In addition to the challenging gameplay, the update will also unveil a detailed travel map that players can explore as they navigate through the fantastical world of "Black Myth: Wukong." The travel map promises to be a rich and immersive environment, filled with hidden secrets, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse locations for players to discover. Whether exploring ancient temples, traversing mystical forests, or delving into dark caverns, the travel map is sure to provide players with a sense of wonder and adventure.The ( ) share price is racing higher on Tuesday morning. At the time of writing, the wine giant's shares are up 4% to $11.93. Why is the Treasury Wine share price racing higher? Investors have been buying the company's shares today for a couple of reasons. One is news that China is launching new stimulus, which is boosting stocks with exposure to the country. Another is the well-timed release of a big relating to its operations in China. According to the release, Treasury Wine has entered into arrangements to acquire 75% of Ningxia Stone & Moon Winery (Stone and Moon) for a consideration of RMB 130 million (approximately A$27.5 million). The company notes that this winery is located in the highly regarded wine production region of Ningxia in north-western China. Stone & Moon's asset base includes 43-hectares of planted luxury vineyards, as well as a modern winery with capacity for future expansion and a cellar door. Why make this acquisition? Management believes that the acquisition of Stone & Moon is consistent with the company's strategy of investing in luxury vineyard and production assets to support the growth of its luxury wine portfolio. It also expects the transaction to complement its existing third-party sourcing arrangements to deliver an efficient and scalable production model for the Penfolds' China country of origin portfolio. Speaking of which, Treasury Wine revealed that it currently intends to evolve the Stone & Moon site in the future to create a local brand home for Penfolds, building on its strength as one of the leading luxury wine brands in China. The acquisition is expected to complete in the second half of next year, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. The transaction terms include an option for Treasury Wine to acquire the remaining 25% ownership after five years. 'A significant step forward' Treasury Wine's chief executive officer, Tim Ford, was pleased with the deal and sees it as a big step forward in the lucrative China market. He said: Today's announcement is a significant step forward for TWE, and Penfolds, in China. Through this acquisition, we will further strengthen our commitment to, and investment in, the China wine industry, where Penfolds continues to be a highly admired and sought after brand. The successful evolution of Penfolds to becoming a multi-country of origin brand has been a significant execution highlight in recent years, with the China sourced portfolio having resonated particularly strongly with Chinese consumers, and we look forward to continuing that momentum through this important long-term investment. The Treasury Wine share price is up 11% this year.A new wind that will strengthen collaboration between the federal government and the organised private sector that will enable the government to respond with appropriate policies to the challenges of manufacturers has started blowing, writes Dike Onwuamaeze The large turnout was an indication of the importance stakeholders in the Nigerian industrial sector to the opportunity to engage with the federal government. The meeting was the, “Town Hall Meeting with the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh,” which was organised in Lagos by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and members of the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN), on Wednesday, December 5, 2024. It was their first opportunity to interact exclusively with a cabinet minister entrusted with overseeing the country’s industrial sector since the inception of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. Presenting an “Overview of the State of the Industrial Sector,” which was focused on discussing the manufacturing sector’s critical roles, pressing challenges and solutions, the Director General of MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, emphasised that manufacturing is the backbone of the Nigerian industrial sector that included construction, utilities, mining and quarrying. Ajayi-Kadir stated that manufacturing contributed 46.5 per cent of Nigeria’s industrial output in the first nine months of 2024. He added that manufacturing sector also contributed $55,74 billion out of the $118.22 billion value addition that was recorded by the Nigerian industrial sector in 2023. He said: “Clearly, manufacturing is the most vibrant sector of any industrialised economy, considering its cross-cutting linkages with all other sectors and if prioritised, Nigerian manufacturing can generate a minimum