49 jili super ace

49 jili super ace Back to school: Why the Brumbies are taking a game to a Canberra collegeTrimble and Mallon sanctioned DUP ministers over rotation plan...God has liberated Rivers – Fubara The former Governor of Rivers State, Dr Peter Odili, has lauded Governor Siminialayi Fubara for preventing the quest by some persons to capture the state and make it a private estate. Odili, who spoke at a Christmas Ballad, he hosted at his residence in Old GRA, Port Harcourt for Fubara, also praised the governor for emancipating Rivers people, his steadied governance and making civil servants and Rivers people happier as it used to be until he left office in 2007. He said that as a family, he, his wife and children, decided to host Fubara and his family to a night of varieties of sing-song and other activities in appreciation of the fortitude and sterling leadership qualities he has demonstrated. Odili explained that it is now over 12 months, since the 25th of October, 2023, when a fierce existential fight, though unnecessary, was waged against Governor Fubara over the soul of Rivers State. In her speech, Justice Mary Odili, who presented gifts to the governor, his wife, Lady Valerie, and children, said God knew long ago the need for an emancipator and gave Fubara to Rivers State. She added that Fubara had played the role satisfactorily, and pledged the continuous support of her family to the success of his administration. Fubara, who also spoke said that God has proved Himself worthy as the ultimate liberator of the state and its people because he ensured total triumph over the political crisis and those behind it. The Governor stated that while the political antagonism lasted, God gave him a new perspective on leadership, adding that with the strength of support from Rivers people, he stopped seeing the crisis as a problem but as a necessary enabler in governance. He said, “And not just because I want to accept it, I get stronger in this course every day when I look at the support I am getting from the true Rivers people. “So, it is not me being strong. My strength is drawn from every one of you that is here. You gave me encouragement; you do the work for me; you make the calls for me. So, why won’t I stand up for you? “But we also believe strongly that the ultimate game changer, the ultimate liberator, and the ultimate fighter remains God Almighty. And because we have Him on our side, victory is assured.” Fubara said God is in control of the affairs of the State, adding that as they look forward to a very prosperous 2025, they should be assured that it will be better than what had been experienced. He assured of the determination of his administration to make every succeeding year in the State better with remarkable records of progress, stressing that the excitement experienced among Rivers people during the Christmas celebrations is indicative of a brighter future ahead

Aberdeen midfielder Leighton Clarkson insists it is “not all doom and gloom” at Pittodrie despite crashing to a five-game winless slump. After a record-breaking 11 game unbeaten start to the league campaign the Dons’ form has hit a bump in recent weeks. Clarkson accepts the Reds now face a “test of character”. A return of just three points from the last possible 15 have resulted in second-placed Aberdeen falling nine points behind league leaders Celtic, who hold a game in hand. The Dons were level on points at the top of the table with Celtic after 11 games. Some frustrated Aberdeen fans booed at half-time and full-time. Clarkson admits the drop in form is disappointing but has called for some perspective as Aberdeen are second in the Premiership and their confidence remains intact. He said: “We are still in a really good position so it’s not all doom and gloom. “The spirit is still there but the quality has dipped in the last few games and we need to get that back. “The confidence hasn’t gone, we just need to be more at it. “The games we drew recently felt like losses even though we did get something out of them. “But we felt (against St Johnstone) we really should have been coming away with three points. “We had a lot of possession but it was all a bit slow when we need to punch the passes in and make them run around.” Pittodrie ‘fear factor’ was missing Aberdeen had a this season prior to recently losing 1-0 to Celtic in the Granite City. Clarkson believes the fear factor the Dons had built for opposition teams at Pittodrie wasn’t there against the Perth Saints. He said: “We spoke in the changing room before the game about getting the crowd going. “For opposition players to come here, they should fear it. “I don’t think St Johnstone feared it and that comes from us on the pitch not giving the fans enough to shout about. “So there’s obviously still a lot we need to do.” ‘It’s a test of character’ Aberdeen are . The Dons were nine points clear of third-placed Rangers but that gap has been slashed. Clarkson said: “It’s a test of character because everything was going swimmingly for such a long time...then all of a sudden. “It was lacklustre against St Johnstone. “We had a lot of possession, but it was all a bit slow. “We need to be punching the passes in and making the opposition work, making them turn around. “There was not enough crosses into the box and we didn’t really play through the lines. “We threw everything at it, but just couldn’t get enough shots away.” ‘We need to be bang at it at home’ Aberdeen trailed 1-0 at half-time to a goal from Makenzie Kirk. Boss Thelin made three changes at the break and it paid off as substitute Duk played in Clarkson to level in the 56th minute. Aberdeen, however, could not deliver a winner. Clarkson said: “It was frustrating as we didn’t come out of the blocks in the first half and weren’t really at it. “The gaffer made a couple of changes at half-time that brought a bit of life back into us. “We managed to get the goal but we are disappointed not to work their keeper enough. “I don’t know why that was as especially when we play teams at home we need to be bang at it. “I was happy with the goal as I know I missed one the other night against Celtic. “I didn’t sleep at night after that so it was good to score but I would have been more pleased with the three points.”Stormont minister Maurice Morrow told an official he would not raise the issue with the Northern Ireland Executive, despite similar measures being considered in England and Wales. A file on planning arrangements for the jubilee celebrations reveals a series of civil service correspondences on how Northern Ireland would mark the occasion. It includes a letter sent on January 11 2001 from an official in the Office of the First Minister/Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) to the Department of Social Development, advising that a committee had been set up in London to consider a programme of celebrations. The correspondence says: “One of the issues the committee is currently considering is the possibility of deregulating liquor licensing laws during the golden jubilee celebrations on the same lines as the arrangements made for the