns-ammo-wife-in-custody/
2024-01-01T05:10:00Z
The only health resolution worth making this year I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions because they rarely work. But this year, I urge you all to make one: cut down on how much fake food you eat. What do I mean by fake food? I mean the packaged, glossy, edible food-like substances lining our shelves that are slowly reducing our life and health span. Choosing what we eat is the most important decision we can make to improve our health and the health of the planet, so in 2024 let’s make it a priority. In 2023, ultra-processed food (UPF) regularly made headlines – and for all the wrong reasons. Each year, these products make 2.5 million people sick and prevent them from working and living healthy lives. Everyone in the UK would benefit from reducing their intake of UPFs and increasing their intake of real food. Now, I’m partial to a chocolate digestive, and I enjoy them as a treat every so often. But for many of us in the UK, UPFs make up a large percentage – around 60 per cent – of our total calorie intake each day. And worryingly, for children that percentage is even higher. Compared with other countries, we are doing quite poorly. Only the US consumes more UPFs than us. UPFs are designed to be easy to eat and difficult to stop eating. Their texture and lack of fibre make them quick to digest, leading to spikes in blood sugar and blood fat, which cause inflammation. UPFs also leave you feeling hungry, causing you to eat more than you need. So how do you spot UPFs in the supermarket? Although there are academic arguments about the precise definition of UPFs, in practice they are easy to spot. If you couldn’t find most of the ingredients listed on the packet in your kitchen, it’s ultra-processed. While it’s probably no surprise to you that chocolate digestives are classed as UPFs, it’s likely you consume more of these products than you realise. For instance, most supermarket breads, breakfast cereals, snacks and juices are also UPFs. They are everywhere and they are increasingly difficult to avoid. I was recently at a conference about the future of nutrition in the UK, and not one speaker mentioned the elephant in the room: UPFs. There was some talk of fibre and the complexity of polyphenols, liquid soups and miracle shakes that reverse Type 2 diabetes, lots of reformulating and “fortifying” foods, and plenty of excitement about drugs like Ozempic. Fortifying food is certainly a good idea for countries where access to enough food is challenging. But in the UK we have more than enough to go around. We cannot reformulate and medicate our way out of our nutritional slump. The problem is that the vast majority of the food we eat is rubbish: UPFs are very low in nutrients. Fortifying them is not the answer. It’s like putting a sticking plaster on an amputated limb. I was invited to join the panel at the end of the conference alongside esteemed academics, a community dietitian and some industry voices. Like the line-up on Have I Got News For You, everyone had a statement. The science and the talks were interesting, but because industry representatives were in the room, nobody wanted to be the person to raise the biggest issue: the quality of our food. My friend Henry Dimbleby closed the conference by outlining the huge cost of NHS care directly caused by poor diet. The evidence is clear: epidemiological studies involving hundreds of thousands of people show a very obvious relationship between eating more UPFs and worse health outcomes. Brilliant research based on data from the UK Biobank shows that changing our Western diet to a healthy diet could add 10 years to our lives. People are losing an entire decade of life because Big Food has a stranglehold on the discussion surrounding these products. Adding extra calcium, protein or fibre to an otherwise nutrient-free lump does not constitute a health intervention. Most of the people at the conference likely don’t get the majority of their calories from UPFs, but they are in the minority in the UK. According to an apocryphal story, Marie Antoinette said “Let them eat cake” when she learned that the peasants were starving. Today, we are showing a similar disregard for the general population. We are essentially saying “Let them eat edible food-like substances that make them sick”. So why aren’t we doing something about this? It is a disgrace that the government is largely ignoring this problem, but it is not altogether surprising. Modern politics is short-term. Any intervention is unlikely to make a difference before the next election, so if making a positive change won’t help them stay in power, their motivation to make that change is low. But they are allowing our nation to sleepwalk deeper into a health crisis. Another issue is our susceptibility to marketing. We don’t question the motives of advertisers. It is important to remember that if a company has paid big bucks to push their product, they have zero interest in your health. They simply want you to buy it. They do not add fibre or protein to UPFs to help you stay healthy. They do it to lure you in under false pretences with their carefully pitched “health halo”. Added to this, many of us these days cannot cook or have limited abilities in the kitchen. This is partly because cooking is no longer taught in schools. Of course, this suits the food companies – 10 of which control almost 80 per cent of our food. These immense companies make around £58 billion annually, providing ample money to lobby MPs and health ministers and influence food scientists with new labs and grants. It is not dissimilar to how the tobacco industry operated in the Eighties and Nineties. Research from the Department of Health shows that it costs the country £90 billion each year to treat the conditions associated with the UPF-rich Western diet. That’s around £1,000 extra per tax-payer. UPFs increase the risk of developing obesity, some cancers, heart disease, stroke, and mental health conditions. With the NHS already under immense pressure, it could do without the extra burden caused by the food industry. Personally, uncovering this information while researching my books has been a real journey. And it is a problem that seems to be getting worse. So what can we do about it? We might approach the UPF problem in a similar way to the tobacco problem – start with adding warning labels. Block the use of health halos. Expand the current sugar tax and use the profits to subsidise real food. There is no need to ban UPFs, but the population deserves to know how these products affect their health. It needs to be made clear. And giant food companies should not be allowed to infer that their edible food-like substances are in any way benefiting people’s health. It is nothing short of a lie. This year, it’s time for us to vote with our wallets. UPFs are incredibly profitable for food manufacturers. They’re cheap to make, scientifically designed to be overeaten and have a long shelf life. Together, let’s stop making them so profitable. If we leave these products on the shelves, they won’t go off for months, but they will stop making Big Food richer and us sicker. If you only make one New Year’s resolution, cutting back on your UPF intake is a strong choice. Your health will thank you for it.
https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/only-health-resolution-worth-making-050000014.html
2024-01-01T05:10:01Z
ADB issues first local currency bonds in Kazakhstan The milestone dual-tranche transaction marks a series of firsts for ADB with a highly tailored structure adopted to mirror the terms of the underlying loans that are to be funded with the proceeds, a press release from ADB reads. The final maturities of the bonds are five and seven years, with an early redemption "call" option from the third and fifth years, respectively. The bonds pay a floating interest rate linked to the Kazakhstan Consumer Price Index, the first time ADB adopts such a structure in either mainstream or local currency borrowing. Furthermore, the bonds were auctioned and listed on the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange and settled through the Kazakhstan Securities Depositary-a first domestic market transaction for ADB in the country. "This is a landmark in ADB's strategy of delivering local currency funding solutions," said ADB Treasurer Mr. Pierre Van Peteghem. "We have generated digital results from these bond issues in terms of highly innovative structure, development impact on the domestic capital market, and currency risk mitigation for ADB's borrower." While the bonds were fully placed with institutional investors in Kazakhstan, a hybrid approach was adopted by issuing and documenting the transaction under ADB's Global Medium-Term Note program and English law, a first for ADB in any developing member country. Tengri Capital acted as sole lead manager. ADB is a regular borrower in mainstream international bond markets but has also led issuance in developing Asian countries as part of efforts to promote domestic bond markets as an alternative to bank lending. Overall, ADB raised more than $23.5 billion from the capital markets in 2018. On 24 January 2019, ADB returned to the US dollar bond market with the pricing of a $3.5 billion 5-year global benchmark bond issue, proceeds of which will be part of ADB's ordinary capital resources. ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members-48 from the region.
https://en.inform.kz/news/adb-issues-first-local-currency-bonds-in-kazakhstan_a3492314/
2024-01-01T05:10:01Z
Packers take control of playoff spot as they cruise past Vikings 33-10 on Love's 4-touchdown night MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jordan Love threw three touchdown passes and ran for a score to put the Green Bay Packers in control of a spot in the playoffs with a 33-10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night. Aaron Jones rushed for 120 yards and Jayden Reed had two touchdown catches for the Packers (8-8), who can get the NFC's last wild-card spot by beating Chicago at home next week. They moved above the cut when Seattle lost earlier in the day. Love went 24 for 33 for 256 yards in what might have been the finest game in his first season as the Packers' starter in the post-Aaron Rodgers era. The Vikings (7-9) benched another turnover-prone quarterback after an interception and a fumble by Jaren Hall in the first half were converted into touchdowns by the Packers. Nick Mullens took over for Hall for the second half, the fifth time the Vikings have switched quarterbacks since Kirk Cousins tore his Achilles tendon in the fourth quarter of a 24-10 win at Green Bay on Oct. 29. Detroit clinched the NFC North by beating Minnesota here last week, marking just the second time in 13 seasons the division wasn't won by either the Packers or the Vikings, but a prime-time game between these border-state rivals always generates plenty of energy in the stadium. Cousins got the party off to a rowdy start when he — wearing a thick gold chain around his neck — and his son ripped off their shirts to lead the crowd in the “Skol!” chant and blow the Gjallarhorn. The “Go Pack Go!” serenades quickly joined the soundtrack, though, and this became quite the New Year’s Eve blowout. Love was flustered two months ago in Green Bay by the Vikings defense. But despite his penchant for overthrows, he has come a long way and given the Packers abundant optimism for the future at quarterback that is missing in Minnesota with Cousins set to become a free agent and no clarity about a potential return. Hall, who was the first reliever for Cousins two months ago only to be forced out of his first start with a concussion, hardly had any time to throw. Green Bay's defense that was shredded over the last three games by the Giants, Buccaneers and Panthers — and now missing starting cornerbacks Jaire Alexander (suspension) and Eric Stokes (hamstring) — took full advantage of the rookie from BYU. Hall’s off-target throw in the first quarter glanced off the hands of Johnny Mundt — in an elevated role after the season-ending knee injury to Pro Bowl tight end T.J. Hockenson — and in the air to Carrington Valentine for an interception. Love’s 33-yard touchdown pass to Reed came two plays later. Preston Smith’s strip-sack of Hall with 26 seconds left before halftime sealed the deal. Karl Brooks recovered at the Minnesota 37, and the Love-to-Reed connection got Green Bay in the end zone three plays after that for a 23-3 lead. REED IS BOOKING IT Reed has 10 touchdown catches to lead the Packers. The second-round draft pick from Michigan State set the franchise rookie record with 60 receptions, passing Sterling Sharpe (1988). Both of Reed’s scores belong on the season highlight reel. Love did the work on the first one with the prettiest pass of the game to hit Reed in stride on a post route. Reed did the heavy lifting on the second by running a crossing route, dodging two tacklers after the catch and dragging two more defenders into the end zone. Reed hurt his chest on that play and didn’t return for the second half. With Christian Watson and Dontayvion Wicks already sidelined by injuries, the Packers have some depth concern at wide receiver after Samori Toure also left in the fourth quarter. INJURY REPORT Packers: Smith and RB A.J. Dillon (neck) left with injuries in the third quarter. ... LB Isaiah McDuffie (concussion) was carted off in the second quarter when he collided with Lukas Van Ness and Colby Wooden during a sack. McDuffie started in place of De’Vondre Campbell (neck), who missed his second consecutive game. Vikings: RG Ed Ingram (shoulder) left in the third quarter. ... CB Byron Murphy (knee) was sidelined for the second straight game. UP NEXT Packers: host Chicago next Sunday. Vikings: play at Detroit next Sunday. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL Dave Campbell, The Associated Press
https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/packers-control-playoff-spot-cruise-043433800.html
2024-01-01T05:10:02Z
10 Singapore dollars to Saudi riyals Convert SGD to SAR at the real exchange rate Loading Compare prices for sending money abroad Leading competitors have a dirty little secret. They add hidden markups to their exchange rates - charging you more without your knowledge. And if they have a fee, they charge you twice. Wise never hides fees in the exchange rate. We give you the real rate. Compare our rate and fee with our competitors and see the difference for yourself. Top currencies Beware of bad exchange rates.Banks and traditional providers often have extra costs, which they pass to you by marking up the exchange rate. Our smart tech means we’re more efficient – which means you get a great rate. Every time. How to convert Singapore dollars to Saudi riyals - 1 Input your amount Simply type in the box how much you want to convert. - 2 Choose your currencies Click on the dropdown to select SGD in the first dropdown as the currency that you want to convert and SAR in the second drop down as the currency you want to convert to. - 3 That’s it Our currency converter will show you the current SGD to SAR rate and how it’s changed over the past day, week or month. Top currency pairings for Singapore dollars Change Converter source currency - Australian Dollar - Brazilian Real - British Pound Sterling - Bulgarian Lev - Canadian Dollar - Chinese Yuan RMB - Czech Republic Koruna - Danish Krone - Euro - Hong Kong Dollar - Hungarian Forint - Indian Rupee - Indonesian Rupiah - Israeli New Sheqel - Japanese Yen - Malaysian Ringgit - New Zealand Dollar - Norwegian Krone - Polish Zloty - Romanian Leu - Singapore Dollar - Swedish Krona - Swiss Franc - Turkish Lira - US Dollar Are you overpaying your bank? Banks often advertise free or low-cost transfers, but add a hidden markup to the exchange rate. Wise gives you the real, mid-market, exchange rate, so you can make huge savings on your international money transfers. Download Our Currency Converter App Features our users love:- Free and ad-free. - Track live exchange rates. - Compare the best money transfer providers.
https://wise.com/in/currency-converter/sgd-to-sar-rate?amount=10
2024-01-01T05:10:02Z
Some 911 phone lines are down in the South Bay on New Year's Eve due to technical issues, according to Chula Vista and National City police. Chula Vista The Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD) is troubleshooting the issues affecting 911 lines, the department announced Sunday night. Calls for the Chula Vista Fire Department are also affected since they go through the same dispatch center, CVPD confirmed to NBC 7. Get San Diego local news, weather forecasts, sports and lifestyle stories to your inbox. Sign up for NBC San Diego newsletters. If there's an emergency and calling 911 isn't working, CVPD is asking the public to text "911" or call the non-emergency number at 619-691-5151. "We’re working to resolve this as quickly as possible," CVPD wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter. "Please share this with family-friends-neighbors in Chula Vista." Local Updates can be found on CVPD's X account here. National City About 40% of the National City Police Department's 911 system is down, police said on Sunday. While the department is still receiving some calls, other callers may get a busy signal or no response, Mark Lt. Segal with the National City Police Department said. Segal says to call 619-336-4411 if lines are busy or if dialing 911 causes difficulties. Calls for the National City Fire Department are not affected, police said. This story will be updated with the latest information.
https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/south-bay-911-lines-down-on-new-years-eve/3392207/
2024-01-01T05:10:04Z
OMAHA, Neb. (USD) — Junior guard Grace Larkins scored her 1,000th career point as the Coyotes defeated Omaha 77-71 in overtime Sunday afternoon inside Baxter Arena. South Dakota (11-4, 1-1 Summit) posted its third-straight overtime win on the road. The Coyotes have never had three overtime wins in the same season, let alone three on the road. USD’s never had more than one overtime road win in a season prior to this year. Larkins knocked down a 3-pointer midway through the third quarter to become the 31st Coyote with 1,000 career points. She finished with a game-high 22 points and 11 rebounds. It marks her 14th career 20-point game and 10th career double-double. Junior guard Kendall Holmes finished with 18 points, including seven of the Coyotes’ 11 overtime points. Senior forward Tori DePerry joined them in double-figure scoring with 12 points. Omaha (4-9, 0-2) put four players in double figures. Guard Grace Cave led the way with 17 off the bench. Guard Aaliyah Stanley added 15 points, guard Kennedi Grant had 12 and guard Polina Nikulochkina finished with 11. The game featured 12 tie-ups and nine lead changes. The Mavericks led 37-34 at the half, marking the first time this season the Coyotes’ have won a game while trailing at the half. South Dakota led by as much as eight, 52-44, after a Carley Duffney bucket near the end of the third quarter. The Mavericks climbed back and took the lead 55-54 less than two minutes into the fourth. USD trailed 64-59 when Holmes knocked down a 3-pointer to make it a one-possession game with less than two minutes to go in regulation. Larkins made the game-tying bucket off a spinning layup with 21 seconds to play. Omaha missed its attempt at a game-winning 3-pointer and Larkins came up with the defensive board. The Coyotes went on to outscore the Mavericks 11-5 in the overtime period and win 77-71. South Dakota shot 41.9 percent (9-of-26) from the floor and made 34.6 percent (9-of-26) from deep. Omaha shot at a 37.5 percent (24-of-64) clip. South Dakota returns to action Wednesday at Montana in the Coyotes’ first game of the Big Sky-Summit Challenge. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. Central in Missoula, Montana.
