B. Metzler seel. Sohn & Co. Holding AG Makes New $855,000 Investment in PG&E Co. (NYSE:PCG)

When people think of Japan, the word “materialistic” rarely comes to mind. However, when tourists visit here for the first time, they often find the reality quite different from their expectations. Instead of the maiko, ninja and robots they anticipated, they are greeted by crowds of ordinary people decked out in expensive brand-name goods. Rather than streets lined with anime and video game shops, they see an endless array of European fashion house stores. If they dare to venture inside, the sticker shock often sends them right back onto the street. Some might even experience a Japanese version of Paris syndrome, a term coined to describe the mental break some Japanese tourists experienced in the 1970s when their romanticized vision of Paris clashed with reality. Most of us wouldn’t dream of browsing at haute couture shops like Hermès, Dior or Saint Laurent. Yet, luxury goods at surprisingly low prices are abundant throughout Japan. If you’re after a Louis Vuitton bag, a Supreme hoodie or Gucci sunglasses, you’re likely to find a deal. Luxury at a bargain sounds suspicious, but Japan’s stringent anti-counterfeit laws mean you can rest assured that the products are genuine. However, there’s a catch: they’re second-hand. Whether young or old, male or female, many Japanese people have a deep affection for luxury items. Japan is one of the largest markets for European and American luxury brands, a cultural phenomenon that dates back to post-war Japan. In the 1950s, Japan was recovering rapidly after the devastation of World War II. Standards of living were improving, and everyone coveted what were referred to as the “sanshu no jingi” or “three sacred treasures.” Originally describing imperial regalia, the phrase was repurposed to signify the era’s most desired items: a black-and-white TV, a refrigerator and a washing machine. As the economy surged, the 1960s brought a new trio of sacred treasures — the “three Cs”: a car, a color TV and an air conditioner. Many upgraded to color TVs during the excitement of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. By the 1980s, Japan’s booming economy saw it poised to overtake the U.S. as the world’s largest. Basic household items were no longer the pinnacle of desire; instead, luxury brands became the new status symbols for those with disposable income. By the 1990s and 2000s, luxury items were ubiquitous among Japanese people. It wasn’t just the wealthy buying designer goods; even average individuals carried at least one luxury accessory. Today, it’s not uncommon to see an elderly person of seemingly modest means pull out a Louis Vuitton wallet at a cashier. Even after the economic bubble burst in 1989, certain industries have continued to thrive. Toyota, headquartered in Nagoya, is a prime example, with its stock reaching an all-time high in 2024, marking a 500% increase over the last two decades. This success has brought prosperity not only to Toyota but also to the many companies connected to it. While often overshadowed by Tokyo and Osaka, Nagoya’s affluent residents have embraced luxury shopping in a significant way. An executive from a top European luxury brand’s Japan headquarters revealed to me that Nagoya — not Tokyo or Osaka — now boasts the highest volume of “private shopping .” What’s that you may ask? Well, mere peasant, it is when you are so rich that the store visits your home with a selection of goods for you to choose from. Once such rich people tire of their purchases, many will opt to sell and replace them with something from the newest line. Maintaining appearances is a critical part of Japanese culture, so if an item is outdated or slightly worn it often prompts people to upgrade. Thus, even the middle-class will often replace their luxury goods. In this way, many Japanese people, especially younger women, end up becoming working poor just to keep up with the trends. Either that or some may even resort to enjo kosai (compensated dating, i.e., having a sugar daddy) to support such a lifestyle. Japan’s obsession with luxury and desire to keep up with the Kobayashis has created a thriving second-hand market for luxury goods. Major chains like Second Street, Kaitori Oukoku, Book Off Super Bazaar and Surugaya offer a treasure trove of used items, particularly clothing. Jewelry-focused stores like Komehyo are also popular. Online marketplaces like Mercari and Yahoo! Auctions have great deals as well, but for clothing and accessories, trying them on in person is essential and thus physical stores are a must. Unlike Salvation Army thrift stores in the U.S., Japanese second-hand shops are renowned for their pristine inventory. Unlike Salvation Army thrift stores in the U.S., Japanese second-hand shops are renowned for their pristine inventory. This reflects a cultural tendency to meticulously maintain possessions, making it possible to find high-quality used goods at a fraction of their original price For sellers, the downside of this market is the low resale value. Japanese consumers often view second-hand items as inherently undesirable, regardless of their condition or original price. This dynamic, combined with the sheer volume of luxury goods circulating in Japan, creates a buyer’s paradise for those open to purchasing pre-owned items. As far as ubiquity in Japanese second-hand shops, for American brands it would be Ralph Lauren and Coach, for British brands it would be Burberry and Paul Smith, and for European brands it would be Louis Vuitton and Gucci. There is a very wide variety of other brands as well. You’ll also find affordable luxury options like Lacoste, Fred Perry, Guess and Tommy Hilfiger. Even though they are not as popular overseas, for some reason, Diesel and Stussy always have huge sections as well. Bags and accessories from Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Dior and Fendi are plentiful, alongside sportswear brands like Moncler and The North Face. Also, don’t forget that some Japanese fashion houses can rival European and American brands. Japan’s Comme des Garçons is hugely popular among young people in Japan. So, for sure you will be able to find one of their classic heart t-shirts at a discount. There’s also Junya Watanabe, Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto and Sacai. Don’t think that because it’s “fashionable,” men are left out of the equation, either. Japan’s younger generation of men are as fashion-conscious as their female counterparts, and thus used shops usually have just as many goods for men as they do for women. There are tons of male Japanese “sneakerheads” that collect rare sneakers who have no problem spending over ¥150,000 on a pair of Balenciaga sneakers. Japan is also known for its “hypebeasts” (consumers who are obsessed with expensive, luxury goods that have artificial scarcity), who will wait in line all night and empty their bank accounts to get the latest Supreme wear. Hypebeasts are almost always male. What kind of prices can you expect? It really depends on the item and its condition, but you will often see items up to 90% off their retail price. Always wanted that cute Marimekko tote with the iconic red "unikko" flower pattern for stylish food shopping, and don’t mind a used one because it’ll just go into your rusty bicycle basket? You are bound to find one for pocket change. Or perhaps you fancy one of those Ralph Lauren fine knit U.S.A. flag sweaters, but would never part with ¥40,000 for a new one. However, certainly you’d grab one like I did if it was in perfect condition and only ¥3,000. While Japan’s reputation for high living costs is well earned, the abundance of affordable luxury goods offers a silver lining for those who covet luxury brands’ products but don’t mind second-hand items. The country’s deep cultural affinity for luxury, paired with a societal emphasis on keeping up appearances and disdain for anything used, has created a robust market for second-hand, high-end items. So, whether you’re a budget-conscious shopper, a collector or just looking to treat yourself, Japan’s second-hand luxury scene offers something for everyone. Dr. James Rogers is a tenured university professor who has published books and over 50 articles on linguistics and Japanese studies. He is the author of the book “ On Living and Working in Japan.”Tornado On Ground In Dickinson, Moving Towards Galveston As Warning Continues | Video

