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El Salvador's Congress on Monday approved a bill promoted by President Nayib Bukele to roll back a ban on the mining of gold and other metals, dismaying environmentalists. The small Central American nation became the world's first country to outlaw metal mining in 2017, warning of the harmful effects of the chemicals used, like cyanide and mercury. The move by Bukele's predecessor, former left-wing rebel Salvador Sanchez Ceren, reflected a growing rejection of mining by rural communities in the region. But last month, Bukele, who is popular at home for his crackdown on street gangs, signaled that he wanted to change course. The bill to bring back metal mining was approved by 57 deputies out of a total of 60, said Ernesto Castro, head of the legislature -- which is dominated by the ruling party -- as environmental campaigners protested nearby. Critics fear that mining will pollute the Lempa River, which runs through a potential mining zone proposed by Bukele and supplies water to 70 percent of the inhabitants of the capital and surrounding areas. "This wretched mining will punish the people, it will contaminate our waters and rivers and that's an attack on life," activist Vidalina Morales told reporters. Bukele said last month that El Salvador, a country of 6.6 million people, had "potentially" the largest gold deposits per square kilometer in the world. "God placed a gigantic treasure underneath our feet," he wrote on social media, arguing that the mining ban was "absurd." "If we make responsible use of our natural resources, we can change the economy of El Salvador overnight," he said. The new law stipulates that the state will be the only entity authorized to search for, extract and process mined metals. However, the government may do so through companies in which it is a shareholder. The bill prohibits the use of mercury in mining operations, which may not be carried out in protected natural areas or places with important water sources. A survey by Central American University published on Monday revealed that 59 percent of respondents do not consider El Salvador "an appropriate country for metal mining." Since El Salvador dollarized its remittances-reliant economy in 2001, it has registered average annual growth of 2.1 percent. Twenty-seven percent of Salvadorans live in poverty, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, and 70 percent of the workforce operates in the informal sector. Elsewhere in the region, Costa Rica and Honduras have banned open-pit mining, and Panama declared a moratorium on new mining concessions last year after mass protests over plans for a huge copper mine. ob/fj/dr/jgcNone'The effect will be immediate': Auto expert on Donald Trump's proposed tariffs6 of 234 。

New missile systems boost the US Navy’s troubled Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program’s firepower, but questions remain about whether upgrades can redeem its costly, embattled legacy. This month, USNI News that US Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro announced significant upgrades to the LCS fleet during the Naval Institute’s Defense Forum in Washington, DC. According to USNI News, the enhancements include installing the Mk 70 Payload Delivery System (PDS) and containerized Mk 41 vertical launching systems, enabling the LCS to launch larger missiles such as the SM-6 and Tomahawk Land Attack Missile. The report says these upgrades aim to bolster the LCS’s maritime strike capabilities, addressing previous criticisms of the -class’s limited firepower. The report says the Freedom-class USS Beloit (LCS-29) and USS Nantucket (LCS-27) are among the first to receive these systems. It notes that the USS Nantucket showcased the Mk 70 PDS during its recent commissioning. USNI News mentions the initiative is part of the Over-the-Horizon Weapons System upgrade, which seeks to enhance the US Navy’s operational flexibility and technical advantage, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. As stated in the report, Del Toro emphasized the strategic importance of these upgrades, noting their potential to significantly enhance US naval capabilities globally, including in the Persian Gulf and the Pacific. The report mentions that this move reflects the US Navy’s ongoing efforts to modernize its fleet and maintain a competitive edge over adversaries. The LCS was designed to address the US Navy’s “green water” capability gap, reflecting a change in naval design philosophy from mission-specific ships to a multi-function platform. However, the program has a troubled history, marred by multiple issues since the first vessel, USS Freedom (LCS-1), was commissioned in 2008. In a November 2024 for The National Interest (TNI), Christian Orr mentions that the LCS program has faced significant criticism due to high costs, maintenance dependencies, and limited survivability. Orr says that early models, such as the USS Freedom (LCS-1) and USS Independence (LCS-2), have been decommissioned despite their intended 25-year service lives. He states the