https://www.keloland.com/sports/larkins-scores-1000th-as-yotes-earn-overtime-road-win/
2024-01-01T05:10:04Z
ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi has categorically rejected the notion that the caretaker government has any involvement in acceptance or rejection of the nomination papers of the aspiring candidates for the general election. The caretaker government had nothing to do with the acceptance or rejection of the nomination papers which was part of the constitutional process, the minister said while speaking in a TV talk show on Saturday. “Only the Election Commission has the authority to decide on election-related matters,” he pointed out. He said the caretaker government was committed to assisting the Election Commission of Pakistan in providing financial and administrative support for conduct of elections. Mr Solangi said Rs17.4 billion had been released to the ECP in addition to Rs10bn which was released earlier for holding the elections. In reply to a question, he said constitutional bodies had been working within their limits. He said all political parties, including the PTI, were being given due coverage by the national broadcasters in line with their editorial policy. He said negotiations with Baloch protesters had resulted in the release of all children and women in the first phase. In the second phase, 163 male individuals were released, he said, adding that the remaining 34 individuals were also freed in the third phase. He said peaceful protest was the right of every citizen, but blocking roads, entering restricted zones, attacking police and pelting stones were beyond the scope of a peaceful protest and would not be permitted at any cost. Published in Dawn, January 1st, 2024
https://www.dawn.com/news/1802224/minister-distances-caretaker-govt-from-acceptance-rejection-of-candidates-papers
2024-01-01T05:10:05Z
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha By Jarryl Bryan As 2023 draws to a close, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has revealed that rice, one of the several non-oil economic sectors that have continued to grow, raked in over $45 billion in export earnings. This is according to Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, who during an end-of-year press conference on Saturday at the Ministry’s Shiv Chanderpaul Drive office explained that the rice industry’s earnings represent an increase of over $3 billion compared to 2022 and production, a 7 per cent increase. “In the rice industry, this remains an important pillar of our agriculture sector. In 2023, we saw an increase in paddy production by 7 per cent, which translated to the production of 653,706 metric tonnes. That is a 43,111 metric tonne increase in the production in 2023, compared to 2022 production of 610,595.” “Notably, favourable weather conditions, our variety in yield have increase from 6.2 tonnes to 6.3 tonnes per hectare. We earned approximately $45.2 billion in exports (US$210 million) in 2023, over $3 billion more than 2022. We have new markets in different parts of the world,” the Minister said. Mention was also made of the industry’s groundbreaking achievements in the area of research, in collaboration with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). It was only in October that Guyana developed and launched its own strain of bio-fortified rice, making it the first country to develop this particular rice strain that naturally stores zinc. This was accomplished through the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) with the assistance of regional and international partners. The new rice strain was launched during the Agri-Investment Forum and Expo. During the expo, Prime Minister Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips made it clear that this is just one manifestation of the Government’s efforts to boost food production with the “25 by 2025” goal in mind. And according to Mustapha at his press conference, work is continuing on developing new strains. “Due to our groundbreaking research – we have a robust research team, we have been working with IICA, we are now growing zinc, the supplement, in the rice – for scientists to continue on this path and conduct more trials, we have renovated the plant breeding lab at the Burma rice research station. So, we are enhancing that lab and hoping we can do more research and bring out better varieties of this rice.” Other accomplishments mentioned by the Minister include the construction of eight drying floors across the country and further, the Black Bush seed processing facility has restarted operations after a hiatus of several years. According to him, this will produce almost 6000 bags of paddy, to benefit approximately 600 farmers in Black Bush Polder. He further noted that more such facilities will be constructed across the country. Meanwhile, Minister Mustapha noted that Guyana was able to secure various new rice markets, including the West African country of Sierra Leonne. He further made it clear that 2023 would see even more effort being put into acquiring new rice markets. Earlier this month, the Minister had visited Onverwagt in Region Five, where he had expressed optimism that the Mahaica-Mahaicony-Abary (MMA) scheme will achieve record-breaking rice production acreage in the first crop of 2024. This ambitious goal is fuelled by significant investments and various tangible initiatives being implemented to support farmers in the area. The developmental plans, Minister Mustapha had stated, will contribute to Guyana attaining food security. To further develop agriculture in the Region, the Minister alluded to the 20,000 acres of new land that will be developed in the scheme. In three years, farmers in the scheme have significantly benefitted from various initiatives, as they received 31,659 bags of fertiliser and 11,688 bags of seed paddy to increase their yield.
https://guyanainquirer.com/guyana-earns-45-2b-in-rice-exports-for-2023-as-production-increases-by-7/
2024-01-01T05:10:06Z
SEATTLE (AP) — Najee Harris rushed for a season-high 122 yards and bullied his way into the end zone for a pair of touchdowns, and the Pittsburgh Steelers kept their playoff hopes alive into Week 18 with a 30-23 win over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. Using a punishing running attack that faced little resistance from Seattle, the Steelers (9-7) pushed their way into the final week of the regular season with a chance at the postseason and ensured that Mike Tomlin’s team would yet again avoid a losing record. Harris had not hit the century mark rushing this season, his closest coming when he ran for 99 yards against Cincinnati. But he combined with Jaylen Warren for a running punch that Seattle struggled to stop. Harris averaged 4.5 yards per carry and reached the 100-yard mark for the first time since Week 17 of last season against Baltimore. Warren added another 75 yards rushing and scored on a 18-yard run in the first quarter. Harris scored on a 9-yard touchdown run in the second quarter breaking several tackles on his way to the goal line before a final lunge to break the plane. In the third quarter, Harris scored on a 4-yard run with a big assist from his linemen pushing the pile into the end zone to give the Steelers a 24-17 lead. Pittsburgh thrived against Seattle’s run defense that has been awful for more than half the season and finished with 202 yards rushing and a season-high 468 total yards. Pittsburgh was the sixth straight opponent to rush for at least 135 yards against the Seahawks. Quarterback Mason Rudolph was 18 of 24 for 274 yards and hit the big throws when needed, none more important than a 34-yard completion to George Pickens on third-and-6 early in the fourth quarter. Pickens made a terrific diving finger-tip catch and led to Chris Boswell’s 26-yard field goal that gave the Steelers a 27-20 lead with 7:07 left. Rudolph also hit Pickens for 24 yards with two minutes left and Seattle desperately needing a stop. Pickens had seven catches for 131 yards. Seattle (8-8) had its two-game win streak snapped and while the Seahawks weren’t eliminated from the postseason, they will need a victory and a lot of help in Week 18. Geno Smith threw for 290 yards and a 12-yard TD to Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the first half. Kenneth Walker III added 53 yards rushing and a 13-yard TD in the first half, but the Seahawks settled for three field goals in the second half and Smith committed one big turnover. Nick Herbig forced and recovered a fumble sacking Smith with seven minutes left, giving the Steelers possession at the Seattle 16 and Boswell’s 21-yard field goal with 4:31 left pushed the Pittsburgh lead to 30-20. INJURIES Seattle took two major hits to its offensive line. Starting right tackle Abe Lucas played the entire first half, but went to the locker room early before the second quarter ended and was ruled out with a knee injury when the second half started. Three plays into the third quarter, center Evan Brown had to be helped off the field and was ruled out with a concussion. UP NEXT Steelers: Pittsburgh will be at Baltimore in Week 18. Seahawks: Seattle closes out the regular season at Arizona next week. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/sports/ap-steelers-keep-playoff-hopes-alive-into-week-18-with-30-23-win-over-seahawks/
2024-01-01T05:10:06Z
Sydney and Auckland are the first major cities to ring in 2024 as war shadows celebrations elsewhere But as we saw last year, after having no specific threats, we get a threat. During last years New Years Eve party, a machete-wielding man attacked three police officers a few blocks from Times Square.Security also will also be heightened across European cities on Sunday.In France, 90,000 law enforcement officers were set to be deployed, domestic intelligence chief Cline Berthon said Friday.Of those, 6,000 will be in Paris, where French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said over 1.5 million people are expected to attend celebrations on the Champs-Elysees.Darmanin cited a very high terrorist threat partly because of the Israel-Hamas war. - Country: - Australia Sydney and Auckland were among the world's first major cities to ring in 2024, with revelers cheering spectacular fireworks displays that lit up the skies over Sydney Harbor and New Zealand's tallest structure, Sky Tower. As the clock struck midnight in Australia, tons of explosives erupted in a 12-minute display that focused on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. More than 1 million people — a number equivalent to one in five of the city's residents — watched from the shore and from boats in the harbour. "It's total madness," said German tourist Janna Thomas, who had waited in line since 7:30 a.m. to secure a prime waterfront location in the Sydney Botanic Garden. "It's not so easy to find a good place to sit, but the view is incredible." In Auckland, the light rain that fell all day had cleared as forecast by midnight over the city of 1.7 million people before the countdown began on an illuminated digital display near the top of the 328-metre (1,076-foot) communications and observation tower. The ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and heightened tensions in parts of the world, are affecting this year's New Year's Eve celebrations in a myriad of ways. Many cities were deploying extra security, and some places cancelled New Year's Eve events altogether. More police than ever were deployed throughout Sydney. The waterfront has been the scene of heated pro-Palestinian protests after the sails of the Sydney Opera House were illuminated in the colours of the Israeli flag in response to the October 7 attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas that triggered the war. At the Vatican, Pope Francis recalled 2023 as a year marked by wartime suffering. During his traditional Sunday blessing from a window overlooking St. Peter's Square, he offered prayers for "the tormented Ukrainian people and the Palestinian and Israeli populations, the Sudanese people and many others". "At the end of the year, we will have the courage to ask ourselves how many human lives have been shattered by armed conflict, how many dead and how much destruction, how much suffering, how much poverty,'' the pontiff said. "Whoever has interest in these conflicts, listen to the voice of conscience." In Japan, temple bells rang out across the nation as people gathered at shrines and temples to welcome in the new year. At the Tsukiji Temple in Tokyo, visitors were given free hot milk and corn soup as they stood in line to strike a big bell, and a pipe-organ concert was held before a majestic altar. In New York City, officials and party organisers said they were prepared to ensure the safety of tens of thousands of revelers expected to flood Times Square in the heart of midtown Manhattan. Mayor Eric Adams said there were "no specific threats" to the annual New Year's Eve bash, which was set to feature live performances from Flo Rida, Megan Thee Stallion and LL Cool J, as well as televised appearances from Cardi B and others. Organizers said in-person attendance was expected to return to pre-COVID levels, even as foot traffic around Times Square remains down slightly since the pandemic. Amid near-daily protests sparked by the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, New York City police said they would expand the security perimeter around the party, creating a "buffer zone" that would allow them to head off potential demonstrations. Officials also planned to monitor any protests with drones, the mayor said. "We will be out here with our canines, on horseback, our helicopters, our boats," Adams said. "But as we saw last year, after having no specific threats, we get a threat." During last year's New Year's Eve party, a machete-wielding man attacked three police officers a few blocks from Times Square. Security also will also be heightened across European cities on Sunday. In France, 90,000 law enforcement officers were set to be deployed, domestic intelligence chief Céline Berthon said Friday. Of those, 6,000 will be in Paris, where French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said over 1.5 million people are expected to attend celebrations on the Champs-Elysees. Darmanin cited a "very high terrorist threat" partly because of the Israel-Hamas war. Police for the first time will be able to use drones as part of security work, he said, and tens of thousands of firefighters and 5,000 soldiers would also be deployed. New Year's Eve celebrations in the French capital will centre on the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, including DJ sets, fireworks and video projections on the Arc de Triomphe, highlighting "changes in the city and faces of the Games," according to the press service of the City of Paris. Other planned events include "the largest Mexican wave ever performed" and a "giant karaoke." The security challenge ahead of the Olympics was highlighted when a tourist was killed in a knife attack near the Eiffel Tower on Decmber 2. Large-scale attacks — such as that at the Bataclan in 2015, when Islamic extremists invaded the music hall and shot up cafe terraces, killing 130 people — also loom large. In Berlin, some 4,500 police officers are expected to keep order and avoid riots like a year ago. Police in the German capital issued a ban on the traditional use of fire crackers for several streets across the city. They also banned a pro-Palestinian protest in the Neukoelln neighbourhood of the city, which has seen several pro-Palestinian riots since the October 7 attack by Hamas. In Russia, the country's military actions in Ukraine have overshadowed end-of-year celebrations, with the usual fireworks and concert on Moscow's Red Square cancelled, as last year. After shelling in the centre of the Russian border city of Belgorod Saturday killed 24 people, some local authorities across Russia also cancelled their usual firework displays, including in Vladivostok. Millions throughout Russia are expected to tune into Russian President Vladimir Putin's New Year's address. In Muslim-majority Pakistan, the government has banned all New Year's Eve celebrations as an act of solidarity with the Palestinians. In an overnight televised message, caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar urged Pakistanis to "show solidarity with the oppressed people of Gaza" by beginning the new year with simplicity. Kakar said Muslims across the world were saddened over Israel's attacks on Gaza that resulted in the killings of thousands of innocent people. (This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) ALSO READ Australia survive Pakistan's pace attack and spicy pitch to build 400-run lead in 1st test Pakistan: 4 killed after man opens fire on ex-wife, family in Lahore Khawaja, Marsh take Australia's lead past 400-run mark against Pakistan in 1st Test (Day 4, Lunch) India announce 6-member squad for Davis Cup tie against hosts Pakistan Davis Cup: Ramkumar to lead Indian challenge against Pakistan on grass courts
https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/2762505-sydney-and-auckland-are-the-first-major-cities-to-ring-in-2024-as-war-shadows-celebrations-elsewhere
2024-01-01T05:10:06Z
2024 in Chicago: These are the top stories to watch for in the new year CHICAGO - Several events in the year 2024 are already expected to make headlines in Chicago. Looking ahead into the new year, the Windy City will see its biggest court case of 2024 on April 1st, when former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan goes on trial on racketeering charges. Former Tribune reporter Ray Long says win or lose, Illinois is not likely to ever see another politician wield so much power. "He had not only been Speaker of the House and a strong ward committeeman, but he was also the statewide Democratic chairman. So he really had broad reach and he was able to control the flow of legislation too because if he didn't like a bill that was going through the House, he could stop it," Long said. In July, the streets surrounding Grant Park will once again be transformed as NASCAR returns for a second consecutive year. Last year's winner Shane van Gisbergen says making even a small mistake along the Lakeshore can cost a driver the race. "There's no runoff on the corners – normally on a conventional circuit you can go wide at a corner. You can go up the escape road and come back or run off into the grass and get away with it. If you make a mistake in Chicago, you're in a concrete wall," Gisbergen said. July is sure to sizzle in Milwaukee as it will be the host city for the GOP National Convention and again in August, when Chicago takes the spotlight for the DNC. Then, it all leads up to the 2024 Presidential Election. FOX 32 Political Analyst Thom Serafin says a Biden-Trump rematch offers little hope of unifying a deeply divided nation. "The most important thing is you have to listen. You have to listen and then you have to be compassionate and unfortunately, it's difficult for Donald Trump to sound compassionate… and if he just was the Joe Biden of 30 years ago, he probably would be more successful."