of $6.72 billion of foreign exchange and contribute over 80 percent of non-oil export. “Therefore, the structural change engendered by higher value-added manufacturing operations is the essential route for our economy to achieve higher income level and better quality of life for Nigerians.” He added that manufacturing is a major contributor to the GDP, export earnings, foreign direct investments, technological advancement, innovations and diversification of the economy. “Manufacturing industries are labour-intensive and create numerous jobs, both directly and indirectly. Manufacturing requires a skilled workforce, which encourages education and training, leading to a more skilled labor force. “Manufacturing industries support the development of local supply chains, which lead to the growth of other sectors such as services and agriculture. “Research and development (R&D) in manufacturing have spillover effects on other sectors, driving overall technological progress within an economy,” Ajayi-Kadir said. Yet, he told the minister of state that in spite of these critical roles, Nigeria’s manufacturing sector has declined over the past few decades due to difficulties that have hindered investments from local and foreign investors. “These difficulties include insufficient funding, infrastructure deficit, skills’ shortage, poor access to foreign exchange, inefficient supply chain, heavy dependence on imported raw material and insecurity. “Others are unstable economic indicators, high inflation rate, electricity challenges, Naira devaluation and multiple taxations. These have led to closure of companies. For instance, in 2023 alone, 767 manufacturing firms had to shut down their operations nationwide. “Therefore, revitalising the industrial sector would require focused interventions across several critical verticals that would include the creation of financial instruments and mechanisms that provide affordable credit to manufacturers; offering incentives for banks and financial institutions to lend to the manufacturing sector, especially Small and Medium Industries (SMIs). It would also includeensuring market access and trade facilitation by assisting manufacturers in obtaining international quality certifications that would enhance their competitiveness,” he added. Ajayi-Kadir noted that Nigerian textile manufacturers have been driven out of the local market by unwholesome business practices like product counterfeiting, excessive importation and smuggling of textile products He also made key actions recommendations to the Federal Government of Nigeria to revitalise the country’s industrial sector. They are effective budgetary allocation, promotion of patronage for Made in Nigeria products, initiating measures that would promote foreign exchange liquidity, energy and tax reforms, attracting foreign investments and reduced interest rates. “Federal Government of Nigeria should facilitate investment in the modernisation and reinforcement of the power infrastructure, including feeders, transformers, and distribution networks, to reduce technical losses and improve the reliability of power supply,” he said. Speaking during the town hall meeting, the Director General of Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Mr. Chris Oputa, said that access to finance is one of their biggest challenges. Oputa, therefore, called for a five year real industrial development plan for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). “In that five year plan, all banks in Nigeria must be compelled by law to dedicate 50 per cent of their credits wholly to the MSMEs,” he said. He argued that 90 per cent of the jobs in the Nigerian economy are being created by the MSMEs, which are the engine room of the country’s economy. He also observed that it is only people that are engaged in criminal activities that hide what they are doing and regretted that in Nigeria, the MSMEs are constrained to hide what they are doing even though they are not criminal activities. He, therefore, tasked the government to initiate measures that would bring the activities of the MSMEs into the open so that their businesses, especially their export activities, would be regularised. Otherwise few people would be overburdened with taxations as the government would have no chance to see what the real operators of the economy are doing. Similarly, the Director General of Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, told the minister of state that he was interacting with the real bodies that made up the Nigeria organised private sector. He frowned at occasions the government would parley with few billionaire businessmen and claimed that it has consulted the OPSN. In his contribution, the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Mr. Eke Ubiji, asked the minister to revive the forum the OPSN used to have dialogue with the government, adding that the SMEs and other operators in the economy are really suffering. The Director General of the Raw Material Research and Development