Patrick Fishburn leads at Sea Island as Joel Dahmen keeps alive hopes of keeping his job

Thomson Reuters Corp. stock rises Monday, outperforms marketEmmerdale 'reveals' how favourite Leyla dies in chilling twist - and fans are heartbrokenHyderabad: A growing shortage of critical electrical equipment in Telangana’s state-run power distribution companies (Discoms) is causing significant delays for contractors and consumers alike. This issue is particularly affecting new electricity connections and upgrades to existing industrial units, leading to long application backlogs. Private contractors working with Discoms report being unable to complete projects on time due to a lack of essential materials like electrical poles, conductors, transformers, insulators, switches, and meters. These delays persist despite consumers paying the required fees upfront through demand drafts (DDs). Also Read: Revanth Reddy caught lying on industrial corridor with gazette notification confirming pharma village plan Typically, Discom engineers visit construction sites, prepare cost estimates for necessary equipment, and consumers then make payments to the Discom stores. However, while these materials are available in the general market, regulations mandate that consumers purchase them exclusively from Discom stores, which are struggling to meet demand. Sources reveal that Discom procurement and supply teams are allegedly creating artificial shortages to exploit consumers. Equipment meant to be delivered within 7–10 days is reportedly delayed for weeks or months, forcing contractors to deal with mounting pressure from clients. In some cases, contractors have resorted to buying materials from the market to avoid further delays. “Timely supply chain management is crucial in our industry. These delays are hurting our credibility and disrupting project timelines,” said a contractor. The supply of transformers has become a significant bottleneck, further delaying essential electrical installations. Contractors complain that when visiting Discom stores, they are often told that key components are out of stock and are asked to wait indefinitely. Despite complaints, Discom officials insist there is no shortage of materials and accuse private contractors of exaggerating the issue. However, sources within the industry claim that some field staff are exploiting the gap between supply and demand for personal financial gain, leading to consumer dissatisfaction. Consumers are increasingly frustrated as delays disrupt construction projects and industrial upgrades. The piling applications are not only causing logistical headaches but also negatively impacting the growth of businesses reliant on timely electrical connections. Efforts to streamline the supply of electrical equipment and address allegations of artificial shortages are essential to resolve these ongoing challenges and restore consumer confidence in the state’s Discoms.