millennium. “It is felt that the golden jubilee bank holiday on Monday 3 June 2002 is likely to be an occasion on which many public houses and similar licensed premises would wish to stay open beyond normal closing time.” The letter said a paper had been prepared on the issue of extending opening hours. It adds: “You will note that paragraph seven of the paper indicates that the devolved administrations ‘would need to consider deregulation separately within their own jurisdictions’. “I thought that you would wish to be aware that this issue is receiving active consideration for England and Wales and to consider whether anything needs to be done for Northern Ireland.” Some months later a “progress report” was sent between officials in OFMDFM, which again raised the issue of licensing laws. It says: “I spoke to Gordon Gibson, DSD, about Terry Smith’s letter of 12 January 2001 about licensing laws: the matter was put to their minister Maurice Morrow (DUP) who indicated that he would not be asking the NIE (Northern Ireland Executive) to approve any change to current licensing laws in NI to allow for either 24 hour opening (as at the millennium) nor a blanket approval for extended opening hours as is being considered in GB. “In both cases, primary legislation would be required here and would necessitate consultation and the minister has ruled out any consultation process.” The correspondence says individual licensees could still apply for an extension to opening hours on an ad hoc basis, adding “there the matter rests”. It goes on: “DSD await further pronouncements from the Home Office and Gibson and I have agreed to notify each other of any developments we become aware of and he will copy me to any (existing) relevant papers. “Ministers may well come under pressure in due course for a relaxation and/or parity with GB.” The document concludes “That’s it so far...making haste slowly?” Emails sent between officials in the department the same month said that lord lieutenants in Northern Ireland had been approached about local events to mark the jubilee. One message says: “Lord lieutenants have not shown any enthusiasm for encouraging GJ celebrations at a local level. “Lady Carswell in particular believes that it would be difficult for LLs to encourage such activities without appearing political.”Fire Country Season 3: Here’s Episode 7 release date, plot and upcoming episode schedule

National chief urges MPs to send water bill to Senate before holiday break

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — TCU leading scorer Frankie Collins will miss the rest of the season because of a broken bone in his left foot, the school said Friday. The 6-foot-2 senior guard, in his first season at TCU after spending the past two at Arizona State, is scheduled to have surgery Tuesday in Dallas. Collins leads the Horned Frogs (5-4) with 11.2 points and 4.4 assists per game. He also averages 4.4 rebounds per game. TCU said Collins broke his foot in the first half of its 83-74 loss to Vanderbilt last Sunday. He still played 35 minutes, finishing with six points and seven assists. Collins played 31 games as a freshman for Michigan's NCAA Sweet 16 team in 2021-22 before transferring to Arizona State. He started all 32 games last season for the Sun Devils, averaging 13.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. He could potentially get another college season through a medical redshirt. Arizona State is in its first Big 12 season. It will host TCU on Feb. 15. AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

While most investors around the world are scrambling to ditch coal plants like bad habits, a defiant European billionaire is still pushing all his chips in for this technology - scooping up these assets in a brazen move to cement coal’s place in the energy mix for many more decades to come. Czech billionaire Pavel Tykac, who owns Sev.en Global Investments, is on globe-trotting coal acquisition expedition - snapping up these power plants like rare collectibles. His reported latest conquest? A two-unit coal plant in Vietnam, but he’s not stopping there—his sights are still set on expanding his coal empire across Asia, Australia, and the United States, eyeing everything from coal mines to coal-fed plants. Sources in the coal industry suggest that Tykac’s buying spree is fueled by a fire-sale frenzy sweeping through energy markets, as many companies and even some countries are eager to flaunt their ESG credentials and have been seriously embracing energy transition goals, hence, they tend to unload coal plants even at bargain basement prices. The Czech business magnate started his pursuit to extend coal’s reign in his own country -- seizing both a coal mine and a power station, then he expanded his venture in other European energy markets. Coal’s defiance of the energy transition Whether at the negotiation chambers of the United Nations-led climate change diplomacy or at the power-laden policy tables of energy markets, the burning question persists: will coal be finally cast aside in the evolving energy mix, or does its grip on the future remain unyielding? And this very question echoes at home - that despite Philippine policymakers’ fervent drive to propel renewable energy (RE) investments on a massive scale - a relentless tug-of-war still rages between ambitious green goals and the deep-rooted reliance on fossil fuels to still power the nation’s economic growth. The Department of Energy (DOE) has steadfastly declared that: despite the 2020 coal moratorium, projects already in the pipeline—or those with permits and pre-development milestones—will continue to underpin the nation’s energy capacity, a harsh necessity in the face of a glaring baseload supply deficit that demands immediate action. Clashing voices reverberate: staunch anti-coal environmentalists and advocacy groups ferociously condemn the government for greenlighting new coal plants, while pro-coal investors argue that developing nations like the Philippines deserve a slower, more measured energy transition – all that while pointing fingers at industrialized nations for the lion's share of the climate crisis now jeopardizing the planet. For now, at least three major players have thrown their hats into the ring, unveiling plans for additional coal plant developments: the Aboitiz group’s 150-megawatt Therma Visayas expansion in Cebu, Meralco PowerGen’s massive 1,200MW Atimonan planned coal facility in Quezon, and Semirara Mining and Power Corp's targeted move to resurrect its 700MW Saint Raphael project in Batangas. In bold strokes, several of the country’s leading banks - chief among them RCBC of the Yuchengco group and Ayala-led BPI - have unflinchingly declared that they will no longer finance new coal plants, though they’ve tempered this commitment by acknowledging that existing coal projects, those funded before the shift and already on their books, will continue to be part of their loan portfolios. Other banks, however, have taken ‘more conservative stance’ on coal project financing, leaving the field still open, thus, it is interesting to see which financial giants