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india online casino SUNDAY, Dec. 8, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Shingles can strike anyone who had chickenpox when they were young, and the intense pain that can accompany this body rash has sidelined many a senior. Here, one expert explains how and why shingles can surface, and what you can do to treat it, or better yet, avoid it. Shingles can happen at any age, but it most typically affects people over 50 who have stress and compromised immunity. “Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It’s the same virus that causes chickenpox,” said Dr. Eugene Fellin , a family medicine physician at Penn State Health Medical Group – Fleetwood. “For most of us who grew up before the 1990s, when children began being immunized against chickenpox, we’ve been exposed to the virus and are at risk for shingles.” How can shingles surface? After lying dormant in the nervous system for years, the virus can reemerge as shingles, which causes painful rashes that typically surface on the face or around the side of the torso, Fellin explained. “It’s like a poison ivy rash that won’t go away,” he added in a Penn State news release. “It can occur in patches, but along that same nerve root. A lot of times, people feel some tingling or a burning sensation prior to the rash actually breaking out,” Fellin noted. “When we’re looking for the rash, it will be in a string on the torso because the nerves wrap around the torso. You get a line around you, from the back to the front.” “The other issue we worry about is if it breaks out on the face and involves the eye because this can lead to blindness,” Fellin said. “Shingles around the eye is considered dangerous, and an instant referral to an ophthalmologist is always recommended.” What can you take to treat shingles? Antivirals such as Valacyclovir can be prescribed, but they’re time-sensitive and need to be taken within 36 hours of the start of the rash because they work by slowing the spread of the virus, Fellin said. While symptoms subside after three to five weeks, pain can sometimes return in the form of postherpetic neuralgia , he said. This long-term nerve pain occurs where the shingles rash appeared and can last for months or even years. Older adults are more likely to develop postherpetic neuralgia and have longer lasting and more severe pain, Fellin said. Luckily, there is something you can do to avoid shingles altogether: get vaccinated. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the Shingrix vaccine, given in two doses, with the second dose given two to six months after the first. People who get shingles can still receive the vaccine, which can lower the chances of another outbreak, Fellin noted. Most family doctors and pharmacies stock the vaccine, which is covered by Medicare, he added. “Most insurance programs are covering it because it has been out long enough and shows a real benefit,” Fellin said in a Penn State news release. “There’s a lot of misinformation about vaccines circulating out there. My message is this: Don’t be afraid of this or any vaccine.” SOURCE: Penn State Health, news release, Dec. 5, 2024By ALI SWENSON and BARARA ORTUTAY Bluesky has seen its user base soar since the U.S. presidential election, boosted by people seeking refuge from Elon Musk’s X, which they view as increasingly leaning too far to the right given its owner’s support of President-elect Donald Trump, or wanting an alternative to Meta’s Threads and its algorithms. Related Articles Technology | The internet is rife with fake reviews. Will AI make it worse? Technology | Who’s who in Donald Trump’s new Silicon Valley entourage Technology | South Bay tech data site is bought by big California real estate firm Technology | As we enter the shortest days of the year here’s the history of light bulbs Technology | Albania to shut down TikTok for a year over violence, bullying The platform grew out of the company then known as Twitter, championed by its former CEO Jack Dorsey. Its decentralized approach to social networking was eventually intended to replace Twitter’s core mechanic . That’s unlikely now that the two companies have parted ways. But Bluesky’s growth trajectory — with a user base that has more than doubled since October — could make it a serious competitor to other social platforms. But with growth comes growing pains. It’s not just human users who’ve been flocking to Bluesky but also bots, including those designed to create partisan division or direct users to junk websites. The skyrocketing user base — now surpassing 25 million — is the biggest test yet for a relatively young platform that has branded itself as a social media alternative free of the problems plaguing its competitors. According to research firm Similarweb, Bluesky added 7.6 million monthly active app users on iOS and Android in November, an increase of 295.4% since October. It also saw 56.2 million desktop and mobile web visits, in the same period, up 189% from October. Besides the U.S. elections, Bluesky also got a boost when X was briefly banned in Brazil . “They got this spike in attention, they’ve crossed the threshold where it is now worth it for people to flood the platform with spam,” said Laura Edelson, an assistant professor of computer science at Northeastern University and a member of Issue One’s Council for Responsible Social Media. “But they don’t have the cash flow, they don’t have the established team that a larger platform would, so they have to do it all very, very quickly.” To manage growth for its tiny staff, Bluesky started as an invitation-only space until it opened to the public in February. That period gave the site time to build out moderation tools and other distinctive features to attract new users , such as “starter packs” that provide lists of topically curated feeds. Meta recently announced that it is testing a similar feature. Compared to the bigger players like Meta’s platforms or X, Bluesky has a “quite different” value system, said Claire Wardle, a professor at Cornell University and an expert in misinformation. This includes giving users more control over their experience. “The first generation of social media platforms connected the world, but ended up consolidating power in the hands of a few corporations and their leaders,” Bluesky said on its blog in March. “Our online experience doesn’t have to depend on billionaires unilaterally making decisions over what we see. On an open social network like Bluesky, you can shape your experience for yourself.” Because of this mindset, Bluesky has achieved a scrappy underdog status that has attracted users who’ve grown tired of the big players. “People had this idea that it was going to be a different type of social network,” Wardle said. “But the truth is, when you get lots of people in a place and