49ers running back Christian McCaffrey headed to IR with an injured right kneeCrowds of people from France's Syrian diaspora braved the cold drizzle in Paris, chanting “Free Syria” and waving the flag of the Syrian opposition. “I’m breathing air for the first time. It’s a special day,” a female student told RFI at Paris’s Place de la République. “I hardly dared imagine we’d reach this point. We didn’t know if it would happen one day.” Ares, a political refugee, recalled the years spent protesting on this same square. “It reminds us of the first demos we held at the beginning of the war," he said. "We’re still struggling to believe what’s happened, but it leaves a path open for the Syrian people to win this war. That's a source of pride." Russia, an Assad ally, said Bashar al-Assad left the country on Sunday after negotiations with rebel groups, and gave “instructions” to “transfer power peacefully”. He and his family are reportedly in Moscow, a Kremlin source told Russian news agencies. “It’s the first time we can say ‘Assad is no longer here’, I can’t even describe the joy,” said a Syrian woman, her voice hoarse from shouting. “But for once we can say Assad no longer rules over us. The Assad family is no more.” Syria's Assad: the president who led a bloody crackdown A desire to return There were similar sentiments in Germany , home to more than a million Syrians – the largest diaspora in the European Union. Most of them are asylum seekers who fled the civil war that began in 2011 when Assad crushed a peaceful, pro-democracy uprising. More than half a million people have been killed since then and close to 12 million others forced to flee their homes.. "Finally we are free!" said a smiling Bassam Al-Hamada, among 5,000 people at a rally in Berlin. Some flashed the "V" for victory sign, sang and shouted "Allahu Akbar!" (God is Greatest!). There was cautious hope they would soon be able to return to their home country. "Like many Syrians, I would like to return to my country to help rebuild it," Bassam Al-Hamada, a social worker who arrived in Germany in early 2016, told France's AFP news agency. His compatriot Sabreen, an architect, said that for now she planned to "help from Germany". "They mainly need expertise and money. All of that, we can gather here for the moment." Syrian refugees agree to stay in France, despite negative reputation Uncertain future There were also demonstrations in cities like Madrid, Athens, London, Vienna and Copenhagen. Some Syrians insist Assad must be held accountable for killing and torturing his own people. The Revivre association helping refugees and political prisoners in Syria, that organised the demonstration in Paris, said there should be no impunity for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Syria. "This is the best guarantee for a future of peace” it said in a statement . French court finds three Syrian officials guilty of war crimes While Abu Mohammed al-Jolani , the leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebel faction that spearheaded the offensive that toppled Assad, has expressed a willingness to ensure a peaceful transition of power and work with Syrian minorities, the future remains deeply uncertain. "Of course, we are worried about what the next step will be, what kind of government will be put in place. But for now, we are just happy,” Noura Bittar told Danish local television during a gathering in Copenhagen. Who is the Syrian rebel group which toppled Assad, HTS? France has said it “welcomes” the fall of Assad’s government “after more than 13 years of violent repression against its own people”. The Foreign Ministry has called for a peaceful political transition that respects the diversity of the Syrian people and protects civilians and minorities. Along with its international partners, France said it wants to help the Syrian people move towards “reconciliation and reconstruction,” and is ready to “play its full part” in the process.Landmark lawsuit brought on behalf of thousands of survivors of child sexual abuse images and videos (CSAM) traded on Apple platforms CUPERTINO, Calif. , Dec. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- This weekend, a class action lawsuit was filed against Apple on behalf of thousands of survivors of child sexual abuse for knowingly allowing the storage of images and videos documenting their abuse on iCloud and the company's defectively designed products. The lawsuit alleges that Apple has known about this content for years, but has refused to act to detect or remove it, despite developing advanced technology to do so. The plaintiffs are being represented by Marsh Law Firm. Additionally, Heat Initiative is providing some support for this lawsuit as part of the organization's broader Ignite program , which provides legal and advocacy support for victims of child sexual abuse through referrals, research, and funding to empower them to use their voices and hold technology companies accountable. The images and videos of the plaintiffs' childhood sexual abuse, which have been