LCS has been plagued by propulsion system failures, contractor-dependent maintenance, and difficulty swapping mission configurations. He mentions that LCS critics argue that the ships are under-armed and unable to survive in hostile combat environments. According to him, the initially planned fleet of 55 LCSs was reduced to 35, reflecting the program’s struggles. These issues have led to calls to scrap the LCS program. In an April 2023 Proceedings , Anthony Carrillo argues that it should be scrapped due to its numerous shortcomings and high costs. Carrillo points out that despite over a decade of development, the LCS has failed to meet expectations, with early models like the USS Freedom and USS Independence being decommissioned after just 13 and 11 years of service, respectively. He argues that the ships have been plagued by propulsion system failures, high maintenance costs, and limited survivability, mainly due to their aluminum hulls, which are prone to cracking and corrosion. He points out that the LCS’s operational range is also restricted, requiring frequent refueling, which hampers its ability to conduct missions effectively. Additionally, Carrillo says the program’s high costs, estimated at over USD 60 billion for 35 ships and 44 mission modules, do not justify its limited capabilities. Further, he states that the US Navy’s decision to retain only 21 of the 35 planned ships further underscores the program’s failure. Given these issues, Carrillo views the LCS program as a drain on resources, with its ships better suited for cannibalization to support other naval assets. He argues that the US Navy should focus on more capable and cost-effective platforms like the Constellation-class frigates to meet its operational needs. Viewing the LCS program in a different light, Pete Pagano argues in an August 2024 Proceedings that the LCS concept warrants reconsideration due to its potential to fulfill critical roles in modern naval warfare despite initial flaws. While Pagano acknowledges the program’s rough start, he says recent improvements in propulsion and mission packages show promise. He points out that the Freedom variant’s propulsion problems have been addressed, and surface warfare and mine countermeasures mission packages have been validated. Pagano mentions that while critics argue that the LCS cannot contribute to high-end combat, advancements in over-the-horizon antiship missiles and Hellfire Longbows have proven otherwise. Further, he says the LCS’s large flight decks and mission bays make it suitable for amphibious operations and supporting US Marine Corps missions. He also notes that the LCS can serve as fleet scouts, employing manned and unmanned aerial systems to reposition and engage enemy forces rapidly. With the right enhancements, Pagano says the LCS can become a valuable asset in the US Navy’s fleet, capable of executing various missions in diverse operational environments. While the Constellation-class frigates were developed in response to the LCS program’s earlier failures and a capability gap brought by the retirement of the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates, the Constellation-class program has its challenges. In a 1945 this month, Robert Farley mentions that the program has encountered significant challenges despite the Constellation class’s promise of advanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities and a multi-role platform with 32 vertical launching system (VLS) cells and modern sensors. Farley points out that adapting the European FREMM frigate design to the US Constellation class has increased costs from USD 800 million to USD 1.3 billion, with construction delays and workforce issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. He states that the first ship’s delivery has been pushed to 2029, raising concerns about speed, affordability, and scalability. Farley adds that the concurrent construction and design process has resulted in weight growth, potentially reducing the ships’ speed below 25 knots and complicating future modifications. Further, he says Marinette Shipyard, the Constellation class’s builder, has workforce problems that have delayed the program, creating a capability gap as the US Navy retires Ticonderoga-class cruisers. The push to repurpose the LCS may follow the same lines of effort with its , with the US Navy trying to justify a sunk-cost fallacy. Perhaps the saving grace of trying to revive the LCS would be giving the US more hulls to match China’s People’s Liberation Army – Navy (PLAN), . Asia Times has that historical evidence shows that the side with the larger fleet usually wins naval battles and that sheer numbers often trump short-lived technological advantages.BEIRUT (AP) — Israel's military launched airstrikes across Lebanon on Monday, unleashing explosions throughout the country and killing at least 12 while Israeli leaders appeared to be closing in on a negotiated ceasefire with the Hezbollah militant group. Israeli strikes hit commercial and residential buildings in Beirut as well as in the port city of Tyre. Military