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how to win in jili games By Greg Otto December 13, 2024 Baron Martin, a 20-year-old resident of Tucson, Arizona, was arrested Wednesday on charges of producing child sexual abuse material and cyberstalking. His arrest is connected to his involvement in online terror networks, specifically 764 and CVLT, which are known for violent extremist activities. Martin, also known under the alias “Convict,” is charged with significant involvement in these networks since 2021. He allegedly boasted about being a leader within 764 and CVLT and provided guidance on victim extortion. The Department of Justice’s criminal complaint details his use of popular communication platforms to form and execute his plans, notably involving two minors in September 2022 to engage in self-harming acts. U.S. Assistant Attorney General for National Security Matthew G. Olsen has described the 764 network as a dangerous organization of violent extremists. The network is said to systematically target children, utilizing child sexual abuse material in an agenda aimed at societal collapse and governmental destabilization. Olsen reaffirmed the Justice Department’s commitment to combating such acts of terrorism and dismantling these networks. The unsealed complaint provides a grim overview of the 764 network’s operations. It describes the group’s targeting of underage populations to share extreme and violent media, desensitizing youth to violence and normalizing the dissemination of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The network is noted for its use of cybercriminal tactics and manipulation of societal norms to exploit minors, guided by a broader agenda of societal chaos. If convicted, Martin could face up to 30 years in prison for producing child sexual abuse material, alongside a potential 10-year term for the cyberstalking offense. Both charges also include fines and the possibility of lifetime supervised release. CyberScoop reported earlier this month that groups like 764 and the global collective of loosely associated groups known as “ The Com ” are using tools and techniques normally reserved for financially motivated cybercrime tactics — such as SIM swapping, IP grabbing and social engineering — to commit violent crimes. The reports offer insight into the underbelly of the global network, showing how they are using traditional cybercriminal tools to identify, target, groom, extort, and cause physical and psychological harm to victims as young as 10. They were shared with police nationwide and in some cases, with foreign-allied governments. Gary Restaino, U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona, emphasized in a release the importance of vigilance among parents and children in online environments. He noted that Project Safe Childhood, a Justice Department initiative, aims to protect youth from individual and organized threats online.Remittances to reach $35bn in current fiscal: Aurangzeb Government would give policy framework and investors will remain key to achieve export-led growth: FinMin KARACHI: As PTI founder Imran Khan plans to ask overseas Pakistanis to stop sending money back home, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Saturday hoped the remittances would touch an all-time high at $35 billion in the current fiscal year. Aurangzeb didn’t comment when asked about the call of PTI founder chairman about stopping workers remittances to Pakistan when he talked to the media at the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) in Karachi. The minister claimed the country was able to achieve macroeconomic stability due to strenuous efforts of the last several months and the business confidence in the country restored. “We can’t be complacent now and have to remain on the course for achieving high growth through export-led strategy,” he declared. The finance minister said the government would give the policy framework and investors will remain the key to achieve export-led growth. He, however, pointed out that Pakistan has the dilemma of facing balance of payments problems as when the economic growth reaches four percent, we have to run back. “We need export-led growth for achieving 5-6 percent growth as presently the growth is largely dependent on imports,” he said. He said the business model cannot be run by evasion of sales tax. Talking about state-owned entities (SOEs), Aurangzeb said these are causing the national exchequer a loss of Rs2.2 billion a day and the country sustained losses to the tune of Rs6 trillion in the last 10 years, which comes to around 50 percent of the revenue collection target set at Rs12.9 trillion for FY25. “Privatisation, liberalisation and deregulation are the way forward.” He said that foreign companies operating in Pakistan have repatriated profit and dividends worth $2.2 billion in May-June 2024, clearing the entire backlog of the repatriation to-date. “Now there is no restriction on sending the repatriation from the Ministry of Finance and State Bank of Pakistan and it’s now up to commercial banks to facilitate the foreign companies in continuing to send profit and dividends without any delay,” he stated. The minister said the government has nothing to do with rupee-dollar parity as it depends on the demand and supply of the greenback in the market, while market forces are determining the exchange rate instead of the government. He said the government has prioritised inviting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in export-led projects and increasing exports to achieve sustainable economic growth. Emphasizing the need to improve the taxation system, he said that the old system of taxation can no longer go on. “We have to widen the tax net. The business model cannot be run by tax evasion, digitalisation systems are being brought in for checking tax evasion.” The minister said efforts were being made to bring real estate, agriculture, wholesalers and retailers into the tax net. He said leakages in sales tax and income tax were being stopped through the digitalisation process. He said that continuity of policies and political stability were requisite for development. Dharnas and rallies cause a loss of Rs190 billion per day. Asked about the high prices of essential items despite the government’s claim of reduction in inflation, the minister said that inflation was decreasing, but people were not benefiting from it. The price of pulses, commodities and poultry and petroleum products was decreasing in the global market, but the price in Pakistan was increasing instead of decreasing. “We have to activate the price control committees to extend benefit to people.” He announced a crackdown on the middlemen to pass on the benefits of reduced prices of various items to end consumers. Replying to a question, Aurangzeb said talks are underway with the Sindh government regarding the agriculture tax. He said the Punjab government had already done work on it and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan were working on it. Responding to a question about the IMF’s demand to charge sales tax on petroleum products, the minister denied that any such demand was made by the global institution.