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/2024-in-chicago-these-are-the-top-stories-to-watch-for-in-the-new-year
2024-01-01T05:10:07Z
AIFC Committee launches 'Global Sandbox' Program The Global Financial Innovation Network (GFIN) is a newly-formed alliance of 29 financial regulators and organisations including, Financial Conduct Authority of the UK, International Monetary Fund, World Bank Group and Astana Financial Services Authority, committed to: (1) collaborate and share experience of innovation in respective markets; (2) exchange of knowledge and lessons learned in RegTech related matters; (3) provide firms with an environment to test cross-border solutions. The GFIN initiative on cross border testing would allow firms to simultaneously test innovative products, services or business models in multiple jurisdictions, including Kazakhstan, the United Kingdom, the USA, and other jurisdictions. "We are pleased to be part of this initiative. GFIN will facilitate greater regulatory cooperation between the like-minded authorities to foster a sustainable global financial ecosystem. This network is an extension of AIFC's commitment to further facilitate cross-border financial activities in a fair, transparent and efficient manner" - said Asylbek Davletov, Chief FinTech Officer of the AFSA. Firms wishing to participate testing must meet the application requirements of all the jurisdictions in which they would like to test. For example, a firm wishing to test in Kazakhstan, Australia, and Hong Kong must independently meet the eligibility criteria, and/or other relevant standards of the regulators of those jurisdictions. Firms interested in applying to take part in the pilot cross border tests should review the list of participating regulators and submit an application before the 28 February 2019 deadline. The Network has also published a Terms of Reference for the group and is encouraging other regulators and international organisations to join. See more about the GFIN, member organisations and list of regulators supporting the pilot test. Reference: The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) was established by the initiative of the President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev and operates as per the Constitutional Law "On the Astana International Financial Centre" dated December 2015. The AIFC aims at attracting investment into the Kazakh economy through the establishment of an attractive and business-friendly environment for financial services and capital markets, including securities, insurance, banking, and Islamic finance in the Republic of Kazakhstan. www.aifc.kz The Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) is the independent regulator of the Astana International Financial Centre, a legal entity and statutory body of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which is established in accordance with the Constitutional Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On the Astana International Financial Centre" for the purposes of regulating activities related to financial services in the AIFC. The AIFC Regulations and Rules provides for the authorization, registration, recognition, and supervision of financial firms and market institutions. www.afsa.kz AIFC FinTech Lab (Sandbox) is a tailored regulatory environment with appropriate consumer safeguards set by the financial regulator in the AIFC, where FinTech firms can offer innovative financial services without the full burden of regulatory requirements. The FinTech Lab allows: - Incumbent firms, offering FinTech services in foreign jurisdictions, to test the regional markets (test the waters). - Start-up firms to provide regulated activities in the AIFC and gradually comply with regulatory requirements. -Both incumbent and start-up firms to test new financial products and technologies with real customers (trial product run).
https://en.inform.kz/news/aifc-committee-launches-global-sandbox-program_a3493933/
2024-01-01T05:10:07Z
PGA Tour, Saudis fail to reach agreement for golf's future by Dec. 31 deadline PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said in a statement earlier on Sunday that the two sides were working to extend the deadline into 2024 When the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund stunned the golf world in June with an out-of-nowhere announcement of an agreement between the two warring entities, their stated intention was to formalize their agreement for the future of golf by the end of the 2023 calendar year. As the clock hit midnight Eastern Time on New Year's Eve, no agreement was announced, and all signs appeared to point to a delay. PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan sent a memo to Tour players on Sunday afternoon insisting that they "have made meaningful progress" in negotiations, and that they were trying to extend the deadline. Specifics on what that meant, or what the new deadline is, were not given. That's not necessarily a dire sign; the June agreement was, in effect, only a pledge to halt legal hostilities between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and LIV Golf. Many parties involved noted that there was always the possibility of a delay in completing a complicated merger that charted the future of the men's professional game. "We operate in good faith and I see that on both sides," Monahan said in September at the Tour Championship. "And that framework agreement, which is an agreement to reach an agreement, put us in a position to reach an agreement ... If you saw the amount of conversation and the time that the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and PIF are spending working forward from a framework to a definitive, I think would you see the sincerity of the efforts there." More recently, as it became obvious that there were still deep divides between the key stakeholders, rhetoric changed from certainty to reframed optimism. "I am confident a deal will get done in some way," Tiger Woods said earlier in December at the Hero World Challenge. "Whether that comes Dec. 31 or is pushed back, we're all — all sides understand we're working together. There are no lawsuits. Everyone's understanding what that looks like, and we're all progressing going forward. Everyone's working right now with no animosity. We're trying to work to try and get a deal done for the Tour and for all parties involved." However, there are external indications that this agreement might not be proceeding as smoothly as its principals would like. The PGA Tour has engaged with other outside investors, a move that would blunt the PIF's key advantage: overwhelming financial resources. In December, the Tour announced it was negotiating with a group of outside investors made up of several major professional sports team owners. The Tour needs an infusion of capital because, thanks to the PIF, it's found itself in an unsustainable financial arms race. As Saudi riches lured away big names with monstrous sums, the Tour hiked purses and guarantees to its players past what it could comfortably bear. Another concern for the two entities: the interest of the United States government, which is eyeing the agreement closely. A pledge between the PGA Tour and LIV not to poach one another's players was scrapped due to antitrust concerns, and LIV finally took advantage of that in December. Perhaps as a reminder that money still runs the professional game, PIF riches enticed Jon Rahm — once thought of as an unshakable defender of the PGA Tour — to join LIV Golf. Rumors have persisted that other players would join Rahm before the LIV season officially begins in January. The PGA Tour season begins later this week with the Sentry, the Hawaii tournament which welcomes last year's (eligible) champions and players who finished in the top 50 of last year's FedEx Cup. The star-studded field includes every top player on Tour last year with the exception of Rory McIlroy, who's staying home, and Rahm, for obvious reasons.
https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/pga-tour-saudis-fail-to-reach-agreement-for-golfs-future-by-dec-31-deadline-045920802.html
2024-01-01T05:10:08Z
100 Singapore dollars to Saudi riyals Convert SGD to SAR at the real exchange rate Loading Compare prices for sending money abroad Leading competitors have a dirty little secret. They add hidden markups to their exchange rates - charging you more without your knowledge. And if they have a fee, they charge you twice. Wise never hides fees in the exchange rate. We give you the real rate. Compare our rate and fee with our competitors and see the difference for yourself. Top currencies Beware of bad exchange rates.Banks and traditional providers often have extra costs, which they pass to you by marking up the exchange rate. Our smart tech means we’re more efficient – which means you get a great rate. Every time. How to convert Singapore dollars to Saudi riyals - 1 Input your amount Simply type in the box how much you want to convert. - 2 Choose your currencies Click on the dropdown to select SGD in the first dropdown as the currency that you want to convert and SAR in the second drop down as the currency you want to convert to. - 3 That’s it Our currency converter will show you the current SGD to SAR rate and how it’s changed over the past day, week or month. Top currency pairings for Singapore dollars Change Converter source currency - Australian Dollar - Brazilian Real - British Pound Sterling - Bulgarian Lev - Canadian Dollar - Chinese Yuan RMB - Czech Republic Koruna - Danish Krone - Euro - Hong Kong Dollar - Hungarian Forint - Indian Rupee - Indonesian Rupiah - Israeli New Sheqel - Japanese Yen - Malaysian Ringgit - New Zealand Dollar - Norwegian Krone - Polish Zloty - Romanian Leu - Singapore Dollar - Swedish Krona - Swiss Franc - Turkish Lira - US Dollar Are you overpaying your bank? Banks often advertise free or low-cost transfers, but add a hidden markup to the exchange rate. Wise gives you the real, mid-market, exchange rate, so you can make huge savings on your international money transfers. Download Our Currency Converter App Features our users love:- Free and ad-free. - Track live exchange rates. - Compare the best money transfer providers.
https://wise.com/in/currency-converter/sgd-to-sar-rate?amount=100
2024-01-01T05:10:08Z
Snoop Dogg is going to Paris. The global superstar will be joining NBCUniversal's coverage of the 2024 Olympics in Paris, as announced during Sunday Night Football between the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings. Snoop Dogg will provide regular reports from all the action happening throughout Paris. He will speak with host Mike Tirico and deliver to the primetime U.S. audience his analysis in his own words. He'll explore Paris' iconic landmarks, attend various competitions and speak with athletes and their respective families and friends, among other duties. Get San Diego local news, weather forecasts, sports and lifestyle stories to your inbox. Sign up for NBC San Diego newsletters. “I grew up watching the Olympics and am thrilled to see the incredible athletes bring their A-game to Paris. It’s a celebration of skill, dedication, and the pursuit of greatness,” Snoop Dogg said in a statement. “We’re going to have some amazing competitions and, of course, I will be bringing that Snoop style to the mix. It’s going to be the most epic Olympics ever, so stay tuned, and keep it locked. Let’s elevate, celebrate, and make these games unforgettable, smoke the competition, and may the best shine like gold. Peace and Olympic LOVE, ya dig?” The announcement came in a 75-second-long video where he starred in a "Snoop Year's Eve" promotional spot. He joked with Team USA athletes Suni Lee (gymnastics), A’ja Wilson (basketball), Jagger Eaton (skateboarder), and pairing Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes (beach volleyball) about their previous successes and future Olympic dreams. The 2024 Olympics will run from July 26 to August 11. SportsWrap The top sports headlines of the day
https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/sports/snoop-dogg-to-join-nbcs-coverage-of-2024-paris-olympics/3392287/
2024-01-01T05:10:10Z
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The Sioux Falls Skyforce earned a 126-110 win over G League Ignite Sunday afternoon at the Sanford Pentagon. Orlando Robinson tallied a double-double with 24 points and 12 rebounds. Jamaree Bouyea and Cole Swider scored 19 points apiece. Bouyea added eight assists and seven rebounds. Caleb Daniels posted 15 points and six rebounds. The two team are scheduled meet again on Tuesday.
https://www.keloland.com/sports/skyforce-knocks-off-g-league-ignite-on-new-years-eve/
2024-01-01T05:10:10Z
GILGIT: In the summer season of 2023, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) witnessed a notable influx of over 2,050 foreign climbers and trekkers, apart from around 9,000 foreign tourists. The GB government collected Rs40.5 million in permit fees for climbing peaks during this period. The tourism department reported that over 9,000 foreign tourists, including paragliders and trekkers in open zones, explored GB in 2023. Among the visitors, 2,050 foreign climbers and trekkers endeavoured to ascend various peaks, including the renowned five eight-thousanders: K2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum-I, Gasherbrum-II, and Broad Peak. This marked the highest number of foreign tourists visiting the region in the past two decades. Tour operators suggested that implementing specific measures could further attract a greater number of foreign tourists, while simultaneously criticising the role of the tourism department. Visa hurdles forced many to reconsider, cancel plans; govt made Rs40m in revenue Numerous foreign tourists faced challenges visiting GB due to visa complexities and related issues. Mohammad Ali, representing the Pakistan Association of Tour Operators, pointed out what he called the intricate and time-consuming nature of the visa process. According to him, obtaining a Pakistan visa after application takes several months. “The prolonged delays and security clearance procedures compel many foreigners to abandon their plans to visit Pakistan,” Mr Ali said. Asghar Ali Porik, a tour operator from GB, pointed out the complications faced by foreign tourists, mountaineers, and trekkers in applying for visas. He noted that the online visa application form, available on the official website, is only in English, restricting tourists from countries with other languages. Mr Porik explained that there are two visa categories for Pakistan: tourist visa and mountaineering/trekking visa. The dual categories sometimes confuse foreigners during the application process. Although the tourist visa is supposed to be issued within a week, and the mountaineering/trekking visa within a month, the actual issuance after security clearance often takes more time. This uncertainty causes foreigners to reconsider and, in some cases, cancel their planned visits to Pakistan. A significant number of foreign tourists encountered difficulties when attempting to visit GB due to visa complexities and associated issues. Mr Ali, a representative of the Pakistan Association of Tour Operators, stressed the intricate and time-consuming nature of the visa application process. According to him, obtaining a visa for Pakistan after application requires several months. Mr Ali underscored that the extended delays and security clearance procedures force many foreigners to reconsider and ultimately abandon their plans to visit Pakistan. Mr Porik, a tour operator from GB, highlighted the challenges faced by foreign tourists, mountaineers, and trekkers when applying for visas. He pointed out that the online visa application form, accessible on the official website, is available only in English, posing a limitation for tourists from countries with different languages. Mr Porik elaborated on the two visa categories for Pakistan: tourist visa and mountaineering/trekking visa. “The existence of these dual categories sometimes causes confusion among foreigners during the application process. Despite the tourist visa’s supposed issuance within a week and the mountaineering/trekking visa within a month, the actual issuance after security clearance often takes more time,” he said. “This uncertainty prompts foreigners to reconsider and, in certain instances, cancel their planned visits to Pakistan,” he added. Published in Dawn, january 1st, 2024
https://www.dawn.com/news/1802229/over-11000-foreign-climbers-tourists-visited-gb-in-2023
2024-01-01T05:10:11Z
ZilBank.com CEO Sabeer Nelli Invites Japanese Entrepreneurs to Easily Pay Businesses in the USA TYLER, TEXAS, UNITED STATES, January 1, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ -- ZilBank.com CEO and founder Sabeer Nelli invites Japanese Entrepreneurs to open US accounts in the USA. The platform facilitates cross-border transactions for entrepreneurs and freelancers, eliminating the need for a physical presence in the USA. This allows businesses to set up US payment accounts remotely, streamlining operations and expanding opportunities for international growth in the United States. ZilBank.com facilitates easy payments for Japanese businesses to US vendors, affiliates, employees, and global stakeholders. Entrepreneurs can leverage this platform to overcome traditional limitations, ensuring efficient, cost-effective, and secure international transactions. Sabeer is excited about the platform's potential impact on global business. He emphasizes its role in empowering entrepreneurs and freelancers for international business, providing them with the necessary tools. The mission of ZilBank.com is to break down geographical barriers and open up new opportunities for growth. Sabeer believes that the platform will revolutionize the fintech industry and businesses involved in international transactions. Recently, the latest version of the cloud banking service was updated along with various new features. The upgraded SaaS payment platform introduces new features like virtual card creation and seamless ACH and wire transactions, enhancing the way businesses manage their finances. Sabeer also revealed the company's Phase 2 upgrade plans, including international wires, multiple accounts, currency exchange, physical cards, and more. Along with Japan, the platform has invited entrepreneurs from Mexico, the Philippines, Portugal, South Africa, Oman, China, Germany, and more to open a remote US account. Media Contact: Tahir Haneef ZilBank.com + +1 408-775-7720 email us here Visit us on social media: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Instagram
https://www.einpresswire.com/article/678171502/zilbank-com-ceo-sabeer-nelli-invites-japanese-entrepreneurs-to-easily-pay-businesses-in-the-usa
2024-01-01T05:10:11Z
Five royal events to look forward to in 2024, from royal tours to milestone birthdays The Royal Family are already filling out their calendar for 2024, although they don't like to give too much away. TABLE OF CONTENT The Royal Family almost never have a day off, and while 2023 may have only just finished the royal calendar will already be scheduled for 2024. King Charles and the rest of the family will doubtless have plenty of visits and engagements planned, although often details are kept under wraps until the last minute due to security concerns. The family can already start preparing for certain celebrations though, including some milestone birthdays for some of the King's closest family members. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle too will likely be making plans for the year ahead, even though it still remains to be seen how closely they will be linked with the royals. Here Express.co.uk takes a look ahead to five of the biggest events the family will be looking forward to in 2024. Click here to join our Whatsapp community to be the first to receive news about the Royal family Stay up-to-date with the latest Royal news Join us on WhatsAppOur community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Prince Edward turns 60 Prince Edward will be celebrating his 60th birthday on March 10, and although not much is known about how he will celebrating the big day he is likely to be spending the day with his family. Edward and his wife Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, are based in Bagshot Park in Surrey with their two children, Lady Louise and James, Earl of Wessex. The last 60th birthday to be celebrated in the Royal Family was Prince Andrew's in February 2020, which came just months after his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in which he attempted to defend his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. As a result his birthday party was a rather more intimate affair, with his daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie seen driving to Royal Lodge for a private family lunch. - Support fearless journalism - Read The Daily Express online, advert free - Get super-fast page loading Don't miss... Harry and Meghan ordered to 'just stop' as they plan redemption [UPDATES] Zara Tindall is 'lucky' she doesn't have a title as she does it 'her own way' [REVEAL] Queen Elizabeth would refuse to watch her Christmas Day speech with the Firm [SPOTLIGHT] Royal tour to Canada Last week the news broke that King Charles and Queen Camilla would be travelling to Canada next May, for their first visit to a British realm since becoming monarchs. The King and Queen have previously faced criticism too for taking several months to travel to the Commonwealth after succeeding to the throne, which they eventually did last October when they flew to Kenya. Inside sources have revealed to the Daily Mirror's royal editor Russell Myers that preliminary discussions have "raised concerns" about the monarchs facing republican protests upon their arrival in Canada. However, a palace source said: "The King has always been very open that he will continue in his role as head of state across the British realms for as long as he is wanted." Trooping the Colour Every year the Royal Family mark the monarch's official birthday with Trooping the Colour, a ceremonial parade which takes place in the centre of London. June was selected to be the month when the current King or Queen celebrates their birthday due to the likelihood of it being better weather, especially important for King Charles whose actual birthday falls in November. In 2023 the royals enjoyed perfect summery conditions as the whole family took in the proceedings and the beloved flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace. While many traditions of the occasion will remain in place for 2024, royal watchers will no doubt be speculating on what stunning outfits the family will don on the balcony, as this year Princess Kate turned heads in an unusual bright green design. Prince Harry turns 40 Prince Harry may no longer be a working member of the Royal Family, but his 40th birthday on September 15 may provide an opportunity for reconciliation with his family. Harry and Meghan's relationship with the royals has been fraught ever since they made the decision to step down as working royals and relocate to California in 2020. Some say the Duke is now keen to reconnect with his friends and family in the UK as he feels homesick, while his children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet grow up far away from their British grandparents and cousins. Due to their status as non-working royals any celebration is likely to be a private affair, but given the warm phone call held between Harry and the King for the latter's 75th birthday last month, it is likely the royals will mark the occasion in some way. Royal visit to Samoa and Australia The next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting will be held in Samoa on October 21, with the King and Queen scheduled to attend. There has been speculation that the monarchs will likely combine this with a trip to Australia and New Zealand, which they have not visited since ascending to the throne. An anonymous former diplomat told the Sydney Morning Herald: "King Charles is planning to visit Australia and New Zealand in October." Buckingham Palace have yet to officially confirm the trip, however a source from inside the Australian government said: "It would be next October. "It's very possible it will happen, it would be around the time of CHOGM that he would come, either before or after, that would make sense." Royal Family Christmas reunion at Sandringham The Royal Family traditionally celebrate Christmas at Sandringham, their estate in Norfolk, and there had been rumours that the Sussexes could join them in 2023. Relations between the two warring families had been improving, however the publication of Omid Scobie's book Endgame on November 28 quashed any chance of a reunion. However, depending on how the situation develops in 2024, it is possible that Christmas could see Harry and Meghan make their return to Sandringham for the first time since 2018.