officials said they targeted areas known as Hezbollah strongholds. They issued evacuation orders for Beirut's southern suburbs, and strikes landed across the city, including meters from a Lebanese police base and the city's largest public park. The barrage came as officials indicated they were nearing agreement on a ceasefire, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Security Cabinet prepared to discuss an offer on the table. Airstrikes kill at least 12 Massive explosions lit up Lebanon's skies with flashes of orange, sending towering plumes of smoke into the air as Israeli airstrikes pounded Beirut’s southern suburbs Monday. The blasts damaged buildings and left shattered glass and debris scattered across nearby streets. No casualties were reported after many residents fled the targeted sites. Some of the strikes landed close to central Beirut and near Christian neighborhoods and other targets where Israel had issued evacuation warnings, including in Tyre and Nabatieh province. Israeli airstrikes also hit the northeast Baalbek-Hermel region without warning. Lebanon’s Health Ministry said Monday that at least 12 people were killed in the strikes in the Tyre province, adding to the more than 3,700 people in Lebanon who have been killed since Israel launched its invasion two months ago. Many of those killed since the start of the war between Israel and Hezbollah have been civilians , and health officials said some of the recovered bodies were so severely damaged that DNA testing would be required to confirm their identities. Israel says it has killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah members. Lebanon's Health Ministry says the war has displaced 1.2 million people. The latest round of airstrikes came weeks after Israeli ground forces invaded southern Lebanon in early October, meeting heavy resistance in a narrow strip of land along the border. The military had previously exchanged attacks across the border with Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group that began firing rockets into Israel the day after the war in Gaza began last year. Lebanese politicians have decried the ongoing airstrikes and said they are impeding U.S.-led ceasefire negotiations. The country's deputy parliament speaker accused Israel of ramping up its bombardment in order to pressure Lebanon to make concessions in indirect ceasefire negotiations with Hezbollah. Elias Bousaab, an ally of the militant group, said Monday that the pressure has increased because “we are close to the hour that is decisive regarding reaching a ceasefire.” Hopes grow for a ceasefire Israeli officials voiced similar optimism Monday about prospects for a ceasefire. Mike Herzog, the country's ambassador to Washington, earlier in the day told Israeli Army Radio that several points had yet to be finalized. Though any deal would require agreement from the government, Herzog said Israel and Hezbollah were “close to a deal." “It can happen within days,” he said. Israeli officials have said the sides are close to an agreement that would include withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and a pullback of Hezbollah fighters from the Israeli border. But several sticking points remain. Two Israeli officials told The Associated Press that Netanyahu’s security Cabinet had scheduled a meeting for Tuesday, but they said it remained unclear whether the Cabinet would vote to approve the deal. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were discussing internal deliberations. Danny Danon, Israel’s U.N. ambassador, told reporters Monday that he expected a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah to have stages and to be discussed by leaders Monday or Tuesday. Still, he warned, “it’s not going to happen overnight.” After previous hopes for a ceasefire were dashed, U.S. officials cautioned that negotiations were not yet complete and noted that there could be last-minute hitches that either delay or destroy an agreement. "Nothing is done until everything is done," White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Monday. The proposal under discussion to end the fighting calls for an initial two-month ceasefire during which Israeli forces would withdraw from Lebanon and Hezbollah would end its armed presence along the southern border south of the Litani River. The withdrawals would be accompanied by an influx of thousands more Lebanese army troops, who have been largely sidelined in the war, to patrol the border area along with an existing U.N. peacekeeping force . Western diplomats and Israeli officials said Israel is demanding the right to strike in Lebanon if it believes Hezbollah is violating the terms. The Lebanese government has said that such an arrangement would authorize violations of the country's sovereignty. A ceasefire could mark a step toward ending the regionwide war that ballooned after Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting another 250 . The lack of a ceasefire has emerged as a political liability for Israeli leaders including Netanyahu, particularly while 60,000 Israelis