Thomas uses big drives and putts to hold lead in Bahamas

USC, Texas A&M once had playoff hopesJEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — “My Driver and I” was supposed to be made in 2016, but was scuttled amid Saudi Arabia's decades-long cinema ban. Eight years later, the landscape for film in the kingdom looks much different — and the star of “My Driver and I” now has an award. Roula Dakheelallah was named the winner of the Chopard Emerging Saudi Talent award at the Red Sea International Film Festival on Thursday. The award — and the glitzy festival itself — is a sign of Saudi Arabia's commitment to shaping a new film industry. “My heart is attached to cinema and art; I have always dreamed of a moment like this,” Dakheelallah, who still works a 9-5 job, told The Associated Press before the awards ceremony. “I used to work in voluntary films and help my friends in the field, but this is my first big role in a film.” The reopening of cinemas in 2018 marked a cultural turning point for Saudi Arabia, an absolute monarchy that had instituted the ban 35 years before, under the influence of ultraconservative religious authorities. It has since invested heavily in a native film industry by building theaters and launching programs to support local filmmakers through grants and training. The Red Sea International Film Festival was launched just a year later, part of an attempt to expand Saudi influence into films, gaming, sports and other cultural fields. Activists have decried the investments as whitewashing the kingdom’s human rights record as it tightly controls speech and remains one of the world’s top executioners. With FIFA awarding the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia this week, Lina al-Hathloul, a Saudi activist with the London-based rights group ALQST, said Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman “has really managed to create this bubble where people only see entertainment and they don’t see the reality on the ground.” These efforts are part of Vision 2030, an ambitious reform plan unveiled in 2016 to ease the economy's dependence on oil. As part of it, Saudi Arabia plans to construct 350 cinemas with over 2,500 movie screens — by this past April, across 22 cities, it already had 66 cinemas showing movies from the local film industry, as well as Hollywood and Bollywood. (The Red Sea International Film Festival attracts a host of talent from the latter industries, with Viola Davis and Priyanka Chopra Jonas also picking up awards Thursday.) The country's General Entertainment Authority last month opened Al Hisn Studios on the outskirts of Riyadh. As one of the largest such production hubs in the Middle East, it not only includes several film studios but also a production village with workshops for carpentry, blacksmithing and fashion tailoring. “These facilities, when they exist, will stimulate filmmakers,” said Saudi actor Mohammed Elshehri. “Today, no writer or director has an excuse to imagine and say, ‘I cannot implement my imagination.’” The facilities are one part of the equation — the content itself is another. One of the major players in transforming Saudi filmmaking has been Telfaz11, a media company founded in 2011 that began as a YouTube channel and quickly became a trailblazer. Producing high-quality digital content such as short films, comedy sketches and series, Telfaz11 offered fresh perspectives on Saudi and regional issues. In 2020, Telfaz11 signed a partnership with Netflix to produce original content for the streaming giant. The result has been movies that demonstrate an evolution on the storytelling level, tackling topics that were once off-limits and sensitive to the public like secret nightlife in “Mandoob” (“Night Courier”) and changing social norms in “Naga.” “I think we tell our stories in a very simple way, and that’s what reaches the world,” Elshehri says of the changing shift. “When you tell your story in a natural way without any affectation, it will reach every person.” But the films were not without their critics, drawing mixed reaction. Social media discoursed ranged from pleasure that Saudi film were tackling such topics to anger over how the films reflected conservative society. As Hana Al-Omair, a Saudi writer and director, points out, there are still many stories left untold. “We certainly have a long time ahead of us before we can tell the Saudi narrative as it should be,” she said, acknowledging that there are still barriers and rampant censorship. “The Goat Life,” a Malayalam-language movie about an Indian man forced to work without pay in Saudi Arabia, is not available on Netflix's platform in the country. Movies that explore political topics or LGBTQ+ stories are essentially out of the question. Even “My Driver and I,” featured at the Red Sea festival alongside 11 other Saudi feature-length films, was initially too controversial. It centers on a Sudanese man in Jeddah, living away from his own daughter, who feels responsible for the girl he drives as her parents are absent. It was initially blocked from being made because of the relationship between the girl and the driver, filmmaker Ahd Kamel has said, even though it's not a romantic relationship. Now in 2024, the film is a success story — a symbol of the Saudi film industry's evolution as well as the growing role of women like Kamel behind the camera and Dakheelallah in front of it. “I see the change in Saudi cinema, a very beautiful change and it is moving at a wonderful speed. In my opinion, we do not need to rush,” Dakheelallah said. “We need to guide the truth of the artistic movement that is happening in Saudi Arabia.”