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ATLANTA — On Jan. 18 and 19 the AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! will be held at State Farm Arena in advance of the College Football Playoff national championship on Jan. 20. The star-studded lineup was announced Thursday at a news conference at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Performances will include Lil Wayne and GloRilla on Saturday; and Camila Cabello, Myles Smith and Knox on Sunday. On game day, the Allstate Championship Tailgate, taking place just outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the Home Depot Backyard, will feature country acts on the Capital One Music Stage, including global superstar Kane Brown and iHeartCountry “On The Verge” artist Ashley Cooke. The concerts are just two of the festivities visiting fans can enjoy in the days leading up to the big game. The fan experience for both ticket holders and the general public has been a focus for event planners. All weekend long, an estimated 100,000 people from across the country are expected to attend fan events preceding kickoff. “It will be an opportunity for fans of all ages to come together to sample what college football is all about, and you don’t have to have a ticket to the game to be a part of it,” said Bill Hancock, executive director of the CFP in a press release. “We’ve worked closely with the Atlanta Football Host Committee to develop fan-friendly events that thousands will enjoy come January.” On Saturday, Jan. 18, Playoff Fan Central will open at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta. The free, family-friendly experience will include games, clinics, pep rallies, special guest appearances, autograph signings and exhibits celebrating college football and its history. That day, fans can also attend Media Day, presented by Great Clips, which will feature one-hour sessions with student-athletes and coaches from each of the College Football Playoff national championship participating teams. ESPN and social media giants X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok will be taping live broadcasts from the event. On Sunday, Jan. 19, the Trophy Trot, both a 5K and 10K race, will wind its way through the streets of downtown Atlanta. Each Trophy Trot participant will receive a T-shirt and finisher’s medal. Participants can register at atlantatrackclub.org . On Sunday evening, the Georgia Aquarium will host the Taste of the Championship dining event, which offers attendees the opportunity to indulge in food and drink prepared by local Atlanta chefs. This premium experience serves as an elevated exploration of local cuisine on the eve of the national championship. Tickets to the Taste of the Championship event are available on etix.com . Atlanta is the first city ever to repeat as host for the CFP national championship. The playoff was previously held in Atlanta in 2018. “We are honored to be the first city to repeat as host for the CFP national championship and look forward to welcoming college football fans from around the country in January,” said Dan Corso, president of the Atlanta Sports Council and Atlanta Football Host Committee. “This event gives us another opportunity to showcase our incredible city.” The College Football Playoff is the event that crowns the national champion in college football. The quarterfinals and semifinals rotate annually among six bowl games — the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Capital One Orange Bowl, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential and the Allstate Sugar Bowl. This year’s quarterfinals will take place on Dec. 31, 2024 and Jan. 1, 2025, while the semifinals will be Jan. 9-10, 2025. The CFP national championship will be Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. For additional information on the College Football Playoff, visit CollegeFootballPlayoff.com .《TAIPEI TIMES》YouTuber reveals how CCP buys ‘influencers’

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) has evolved from a futuristic concept to a transformative force, reshaping industries worldwide. From healthcare and finance to retail and logistics, AI technologies are driving innovation, enhancing efficiency, and enabling organizations to solve complex problems at unprecedented scales. The advent of machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), and neural networks has unlocked new possibilities, allowing machines to mimic human intelligence, make predictions, and adapt to changing environments. The impact of AI is undeniable. It has revolutionized customer experiences through personalization, improved decision-making with predictive analytics, and optimized workflows by automating repetitive tasks. Businesses are increasingly leveraging AI to gain a competitive edge, streamline operations, and address critical challenges such as fraud detection, data security, and market prediction. However, as AI continues to evolve, it brings with it both opportunities and challenges, including ethical concerns, data privacy, and integration complexities. To delve deeper into the transformative power of AI and its future implications, we spoke with