will blink first to reinforce the gamble for the continued installation of new coal plants in the country despite the growing pressure for change. It’s also a guessing game whether the DOE’s coal retirement plan will be taken seriously under the current administration, or if the government will hold on to every last megawatt of existing coal capacity to stave off tight supply predicaments - particularly for the overburdened grids of Luzon and Visayas. Suffice it to say that the domestic energy market has morphed into an unforgiving mystery puzzle—packed with more questions than answers about coal's future, as this well-entrenched tech is now fighting tooth and nail for its reign while it locks horns with the country's ambitious green energy transformation. For over two decades, the Philippines has been caught in an endless loop of threatening power crisis—that was since the deregulation and restructuring of its power sector in 2001 by virtue of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA). Then each time, the default solution has been coal plants as project sponsor-firms claim that this technology remains the cheaper, albeit not a cleaner option, if compared to gas-fired plants that could promise lower carbon emissions. In the grand scheme, it’ll be intriguing to see if the future will prove that Czech billionaire Tykac’s play on stretching coal plant lifecycles will persist as a defining force in global energy mix— that in addition to his coal asset acquisitions fattening his bank account, the energy transition might still be clinging to coal like a stubborn old friend, powering economies long after it was supposed to have left the party. For feedback and suggestions, please email at: [email protected]The suspect in the murder of UnitedHealth Group executive Brian Thompson was not a customer of the health insurer, the company says. or signup to continue reading Ivy League-educated Luigi Mangione was charged with murder on Monday for the killing of Thompson in a brazen shooting outside a Manhattan hotel before an industry conference, following a five-day manhunt. In a New York Times opinion piece on Friday, UnitedHealth CEO Andrew Witty mourned the killing of Thompson and said he understood public frustrations with the "flawed" US healthcare system. "No one would design a system like the one we have. And no one did. It's a patchwork built over decades," Witty wrote. The killing has ignited an outpouring of anger from Americans struggling to receive and pay for medical care and has called fresh attention to deepening resentment over health coverage. Witty said he and his colleagues were "struggling to make sense of this unconscionable act and the vitriol that has been directed at our colleagues who have been barraged by threats." Recent data showed that patients are now even more likely to have their claims denied, pay more for premiums and medical visits, and face unexpected costs for care they thought was covered by their health plan. "Health care is both intensely personal and very complicated, and the reasons behind coverage decisions are not well understood," Witty said. "We share some of the responsibility for that. Together with employers, governments and others who pay for care, we need to improve how we explain what insurance covers and how decisions are made." Insurers say they work to negotiate down increased fees from doctors and hospitals, as well as costly prescription drugs and medical devices. The New York Times reported that an internal New York City Police report analysing a document found on Mangione when he was arrested concluded that he viewed the killing as a justified response to what he believed to be corruption in the healthcare industry. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement AdvertisementARIES (March 21-April 19): In the coming week, you might find yourself reflecting on old friends or past challenges. A quick phone call may help to straighten things out. Your ambition and focus on wrapping up end-of-year tasks could be greatly improved. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Preparing for the end of the year celebrations might have been grueling. You may have a chance to sit back and enjoy once all the tasks are checked off. You might be popular, but someone could want to capitalize on your success. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The short week ahead may push you to efficiently organize your extensive to-do list, then enjoy a relaxing holiday with loved ones. The down time could help you regain focus and propel you forward as the week unfolds. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Harness your energy in the week ahead. Some competition could make you more ambitious. There may be hidden drawbacks in a plan so consider taking another look. By the end of the week, you might have more time for fun and games. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You may have a burst of excitement. Make a conscious effort to apply your energy to constructive activities related to your goal. End-of-the-year tax strategies applied to your financial situation could make next year more comfortable. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): This week could bring multiple challenges as you try to manage a hectic and busy schedule. You might feel driven to work hard, but don’t forget to take breaks when needed. Despite unavoidable delays, you may still achieve your goals. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You might be reminded of certain tasks that must be completed before the year end. People could be more focused on getting a head start for the new year, consider taking another look at your to do list to ensure you’re on the right track. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Having an honest conversation could help clear the air. By focusing on being a genuine and good friend, doing the “right thing” should come naturally. It might be wise to decline an invitation to a holiday business function today. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Start your New Year off with a clean slate. A persistent issue could cause some stress this week, but a few hours of dedicated effort may resolve your concerns. Whispering sweet nothings could lead to delightful “somethings.” CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Keep challenges and competitions limited to trivial games. No matter how ambitious you are, the only monopoly you’ll build this week could be with play money or plastic pieces. Don’t gamble what you don’t want to lose. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Tough love may have already made a difference in your life. Now you and your loved ones might consider taking time to relax and have fun. You could find a way to get what you want, despite possible resistance and criticism. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Tuning inward could help you discover if you're on the right path. You might need to give your dreams some structure. This week could bring an opportunity for developing ambition and making resolutions as well as getting organized.