there are eyeballs, it means that it’s in other people’s interests to use bots to create, you know, information that aligns with their perspective.” Little data has emerged to help quantify the rise in impersonator accounts, artificial intelligence-fueled networks and other potentially harmful content on Bluesky. But in recent weeks, users have begun reporting large numbers of apparent AI bots following them, posting plagiarized articles or making seemingly automated divisive comments in replies. Lion Cassens, a Bluesky user and doctoral candidate in the Netherlands, found one such network by accident — a group of German-language accounts with similar bios and AI-generated profile pictures posting in replies to three German newspapers. “I noticed some weird replies under a news post by the German newspaper ‘Die Ziet,’” he said in an email to The Associated Press. “I have a lot of trust in the moderation mechanism on Bluesky, especially compared to Twitter since the layoffs and due to Musk’s more radical stance on freedom of speech. But AI bots are a big challenge, as they will only improve. I hope social media can keep up with that.” Cassens said the bots’ messages have been relatively innocuous so far, but he was concerned about how they could be repurposed in the future to mislead. There are also signs that foreign disinformation narratives have made their way to Bluesky. The disinformation research group Alethea pointed to one low-traction post sharing a false claim about ABC News that had circulated on Russian Telegram channels. Copycat accounts are another challenge. In late November, Alexios Mantzarlis, director of the Security, Trust and Safety Initiative at Cornell Tech, found that of the top 100 most followed named individuals on Bluesky, 44% had at least one duplicate account posing as them. Two weeks later, Mantzarlis said Bluesky had removed around two-thirds of the duplicate accounts he’d initially detected — a sign the site was aware of the issue and attempting to address it. Bluesky posted earlier this month that it had quadrupled its moderation team to keep up with its growing user base. The company also announced it had introduced a new system to detect impersonation and was working to improve its Community Guidelines to provide more detail on what’s allowed. Because of the way the site is built, users also have the option to subscribe to third-party “Labelers” that outsource content moderation by tagging accounts with warnings and context. The company didn’t respond to multiple requests for comment for this story. Even as its challenges aren’t yet at the scale other platforms face, Bluesky is at a “crossroads,” said Edward Perez, a board member at the nonpartisan nonprofit OSET Institute, who previously led Twitter’s civic integrity team. “Whether BlueSky likes it or not, it is being pulled into the real world,” Perez said, noting that it needs to quickly prioritize threats and work to mitigate them if it hopes to continue to grow. That said, disinformation and bots won’t be Bluesky’s only challenges in the months and years to come. As a text-based social network, its entire premise is falling out of favor with younger generations. A recent Pew Research Center poll found that only 17% of American teenagers used X, for instance, down from 23% in 2022. For teens and young adults, TikTok, Instagram and other visual-focused platforms are the places to be. Political polarization is also going against Bluesky ever reaching the size of TikTok, Instagram or even X. “Bluesky is not trying to be all things to all people,” Wardle said, adding that, likely, the days of a Facebook or Instagram emerging where they’re “trying to keep everybody happy” are over. Social platforms are increasingly splintered along political lines and when they aren’t — see Meta’s platforms — the companies behind them are actively working to de-emphasize political content and news. The Associated Press receives support from several private foundations to enhance its explanatory coverage of elections and democracy. See more about AP’s democracy initiative here . The AP is solely responsible for all content.Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), as the likely incoming ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, could attempt to sabotage President-elect Donald Trump’s America First agenda by trying to torpedo his nominees. Durbin has a track record of fierce opposition to Trump, and he has suggested that he may use every tool at his disposal to thwart Trump’s agenda, especially regarding key cabinet positions and judicial nominees. The Illinois Democrat currently serves as the number two position in Senate Democrat leadership, as the Majority Whip, and as the likely ranking member of the Judiciary Committee, will have significant influence on how to create trouble for Trump’s nominees. Although the Senate no longer has the 60-vote threshold to overcome the filibuster for Supreme Court nominees, Democrats, including Durbin, can still stall the nomination process significantly. This includes blocking unanimous consent requests, challenging quorums, and prolonging Senate floor debates, which all can force Senate Republicans to expend time and political capital to get nominees through Congress’s upper chamber. After the Supreme Court ruled that the sitting president has criminal immunity for official acts, thus blocking Democrat prosecutors from going after Trump in the courts, Durbin said that Congress will have the onus of keeping Trump accountable. “The Supreme Court has made it nearly impossible for the courts to hold a runaway president accountable. It will be left to the American people and Congress to try to hold the line because, as Justice Sotomayor noted in her dissent, ‘the President is now a king above the law,’” Durbin said during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in September. Ironically, Durbin’s comments come on the heels of President Biden granting his son, Hunter, an unprecedented pardon covering 11 years. The Illinois Democrat wrote in mid-November, “During his first administration, Donald Trump assaulted the Constitution, undermined the rule of law, and tried to use the Department of Justice to overturn the results of the 2020 election”: Other Senate Democrats said that Durbin is the right man to stymy Trump’s nominees. “There’s nobody better than Chair Durbin to lead the charge against Donald Trump,” Sen. Peter Welch (D-VT), a Senate Judiciary Committee member, said in November. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) said the Illinois Democrat “did a remarkable job opposing Trump’s judicial nominees during his first administration and I know Dick can do it again.” Americans will soon find out if Durbin lives up to his name. Sean Moran is a policy reporter for Breitbart News. Follow him on X @SeanMoran3 .