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Rape allegation against Jay-Z won’t impact NFL's relationship with music mogul, Goodell saysThe intricate processes and implementations of a quality management system have evolved significantly, influencing how companies guarantee the quality of their goods and services. In order to be competitive, modern entrepreneurs must comprehend these intricacies. This manual examines the development of quality management, highlighting how QMS may enhance product quality and expedite corporate procedures. From historical practices to contemporary tools, businesses leverage systems like ISO 9000 standards and Six Sigma methodology to achieve Continuous Improvement in business. Entrepreneurs may boost customer happiness, increase productivity, and spur innovation by implementing contemporary quality management. Let’s explore how to put a QMS in place for long-term company success. In order to guarantee product standards, quality management first concentrated on fundamental inspection techniques. This early method placed more emphasis on finding flaws than on stopping them. As ideas like Total Quality Management (TQM) developed throughout time, the emphasis shifted to improving processes as a whole. Strategies were further developed by Lean Manufacturing concepts and Quality Control in Business, which placed an emphasis on consistent quality and waste minimization. Today’s entrepreneurs may take inspiration from these origins and use best practices in quality management to create robust systems. Businesses may better connect their objectives with tried-and-true methods by comprehending the evolution of quality management systems in the 21st century. TQM emphasizes teamwork, leadership, and customer focus while integrating quality into all corporate operations. Aligning TQM with Lean Manufacturing principles and Six Sigma concepts promotes continual improvement, which benefits entrepreneurs. This strategy aids companies in maintaining a strong competitive edge in today’s marketplaces, improving efficiency, and producing superior products. Total Quality Management (TQM), which included quality in every aspect of business operations, revolutionized the industry. Compared to previous techniques, TQM focuses greater emphasis on cooperation, leadership commitment, and customer attentiveness. Entrepreneurs gain from knowing the definition and implementation of Total Quality Management. Businesses may increase their competitiveness in today’s markets by delivering superior goods and driving continuous improvements by integrating TQM with Six Sigma methodology and Lean Manufacturing concepts. Modern quality management systems allow business owners to adjust to changing demands by fusing technology with flexibility. These systems incorporate capabilities such as compliance management, real-time reporting, and automated workflows. The best quality management system tools include features designed specifically for small enterprises, which help entrepreneurs with QMS adoption steps. By leveraging these advancements, businesses improve product quality, enhance process efficiency, and ensure alignment with global standards like ISO 9000, fostering long-term success. For startups, implementing a QMS may appear difficult, but there are several advantages. Entrepreneurs can increase customer happiness, product quality, and efficiency by knowing how to implement a QMS and utilizing technologies like quality management software. Adopting QMS best practices guarantees competitive advantage and long-term growth. A path of innovation and adaptation is reflected in the development of quality management systems. Companies have used techniques like TQM, Six Sigma, and Lean Manufacturing to attain excellence, moving from conventional inspection techniques to contemporary QMS technologies. In order to meet market expectations and promote continuous improvement, entrepreneurs must comprehend how to integrate QMS into small businesses. Both new and existing companies may increase product quality, open up new markets, and set themselves up for long-term success in a world that is always changing by implementing QMS.PNC Financial Services Group Inc. lowered its stake in The Cooper Companies, Inc. ( NASDAQ:COO – Free Report ) by 3.5% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 84,964 shares of the medical device company’s stock after selling 3,079 shares during the quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc.’s holdings in Cooper Companies were worth $9,375,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in COO. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. lifted its position in Cooper Companies by 43.1% during the second quarter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. now owns 35,233 shares of the medical device company’s stock valued at $3,076,000 after purchasing an additional 10,616 shares during the last quarter. Axxcess Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Cooper Companies by 298.4% in the 1st quarter. Axxcess Wealth Management LLC now owns 8,211 shares of the medical device company’s stock valued at $833,000 after acquiring an additional 6,150 shares during the last quarter. Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado increased its stake in Cooper Companies by 298.9% during the first quarter. Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado now owns 245,793 shares of the medical device company’s stock worth $24,938,000 after acquiring an additional 184,171 shares during the last quarter. Diversify Advisory Services LLC purchased a new stake in Cooper Companies during the second quarter valued at approximately $501,000. Finally, BDF Gestion bought a new stake in shares of Cooper Companies in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $2,919,000. Institutional investors own 24.39% of the company’s stock. Cooper Companies Price Performance Shares of COO stock opened at $100.80 on Friday. The Cooper Companies, Inc. has a twelve month low of $82.21 and a twelve month high of $112.38. The company has a current ratio of 1.99, a quick ratio of 1.18 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $105.91 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $98.26. The stock has a market capitalization of $20.08 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 56.16, a P/E/G ratio of 2.14 and a beta of 0.99. Insider Activity at Cooper Companies In other Cooper Companies news, COO Daniel G. Mcbride sold 114,992 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, September 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $105.48, for a total value of $12,129,356.16. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer now directly owns 44,696 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,714,534.08. The trade was a 72.01 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website . Also, CAO Agostino Ricupati sold 1,601 shares of Cooper Companies stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $108.03, for a total transaction of $172,956.03. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 4,818 shares in the company, valued at approximately $520,488.54. The trade was a 24.94 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders have sold a total of 256,373 shares of company stock valued at $27,637,427 over the last ninety days. 2.00% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts recently weighed in on COO shares. Piper Sandler increased their price target on Cooper Companies from $115.00 to $120.