Amit Taneja, a distinguished expert in the field. Known for his extensive work in AI-powered solutions, shared his insights on how this technology is shaping industries, particularly in financial services and multi-cloud management. Expert Opinion on AI's Role in Modern Industries Mr. Amit, an expert in Artificial Intelligence and Senior Data Engineer, explains how AI is not just a tool but a strategic enabler for organizations. Speaking about its impact on the financial sector, Taneja highlights, "The financial services industry has always been data-driven, but traditional methods are increasingly inadequate in managing the sheer volume and complexity of data. AI, with its ability to process real-time information, analyzes patterns, and detects anomalies, has become indispensable." He elaborates on key areas where AI is making a difference: The Multi-Cloud Connection Expanding on AI's application beyond finance, Taneja discusses how it is transforming multi-cloud management. "As organizations adopt multi-cloud strategies, AI is essential for optimizing workload allocation, ensuring security, and maintaining compliance. AI-driven cloud-agnostic solutions enable seamless operations across diverse cloud environments, addressing challenges like vendor lock-in and inefficiencies." He draws parallels between financial services and multi-cloud ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of adaptability. "Just as AI helps financial institutions navigate complexity, it empowers businesses in multi-cloud environments to operate with agility and resilience," he explains. Future Trends and Challenges Looking ahead, Taneja predicts significant advancements in explainable AI (XAI) and privacy-preserving techniques. "Explainable AI will make it easier to understand and trust machine-driven decisions, while techniques like federated learning will enhance data security without compromising analytical capabilities," he says. However, he acknowledges the challenges. "Ethical concerns, algorithmic bias, and integration with legacy systems are critical hurdles. Organizations must address these issues to ensure AI's sustainable growth and widespread adoption." Conclusion Artificial Intelligence is no longer a concept confined to science fiction; it is a reality reshaping industries and redefining possibilities. With experts like Amit Taneja leading the charge, the future of AI looks promising, though not without challenges. As businesses continue to embrace this transformative technology, the balance between innovation and responsibility will be critical in harnessing AI's full potential for a better, more inclusive future.G rowing up as a dark-skinned Tamil girl, I quickly learned that comments about appearance were an inevitable part of life. At weddings, family gatherings, or even casual meet-ups, someone always had something to say. “You’ve gained weight, what happened?” “Stay out of the sun; you’ll get darker.” And the one that stuck with me the most: “You’re pretty for a dark girl.” Though such remarks were sometimes framed as compliments, they often left me feeling anything but complimented. For those who might say them, these comments might seem like harmless observations or even “helpful advice”. They think it’s just brutal honesty, but I honestly think it’s brutal. The truth is they reflect a broader cultural pattern that many Tamil women experience, with their bodies and appearances subjected to relentless scrutiny. The excuses often given, such as “That’s just how we were raised”, do little to mitigate the lasting impact of these words. For those on the receiving end, the damage to self-esteem and self-worth is real. In Tamil households, discussions about weight are almost unavoidable. From “Are you eating enough?” to “You’ve been eating too much”, opinions are freely shared. Food, a source of joy and connection, often becomes a site of judgment instead. Even at family gatherings, the amount of food on your plate can invite unwanted commentary. If you serve yourself generously, someone might warn you about gaining weight. If you take less, questions such as “Are you trying to lose weight?” are inevitable. It’s a no-win situation. This fixation on weight is not limited to family conversations. Societal pressures to conform to beauty standards are deeply ingrained, and research confirms their harmful effects. A study conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences found that 47% of Indian women in the 18-to-35 age group experience body image issues, with societal expectations playing a significant role. These pressures are particularly pronounced for young women in Tamil communities, where criticism around weight is normalised and pervasive. Alongside weight, colourism remains a deeply rooted issue in Tamil culture. Growing up, I was frequently reminded to avoid the sun to “stay fair”. For many women and girls in India, the fear of spending time in the sun is not about getting sunburned, it’s about getting darker. Fairness creams or homemade remedies are heavily promoted in society as if lighter skin is the ultimate key to success. The message is clear: lighter skin is better. For young Tamil