stored thousands of times, would have been identified and removed had Apple implemented its 2021 "CSAM Detection" technology. However, Apple terminated the program after its announcement. Other leading technology providers have been proactively detecting and reporting illegal child sex abuse images and videos for more than a decade. Apple's belated efforts, and subsequent cancellation, leave it among the very few major platforms that do not engage in proactive detection and removal. The full complaint, as well as a fact sheet and other supporting materials, can be found HERE . "The knowledge that images of my abuse are still out there is a never-ending nightmare – Apple could have stopped this, but has chosen not to act," said Jane Doe , a plaintiff in the lawsuit. "Apple has the technology to stop this from continuing, yet they knowingly turn a blind eye. This isn't just about my story – it's about standing up for every survivor who deserves safety and dignity. Apple has a responsibility to protect us, and I'm here to demand that they fulfill it." "Today, thousands of brave survivors are coming forward to demand accountability from one of the most successful technology companies on the planet. Apple has not only rejected helping these victims, it has advertised the fact that it does not detect child sex abuse material on its platform or devices thereby exponentially increasing the ongoing harm caused to these victims," said Margaret E. Mabie , Partner at Marsh Law Firm, representing the plaintiffs. "Our clients have endured unimaginable abuse, and yet Apple's top executives continue to ignore their pleas, fully aware that this illegal contraband remains on their platform. By abandoning their state-of-the-art detection program without offering an alternative, Apple has chosen to prioritize its own corporate agenda over the lives and dignity of survivors. This lawsuit is a call for justice and a demand for Apple to finally take responsibility and protect these victims." "Apple wants people to think they are the 'responsible' tech company, and this lawsuit demonstrates clearly that, on this issue, they are not," said Sarah Gardner , Founder and CEO of the Heat Initiative, an organization dedicated to encouraging leading technology companies to combat child sex abuse on their platforms. "The plaintiffs and countless other survivors of child sexual abuse are forced to relive the worst moments imaginable because Apple refuses to implement common sense practices that are standard across the tech industry. They will argue that this is a privacy issue, but they are failing to acknowledge the privacy and basic humanity of the children being raped and sexually assaulted in the videos and images Apple stores on iCloud." In August 2021 , Apple announced it would implement a new "CSAM Detection" feature, which would have identified known child sexual abuse material in iCloud using NeuralHash, a type of hashing technology that Apple developed. However, after the program was announced, Apple executives reversed their decision and ultimately killed the implementation of the program . At the same time, in 2023, five major tech companies collectively reported more than 32 million pieces of child sexual abuse images and videos on their platforms– Apple reported only 267 . The lawsuit is seeking injunctive relief for Apple to implement basic child safety measures on behalf of the plaintiffs. The claim of negligence and failing to fulfill their duty of care resulting in harms to the plaintiffs stems from two main factors: Apple's failure to implement any plan to detect illegal child sexual abuse images and videos when they have full knowledge of its existence on their platform violates their duty of care. If the "CSAM Detection" feature had been implemented, the plaintiffs' illegal child sexual abuse images would have been detected and removed. Instead they remain on iCloud and devices today, continuing to cause the plaintiffs harm. Marsh Law Firm focuses its legal practice exclusively on representing survivors of sexual abuse and online exploitation. They are a survivor-focused, trauma-informed, and justice-oriented law firm that advocates for clients both in and out of the courtroom to secure justice and hold perpetrators and the institutions that enable abuse accountable. Heat Initiative is a collective effort of concerned child safety experts and advocates encouraging leading technology companies to combat child sexual abuse on their platforms. Heat Initiative sees a future where children's safety is at the forefront of any existing and future technological developments. The Heat Initiative's Ignite program catalyzes impact litigation to hold technology companies accountable to their duty to prevent and address the sexual exploitation of children on their platforms. Contact: press@heatinitiative.org View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/apple-sued-for-knowingly-hosting-child-sexual-abuse-material-on-its-products-failing-to-protect-survivors-302325571.html SOURCE Heat Initiative

