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JOHN MACLEOD: When it comes to modern art, I'm with Miss Jean Brodie: 'For those who like that sort of thing, that is the sort of thing they like'
Winston's performance in snowy win over Steelers adds new layer to Browns' quarterback conundrumBIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Noah Feddersen had 17 points in North Dakota State's 73-61 victory against West Georgia on Wednesday night. Feddersen added nine rebounds for the Bison (4-4). Masen Miller added 15 points while finishing 5 of 9 from 3-point range while he also had six rebounds. Brennan Watkins had 14 points and shot 4 for 5 (3 for 4 from 3-point range) and 3 of 3 from the free-throw line. The Wolves (0-8) were led by Shelton Williams-Dryden, who posted 19 points, eight rebounds and two steals. Tauris Watson added 14 points for West Georgia. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Athabasca Oil Announces 2025 Budget Focused on Cash Flow Per Share Growth and Directing 100% of Free Cash Flow to Shareholder Returns
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Noah Feddersen had 17 points in North Dakota State's 73-61 victory against West Georgia on Wednesday night. Feddersen added nine rebounds for the Bison (4-4). Masen Miller added 15 points while finishing 5 of 9 from 3-point range while he also had six rebounds. Brennan Watkins had 14 points and shot 4 for 5 (3 for 4 from 3-point range) and 3 of 3 from the free-throw line. The Wolves (0-8) were led by Shelton Williams-Dryden, who posted 19 points, eight rebounds and two steals. Tauris Watson added 14 points for West Georgia. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Boston College holds on down stretch to top Fairleigh DickinsonThis Morning star Alison Hammond makes surprise admission about weight loss jab Ozempic
China sanctioned seven companies on Friday in response to the U.S. recently announcing new military sales and aid to Taiwan. The seven companies being sanctioned are Insitu Inc., Hudson Technologies Co., Saronic Technologies, Inc., Oceaneering International Inc., Raytheon Canada, Raytheon Australia and Aerkomm Inc., according to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The sanctions were issued in retaliation to the Biden-Harris administration’s approval of up to $571 million in defense support for Taiwan on Dec. 20. The Defense Department also announced on Dec. 20 the approval of two military sales totaling $295 million. Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry said on Dec. 21 that they welcomed the military sales in a post on X, adding that the U.S. is “reaffirming its commitment to our defense in line with the #TaiwanRelationsAct & # SixAssurances .” (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images) On Sunday, China protested the military sales and assistance to Taiwan, saying that the U.S. is “playing with fire,” the Associated Press reported . China has a long-standing pledge to achieve “ reunification ” with Taiwan. (RELATED: ‘Do I Care If Panama Is Angry?’: Scott Jennings On Concerns Over Trump’s Threats To Take Back Panama Canal) The U.S. has been engaged in escalating trade tensions with Beijing. A probe was also launched by the U.S. into China’s semiconductor industry on Monday, accusing the nation of seeking “to dominate domestic and global markets.” After the U.S. announced on Dec. 2 a package of restrictions designed to reduce China’s capability to produce advanced semiconductors, China swiftly retaliated against the new set of rules by announcing an export ban on certain minerals and materials critical to producing items such as semiconductors and batteries. All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org .By AAMER MADHANI, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — A top White House official on Wednesday said at least eight U.S. telecom firms and dozens of nations have been impacted by a Chinese hacking campaign. Deputy national security adviser Anne Neuberger offered new details about the breadth of the sprawling Chinese hacking campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. Neuberger divulged the scope of the hack a day after the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued guidance intended to help root out the hackers and prevent similar cyberespionage in the future. White House officials cautioned that a number of telecommunication firms and countries impacted could still grow. The U.S. believes that the hackers were able to gain access to communications of senior U.S. government officials and prominent political figures through the hack, Neuberger said. “We don’t believe any classified communications has been compromised,” Neuberger added during a call with reporters. She added that Biden has been briefed on the findings and that the White House “has made it a priority for the federal government to do everything it can to get to the bottom this.” The Chinese embassy in Washington on Tuesday rejected the accusations that it was responsible for the hack after the U.S. federal authorities issued new guidance. “The U.S. needs to stop its own cyberattacks against other countries and refrain from using cyber security to smear and slander China,” embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said. The embassy did not immediately respond to messages on Wednesday. Associated Press writer David Klepper contributed reporting.WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking decisive action to transform the agriculture industry and combat rising fertilizer costs that have plagued farmers and driven up food prices. Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a sweeping $116 million investment through the Fertilizer Production Expansion Program (FPEP), targeting production facilities in nine states. The goal? To slash costs for American farmers, promote competition, create jobs, and, ultimately, lower food prices for consumers nationwide. “When we invest in domestic supply chains, we drive down input costs and increase options for farmers,” said Secretary Vilsack. “Through these investments to make more fertilizer, USDA is bringing jobs back to the United States, lowering costs for families, and supporting farmer income.” This significant funding boost will finance the expansion of eight facilities, fostering innovation in fertilizer production across states like California, Kansas, Georgia, and more. It’s a sharp response to surging fertilizer prices that more than doubled between 2021 and 2022, driven by market instability and global conflict, including the war in Ukraine. The rising costs of fertilizer have been a constant pain point for the agriculture sector. For decades, American farmers have relied heavily on international suppliers, leaving them vulnerable to volatile market conditions. This dependence has hit home at both the farm and the grocery store, where consumers face mounting food prices. Enter FPEP—a groundbreaking initiative funded by the Commodity Credit Corporation. By promoting domestic fertilizer production, this program tackles several critical issues at once. It shields farmers from unpredictable global markets, creates job opportunities in rural communities, and incentivizes sustainable and climate-smart practices. The stakes are high, but so is the potential for a seismic shift in how America produces fertilizer. Since its inception, FPEP has delivered $517 million in funding across 34 states and Puerto Rico, with today’s announcement extending its reach even further. These efforts are expected to increase U.S. fertilizer production by a staggering 11.8 million tons annually, while also generating over 1,300 jobs—many of them in rural communities often overlooked in economic discussions. The newly announced investments include cutting-edge initiatives designed to modernize and revolutionize fertilizer production. Among the highlights: Biofiltro USA Inc. in California will receive $2.3 million to construct a state-of-the-art composting facility in Kingsburg. Leveraging innovative vermifiltering techniques, the facility will process dairy cow manure into 33,000 cubic yards of composted fertilizer alternatives annually, benefiting local farmers and advancing sustainability in agriculture. Reve Solutions Inc. in Georgia will use $1.3 million to expand biosolid fertilizer production at two facilities, boosting their output by 30,000 tons per year and generating new jobs. Farmers Cooperative Association in Kansas is set to receive $2.3 million to enhance storage and processing at an existing dry fertilizer facility. With expanded capacity and dust suppression innovations, the plant will now produce 24,500 tons of dry fertilizer annually, streamlining operations and reducing runoff. These projects underscore a broader commitment to climate-smart agriculture, marrying economic growth with environmental stewardship. Each facility not only helps farmers access more affordable supplies but also embraces sustainable methods to protect resources for generations to come. This initiative isn’t just about the agriculture industry—it’s about the health of the entire economy. Fertilizer costs ripple far beyond the farm, driving up production expenses for everything from corn to cattle feed. These higher costs trickle down to consumers in the form of steeper grocery bills. By breaking the stranglehold of international suppliers and reinvesting in American production, the Biden Administration aims to restore fairness to the market. This means more competition, stabilized prices, and new opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses to thrive in an industry previously dominated by a handful of global giants. But the impact goes beyond price tags. These investments reflect a larger commitment to rural revitalization. Modernized facilities mean more local jobs, higher farmer income, and thriving rural economies—all critical components of the Administration’s larger Investing in America agenda. FPEP was born out of necessity, responding directly to the fertilizer price spike of 2021-2022. Global factors like supply chain bottlenecks and geopolitical conflict revealed just how vulnerable the U.S. was to dependence on international suppliers. The $900 million commitment to FPEP underscores a long-term strategy to insulate American agriculture from such volatilities. It’s a proactive move for an industry that feeds the nation and sustains countless rural communities. This isn’t just about solving today’s problems—it’s about laying the foundation for a more resilient and sustainable future. By incorporating climate-smart innovations and investing in advanced production technologies, FPEP sets the stage for long-term agricultural stability. As Secretary Vilsack emphasized, this initiative is key to “supporting farmer income, increasing competition, and ensuring a stable supply chain.” At its core, the Fertilizer Production Expansion Program is about more than fertilizer—it’s about rethinking what a balanced, secure, and sustainable food system can look like. The results? Lower costs, more jobs, and a stronger economy fueled by innovation. For farmers, consumers, and entire rural communities, this could mark the beginning of a much-needed transformation. For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN .