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a report on Thursday, August 29th. Needham & Company LLC restated a “hold” rating on shares of Cooper Companies in a report on Thursday, August 29th. Stifel Nicolaus reiterated a “buy” rating and set a $115.00 price target (up from $110.00) on shares of Cooper Companies in a report on Thursday, August 29th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on shares of Cooper Companies from $110.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research note on Thursday, August 29th. Finally, Robert W. Baird upped their target price on Cooper Companies from $118.00 to $125.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research note on Thursday, August 29th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $117.00. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on COO Cooper Companies Company Profile ( Free Report ) The Cooper Companies, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, and markets contact lens wearers. The company operates in two segments, CooperVision and CooperSurgical. The CooperVision segment provides spherical lense, including lenses that correct near and farsightedness; and toric and multifocal lenses comprising lenses correcting vision challenges, such as astigmatism, presbyopia, and myopia in the Americas, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding COO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Cooper Companies, Inc. ( NASDAQ:COO – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Cooper Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cooper Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Governor Eno has displayed a high level of prudence, and selflessness in the pursuit of public good, writes ANIETIE USEN For three days, from December 16 to December 18, 2024, 18 months into his administration, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State broke new grounds in openness, accountability and transparency in public office. This time, the Governor, in a very transparent and pragmatic approach, hosted what he called the Ministerial Briefing/End of Year Review of his Administration. In a first-of-its-kind town hall-style summit, the Governor, his entire cabinet and critical agencies, brought their annual performance report openly before a cross-section of political and business leaders in the State, along with the leadership of the media, labour and civil liberty organisations. The idea was not only to subject his annual performance to public scrutiny and evaluation, or carry along these critical stakeholders in the next steps of the government, but more importantly to seek their inputs and buy-in into the plans and goals of the government from Day One of 2025. Prince Enobong Uwa, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), in his opening remark at the occasion called it “bottom-up” approach. In a well-tailored approach designed to accomplish specific deliverables, every head of MDA did not only present their report cards for the outgoing 2024 but their programmes and goals for 2025 and beyond. In the process, all leaders of MDAs also laid bare before stakeholders their leadership skills and grasp of issues under their watches. There was no doubt whatsoever in the minds of stakeholders that the Governor himself was on top of his game, as his depth and insight into every aspect of his government were profound and second-to-none. From the land, air, and sea gateways of the State economy, Governor Eno demonstrated uncommon managerial acumen that compelled and assured stakeholders that the ship of State in Akwa Ibom is in good hands. As the world grapples with the challenges of corruption, malfeasance, and pervassive wrongdoings in the public sector, the importance of transparency and accountability in governance has never been more pressing. From the Nordic countries’ exemplary open-government initiatives to Brazil’s innovative use of e-governance to track public spending, nations around the world are demonstrating that transparency and accountability are essential ingredients for good governance, economic prosperity, and social justice. This is what delighted Akwa Ibom stakeholders most about Governor Eno’s government and leadership style, which is simultaneously attracting national attention. Just as the three-day ministerial briefing/ review was in session, the respected Leadership Newspaper, announced the Pastor turned politician, as the Nigerian Governor of the Year 2024, for bringing “pragmatic and imaginative leadership that reverberates with success within a very short time....” Close watchers of his administration and style of leadership are not surprised. His style combines a large dose of participative leadership which has involved team members in the decision-making process, with the servant leadership style which prioritises the needs of populace and entity over and above the interest of the leadership. Governor Eno has displayed a high level of prudence, transparency, and selflessness in the pursuit of public good that has captured the imagination of many, including his political opponents. One of the governor’s opponents in the last governorship primaries who is now actively supporting the governor confided in this writer his amazement with Governor Eno’s sterling performance, transparency and openness to public scrutiny. “I hope you will not quote me, but honestly, whenever I look at the performance of this governor, I ask myself, would I have measured up to this very high level and standards of performance?” Said Governor Eno at the opening of the three-day ministerial briefing/review: “We came into office with an overwhelming electoral victory. Eighteen months later, I believe it is time we should sit together and look critically on what we have been able to achieve together as a government. We will be here together for three days to take stock, to see the things we have done right and to consolidate on them, and to see the things we should do right and to learn to do them right...It is simply an opportunity for us as a government to have feedback and learn”. It turned out that the learning was a two-way exchange. A cross section of stakeholders who jam-packed the sprawling Banquet Hall of the Government House learned with great delight, not just about the bold and daring economic and infrastructural steps Governor Eno has taken to make Akwa Ibom a proud sub-national in Nigeria, but they also were proud to know first hand that the State is lucky one more time to be steered by a competent transformational leader. Stakeholders said his job approval rating in 18 months is probably unrivalled in the history of the 37-year- old State. Those who spoke inside and outside the briefing venue were united in their perception and opinion on the calibre and capacity of the businessman turned Governor. Senator Effiong Bob, the political leader of Uyo Senatorial District, was effusive with his rating of the Governor: “When you have a good product, it is easy to sell. This ministerial briefing is a novel idea, because we have never had it so good and open in Akwa Ibom State”. Otuekong T. O Akpan, an elder statesman and former member of the Cross River State House of Assembly, spoke along the same lines: “I am very excited to be a part of this event. Coming from the private sector, the Governor has brought innovation into governance, leading to an unprecedented development in