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The Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox agreed to the biggest trade of the offseason (so far) on Wednesday, closing out the Winter Meetings by agreeing to a deal that sends the All-Star left-hander Garrett Crochet to Fenway Park in exchange for a four-player package. As is custom during the transaction-happy parts of the year, I'm here to give this particular deal the trade grades treatment. Below, you'll find instant analysis on both sides of the swap, as well as some bigger-picture thoughts and -- yes -- a letter grade that attempts to convey all of that wisdom and foolishness into a single character. Before we get to the reason you clicked, here is the trade in whole: Red Sox receive : LHP Garrett Crochet White Sox receive : C Kyle Teel , OF Braden Montgomery , INF Chase Meidroth, and RHP Wikelman Gonzalez Now, onward. Red Sox: A Back in November, I wrote about why the Red Sox should be all-in this winter . The short version is that they have a decent big-league core in place; they have several good prospects nearing their arrival (including Roman Anthony and Kristian Campbell -- two of my three-highest ranked minor leaguers ); and they have the financial flexibility that was carved out over the years by former executive Chaim Bloom. The Red Sox tried to woo Juan Soto , Max Fried , and a few other top free agents who chose greener pastures (or, at minimum, greener paychecks). It looked like another winter of "we tried" was on the menu in Boston. Fortunately for Red Sox fans, though, top executive Craig Breslow was able to pivot and land Crochet, the top pitcher on the trade block, in a deal that absolutely qualifies as the kind of maneuver I had in mind last month. Crochet, 25, is fresh off a career redefining season. In his first year as a starter at the big-league level, he compiled a 3.58 ERA (115 ERA+) and a 6.33 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He did that across 146 innings, or precisely double the amount he had previously thrown in the majors over his first four big-league seasons. It's more than fair to have some questions about Crochet's workload moving forward -- not only what he can handle, but how well he can handle it. Simultaneously, there's ample reason why he was so in-demand . That begins with his cheapness ( he's projected to make $3 million next season ) and extends to him being under team control for two more seasons. There's also, as you may have suspected, his talent. Crochet has a nasty arsenal that he continues to refine. One of the revelations for him was the addition of a cutter that served as a bridge between his high-octane fastball and trademark sweeper. Crochet then fashioned a sinker late in the year to good returns, suggesting he could have four above-average (or better) offerings to employ heading forward. Combine that repertoire with above-average control (he walked two batters per nine) and an apparent capacity and yearning for improvement, and you have the makings of a front-of-the-rotation force -- for now and 2026. Garrett Crochet's new Sinker is gonna be a problem. 99mph with 19 inches of run. pic.twitter.com/ewpXnGgR3E Landing Crochet instead of Soto or Fried means that Breslow should have plenty of financial warchest remaining to make another splash move or two. And, while this trade wasn't cheap from a prospect perspective, Breslow managed to hold onto his three best youngsters (in my evaluation) and his most intriguing big-league trade chips -- think first baseman Triston Casas and outfielder Wilyer Abreu . There's certainly a non-zero chance Crochet falls victim to injury again, suppressing or outright eliminating the kind of impact this deal could have on Boston's fortunes. But that's the beauty and the agony of the future: it's unknowable and inaccessible. From where I'm sitting in time and space, this looks like a home run for the Red Sox, and the beginning of their return to the realm of high-competitive baseball. White Sox: B There aren't many teams who had a more eventful, topsy-turvy year with a single player than the White Sox did with Crochet. Their initial decision to use him as a starter was scoffed at -- not because of talent, but durability concerns. Their faith in him -- and, perhaps moreover, his body -- was rewarded when he put forth an All-Star-caliber showing. The White Sox were poised at the deadline to convert that great season into some much-needed long-term help ... only to then be blindsided by his own reported demands; among them: a desired extension if he was to pitch into the playoffs. Four-and-a-half months later, the White Sox have finally traded Crochet. In return, they net whom I would categorize as three of Boston's top 10 prospects, including the Red Sox's two most recent first-round selections. Let's touch on each player now. Teel, 22, is an athletic backstop with a track record of being an above-average left-handed batter. He split last season between Double- and Triple-A, hitting .288/.386/.433 with 13 home runs. He combines a patient approach with above-average raw strength, though the latter is more likely to manifest in the form of doubles (rather than home runs) on account of his batted-ball tendencies. There is a swing-and-miss element to Teel's game that, paired with his aforementioned willingness to work counts, has reliably fueled a strikeout rate at or around 25% as a professional. Teel, whom I considered to be Boston's No. 4 prospect, has enough going for him to profile as a most-days catcher. He ought to make his big-league debut sometime this spring. Montgomery, 21, fractured his ankle during Super Regional play at Texas A&M, costing him the remainder of his collegiate career and delaying his pro debut. He's a former two-way talent that profiles as a switch-hitting right fielder with a big arm. Montgomery has above-average thump and is particularly adept from the left side. He boosted his stock by batting .322/.454/.733 after transferring into the SEC, or the proving grounds for collegiates. Scouts have reservations about his hit-tool projection, however, as he struck out in nearly 25% of his plate appearances