https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/1846877/royal-family-events-2024
2024-01-01T05:10:12Z
As we look ahead to 2024, I’m re-sharing this discussion prompt originally published on October 23, 2021. I believe the more we envision and give voice to what inspires us about democracy, the more we have the fuel to confront the challenges of the coming election. No one said it would be easy. The Revolutionary War lasted more than eight years as the American colonies sought to extricate themselves from British rule and forge an independent nation. No one said it would be perfect. Not women who didn’t win the right to vote until August 18, 1920 with the ratification of the 19th Amendment—and surely not Black Americans who first won the right to vote with the ratification of the 14th and 15th Amendments after the Civil War and have continued to struggle to exercise their rights with the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and beyond. As Frederick Douglass precisely observed in 1865, ““Slavery is not abolished until the Black man has the ballot.” Throughout American history, the assumption that democracy is a value and system worth fighting for—a sacred idea that distinguishes the United States from tyrannical rule—has been a defining principle. Democracy has been a shared promise, not only for Americans, but for people the world over. If the American dream has provided a vision of a better economic life, American democracy has represented the potential for free people to determine their own fate. It’s hard to overstate how powerful the first three words of the US Constitution are: ”We the People…” A commitment to democracy is something that I long treated as a given among Americans. Sadly, not anymore. But rather than focus here on the anti-democratic forces that are working aggressively and methodically to end the American democratic project in an effort to get and keep power, I’d like to focus on the ideas and ideals, the values and principles that make democracy and the right to vote worth fighting for. Why does democracy matter to you? I am hoping that we can fill the comment section with song—with a chorus of thoughts and feelings, experiences and observations—to reiterate and remind each other why democracy and the passage of voting rights matter so deeply. As always, I am grateful for the contributions of everyone here and the opportunity to learn from each other. Share If you’re not already, please consider becoming a paid subscriber for just $50 a year or $5 a month or $50. This helps sustain the work of America, America, keeps nearly all the content free for everyone and gives you full access to the comments sections. I lived and worked in dictator-led countries for about 20 years. This includes Russia and Central Asia (6 countries). I know what it feels like to have NO civil or legal rights, and as a foreigner you could be incarcerated or murdered at any time for any drummed-up reason. It develops a deep understanding and love for freedom, democracy, and justice. I wrote From Democracy to Democrazy to better inform Americans of the truth. While the American media (and public) spotlight, ever enthralled by the sensationalism of Trump's legal woes - which are are justified and based on true evidence - remains fixated on these trails, a crucial and overlooked danger continues to unfold. The influence of Putin's strategies quietly attempts to reshape the trajectory of American politics. He blames the U.S. for the downfall of the Soviet Union, and wishes to destroy our democracy from within. He is succeeding. WE SEE THIS HAPPENING NOW! www.democrazy2020.org I'm just going to add that as a daughter of Holocaust survivors who were slaves for 5 yrs at the Ghetto Lodz Slave Labor Camp who came to America in 1949 (I was their "anchor baby"born in 1951) & they became citizens in 1954- I will never give up on America & Democracy Dad was in the Resistance & tho it took 15 yrs-He eventually went to Germany to testify against some SS officers -We must have justice & accountability for our democracy to survive I fear my white son has been taken in by victim-speak on various current podcasts. And I have no more influence over him. He is 26, a man, not college educated, works among the white working class men in manufacturing, and living more than 2000 miles from me. He was once a clear-headed, intuitive, kind young man. Now he believes he is not making enough money and I think he thinks the orange man is the one working on his behalf, that perhaps he is the one who will keep him safe and taken care of. How has that lying sack o’ sh*t managed to hoodwink so many?! I think the Joe Rogans, Charlie Kirks, and the like are stealing our boys from right under our noses as a couple of my friends are experiencing the same thing. Somehow, Kyle Rittenhouse is a hero to some. How can that be?! There are so many anti-democracy outlets infiltrating every pocket around our dear country. ...and I haven’t even addressed the lack of freedom for my daughter’s reproductive health. All this to say, I hold our democracy sacred and it simply cannot slip away! Like someone else said, I have children. Democracy matters to us because its highest ideal and goal is to level the playing field and make opportunity and participation available to every voice in the nation equally. We are far from achieving this ideal, but Democracy is the only vehicle of which I'm aware that makes such qualities even a remote possibility. It is so worth fighting for and earning. I'm going to let the fabulous 90 yo Eleanor Traylor explain what Democracy means to me: “The language of banning the books, even the thought of it, betrays the birth narrative of this nation,” .“It’s treasonous. You can’t ban thought. And that’s what books are. You can’t ban speech.” “This democracy is not perfect, but its ideal is exceptional,” she said, “and must be fought for and earned. https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/12/29/traylor-book-banning-black-literature/ Simply put, I cherish democracy because I have children. Democracy to me means the government is working for the people and by the people as it should. Our elected officials actually represent the people who put them there. It means that I can state my opinions without fear of being silenced. Democracy means ALL people are free to live their lives as they wish, unless it hurts others, in which case we have the rule of law that our county is based on. No one is above the law. Period. Democracy means freedom. Men and women have fought for it and lost their lives for it. It is something I took for granted. Never again will I do that. The thought of our country being run by a narcissistic sociopath scares me more than I can express. Democracy matters because it’s the only thing that can save capitalism from its trajectory of excess and because the racial and cultural melting pot that is America is increasingly less dominated by white entitlement. The only way our society and economy can survive the desperate attempts of white nationalists to impose a death grip on political power, allied with narcissistic billionaires all too ready to manipulate their fears of inevitable change is to constantly and consistently elevate democratic governance, the right of every American to vote and to have the majority prevail. If we can preserve the right of every American to be heard at the ballot box, and commit that every election will be honored as the will of the people, we make persuasion, not violence and chaos, the road to safety and a secure future for everyone, even the losers of elections. Democracy is important because it makes consultation, collaboration, and persuasion the routes to power, not the possession of lethal weapons and willingness to demonize and commit to violence against our fellow citizens. The 2024 election in particular is our political tipping point. If we can’t use and accept the results of a democratic process to choose our path going forward as the cultural compromise of generations of immigrants, which America has always been, then our country is truly lost. For all that is holy, please vote and make sure all your family members and friends do the same. My feelings about democracy beautifully expressed by our oldest, still living president, Jimmy Carter: “We have become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different dreams.” —Jimmy Carter I'm lucky. I have a member of Congress representing me that I like and admire, and who I'm happy to vote for. Not everyone is so lucky. But even if I weren't, I'd want the right to vote anyway -- to vote him out. I think that's the essence of democracy: that we choose who represents us in government. That's why I always vote in every election. That's why I support the right of every citizen to vote. It's why I'm a Democrat. My father and his seven brothers each served in our military during WORLD WAR II and Korea. My mother’s three brothers did likewise. There was no doubt about my immediate future, I would serve in United States Air Force. In 1962, I only applied to colleges with AFROTC. In 1966, at a time in which we had a mandatory draft, I received my commission and subsequently served as a B-52 Navigator/Electronic Warfare Officer and subsequently flew missions in our Viet Nam Conflict before separating from the service in 1971. With my VA educational benefits, thereafter I attended law school in a class with several Nam vets and became a licensed State of Texas attorney in 1974. I practiced as a business, civil lawyer in Texas actively for 40 years. These life experiences lead me to certain conclusions: 1. Every young man and woman should be required to serve our country either in the military or a Jimmy Carter style Peace Corp. to in effect earn their citizenship, learn the discipline to become a contributing adult nad receive appropriate educational and career training as well as medical benefits. Additionally, the exposure to and reliance upon persons of every race will mitigate racial disparities and prejudices. 2. Create a professional federally staffed election process to control, fund and sanction all elected offices from school boards to the President. 3. Abolish the Citizens United decision and regulate as well as fund the financial aspects of the voting process to mitigate the control of large donors, individual or corporate have on the selection of candidates for public office. I full well realize that these are difficult goals to achieve, however they are neither impossible nor to accomplish in the whole and some exist or have existed and simply require the will, fortitude and heart to enact or revive. If we fail to make an effort to deliver a fair and just political system as opposed to the current future of a divided, I’ve got mine, and I want more of yours approach Trump offers as our political system of government, this nation will cease to exist before the end of my fifteen year old grandson’s lifetime, if not mine. As a 16 years old HS junior, I’ll admit to studying U.S. history but never thought much about my personal freedom and how that relates to our government and legislators, judges and presidents. But as an 80 year old I have seen and heard about other citizens here at home and in other countries and am grateful to be an American citizen. It’s important that as citizens we follow the elections and those running for office so that our government take care of ALL our citizens. This country for which my distant paternal grandfather fought during the American Revolutionary War is defined as a democratic republic. Each person is equal to the other. That fact continues to be in tension, with backlash against minorities becoming more virulent. We have continued to serve since then. To me, "democracy" in the U.S. means being able to be free to be me, within the confines of law. It is the promise of liberty; liberty and justice for all, equally applied. Yet, we know full well "equally applied" is a myth. We know that our system of laws as applied is two-tiered: One rule of law for the rich and powerful; a second rule of law for the rest of us. Certain groups are working feverishly to take away our rights. Groups such as Alliance Defending Freedom, Moms for Liberty, The Federalist Society, Heritage Foundation, and others are pushing to constrain individual freedoms. They hide under the veil of lies and deception, using clever words to conceal their inner evil. They are anti-minority, anti-LGBTQ, and even anti-women. Yes! Women continue to be oppressed by men (and, sadly some women). Those men know little to nothing about women's bodies. Autocratic authoritarianism is "right around the corner". I am of the mind that what is my business is my business and what is your business is your business. The constraint on that premise is: So long as there is no abuse, physical or psychological. We take our democracy for granted. The enemy who walks among us and stalks us wants to take that away. "They" have no greater rights than you or I. That is the way of a democracy. Yet, their objective is to destroy the democracy that benefits them and allows them to openly defile and defy the country which we hold near and dear. The fact that you are even raising the question speaks volumes about where we are, currently, as a nation. The question will be on the ballot in November; millions of so-called Americans will vote to repeal the vision of our Founders. But millions more (MORE), understanding the stakes, will vote in their favor. The coalition of refugee Republicans and independents with the Democratic Party (see: Liz Cheney) will be a key, and helpful moving forward. And let's not kid ourselves, those favoring the worst form of fascism as articulated by Caligula are not going to cry "uncle." I am a Baby Boomer who has travelled and read, because I could. Happy New Year, I pray, and keep up the good work. This country and our example throughout the world are precious. We smear it, harm it, degrade it, and cast it aside without a second thought at our peril. Without the strong institutions we have, without an experienced, compassionate leader to guide us in our behavior and deeds across the country and world, America will shrivel to a sad, darkened, and weak bastion of self-centered autocrats. Democracy provides the best hope for individual self-actualization and progress for a country composed of strong, accomplished individuals who will make America once again the envy of the world by example, not by bullying. As a teenager I lived for several years in a country taken over by a military junta. Stupidly I felt somewhat shielded from their actions because of my American citizenship, despite the the fact that I witnessed the oppression all around me. The silences in public with my friends who were vulnerable, the protective instinct to keep them from arbitrary harassment. The imprisonment of some. Democracy matters to me because of its freedoms and civil rights but also because it allows me to be part of the game, so to speak. I attended Hampshire College whose motto is ‘To know is not Enough’ and I take that edict seriously! The opportunity to volunteer and be part of the über democratic ‘Town Meeting’ way of governance in my MA town is amazing. Everyone has a chance to vote on most decisions and volunteer on committees that really work effectively to get things done. Although sometimes flawed, being able to participate and help make a difference in a concerted and organized system of local governance is one of the many things that makes a democracy great! Local is Universal! Dear Steve and Others: Our country is in serious trouble and we are "out-matched" in this struggle. For the past 23 years - since Putin assumed power of Russia - his number one goal has been the destruction of the United States from within. The tools he is using include our racism, antisemitism, violence, cyber attacks, and the manipulation and control of Trump - a man who was easily swayed by KGB invitations of wine, women, flattery, and money. Even as far back as 2008, Trump Jr. commented in a conference that a large percent of the Trump Empire money comes from Russia. After he declared 4 bankruptcies, Trump turned to Russia for income (U.S. banks refused to work with Trump) and they happily used his dire need for more and more money to control him and to funnel black cash into the U.S. - millions upon millions of dollars. This influx of black cash depletes and hurts our economy. The Russians also loaned $9.8 million to Marie LePen in France. She is the French presidential contender. It is all about control and threats. Look at the facts. Trump jumped through hoops to please Putin. He withdrew U.S. troops from Germany and other vital parts of the world like Syria and Lebanon. He signed a deal with the Taliban in Afghanistan, and within days of the American troop withdrawal - the Taliban again took control of this country and the democratic elected President fled for his life. Vital top secret military information has just disappeared and most likely is now in Moscow. Stalin was perhaps the worse dictator to ever rule. It is estimated that he killed at least 20 million people. This is relevant because Putin is compared to Stalin, and Trump has emulated and praised Putin. If Trump is re-elected, our democracy will die. This means each of us will no longer be able to freely write blogs and substack messages that mention Trump. This means that there will no longer be free elections. This means that Trump will continue to threaten every elected official in D.C. and other locations. It is called a DICTATORSHIP and not a Democracy when a leader threatens elected officials so they do as he wishes. This is how the DUMA in Moscow works, and it was how the Republican US Congress operated when Trump was living in the WH. Read: From Democracy to Democrazy to better understand the facts and learn about the proof of what is happening in our country. www.democrazy2020.org We have one year in order to detox the brainwashed Republicans and educate the voting public about Trump's connections to Russia. It’s freedom, and I am reminded of the price we paid throughout our US history for this freedom every time I visit Arlington national cemetery, where my parents are buried, I see the acres of headstones identifying those brave men and women who gave their lives to protect this freedom. Whenever I travel to DC, I always try to visit Arlington National Cemetary. It's like a pilgrimage for me. Amidst that beautiful and touching place, the highlight for me is watching the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I'm always awe-struck by the precision and grace of the ceremony, and the reverence and hush that befalls the spectators. Particularly when I see foreign visitors standing there in rapt awe, this always stirs my soul with a deep love for our nation and our founding values. I guess you could call it a quiet form of patriotism. Freedom PS I like all your relevant historical facts! They make me look smart when I use them at dinner party discussions 😀 Thank you Steve. We have less than one year to educate the American public about the realities of life in a dictatorship. Mass mind manipulation (aka brainwashing) was used extensively by Trump. It was started a century ago in totalitarian countries, and used extensively in China, Germany, Austria, Italy, and a host of other dictator-led countries. Lo and behold, it is now found in the United States and used by Trump every time he opens his mouth. Brainwashing is defined as telling lies over and over until it is perceived as the truth. Once convinced, a person no longer has independent thought. If the lies also contain hatred, it releases a chemical in the brain that may result in violence. We saw this on January 6th. Millions of Americans have been exposed to Trump's lies and brainwashing. Hitler changed an entire country from a peaceful nation to mass murderers and about 7 million humans were tortured and murdered. Stalin killed at least 20 million people. Putin is catching up to Stalin with his invasion and war in Ukraine. Trump killed over one million Americans with his deceptive approach to Covid. We are in trouble, and people do not realize it. I was at a book signing event at a Barnes and Noble for my book called From Democracy to Democrazy (by Graham). A middle-aged woman came up to me and said: "I believe Putin is a great leader." I was so shocked that I opened my mouth but nothing came out. This is word-by-word exactly what Trump had said on TV only a week before. Our country is facing it's demise from it's own citizens and most Republicans do not have a clue what is about to happen or why. I am scared. Elizabeth As a side note, I am starting a Substack in January named after the book: From Democracy to Democrazy. It is a small attempt to provide facts and figures to better educate our citizens about the stark reality of what Trump plans and why. Democracy enshrines respect and extends dignity to every citizen, so it’s more than a structure for government-it’s a powerful moral construct that informs our identities. It’s certainly empowering to cast a vote: I feel it each Election Day, knowing that the vote of a person of little influence (mine) counts exactly as much as the most wealthy and powerful. And it’s also incredibly humbling to see the electoral outcomes from a land of so many differing perspectives. No one idea can be forced on the whole, regardless how convinced people are of its rightness. This gives me hope for a future, however threatened. I’ve spent a lifetime trusting in the wisdom of the masses. As long as we retain the means to vote, democracy will survive. I would normally respond with some high-minded, aspirational observations, as I suspect many of your readers will. Our tribe is as such. But my immediate reaction is more personal, and I suspect that true democracy is more intimate and less theoretical than we often make it. Grittier and less eloquent. Close up and personal. So, at least for today, my answer is that its value is proportional to its cost. My dad was a plainspoken boy from the high plains of New Mexico. A dust bowl boy. He went into the CCC in Albuquerque, then the NM National Guard. Was called up early in 1941 and sent to the Philippines. The war came for him on December 8, 1941. He was captured on Bataan in March ‘42. Force marched, wounded and sick with malaria, to the notorious Cabanatuan POW camp. Shipped to Japan a year later, where he was a slave laborer in the coal mines at Camp Fukuoka #7. Finally liberated after the war