all components of the ARISE Agenda for the good of Akwa Ibom people.” Goddy Umoh, Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Assembly Service Commission, said the ministerial briefing was very illuminating. “Through the ministerial briefing, we are able to know clearly what the Governor has been doing in the last 18 months and what the Governor intends to do in 2025. It is very rare to see a state governor in Nigeria put all his cards on the table for all to see...” For the Oku Ibom Ibibio, the patriarch of Ibobio people, Dr. Solomon Etuk, his joy as the traditional father of the Governor was obvious. “I am proud of the Governor, not because he is my own son, but because he has excelled in everything he has initiated and beyond. I am so delighted to be an eye-witness of this unprecedented initiative of openly rendering the account of his stewardship... While Chief Nduese Essien, former minister of Housing and Environment said the ministerial briefing is a unique idea that “has never been done in any state of the federation...”, Senator Emmanuel Ibok-Essien said that “after eight years, many states will not be able to compete with Akwa Ibom State, at the rate Governor Eno is performing”. In his opinion, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in Akwa Ibom State, Comrade Amos Etuk said the ministerial briefing should remain “a legacy” of the Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda in order to foster steady accountability, deepen transparency and agenda setting in years to come. Said the Chairman of Trade Union Congress, Akwa Ibom State, Comrade Dominic Abah: It was really revealing to see the Governor sit down throughout the scrutiny of his administration to hear from the people and take down notes. This is the difference between a transformational and transactional leadership”. Usen is an author and multiple award-winning Journalist

Several low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia tenders in the Asia-Pacific region are expected to provide crucial insights into the readiness for clean fuel trades in 2025, as well as the pace of the energy transition toward an anticipated commercial stage around 2030, experts said. The year is also expected to see early-stage projects begin construction to meet their production timelines around 2026-27, but new project announcements may slow down amid inflationary pressures and a lack of investments, the experts added. “We are in the process of going from theory to implementation,” Anri Nakamura, associate director at S&P Global Commodity Insights, said. “In 2025, we expect to see a progression of what is already in motion, but we will probably not see an explosion of new announcements as we did in the early years.” According to Nakamura, Japan is expected to support one or two business plans from large low-carbon hydrogen/ammonia import projects, along with several smaller domestic projects, under its contract for difference scheme, which is part of its Yen 3 trillion ($20 billion) funding plan for clean fuels, by mid-year or earlier. Meanwhile, South Korea’s Clean Hydrogen Production Standard plan, under which the first tender for 6.5 TWh of hydrogen power generation was largely undersubscribed in 2024, could be retendered for the unbid capacity with adjustments to the terms in order to attract more bids, Nakamura said. Elsewhere, incentive plans for low-carbon hydrogen development, such as Australia’s A$4 billion ($2.56 billion) Hydrogen Headstart and India’s Rupees 174.90 billion ($2.06 billion) Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition, are expected to see new rounds of tenders. The Singapore Energy Market Authority’s request for proposal for two new hydrogen-ready combined cycle gas turbine generating units with a 1.2-GW capacity is expected to see announcements by December and March 31, 2025. “In Asia, we anticipate further advancements in low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia markets, with strong potential demand in countries such as Singapore, Japan and South Korea,” Navjit Gill, country head for India at Gentari, told Commodity Insights. As a prospective bidder in global tenders, Gill said that the governments’ incentive plans “are crucial to launching this early-stage industry and ensuring stability for both developers and buyers.” A spate of project cancellations and readjustments to original strategies is expected in 2025, particularly in Australia. However, more projects are advancing compared to those that have been canceled or remain inactive, industry members said. Commodity Insights’ Hydrogen Production Assets database showed that 131 projects are in the advanced planning or construction stages, representing 3.57 million tons/year of renewable or low-carbon hydrogen, while 15 have been canceled or are on hold, representing 1.39 million tons/year. “The growth expectations of earlier years were clearly outsized. What we will see in 2025 is the progress of projects according to more realistic timelines,” InterContinental Energy CEO Alexander Tancock and Head of Australia Isaac Hinton told Commodity Insights. While InterContinental’s 50-GW Western Green Energy Hub and the 26-GW Australian Renewable Energy Hub (in partnership with BP) in Western Australia are long-gestation projects slated for commissioning around 2030, early starters moving into construction will also be tested on their ability to kick-start their plans in 2025. “Construction of the Whyalla Hydrogen Power Plant is expected to start in early 2025, with the facility scheduled to begin operating in 2026,” Sam Crafter, CEO of the Office of Hydrogen Power South Australia, told Commodity Insights. The ambitious Whyalla project, comprising a 250-MW electrolyzer, a 200-MW hydrogen-fueled power plant and storage, has tie-ups with future users GFG Alliance and Zero Petroleum, which could benefit from the project’s timely commissioning. Additionally, as a hydrogen-to-power project involving new technology, it will be closely watched for successful completion. Indian developer AM Green, which is developing a 1-million-ton renewable ammonia project in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, where Gentari is also involved, must start construction in 2025 to meet its production forecast for 2026. At stake are its future deliveries to Yara, Keppel and Uniper, all of which have purchase agreements with the company. While technological advancements, large investments in new capacities, rising competition among developers and policy frameworks in major nations like the US will be key factors in determining the cost outlook, a downward trajectory is most likely to be seen in 2025, the experts said. “Globally, high costs are already subsiding as COVID-related supply shocks ease, and overinvestment in electrolysis capacity is leading to a glut of equipment,” Tancock and Hinton said. “This will allow costs to fall and a more balanced supply/demand equilibrium to be established.” The market’s readiness to adopt renewable fuels, along with tangible results from advancing projects, will also be closely monitored to gauge the pricing outlook, Nakamura said. “... The outlooks of the prices will come down, though it is just nowhere near $2/kg for renewable hydrogen,” she said. Platts, part of Commodity Insights, assessed South Australian hydrogen produced via alkaline electrolysis (including capital expenditures) at $5.32/kg on Dec. 9, nearly three times higher than a month ago. Platts assessed Japanese hydrogen produced via alkaline electrolysis (including capex) at $5.44/kg on Dec. 10, up 7.08% month over month. Source:Why University of Rwanda has reverted back to four-year degree programs