Feddersen's 17 help North Dakota State defeat West Georgia 73-61
Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rulesNone
OTTAWA — Peter Anholt tried to keep things light as he emerged from one of the elevators at Canada's hotel. The temperature had been turned way up on the veteran hockey executive and the country's under-20 program after a stunning upset some 12 hours earlier. "You only want to talk to me when things are bad, eh?" Anholt joked to reporters Saturday morning. "Is that how this works?" That is indeed what happens when a powerhouse with a record 20 gold medals expected to roll over an opponent suffers one of its worst all-time defeats at the tournament. Canada was embarrassed on home soil 3-2 by Latvia — a country it had thumped by a combined 41-4 score across four previous meetings — in a shocking shootout Friday. Coming off a disastrous fifth-place finish last year in Sweden and having talked a lot about upping their compete level and preparation, the Canadians looked disjointed for long stretches against the plucky, hard-working Latvians. The power play finally clicked late in the third period, but stands at 1-for-7 through two games, while the top line of Easton Cowan, Calum Ritchie and Bradly Nadeau has yet to translate its pre-tournament chemistry into success in the spotlight. "We're certainly trying to problem solve, but not throw the baby out with the bath water," said Anholt, who heads the world junior setup. "We've got to be really careful." Canada, which picked up a solid 4-0 victory over Finland to open its tournament Thursday, had plenty of offensive zone time and directed 57 shots at Latvian goaltender Linards Feldbergs. Included in that total, however, were far too many one-and-done efforts from the perimeter with little traffic in front. There were, of course, desperate spurts — especially late in regulation and in 3-on-3 overtime — but not nearly enough for a roster peppered with first-round NHL draft picks and top prospects. "We played really, really hard," Anholt said in defending his players. "We controlled the puck lots. We created some chances. Their goalie was really good and they defended really good ... 99 times out of 100 we win that game." Hoping for a big response Sunday against Germany before meeting the United States on New Year's Eve to tie a bow on round-robin action in Group A, Canada will have to push ahead minus one of its best players. Star defenceman Matthew Schaefer was injured Friday and is done for the tournament after he slammed into Latvia's net and skated off favouring his left shoulder area. "Tough blow for the kid," Anholt said. "The way he plays the game, he plays it at such a high speed." Cowan, a Toronto Maple Leafs first-round selection, said Canada remains confident despite Friday's ugly result in the nation's capital. "We're good," said the 19-year-old from Mount Brydges, Ont. "Everyone's lost a hockey game before." But not like that — or to that opponent on that stage. "Bit of a (crappy) feeling," said Nadeau, a Carolina Hurricanes prospect from St-Francois-de-Madawaska, N.B. "We all know what this group is capable of. Losing that game is not our standard. "We'll bounce back." Some corners of social media exploded following the Latvian debacle, with heavy criticism directed at head coach Dave Cameron and the team's overall roster construction. "We're not really worried about it," defenceman and Ottawa native Oliver Book, who like Cowan is back from last year's team, said of the outside noise. "We know we didn't play well." Canada appears poised to mix things up against the Germans. Vancouver Canucks prospect Sawyer Mynio of Kamloops, B.C., is set draw in for Schaefer, while Anholt indicated there's a good chance forward Carson Rehkopf will get his first crack at the 2025 tournament as a returnee. The 19-year-old Seattle Kraken second-round pick from Vaughan, Ont., has scored a combined 78 goals over his last 97 regular-season and playoff games in the Ontario Hockey League. "Great player," Cowan said. "He finds ways." Anholt said taking a big-picture approach is key in challenging moments. "Let's not panic," he said. "The world hasn't fallen in. It's hard, but we'll learn from it." It's something Canada will have to do under intense scrutiny. "People are gonna love you and people are gonna hate you," said Cowan, who has a goal an assist through two games. "Gotta keep doing you." Anholt, who was also at the helm 12 months ago when Canada never got in gear, isn't getting 2024 vibes from this year's group. "Not even in any way, shape or form," he said. "We've just got to take care of business." They get a first shot at redemption Sunday. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 28, 2024. Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press
US President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday nominated Jared Isaacman, a billionaire online payments entrepreneur and the first private astronaut to conduct a spacewalk, as the next head of NASA. The nod raises questions about potential conflicts of interest, given Isaacman's financial ties to SpaceX chief Elon Musk, who is set to co-chair a government efficiency commission and is one of Trump's closest advisors. Isaacman, 41, the founder and CEO of Shift4 Payments, has emerged as a leading figure in commercial spaceflight through his high-profile collaborations with SpaceX. He made history in September by stepping out of a Crew Dragon to gaze at Earth from the void of space while gripping the spacecraft's exterior, during the first-ever spacewalk carried out by non-professional astronauts. "I am delighted to nominate Jared Isaacman, an accomplished business leader, philanthropist, pilot and astronaut, as Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "Jared will drive NASA's mission of discovery and inspiration, paving the way for groundbreaking achievements in Space science, technology, and exploration." The groundbreaking spacewalk was part of the Polaris program, a collaboration between Isaacman and SpaceX that is set to include three missions in total. Financial terms of the partnership remain under wraps but Isaacman reportedly poured $200 million of his own money into leading the 2021 all-civilian SpaceX Inspiration4 orbital mission, his first foray into