remain away from their homes in the country's north after more than a year of cross-border violence. Hezbollah rockets have reached as far south into Israel as Tel Aviv. At least 75 people have been killed, more than half of them civilians. More than 50 Israeli soldiers died fighting in the ground offensive in Lebanon. The Israeli military said about 250 projectiles were fired Sunday, with some intercepted. A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, the strongest of Iran’s armed proxies , is expected to significantly calm regional tensions that have led to fears of a direct, all-out war between Israel and Iran. It’s not clear how the ceasefire will affect the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Hezbollah had long insisted that it would not agree to a ceasefire until the war in Gaza ends, but it dropped that condition. While the proposal is expected to be approved if Netanyahu brings it to a vote in his security Cabinet, one hard-line member, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, said he would oppose it. He said on X that a deal with Lebanon would be a “big mistake” and a “missed historic opportunity to eradicate Hezbollah.” If the ceasefire talks fail, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said, “it will mean more destruction and more and more animosity and more dehumanization and more hatred and more bitterness.” Speaking at a G7 meeting in Fiuggi, Italy, the last summit of its kind before U.S. President Joe Biden leaves office, Safadi said such a failure "will doom the future of the region to more conflict and more killing and more destruction.” ___ Federman reported from Jerusalem and Metz from Rabat, Morocco. Associated Press writers Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations, Nicole Winfield in Fiuggi, Italy, and Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed to this report. ___ Find more of AP’s war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-warHOUSTON (AP) — The Astros welcomed first baseman Christian Walker to the team Monday, in one of two moves that almost certainly marks the end of Alex Bregman’s time in Houston. Walker signed a $60 million, three-year contract that will pay him $20 million annually just more than a week after the Astros acquired infielder Isaac Paredes from Cubs in the trade that sent outfielder Kyle Tucker to Chicago . “The way I view it right now is Paredes is going to play third base and Walker is going to play first base,” general manager Dana Brown said Monday. “And Bregman’s still a free agent.” The Astros had hoped to re-sign Bregman, the team’s third baseman for the last nine seasons, but Brown said the negotiations stalled. “I thought we made a really competitive offer, showing that we wanted him back,” he said. “But we had to pursue other options. We couldn’t just sit there. We locked in Paredes early in that trade, knowing that he could play third or first and then when the opportunity to add another bat came up we just jumped on it.” The addition of a first baseman was a priority this offseason for the Astros after they released struggling first baseman José Abreu less than halfway through a $58.5 million, three-year contract. “We knew we had to get better at first base,” Brown said. “We pursued (Walker) and we’re excited to have him because we know that we’re going to have a really good first baseman that can defend and also hit the ball on the seats from time to time.” Walked was attracted by the sustained success of the Astros, who won their first two World Series titles in 2017 and '22. “I’ve been watching this team for a while now, and that edge, the energy, the expectation, you can tell that they’re going out there with a standard,” he said. “And I’m very excited to be a part of it.” Walker is looking forward playing on an infield with star second baseman Jose Altuve. He’s fascinated by the success and consistency Altuve has had over his 14-year career. “I get a chance to learn from Jose Altuve,” Walker said. “Nothing really gets better than that.” Brown was asked what he would tell fans disappointed to see the Astros lose another star after George Springer and Carlos Correa left as free agents in recent years. “I would just tell the fans that look, we are very focused on remaining competitive,” he said. “We’re very focused on winning division and going back to the World Series, and I think with these additions that we have the ability to do that. So, I feel strongly that we’re going to be picked to win the division first off. And if our pitching holds up, which I feel strongly about, as well, I think we’ll get deep into the postseason.” The Astros won the AL West for a fourth straight year this season before being swept by the Tigers in an AL Wild Card Series. Walker, who turns 34 during the opening week of the season, hit .251 with 26 homers, 84 RBIs, 55 walks and 133 strikeouts this year. That was down from 2023, when he batted .258 with 33 homers and 103 RBIs as the Diamondbacks reached the World Series. Walker played in 130 games this year, down from 157 in 2023 and 160 