Caught in the debateSaints and preceptors arrive on earth regularly, especially during times of stress, in order to guide man on how to lead a simple but effective life of virtue. Sri Chandrasekharendra Mahaswamigal, the 68th Pontiff of Kanchi Math (Kanchi Kamakoti Peetathipathi), was one such, said P. Swaminathan in a discourse. Born in 1894 in Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu, the only saint to have the sobriquet of Maha (Periyava) , is renowned for traversing the entire nation in order to carry his message of leading a life of goodliness and godliness to people struggling to make ends meet in the remotest parts. Shunning the palanquin, he chose to walk everywhere, like a true hermit. Many of his rich devotees aspired to present him with a car. Once, when the saint was camping in Madurai, the then temple trustee of Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple, who was also a political bigwig there, simply bought a new car and parked it outside the camp, confident he could persuade the saint to drive to Meenakshi Amman temple. Naturally, the more powerful mind prevailed, and the Madurai politician walked alongside the pontiff to the temple. An ascetic from a very young age, he became the Math head when only 13 years. Very well versed in scriptures, he was also endowed with worldly wisdom, making it easy for devotees to gain knowledge and clarity through their interactions with him. He gathered hordes of devotees within a short span of time, from all the world and from all walks of life. Fluent in many languages, he had a good grounding in world affairs and could hold forth on any topic, be it material or spiritual. Such was his yogic power that a number of devotees soon began to seek him out for help when their loved ones fell ill; and Maha Periyava pulled off quite a few miracles. His Brindavan in Kanchi Math continues to attract devotees who place their requests to him, strong in the belief that he continues to look out for the ordinary man. Published - December 27, 2024 05:10 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp RedditBarbie 2: Sequel Reportedly in ‘Early Stages’ of Development By is in the works, according to a new report from THR. What do we know about Barbie 2? According to THR’s report, Barbie 2 is in the “early stages” of development, with filmmaking couple Greta Gerwig — who co-wrote and directed the original film — and Noah Baumbach described to have “hatched an idea for” a new movie, with the pair already bringing it to Warner Bros. However, in an interesting twist, reps for both Warner Bros. and Gergwig/Baumbach said that there was no such sequel planned. “There is no legitimacy to this reporting,” said Gerwig and Baumbach’s rep, with Warner Bros.’ representative adding that “THR’s reporting is inaccurate.” THR’s report notes that if a deal comes together, the pair will begin work on the project following each of their own respective upcoming films. Baumbach is working on the upcoming film Jay Kelly for Netflix that Gerwig stars in , while Gerwig is also working on a film for Netflix, her planned . 2023’s Barbie film was a massive success for Warner Bros. Discovery. The film starred Margot Robbie in the titular role, with Ryan Gosling playing the role of Ken, and became the highest-grossing film of 2023 and the 14th-highest-grossing film of all time, earning more than $1.4 billion at the global box office. The film followed the story of Barbie as she found her way into the real world, and went on a journey of self-discovery through Barbieland as a result. Other stars in the film included America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Rhea Perlman, Will Ferrell, Simu Liu, Emma Mackey, Alexandra Shipp, Hari Nef, Sharon Rooney, Dua Lipa, and more. The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor (Gosling), and won Best Original Song for Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” (Source: ) Anthony Nash has been writing about games and the gaming industry for nearly a decade. When he’s not writing about games, he’s usually playing them. You can find him on Twitter talking about games or sports at @_anthonynash. Share article

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown’s troubles connecting on the field have yet to blow into a family feud inside the locker room — honest, both Philadelphia Eagles stars said. Between Hurts and Brown, it’s all good in Philly. “Me and Jalen are good,” Brown said. Added Hurts, “We’re good, we’re good.” So there will be no sit-ups in the driveway, no apologies on the front lawn, and certainly, it seems, no rift between Hurts and his No. 1 receiver. Hurts and Brown each downplayed any hint of a fissure Wednesday between the two after defensive end Brandon Graham appeared this week on a Philadelphia sports radio station and suggested there was friction between the Pro Bowl duo. The two were close friends long before they became teammates and Hurts is the godfather for Brown’s daughter. Graham's comments — in which he noted “ things have changed ,” between the two, without offering specifics — exploded into tabloid and fan fodder this week in Philadelphia. His insinuations that the duo were not on the same page came on the heels of Brown's quote after a sluggish win over Carolina that the “ offense ” wasn’t playing up to standard, even with the Eagles at 11-2. “BG knows he spoke out of place,” Hurts said. Graham, who is sidelined with a triceps injury, clarified his comments later to an ESPN reporter, saying he made the wrong assumption about the relationship between Hurts and Brown and planned to apologize to both players. Brown, with 109 yards receiving combined the last two games, said his beef with the offense wasn't directed at Hurts. It was everything from offensive coordinator Kellen Moore's play calling to execution to all the ingredients in a successful offense that make a team a Super Bowl contender. The usually pass-happy Eagles have leaned more on running back Saquon Barkley, who set the franchise season rushing record of 1,623 yards against the Panthers and is chasing Eric Dickerson for the NFL mark. “Obviously, it's not about running the ball,” Brown told reporters. “He's about to win MVP. Clearly. What other things can we do on offense? We have to pass the ball. That can go into protection, that can go into picking up the block, that goes to us getting open quicker. Getting on the same page.” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said he never witnessed any issues between Hurts and Brown and only saw two players who worked hard together, even working on routes after practice and seemed to have a deep personal connection on and off the field. “You guys get to see three hours every Sunday where emotions can play as high as they’re going to play,” Sirianni said. “I get to see these guys every single day, how they go about their business and interact with each other.” Brown, who was coming off consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons, wasn't necessarily wrong in his frustration with the recent stagnation of the passing game. Hurts, who signed a contract extension ahead of the 2023 season that was worth $179.3 million guaranteed , has thrown for fewer than 200 yards in three straight games. Wide receiver DeVonta Smith — who also complained Sunday about the offense — was also coming off consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons but has yet to break 100 yards in a game this season. Brown has four 100-yard games, well off last season’s run when he topped 100 yards in six straight games and seven times overall. Hurts has been more efficient than explosive this season but has still thrown 12 touchdown passes to just one interception — and rushed for 11 more scores — during the Eagles' nine-game winning streak that has them on the brink of clinching the NFC East. Maybe playing the Steelers on Sunday at home can snap the Eagles out of their offensive malaise. Hurts threw three TD passes to Brown in a 35-13 win in 2022. “Do we all have things to get better at in the passing game? Yeah, I think that’s obvious,” Sirianni said. “I think that’s what we’ve been talking about. We all have things that we’ve got to get better at, coaches, players. But this is why this is the greatest team sport there is. It takes everybody. It takes every single person being together, every single person for the success to happen. It’s just not a one-person thing.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

University of Michigan drops diversity statement requirement after faculty surveyJuventus 2 (Vlahovic 53, McKennie 75) Manchester City 0 The Pep Guardiola crisis lurched on in Turin last night with an emphatic defeat that severely dents Manchester City’s hopes of finishing in the top eight of the Champions League group stage. Goals from Dusan Vlahovic and Weston McKennie left the fallen - and still falling - English champions on a run of just one win in their last 10 league and cup games, having conceded 23 goals in the process. Remaining games in Europe, against PSG and Club Brugge, await Guardiola and City in the new year but the prospect of an additional qualifying round - something they will face if they miss out on the top eight - is not what they need. Nor is the potential banana skin of Sunday’s Manchester derby where the two struggling giants face off at the Etihad. Not that Juve are in perfect form and, if evidence was needed as to how these two giants of the modern European game are currently going through a crisis of confidence, then the first half was exhibit A. The pair started the night on a disappointing eight points and the prospect of losing a further three was obviously something that Guardiola and opposite number Thiago Motta did not want to risk. The “action” that followed in the opening 45 minutes amounted to one shot apiece, the young Turkish star Kenan Yildiz cutting in from his left wing on 19 minutes and sending a pacy shot flying just wide. Not until the 39th minute, did City seriously threaten when Kevin De Bruyne finally found the space to play through one of his trademark, defence-splitting passes for Erling Haaland to chase. Unfortunately, for City and any neutrals, keeper Michele Di Gregorio stuck up an arm as he advanced to make an impressive save. And that was it, for the first half at least, as a Juventus team that has struggled for goals and wins - although draws have been easy to come by - resorted to type. Such struggles, of course, pale in comparison to those currently being endured by Guardiola who has only beaten Nottingham Forest since the end of October and there seemed more urgency about City’s play after the restart, with a concerted effort to get De Bruyne on the ball more. Instead, disaster struck for the Premier League side on 53 minutes. Ederson, recalled in favour of Stefan Ortega by Guardiola for the night, actually did well to block a superb volleyed strike by Federico Gatti. But as City failed to deal with the loose ball Yildiz delivered a far-post cross and Vlahovic rose, somehow beating both Josko Gvardiol and Rico Lewis to the ball and headed goalwards from close-range. The ball actually struck Ederson in the chest, although the Juventus striker was so close to the City keeper that he could not have been expected to make anything like a save. And although Ederson tried to scramble the ball away, it looked as though it had clearly crossed the line, with the technology quickly confirming that was the case. There was a decent response from City to going behind, with the tempo raised and wingers Bernardo Silva and Jeremy Doku trying to make an impression. On 63 minutes, for example, De Bruyne slipped in the overlapping Doku whose low cross flew through the Juve six-yard area without a City player being on the end of it. At least, it was a huge improvement on the previous hour. And soon after, it was Ilkay Gundohan’s turn to threaten, steering a superb right foot shot towards the top corner where Di Gregorio stretched to turn the ball over his goal. A goal was coming. But, such is City’s bad luck, bad form and bad defence against the counter-attack, that it was inevitably scored by the Italians on 74 minutes. McKennie, unimpressive on his loan spell with Leeds two seasons ago, started the break with a stunning long ball for fellow American, and fellow sub, Tim Weah to chase. His cross was poor but bounced back off Lewis and, given the second chance, he picked out the unmarked McKennie who scored with a brilliant volley from 10 yards. Juventus (4-2-3-1): D i Gregorio 7; Savona 6, Gatti 8, Kalulu 6, Danilo 6; Locatelli 7, Thuram 7 (McKennie 69, 7); Conceicao 7 (Weah 69, 7), Koopmeiners 6, Yildiz 9 (Mbangula 84); Vlahovic 7 (Luiz 85). Substitutes (not used) Adzic, Fagioli, Perin, Pinsoglio, Rouhi. Man City (4-2-3-1): Ederson 5; Walker 6, Dias 6, Gvardiol 5, Lewis 5; Gundogan 6, Grealish 5 (Nunes 87); Silva 6, De Bruyne 7, Doku 7 (Savinho 79, 5); Haaland 5. Substitutes (not used) Foden, Hudson, Wilson-Esbrand, Kovacic, McAtee, O’Reilly, Ortega, Simpson-Pusey, Wright. Referee: C Turpin (France) 7We Democratic Socialists of America Will Not Apologize. We Stand for What Is Right | Opinion

Mumbai: The Nagpur police have uncovered a new cyber-crime tactic where scammers impersonate bank officials, record the victim’s voice during a call, and use it to create fake obscene audio notes. These are paired with nude photographs of a woman and used to extort money from the victim. A 24-year-old Nagpur resident recently fell prey to this scheme, losing Rs 7.17 lakh across multiple transactions. On October 6, the complainant received a call from someone claiming to be from his bank for address verification. Shortly after, he was sent a nude photograph of a woman along with an obscene audio note featuring his voice via Telegram. The sender demanded money, threatening to share the material with his contacts and on social media. The complainant initially transferred money to a UPI ID provided by the scammer and blocked their number, but continued receiving similar threats from other Telegram accounts. Between October 6 and November 20, the complainant was coerced into paying Rs 7.17 lakh. Overwhelmed, he confided in his family, who urged him to report the crime to the police, resulting in a case being registered under sections 318 (cheating), 351 (criminal intimidation) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and 66D (cheating by personation by using computer resource) of the Information Technology Act.The standard Lorem Ipsum passage, used since the 1500s "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?" To keep reading, please log in to your account, create a free account, or simply fill out the form below.Trump Allies Were Worried Gaetz Would Be ‘Most Blackmail-able’ AG Ever