during conference play. If Montgomery can rein in his swing-and-miss woes, he could develop into a cleanup hitter. Otherwise, he'll have to atone for a low average by walking and bopping. Meidroth, 23, spent the entirety of his second full professional season at Triple-A. He hit .293/.437/.401 while launching seven home runs, stealing 13 bases (albeit on 19 attempts), and walking 34 more times than he struck out. Meidroth isn't a dynamic athlete and he doesn't feature much power upside. He does, nonetheless, profile as at least a spare infielder (and perhaps more than that) thanks to high-quality on-base skills. To wit, he connected on more than 90% of his in-zone swings last season and he seldom goes fishing after waste offerings. The White Sox, who ranked last in MLB in on-base percentage by a wide margin, could do worse than putting Meidroth at or near the top of their lineup and seeing if he can grind out at-bats and walks alike. Gonzalez, 22, has a lively arm and more than 130 innings at Double-A to his credit. This past season, he appeared 24 times there (19 of them being starts) and amassed a 4.73 ERA that can be blamed on him issuing more than a walk every other inning. Gonzalez has a quality arsenal, including a few pitches that grade as above-average to plus. If I had optimism in his control improving, I would forecast him progressing into a mid-rotation starter. The White Sox owe it to themselves to try their hands with Gonzalez, but barring some mechanical magic, I think he's heading to the bullpen. It's fair to write the White Sox received some talented players back. The question is whether or not they'll be able to help them grow into legitimate big-league contributors. Mind you, this is an organization that hasn't done well in that respect in recent years, either with trade acquisitions ( Miguel Vargas flatlined after coming over as part of the Michael Kopech bounty) or internal projects (including Colson Montgomery ). There's enough variability present in each present player's profile, be it the swing-and-miss with Teel and Montgomery or the ceiling-restricting flaws of Meidroth and Gonzalez, that there's a real chance this package plays lighter than it looks. That would be a near-catastrophic outcome for the White Sox. One veteran talent evaluator I polled about the deal expressed belief that there had to be a better package out there for the White Sox to take. Maybe, maybe not. This is the trade the White Sox made, and it'll be on them to make the most of it -- they'll need to if they're to return to the right of relevance anytime soon.
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( MENAFN - Jordan Times) AMMAN - The Vocational Training Corporation (VTC), in collaboration with German International Cooperation, launched on Sunday the second phase of its dual vocational training programme in Germany. This new phase follows the success of the first phase, which included three specialisations: electrical technician/renewable energy, bakery, and electric/hybrid vehicle maintenance, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. The second phase introduces 11 new training programmes aimed at broadening opportunities for young Jordanians, including: general electrician, car maintenance technician, refrigeration technology electrician, metal industries technician, health systems installation and maintenance technician, heating and air conditioning technician, carpenter, audiology technician, optics technician, dental technician, textile cleaning machine operator, baker, and pastry chef/confectioner. As part of the programme, proficiency in the German language at level A2 is a prerequisite, the VTC said, noting that the preparatory phase includes a five-month German language course up to level B1, delivered by accredited institutions, as well as career guidance sessions to prepare participants for careers in the skilled trades sector to be held in Jordan. Eligibility criteria for applicants include being a Jordanian citizen aged 18 to 34, holding at least a Grade 11 diploma, having a minimum of A2-level proficiency in German, and committing to a 3.5-year vocational training programme in Germany. The vocational training phase in Germany offers participants the opportunity to train at accredited vocational centres and gain hands-on experience with German private-sector companies. The programme follows Germany's renowned vocational training system and provides participants with a monthly stipend of at least 934 euros, health insurance throughout the duration of training, and an annual increase in stipend. To be eligible for the German phase, applicants must successfully complete the B1-level German language course, pass the necessary language exams, obtain an accredited B1 certificate, and secure a training position with a German company following interviews with employers. VTC Director-General Ahmad Gharaibeh stressed that the project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, is designed to provide young Jordanians with vocational training that leads to stable employment. The programme is part of the Partnerships for Development project on labour migration (PAM), which is implemented by German International Cooperation on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. It is carried out in partnership with the German Federation of Skilled Trades and the VTC. For more details and inquiries, the VTC invited interested individuals to contact the VTC's hotline at 0799958106 or to register via MENAFN15122024000028011005ID1108995665 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.North Carolina interviews Bill Belichick for head coaching job, AP sources say