Yext (YEXT) Q3 Earnings Report Preview: What To Look ForThe Stock Market Just Crossed a Threshold It's Never Reached Before -- and History Is Quite Clear What Happens Next

GM to sell its stake in Michigan battery plant to LG Energy Solution

Pembina Pipeline Corp. stock falls Monday, underperforms market

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Myles Garrett didn’t know he had joined a prestigious list of defensive stars last week until one of his biggest fans pointed it out to him. “My dad was hyped about it,” he said. For good reason. With in Cleveland’s Steelers, Garrett became the seventh player to reach double-digit sacks in seven straight seasons since the stat became official in 1982. The others: Lawrence Taylor (1984-90), Reggie White (1985-93), Bruce Smith (1992-98), John Randle (1992-99), DeMarcus Ware (2006-12) and Jared Allen (2007-13). All of them is in the Hall of Fame except for Allen. “Hall of Famer,” Garrett said in praising the retired Minnesota Vikings edge rusher, who is again on the doorstep of induction as a semifinalist for the fifth straight year. Garrett is on track to get his own bronze bust one day in Canton, but until then, he’s humbled to be in such elite company. “Guys I looked up to when I started my journey into this game,” said Garrett, who tries to bolster his resume on Monday night when the Browns (3-8) visit the Denver Broncos (7-5). “It’s absolutely amazing to be amongst those guys, not just looking up at them but looking side to side and standing amongst them. “So I want to continue to find myself on those lists and hopefully stand alone at the end of the day.” He’s on his way. The NFL’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year is having another monster season but probably not getting the recognition he deserves as the Browns, upended by continuous quarterback issues, have fallen way short of expectations. Garrett used the national TV platform against the Steelers to remind any detractors of his greatness. He sacked Russell Wilson three times, forced a fumble and outplayed Pittsburgh’s T.J. Watt, the player to whom he is most often compared. The Garrett vs. Watt debate went to another level in February. On the day Garrett received his DPOY award, second-place finisher Watt seemed to take a shot at the Browns star by posting “Nothing I’m not used to” on social media. Those comments stuck with Garrett, who following the win over Pittsburgh — and Watt being held without a sack — didn’t hold back in declaring himself the league’s best pass rusher. “I wanted to make it known that I’m the guy, I’m the No. 1 edge defender,” Garrett said. It was an unusual boast from Garrett, who was asked why he felt he needed to express himself. “Because part of my journey of being the best player that I can be is I think I can be the best player that there is currently,” he said. ”So I have to live up to those expectations I have for myself. That’s just on the road to be the player that I want to be.” Garrett’s unrelenting drive is what sets him apart. Although he’ll enter Monday’s game with 98 1/2 sacks and can become just the fifth player to reach 100 in his first eight seasons, joining White, Ware, Allen and Watt, it’s not enough. “I still took too long,” said Garrett, who can become the first to do it before turning 29. “It’d have been tough to catch Mr. White, but hopefully this next however many number will come quicker than the first 100. So we’ll go out there and we’ll do what I do and try to take it up a notch.” Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz marvels at Garrett’s output despite double- and triple-team blocking. “He just continues to do stuff,” Schwartz said. “His production is so high, even though he’s a marked man, even though every game plan starts with, ‘Don’t let 95 wreck the game,’ and he still finds a way to wreck games.” Schwartz doesn’t need to see any lists to know Garrett belongs among the best to ever rush a quarterback. “Yes, he does,” Schwartz said. “I think he’s just starting to hit his prime. I think he still has a lot left in front of him. The sky is the limit as far as he goes. And when it’s all said and done, maybe you’re comparing other people to him. That should probably be a goal for him.” ___ AP NFL:

NoneCredo shares surge after 64% jump in revenue, narrowed quarterly loss

Former Representative Matt Gaetz announced he'll not be returning to Congress after withdrawing from consideration for the role of attorney general in the Trump administration. This decision follows escalating allegations of sexual misconduct, which Gaetz has firmly denied. Gaetz mentioned his intention to engage in public service from a different platform, emphasizing personal goals alongside his family. The Florida Republican's withdrawal comes amid ongoing ethics investigations, raising doubts about his confirmation as the nation's chief law enforcement officer. Following Gaetz's withdrawal, President-elect Trump nominated Pam Bondi, known for her legal expertise and loyalty. Gaetz surprised many by resigning from Congress, despite winning reelection. He disclosed it was time to step away after 14 years in politics. (With inputs from agencies.)Silver prices to rise amid increasing industrial demand: Safe Haven Hub