, /PRNewswire/ -- This holiday season, Human-I-T, a nonprofit dedicated to providing equitable access to technology, is making it easier than ever for holiday shoppers to access affordable tech while giving back to their community. The "Mix and Match Deal," allows individuals to purchase devices and accessories at prices that fit any budget—all while supporting efforts to close the digital divide. "For the past 12 years, Human-I-T has been laser-focused on three things: making technology accessible and affordable, offering digital navigation support to those who need it most, and saving our planet by keeping e-waste out of landfills," said , Marketing and Content Manager at Human-I-T. "The 'Holiday Mix & Match Deal' helps us achieve all three goals, and the best part is that everyone benefits." Available from , the deal offers customers the chance to bundle one device—a tablet, Chromebook, or 2-in-1 device—with one accessory of their choice, including JBL speakers, headphones, a protective laptop sleeve, or a wireless keyboard for or less. For families, students, or job seekers who may struggle to afford essential technology, this initiative is more than a sale—it's a lifeline. Human-I-T believes that in today's digital world, access to reliable technology isn't a luxury; it's a basic human right. "This isn't just about shopping," added Jackson. "It's about providing hope, opportunity, and connection to those who need it most. When you shop with us, you're not only getting a great deal—you're helping to change lives." The Mix & Match Deal is only available for a limited time. By shopping at Human-I-T's online store customers can brighten their holiday while directly supporting underserved communities. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Human-I-TDUP minister rejected suggestion licensing laws could be relaxed for jubilee

By MIKE CATALINI CHATHAM, N.J. (AP) — That buzzing coming out of New Jersey? It’s unclear if it’s drones or something else, but for sure the nighttime sightings are producing tons of talk, a raft of conspiracy theories and craned necks looking skyward. Related Articles National News | FACT FOCUS: Inspector general’s Jan. 6 report misrepresented as proof of FBI setup National News | OpenAI whistleblower found dead in San Francisco apartment National News | Judge rejects an attempt by Trump campaign lawyer to invalidate guilty plea in Georgia election case National News | Texas’ abortion pill lawsuit against New York doctor marks new challenge to interstate telemedicine National News | US military flies American released from Syrian prison to Jordan, officials say Cropping up on local news and social media sites around Thanksgiving, the saga of the drones reported over New Jersey has reached incredible heights. This week seems to have begun a new, higher-profile chapter: Lawmakers are demanding (but so far not getting) explanations from federal and state authorities about what’s behind them. Gov. Phil Murphy wrote to President Joe Biden asking for answers. New Jersey’s new senator, Andy Kim, spent Thursday night on a drone hunt in rural northern New Jersey, and posted about it on X. But perhaps the most fantastic development is the dizzying proliferation of conspiracies — none of which has been confirmed or suggested by federal and state officials who say they’re looking into what’s happening. It has become shorthand to refer to the flying machines as drones, but there are questions about whether what people are seeing are unmanned aircraft or something else. Some theorize the drones came from an Iranian mothership. Others think they are the Secret Service making sure President-elect Donald Trump’s Bedminster property is secure. Others worry about China. The deep state. And on. In the face of uncertainty, people have done what they do in 2024: Create a social media group. The Facebook page, New Jersey Mystery Drones — let’s solve it , has nearly 44,000 members, up from 39,000 late Thursday. People are posting their photo and video sightings, and the online commenters take it from there. One video shows a whitish light flying in a darkened sky, and one commenter concludes it’s otherworldly. “Straight up orbs,” the person says. Others weigh in to say it’s a plane or maybe a satellite. Another group called for hunting the drones literally, shooting them down like turkeys. (Do not shoot at anything in the sky, experts warn.) Trisha Bushey, 48, of Lebanon Township, New Jersey, lives near Round Valley Reservoir where there have been numerous sightings. She said she first posted photos online last month wondering what the objects were and became convinced they were drones when she saw how they moved and when her son showed her on a flight tracking site that no planes were around. Now she’s glued to the Mystery Drones page, she said. “I find myself — instead of Christmas shopping or cleaning my house — checking it,” she said. She doesn’t buy what the governor said, that the drones aren’t a risk to public safety. Murphy told Biden on Friday that residents need answers. The federal Homeland Security Department and FBI also said in a joint statement they have no evidence that the sightings pose “a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus.” “How can you say it’s not posing a threat if you don’t know what it is?” she said. “I think that’s why so many people are uneasy.” Then there’s the notion that people could misunderstand what they’re seeing. William Austin is the president of Warren County Community College, which has a drone technology degree program, and is coincidentally located in one of the sighting hotspots. Austin says he has looked at videos of purported drones and that airplanes are being misidentified as drones. He cited an optical effect called parallax, which is the apparent shift of an object when viewed from different perspectives. Austin encouraged people to download flight and drone tracker apps so they can better understand what they’re looking at. Nonetheless, people continue to come up with their own theories. “It represents the United States of America in 2024,” Austin said. “We’ve lost trust in our institutions, and we need it.” Federal officials echo Austin’s view that many of the sightings are piloted aircraft such as planes and helicopters being mistaken for drones, according to lawmakers and Murphy. That’s not really convincing for many, though, who are homing in on the sightings beyond just New Jersey and the East Coast, where others have reported seeing the objects. For Seph Divine, 34, another member of the drone hunting group who lives in Eugene, Oregon, it feels as if it’s up to citizen sleuths to solve the mystery. He said he tries to be a voice of reason, encouraging people to fact check their information, while also asking probing questions. “My main goal is I don’t want people to be caught up in the hysteria and I also want people to not just ignore it at the same time,” he said. “Whether or not it’s foreign military or some secret access program or something otherworldly, whatever it is, all I’m saying is it’s alarming that this is happening so suddenly and so consistently for hours at a time,” he added. Associated Press reporter Hallie Golden in Seattle contributed to this report.

Shedeur Sanders may be expecting a call from the New York Giants when the 2025 NFL Draft takes place this spring. Sanders revealed custom Giants cleats on Saturday night ahead of his final game with Colorado during the Alamo Bowl against BYU. Sanders mentioned the significance of his cleats earlier this week in a conversation with his brother, Shilo Sanders. "We know where we're going, baby...We know where we're going, baby," Shedeur Sanders said at about the 6:20 mark of the video below. "You'll see them in the cleats later on this week." When Shilo Sanders answered that he couldn't know where he was going because "the team might trade up," Shedeur Sanders answered, "You can't get higher than one." The Giants currently have the best shot at the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft. This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis. For more from Bleacher Report on this topic and from around the sports world, check out our B/R app , homepage and social feeds—including Twitter , Instagram , Facebook and TikTok .