space. A staunch supporter of SpaceX and Musk, Isaacman frequently praises the company and its vision on social media platform X. "There will inevitably be a thriving space economy -- one that will create opportunities for countless people to live and work in space," Isaacman said in an X post after Trump's announcement. "At NASA, we will passionately pursue these possibilities." Isaacman, a Pennsylvania native, founded the business that became Shift4 Payments from his family's basement at just 16. A skilled aviator, he is qualified to fly military aircraft, has performed at airshows, and set a world record for an around-the-world flight. The nomination comes at a delicate juncture for the storied US space agency, with experts anticipating significant shifts in direction during Trump's second term. The Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon, may face scrutiny as Trump has repeatedly voiced a preference for prioritizing a direct mission to Mars. Also possibly on the chopping block is the massive, NASA-owned Space Launch System (SLS) Moon rocket, which has been criticized for being exorbitantly expensive due to its lack of reusability, in contrast with SpaceX's Starship, which is designed to be reusable but remains a prototype. If Isaacman is confirmed by the Senate, his ties to SpaceX could invite heightened scrutiny of future contracting decisions. NASA currently has agreements with both SpaceX and Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin to develop lunar lander systems -- a dual-source approach Isaacman has criticized, citing budgetary constraints and SpaceX's capabilities. In a recent op-ed for Space News, Peter Juul of the Progressive Policy Institute called upon Congress to require dual-source contracting to "preserve competition in the commercial space industry and preempt any attempt by Musk to entrench SpaceX as a de facto monopoly for commercial space services." Still, as a daring entrepreneur in an era of expanding public-private partnerships in space, Isaacman's appointment has drawn praise in some quarters. "The Planetary Society shares his vision of bold exploration in space, and, should he be confirmed, we look forward to working with him," Casey Dreier, the nonprofit's chief of space policy, told AFP. ia/aha
CALGARY, Alberta, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Athabasca Oil Corporation (TSX: ATH) (“Athabasca” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce its 2025 budget with capital projects that will balance cash flow growth while continuing to deliver a durable return of capital framework that will direct 100% of Free Cash Flow to share buybacks in 2025. Athabasca Oil Corporation is a Canadian energy company with a focused strategy on the development of thermal and light oil assets. Situated in Alberta’s Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin, the Company has amassed a significant land base of extensive, high quality resources. Athabasca’s light oil assets are held in a private subsidiary (Duvernay Energy Corporation) in which Athabasca owns a 70% equity interest. Athabasca’s common shares trade on the TSX under the symbol “ATH”. For more information, visit . This News Release contains forward-looking information that involves various risks, uncertainties and other factors. All information other than statements of historical fact is forward-looking information. The use of any of the words “anticipate”, “plan”, “project”, “continue”, “maintain”, “may”, “estimate”, “expect”, “will”, “target”, “forecast”, “could”, “intend”, “potential”, “guidance”, “outlook” and similar expressions suggesting future outcome are intended to identify forward-looking information. The forward-looking information is not historical fact, but rather is based on the Company’s current plans, objectives, goals, strategies, estimates, assumptions and projections about the Company’s industry, business and future operating and financial results. This information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking information included in this News Release should not be unduly relied upon. This information speaks only as of the date of this News Release. In particular, this News Release contains forward-looking information pertaining to, but not limited to, the following: our strategic plans; the allocation of future capital; timing and quantum for shareholder returns including share buybacks; the terms of our NCIB program; our drilling plans and capital efficiencies; production growth to expected production rates and estimated sustaining capital amounts; timing of Leismer’s and Hangingstone’s pre-payout royalty status; applicability of tax pools and the timing of tax payments; Adjusted Funds Flow and Free Cash Flow over various periods; type well economic metrics; number of drilling locations; forecasted daily production and the composition of production; our outlook in respect of the Company’s business environment, including in respect of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion and heavy oil pricing; and other matters. In addition, information and statements in this News Release relating to “Reserves” and “Resources” are deemed to be forward-looking information, as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, that the reserves and resources described exist in the quantities predicted or estimated, and that the reserves and resources described can be profitably produced in the future. With respect to forward-looking information contained in this News Release, assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: commodity prices; the regulatory framework governing royalties, taxes and environmental matters in the jurisdictions in which the Company conducts and will conduct business and the effects that such regulatory framework will have on the Company, including on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations; the Company’s financial and operational flexibility; the Company’s financial sustainability; Athabasca’s cash flow break-even commodity price; the Company’s ability to obtain qualified staff and equipment in a timely and cost-efficient manner; the applicability of technologies for the recovery and production of the Company’s reserves and resources; future capital expenditures to be made by the Company; future