ended in 1945, he came home slowly through a few different repatriation hospitals. He weighed 87 pounds. Suffered from the effects of starvation, beatings, beriberi, malaria, and tropical ulcers. He never really recovered. Thats the price that a boy from the high mesa country paid for me to be free and to live in a country free from tyrants, where my vote counts and my kids, too, can live in a free and democratic country. I can’t pay him back for that extraordinary sacrifice. He died 35 years ago. But I can pay it forward. Democracy is our birthright, bought and paid for dearly not only by patriots and heroes, but by ordinary men and women who secure it with a ballot when they can, or a bullet if they must. A former president once observed that if we don’t fight like hell we’re not going to have a country anymore. It’s the only true thing ever to come out of his mouth. FIGHT!!! Democracy is freedom to live our lives as we choose within the boundaries of lawful expression and dissent. It is far from perfect but it’s the best system we have and it’s worth fighting for. I am truly saddened and horrified that our country is on the precipice of turning the clock back 250 years. I was dumbfounded that we elected a con man for President and the exposure of the level of corruption within the other two branches of our government. Certainly people could see what was going on, correct? We cannot take for granted our right to vote, free speech, education, travel, worship, etc. and exist however we choose. Democracy is all I have ever known. My parents came from india when I was 7 years old for better economic opportunities. For me growing up and learning American History and world history I truly believe that democracy with all its flaws is the best form of government. I will never understand people that yearn for the dictator to get things done. Maybe they believe that the dictator will always go after their perceived enemies and not just anyone. Democracy matters to me because I do not believe that anyone is above the law and society should not be ruled by people who believe they (are superior to everyone else/chosen by God/ endowed/etc). Democracy matters to me, not only because it's all I've ever known, but because, from a very young age, I have always believed that everyone is fundamentally equal and that everyone's voice deserves to be heard, even those with whom I don't agree. I sincerely believe that we all matter (except for a very small few who do and say awful things and who I do not feel are redeemable.) I believe in balance, and I believe in collaboration. I've seen the alternative, and none of those options are good for humanity. Extremes always fail, and I say this as someone who is NOT a centrist! As the air we breathe, many of us have always expected democracy to be there as well. Long ago, we were active in campaigning for environmental issues and there has been much progress, our air is better, but not enough. As we now know, our earth's climate is at a tipping point. Unfortunately, too many of us do not see that our democracy is at it's tipping point as well. One thing that is overlooked by many in the environmental movement is that without a democracy to evaluate and act upon those issue of great concerne, there will be NO action on our climate or any other environmental issue. The constant clamering for more money to save this or that beautiful whatever must be channeled into screaming loudly to all their members and all on their mailing lists to "SAVE DEMOCRACY NOW!" and contribute to those who can save it and make their advertizing prioritize it too. We all must reach those with thousands of contacts to do this. It can be non-partisan, to save their tax exempt status. Because as flawed as democracy can be, the negative consequences of other forms of rule/government/politics have been all too often demonstrated. Democracy matters because of what it has accomplished and can continue to accomplish for citizens. There truly is no form of government other than democracy whose sole purpose is the achievement of the common good. Thomas Zimmer wrote in his 12/27 Democracy Americana (Substack) piece: "An egalitarian multiracial, pluralistic democracy in which an individual’s status was not determined to a large degree by race, gender, religion, or wealth has never been achieved anywhere. Therein lies the challenge, the danger – but also the very real chance of making the leap to becoming the kind of country America has long promised to be, but never has been yet." That sums it up for me. I'd like to know that 2024 was the moment we as a country (as an example for the world) faced the challenge and the danger, and embraced the chance to make that leap. In Canada, Democracy is not only a parliamentary system of government, but of societal system made up of norms that promote inclusive approach and respect for individual differences, diversity and the rights bestowed to its citizenry including those who seek refuge in my country. It means that we all play a role in the pluralistic society in which we live, and where everyone is given the basic necessities of life - a safe environment, health care, social support system and access to the educational opportunities required for a successful and prosperous life. What "Democracy" means to me is an ideal we have yet to attain, and every time I think we're moving forward? We seem to skitter back even more quickly! - In 1863, before The Civil War was even over, Reconstruction started in the United States—it ended with the Inauguration of Rutherford B. Hayes in 1877, which began nearly a century of "legal" suppression of Black Rights in the South known as the "Jim Crow" Era. - From the Freedom Riders' protests against segregated Interstate buses in 1961 up to LBJ signing the Voting Rights Act in 1965, Blacks and Northern Whites risked their lives to draw attention to pervasive Black disenfranchisement in the South. In the past decade the Far Right (and corrupt!) Supreme Court has slowly chipped away at that Act, beginning with the "Shelby Decision" in 2013. - In 2008, the U.S. voted for its first non-White President with a non-White name, Barack Hussein Obama. His Presidency was plagued with increases in anti-Black violence and Republicans starting to "say the quiet part out loud"—culminating in the Presidency of Donald James Trump, who bellowed the quiet part and encouraged his "Make America Great Again" base of Religious Right Bigots to do the same! I'm writing about Black history because it's the story everybody's the most aware of. I know I could write similar lists about women, about LGBTQ people, about the Latinx Americans, about the First Nations who we keep screwing over, about Middle Easterners, about Asians—pretty much, about anybody who's not Straight, White, and Male. You know it, I know it, and yet still it goes on as we pretend that it somehow...doesn't. So what does Democracy mean to me? It's something we need to maintain those parts which we have now, so we can expand it to include ALL Americans in ALL things—including, in the case of Trump MAGAts, the right to be treated the way they want to treat those groups not them! *Selah*—it's a Hebrew word that means a number of things, but most importantly for me, it means "Pause, and Consider". Education is paramount. We of the "oldest generation" understand the value of democracy. Unfortunately, like most humans, we tend to imagine that everyone understands what is obvious to us. We tend to forget that young people start from scratch in their understanding of the world. We need to engage a major program to inculcate youth as to history and what is at stake. I don't want to imply "indoctrination" although such a program engender such criticism. I don't claim to know that very best form of government. But I do know that Very Powerful People control vast global resources - to the detriment of people in general - and they will fight to maintain such power. It must be recognized and countered effectively. Some things are truly self-evident. Many years ago, i lived in a small town that could have easily been a Norman Rockwell Saturday Evening Post cover. About 10 miles to the south of that little town was a small black community. The kids who lived there were bussed to a school 17 miles to the North of my town. For a senior term paper, I did a little digging and discivered the cost and operating expense of that bus, compared it to the increased expense of including those kids in already existing bus routes and bringing them to our school. I made only slight reference to the educational/emotional price those kids had to pay for the nearly 60 mile round trip those kids had to endure every day. A few days after I turned it in, I was called into the principal's office, and confronted with the paper, told in no uncertain terms that this sort of research was unacceptable, none of my business. I was awarded a passing grade, but my paper was destroyed and I was told to keep my thoughts on that topic to myself. My parents, who were unaware of the topic of my research paper of were told that I had taken an interest in a topic that was not my concern. While that was a relatively minor incident, it did get me thinking about the far more repressive regimes in which so many of our fellow humans live. I've since met people from countries with such regimes. They've told me of large and small incidents that were hard to listen to. Unfortunately, I now see this country flirting with slipping into a similar Orwellian/Oceanian future. Frightening. As messy, sometimes painful, sometimes uneven, sometimes unjust, as democracy is, it has the possibility of improvement if we work at it. The repressive, perhaps theocratic regime too many seem to desire lacks that possibility, promising only a deepening downward spiral where only the most privileged reap the benefits of that society. That can't be allowed to happen here. Bill Browder's two books on his experience with Putin describe the structure and methods of Russia's oligarchy. These methods are strikingly similar to biological parasitism. Putin and his oligarchs are attached to the Russian government and citizens like a parasite to its host. Three of the categories of biological interaction can be used to describe the interactions of humans in groups. Mutualism (mutually beneficial symbiosis). Parasitism (parasite & host). Predation (predator & prey). A viable Democratic Republic, like the United States of America, relies on the good faith, mutually beneficial, interactions (symbiosis) among individuals. Citizens vote for representatives who they believe will govern the city/state/nation in their interests. These representatives must moderate their behavior, aligned with a foundation of morals/virtues, to avoid causing harm to the state. Good faith requires a concern over the "means" rather than just the "ends". Good faith also requires that we treat each other with respect. Which we Americans are well known for. This is a long term governing structure. A viable Oligarchy (Putin's Russia) relies on the ability of the parasite to control its host, by whatever means necessary. There is no "good faith" or "bad faith". Just a practical strategy to milk the host without killing it. Analysts in London estimate that Putin and his parasitical organization has removed $1 Trillion from the Russian people and invested this ill-gotten money in assets, of all kinds, in the West. Where their property ownership rights are protected by law. To survive/thrive the parasite must convince the majority of individuals in their society to comply with it's dictates. Propaganda. Media control. Threats of imprisonment and violence. This is a medium term governing structure. Eventually the host will throw off the parasite. A viable Nazism relies on predation. The predatory group attains governmental power (by any means, legal and illegal) and uses this power to control and oppress its citizens and invade other states. This is a "bad faith" model because the predator must have no scruples to retain control and grow power. Agreements and contracts and treaties have no meaning. Back stabbing of allies. Torture. Mass murder. Invasion of neighbors. As we saw with Hitler's Nazi state, this is a short term governing structure. Our founders were well aware of these human interaction models. The Constitution is their attempt to select Symbiosis, self-regulating self-rule, for the American model. "A Republic if we can keep it." As caring citizens, we must be fully aware of the parasites and predators, who are striving every minute of every day, to take over control of our nation. And make each of us their host or prey. The pundits who cite the rise and fall of democracies, and predict the end of the American experiment, fail to appreciate the benefits of "self governance" to the individual. Protections of personal freedom against an oppressive and corrupt central government. In order for totalitarian dictators to keep power, they must remove individual rights and institute control from the top (see Putin's declaration against Ukraine, denigrating Ukrainians' right to self-rule, for example). A critical requirement for American Democracy to survive is to elect public servants who respect America's foundation and history. Reading Cassidy and Liz, there are 200+ House and Senate office holders who disrespect the Constitution and our founding principles. Violating their oath of office. Supporting Trump in the face of his obvious self-disqualification for any public office. Today media pundits fail to remind everyone that there is no "right" to run for public office. Unqualified applicants for public offices are denied ballot access, by the appropriate authorities, all the time, and should be. This case is no different. By his own actions, Trump disqualified himself from future public office. Period. For me, democracy is the embodiment of the creative genius of diversity put to work for the common good. We’ve forgotten that “the common good” is the root of our constitutional democracy. The Cold War era has NOT ended, but the U.S. government sponsored propaganda told the western world that it stopped in the 1990s. We let our guard down folks and have been vulnerable. Nothing changed for Putin, who was a KGB spy stationed in Germany during the 1990s. He then became the President of the largest nation on the globe. He blames the U.S. for the fall of the Soviet Union, and has sworn to destroy our democracy at all costs. In 1997, a book surfaced in Russia called The Foundations of Geopolitics. This book was primarily authored by several Russian Army Generals, but Putin was proposed to be the ghost writer since it outlines his plans as the 2nd President of Russia. Yeltsin was dying due to alcohol consumption and Putin was named as the Prime Minister. This book is about 600 pages. It discusses the following: the destruction of the United States, the war in Ukraine and the absorption of this land back into Russia, world domination, re-establish a pre-NATO world order, Brexit, partnership with France and Germany, and Russian military post-communism. Most of the steps outlined in this book have been realized or are in various development stages. We have less than one year to reverse Putin's 23 years of infiltration and destruction of our way of life. www.democracy2020.org. Elizabeth Graham Sadly, I think Trump will hold off any legal accountability and regain the presidency. At that point, I think it’s all but over for our democracy. The forces working against our democracy are only growing stronger. I really don’t see any solution to the propaganda and madness that let’s us and return to what we were. The ideals of our 18th century founding that all men are created equal with justice and liberty depends on a representative democracy and a law-based process. European history has shown that monarchy, fascism and theology-based government leads to war, injustice and conflict. As well, in that history the succession process often lead to conflict, war and discord. Look at the now-amended term limits of Putin and Xi Jinping essentially creating dictatorship. Our Constitutionally based government with periodic elections and some term limits sets a process to ensure a more representative government, and leadership. We must protect the rule of law and promote justice and the humanistic principles of our progressive democracy. Where to begin? Democracy matters because the country we leave our children matters. Democracy isn’t perfect but our democracy has always promised generations that it can get better and better through the personal and collective efforts of the people themselves. Minority rule is fraught with traps and abuse. Majority rule enables progress for the majority and in fact the weak or underserved. Minority rule is a permission structure for greed and abuse. Saving democracy puts society and the people on the road to a better more hopeful future. You can't blame them. Most of the voters have never lived in a country that wasn't a democracy. They don't know what it's like to drive your family for their weekend outing to the beach in Libya in 1977. Then suddenly to be stopped by a barbed wire fence stretching 1000 miles to prevent an imaginary coastline invasion from Egypt. They can't imagine stopping at a checkpoint and having military rifles pointing in at your family. Or sitting at a lunch counter in Tripoli while Col Ghadafi is taking his favorite dictater, Idi Amin,"the Butcher of Uganda" for a tour of the city when suddenly a bullet whizzes past and lodges in the wall near me. In both situations, what did I do? Nothing! How did I feel? Helpless and scared. If you don't vote Blue in 2024. That is how you will feel for the rest of your life: I promise you! Jail every Goddamn Republican for treason. Thank you for your comment. I acknowledge the right of every person to express their opinions.However, I do not accept nor give weight to claims of patriotism from others, like Trump, who not only dodged the draft, he unashamedly scorned and laughed at those like John Mc Cain and others who not only suffered, but lost their lives such as those buried in the Normandy Memorial Cemetery and here in the Arlington Cemetery. Dear Mark: Thank you for your "like" and appreciation of my message. Our country is barreling toward a disaster. All of us need to stand up and fight. This means vote first, but second talk to others about the facts and evidence. I am starting a new Substack in January called From Democracy to Democrazy which is the name of my book (by Graham). Hope you will join the discussions. At this stage, it is free and would welcome your input. Wishing you a wonderful 2024. Elizabeth As we approach 2024, personally I feel a dread of the unknown. What will happen if Trump wins? I don’t believe he will, but we now know foreign governments will interfere in our elections. They see the United States as weak by the vitriol between our 3 governing bodies. And the 25 Republican trifecta states who seem to want to break away. The unmitigated radical animus that is intensifying as we head into the next year for resolve is at best tenuous. All culminated by one man, the Republican party, evangelical radicals, conservative billionaires, and the people who feel left out of the process. The erosion didn’t start in 2016, it has been a steady slow drip for the past 40 years. Who has failed us the most politicians for sure; The effect of conservative talk radio show, shock jocks, Fox TV, partisan news outlets, and our educational system has not been updated since WWII. I will admit that for the first time in my life I feel incensed, when I hear conservative politicians, MAGA supporters and religious leaders speak lies and distortions. I have never felt this much rage in my life. I ask myself is this the design by conservative billionaires wanting to take us taking us back to the 20th century; Or is this just human nature to be led by a few self-absorbed individuals? My recommendation is to stay involved, don’t give up, don’t let them win. We are all in this together.
https://america.substack.com/p/why-does-democracy-matter-to-you-8f5/comments
2024-01-01T05:10:12Z
The index has fallen in eight of the past nine months, with an increase only in September. In November, the index was at 49.4, down from 49.5 the month before. Despite unexpectedly prolonged weakness after the pandemic, China's economy grew at a 5.2% pace in the first three quarters of the year and showed signs of improvement in November, with factory output and retail sales rising. In recent months, the government has raised spending on construction of ports and other infrastructure, cut interest rates and eased curbs on home-buying to try to stimulate the domestic demand that economists say is needed to sustain growth. In his New Year speech, leader Xi Jinping said China had achieved a “smooth transition” from the country's response to the pandemic, which at times involved the shut downs of factories and parts of or entire cities. China's economy has become “more resilient and dynamic than before,” Xi said in remarks carried by the official Xinhua News Agency. Global demand for manufactured goods has suffered as central banks around the world have raised interest rates to battle decades-high rates of inflation. Price pressures have eased in recent months, but demand has yet to rebound to prepandemic levels. That has ramifications across the region since supply chains linked to China are scattered across many Asian countries. China's non-manufacturing PMI rose in December to 50.4, the statistics bureau reported. The service sector PMI sub-index was 49.3, however, unchanged from November's reading. Despite a slump in the housing market brought about by a crackdown on excess borrowing by property developers, the construction industry is thriving: the sub-index for that sector climbed to 56.9 in December, well into expansionary territory, from 55 in November, the report said.
https://www.daytondailynews.com/nation-world/chinas-manufacturing-activity-slows-in-december-in-latest-sign-the-economy-is-still-struggling/E3X4M7XQ6BCS3FZJ7FJZXMUH7E/
2024-01-01T05:10:12Z
PEORIA, Illinois (WMBD) – 2023 was a great year for sports in Central Illinois. Bradley winning their first Missouri Valley Conference regular season men’s basketball title in 27 years, Morton native Tommy Kuhl making his PGA Tour debut, and Metamora boys basketball gutting out a state championship overtime win. Those and several other moments make up our Top Ten Moments of Central Illinois Sports in 2023.