in 2022. He was sidelined between July 29 and Sept. 3 by a strained left oblique. He spent the last eight seasons with the Diamondbacks, where he hit 146 homers with 442 RBIs and a .251 batting average. He didn’t secure a full-time job in the big leagues until 2019. He’s provided consistent power over the past six seasons and has grown into an elite defensive first baseman, winning Gold Gloves in each of the past three seasons. Walker played college ball at South Carolina and was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 2012. He made his big league debut with the Orioles in 2014 but couldn’t stick in the majors and was claimed off waivers by Atlanta, Cincinnati and Arizona in a five-week span. Walker’s contract has a limited no-trade provision allowing him to block deals to six teams without his consent. He would earn $200,000 for winning an MVP, $175,000 for second, $150,000 for third, $125,000 for fourth and $100,000 for fifth. Walker also would get $100,000 for World Series MVP, $50,000 for League Championship Series MVP and $75,000 apiece for making the All-Star Game or winning a Gold Glove or Silver Slugger Award. Infielder Grae Kessinger was designated for assignment to open a roster spot. AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum contributed to this report. AP MLB: https://apnews.com/mlb

Christopher Nolan’s next movie unveiled as Greek epic adaptation — and it already has a release dateHouston Astros welcome 1B Christian Walker to team; say negotiations with Bregman stalledSignature Restoration Solutions Provides Effective Mold Remediation Services for Commercial Properties Across the Greater Augusta GA Area

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In the market for a new gaming monitor ? Sansui has two great options for you to choose from, and for a limited time, they’re on sale! The is $77.99 — 40% off — right now on Amazon. It was $129.99. The is $139.99 — 26% off — right now also on Amazon. It was $189.99. Don’t sleep on these savings if you are ready to upgrade your home setup with a new, quality monitor. What makes the Sansui IPS Eye Care Monitor a game changer The can enhance your home setup whether your primary use is for work, gaming, or streaming. Its Full HD 1080p resolution provides vibrant and sharp visuals that are ideal for watching your favorite shows and movies , playing your favorite video games, or even doing video or photo editing. The IPS panel serves a wide 178-degree viewing angle, so colors stay true from every direction. The monitor’s 75Hz refresh rate showcases smooth performance for a range of activities (think: sports and action movies). Beyond those features, this monitor stands out because of its eye-care technology, which is said to reduce eye strain during long hours of use. Those Netflix binges will be as comfortable as they are engaging. The monitor’s ergonomic design also includes a tilt range of -5 degrees to 22 degrees to hit just the right angle. And if you’re mounting this lightweight monitor instead of setting it on your desktop, it’s VESA compatible. Connectivity will also be hassle-free with the standard HDMI and VGA ports, plus an included HDMI cable for immediate setup. Lastly, you’ll appreciate the frameless design, which is as modern-looking as they come. What makes the Sansui Gaming Monitor a game changer The is a powerhouse display built for gamers who demand exceptional views. Its stunning WQHD resolution delivers sharp, vibrant visuals, while the 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time ensure buttery-smooth gameplay with no lag. This monitor’s Adaptive Sync technology also provides tear-free and seamless motion, whether you’re in an intense FPS match or a high-speed racing game. Your eyes will thank you! You’ll also appreciate its IPS panel, which provides excellent color accuracy. For you content creators, this can enhance your work beyond game play. The monitor’s HDR compatibility also enhances contrast and detail, while its anti-flicker and low blue light features protect your eyes during extended use. Gamers will also love the customizable CrossHair and timer tools for enhanced precision. Connectivity options in this gaming monitor includes two HDMI 2.0 ports and two DP 1.2 ports, plus an audio jack. Use the tilt adjustments in its metal stand to optimize your viewing. It’s also VESA mount compatible, so you have different setup options. Don’t worry about buyer’s remorse For whatever reason, if you need to return either Sansui monitor after purchase, you have options. It’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee if you want to send it back. While we believe you’ll want to keep it because it’s awesome, you never know what life has in store. Rest assured, you’ll also have lifetime technical support should you need help with setup or fixes long after purchase.Blake Lively v. Justin Baldoni: How ‘It Ends With Us’ production led to a sexual harassment lawsuit and ‘astroturfing’ allegations

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The end of the House of Assad: How, and why now?