EW LEGAL DEADLINE: Edwards Lifesciences Class Action Deadline is Approaching – Contact BFA Law if You Suffered Losses (NYSE:EW)The local creativity of Chiang Mai will be showcased on a global scale during Chiang Mai Design Week 2024, which will kick off this Saturday and run until Dec 15. Organised by the Creative Economy Agency, this 10th edition highlights the collaborative efforts to enhance local potential, bringing together diverse skills, perspectives and cultural heritage to create sustainable innovations. It will take place in two main areas of Chiang Mai, spanning vibrant Chiang Mai Old City-Klang Wiang (Three Kings Monument-Lam Chang) and Chang Moi-TCDC Chiang Mai-Tha Phae. Additional activities will be held across other districts, including Hang Dong and San Kamphaeng. More than 110 programmes have been arranged under the concept of "Scaling Local: Creativity, Technology And Sustainability -- For Reviving Recovery". They are categoried into six types of activities. The "Showcase & Exhibition" focuses on three main themes -- business, creative industries and social issues -- to enhance people's quality of life by presenting innovative solutions and addressing community challenges in a practical and sustainable way. The "Talk & Workshop" will be conducted by established and emerging local talents, while international creators will be sharing their perspectives on preserving identity in contemporary art in roundtable discussions. While the "Event" caters to diver interests, the "District" presents creative district development initiatives such as "Urban Symphony" and "Lam Chang International Film". Featured in "Music & Performance" will be Labb.Fest 2024, Chiang Mai Street Jazz Festival 2024 and Chiang Mai Ho, as well as performances by artists from diverse countries. The "Market & Promotion" covers various marketplaces including the Pop Market which will bring a selection of products from over 140 brands, second-hand markets and local community markets to support businesses affected by the floods in October. Visit chiangmaidesignweek.com .TUCSON, Ariz. , Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- AudioEye, Inc. ("AudioEye" or the "Company") AEYE , the industry-leading digital accessibility company, today announced the launch of an underwritten secondary offering of shares of its common stock to be sold by certain selling stockholders. The selling stockholders also expect to grant to the underwriters an option, exercisable for 30 days, to purchase additional shares of the Company's common stock from the selling stockholders at the public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions. The offering is subject to market and other conditions, and there can be no assurance as to whether or when the offering may be completed, or as to the actual size or terms of the offering. Needham & Company will act as Sole Book-Runner, and Roth Capital Partners will act as Lead Manager for the offering. The selling stockholders will receive all of the net proceeds from the proposed offering. The Company will not sell any shares of its common stock in the proposed offering and will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of the Company's stock in the offering. This offering is being made pursuant to a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-276937) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and declared effective on February 13, 2024 . The offering of the shares of common stock will be made by means of a prospectus, including a prospectus supplement, forming a part of the registration statement. A preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectuses relating to and describing the terms of the offering will be filed with the SEC, and will be available on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov or when available, may be obtained by contacting: Needham & Company, LLC, 250 Park Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10177, Attn: Prospectus Department, by telephone at (800) 903-3268 or by e-mail at prospectus@needhamco.com , with a copy to Roth Capital Partners, LLC, 888 San Clemente, Suite 400, Newport Beach, CA 92660, Attn: Equity Capital Markets, by telephone at (800) 678-9147 or by e-mail at rothecm@roth.com . This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction. About AudioEye AudioEye exists to ensure the digital future we build is inclusive. By combining the latest AI automation technology with guidance from certified experts and direct input from the disability community, AudioEye helps ensure businesses of all sizes — including over 126,000 customers like Samsung, Calvin Klein , and Samsonite — are accessible and usable. Holding 23 US patents, AudioEye helps companies solve every aspect of digital accessibility with flexible approaches that best meet their needs. The comprehensive solution includes 24/7 accessibility monitoring, automated accessibility fixes, expert testing, developer tools, and industry-leading legal protection. Forward-Looking Statements Statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Words such as "anticipates," "believes," "expects," "intends," "plans," "potential," "projects," "would," and "future," or similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect AudioEye's current beliefs and expectations and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ significantly from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, but are not limited to statements relating to the offering, its size and expected closing date. Each of these forward-looking statements involves substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ significantly from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, risks and uncertainties related to: the uncertain market acceptance of our existing and future products; our need for, and the availability of, additional capital in the future to fund our operations and the development of new products; the success, timing and financial consequences of new strategic relationships or licensing agreements we may enter into; rapid changes in Internet-based applications that may affect the utility and commercial viability of our products; the timing and magnitude of expenditures we may incur in connection with our ongoing product development activities; judicial applications of accessibility laws to the internet; the level of competition from our existing competitors and from new competitors in our marketplace; and the regulatory environment for our products and services. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Investor Contact Tom Colton Gateway Group, Inc. AEYE@gateway-grp.com 949-574-3860 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/audioeye-announces-launch-of-secondary-offering-of-common-stock-by-selling-stockholders-302323068.html SOURCE AudioEye, Inc. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. Cl A stock rises Wednesday, outperforms market