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/sports/local-sports/top-10-moments-of-central-illinois-sports-for-2023/
2024-01-01T05:10:13Z
American singer Jennifer Lopez has released a new banger “Can’t Get Enough” for her upcoming album, and she’s brought the moves as well. The singer is getting ready for the release of her ninth studio album, “This Is Me…Now”, which is scheduled to be released on Feb. 16, 2024. The album, her first in a decade, is the sophomore of This is Me…Then and is written and executive produced by Jennifer Lopez and Rogét Chayed. Other producers with credits on the album include Angel Lopez, Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman, HitBoy, Tay Keith, INK and others. The singer released a teaser for one of the album tracks, described as a fusion of R&B, contemporary pop sounds, and hip-hop beats. On Saturday, she released a song from the album, which seems to be sampling the song “Jiggy Woogie” by Jamaican artiste and dancer Baby Lawd and Sean Paul’s “I’m Still In Love.” The original song is Alton Ellis’ classic “I’m Still In Love With You Girl” released in 1967. Sean Paul made the song hugely popular in the early 2000s when he teamed up with singer Sasha on “I’m Still In Love” featured on his platinum-selling album, Dutty Rock. The Steely & Clevie-produced project won a Grammy award for Best Reggae Album. Jennifer Lopez. also showed the moves to the dance created by Baby Lawd, which is popular on TikTok and has thousands of likes. “I love that s#!t … #CantGetEnough #JiggyWoogie #Remix #TikTok #ThisIsMeNow #Presave the single link in bio @enola.bedard,” J.lo. wrote on Instagram. Baby Lawd also shared a preview of the sample days ago writing on Instagram, “new new can’t get enough x jiggy woogie JLO / Babylawd.” Sean Paul has yet to react to the sample, but fans seemed to enjoy it. “No matter how old you get. You maintain it you can’t lose it….. JLo still got it,” one person said. “Dancing like this at 50 summ’ is a flex yall could hate Jenny all yall want she looks good and has had a very long standing career,” another said.
https://guyanainquirer.com/jennifer-lopez-show-off-her-jamaican-dance-moves-to-cant-get-enough/
2024-01-01T05:10:13Z
Man shot in face while attempting U-turn on North Side: police CHICAGO - A road rage incident led to a man being shot in the face in Andersonville, according to Chicago police. Officers were called just before 8 p.m. Sunday to the 1600 block of W. Foster for a person shot. A 35-year-old man was trying to make a U-turn in his Jeep when another man got out of his Chevy Tahoe and fired gunshots in his direction, authorities say. The 35-year-old was shot in the face and taken to the hospital. At last check, he is in critical condition. No arrests have been made, but police are speaking to a person of interest. The investigation continues.
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/man-shot-in-face-while-attempting-u-turn
2024-01-01T05:10:14Z
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Leave His New Year's Eve Game Together After Chiefs Win The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Cincinnati Bengals during an NFL game on Sunday afternoon Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are ready for 2024! The pop superstar and the athlete, both 34, were spotted leaving Kelce's New Year's Eve NFL game together after the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Cincinnati Bengals with a final score of 25-17, securing their AFC West division title. According to a photograph shared on Instagram by The Kansas City Star journalist Nick Wagner, Kelce left the game wearing a black beanie and a black and white striped sweatshirt, as the "Maroon" singer stood closely beside him, rocking her signature red lip. During the afternoon game, Kelce notched 16 yards, helping lead his team to the win, as Swift watched alongside the team’s family and friends. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Related: Can Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift Spend the Holidays Together? All About Their Work Schedules Swift and Kelce have been romantically linked since this summer. Talk of a budding romance heated up once the “Blank Space” singer began appearing at the two-time Super Bowl Champion's games alongside his parents in late September. The duo then went out on dates in October between their busy schedules — Swift coming off the theatrical release of her Eras Tour film and Kelce in the midst of the 2023 NFL season — and the singer was spotted on Instagram kissing Kelce on the cheek not long after. Related: All of Taylor Swift's Go-To New York City Restaurants Kelce's holiday plans have long been dictated by the NFL's schedule. The tight end took on the Las Vegas Raiders with his team on Christmas Day, while Taylor brought her family along for the fun. He previously spoke to PEOPLE in mid-December about his holiday afternoon game, teasing that "it will be a fun one." Kelce also revealed that he and his fellow NFL star brother Jason Kelce — whose team the Philadelphia Eagles also had a Dec. 25th game — had already made plans to get together for holiday festivities after the date. Related: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Relationship Timeline Earlier this month, the couple rang in the winter holiday season together when they were spotted at the pop-up bar Miracle in Kansas City, where the Chiefs were holding a party. An onlooker who was in attendance told PEOPLE that Swift's holiday song “Christmas Tree Farm" played at the event. The onlooker added, "Everyone looked happy and festive." Related: Every Photo We Have of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce So Far Earlier this holiday season, Swift and Kelce were unable to spend Thanksgiving together. Around the November date, the "Karma" artist was wrapping up the Latin American leg of her Eras Tour, and the NFL star confirmed he spent the day solo in Missouri amid his busy practice schedules. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People.
https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-leave-045825789.html
2024-01-01T05:10:14Z
Charred body of electric technician found near UP railway station - Country: - India The burnt body of a 30-year-old technician was found at a power facility near a railway station in this district, police said on Sunday. The victim, Jai Kumar, was posted at the Rauja railway station, they said. Shahjahanpur SP Ashok Kumar Meena told PTI that Jai Kumar, resident of Rauja, had gone to the power facility on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday for his duty. Other employees spotted the body, which was completely burnt, on Sunday morning. The SP said Kumar might have fell on a nearby heater due to which he got burnt to death. The victim's family members told police that he had some health issues due to which he used to become unconscious. The SP said the body has been sent for post-mortem and the matter is being investigated. (This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) - READ MORE ON: - Rauja - Kumar - Shahjahanpur SP Ashok - Kumar Meena - Jai Kumar ALSO READ New terminal to increase Surat Airport's capacity three times: AAI chairman Sanjeev Kumar Davis Cup: Ramkumar to lead Indian challenge against Pakistan on grass courts Tata Steel aims to complete Kalinganagar project expansion, begin ops by Dec 2024: Vice-president Rajiv Kumar Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma, deputies Diya Kumar and Prem Chand Bairwa, call on Rajnath Singh in Delhi Sathish Kumar wins men's singles title, Tanisha-Dhruv claim mixed doubles crown at Odisha Masters
https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/2762512-charred-body-of-electric-technician-found-near-up-railway-station
2024-01-01T05:10:14Z
13:04, 05 February 2019 | GMT +6 Air Astana set to fly to New York, Shanghai ASTANA. KAZINFORM - Air Astana will fly to New York and Shanghai, Minister of Industry and Infrastructural Development Zhenis Kassymbek said at the Tuesday session of the Government, Kazinform reports. "This year the ministry together with Air Astana will take steps to launch air communication with New York, Shanghai and other world's big cities," Minister Kassymbek told participants of the session. According to Kassymbek, the ministry has already drawn up the draft intergovernmental agreement on air communication between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the U.S. which is expected to be signed in March. Recall that at the extended session of the Government President Nursultan Nazarbayev instructed to open direct flights from Kazakhstan to the U.S. and Japan.
https://en.inform.kz/news/air-astana-set-to-fly-to-new-york-shanghai_a3495054/
2024-01-01T05:10:14Z
amount-spellout.1000 Singapore dollars to Saudi riyals Convert SGD to SAR at the real exchange rate Loading Compare prices for sending money abroad Leading competitors have a dirty little secret. They add hidden markups to their exchange rates - charging you more without your knowledge. And if they have a fee, they charge you twice. Wise never hides fees in the exchange rate. We give you the real rate. Compare our rate and fee with our competitors and see the difference for yourself. Top currencies Beware of bad exchange rates.Banks and traditional providers often have extra costs, which they pass to you by marking up the exchange rate. Our smart tech means we’re more efficient – which means you get a great rate. Every time. How to convert Singapore dollars to Saudi riyals - 1 Input your amount Simply type in the box how much you want to convert. - 2 Choose your currencies Click on the dropdown to select SGD in the first dropdown as the currency that you want to convert and SAR in the second drop down as the currency you want to convert to. - 3 That’s it Our currency converter will show you the current SGD to SAR rate and how it’s changed over the past day, week or month. Top currency pairings for Singapore dollars Change Converter source currency - Australian Dollar - Brazilian Real - British Pound Sterling - Bulgarian Lev - Canadian Dollar - Chinese Yuan RMB - Czech Republic Koruna - Danish Krone - Euro - Hong Kong Dollar - Hungarian Forint - Indian Rupee - Indonesian Rupiah - Israeli New Sheqel - Japanese Yen - Malaysian Ringgit - New Zealand Dollar - Norwegian Krone - Polish Zloty - Romanian Leu - Singapore Dollar - Swedish Krona - Swiss Franc - Turkish Lira - US Dollar Are you overpaying your bank? Banks often advertise free or low-cost transfers, but add a hidden markup to the exchange rate. Wise gives you the real, mid-market, exchange rate, so you can make huge savings on your international money transfers. Download Our Currency Converter App Features our users love:- Free and ad-free. - Track live exchange rates. - Compare the best money transfer providers.
https://wise.com/in/currency-converter/sgd-to-sar-rate?amount=1000
2024-01-01T05:10:15Z
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (Augustana) -– Augustana hockey (6-10-2) fell short in overtime to Notre Dame (10-8-2) by a score of 3-2 inside Compton Family Ice Arena. Zack Rose made 37 saves in his first game since Nov. 26th while Ryan Naumovski skated in his 150th consecutive NCAA career game. Augustana hockey’s inaugural season is presented by First PREMIER Bank / PREMIER Bankcard Viking hockey jumped out to an early 1-0 lead as Ben Troumbly potted his second of the season off a Will Howard rebound. Augustana continued its momentum throughout the first half of the first period as it controlled the majority of possession. Notre Dame evened the score with just over five minutes remaining in the frame as Michael Mastrodomenico slotted in the rubber short side. ND’s offense carried its late first period goal into the second frame as Paul Fischer fired in a shot from the top of the circle through traffic to take its first lead of the game. Augustana bounced back with just over two-minutes remaining in the period as a trio of freshmen compiled for a Vikings’ goal, Owen Bohn rifled in his third of the season off passes from Quinn Rudrud and Callum Gau. The third period started out hot as both teams found offensive chances but Rose and Ryan Bischel stood tall throughout the entire 20 minutes. A quick break led by Luke Mobley turned into a premier scoring chance for the Vikings as the puck nearly slid into the net midway through the period, after a quick review by the officials the Vikings chance was diminished. Before the start of the overtime period, Notre Dame challenged a hit that occurred in the final 17.1 seconds of the third period. After a successful challenge the Vikings were forced to play 4 on 3 for the entire extra period of play. ND took advantage of its man-advantage as Cole Knuble potted his fourth of the weekend to grab the Fighting Irish win. Game Moments - Ryan Naumovski skated in his 150th NCAA career game. - Zack Rose made 37 saves in his first start in over a month. - A trio of freshmen connected for the Vikings second goal. - Only first-year players collected points for the Vikings. - AU blocked a total of 24 shots led by Anthony Stark with a team-high of three. Goals - Ben Troumbly chipped in his second of the season off a play set up by Will Howard and Hayden Hennen. - Michael Mastrodomenico evened the score at 1-1 with a short side goal. - Paul Fischer grabbed the ND lead with a wrist shot from the slot through traffic. - Owen Bohn slotted in his third of the season off passes from Quinn Rudrud and Callum Gau. - Cole Knuble scored the game-winning goal in overtime to secure an ND win. Up Next Augustana will look to bounce back in the win column as it faces off against Minnesota State Mankato on home ice inside the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center. The two-game series is slated for Friday, Jan. 5 at 7:07 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 6 at 6:07 p.m. The weekend series will be the last time Augustana plays inside the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center before the opening of Midco Arena on Friday, Jan. 26.
https://www.keloland.com/sports/viking-hockey-falls-in-overtime-to-notre-dame-3-2/
2024-01-01T05:10:16Z
BEIJING: A sweeping purge of Chinese generals has weakened the People’s Liberation Army, exposing deep-rooted corruption that could take more time to fix and slow Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s military modernisation drive amid geopolitical tensions, analysts say. China’s top lawmakers ousted nine senior military officers from the national legislative body on Friday, state media reported, a step that typically precedes further punishment for wayward cadres. Many of these were from the Rocket Force, a key arm of the PLA overseeing tactical and nuclear missiles. The recent downfall of generals and military equipment suppliers, however, has punctured some of this aura, and raised questions over whether there has been adequate oversight over these massive military investments as China vies with the United States in key areas, including Taiwan and the South China Sea. Since Xi took power in 2012, he has embarked on a wide-ranging anti-corruption crackdown among Communist Party and government officials, with the PLA being one of its main targets. The nine PLA generals removed from the legislature hailed from several military divisions; three were former commanders or vice commanders of the PLA Rocket Force; one a former Air Force chief and one a Navy commander responsible for the South China Sea. Four officers were responsible for equipment. “It is a clear sign that they are being purged,” said Andrew Scobell, Distinguished Fellow for China at the United States Institute for Peace. ‘More heads will roll’ Beijing did not explain why the generals were removed. Some analysts say the evidence points towards corruption over equipment procurement by the PLA Rocket Force. “More heads will roll. The purge that centred around the Rocket Force is not over,” said Alfred Wu, associate professor, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore. Wei Fenghe, a former defence minister who used to head the Rocket Force, has also vanished. When asked about his whereabouts, a defence ministry spokesman said in August that the military has zero tolerance for corruption. His successor, Li Shangfu, was abruptly removed as defence minister in October without explanation after also disappearing for months. He had previously headed the equipment department. One of his then deputies was removed from parliament on Friday. On the same day, Dong Jun, a Chinese ex-Navy chief, with a South China Sea background, was named Li’s replacement as defence minister. Analysts say that while the Chinese military has long been known for corruption, the extent of the latest crackdown and the involvement of the PLA’s Rocket Force is shocking. Published in Dawn, January 1st, 2024
https://www.dawn.com/news/1802264/vanishing-ministers-ousted-officials-rattle-top-chinese-brass
2024-01-01T05:10:17Z
But the modesty of the affair, where roughly 200 people turned out for the last campaign event of the busy year in Iowa, belied its the importance to the host, who has wagered the future of his Republican bid for president on the leadoff Iowa caucuses, just two weeks away. “Are you ready to work hard over these next two weeks and win the Iowa caucuses?" DeSantis asked supporters who turned out at the suburban hotel Sunday evening. While Donald Trump prepares to return this week for a series of rallies, DeSantis did not leave Iowa alone during the week between Christmas and New Year's. He campaigned in the suburbs of Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Davenport, revisiting spots he had gone to in 2023 as part of his drive to touch all 99 of Iowa's counties as a gesture of commitment to the leadoff nominating contests. But Trump holds a large advantage in Iowa polls as well as a sophisticated campaign organization in the state, threatening to deny DeSantis the win he needs to justify his claim to be the leading alternative to the former president. Appearing Sunday night with his wife, Casey, and their young children, DeSantis urged his audience to defy the odds. “I think we have an opportunity to just make a statement that in this country it's we the people that ultimately decide these things,” he said. “Because I think you have a lot of media, they don't think you even matter.” DeSantis wasn't alone in Iowa between Christmas and New Year's, a period typically free from politics. The Jan. 15 caucuses' earlier-than-usual spot on the election-year calendar lured former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley to eastern Iowa stops Friday and Saturday, as she competes with DeSantis as a Trump alternative. Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy also stormed the state, trying to remain part of the conversation despite curtailing his advertising spending. Ramaswamy held more than two dozen Iowa events last week and over the weekend. No one has more riding on Iowa than DeSantis, who reshuffled a campaign viewed early as national in scope after summer staff shakeups prompted by overspending and internal disagreements. He stood onstage Sunday evening in West Des Moines with Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and evangelical Christian leader Bob Vander Plaats, who have risked their own influence by backing DeSantis. DeSantis and his supporters asked the audience Sunday to ignore polls that show him trailing Trump appreciably. “Everywhere I go the polls do not match up with reality,” Vander Plaats told the crowd. “Going up in northwest Iowa — heavy Trump country — they all say the same thing to me. They like what he did, but it’s time to turn the page.” DeSantis has an unrelenting Iowa schedule ahead of him beginning early this week. Trump, who has drawn hundreds — even thousands — more to fewer events, plans his own blitz over the final two weeks, including in deeply conservative northwest Iowa. Credit: AP Credit: AP Credit: AP Credit: AP Credit: AP Credit: AP Credit: AP Credit: AP
https://www.daytondailynews.com/nation-world/on-new-years-eve-desantis-urges-crowd-to-defy-odds-and-help-him-win-the-iowa-caucuses/UYZOOGM4WRDRJABE2X5XZRGFPQ/
2024-01-01T05:10:18Z
[File Photo] Netball Fiji is determined to have a fantastic new year following a successful 2023 filled with tournaments and developments. Chief Executive Vivian Koster says that they are looking to improve based on the lessons learned from last year. She says one of them is the Netball Super League, which was introduced last year. “The fact that we had our Super League for the first time, it was our inaugural Super League with Finance Hub. That was our learning curve, whether we should have it in Suva or take it elsewhere. If you recall, last year we had two rounds in Lautoka.” Netball Fiji CEO Vivian Koster Koster mentioned that they are exploring the possibility of expanding the tournament to other regions in the country. Meanwhile, the organisation expressed gratitude to everyone who supported the sport in the past year and hopes for continued support in 2024.