sources of funding for the Company’s capital programs; the Company’s future debt levels; future production levels; the Company’s ability to obtain financing and/or enter into joint venture arrangements, on acceptable terms; operating costs; compliance of counterparties with the terms of contractual arrangements; impact of increasing competition globally; collection risk of outstanding accounts receivable from third parties; geological and engineering estimates in respect of the Company’s reserves and resources; recoverability of reserves and resources; the geography of the areas in which the Company is conducting exploration and development activities and the quality of its assets. Certain other assumptions related to the Company’s Reserves and Resources are contained in the report of McDaniel & Associates Consultants Ltd. (“McDaniel”) evaluating Athabasca’s Proved Reserves, Probable Reserves and Contingent Resources as at December 31, 2023 (which is respectively referred to herein as the “McDaniel Report”). Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information as a result of the risk factors set forth in the Company’s Annual Information Form (“AIF”) dated February 29, 2024 available on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca, including, but not limited to: weakness in the oil and gas industry; exploration, development and production risks; prices, markets and marketing; market conditions; climate change and carbon pricing risk; statutes and regulations regarding the environment including deceptive marketing provisions; regulatory environment and changes in applicable law; gathering and processing facilities, pipeline systems and rail; reputation and public perception of the oil and gas sector; environment, social and governance goals; political uncertainty; state of capital markets; ability to finance capital requirements; access to capital and insurance; abandonment and reclamation costs; changing demand for oil and natural gas products; anticipated benefits of acquisitions and dispositions; royalty regimes; foreign exchange rates and interest rates; reserves; hedging; operational dependence; operating costs; project risks; supply chain disruption; financial assurances; diluent supply; third party credit risk; indigenous claims; reliance on key personnel and operators; income tax; cybersecurity; advanced technologies; hydraulic fracturing; liability management; seasonality and weather conditions; unexpected events; internal controls; limitations and insurance; litigation; natural gas overlying bitumen resources; competition; chain of title and expiration of licenses and leases; breaches of confidentiality; new industry related activities or new geographical areas; water use restrictions and/or limited access to water; relationship with Duvernay Energy Corporation; management estimates and assumptions; third-party claims; conflicts of interest; inflation and cost management; credit ratings; growth management; impact of pandemics; ability of investors resident in the United States to enforce civil remedies in Canada; and risks related to our debt and securities. All subsequent forward-looking information, whether written or oral, attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. Also included in this News Release are estimates of Athabasca’s 2024 outlook which are based on the various assumptions as to production levels, commodity prices, currency exchange rates and other assumptions disclosed in this News Release. To the extent any such estimate constitutes a financial outlook, it was approved by management and the Board of Directors of Athabasca and is included to provide readers with an understanding of the Company’s outlook. Management does not have firm commitments for all of the costs, expenditures, prices or other financial assumptions used to prepare the financial outlook or assurance that such operating results will be achieved and, accordingly, the complete financial effects of all of those costs, expenditures, prices and operating results are not objectively determinable. The actual results of operations of the Company and the resulting financial results may vary from the amounts set forth herein, and such variations may be material. The outlook and forward-looking information contained in this New Release was made as of the date of this News release and the Company disclaims any intention or obligations to update or revise such outlook and/or forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required pursuant to applicable law. “BOEs” may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A BOE conversion ratio of six thousand cubic feet of natural gas to one barrel of oil equivalent (6 Mcf: 1 bbl) is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. As the value ratio between natural gas and crude oil based on the current prices of natural gas and crude oil is significantly different from the energy equivalency of 6:1, utilizing a conversion on a 6:1 basis may be misleading as an indication of value. Test Results and Initial Production Rates: The well test results and initial production rates provided herein should be considered to be preliminary, except as otherwise indicated. Test results and initial production rates disclosed herein may not necessarily be indicative of long-term performance or of ultimate recovery. The McDaniel Report was prepared using the assumptions and methodology guidelines outlined in the COGE Handbook and in accordance with National Instrument 51-101 Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities, effective December 31, 2023. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of bitumen, light crude oil and medium crude oil, tight oil, conventional natural gas, shale gas and natural gas liquids reserves and the future cash flows attributed to such reserves. The reserve and associated cash flow information set forth above are estimates only. In general, estimates of economically recoverable reserves and the future net cash flows therefrom are based upon a number of variable factors and assumptions, such as historical production from the properties, production rates, ultimate reserve recovery, timing and amount of capital expenditures, marketability of oil and natural gas, royalty rates, the assumed effects of regulation by governmental agencies and future operating costs, all of which may vary materially. For those reasons, estimates of the economically recoverable reserves attributable to any particular group of properties, classification of such reserves based on risk of recovery and estimates of future net revenues associated with reserves prepared by different engineers, or by the same engineers at different times, may vary. The Company’s actual production, revenues, taxes and development and operating expenditures with respect to its reserves will vary from estimates thereof and such variations could be material. Reserves figures described herein have been rounded to the nearest MMbbl or MMboe. For additional information regarding the consolidated reserves and information concerning the resources of the Company as evaluated by McDaniel in the McDaniel Report, please refer to the Company’s AIF. Reserve Values (i.e. Net Asset Value) is calculated using the estimated net present value of all future net revenue from our reserves, before income taxes discounted at 10%, as estimated by McDaniel effective December 31, 2023 and based on average pricing of McDaniel, Sproule and GLJ as of January 1, 2024. The 500 gross Duvernay drilling locations referenced include: 37 proved undeveloped locations and 76 probable undeveloped locations for a total of 113 booked locations with the balance being unbooked locations. Proved undeveloped locations and probable undeveloped locations are booked and derived from the Company’s most recent independent reserves evaluation as prepared by McDaniel as of December 31, 2023 and account for drilling locations that have associated proved and/or probable reserves, as applicable. Unbooked locations are internal management estimates. Unbooked locations do not have attributed reserves or resources (including contingent or prospective). Unbooked locations have been identified by management as an estimation of Athabasca’s multi-year drilling activities expected to occur over the next two decades based on evaluation of applicable geologic, seismic, engineering, production and reserves information. There is no certainty that the Company will drill all unbooked drilling locations and if drilled there is no certainty that such locations will result in additional oil and gas reserves, resources or production. The drilling locations on which the Company will actually drill wells, including the number and timing thereof is ultimately dependent upon the availability of funding, commodity prices, provincial fiscal and royalty policies, costs, actual drilling results, additional reservoir information that is obtained and other factors. The “Corporate Consolidated Adjusted Funds Flow”, “Athabasca (Thermal Oil) Adjusted Funds Flow”, “Duvernay Energy Adjusted Funds Flow”, “Corporate Consolidated Free Cash Flow”, “Athabasca (Thermal Oil) Free Cash Flow” and “Duvernay Energy Free Cash Flow” financial measures contained in this News Release do not have standardized meanings which are prescribed by IFRS and they are considered to be non-GAAP financial measures or ratios. These measures may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers and should not be considered in isolation with measures that are prepared in accordance with IFRS. Sustaining Capital and Net Cash are supplementary financial measures. The Leismer and Hangingstone operating results are supplementary financial measures that when aggregated, combine to the Athabasca (Thermal Oil) segment results. Adjusted Funds Flow and Free Cash Flow are non-GAAP financial measures and are not intended to represent cash flow from operating activities, net earnings or other measures of financial performance calculated in accordance with IFRS. The Adjusted Funds Flow and Free Cash Flow measures allow management and others to evaluate the Company’s ability to fund its capital programs and meet its ongoing financial obligations using cash flow internally generated from ongoing operating related activities. Sustaining Capital is managements’ assumption of the required capital to maintain the Company’s production base. Net Cash is defined as the face value of term debt, plus accounts payable and accrued liabilities, plus current portion of provisions and other liabilities plus income tax payable less current assets, excluding risk management contracts. This News Release also makes reference to Athabasca’s forecasted average daily Thermal Oil production of 33,500 ‐ 35,500 bbl/d for 2025. Athabasca expects that 100% of that production will be comprised of bitumen. Duvernay Energy’s forecasted total average daily production of ~4,000 boe/d for 2025 is expected to be comprised of approximately 68% tight oil, 23% shale gas and 9% NGLs. Liquids is defined as bitumen, tight oil, light crude oil, medium crude oil and natural gas liquids. Break Even is an operating metric that calculates the US$WTI oil price required to fund operating costs (Operating Break-even), sustaining capital (Sustaining Break-even), or growth capital (Total Capital) within Adjusted Funds Flow. Enterprise Value to Debt Adjusted Cash Flow is a valuation metric calculated by dividing Enterprise Value (Market Capitalization plus Net Debt) divided by Cash Flow before interest costs.
Jesús Navas: ‘I’m Stopping because I Have To. I’m Happy with What I’ve Achieved’
I remember where I was when I first heard the term. It was early 1998 and I was in a McDonald's drive-thru. My friend was explaining to me why he and his family had decided to move to rural Arkansas next year. "Y2K," I said. "What's that?" Y2K. The "millenium bug" arriving in the year 2000. The new millennium. Some of you might well remember this time. For those under about age 30, let me catch you up. Many of the computers used in government and business in the late 20th century, including ones that powered the early internet, supposedly had something of a ticking time bomb inside of them. "It's very hard to tell how bad the situation will be. I'm sure things will break. It's very hard to dispel a nightmare scenario," Nathan Myhrvold, Microsoft's chief technology officer, was cited as saying in a January 1999 Forum column. "The dark-side scenario of airplanes falling out of the sky and bank computers crashing is possible. But it's fundamentally very, very