The 14th Singapore-Australia Joint Ministerial Committee plenary on Dec 3. SINGAPORE – Agency, agency, agency. With Trump 2.0 tariffs lurking on the horizon, that was the common refrain invoked by several world leaders visiting Singapore this week, in asserting the idea that smaller economies have the power to act for themselves to mitigate the fragmenting effects of the rivalry among great powers such as China and the US. In the Asia-Pacific, that could well mean increasing regional trade to ensure economic stability. South-east Asia as a bloc is expected to be the world’s fourth-largest economy after the US, China and India by the end of this decade. “In the context of intense pressure on the global trading system, our region has agency,” Mr Don Farrell, Australia’s Minister for Trade and Tourism, said on Dec 2 in an address at the annual Next Step (Solutions T o E conomic P roblems) Global Conference. It was organised by the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and Paterson Institute for International Economics. “In 2025, it will be incumbent on those of us who understand the benefits of global trade rules to actively engage in support of the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organisation at its core,” he added. Incoming US president Donald Trump has so far vowed to impose punitive tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico, and he promised more while on the campaign trail. If he goes through with these measures, they may spur retaliatory moves, triggering a trade war. Growth could slow in China, and the reduction in demand would in turn hurt many other exporting countries in the Asia-Pacific. “The way we manage our interests in the face of challenges involving great powers is only partly through direct dealing. Much of the answer lies in approaching these challenges in regional terms,” Ms Penny Wong, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, said on Dec 3 in a dialogue convened by geopolitical think-tank International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). “There is a lot that happens in the thousands of kilometres between Australia, the United States and China, just as there is a lot that happens in the broader Indo-Pacific,” she added. “I often say that when Australia looks up to the world, we see South-east Asia,” she noted. “This space is central to Australia’s future.” Australia builds stronger trade ties with South-east Asia As part of Australia’s economic strategy to increase trade with South-east Asian nations, a A$70 million (S$60.5 million) investment in the country’s last budget to increase the number of Australian trade officials, among other things, has helped to generate A$1 billion worth of trade in the last 12 months, Mr Farrell told conference participants. Canberra’s South-east Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, launched in September 2023, was born partly out of necessity to look for new export markets after Beijing imposed harsh tariffs in 2020. These came about when Australia’s previous government called for an inquiry into China’s role in the origins of Covid-19. China is by far Australia’s largest trading partner, worth – by some estimates – about a third of Australia’s annual gross domestic product. Beijing’s retaliatory move adversely affected bilateral trade, hitting Australia’s wine producers particularly hard. In a paper released in April 2024, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development said a 10 per cent reduction in trade among the major economies could shave 1.2 per cent off Australia’s gross domestic product. China’s tariffs have largely been removed since current Prime Minister Anthony Albanese came into power in mid-2022. Australia and China notched up A$327 billion of two-way trade in 2023, surpassing the A$271.5 billion in 2020. While Australia’s trade with South-east Asia still pales in comparison to its trading relationship with China, Canberra’s experience in having to diversify trade could also be instructive for its Asia-Pacific neighbours. Strong bilateral relationships have underpinned these efforts in a world that is far less hospitable, with two wars raging in Europe and the Middle East, in addition to the ongoing China-US rivalry. Singapore to strengthen friends network Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said as much on Nov 8, when he convened a press conference to explain his recent flurry of overseas trips. He pointed to fading established norms and weakening multilateral institutions that have led to a growing number of state and non-state actors pushing for what they want with little or no consequences. “All in all, it means a less hospitable environment, especially for small countries like Singapore, and that is why we have to work even harder to strengthen our network of friends and partners and to work with like-minded countries to shape international norms and rules and to find common ground on issues of shared concern,” he said. Ms Wong and Mr Farrell, along with Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, were visiting the Republic at the start of the week to meet their Singapore counterparts in foreign affairs, trade and defence, respectively, for the 14th meeting of the Singapore-Australia joint ministerial committee. A big part of their discussions, they said, was to lay a foundation for a renewal and deepening of the wide-ranging Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) between both countries in 2025, the 10th year of the CSP and 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between both nations. “The fact of the matter is we are now at an inflection point. The contestation between the two superpowers, the simultaneous technological revolutions in the digital space, in biotechnology and in renewable energy, also present another inflection model,” Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs, said at a joint press conference later on Dec 3 after this meeting. “What you see is evidence of a doubling down in this time of volatility and challenge, and that is why this relationship is so vital,” he added. Multilateral organisations to protect open markets Singapore and Australia have more than just a strong bilateral relationship. They are also strong partners in regional forums such as the East Asia Summit and Asean, and multilateral organisations such as the WTO. The WTO, however, is under pressure to reform, because the growing geopolitical and international trade complexities have rendered its dispute settlement and negotiating functions irrelevant for its member states. The tensions and suspicions between China and the US in their rivalry have not only fractured economic and geopolitical relationships among other countries, but have also given rise to grave ramifications for international organisations, deepening the gridlock in these bodies. Asia-Pacific nations have in the meantime sought to establish some new norms in the last decade, with two multilateral free trade agreements, which both now exclude the US. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement counts 15 nations among its signatories, and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership includes 11 states, all of whom are Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) members. “The international economic environment is less benign than it has been at any point over 40 years ago – and I think that is a bit of an understatement – but the WTO middle powers are not helpless rule takers,” WTO director-general Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala told the Next Step conference on Dec 2. “If they work together, they build coalitions with each other and with smaller developing countries, they can help keep international markets broadly open and advance the much-needed modernisation of the WTO,” she said. “The open global economy underpinned by the WTO has served middle powers well. I think now it is time for them to step up and defend it,” she added. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads. 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Like tens of thousands of Lebanon’s displaced, Hussein Mallah headed to the southern suburbs of Beirut at the break of dawn on Wednesday. The truce between Hezbollah and Israel had just begun, ending a two-month war. Mallah says he took to repairing his home and businesses “almost immediately.” “My 24/7 bakery is going to be open for business tonight,” said Mallah on Friday, his chest widening and his voice bursting with triumph. Behind him, five employees, decked out in the bakery’s red and white uniform, were refitting the countertops at the storefront. It was the third day of an increasingly uneasy ceasefire . The Israeli military had just issued an order demanding that Lebanese inhabitants of the country’s southern-most villages refrain from returning to their homes. The nascent agreement is in its most fragile state. In the 60-day aftermath of the deal, Israel will withdraw its forces as the Lebanese army ramps up its presence in south Lebanon to ensure that the area is free of Hezbollah’s arms. But a complete absence of trust between the two sides – officially enemy states – means that the phased unfolding of the deal could fall apart at any moment, with both sides already accusing the other of violating the ceasefire agreement. There have been a number of reports of Israeli forces on the Lebanese side of the border firing at people and villages, while Israel claims it has observed Hezbollah regrouping. “I’m optimistic,” said Mallah, counting his prayer beads with one hand. “Even if the ceasefire collapses, we’ll just do the whole thing all over again. I was raised this way and I’ll always be this way. Nothing can break our spirits.” Traffic jams have returned to Hadi Nasrallah Avenue in Lebanon’s capital, the southern suburbs’ main boulevard named after the son of late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. It cuts through the dense urban area where barely any building has been spared the damage wrought by two months of Israel’s near nightly airstrikes here. This is Hezbollah’s seat of power where around one million people live, most of whom heeded Israel’s evacuation orders. Shards of glass crack underfoot and rubble falls from above as people sweep away the damage from their flats, lobbing detritus off balconies. A gathering crops up around a pickup truck loaded with speakers blaring Hezbollah anthems. A handful of people carry posters of Nasrallah, who was killed in a massive Israeli airstrike just over two months ago, and who has not yet had a public funeral. The mood is somber, but defiant. Hezbollah’s leaders appear to hope for a repeat of 2006 when the fiery Nasrallah addressed large crowds with rousing speeches, and when a ceasefire with a formidable Israeli military was accepted by Hezbollah supporters as a “divine victory.” On Friday, Nasrallah’s successor – Secretary-General Naim Qassem – used similar language. “We are victorious because we prevented the enemy from destroying Hezbollah,” said Qassem, the elderly cleric who was Nasrallah’s long-time deputy, but lacks his predecessor’s charisma and fiery oration. “This is a victory because the resistance persisted and continues to persist.” There are several parallels between the two all-out wars that raged between Hezbollah and Israel. The same agreement that ended the 2006 war was used by Lebanese officials to bring about a ceasefire more than two decades later. As in 2006, Israel’s current leaders vowed, but failed, to destroy Hezbollah. And the current rush of displaced people returning to their damaged and destroyed towns and neighborhoods is a mirror image of those emotional scenes from the aftermath of the previous war. But the differences are also stark. Israel has decimated Hezbollah’s top military brass and Nasrallah’s absence is acutely felt. Hezbollah has also made some major concessions, reneging on a promise to only cease its rocket fire on Israel’s northern-most territory after Israel ended its ongoing, devastating offensive in Gaza. It has also agreed to a rigorous enforcement of the 2006 agreement, which stipulated that Hezbollah’s forces retreat to around 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the Israel-Lebanon frontier. And trouble is brewing at home. Inside Lebanon, there is a widely held belief that Hezbollah has emerged from this war as a shell of its former self, which may cause long-festering domestic tensions to flare. Still, Hezbollah’s robust support base console themselves by reminding themselves that things could always have been worse, and that they were spared the fate of the Palestinians in Gaza. They also argue that the militant group, complete with its ballistic and medium-range missiles, remains one of the best-armed non-state actors in the world. “The war was longer than we’d hoped it would be, but in the end we were victorious and that’s all that matters,” said 25-year-old Marwa from her badly damaged home in the southern suburbs of Beirut. She said that she stepped into her home after two months of displacement not knowing how extensive the damage would be. “I couldn’t even tell you how difficult it was to see my home covered in broken glass, to see my memories ripped apart,” she said, her eyes welling up with tears. “We’ve been working nonstop, just so we can be able to have a coffee at home.” “When we first got home, we were shocked... Barely anything was left untouched,” she said, her eyes welling up with tears. “I hoped to be able come back home after all that time. And then I found that I couldn’t stay... But it’s ok. It’s all material stuff. It can all be replaced.” Others are less lucky. Umm Hussein, 41, stayed put as she watched throngs of returnees on the television screen. Unlike most of the displaced, she had already seen photographs of her home in the south of Beirut. An Israeli airstrike had destroyed it. “Throughout this war, I was patient with my displacement,” said Umm Hussein on the day the ceasefire went into effect. “But today, I watch these scenes and I feel like a prisoner.”Lake City, Colo., Dec. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- At 2 pm ET on January 15, Green Builder Media will offer its latest webinar with Daran Wastchak, President of Learning Edge LLC. The class will provide a user-friendly look at the key elements of the latest version of the IECC released for 2024, with short detours into the new 2024 IRC, so attendees will leave feeling much more confident designing, building, and inspecting to the latest code requirements. In 90 minutes you'll learn: Click here to register for your seat at the event . About the Presenter Daran Wastchak is the President of Learning Edge, LLC, a firm that specializes in residential energy efficiency training and building science consulting. Daran was a key implementer of the EPA’s ENERGY STAR for Homes program for more than 20 years. He has helped solve warranty issues for hundreds of homes that did not properly heat or cool, had high utility bills, poor indoor air quality, and/or were uncomfortable. Daran has trained thousands of individuals on the basics of building science, energy efficiency for buildings, energy efficiency programs, and the international energy conservation codes. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Construction and master’s and doctoral degrees in Public Administration and Policy from Arizona State University. About Green Builder Media Green Builder Media is North America’s leading media company focused on green building and sustainable living content. With a comprehensive suite of content marketing, digital, social, and print media options, high-profile demonstration projects, market intelligence, data services, and live events, Green Builder Media offers a blend of visionary and practical information covering a broad spectrum of topics, including decarbonization, electrification, smart home technologies, energy efficiency, intelligent water, indoor air quality, resilient housing, renewables, and clean transportation. Attachment Cati O'Keefe Green Builder Media 513-532-0185 cati.okeefe@greenbuildermedia.com

‘Doctor Odyssey’: Joshua Jackson On That Surprising Threesome, His Return To A Fun “Spicy” Show Like ‘Dawson’s Creek’ & Details Of ‘Karate Kid: Legends’Opinion Don't miss out on the headlines from Opinion. Followed categories will be added to My News. An Open Letter to the Prime Minister: A Plea Against Rising Antisemitism in Australia I am an Australian citizen, a 78-year-old Jewish woman, and the daughter of Holocaust survivors. My parents came to Australia from Israel in 1958, hoping to give their children a safer, more peaceful, and prosperous life. They sought a country where one’s worth would be measured not by religion but by character, achievements, and contributions to society. For decades, Australia embodied that vision — a nation where hard work, generosity, and inclusivity thrived. Eva Fried with her husband Tab Fried holding a photo of her parents who survived the holocaust. Picture: Josie Hayden Jewish Australians have always been integral to this country’s fabric, contributing to every sector of society while supporting causes that uplift others. Yet today, I write with a heavy heart, deeply troubled by the surge of antisemitism and hate that now mars this beautiful land. This troubling trend comes on the heels of unimaginable tragedy. On October 7th, the world witnessed unspeakable atrocities as Israeli young people and families – Jewish and Muslim – were attacked, hostages taken — including Holocaust survivors, women, and children — enduring unfathomable conditions – 100 still remain there. These events were not chosen by Israel, but inflicted upon its people. They serve as a grim reminder of why a Jewish homeland remains essential — a sanctuary in a world that has, too often, turned its back. Prime Minister Albanese, I implore you to reflect on this history. My father fought for Israel’s independence in 1948 — a nation born from the ashes of the Holocaust, after six million Jews perished with nowhere to turn. Israel’s existence is a testament to resilience, a haven for a people who yearned for peace and safety. A Jewish homeland remains essential. Picture: Josie Hayden Yet, it has never been without struggle. Israel’s children — 18-year-olds fresh from school — stand on the front lines, defending a small nation against relentless aggression. This isn’t just about borders; it’s about survival. The rational Israeli majority want peace, yet Hamas and Hezbollah invest not in progress or coexistence, but in tunnels and rockets designed to destroy. They use their own people as shields, showing little regard for human life. Moreover, they perpetuate a cycle of aid and violence, exploiting their suffering for political ends. I, together with the Jewish community and communities worldwide, are deeply saddened by the loss of innocent lives in Gaza and Lebanon. Here in Australia, our identity as a harmonious and accepting nation is under threat. The burning of a synagogue in Melbourne is not just an act of vandalism — it is a stain on our values, a chilling reminder of the dangers of unchecked hate. Prime Minister, I appeal to you: do not let antisemitism take root in our society. Do not turn a blind eye to the suffering of Israelis or the continued existential threats they face. Prime Minister, do not let antisemitism take root in our society. Picture: Martin Ollman Remember the contributions Jewish Australians have made to this nation. Stand firm against hatred in all its forms. Australia can and must reclaim its place as a beacon of tolerance and understanding. Let us rise above division and hatred and reaffirm our commitment to peace and humanity — for all Australians, and for the world. Eva Fried Melbourne, Australia Join the conversation Add your comment to this story To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout More related stories Opinion Bolt: Albanese is encouraging barbarians to attack our civilisation Anthony Albanese is the first Australian Prime Minister to be praised by Hamas and