Council, Professor Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, emphasized the need to save the Nigerian economy from being trapped in colonial structure. He said that legislation is ongoing on a law that would ban the exportation of raw materials that have not attained a minimum of 30 per cent value addition. After listening to various presentations that were made by the industrialists and members of the OPSN, the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, assured that he would be their ambassador and champion. Enoh said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was intentional in designating him as the minister in charge of the industrial sector after the recent cabinet reshuffle. Tinubu’s intention is to have someone that will be dedicated to industry. He remarked that the challenges of the industrial sector have always been the same perennial problems and promised that his tenure would bring a way forward out of these recurring challenges. “For me this session can only make sense if we can make a movement. I see myself as having an opportunity to make a positive change because I am the Minister of State for Industry to provide leadership for the sector. The minister will not be absent anymore when conversation that has to do with the sector is being made,” he said. According to him, no country has been able to transit from developing to developed economy without strong industrial sector. Enoh said: “Therefore, Nigeria is going to be more intentional in developing its industrial base like India and China that attained their present status as one of the world’s industrial giants through conscious and deliberate implementation of policies. “I say this as a statement of intent that we have an opportunity for a new beginning together. To take one step together; to take second step together in building a sustainable partnership. That is what that will make sense. “We are not just coming to talk and make recommendations. We have to come and review key progress that has been made from these recommendations. “We are trying to do industrial push at a season of constraints but challenging moment like this gives us the opportunity to even do much better and make tremendous progress. We have to be strategic in what we offer. We will not make it business as usual.” The minister of state said that there would be a multi-stakeholders’ forum to be co-chaired by himself and the President of MAN, Mr. Francis Meshioye. The forum would foster a deliberate inter-ministerial collaboration because, “We cannot make progress alone. He also assured that the stakeholders’ engagement would henceforth be held quarterly. “I am greatly concerned with what is practical. I am very concerned with what is real. I am very concerned with actions that can give us results. “That is what this country is in dire need of. Nigerian people cannot wait to see results. I believe that by working together we will be able to achieve these results. “The key thing to me is that there is a new regime that understands and appreciates the value of proper engagement. There must be clarity, actions and results. “This is a time for realism. It is not for much talk. Like I have said the challenges are so significant. I am not going to promise of instant solutions. I would not do so. “But I can bet is that I am going to commit to visible actions that are going to be supported by timelines and measurable results. We need to make sure that every commitment is achievable and impactful. Not promising too much but promise those things that are achievable.”Serve Robotics chief hardware officer sells $2,244 in stock

Alibaba Cloud Computing Data Center Catches Fire, Hundreds Flee! Official ResponseRobert Pattinson ‘s caped crusader will go back to the Batcave for a sequel to the March 2022 film The Batman . Warner Bros. confirmed the follow-up film at CinemaCon in late April 2022, just a little less than two months after The Batman hit theaters. “Thank you all for your tremendous support for The Batman ,” Reeves told told the Las Vegas CinemaCon crowd in April 2022 when Warner Bros. announced the movie . “We couldn’t have gotten here without the faith and enthusiasm of all your teams around the world. I’m excited to jump back into this world for the next chapter.” Pattinson previously said that though he took a long break from franchises after wrapping the five-film Twilight Saga in 2012, he actually hoped to return as the DC Comics superhero and show his growth. You have successfully subscribed. By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive emails from Us Weekly Check our latest news in Google News Check our latest news in Apple News “It was so fun doing it. I’m down to do this for as many times as people want to see it, really,” he told Fandango in February 2022 ahead off the first film’s release. “I’ve talked to Matt about the idea of doing a trilogy. I know it would be wonderful. I really, really enjoyed the process, and it’s such a fun character to play. Yeah, that’d be lovely.” Find