Nikola Jokic doesn't wear his wedding ring for this surprising reason even though his wife has tried everything to get him to wear itUS actress Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment, hostile work environment and embarking on a “multi-tiered plan” to damage her reputation with claims of a targeted social media campaign. The legal complaint states that Baldoni, 40, hired crisis communications specialist Melissa Nathan, the same publicist who actor Johnny Depp is said to have hired during his high-profile defamation trial against Heard in 2022. In a statement given to NBC News, Aquaman star Heard said: “Social media is the absolute personification of the classic saying, a lie travels halfway around the world before truth can get its boots on. “I saw this first-hand and up close. “It’s as horrifying as it is destructive.” Depp successfully sued ex-wife Heard over a 2018 article she wrote for The Washington Post about her experiences as a survivor of domestic abuse, which his lawyers said falsely accused him of being an abuser. At the time, Heard said the jury’s verdict “sets back the clock to a time when a woman who spoke up and spoke out could be publicly shamed and humiliated”. Bryan Freedman, a lawyer representing Baldoni and the other named defendants, said Lively’s claims were “completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious”, adding that the studio “made the decision to proactively hire a crisis manager prior to the marketing campaign of the film”. It Ends With Us, based on Colleen Hoover’s novel of the same name, is about a woman’s pursuit of a loving and healthy relationship, with Lively playing lead character Lily Bloom and Baldoni as her love interest Ryle Kincaid amid a backdrop of domestic violence. After the legal action was filed, Hoover appeared to voice support for 37-year-old Lively, writing on her Instagram stories: “@blakelively you have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive and patient since the day we met. “Thank you for being exactly the human that you are. “Never change. Never wilt.” Hoover posted a link to a New York Times article titled We Can Bury Anyone: Inside A Hollywood Smear Machine. Lively’s former cast members from the 2005 film The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants, America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn, and Alexis Bledel, also released a joint social media statement to defend their long-time friend. “As Blake’s friends and sisters for over 20 years, we stand with her in solidarity as she fights back against the reported campaign waged to destroy her reputation,” the statement said. “Throughout the filming of It Ends With Us, we saw her summon the courage to ask for a safe workplace for herself and colleagues on set, and we are appalled to read the evidence of a premeditated and vindictive effort that ensued to discredit her voice.” They added: “We are struck by the reality that even if a woman is as strong, celebrated, and resourced as our friend Blake, she can face forceful retaliation for daring to ask for a safe working environment,” the statement continues. “We are inspired by our sister’s courage to stand up for herself and others.”
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( MENAFN - Newsfile Corp) New Plymouth, New Zealand--(Newsfile Corp. - December 23, 2024) - New Zealand energy Corp. (TSXV: NZ) ("NZEC" or the " Company ") is pleased to announce that, further to its 29 October 2024 news release, it has received final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the " Exchange ") regarding the non-arm's length farmout agreement (the " Agreement" ) entered into between the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Monumental Energy Corp. (" Monumental ") (TSXV: MNRG). In addition, the applicable consent of the Minister in New Zealand in accordance with the New Zealand Crown Minerals Act 1991 has also been obtained. Pursuant to the Agreement, Monumental is entitled to participate in the repair and workover of two wells, Copper Moki 1 & 2 (" CM 1 & 2 ") in order to restart production. The wells are located in a permitted block in the Taranaki Basin, New Zealand in which NZEC holds a 100% interest. In exchange for paying for the workovers, which are estimated to cost approximately NZ$800,000, Monumental will be entitled to 75% of the oil and gas revenue, net of production costs, until its investment is recovered after which it will have a 25% net revenue interest, or royalty, in the permit. Monumental and NZEC expect the workovers will begin in early 2025. On behalf of the Board of Directors Mike Adams, Chief Executive Officer New Zealand Energy Corp. Tel: +64-6-757-4470 New Zealand Energy Corp. Contacts Email: ... Website: Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Information: This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information regarding: the Agreement, the business of the Company, including future plans and objectives, and the CM 1 & 2 wells. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. This forward-looking information reflects NZEC's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to NZEC and on assumptions NZEC believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to: NZEC's current and initial understanding and analysis of its projects and the development required for such projects; the costs of NZEC's projects; NZEC's general and administrative costs remaining constant; and the market acceptance of NZEC's business strategy. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of NZEC to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; industry condition; volatility of commodity prices; imprecision of reserve estimates; environmental risks; operational risks in exploration and development; general capital market conditions and market prices for securities; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; the actual results of future operations; competition; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation, affecting NZEC; the timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; and lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key individuals. A description of additional risk factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking information can be found in NZEC's disclosure documents on the SEDAR+ website at Although NZEC has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of NZEC as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. However, NZEC expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit SOURCE: New Zealand Energy Corp. MENAFN23122024004218003983ID1109025336 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.