Marta's magic helped get the Pride to Saturday's NWSL title game against the Washington Spirit

Starting a job search can be both exciting and challenging, especially when navigating the vast online landscape. However, it is important for job seekers to take extra precautions to ensure they have a secure job search experience. They can do this by researching job postings, verifying the poster's identity, and being mindful of the information they share. Aditi Jha, Head - Legal & Public Policy, LinkedIn India says, “Job seekers turn to LinkedIn because it’s a trusted space to connect with potential employers and explore new career opportunities. Our commitment to maintaining a safe, professional platform is why we offer free verification for members and why our Trust team works tirelessly to stop 99% of fake accounts before they even reach you.” Here are some essential tips and tools to help you protect yourself during your job search: Check for Verified Information on Job Postings: A verification badge on a job posting means there is verified information about the company or job poster. This includes if the poster is affiliated with an official company page, has verified their association with a particular workplace, or has verified their identity through one of our identity verification partners. Take Care with What You Share: Consider what personal information you are being asked for. Never give out bank details before the onboarding process. Say “No” to Suspicious Requests: Scammers can use tactics that legitimate employers wouldn’t, like asking you to download encrypted software for an interview or offering jobs with high pay for little work. Job offers after just one remote interview is very rarely a legitimate deal. You can report spam and inappropriate content. Enable Message Warnings: Consider enabling LinkedIn’s optional automated detection of harmful content, which may detect potentially harmful scams. Look for Red Flags: Be cautious of job postings that sound too good to be true or require upfront payments. Common scams include roles like mystery shopper, company impersonator, or personal assistant. Additionally, be wary of anyone asking you to send money, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or to invest. Filter by Jobs with Verifications: You can now filter your job search to show only jobs with verifications. The filter allows you to search exclusively for jobs posted by companies with a verified LinkedIn Page and current job posters associated with those companies. When toggled on, only jobs with these verifications will appear in your search results, and the filter will be visible in the search header. Content Creators Can Support Job Seekers with Authentic Advice: Many job seekers turn to trusted voices on LinkedIn, such as Verified members and Top Voices, for career advice and inspiration. When reviewing organic or sponsored content, look for clear labels like #ad, #sponsored, or #partner as indicators of paid partnerships. We encourage creators to comply with applicable laws and platform guidelines to ensure transparency and authenticity in their endorsements. The significance of safety in the job search process cannot be overstated. Prioritising verification, protecting personal information, and staying alert to suspicious requests are key to safeguarding your search. By leveraging LinkedIn's tools and following these tips, job seekers can enhance their safety and make informed decisions as they pursue new career opportunities. We continue to integrate authenticity signals throughout LinkedIn’s ecosystem, helping you navigate your job search with confidence.The nation’s top climate negotiator and former President Barack Obama’s secretary of state offered rare and high praise for President-elect Donald Trump ’s unpredictability on the world stage. John Kerry, an artful though more traditional international negotiator, said that Trump’s famous style of coming on strong and sometimes threatening could initially be a winning tactic when facing down world bullies. TRUMP CABINET PICKS: WHO'S BEEN TAPPED TO SERVE IN THE PRESIDENT-ELECT'S ADMINISTRATION “He makes unpredictability a virtue, and it actually can be helpful,” Kerry said to snickers at a Thursday night event at Harvard University’s Institute of Politics. “Don’t laugh,” he added, throwing his hands out to quiet the audience. “It could be helpful in a negotiation for them to worry about you and not know where you're coming from,” he said in answering a question about negotiating with Iran over its support for terrorism in the Middle East. Kerry explained that unpredictability is especially helpful when just beginning talks because it would give Trump and his team a chance to get the lay of the land before offering anything concrete. “When you're just starting out and you're trying to find your ground and you don't know exactly where you're going to be able to go, it's not a bad thing for them to worry about you a little bit and what you might do. You can't play that all the way through a negotiation, but it's a good place to begin,” he added. KEY DATES FOR THE 2024 PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION The IOP was honored to host John F. Kerry, former Special Presidential Envoy for Climate; 68th U.S. Secretary of State; and United States Senator (D-MA), for a wide-ranging conversation with IOP Director Setti Warren in the JFK Jr. Forum. Watch now: https://t.co/CU1xxaOmKf pic.twitter.com/s9gIVIz4ym — Institute of Politics (@HarvardIOP) Kerry, who left his post earlier this year but who still acts as a shadow diplomat for President Joe Biden, said that he believes Trump wants to cut a deal with Iran and other U.S. foes, including China. What’s more, he not only wished Trump well but said he hoped to turn out to be a better negotiator than Biden. SEE THE LATEST POLITICAL NEWS AND BUZZ FROM WASHINGTON SECRETS For example, he pointed to Biden’s talks this week with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Said Kerry, “I think President Trump will want to try to prove that he's a better negotiator. So more power to him. I hope he does.” He also wished Trump well in dealing with Tehran. “I believe there are some opportunities available to President-elect Trump to be able to open up some really important negotiations. And I hope he will do that. I hope he will.”In a landmark event, India's first Constitution Museum was inaugurated at OP Jindal Global University, Haryana, by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal. The occasion was graced by Naveen Jindal, JGU Founding Chancellor, and a Member of Parliament, along with other distinguished guests. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Birla emphasized the museum's role in enlightening future generations about India's Constitution. He praised the document as a beacon of equality and justice, while Mr. Meghwal highlighted its foundational principles of equality, liberty, and fraternity, underscoring Chancellor Naveen Jindal's contributions to the national ethos. The Constitution Museum is designed to showcase the painstaking efforts in drafting the world's longest Constitution. Visitors can engage with its provisions through cutting-edge technology and explore the influences behind its creation, including the significant contributions of the women in the Constituent Assembly, with immersive exhibits and innovative storytelling. (With inputs from agencies.)