out everything we know so far about Pattinson’s The Batman sequel below: Credit: Jonathan Olley/DC Comics Robert Pattinson to Return for 'The Batman Part 2’: Everything to Know About the 2027 Sequel Robert Pattinson 's caped crusader will go back to the Batcave for a sequel to the March 2022 film The Batman .Warner Bros. confirmed the follow-up film at CinemaCon in late April 2022, just a little less than two months after The Batman hit theaters."Thank you all for your tremendous support for The Batman ," Reeves told told the Las Vegas CinemaCon crowd in April 2022 when Warner Bros. announced the movie . "We couldn't have gotten here without the faith and enthusiasm of all your teams around the world. I'm excited to jump back into this world for the next chapter."Pattinson previously said that though he took a long break from franchises after wrapping the five-film Twilight Saga in 2012, he actually hoped to return as the DC Comics superhero and show his growth."It was so fun doing it. I'm down to do this for as many times as people want to see it, really," he told Fandango in February 2022 ahead off the first film's release. "I've talked to Matt about the idea of doing a trilogy. I know it would be wonderful. I really, really enjoyed the process, and it's such a fun character to play. Yeah, that'd be lovely."Find out everything we know so far about Pattinson's The Batman sequel below: Credit: Jonathan Olley/DC Comics Is There a Release Date for 'The Batman' Sequel? The Batman Part II was initially set to hit theaters on October 3, 2025, but the film was delayed following the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes in 2023. In March 2024, Warner Bros. announced that a new release date was set for 2026, but by the end of 2024, the date was moved again to October 1, 2027, more than five years after the initial film's debut. Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures Who Is Directing and Writing 'The Batman 2'? While Pattinson was the only confirmed cast member when the sequel was announced in April 2022, the film left the door open for other stars to return, including Kravitz as Selina Kyle/Catwoman, Jeffrey Wright as Jim Gordon and Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth. Colin Farrell could also return as The Penguin/Oswald Cobblepot, but that will likely depend on what happens to his character in his HBO Max spinoff series. Credit: Jonathan Olley/DC Comics Who Is Directing and Writing 'The Batman 2'? Matt Reeves will return to helm the second film. The War for the Planet of the Apes filmmaker cowrote the 2022 movie's script with Peter Craig and is expected to help write the follow up. Credit: Jonathan Olley/DC Comics Which Villains Will Appear? Even before the sequel was confirmed, plot speculation began. Pattinson revealed he has a personal preference when it comes to adapting comic book arcs. “I was definitely kind of thinking Court of Owls is probably gonna be in the sequel,” Pattinson told Vanity Fair in March 2022. “It definitely seems like — well, I mean, I am literally just guessing, I just keep saying it.” The Court of Owls is an organization formed by Gotham’s most wealthy and powerful families, and they are pulling all the strings in Gotham for their own benefit. Considering how the first film explained Gotham’s politics and the power of the wealthy people who shaped the city, it’s easy to see why Pattinson is theorizing that those themes will be explored further. While Pattinson hopes for a Court of Owls appearance, Reeves said he could envision Mr. Freeze in a sequel. "In my view, I just feel drawn to finding the grounded version of everything. So to me it would be a challenge in an interesting way to try and figure out how that could happen, even the idea of something like Mr. Freeze, that such a great story, right?" he told Collider in February. "I think there's actually a grounded version of that story, which could be really powerful and could be really great." Credit: Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP/Shutterstock Will the Joker Appear? The Joker ( Barry Keoghan ) appeared briefly at the very end of The Batman , and there wasn't even a clear shot of his face. It seemed like the Dark Knight already put him behind bars, but Arkham Asylum is known for mastermind escapees. Credit: Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock Does 'The Batman' Sequel Have a Title? Reeves is keeping the title for Pattinson's next outing simple. In January 2023, Gunn and Safran confirmed that the sequel is called The Batman Part II . 