https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/sports/netball/netball-fiji-to-improve-from-2023/
2024-01-01T05:10:19Z
The Lead Heading into the 2020 season, the talk around the Broncos centered around the collection of young talent on offense. Courtland Sutton was coming off a breakout Pro Bowl season, and Denver would add a first- and second-round pick to the receiving corps alongside him in Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler. Then there was Noah Fant, the former first-round pick whose collection of physical skills made him one of the most promising young players at his position. And in the backfield, Denver had two Pro Bowl running backs in Melvin Gordon III and Phillip Lindsay. Unfortunately, the offense as a whole stumbled — due to a combination of inexperience, uneven quarterback play and injuries — and failed to realize that potential in 2020. But with most of those players returning, the Broncos could see their hopes realized in 2021 instead. Sutton appears to be on track to return from a torn ACL to join Jeudy, who Head Coach Vic Fangio said is “a much more mature guy” as he enters his second season. Fant ranked in the top 10 among tight ends in receptions and yards, and Gordon nearly reached 1,000 rushing yards in 15 games (and just 10 starts) on a 4.6 yard-per-carry average. All that combined with a new crop of rookies and offseason acquisitions could make Denver's offensive arsenal around Drew Lock or Teddy Bridgewater one of the league's best. "The potential for a juggernaut — at least in terms of weapons — is still here," ESPN’s Bill Barnwell wrote in a ranking of NFL teams’ offensive arsenals. "Sutton is back, and after struggling with drops last season, Jeudy should take a step forward and improve his 46% catch rate in Year 2. "Second-round pick Javonte Williams and even former Vikings backup Mike Boone should push Gordon. Tight end Noah Fant, a first-round pick in 2019, improved last season and has the skill set to go further." The Broncos rank 17th here in Barnwell's list, as he notes that quarterback play will decide whether we see the full potential of this collection of offensive talent, but it's clear that what the Broncos have could be one of the league's best groups. Below the Fold The decision as to which quarterback takes the reins could take some time. NFL Network’s James Palmer said Monday on “NFL NOW” that the decision may not come until after the preseason slate is finished. "This could go, to my understanding, through all three preseason games before they make a decision," Palmer said. "That's where they stand right now when they look at both of these quarterbacks."
https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/mile-high-morning-broncos-offense-s-weapons-still-have-potential-for-a-juggernau
2024-01-01T05:10:19Z
MUMBAI : As the curtains fall on 2023, Bollywood celebrities have left fans intrigued with their candid revelations. From beauty secrets to quirky hobbies, here are the top 7 revelations that sparked conversations in the tinsel town this year: Alia Bhatt's Lipstick Technique: In a Vogue India video, Alia Bhatt spilled the beans on her preferred lipstick style, revealing a unique trick. The actress shared that she achieves a 'faded' look by wiping off a bit of the lipstick after applying it. Interestingly, she disclosed that her husband Ranbir Kapoor prefers the natural colour of her lips over a thick coat of lipstick. Sunny Deol's Teddy Bear Love: A lighthearted revelation came during an episode of Koffee With Karan Season 8 featuring Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol. Karan Deol playfully teased his father about his love for teddy bears. The amusing incident unfolded when a visitor mistook Sunny's extensive teddy bear collection for someone else's. Ranveer Singh's First Meeting with Deepika Padukone: On Koffee With Karan Season 8, Ranveer Singh reminisced about his first encounter with Deepika Padukone. Describing the moment, he narrated the script reading for a movie at Sanjay Leela Bhansali's residence. Deepika's entrance, with the sea breeze tousling her hair, left Ranveer awestruck. Also Read: Must-Read! THESE are the two highest-paid actors on Indian TV right now! Read to Find Out! Alia Bhatt on Ranbir Kapoor's Fatherhood: In a conversation with Vogue India, Alia Bhatt opened up about Ranbir Kapoor's transformation as a father. She described him as a hands-on dad, sensitive and devoted. Alia shared that holding their daughter Raha is a challenge because Ranbir is deeply involved in parenting, creating special moments like window-sitting sessions. Kiara Advani on Privacy with Sidharth Malhotra: Kiara Advani explained the decision to keep her personal life private with her husband Sidharth Malhotra. In an interview with Femina, she emphasized the importance of protecting their relationship and maintaining focus on their individual careers before tying the knot. Katrina Kaif Reveals Vicky Kaushal's Singing Habit: Katrina Kaif shared a charming detail about her husband Vicky Kaushal during an interview with Pinkvilla. She disclosed that Vicky often sings her to sleep when she finds it difficult to rest. His passion for singing and the joy he experiences while dancing were highlighted by Katrina. Priyanka Chopra on Bollywood Feud: During an appearance on the podcast Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, Priyanka Chopra discussed her decision to explore opportunities in the US. She cited industry politics and feeling cornered in Bollywood as factors prompting her to take a break. Priyanka expressed her discomfort with the political dynamics in the industry. As we bid adieu to 2023, these revelations offer a glimpse into the personal and intriguing lives of Bollywood's brightest stars. Stay tuned to Tellychakkar.com for more entertainment updates. Credit: Pinkvilla
https://www.tellychakkar.com/movie/movie-news/must-read-2023-bollywood-revelations-alia-bhatts-lipstick-secret-sunny-deols-teddy
2024-01-01T05:10:19Z
John Jones, a 56-year-old resident of Block 22 Squatting Area, Wismar, Linden, was fatally chopped on Saturday afternoon during a confrontation with his two brothers-in-law, both of whom were also injured. The incident occurred at about 16:00 hrs at Jones’ residence. The two suspects, a 43-year-old Labourer and a 53-year-old Driver – both of Prosville, Wismar, are the brothers of the Jones’ wife (Tracy). According to Police reports, Jones and the suspects never really had any prior problems. It was reported that on Saturday, Jones and his wife were having a misunderstanding, which resulted in an argument. As such, the woman called her brothers (the two suspects) to come and take her along with their three children away from the home. When the two suspects arrived, they entered the yard where Jones was waiting with two cutlasses in his hands. He immediately attacked the two suspects. He dealt one of the suspects a chop to the back of his head and dealt the other suspect a chop to the right side of his face. A scuffle then ensued between Jones and the suspects, one of whom relieved him of a cutlass and dealt Jones several chops on his body. Upon seeing what was taking place, the wife and three children ran away. One of the suspects went to the Wismar Police Station, where he reported the matter. He was subsequently escorted to the Linden Hospital Complex, where he is currently receiving medical attention. The other suspect entered a taxi and went to the Linden Hospital complex, where he was seen by a doctor and admitted as a patient, with his condition being listed as serious. The lifeless body of John Jones was found lying at the back of his yard, with several chop wounds about his body. He was clothed in blue three-quarter pants and a black vest. The scene was photographed and processed. His body was subsequently escorted to the Linden Hospital Complex where he was pronounced dead by a doctor. The body is at the G. Jetsco Funeral home awaiting a post-mortem examination, which is scheduled for Wednesday, January 3, 2024.
https://guyanainquirer.com/linden-man-chopped-to-death/
2024-01-01T05:10:19Z
Attack on state forces is a national security threat: Manipur CM N Biren Singh Attack on state forces is a national security threat: Manipur CM N Biren Singh Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has expressed concern over the attacks on state forces and said that a delegation will soon go to Delhi to meet central leaders and apprise them of the situation. Singh's statement came in the wake of five state police commandos injured in an attack at the border town of Moreh in Tengnoupal district on Saturday. They have been airlifted to Imphal and admitted to hospital. Taking to X, Singh said "The unprecedented attacks against the state forces in the recent times have become a serious national security threat. While the state and central security forces are actively engaged in maintaining control over the situation, it is also imperative for the combined security forces to adopt a robust and comprehensive approach to deal with these elements, who are relentlessly attempting to destabilise the state of Manipur." - The unprecedented attacks against the state forces in the recent times have become a serious national security threat. While the state and central security forces are actively engaged in maintaining control over the situation, it is also imperative for the combined security… pic.twitter.com/b2y1sZEJ6u — N.Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) December 31, 2023 The CM held a meeting with BJP state president A Sharda Devi, ministers, MLAs and party leaders on Sunday and discussed the situation with them. Singh said a delegation will also be going to Delhi soon to meet the central leaders to apprise them about the situation in Manipur. "Joined a high-level meeting of @BJP4Manipur in presence of Smt @AShardaDevi Ji, President BJP Manipur Pradesh, Hon’ble Ministers, Hon’ble MLAs and party karyakarta to deliberate on a stringent approach to deal with elements who are hell bent on destabilising Manipur. A delegation will also be going to Delhi soon to meet the central leaders in this regard," he said on X. Read More - 'Stop violence': Biren Singh's Christmas message to people; Manipur CM admits clashes resulted in 10-20 per cent tourism revenue drop - New chapter of peace, normalcy begins in Manipur: CM on pact with UNLF - Manipur govt in talks with Imphal Valley-based insurgent group, peace accord to be signed soon: CM
https://www.etvbharat.com/english/bharat/attack-on-state-forces-is-a-national-security-threat-manipur-cm-n-biren-singh/na20240101101126242242534
2024-01-01T05:10:19Z
Retired Cook County officer inducted into Torch Run Hall of Fame CHICAGO - A retired Cook County Sheriff's Officer is going above and beyond his role of protecting and serving. James Meier was just inducted into a Hall of Fame for his volunteer work and it's no ordinary task. If you know Meier, you know to expect the unexpected. "My wife says, 'you're always walking around like a billboard.' I've got something that says Special Olympics on it," he said. His love for the organization began in 1988 and it's burned strong for 35 years. From polar plunges to plane pulls, even camping out on a billboard for days – a stunt that attracted the likes of Julia Roberts – Meier has pulled out all the stops to raise money for the Special Olympics. "I saw the benefits of what we were doing by the athletes and it just took over me," he said. He is only the fifth Illinois police officer inducted into the Law Enforcement Torch Run Hall of Fame. A fundraising campaign started in 1981 and carried on by officers around the country. To date, the torch run has raised $1 billion for Special Olympics. Tinley Park Sergeant Bill Devine is the father of an athlete and is a fan of the program. "The opportunity they provide for our athletes to build their self-esteem, build their confidence, build their identities and their personalities to have that outlet for them and that platform – it's amazing, it's truly amazing," Devine said. He's continuously impressed by Meier's passion to recruit new officers to the cause. "To have him, as the father of an athlete, continuing to pass that knowledge down – it means the world to me," Devine said. "Their tenacity to win or participate is the same level of anybody else," Meier said. "After all these years, it's still an emotional high for me." It's a new badge of honor to accompany a long career in law enforcement.
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/retired-cook-county-officer-inducted-into-torch-run-hall-of-fame
2024-01-01T05:10:20Z
amount-spellout.10000 Singapore dollars to Saudi riyals Convert SGD to SAR at the real exchange rate Loading Compare prices for sending money abroad Leading competitors have a dirty little secret. They add hidden markups to their exchange rates - charging you more without your knowledge. And if they have a fee, they charge you twice. Wise never hides fees in the exchange rate. We give you the real rate. Compare our rate and fee with our competitors and see the difference for yourself. Top currencies Beware of bad exchange rates.Banks and traditional providers often have extra costs, which they pass to you by marking up the exchange rate. Our smart tech means we’re more efficient – which means you get a great rate. Every time. How to convert Singapore dollars to Saudi riyals - 1 Input your amount Simply type in the box how much you want to convert. - 2 Choose your currencies Click on the dropdown to select SGD in the first dropdown as the currency that you want to convert and SAR in the second drop down as the currency you want to convert to. - 3 That’s it Our currency converter will show you the current SGD to SAR rate and how it’s changed over the past day, week or month. Top currency pairings for Singapore dollars Change Converter source currency - Australian Dollar - Brazilian Real - British Pound Sterling - Bulgarian Lev - Canadian Dollar - Chinese Yuan RMB - Czech Republic Koruna - Danish Krone - Euro - Hong Kong Dollar - Hungarian Forint - Indian Rupee - Indonesian Rupiah - Israeli New Sheqel - Japanese Yen - Malaysian Ringgit - New Zealand Dollar - Norwegian Krone - Polish Zloty - Romanian Leu - Singapore Dollar - Swedish Krona - Swiss Franc - Turkish Lira - US Dollar Are you overpaying your bank? Banks often advertise free or low-cost transfers, but add a hidden markup to the exchange rate. Wise gives you the real, mid-market, exchange rate, so you can make huge savings on your international money transfers. Download Our Currency Converter App Features our users love:- Free and ad-free. - Track live exchange rates. - Compare the best money transfer providers.
https://wise.com/in/currency-converter/sgd-to-sar-rate?amount=10000
2024-01-01T05:10:21Z
14:15, 26 January 2019 | GMT +6 Air India plane made emergency landing at Astana Airport ASTANA. KAZINFORM A plane belonging to Air India made an emergency landing at the Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport on Saturday at 07:30am, Kazinform reports. As the airport's press service informs, a pilot of Boeing 777 flying en route Delhi-Chicago asked for emergency landing because of ill health of a passenger (woman). "The woman accompanied by two relatives was taken to the Municipal Hospital No.2. She suffers from asthma," a press release reads. 341 passengers and 19 crew members were onboard the aircraft. The plane departed from Astana to Chicago at 12:03pm.