damned by Israel — it’s clear he’s picked the wrong side. Read more Business How Aussie savers are keeping Reserve Bank interest rates high The wealth gap between people with big home loans and people with big bank deposits has widened, and will expand further. Read moreFeature Sitting in the hangar of Lockheed Martin's famous Palmdale, California Skunk Works facility is one of the oddest aircraft ever to take shape: the X-59 that's looking to revive supersonic travel over land. The X-59 is a very strange looking bird. It's 99.7 ft (30.4 m) long with a 29.5 ft (9 m) delta-style wingspan – but the first third of the aircraft is all nose. That elongated proboscis is designed to pierce shockwaves created when aircraft top the speed of sound, and by doing so reduce sonic booms to a more muted sonic thump that won't deafen folks on the ground. X-59 aircraft (pic: Lockheed Martin) Earlier this month, NASA fired up the X-59's engines for the first time ahead of next year's test flights. The Register caught up with the project’s head of propulsion, Ray Castner, and test pilot James L Less – aka "Clue" – to learn more about this amazing aircraft. The Register: James, I have to ask about your call sign. Where did you get it? Less: I've been Clue since my first squadron in the Air Force over 20 years ago. I walked in, they took a look at my name, and they just said, "OK, we've got to come up with something good." The Register: It seems like you're basically taking an F-18 engine, F-16 undercarriage, and then the rest of the plane is custom-built. Is that correct? Castner: That's true. It is a fully new aircraft with parts from all kinds of other airplanes, mostly to save budget and cost. If you can get anything you can reuse, that saves money. The Register: Does that go for the lack of a forward windscreen? It's got to be unusual relying on cameras alone. Less: The cockpit of the X-59 is designed around the rear cockpit of a T-38 Air Force trainer. So we didn't have to develop it all from scratch and test it. The canopy, canopy jettison mechanism, and then the ejection seat are all things that, if we had to do those from scratch, would be a lot of development. So we just used what's in the T-38 – they took the blueprints for that rear cockpit and then built a whole plane around it. This is not the first airplane that you couldn't see straight forward out of – Charles Lindbergh had to hang his head out the window to see where he was going. We didn't want to have to do that. So this camera system will actually make it – in theory – just like looking out the front window. We have a big high-definition TV monitor right in front of us, and the picture is nearly what they call "conformal." If I were looking through a transparent window right there, that's what I'd be seeing. The Register: The design of the craft is most unusual – the extended nose and tail in particular. How does that help with sonic booms? Castner: I've sat through countless meetings about the sonic-boom design. And actually, before the X-59, we'd done some wind tunnel testing on what would be a next-generation supersonic transport. The whole concept for aircraft shaping for sonic booms is about managing the volume of the airplane and the lift – because sonic booms are all about lift and volume. So if you can manage that energy, then the human ear will hear that sound as a softer sound. And it's really all based on advances in computational technology. We have all these supercomputers that can analyze thousands of designs in a month. And they can basically optimize the shape of the aircraft, and that's really the secret sauce, how boom optimization works. Less: The nose of the airplane and the tail of the airplane put out the strongest sonic shocks normally. And that's the boom that you hear. And then there's a whole bunch of smaller shocks along the whole length of the airplane. And as those all travel to the ground, they kind of merge together into the front and the back, and that's the loud boom that you hear. The point of the long, straight, new nose, skinny airplane is to spread all those little shocks out so that they don't merge together as they go to the ground. And as Ray was saying, it's energy. It's the same amount of energy in the sound, but it's spread out over the length of the airplane instead of into two short sections: nose and tail. The Register: Is this design practical for commercial aircraft? Castner: NASA is pretty confident. Right before we designed X-59, we've done both computational and wind tunnel tests on vehicles that would be scaled up towards 60-passenger aircraft. NASA feels confident that that technology can be scaled up to a full scale commercial supersonic aircraft – but the X-59 is needed to demonstrate that and to collect that data. The Register: So when's the first flight? Less: From a flight test standpoint, we mainly just have to make sure we're safe. So I won't say how many flights, but we will fly fairly quickly, and assuming we keep moving through that envelope, we will get supersonic without too much delay. That's obviously the goal. So we're hoping to do the first flight early next year. The Register: So assuming a successful flight, what happens to the data for this? Is this shared with the industry? Less: One is the human response to the public survey data. When we're done testing this airplane we're going to go fly around the country and get people's response to the sonic thump. That data will go to the Federal Aviation Administration and any international regulatory boards to show them that we've got the data saying you can change your rules. Instead of being a hard speed limit, the limit will be based on sound. The other set of data we're going to get is all those computer tools that Ray was talking about that were used to design this. We're going to go and measure the results and go back and refine those tools even more based on real-world results. And then those tools are available to any US manufacturer that wants to try to use it and make a low boom aircraft. ®