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Orlando City 1, Atlanta 0There is heartbreak across Ireland this evening after the first photographs of a husband and wife killed in a hit-and-run in Blanchardstown were released. Named locally as Anthony Hogg, 40, and wife, Georgina Hogg-Moore, 39 , the couple tragically lost their lives at around 5.45pm on St. Stephen's Day on Blanchardstown Road North , west Dublin. A vigil was held in honour of the couple at the scene of the incident on Friday evening. Georgina was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident while Anthony died as a result of his injuries in hospital. The couple, who are from the Blanchardstown area, have two children together. READ MORE - Couple killed in Blanchardstown hit and run named as heartbroken sister pays tribute READ MORE - Woman killed in hit-and-run involving four pedestrians in Blanchardstown A suspect in the incident was arrested after he presented himself at Blanchardstown Garda Station later in the evening. Georgina Hogg-Moore's sister, Katie Moore, paid tribute to her on social media and hundreds of other people responded with their own messages of condolence. “Thanks for all the texts and calls. As you can imagine as a family we are absolutely broken-hearted, but if anyone knows anything please come forward I beg,” Katie wrote. One woman who knew both sisters responded: "Oh my God Katie. I'm so so sorry. All my memories from school were of Georgina and her madness. So sorry." Another woman who knew the family said: "So sorry for your loss Katie. Georgina and Anto will be missed so very much by so many people. Sincerest condolences to you and your families. May they rest in eternal blessed peace. I know your Daddy is hugging them both up there. Sending yous so much loves and hugs. Such a shock. Such an awful shock." In a statement issued earlier on Friday, gardai confirmed a man in his 40s had been arrested in connection with the incident. "Investigating Gardaí arrested a man (aged in his 40s) in connection with this incident yesterday evening, Thursday 26th December 2024. He is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a Garda station in Dublin. "A technical examination of the scene has been completed by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators and the road has now reopened. "Gardaí continue to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them." The spokesperson added: "Any road users or pedestrians who were in the vicinity of Blanchardstown Road North, between 5pm and 6pm on Thursday, 26th December 2024, and have camera footage (including dash-cam) are asked to make this available to investigating Gardaí. "Anyone with information is asked to contact Blanchardstown Garda Station at 01 666 7000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station." Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .efore the clashed with the in a high-stakes matchup, two icons shared a moment that had fans buzzing. , the red-hot quarterback and an frontrunner, greeted retired legend on the field in a pre-game handshake and embrace. Brady, , offered his insights during the game, that stole the pre-game spotlight. The Bills' official X account with a simple post: sparking a flurry of fan reactions. one fan declared, while another quipped, entered the game with a stellar record, , leading Buffalo to a 10-2 record and . The matchup against the Rams added another highlight to his MVP campaign. In the second quarter, the Rams defense , but a crucial penalty on third-and-9 gave Buffalo new life. Tom Brady, commentating from the booth, voiced criticism of the , suggesting Allen should anticipate hits when making sideline plays. The penalty proved pivotal, featuring key completions to Khalil Shakir, Mack Hollins, and Ty Johnson, of the season. The score tied the game at 7-7 with just over three minutes remaining in the half. Is Allen Brady's next-generation replacement? , combined with the Bills' relentless pursuit of their 11th win, solidified his place as one of the league's elite quarterbacks. And while the game itself delivered plenty of drama, fans will remember as a defining moment of the day. With charging toward playoff glory,

CHICAGO — It looked like the Vikings had put the game away for good on Sunday afternoon at Solider Field when a chip-shot field goal attempt from kicker Parker Romo sailed through the uprights in the final minutes. ADVERTISEMENT That made it 27-16 in favor of the Vikings with the Chicago Bears needing a miracle. They got it. After a big kick return put the Bears in very good field position, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams led an impressive drive, throwing a touchdown pass to receiver Keenan Allen to cut the deficit to 27-24. A blunder by the Vikings on the onside kick allowed the Bears to recover, then kicker Cairo Santos nailed a 48-yard field goal as time expired to tie the game at 27-27 and send it into overtime. In the extra session, veteran quarterback Sam Darnold took over for the Vikings. He went 6 for 6 passing on the final drive, setting up Romo for a game-winning field goal that helped the Vikings escape with a 30-27 win. The game looked like it was going to be a hot start for the Vikings after running back Aaron Jones got loose for a 41-yard gain. He was stripped of the ball at the goal line a couple of plays later, however, marking another missed opportunity for the Vikings in the red zone. ADVERTISEMENT That cracked