hard to know whether the impact will be big or little." The problem was the two-digit-year date field (think "93" as in "1/1/93"). Theoretically, the arrival of the new millennium — the year 2000 — would reset all these computer clocks to "00" as in "1/1/00," wrecking anything that counted on dates to function properly. Theoretically, anyway. The list of public fears was a long one, illustrating how central computer technology had become in our lives, and mirroring larger uncertainty about the new millennium. And while company officials and local, state and federal officials sought to reassure the public, indicated nobody was quite sure nothing would fail. So the fears remained up until the last minute. "Up against the deadline for fixing an unprecedented technological blunder, the world exhibited some jitters Thursday over the prospect of failures in the computers on which we depend," wrote the Associated Press, as printed by The Forum on New Year's Eve, 1999. "There was testing galore and a few confessions of Y2K-unreadiness." Some religious figures took the moment to insist the coming apocalypse was God's judgment on a wayward culture. "(God) may be preparing to confound our language, to jam our communications, scatter our efforts and judge us for our sin and rebellion against his lordship," evangelical Christian leader Jerry Falwell said in August 1998. "We are hearing from many sources that Jan. 1, 2000, will be a fateful day in the history of the world." As if to embody the looming fears, WWE wrestler Chris Jericho gave himself the moniker Y2J (for Jericho), playing off the Y2K term. His entrance to arenas was marked by that, when it got to zero, included shutting off the venue lights, leaving people in noisy darkness before Jericho was revealed. As the year 2000 approached, the fears began to grow into something of a hysteria for some people, sparking drastic decisions, like my friend's family's decision to move to the woods. Others took money out of the bank. Some stocked up on supplies and guns and ammunition to survive the coming failure of civilization. The growing fears were in odd juxtaposition to the more joyful expressions by some about the year 2000. Big millennium parties were planned. Monopoly put out with fancy holographic cards. The boy band Backstreet Boys released their still iconic among my generation (OK, fine — I'm listening to it right now). Many people dismissed the fears and planned to go about their lives, expecting the furor was overblown. I moved from North Dakota to South Dakota in 1999, and as the new millennium approached, I was about 55% convinced Y2K was going to cause big problems. I remember counting down the last days of the 1900s and thinking everything was possibly about to change. It didn't, of course. While there were some hiccups among some computer systems, much of the worked. A concerted global effort to stave off disaster was effective. The apocalypse never arrived, civilization continued. In fact, my daughter was born later that year — one of many "millennium" babies who are now 24 years old. So what happened to my friend who moved to Arkansas? I don't know. I'd like to think he and his family went on to live their best life in a cabin in the Ozarks, ready for the end of the world that never arrived.
LifeWater Hydrogen Bottle Reviews: An In-Depth Analysis
As the year comes to a close, it's time to look back on the premium mid-sized SUVs that wowed the test team in 2024. or signup to continue reading A host of new electric models have entered the market, while established luxury brands made meaningful improvements to standing ICE models. The result was a crop of upmarket SUVs that scored elite ratings from our test team. These are the five that topped our score charts over the calendar year. Some of these models have been reviewed on multiple occasions this year – in that scenario, we've featured the variant that achieved the highest rating. These models all compete in the medium SUV over $60,000 category, as defined by VFACTS sales statistics published by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI). Prices are based on each manufacturer's configurators for a Victorian postcode, which should give you a representative estimate of what the average buyer will end up paying. Not only was the Hyundai our top rating premium mid-sized SUV, it was our top rated car, period. Scoring 9.0 out of 10, the electric was awarded near-perfect ratings for performance, handling dynamics, technology infotainment, and fit for purpose. Hyundai N's three pillars are Corner Rascal, Racetrack Capability and Everyday Sportscar. Just like the , and before it, the Ioniq 5 N delivers. It's a great evolution of the 'hot hatch' formula, even if it's more of a crossover. It's silly fast and fun to drive, comfortable and practical enough to daily, while offering zero local emissions, usable driving range (if with a measured right foot), as well as fast to charge. Power comes from a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain, combining a 166kW front and 282kW rear motor for total system outputs of 448kW of power and 740Nm of torque. The electric motors, which Hyundai says can rev up to 21,000rpm, are powered by a new 84kWh lithium-ion battery, with enhanced thermal management and a claimed peak charging speed of 350kW. Since its launch in 2021, the has been a standout choice in the super-competitive mid-sized luxury SUV segment, and the latest update scored 8.8 out of 10 in our ratings. A perfect score for cost of ownership underpinned that rating – Genesis provides free scheduled servicing for the first five years, a real point-of-difference when compared to premium rivals. We also praised the GV70 for its interior design and quality – there is not a surface that feels cheap or plasticky. On the road, the GV70 feels and drives like a proper premium product. The engine and transmission work harmoniously for both powertrain options, and it it rides beautifully if you prioritise comfort over unnecessary rigidity. Two engines are offered – a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder and a 3.5-litre turbocharged six-cylinder. Both offer more than 200kW of power, although they can be a little thirsty. Rounding out the podium is the electric , which scored 8.6 out of 