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ST JAMES, Jamaica — Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett says the Caribbean region must not be left behind in taking advantage of artificial intelligence (AI) to propel the tourism sector forward. He said that as the global tourism landscape becomes increasingly competitive, more countries are recognising the potential of AI, and Jamaica and the wider Caribbean must utilise the technology to maintain the region’s competitive edge. Minister Bartlett, who was addressing a forum at the Sandals Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios, St Ann on Friday, noted that AI can become a pivotal tool in enhancing operational processes and creating more personalised experiences for travellers. “We are now seeing where many countries are not just using AI to streamline operations but also to enhance customer service. They have also been using the tool to analyse vast amounts of data to identify trends, preferences, and behaviours, enabling businesses to tailor their offerings to meet the specific needs of travellers. We can’t afford to be left behind,” he said. “We are at an exciting time in tourism history where, if leveraged correctly, we will be able to improve our processes and ultimately make more targeted and strategic decisions,” he added. Bartlett said the potential applications of AI in tourism are vast, ranging from automated customer service systems to advanced data analytics that inform marketing strategies. He said AI-powered chatbots can provide 24/7 assistance to travellers, answering queries and offering personalised recommendations. In addition, he noted that predictive analytics can help businesses anticipate traveller demand, allowing them to adjust pricing and availability accordingly. “The key lies in understanding the needs of the new landscape, which is increasingly driven by technology,” the minister pointed out. “From smart hotel rooms equipped with voice-activated controls to mobile apps that facilitate seamless check-ins, technology is fundamentally changing the way travellers interact with their destinations. In this context, Jamaica and the Caribbean must not only keep pace but also lead in the adoption of innovative solutions,” he said. The minister underscored the importance of training tourism workers to adapt to this new technological frontier. “This proactive approach to workforce training is crucial, as it empowers employees to utilise AI tools effectively, fostering an environment of innovation and adaptability,” he said. Noting that the integration of AI in tourism is not without its challenges, Bartlett said that concerns about job displacement and the digital divide must be addressed to ensure that the benefits of technology are equitably distributed. “While there is the relative fear of the unknown as it relates to technology, the world has been a better place, and mankind has benefited as a result of the advancement of technology,” he added. — JISAfter weeks of fear and bewilderment about the drones buzzing over parts of New York and New Jersey , U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer is urging the federal government to deploy better drone-tracking technology to identify and ultimately stop the airborne pests. The New York Democrat is calling on the Department of Homeland Security to immediately deploy special technology that identifies and tracks drones back to their landing spots, according to briefings from his office. Schumer’s calls come amid growing public concern that the federal government hasn’t offered clear explanations as to who is operating the drones, and has not stopped them. National security officials have said the drones don’t appear to be a sign of foreign interference. “There’s a lot of us who are pretty frustrated right now,” said Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, on Fox News Sunday. “The answer ‘We don’t know’ is not a good enough answer.” President-elect Donald Trump posted on social media last week: “Can this really be happening without our government’s knowledge? I don’t think so. Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down.” Certain agencies within the Department of Homeland Security have the power to “incapacitate” drones, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas told ABC’s George Stephanopoulos on Sunday. “But we need those authorities expanded,” he said, without saying exactly how. The drones don’t appear to be linked to foreign governments, Mayorkas said. “We know of no foreign involvement with respect to the sightings in the Northeast. And we are vigilant in investigating this matter,” Mayorkas said. Last year, federal aviation rules began requiring certain drones to broadcast their identities. It’s not clear whether that information has been used to determine who is operating the drones swarming locations in New York and New Jersey. Mayorkas’ office didn’t immediately respond to questions about whether they’ve been able to identify drones using this capability. Schumer is calling for recently declassified radar technology to be used to help determine whether an object is a drone or a bird, identify its electronic registration, and follow it back to its landing place. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Sunday said federal officials were sending a drone detection system to the state. “This system will support state and federal law enforcement in their investigations,” Hochul said in a statement. The governor did not immediately provide additional details, including where the system will be deployed. Dozens of mysterious nighttime flights started last month over New Jersey, raising concerns among residents and officials. Part of the worry stems from the flying objects initially being spotted near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility and over Trump’s golf course in Bedminster. Drones are legal in New Jersey for recreational and commercial use, but they are subject to local and Federal Aviation Administration regulations and flight restrictions. Operators must be FAA certified.Reliable Link: Pioneering a New Era of Reliable Connectivity for Everything
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