the door open for the Bears, and the mobility of their rookie quarterback took centerstage. On a particular play, Williams avoided pressure from Andrew Van Ginkel off the edge, rolled to his right, then dropped a dime to D’Andre Swift along the sideline. That put the Bears in position to score, and running back Roschon Johnson found the into the end zone shortly thereafter to make it 7-0. In need of a response, the Vikings got it almost immediately when Darnold dropped back and unleashed a deep pass to receiver Jordan Addison. It was an incredible catch from Addison as he hauled it in while being dragged down from behind. On the very next play, Addison finished the drive, catching a touchdown pass in traffic to help the Vikings to tie the game at 7-7. The vibes shifted in favor of the Vikings on the following possession. ADVERTISEMENT It looked like the Bears had picked up a big gain when receiver Keenan Allen caught a ball along the sideline. After a challenge flag thrown by head coach Kevin O’Connell, however, the officials ruled that Allen did not get both feet in bounds. On the very next play defensive tackle Jerry Tillery blocked a field goal, and the Vikings kept the Bears off the board. That paved the way for the Vikings to take control as star receiver Justin Jefferson drew a 35-yard defensive pass interference penalty that put the ball in the red zone. A couple of plays later, Darnold found receiver Jalen Nailor for a touchdown to make it 14-7 in favor of the Vikings. After a punt by the Vikings, the Bears got a field goal Santos to cut the deficit to 14-10 at halftime. ADVERTISEMENT With an opportunity to take control coming out of halftime, Darnold found Addison with a perfect ball near the sideline that went for 69-yard gain. Unfortunately for the Vikings, they stalled out in the red zone, setting for a field goal from kicker Parker Romo to stretch the lead to 17-10. The biggest swing of the game came when receiver DeAndre Carter muffed a punt for the Bears, and edge rusher Bo Richter recovered the fumble for the Vikings. Not long after that, Jones atoned for his fumble with a touchdown to make it 24-10. After the Bears got a touchdown to cut the deficit to 24-16, it seemed like the Vikings put the game away with a field goal to restore the lead to 27-16. Not so fast. ADVERTISEMENT After an impressive drive by Williams helped cut the deficit to 27-24, the Bears recovered the onside kick. That set the stage for Santos to nail a 48-yard field goal to tie the score at 27-27 and send the game into overtime. In the extra session, the Vikings stepped up on defense by forcing a punt, then stepped up on offense with Darnold leading an impressive drive of his own. That set the stage for Romo and he nailed a 29-yard field goal to give the Vikings the win. ______________________________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here .

As they prepare to usher in another year together, He Jiong and Wang Han continue to embody the spirit of togetherness and celebration. Their enduring partnership is a testament to the power of friendship and camaraderie, serving as a source of comfort and joy for viewers year after year.Vikings escape with 30-27 win over Bears in overtime thrillerIn a society that worships success and achievement, the pressure to excel can be suffocating. The relentless pursuit of greatness can warp one's sense of self and drive them to desperate measures. The story of the tech elite turned assailant serves as a cautionary tale, a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the devastating consequences of a society that values success above all else.For some fans, Son's gesture was seen as a statement of Tottenham's dominance and confidence on the pitch. By literally taking down the corner flag, Son was symbolically declaring that Spurs have other strategies and tactics to secure victories, not just relying on set pieces like corner kicks. This interpretation aligns with Tottenham's reputation for playing attractive, attacking football under manager Antonio Conte.

Health equity stressed to achieve SDGs

In recent times, the real estate market has experienced a remarkable resurgence due to the implementation of multiple policies aimed at boosting the sector. These diverse initiatives have created a favorable environment for the housing market to thrive and have led to a significant revitalization of the industry. Let us delve deeper into the various policies that have contributed to this resurgence and explore the impact they have had on the real estate landscape.Moreover, Macron's ambitious reform agenda, including overhauling the pension system and liberalizing the labor market, has faced strong opposition from trade unions and other stakeholders. His pro-business policies have also alienated many ordinary French citizens who feel left behind in an increasingly unequal society. As a result, Macron's approval ratings have plummeted, making it harder for him to push through his agenda and implement much-needed reforms.