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Novak Djokovic announced on social media Saturday that Andy Murray will be joining his coaching team for the offseason and Australian Open. Murray, who retired following the 2024 Olympic Games , will team up with his former on-court competitor in this new role. “We played each other since we were boys. Twenty-five years of being rivals, of pushing each other beyond our limits. We had some of the most epic battles in our sport,” Djokovic said in the video posted to social media . “They called us game changers, risk takers, history makers. I thought our story may be over, turns out it has one final chapter. It’s time for one of my toughest opponents to step into my corner. Welcome on board coach Andy Murray.” Djokovic has won the most men’s grand slam titles of any player with 24 and will be hoping that Murray can help him reach a record-extending 25th title at the Australian Open in January. “I am excited to have one of my greatest rivals on the same side of the net, as my coach,” said Djokovic in a statement, per the Associated Press. “Looking forward to start of the season and competing in Australia alongside Andy, with whom I have shared many exceptional moments on the Australian soil.” Murray shared Djokovic’s excitement around the new role. “I’m going to be joining Novak’s team in the offseason, helping him to prepare for the Australian Open,” Murray said, per AP. “I’m really excited for it and looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change, helping him to achieve his goals.” Murray enjoyed a successful playing career, winning three grand slam titles and two Olympic gold medals.

Tesla shares rose to a historic high on Wednesday, beating the electric car maker’s previous record from 2021, which was set after the post-election rush and renewed Wall Street enthusiasm for Elon Musk’s electric vehicle empire. This is due to the fact that stock hit a closing price of $424.77 more than doubling its previous peak of $409.97 on November 4, 2021. The electric car company’s 71% gain this year has been propelled more by the optimism generated with Donald Trump’s victory during the elections than its early performance woes. Record-Breaking Stock Surge For Tesla Tesla’s stock price rallied 38% in November, the best monthly performance since January 2023 and its 10th best month on record. The surge in Tesla’s market capitalization was fueled by investor optimism over Trump’s victory early last month, which has dramatically influenced the trajectory of the company’s stock. This increase in share value has surprised investors, especially since Tesla was off to a rocky start for the year. With a 29% loss in the first quarter of 2024, Tesla’s shares have bounced back considerably, recovering from their worst performance in over a year. The rise in Tesla’s shares has been termed as the “Trump bump” by many analysts. As Craig Irwin, an analyst of Roth MKM, had commented on CNBC’s Squawk on the Street, that “Musk’s genuine backing for Trump likely doubled the pool of enthusiasts and heightened credibility for an inflection in demand.” Irwin raised his price target of Tesla to $380 versus $85, after winning the election by Trump. Musk’s active involvement in Trump’s campaign and post-election strategies has further solidified the link between the two figures. In the lead-up to the election, Musk reportedly invested $277 million into pro-Trump efforts, focusing on swing-state operations aimed at voter registration. Additionally, Musk’s social media platform, X, became a vehicle for promoting Trump’s candidacy and further galvanizing Tesla’s support base. Musk’s Expanding Influence And Role Of AI Elon Musk ‘s influence does not seem to be dissipating anytime soon, especially after President Trump’s election win and his appointment as an adviser in the new administration. “Department of Government Efficiency,” led by former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, will supposedly be headed by Musk himself. This influential position is likely to give Musk leeway to oversee federal agency budgets, staffing, as well as push for the end of regulations that would really hinder Tesla’s growth. Musk’s position may affect Tesla significantly, especially on the technological advancement of its autonomous vehicles. A long-time advocate for autonomous driving, Musk shared in a Tesla earnings call last October his plan to use his political power to “get federal approval process for autonomous vehicles” and bypassing the state-by-state level approval system. Wall Street’s Brighter Future Ahead For Tesla Analysts have been growing more bullish on the prospects of Tesla as it continues its upward trajectory. Goldman Sachs upgraded its price target for Tesla, and the list of financial institutions that have upgraded their outlook on the stock continues to grow. In its report, Goldman analysts cited the market’s forward-looking approach towards Tesla, particularly with regard to its artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives. Other investment firms such as Morgan Stanley and Bank of America also released positive reports about Tesla, noting the company’s ability to cash in on newer technologies such as AI and autonomous driving. These positive reports have been strengthening investor sentiment, further fueling a price hike of the stock. Despite the dismal first half of 2024, Tesla’s third-quarter earnings report in October reported that revenue was up 8% year-over-year, narrowly missing analysts’ expectations, but the company did blow past profit estimates. Even more encouraging was Musk’s forecast for 2025: a 20% to 30% rate of vehicle growth, underpinned by “lower-cost vehicles” and the start of autonomy. Musk’s forecast was more positive than analysts had expected, which reflects a level of confidence in Tesla’s ability to adapt and thrive in an increasingly competitive market. As Tesla continues its journey in the electric vehicle sector, it will be interesting to see how the company will leverage its recent stock surge and the growing interest in emerging automotive technologies. ALSO READ | Donald Trump Earns Time’s ‘Person Of The Year’ Honor For Second Time: ReportsThomas uses big drives and putts to hold lead in Bahamas