The EU has officially adopted USB-C as the common charging standard. EU consumers can now use a single USB-C charger for smartphones, tablets, cameras, headphones, gaming consoles, and other devices. In 2022, the European Parliament and member states approved a law requiring all small and medium-sized portable devices sold in the EU to use USB-C charging ports. EU charging directive tackles fast charging and unbundled bricks The USB-C requirement is just the beginning of the EU’s new charging rules. The directive also regulates fast charging, separates charging bricks from retail devices, and mandates better labelling. These changes aim to simplify life for gadget users in the EU, if implemented effectively, The Verge reports . The directive’s broad scope affects both consumers and businesses, as it applies to all devices the EU defines as radio equipment—products designed to send or receive radio waves for communication or location purposes. The regulation covers devices like phones, tablets, cameras, headphones, earbuds, portable speakers, gaming consoles, e-readers, keyboards, mice, and navigation systems that use wired charging and support up to 100W power delivery. For example, the 350W PlayStation 5 is exempt, while the 6W Nintendo Switch is included. Laptops are the exception, with compliance required by April 28, 2026. Some areas remain unclear, as drones aren’t listed and may not fit into other categories like digital cameras. The European Commission plans to monitor market trends, fragmentation, and technological advancements to keep the list of devices updated and relevant. The directive doesn’t cover wireless charging, but the European Commission aims to harmonize standards to avoid market fragmentation and reduce environmental impact. Despite some uncertainties, most consumer tech in the EU must now have a USB-C port. However, this only applies to the device side, as charging brick connections are not included. New EU charging rules expected to save millions and reduce waste Anna Cavazzini, chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, described the new rules as a major step toward consumer convenience and environmental responsibility. The directive aims to reduce the tons of waste generated by discarded chargers each year and save EU households an estimated €250 million by cutting unnecessary charger purchases. The Parliament also plans to monitor how manufacturers adapt to the changes. Devices without USB-C ports that are already in circulation can still be sold in the EU if they are placed on the market for the first time before December 28th. The EU defines “placed on the market” as when a manufacturer or importer first supplies a product to a distributor or end-user. The European Commission notes that manufacturers, importers, and distributors need time to use any rights they have under existing national or EU rules, such as selling stock made under previous standards. One of the upcoming challenges is how the common charging solution will be enforced . This responsibility lies with individual member states, as they are in charge of market surveillance, The Verge points out. Each country can use measures like fines and product withdrawals to enforce compliance, with the issue now being how these bodies will manage the influx of inexpensive tech from outside the EU.NoneToronto Blue Jays officially sign reliever Garcia to two-year, US$15M deal

Published 9:26 pm Sunday, December 29, 2024 By Data Skrive Today’s NBA lineup features plenty of excitement, including a matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and the Sacramento Kings. Ahead of today’s NBA action, get a sneak peek at the odds right here. Sign up for NBA League Pass to get access to games, live and on-demand, and more for the entire season and offseason. Watch ESPN originals, The Last Dance and more NBA content on ESPN+. Use our link to sign up for ESPN+ or the Disney bundle. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER .Lea en español For many people, this time of year is all about the shopping. And there's a fair chance many feel less than joyful about the prospect. If fulfilling your lengthy list feels overwhelming, learning what brain science and evolutionary psychology say about shopping and gift-giving might help you understand exactly why you're stressed – and even point you toward a healthier, happier holiday season. Our reactions are encoded into our nervous system, said Dr. Beth Frates, a part-time associate professor in the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School in Boston. "By understanding these brain responses, people can develop strategies to manage stress better, such as setting realistic expectations, focusing on mindfulness and simplifying holiday preparations," said Frates, who also is the immediate past president of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. The idea of exchanging gifts at this time of year can be traced back to pagan solstice celebrations. But the drive to share with another is as old as humanity itself, said Dr. Diego Guevara Beltran, a postdoctoral fellow in psychology at the University of Arizona in Tucson who studies cooperation and generosity. The science of generosity is more about survival than stocking stuffers, Guevara Beltran said. Sharing food gave early humans an evolutionary advantage. "Generosity is just one of the ways by which we can accumulate resources, be it wealth itself or friendships or work partners or more attractive, more intelligent mates," he said. Sharing with other people, Guevara Beltran said, is "a signal that communicates how much you value them, their welfare, your relationship with them." Research has shown that helping people makes us feel good. Part of that, he said, is because when someone is part of a community, they feel protected. One way this manifests is through the act of giving gifts. But to derive happiness from gift-giving, the giver needs to feel both that it was not an obligation and that it was effective, according to the 2019 World Happiness Report . That means it could be stressful to be in a culture where gift-giving feels mandatory, or if we can't see that a gift helped someone, Guevara Beltran speculated. It also might be stressful if gift-giving becomes a competition to show that you care about somebody more than the others around them. Our brains on shopping Stressful shopping can cause several physiological responses to kick in, Frates said. First is the "fight or flight" reaction that comes with stress. The release of chemicals that increase our heart rate, raise our blood pressure and intensify our breathing evolved to give us bursts of energy to escape danger. Frates said that while holiday stressors are not life-threatening, they can still trigger the stress response. The pressure to stay within budget could create a sense of scarcity, she said. "This taps into an evolutionary response, where the fear of losing resources like money can feel urgent and distressing." The holiday season