Moreover, the suspect's Steam account revealed a pattern of behavior consistent with feelings of frustration and anger. It is believed that he used gaming as an outlet for his pent-up emotions, finding solace in the virtual realm where he could unleash his rage without facing real-world repercussions.Jim Cramer Agrees With Famous Analyst’s Latest Bull Thesis on Meta Platforms (META)

“Gladiator II” asks the question: Are you not moderately entertained for roughly 60% of this sequel? Truly, this is a movie dependent on managed expectations and a forgiving attitude toward its tendency to overserve. More of a thrash-and-burn schlock epic than the comparatively restrained 2000 “Gladiator,” also directed by Ridley Scott, the new one recycles a fair bit of the old one’s narrative cries for freedom while tossing in some digital sharks for the flooded Colosseum and a bout of deadly sea-battle theatrics. They really did flood the Colosseum in those days, though no historical evidence suggests shark deployment, real or digital. On the other hand (checks notes), “Gladiator II” is fiction. Screenwriter David Scarpa picks things up 16 years after “Gladiator,” which gave us the noble death of the noble warrior Maximus, shortly after slaying the ignoble emperor and returning Rome to the control of the Senate. Our new hero, Lucius (Paul Mescal), has fled Rome for Numidia, on the North African coast. The time is 200 A.D., and for the corrupt, party-time twins running the empire (Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger), that means invasion time. Pedro Pascal takes the role of Acacius, the deeply conflicted general, sick of war and tired of taking orders from a pair of depraved ferrets. The new film winds around the old one this way: Acacius is married to Lucilla (Connie Nielsen, in a welcome return), daughter of the now-deceased emperor Aurelius and the love of the late Maximus’s life. Enslaved and dragged to Rome to gladiate, the widower Lucius vows revenge on the general whose armies killed his wife. But there are things this angry young phenom must learn, about his ancestry and his destiny. It’s the movie’s worst-kept secret, but there’s a reason he keeps seeing footage of Russell Crowe from the first movie in his fever dreams. Battle follows battle, on the field, in the arena, in the nearest river, wherever, and usually with endless splurches of computer-generated blood. “Gladiator II” essentially bumper-cars its way through the mayhem, pausing for long periods of expository scheming about overthrowing the current regime. The prince of all fixers, a wily operative with interests in both managing gladiators and stocking munitions, goes by the name Macrinus. He’s played by Denzel Washington, who at one point makes a full meal out of pronouncing the word “politics” like it’s a poisoned fig. Also, if you want a masterclass in letting your robes do a lot of your acting for you, watch what Washington does here. He’s more fun than the movie but you can’t have everything. The movie tries everything, all right, and twice. Ridley Scott marshals the chaotic action sequences well enough, though he’s undercut by frenetic cutting rhythms, with that now-familiar, slightly sped-up visual acceleration in frequent use. (Claire Simpson and Sam Restivo are the editors.) Mescal acquits himself well in his first big-budget commercial walloper of an assignment, confined though he is to a narrower range of seething resentments than Crowe’s in the first film. I left thinking about two things: the word “politics” as savored/spit out by Washington, and the innate paradox of how Scott, whose best work over the decades has been wonderful, delivers spectacle. The director and his lavishly talented design team built all the rough-hewn sets with actual tangible materials the massive budget allowed. They took care to find the right locations in Morocco and Malta. Yet when combined in post-production with scads of medium-grade digital effects work in crowd scenes and the like, never mind the sharks, the movie’s a somewhat frustrating amalgam. With an uneven script on top of it, the visual texture of “Gladiator II” grows increasingly less enveloping and atmospherically persuasive, not more. But I hung there, for some of the acting, for some of the callbacks, and for the many individual moments, or single shots, that could only have come from Ridley Scott. And in the end, yes, you too may be moderately entertained. “Gladiator II” — 2.5 stars (out of 4) MPA rating: R (for strong bloody violence) Running time: 2:28 How to watch: Premieres in theaters Nov. 21. Michael Phillips is a Tribune critic.Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Bu's actions and the extent of his involvement in the crimes. There are concerns that Bu may have been operating a criminal network involved in illegal activities, including abduction, forced confinement, and exploitation. The investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge as the case unfolds.In the midst of the rumors and gossip, let us all come together to send our thoughts and prayers to Liu Yuning during this uncertain time. May she find strength and healing, and may her resilience inspire us all to face life's obstacles with grace and determination.

Introducing the Legendary "Assetto Corsa" Series by Steam

As investigators delve deeper into the motive behind the heinous act, a picture is beginning to emerge of Reed's escalating grievances against his former employer. Sources close to the investigation revealed that Reed had recently been terminated from his position at the insurance company and harbored deep-seated animosity towards Thompson, whom he believed had unfairly treated him during his tenure.