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AP News Summary at 2:36 p.m. ESTTORONTO, Dec. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Trexo Robotics is proud to announce this groundbreaking milestone. This remarkable achievement is not only a testament to the power of innovation, but also to the determination and resilience of the children and families who have made it possible. The Trexo Robotics team, led by co-founders Manmeet Maggu, CEO and Rahul Udasi, CTO, are overjoyed by this accomplishment. "The 100 million steps milestone was not something I thought about as a goal, we wanted kids to take as many steps as they could. It's amazing, each kid starting with one step and going after their own goals, has added up to an unbelievable number," says Udasi. "For many of these kiddos, they were told they would never take a step. Every single one of these 100 million steps tells a different story—one of courage, progress, and hope," says Maggu. "This milestone is made up of countless special moments, each representing improved strength, better health, and brighter possibilities." Trexo is hosting a celebration to mark this incredible accomplishment on Friday, December 6 th in Toronto. The celebration will honour the parents and community members who have been instrumental in this journey and, most importantly, the children themselves, who inspire everyone with their perseverance. Thinking about what the future may bring–500 million steps, which is the equivalent of walking to the moon–and one billion steps are on the minds of the Trexo team. "These numbers are mind boggling, and exciting because of what they mean for the kiddos. For now though, this moment is a time to pause, reflect, and celebrate," says Jenn Horowitz, Head of Marketing at Trexo. The celebration will include Trexo robotic legs walking on their own, heartfelt speeches, a special surprise from one of the Trexo users, Alex Mertens, dancing, and for many, the opportunity to meet the team behind the innovation for the first time. Media representatives are welcome to attend to capture this inspiring achievement. Trexo Robotics extends heartfelt thanks to the parents, supporters, and especially the children, whose steps have turned what was a personal quest to help Maggu's nephew, into something bigger than they ever imagined. About Trexo Robotics: Trexo Robotics is a leader in mobility solutions, empowering children with disabilities to take their first steps in many cases. With a mission to redefine what's possible, Trexo Robotics combines cutting-edge technology with unwavering dedication to create life-changing moments for families that are searching for solutions for their children. Event Details: Date: Friday, December 6, 2024 Time: 6pm – 9pm Media only. For location and other details, please contact: Contact: Jennifer Horowitz, Head of Marketing Phone: 562-784-7711 jh@trexorobotics.com A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c9788464-2a17-4a2e-837b-2c4d4176cce1 © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

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Fear of Kannur-style Tongue Lashing Many Congress leaders from Kerala have started a campaign for a new PCC president, saying a leader from the Christian community should head the party to check the perceived tilt of many Christians to the BJP. But incumbent K Sudhakaran insists he enjoys overwhelming support to continue as PCC president. The change seekers hope AICC will eject Sudhakaran but many are wary of facing the "Kannur-style" tongue-lashing, if the former is pushed out. Leaving Nothing to Chance Shiv Sena ( Eknath Shinde ) MLA Bharat Gogawale ’s desire to become a minister is known to one and all. So, while in the midst of giving a byte to a news channel outside the assembly, the MLA abruptly cut it short and literally ran to greet Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis . While Gogawale is in the Shiv Sena, he is aware that with 132 MLAs with BJP, Fadnavis would hold a veto on which of the Sena MLAs could be made a minister and hence Gogawale leaving nothing to chance. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" To keep reading, please log in to your account, create a free account, or simply fill out the form below.

The new head of Ontario’s beleaguered transit agency says he plans to “start talking” to construction partners and government stakeholders as he tries to finally open the Eglinton LRT after more than a decade of construction. On Monday, Infrastructure Ontario CEO Michael Lindsay was appointed as the head of the provincial transit agency Metrolinx to replace the departing Phil Verster. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Lindsay’s top priority was to open the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, which began construction in 2011 and was initially due to be finished in 2020. “I’m honoured to have been asked by the premier and the minister of transportation to go over and provide temporary leadership to Metrolinx,” Lindsay said on Tuesday, speaking for the first time since his appointment. “I will do everything I can, in partnership with government, to bring that project online as quickly as possible.” Lindsay indicated he would immediately start conversations designed to help him succeed where Verster had failed and allow the premier to finally cut the ribbon on the Eglinton project. “I’m going to start talking to partners and government and I’m going to talk to the staff at Metrolinx,” Lindsay said. “IO and Metrolinx have obviously been partnered quite closely in respect of major capital procurements and the management of the construction of these LRT projects. So I certainly don’t start from zero. But I think this is a moment, intentionally, of trying to think, with fresh eyes, what could we do in order to hasten the delivery of these projects?” Lindsay was announced on Monday as the replacement for outgoing Metrolinx CEO Phil Verster, who is leaving the role by mid-December to take another job elsewhere. Opposition parties at Queen’s Park had long called for Verster to be fired over construction delays at Metrolinx, particularly the Eglinton line. The government, particularly Premier Doug Ford, had defended him. Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said Lindsay had been a “great partner for the government” during his time leading Infrastructure Ontario and suggested he was a good fit for Metrolinx. “I think he has a lot to offer and I think the province will be well served with his leadership there over the next couple of months and to ensure we get our transit projects built and underway,” he told Global News. “Our mandate to him has been very clear: to get the Crosstown open,” Sarkaria said. “And so I look forward to him transitioning into the role, taking over the files and working on that priority along with the $70 billion we’re investing over the next 10 years.” On Wednesday, the Green Party leader said heads should roll at Metrolinx under the new CEO and implored him to be transparent. “They could get rid of all the vice-presidents that are making lots of money as well — it feels like they have a reporting structure that doesn’t work,” he said. “I would say to the new president, if you’re going to gain (the) confidence of people you need to come out now and be honest with the people of Ontario: why the Eglinton Crosstown has been delayed, why it is so far over budget. Stop hiding behind secrecy and just be honest with people.”None