also involves a lot of choices. "The brain has limited capacity for decision-making, and making multiple decisions can lead to decision fatigue," Frates said. "This fatigue reduces the ability to self-regulate and cope, which can lead to heightened stress responses when confronted with even minor setbacks, like a long line or out-of-stock item." The stress of needing to complete tasks within a limited time can intensify the fight-or-flight response, she said, as the brain interprets the ticking clock as a sense of urgency or threat. Meanwhile, Frates said, holiday shopping can also trigger brain chemicals that affect our feelings. "Dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, is released when we anticipate something exciting or enjoyable, like finding a great gift or finding a good deal," she said. "This anticipation can feel rewarding even before any actual purchase is made." For some people, this dopamine boost can make shopping a relaxing experience. "It provides a temporary distraction from other stressors and allows them to focus on something positive, creating a 'holiday high,'" Frates said. For some people, that can be problematic. "When shopping becomes a way to chase that next dopamine hit, it can lead to excessive spending or impulsive purchases," she said. "This can become a trap, particularly during the holidays, when deals, sales and gift-giving pressures are everywhere." Understanding how all these processes work can help people recognize why they feel the way they do and adopt strategies to cope, Frates said. Here are some of her suggestions. 1. Start with self-care before shopping Prioritizing self-care means people can be their best selves and make good decisions, Frates said. So, "eat food that is delicious and nutritious. Get seven to nine hours of sleep. Make sure to enjoy physical activity. Take walks when you can and invite friends along. Practice stress reduction like meditation or yoga to help you calm your body and mind." Before going shopping, try taking deep breaths using stress-relieving techniques such as 4-7-8 breathing (inhale through your nose for four counts, hold for seven counts, and exhale through your mouth for eight) or box breathing (inhale through the nose for four counts, hold your breath for four, exhale for four, then hold for four). 2. Be strategic Don't shop when you're hungry, tired, lonely or stressed, Frates said. And don't start shopping 15 minutes before a store closes or a website's online deals end, she said. That's setting yourself up for triggering the fight-or-flight response. 3. Be mindful Before making a purchase, take a moment to consider whether it's truly needed or whether it's an impulsive choice. To avoid overindulging, set a specific budget or limit yourself to a couple of hours or specific shopping days. "This keeps dopamine-driven spending in check while still allowing for the enjoyable aspects of holiday shopping," Frates said. Look for post-shopping activities that provide rewards without the financial cost. That can satisfy your brain's desire for more dopamine in a healthier way. "Plan enjoyable, stress-relieving activities after shopping, like going for a walk, spending time with friends or indulging in a hobby," she said. 4. Bring a friend Not only does this support healthy social connections, Frates said, but if things start feeling stressful, "you have a buddy, and you have a support system right there for you." 5. Rethink the focus of the season "With gift-giving, we need to change mindsets in order to be able to manage the stress," Frates said. The holidays could be used to emphasize social connections, she said. "Thinking about the connection with the person and making gift-giving more about deepening the connection than anything else, I think, will really help to reduce the stress around the process," she said. So instead of scouring shops and websites for the "perfect" gift, think about making a meaningful and personal one, she suggested. It could be a poem, a painting, a song or a framed photograph that captured a special time. 6. Lessons for children It's easy to get caught up in the hunt for a hard-to-get item, Frates said. But ask yourself what the holiday means in your family's traditions. "Is it about getting that perfect gift for the child? Or is it about celebrating the meaning of that holiday?" So instead of having children ask for one specific toy, or a specific brand of clothing, teach them to leave a little leeway on their lists. "It is a good reminder to express to children that this season is about giving and sharing what we can in the best way that we can," she said, "and sometimes the exact gift is not available." Encouraging such an attitude can be a tall order, Frates said, but it's a place to start. "A simple mindset shift could be the difference between a stressful holiday shopping season or a joyful journey to find meaningful gifts for people you care about." American Heart Association News covers heart and brain health. Not all views expressed in this story reflect the official position of the American Heart Association. Copyright is owned or held by the American Heart Association, Inc., and all rights are reserved. Sign up here to get the latest health & fitness updates in your inbox every week!Donald Trump called for the end of daylight savings time in a post on Truth Social Friday. “The Republican Party will use its best efforts to eliminate Daylight Saving Time, which has a small but strong constituency, but shouldn’t! Daylight Saving Time is inconvenient, and very costly to our nation,” the president-elect wrote . DOGE heads Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy also posted last month that they wanted to end the changing of the clock. Most American adults dislike daylight savings— but are uncertain whether they want daylight savings time or standard time to be permanent. Trump has not signaled which he would pick. Standard time, in place during the winter, extends daylight in the morning. Daylight savings time, used during the summer, extends daylight in the evenings. Twenty states have passed bills enacting year-round DST, though they can’t be implemented without federal action. The Senate passed a permanent DST bill in 2022, but further efforts have sputtered out. Arizona and Hawaii both have permanent standard time. BBC reported that Apple’s new AI notification system sent a message from the outlet that falsely claimed Luigi Mangione shot himself. The new technology aims to group together notifications; however, it falsely wrote that the suspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s Manhattan slaying had shot himself. The BBC sent a message to Apple in regards to the notification, but the company declined to comment. A BBC spokesperson said, “It is essential to us that our audiences can trust any information or journalism published in our name and that includes notifications.” The notification included other news stories, which were described correctly. The message read: “Luigi