https://en.inform.kz/news/air-india-plane-made-emergency-landing-at-astana-airport_a3492000/
2024-01-01T05:10:21Z
Texas vs. Washington preview: Predictions, odds, how to watch Sugar Bowl 2024 The No. 3 Texas Longhorns and the No. 2 Washington Huskies are set to compete in the College Football Playoff Semifinal game at the Allstate Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Longhorns and Huskies are just one game away from getting a chance to play for the title in the College Football Playoff National Championship game. The Texas Longhorns secured the third College Football Playoff berth after winning the Big 12 championship title and Alabama defeating Georgia in the SEC title game, creating the perfect storm for Texas to make its first-ever CFP appearance. Texas' last national championship run was 14 seasons ago, in 2009, when the Longhorns played against Alabama and lost 37-21 in the title game. The Longhorns have been led by quarterback Quinn Ewers, who has an impressive record of 70.7% completion rate, 3,161 yards, 21 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Following backup quarterback Maalik Murphy's transfer to Duke, Arch Manning has been moved as Ewers' backup in the Sugar Bowl. Arch, the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, grew up in New Orleans and may have the chance to play in front of a hometown crowd. In his second year as head coach of the Huskies, Kalen DeBoer has led the team to an undefeated 13-0 season. As a result, DeBoer has been named the Associated Press Coach of the Year. The team's star quarterback, Michael Penix Jr., was a Heisman Trophy finalist thanks to his impressive performance during the 2023 season. Penix Jr. recorded 4,218 yards, 33 touchdowns, and only nine interceptions and will lead the Huskies against the Longhorns in the Sugar Bowl. College Football Playoff ticket prices: Cost to see Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl highest in years 2024 Sugar Bowl: No. 3 Texas Longhorns vs. No. 2 Washington Huskies predictions BetMGM: Texas will win Staff writes: "Based on recent trends, the winning team model predicts Texas will win this bowl game with 64.4% confidence." ESPN: Texas has a 68% chance to win According to the ESPN Matchup Predictor, the Texas Longhorns have a 68.6% chance of beating the Washington Huskies in the 2024 Allstate Sugar Bowl. Bleacher Report: Washington 33, Texas 30 Staff writes: "Washington's ability to win close games could be the X-factor if the Sugar Bowl is decided in the fourth quarter. Penix's leadership and big-play ability in those moments got Washington to 13-0, and those qualities could show up again in New Orleans. Both offenses possess a ton of pass-catching talent, so expect a few high totals out of Odunze, Mitchell and Worthy. Each team is equipped to win a high-scoring game, and if Penix has the ball in his hands late in the fourth quarter, the Huskies should emerge victorious and with a spot in the CFB Playoff National Championship." Fox Sports: Pick Washington Staff writes: "There’s an incredible collection of skill position talent on hand down in New Orleans, plus the added storyline of Steve Sarkisian facing his former program. Both the Huskies and Longhorns played each other in a bowl last year and, even with some new faces, that could inform who has the upper hand when it comes to winning this one and advancing to Houston." College Football: Why this College Football Playoff shapes up as the most unpredictable ever 2024 Sugar Bowl: No. 3 Texas Longhorns vs. No. 2 Washington Huskies odds, betting lines The Texas Longhorns are favorites to defeat the Washington Huskies, according to the BetMGM NCAA odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NCAA betting promos in 2023 Spread: Texas (-3.5) Moneyline: Texas (-175); Washington (+145) Over/under: 63.5 College Football: What an expanded 12-team College Football Playoff would have looked like this season We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage. Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sugar Bowl 2024: Texas vs. Washington predictions, odds, news
https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/texas-vs-washington-preview-predictions-050014673.html
2024-01-01T05:10:22Z
Toddler assaulted by mother and friend in Kerala's Alappuzha A one-and-a-half-year-old child has suffered severe injuries after he was allegedly beaten up by his mother and her male friend in this coastal district, police said here on Sunday.The child, who suffered a fracture in one of his arms, has been admitted to the Government Medical College Hospital, they said, adding that he also has bruises all over his body from being caned.The incident was reported from the Kuthiyathodu police station limit on Sunday.After beating up the child, the mothers friend handed him over at his fathers house. - Country: - India A one-and-a-half-year-old child has suffered severe injuries after he was allegedly beaten up by his mother and her male friend in this coastal district, police said here on Sunday. The child, who suffered a fracture in one of his arms, has been admitted to the Government Medical College Hospital, they said, adding that he also has bruises all over his body from being caned. The incident was reported from the Kuthiyathodu police station limit on Sunday. After beating up the child, the mother's friend handed him over at his father's house. The child's parents are separated. Based on a complaint, the police have registered a case against both the mother and her friend under relevant sections of the IPC and Juvenile Justice Act, police added. Their arrests have not been reported so far, they said. (This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) - READ MORE ON: - Kuthiyathodu - Juvenile Justice
https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/2762525-toddler-assaulted-by-mother-and-friend-in-keralas-alappuzha
2024-01-01T05:10:22Z
State auditor details where welfare scandal investigation stands now MOSELLE, Miss. (WDAM) - Mississippi State Auditor Shad White revealed the hard truth he has to tell the people who could have benefited from the millions of dollars stolen in the state’s largest welfare scandal. “It’s never coming back,” White said. “It’s gone. There is no way to bring it back.” Four years ago, White’s office launched the investigation into what would become the state’s largest public corruption scandal in its history. White said it’s been reported that $77 million of TANF, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, was misspent. White said that number is much larger. “I would say that the most conservative estimate is that it was $77 million, White said. “If you look at all of the pools of money that were likely misspent, it’s more like $100 million. Really. “That’s why we say this is the largest public fraud scheme in the history of the state.” White said if his office wouldn’t have acted quickly with the district attorney in Hinds County four years ago that number would have been higher. He said Nancy New and Zach New’s nonprofit, The Mississippi Community Education Center, was about to get another $8 million in December 2019. “That’s the nonprofit that was pulling down all this welfare money and then spending it fraudulently,” White said. “Now, the head of DHS (Mississippi Department of Human Services) back then, that’s John Davis, “Nancy New and Zach New, all three of those folks, have pleaded guilty to charges.” White said the News and Davis are three of the six people who have entered guilty pleas and are subject to prison sentences. He said there are about 30 other people who face civil suits in order to get the misspent money back. White said the state has gotten money back from one person. “The state has primarily recouped money from Brett Favre,” White said. “About $1.1 million went to Favre Enterprises. So, really, that $1.1. million dollars, that’s the biggest chunk of money that the state has recouped “For the other $99 million dollars of TANF funds that’s still out there, the state is going try to have to get back through litigation.” Favre is just one of the well-known names that surfaced in the welfare scandal. This year, former Governor Phil Bryant found his name in the mix. Neither ,Favre nor Bryant currently face criminal charges. White said what happens next is not up to him. “The call about anybody else, regardless of who we are talking, the call about whether to indict anybody else is going to be on federal prosecutors,” White said. Another name mentioned in the scandal is an institution, The University of Southern Mississippi. When asked if he thought USM would be on the hook for any money, White said that’s in the hands of the state. “Five million dollars of this welfare money went to pay for this very, very fancy volleyball court,” White said. “It should have gone to poor folks. Folks were saying at the time, ‘Well, if we build this volleyball court it will be used by the at-risk community here in Hattiesburg.’” White said his office did some digging and realized it was never used for poor folks in Hattiesburg. “Bottom line is that money was spent in a way that is not allowed under TANF rules,” White said. “Really, it’s going to be up to state’s attorneys and the judges to figure out how do we get that money back in the door, and who has to pay for it.” White said his work now is to make sure corruption of this magnitude never happens again. “The Department of Human Services, which handles all of the TANF money, they really revitalized an internal fraud investigation unit,” White said. “So, that’s an internal group of employees over there who are suppose to help root out fraud before it gets too big. “What we did in the auditor’s office is said, ’That’s great! That’s a new protective measure for the taxpayers,’” White said. “But, oh, by the way, any time that unit discovers fraud, they are legally required to report it to my office and the attorney general’s office.” As for what happens next with the investigation, White said it has two sides: The criminal side is up to federal prosecutors now. On the civil side, the state is suing multiple people to get as much of the welfare money back as possible, which White said could take years. White added the six who have pleaded guilty have not started serving time yet. White explained judges and prosecutors do this so the individuals can cooperate with prosecutors and give them more information. Want more WDAM 7 news in your inbox? Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. Copyright 2023 WDAM. All rights reserved.
https://www.wdam.com/2024/01/01/state-auditor-details-where-welfare-scandal-investigation-stands-now/
2024-01-01T05:10:23Z
Disappointed reggae and roots musician, Blakk Rasta has once again expressed his displeasure disapproval of Afua Asantewaa’s singathon attempt in a video shared on Ghpage.com. According to the ‘Barrack Obama’ hitmaker, he believes Ghanaians are a bunch of wicked souls for celebrating Afua’s record attempt without considering the potential risks to her health and life. He used scientific evidence to back his claims stating that depriving yourself of sleep is one of the fastest killers. RELATED STORY: Afua Asantewaa refused to bath for 5 days just because of a useless record – Blakk Rasta scolds (VIDEO) Therefore, he finds it illogical for Afua to go days without sleeping for a record that lacks significant value. Blakk Rasta is chastised the mother of 3 for being a bad example in relationship to hygiene as she eluded herself of proper hygiene during her 5 days Singathon stint. Watch the video below
https://www.ghpage.com/i-dont-see-the-importance-of-afua-asantewaas-singathon-blakk-rasta-rants-again/301158/
2024-01-01T05:10:23Z
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240101/hidden-in-pixels-checking-satellite-images-scientist-uncover-a-world-buried-in-time-1115917394.html Hidden in Pixels: Checking Satellite Images, Scientist Uncover a World Buried in Time Hidden in Pixels: Checking Satellite Images, Scientist Uncover a World Buried in Time The formations in Atacama's lagoons mirrored ancient rock structures. Measuring around 4 meters across and several meters high, they flaunted shades from brown to green, each shade pointing to a unique microbe community. 2024-01-01T04:07+0000 2024-01-01T04:07+0000 2024-01-01T04:07+0000 beyond politics science & tech brian hynek society newsfeed argentina world earth /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/102941/78/1029417877_0:54:1024:630_1920x0_80_0_0_10a7487c8d3ec37c38376e6a3005c33a.jpg In Argentina's Puna de Atacama desert, satellite imagery captured by CU Boulder geologist Brian Hynek revealed intriguing green and blue formations amidst the vast grey expanse of salt and sand plains.The Puna de Atacama, perched over 3,000 meters above sea level and encircled by the towering peaks of the Andean Mountain Range, ranks among the world's driest regions. It is a land where rain is a rare occurrence, and the blazing sun makes life challenging. The peculiar spots Hynek noticed were not likely to be plant life or artificial constructs.Joining forces with Maria Farías, an expert microbiologist from PUNA.BIO Environmental Consulting, Hynek, set out to unravel this mystery.After an arduous journey through rugged terrain, they stumbled upon twelve lagoons. Surprisingly, these lagoons housed a distinctive microbial community that constructed impressive rock structures within their depths.Drawing parallels with stromatolites, ancient microbial formations dating back over 3.5 billion years, Hynek speculated that these lagoons might showcase some of Earth's earliest life forms.Describing their significance, Hynek, who holds positions in the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) and the Department of Geological Sciences, told media: “This lagoon could be one of the best modern examples of the earliest signs of life on Earth. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen or, really, like anything any scientist has ever seen.”Stromatolites, characterized by microbial layers embedded in rock, are still found today, albeit on a smaller scale. The ancient varieties, reaching heights of up to six meters, actively absorbed minerals from their surroundings, creating distinctive mineral deposits.The rock structures in Atacama's lagoons echoed the characteristics of these ancient formations. Spanning approximately four meters in width and several meters in height, they displayed vibrant hues ranging from brown to pink to green. Each color signifies a unique ancient microbial community: brown for anaerobic species, pink for salt-tolerant organisms, and green for photosynthetic cyanobacteria that formed the stromatolite exteriors — layered sedimentary formations.The lagoons' existence in such a challenging environment puzzled researchers. Hynek proposed that these waters might only sustain specific microscopic life with their unique saltiness and acidity combined with intense solar radiation.After sharing their ground-breaking observations at the AGU annual meeting, Hynek and Farías are eager to return to the lagoons.However, there is a pressing concern. A private company has obtained rights to the region, intending to extract lithium and other rare elements from the lagoons.Expressing his concerns, Hynek remarked: “This entire, unique ecosystem could be gone in a matter of years. We’re hoping that we can protect some of these sites, or at least detail what’s there before it’s gone or disturbed forever.” https://sputnikglobe.com/20230224/mystery-dna-of-organisms-unknown-to-science-found-in-chiles-atacama-desert--1107771827.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230724/atacamas-altiplano-sets-incredible-solar-irradiance-world-record-1112107967.html argentina world earth Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA „Rosiya Segodnya“ 2024 Chimauchem Nwosu https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/01/1113046371_0:99:1536:1635_100x100_80_0_0_9c5c627283eca931c39fe4852bbb301c.jpg Chimauchem Nwosu https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/01/1113046371_0:99:1536:1635_100x100_80_0_0_9c5c627283eca931c39fe4852bbb301c.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA „Rosiya Segodnya“ https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/102941/78/1029417877_37:0:946:682_1920x0_80_0_0_19f657d4a8a5c12dc83d3266b229925c.jpgSputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA „Rosiya Segodnya“ Chimauchem Nwosu https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/01/1113046371_0:99:1536:1635_100x100_80_0_0_9c5c627283eca931c39fe4852bbb301c.jpg atacama, lagoon rock formations, ancient relics, microbial types, atacama's lagoons, microbial communities, atacama's rocks, distinct microbes, age-old formations, diverse microbial groups. atacama, lagoon rock formations, ancient relics, microbial types, atacama's lagoons, microbial communities, atacama's rocks, distinct microbes, age-old formations, diverse microbial groups. Hidden in Pixels: Checking Satellite Images, Scientist Uncover a World Buried in Time The formations in Atacama's lagoons mirrored ancient rock structures. Measuring around 4 meters across and several meters high, they flaunted shades from brown to green, each shade pointing to a unique microbe community. In Argentina's Puna de Atacama desert, satellite imagery captured by CU Boulder geologist Brian Hynek revealed intriguing green and blue formations amidst the vast grey expanse of salt and sand plains. The Puna de Atacama, perched over 3,000 meters above sea level and encircled by the towering peaks of the Andean Mountain Range, ranks among the world's driest regions. It is a land where rain is a rare occurrence, and the blazing sun makes life challenging. The peculiar spots Hynek noticed were not likely to be plant life or artificial constructs. Joining forces with Maria Farías, an expert microbiologist from PUNA.BIO Environmental Consulting, Hynek, set out to unravel this mystery. 24 February 2023, 14:38 GMT After an arduous journey through rugged terrain, they stumbled upon twelve lagoons. Surprisingly, these lagoons housed a distinctive microbial community that constructed impressive rock structures within their depths. Drawing parallels with stromatolites, ancient microbial formations dating back over 3.5 billion years, Hynek speculated that these lagoons might showcase some of Earth's earliest life forms. Describing their significance, Hynek, who holds positions in the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) and the Department of Geological Sciences, told media: “This lagoon could be one of the best modern examples of the earliest signs of life on Earth. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen or, really, like anything any scientist has ever seen.” Stromatolites, characterized by microbial layers embedded in rock, are still found today, albeit on a smaller scale. The ancient varieties, reaching heights of up to six meters, actively absorbed minerals from their surroundings, creating distinctive mineral deposits. The rock structures in Atacama's lagoons echoed the characteristics of these ancient formations. Spanning approximately four meters in width and several meters in height, they displayed vibrant hues ranging from brown to pink to green. Each color signifies a unique ancient microbial community: brown for anaerobic species, pink for salt-tolerant organisms, and green for photosynthetic cyanobacteria that formed the stromatolite exteriors — layered sedimentary formations. The lagoons' existence in such a challenging environment puzzled researchers. Hynek proposed that these waters might only sustain specific microscopic life with their unique saltiness and acidity combined with intense solar radiation. After sharing their ground-breaking observations at the AGU annual meeting, Hynek and Farías are eager to return to the lagoons. However, there is a pressing concern. A private company has obtained rights to the region, intending to extract lithium and other rare elements from the lagoons. Expressing his concerns, Hynek remarked: “This entire, unique ecosystem could be gone in a matter of years. We’re hoping that we can protect some of these sites, or at least detail what’s there before it’s gone or disturbed forever.”
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240101/hidden-in-pixels-checking-satellite-images-scientist-uncover-a-world-buried-in-time-1115917394.html
2024-01-01T05:10:23Z
Colorado mom wanted for killing 2 of her children arrested in United Kingdom COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV/Gray News) - A mother wanted in connection with the deaths of two of her children has been arrested in the United Kingdom, according to police. Colorado Springs Police say Kimberlee Singler was taken into custody without incident. On December 19, just after midnight, police responded to a call about a burglary in the 5300 block of Palomino Ranch Point. When police arrived, they found two children, a 9-year-old girl and a 7-year-old boy, dead inside the residence. Singler and an 11-year-old girl were found with injuries and taken to a local hospital. All three children are Singler’s children. As the investigation continued, a warrant for Singler’s arrest was issued on December 26. The arrest warrant included charges of murder in the first degree, child abuse, and assault. A $10,000,000 bond was set by the court. Copyright 2023 KKTV via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
https://www.foxcarolina.com/2024/01/01/colorado-mom-wanted-killing-2-her-children-arrested-united-kingdom/
2024-01-01T05:10:23Z
20 Singapore dollars to Saudi riyals Convert SGD to SAR at the real exchange rate Loading Compare prices for sending money abroad Leading competitors have a dirty little secret. They add hidden markups to their exchange rates - charging you more without your knowledge. And if they have a fee, they charge you twice. Wise never hides fees in the exchange rate. We give you the real rate. Compare our rate and fee with our competitors and see the difference for yourself. Top currencies Beware of bad exchange rates.Banks and traditional providers often have extra costs, which they pass to you by marking up the exchange rate. Our smart tech means we’re more efficient – which means you get a great rate. Every time. How to convert Singapore dollars to Saudi riyals - 1 Input your amount Simply type in the box how much you want to convert. - 2 Choose your currencies Click on the dropdown to select SGD in the first dropdown as the currency that you want to convert and SAR in the second drop down as the currency you want to convert to. - 3 That’s it Our currency converter will show you the current SGD to SAR rate and how it’s changed over the past day, week or month. Top currency pairings for Singapore dollars Change Converter source currency - Australian Dollar - Brazilian Real - British Pound Sterling - Bulgarian Lev - Canadian Dollar - Chinese Yuan RMB - Czech Republic Koruna - Danish Krone - Euro - Hong Kong Dollar - Hungarian Forint - Indian Rupee - Indonesian Rupiah - Israeli New Sheqel - Japanese Yen - Malaysian Ringgit - New Zealand Dollar - Norwegian Krone - Polish Zloty - Romanian Leu - Singapore Dollar - Swedish Krona - Swiss Franc - Turkish Lira - US Dollar Are you overpaying your bank? Banks often advertise free or low-cost transfers, but add a hidden markup to the exchange rate. Wise gives you the real, mid-market, exchange rate, so you can make huge savings on your international money transfers. Download Our Currency Converter App Features our users love:- Free and ad-free. - Track live exchange rates. - Compare the best money transfer providers.
https://wise.com/in/currency-converter/sgd-to-sar-rate?amount=20
2024-01-01T05:10:23Z