The end of the House of Assad: How, and why now?( MENAFN - PR Newswire) NINGBO, China, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- HT signifies the digital transformation of Haitian International's machine series, combining hardware with digital intelligence for self-optimising production. The fact that the software is developed and programmed entirely in-house not only gives Haitian flexibility and independence, but also ensures that maximum cost efficiency and quality are achieved. Much of this HT functionality is standard and can be operated without training, delivering immediate results. Through continuous development and improvement of these functions, the goal is to drive transformation in the plastics industry and set new standards for smart manufacturing. Driving Intelligent Manufacturing With HT, Haitian and Zhafir's 5th generation injection molding machines are equipped with advanced intelligent features, setting new standards for efficiency, stability, and smart manufacturing. These smart features directly address the challenges and inefficiencies in today's manufacturing landscape, such as production inconsistencies, energy consumption, and unplanned downtime. 1. HT: Precision, Stability, and Speed HT integrates self-learning correction algorithms, ensuring accurate positioning and optimized motion. The intelligent mold opening process delivers exceptional stability and performance, improving cycle consistency and production quality. 2. HT: Efficiency in Material Handling HT dynamically adjusts the dosing speed based on real-time production needs. This not only reduces wear on components but also enhances energy efficiency, supporting sustainable manufacturing practices. 3. HT: Fast Visual Troubleshooting HT simplifies fault detection with real-time data visualization and one-click root cause analysis. Downtime is minimized, and production continuity is safeguarded through efficient, streamlined diagnostics. 4. HT: Smart Maintenance for Long-Term Reliability HT employs neural network control and digital lubrication models to adapt lubrication levels to machine parameters such as clamping force and mold moving stroke. This intelligent adjustment optimizes machine performance and longevity. Enhancing Efficiency with Comprehensive Smart Technology In total there are currently 15+ functions available for Haitian and Zhafir machine series. Most of them come within the standard configuration. Features like HT , HT , HT , and HT focus on further strengthening the efficiency and reliability of Haitian's injection molding machines. These smart technologies work together to reduce interference and drift, enhancing production stability and precision. Since its launch, HT has proven its value across industries. In line with Haitian product philosophy of "Technology to the Point" HT brings efficient solutions for manufacturing needs. By embracing these intelligent technologies, Haitian International is leading the way in transforming the injection molding industry, helping companies achieve greater productivity, efficiency, and sustainability for their success. Photo - MENAFN18122024003732001241ID1109009812 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.NBA rumors: Why Kyle Kuzma won't repeat a Wizards trade shutdown

Wheel of Fortune’s most prized tradition is the bonus round, where each episode’s winner is faced with one last puzzle and a mere 10 seconds to come away with an even bigger bundle of cash (or not). But fans want a word with host Ryan Seacrest about how he’s presenting the prizes after giving a puzzling amount of build-up to a player’s $40,000 win. On Friday, November 22’s episode, Brittany Brock, a kindergarten teacher from Chicago, Illinois, was the player to proceed to the coveted bonus round. By then she had won $17,300 in cash, a trip to Kauai, and selected “Living Thing” as her category. With the savvy additional letters of “DPBI” the two-word puzzle read as, “‘_ _ DDL_’ ‘P_PP_'”. Near-instantly, she correctly solved it as “Cuddly Puppy.” The broadcast cut to Seacrest and an excited Brock, and it was time to reveal how much she won from the prize wedge she picked. Seacrest opened the gold prize card and glanced at the figure. “And...” he told her with a surprised grin (below). After a few seconds he added, “Ready?” Broke clasped her hands over her mouth in anticipation as Seacrest then revealed she won an extra $40,000, the least one can win in the bonus round. “$40,000!” he exclaimed. This brought