Mangione shoots himself; Syrian mother hopes Assad pays the price; South Korea police raid Yoon Suk Yeol’s office.” The BBC also reported that it’s seemingly not the only news organization dealing with the misleading summarizations. A screenshot allegedly showed that a New York Times grouped notification read that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was arrested. The screenshot could not be independently verified by the BBC, and the New York Times declined to comment. Posters are a great way to celebrate your favorite fandom. But if you’re looking for that real “WOW!” factor, nothing beats Fathead . For 17 years, Fathead has been an industry leader in officially licensed graphic wall art across sports and entertainment. You can even create personalized products, making big-head cutouts and life-size wall decals from your own photos. Installing the decals is a breeze. Unroll the decal and lie it flat. Wipe down your wall with a damp cloth. After the wall is dry, peel off the decal backing and apply it slowly, smoothing out any bubbles as you go. Need to adjust? No problem— Fathead decals can be peeled off and reapplied easily. No matter your favorite football team, Fathead has a wall decal for them . Free Shipping The basketball season has just tipped off. Celebrate your favorite player with a life-size wall decal. Free Shipping From everyone’s favorite web-slinging New Yorker to the fourth-wall breaking merc with a mouth, Fathead’s superhero decals burst with vibrant colors. You’ll marvel at how they bring your walls to life. Free Shipping If you buy something from this post, we may earn a small commission. The NFL wished Taylor Swift a Happy Birthday with a TikTok of her and Travis Kelce’s most memorable moments—on and off the field. Kelce’s employer posted the video of the singer and his relationship, which already has racked up over 1 million views. The caption read, “Karma is the guy on the @Chiefs saying happy bday to me.” The clips showed Kelce and Swift celebrating his wins at games, the pair at her concerts, and her glitzed out in Chiefs gear. “If you told me 2 years ago I would be following the NFL on tiktok and not falling asleep everytime a game is on TV... never would’ve believed it,” wrote one commenter. “Happy birthday Taylor. Thank you for uniting the Swifties and the Football Fans together in the name of art and sport,” another wrote. Swift has been seen at many Chiefs games since the beginning of her relationship with the tight end, with him visiting her at some of her tour dates. karma is the guy on the @Chiefs saying happy bday to me 🎶 #taylorswift #traviskelce #nfl #kansascitychiefs Saturday Night Live alum Pete Davidson , known best to some for his past relationships with Kim Kardashian , Ariana Grande , Kate Beckinsale , and more famous women, now says he doesn’t want to be known as “this f---ing loser who just dates people,” in a new interview for W Magazine . to promote his new role as creative director for colorful sock brand Doublesoul, Davidson told the outlet his feeling that he was one of “a handful of celebs every couple of years” that the media “destroys,” after multiple run-ins with tabloids over his famous exes. “For some reason, I’m one of the people they chose to go after,” he said. But, he added, “It’s actually, in a way, a blessing, because it allowed me to take a step back and evaluate things. What do you want to be? Who are you?” Davidson said he only wants to be seen publicly “when it’s movie, stand-up, charity, or business ventures” and to focus on his stand-up career. “I’m someone who is from Staten Island, wanted to do stand-up, and if I got to do anything else because of stand-up, it was a miracle.” Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. Consuming cannabis as an adult feels very different than doing so as a fresh-faced 21-year-old—so why should your smoking habits make your space feel like a disheveled college dorm room? NWTN Home’s collection of chic smoking essentials offers a more elevated way to enjoy cannabis in the comfort of your home. NWTN Home is a smokeware brand bringing craftsmanship to the cannabis industry by designing what they call “homeware for the high-minded.” Its weed-associated products are built to double as elegant and functional houseware items , helping you upgrade your home into a full smoking sanctuary. Plus, they make the perfect holiday gifts for your favorite creative cannabis connoisseur! This hand-poured, marbled ashtray rests atop a sleek melamine rolling tray and includes a helpful brass tool that can assist in your rolling process, making it the perfect blend of form and function. This standout stackable flower pot ashtray set is a surefire solution to keep your space clean—and your houseguests impressed. No cannabis collection is complete without something to smoke out of! These avant-garde gravity bongs are inspired by vintage housewares and designed to seamlessly blend into your barware and greenware set-ups. The iconic sitcom Malcolm in the Middle will hit screens for the first time in 18 years, with a limited run of four episodes set to premiere on Disney+ . Frankie Muniz, who will reprise his role as Malcolm, announced the reboot Friday, along with Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek, who play his parents. The original creator of the show will also return as a writer. The new series follows Malcolm returning home with his daughter for his parents’ 40th wedding anniversary, according to Deadline . Christopher Kennedy Masterson, who played the eldest brother Francis, and Justin Berfield, who played the middle child Reese, are likely to be asked to reprise their roles. Though it’s unlikely that Erik Per Sullivan, who plays the youngest brother Dewey, will make an appearance. He quit acting in 2010 and has not appeared at any reunions. Malcolm in the Middle first premiered on Fox in 2000 and ran for seven seasons. Its success as a family comedy is credited with paving the way for other single-camera sitcoms. Legendary quarterback Aaron Rodgers is finally opening up about his strained relationship with his family. In his new documentary, Aaron Rodgers: Enigma , Rodgers explained that he has “stunted emotional intelligence” because of the lack of open emotion in his home growing up. “I think I saw my dad cry when my grandfather passed. And that might have been it,” Rodgers shared. “There wasn’t space for emotion.” Rodgers’ brother, Jordan, first opened up about the family’s rift during his time on The Bachelorette in 2016. During a hometown date with his now-wife JoJo Fletcher, the family explained that while they “miss” Rodgers, they no longer have a relationship with him. In a 2017 profile with The New York Times , Rodgers’ father, Ed, confirmed that he hadn’t spoken to his son in three years. “Fame can change things,” he said. At the time, Rodgers said he didn’t want to talk about his family publicly. In the doc, Rodgers spoke about his family while participating in an ayahuasca ceremony. The