10 in our latest test. Now priced from just $55,900 before on-road costs, discounts have improved the value of an already well-priced vehicle, and it remains a top choice for EV buyers. The Model Y is very minimalist inside and out, with a spacious and practical interior. It's incredibly safe, and shouldn't cost much to run given Tesla's condition-based servicing policy. When it comes to the driving experience, the Model Y is mostly inoffensive with plentiful power on tap and the quiet ambience of a large, insulated electric car. However, question marks over values remain. Tesla is constantly tinkering with pricing, and hurting resale values as a result. Consistent ratings across the board saw the sporty, sexy scored 8.4 out of 10 back in February. Featuring a drivetrain closely related to the , the top-spec Formentor absolutely rips when you put your foot down. It's also a mature commuter, with light steering, a comfortable ride from the adaptive dampers, and a solid (but not standout) sound system. Inside, bucket-style seats and a sporty steering wheel featuring start and drive mode buttons make the Formentor VZx feel meaningfully sportier than any other SUV for the same money. Sporty thrills don't come at the cost of practicality either – the Formentor packs more space inside than you'd expect given its angular, overgrown hatchback proportions. Our main criticism? The optional Akrapovic exhaust is very expensive, and just doesn't sound special enough, enough of the time to justify the spend. Kia's latest electric car in Australia was a hit with our test team at launch, scoring 8.4 out of 10. In particular, the stood out in the areas of interior practicality (9) and value for money (8.8). It's a much better-rounded package than both the EV6 and EV9, while also coming in cheaper than the similar Niro EV. If you're coming from an older car, it offers a much less intimidating setup than its rivals. The interior of the EV5 may be modern, but it isn't quite at the 'spaceship' level that can be a dealbreaker for many EV buyers. The EV5 is an easy car to drive too, with plenty of range and a comfortable ride. Three electric powertrains are available, but we'd recommend the base variants that feature a single motor producing 160kW and 310Nm. Content originally sourced from: Advertisement Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date. We care about the protection of your data. Read our . Advertisement( ) just reported the fiscal fourth quarter (Q4) and full-year 2024 results that disappointed the market. Investors are wondering if the pullback in the stock on the earnings news is a good opportunity to add BNS stock to a self-directed Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) or (RRSP) portfolio. Bank of Nova Scotia share price Bank of Nova Scotia trades near $77 per share at the time of writing. The stock is off the 12-month high near $80 but is still up more than 20% in 2025. The bank is in a transition phase, which was launched by its new chief executive officer last year. Bank of Nova Scotia is shifting its growth strategy away from South America to focus more on Canada, the United States, and Mexico. In the past, the bank spent billions of dollars to acquire assets in Chile, Colombia, and Peru. These countries, along with Mexico, make up the core of the Pacific Alliance trade bloc that enables the free movement of goods, services, and capital among the member markets. The attraction for the bank has always been the growth potential as the middle class expands in these countries. Combined, they have a total population of more than 230 million with low bank services penetration compared to Canada. Economic and political turbulence, however, increases risks in these markets. That’s probably the reason investors have largely preferred the other big Canadian banks for several years. The new strategy of focusing on North American opportunities is designed to boost investors’ returns. In recent months, Bank of Nova Scotia announced a US$$2.8 billion deal to acquire a 14.9% stake in KeyCorp, a U.S. regional bank. The move gives Bank of Nova Scotia a platform to expand its American operations. Bank of Nova Scotia has also created a new executive position to oversee expansion in Quebec. Earnings Bank of Nova Scotia generated adjusted net income of $2.12 billion in fiscal Q4 2024 compared to $1.64 billion in the same period last year. For fiscal 2024, adjusted net income rose to $8.63 billion from $8.36 billion in 2023. Return on equity dipped slightly to 11.3% from 11.6%. Overall, the Q4 and full-year results are solid. Bank of Nova Scotia continues to maintain a strong capital position with a common equity tier-one (CET1) ratio of 13.1%. This gives the bank financial flexibility to ride out turbulence in the markets or to make additional acquisitions. The bank took a $430 million charge in the quarter related to a previous investment in China. Bank of Nova Scotia also reported fiscal Q4 provisions for credit losses (PCL) of $1.03 billion compared to $1.05 billion in the same period last year. Investors might have been hoping for a drop in PCL, given the cuts to interest rates in Canada and the United States in recent months. For fiscal 2024, PCL was $4.05 billion compared to $3.42 billion in 2023. The elevated PCL suggests that customers with too much debt are still struggling despite the decline in interest rates in the second half of this year. Risks High interest rates remain a headwind for the . Inflation rose in October in Canada and the U.S. after a steady decline over the past year. If the Trump administration moves ahead with planned tariffs next year, inflation in the U.S. could surge, potentially forcing the central bank to put rate cuts on hold. Tariffs would also put pressure on the Canadian economy. If the central banks are forced to slow down planned rate cuts or start to raise rates again, Bank of Nova Scotia and its peers might see defaults start to increase next year. Should you buy the dip? BNS stock is due for a pullback after the big gains this year. Given the uncertain outlook over the coming months, it might be best to wait for earnings reports from the other large Canadian banks to get a sense of where they see things headed in 2025. A better entry point might be on the horizon.