her to a grand total of $57,381 and she was overjoyed nonetheless, embraced her husband. On Social media, many fans celebrated the big win while left wondering why Seacrest presented the prize with such a prolonged rollout that it seemed like a bigger value and as if the confetti was about to overflow onto the Sony Pictures Studios parking lot. “Ryan acting like it’s $75,000 or $100,000 with the slow way he shows the amount,” one fan wrote when the game show shared the clip to YouTube. Over on the WoF Reddit, a fan dedicated a discussion thread to the moment titling it, “Bonus Reveal... lolz.” They continued, “I like Seacrest, but gotta admit, I’m not a fan of the dramatic 40K reveals lol.” “Agreed...” a second user wrote, arguing that a contestant in the future could be “disappointed” it’s not more. “The Mrs. and I commented on that last night. He presents it like it’s something more than the minimum prize amount! One of these days, the contestant is going to react disappointedly.” A third wrote, “He also contorts his body awkwardly and bounces around to just flip the card open. Then says ‘it was this much’ as if he can’t say the amount. Kind of weird. But the lack of higher amounts lately is noticed. I’m glad it’s been all cash so far. A lot of the cars prior were 30k, which is nice, but they were lowest prize.” Chuck Woolery Dies: Former ‘Wheel of Fortune’ and ‘Love Connection’ Host Was 83 “I agree, feels like he’s forcing it,” wrote a fourth. A fifth was even more critical, “I’m sorry I know a lot of people are going to get mad at me but I just don’t like him. There’s something about him, that I just don’t enjoy watching him in anything at all.” Meanwhile , Seacrest, of course, had huge shoes to fill replacing the legendary Pat Sajak alongside the iconic Vanna White after four decades for Season 42. His debut month was the strongest ratings month for WoF in the past three years, and viewers were already treated to a viral moment (via a round of sausage) . That said, there have been some other questionable moments according to fans. In September, Seacrest suffered what fans dubbed his “first blooper” , involving a prolonged reaction to rewarding a bonus round. Fans also called out the host for ruling against another player before the timer was up. There have also been a few on-screen “glitches,” and a minor spelling error in a Thanksgiving puzzle . Many fans also blamed a lack of experience on Seacrest’s mishandling of a contestant’s $1million wedge, which she instantly forfeited. Wheel of Fortune , Weeknights, Check your local listings More Headlines: ‘Outlander’: Richard Rankin Teases ‘Shock After Shock’ for Roger & Buck’s Season 7 Adventure ‘Countdown’: Jensen Ackles Shares Look at Filming New Prime Video Show (PHOTOS) Courtney B. Vance Is ‘Percy Jackson’s New Zeus: See His Tribute to Lance Reddick ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Fans Beg Ryan Seacrest to Change His ‘Forced’ Bonus Round Move ‘The Boys’ Season 5 Begins Filming & Everything Else We Know About the Final ChapterIRWINDALE, Calif. , Dec. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BIC America continues to showcase its legacy of delivering exceptional sound solutions with the Acoustech Architectural Series, featuring five expertly engineered in-ceiling speaker models: AU510, AU610, AU620, AU810, and AU820. These speakers demonstrate the company's commitment to providing superior audio performance across various applications for both residential and commercial installations.Acoustech Architectural Series: Delivering Excellence Across Every Model Acoustech Architectural Series: Unmatched Quality and Design Each speaker in the Acoustech Architectural Series is crafted with durability and performance in mind. Featuring innovative pivoting tweeters and precision-engineered drivers, these speakers provide tailored sound while maintaining a discreet, seamless ceiling integration. Key Differentiators: Precision-engineered drivers for optimal sound reproduction Pivoting tweeters for customizable sound direction Sleek, minimalist design that blends into any home ceiling Versatile performance across different home environments About BIC America With over 50 years of audio expertise, BIC America continues to be a trusted name in sound technology. The company remains dedicated to creating high-quality audio systems that enhance listening experiences for home theater enthusiasts and music lovers. Contact: Eric Huang , [email protected] SOURCE BIC America