quarterback said the psychedelic drug allows users to “model a new way of thinking about masculinity, or what it means to be a man.” Released bodycam footage shows Paris Hilton’s ex-fiancé, Chris Zylka, in a chaotic brawl with police after a failed carjacking. Police in a Cleveland suburb first responded to reports of a shirtless, barefoot man walking in traffic in freezing temperatures on Dec. 4, local outlet WKBN first reported. Zylka was found in the middle of an intersection, where he allegedly tried to break into a woman’s car. He pointed a cell phone at the cops and began foaming at the mouth, leading officers to believe he was under the influence of drugs, according to the police report. Footage shows Zylka struggling with police officers and resisting arrest even after being tasered in the leg twice. He was then put in an ambulance by paramedics. The actor is now facing felony charges of assault and attempt to commit an offense, as well as misdemeanor disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and aggravated menacing. Hilton and Zylka started dating in 2017 after being friends for years. He proposed in early 2018 during a ski trip in Aspen, Colorado, but they called off their engagement in November that same year. Vanderpump Rules alum James Kennedy is refusing to apologize for his domestic violence arrest . “We are in the process of conducting our own investigation into the allegations levied by the Burbank Police Department against James,” Kennedy’s attorneys said in a statement to the Daily Mail . “We understand that there were no injuries and we are hoping that, after careful review, the city’s attorneys will decide not to file formal charges.” Police were called to Kennedy’s home on Tuesday because of an argument between Kennedy and a woman. That night, Kennedy attended Kathy Hilton’s Christmas party with girlfriend Ally Lewber, though it’s unknown if she is the victim. Police told People that after an investigation, they arrested the reality star for misdemeanor domestic violence. He later posted $20,000 bail. A source at the Christmas party told People that Kennedy was acting “super aggressive.” “He was acting so erratic, running back and forth to the bar and body-checking people along the way,” the source alleged. “He appeared inebriated. Spent the evening mostly alone but when he did speak to people, he appeared irritated and rude.” Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. Apparently, boosting prostate health can actually be pleasurable—at least, that’s what premium sexual wellness brand MysteryVibe says. The Molto, an ultra-slim and bendable prostate vibrator designed by a doctor, is engineered to be the same size and width as a doctor’s finger and to mimic similar motions to that performed during an exam, allowing for not only intense prostate (the prostate is often hailed as the male ‘G-spot’) and anal stimulation but also a release of prostatic fluids. According to the brand, some studies have found that excess prostatic fluid can lead to inflammation and pressure, so not only is this a sex toy , but it’s also possibly an investment in your prostate health. Think of it almost like a lymphatic massage for your prostate—except one that can give you intense orgasms, too. Made with body-safe silicone, the multifunctional and gender-fluid vibrator is powered by one “anatomically-placed” motor that delivers potent yet precise vibration to the anus and prostate without feeling bulky or inflexible. It’s a great sex toy for those new to anal play or who are looking for an ultra-sleek vibrator with possible health-boosting benefits. The prostate vibrator is equipped with 16 vibration settings and eight pre-set vibration patterns, allowing for superior control and customization. Plus, the device comes with access to a catalog of vibration patterns with the free MysteryVibe smartphone app. Best of all? Because the Molto vibrator is an FDA-registered class II medical device, it’s also FSA/HSA eligible. A doctor has rubbished Brandi Glanville’s scary medical theory about her “deflated” face , saying he’s concerned about an infection that started via an injection. The 52-year-old Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum claims doctor s told her that it may have been caused by “a parasite that jumps around my face.” But Dr. Terry Dubrow, from Botched , has said he’s “concerned about an infectious process”. He told TMZ : “It’s an infectious process or a foreign body reaction to something she’s had injected.” A foreign body reaction is the response of biological tissue to any foreign material in the tissue, despite it often being inert and nontoxic, according to ScienceDirect.com Dubrow added: “Brandi needs a diagnosis... she has to figure out if there’s a microorganism in there. It’s not gonna be a parasite, it’s not gonna be something she ate... it’s going to be something that got into her bloodstream though, and seeded some foreign body.” Dubrow thinks Glanville either has a micro bacterium, a type of bacteria, or a fungus, a type of organism. Sick it! pic.twitter.com/hrtAzRwOCW A Buckingham Palace maid was arrested this week after she allegedly went “crazy” following a staff Christmas party which saw glasses and punches thrown in a London bar. A report in The Sun said as many as 50 royal servants gathered for an after-party following drinks at the palace Tuesday when the maid, 24, took a swing at a bar manager, threw glasses, and was ultimately arrested for common assault, criminal damage, and being drunk and disorderly. She was released after 24 hours with a fine. “The group walked in and this one girl just got hysterical,” a source told The Sun . “She started smashing glasses and abusing our staff members, so we had to call the police. I’ve never seen one person get that crazy during a night out. She was on another level.” A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “We are aware of an incident outside the workplace involving a number of Household staff who had previously attended an early evening reception at the Palace. While this was an informal social gathering, not an official palace Christmas party, the facts will be fully investigated, with a robust disciplinary process followed in relation to individual staff and appropriate action taken.”

SMU to visit Penn State in opening CFP round with Boise State awaiting the winner in the Fiesta Bowl

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — Despite dealing with his share of injuries and learning a new offense, Justin Herbert is on one of the NFL's longest streaks without throwing an interception. Herbert enters the Los Angeles Chargers' game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday having thrown 335 passes without a pick. That's the fifth-longest run in league history. Aaron Rodgers holds the record of 402 for Green Bay in 2018. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, obituaries, sports, and more.

DUP minister rejected suggestion licensing laws could be relaxed for jubilee