women, seeing themselves judged against these unrealistic standards can deepen feelings of inadequacy and exclusion. The emotional toll of these comments, whether about weight or skin tone, is significant. Often dismissed as harmless, such remarks can erode confidence and lead to long-term mental health challenges. Studies by the World Health Organization reveal that over 25% of women in India report anxiety or depression tied to body image concerns. For Tamil women, who often face these pressures within their families and elsewhere, the effects are even more pronounced. Colourism has its roots in colonialism and casteism, but its modern-day impact is profound. India’s skin-lightening industry, valued at over $500 million annually, is a testament to how entrenched these biases remain. A 2024 report by Dove found that 26% of Indian women have tried skin lightening or bleaching products, highlighting the extent of societal pressure to conform to fairer skin standards. For darker-skinned women, these societal preferences can be exhausting. Remarks such as “You’d look so much prettier if you were lighter” aren’t just insulting; they are constant reminders that darker skin is often viewed as a flaw. Even so-called compliments such as “You’re pretty for a dark girl” expose the underlying bias — that beauty is conditional, measured against Eurocentric ideals. The media plays a significant role in perpetuating these harmful beauty standards. Tamil cinema often casts fair-skinned female actors in lead roles, while darker-skinned women are relegated to limited genres, supporting characters or excluded altogether. This lack of representation reinforces the idea that lighter skin is more desirable. Women actors in Tamil cinema are also subjected to intense scrutiny regarding their weight. Fans and media outlets frequently discuss whether a celebrity has “let herself go” or become “too thin.” These public critiques not only affect the individuals involved but also reflect and reinforce broader societal norms around beauty. For me, the damage of these remarks accumulated over time. I avoided certain outfits, dreading the flaws others might point out. Social gatherings became less about connecting with people and more about bracing for judgment. Even now, those comments linger, shaping how I view myself and my body. The excuses of “That’s just how we were raised” or “Just ignore it” are no longer sufficient. Culture is not static, it evolves. Tamil culture, while rich and vibrant in so many ways, has its share of harmful practices that must change. Parents and elders need to recognise the power of their words. Instead of focusing on appearance, we should celebrate individuality and encourage confidence. Food, an integral part of Tamil culture, should be enjoyed without judgment or guilt. Representation in the media is another critical area for change, and Tamil cinema and television have a unique opportunity to challenge harmful beauty standards by showcasing diverse forms of beauty. Hollywood, while not perfect, has made strides in this regard, and one of the most significant wins for Tamil women was the casting in Bridgerton . Seeing a dark-skinned Tamil woman portrayed as a romantic lead on an international platform was groundbreaking. This kind of representation is a powerful example for Tamil media. By casting dark-skinned women actors and plus-sized individuals in leading roles, and celebrating them for who they are rather than reducing them to stereotypes, Tamil cinema and television can redefine beauty standards for future generations. Following Bridgerton , this shift could be transformative, helping young Tamil women see themselves as worthy and beautiful just as they are. Breaking these deeply ingrained norms won’t happen overnight, but change begins with awareness. The next time you are tempted to comment on someone’s appearance, consider the potential impact of your words. And if you hear someone else making such remarks, challenge them. For those of us who have been at the receiving end of these comments, it’s important to remember this: your worth is not determined by your size or skin tone. You are enough, exactly as you are. Tamil culture has so much beauty to offer, but it’s time to leave behind the aspects that cause harm. By encouraging kindness, inclusivity, and respect, we can create a community where everyone feels valued for who they are, not how they look. shri.mahadevan@gmail.com Published - December 08, 2024 01:12 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit

The Impact Of Reservations On Open Merit Candidates The current reservation policy needs reforms for a fairer and more inclusive approach The reservation system is executed globally to boost justice for all and promote fairness for all. It aims to provide marginalized communities who have formerly endured discrimination, inequality, or deprivation, a room for progress. However, the implementation of this system may occasionally result in unfairness for open merit candidates, emphasizing the necessity for reforms to create a more balanced and just system. The objective of the reservation system is to include socially, educationally, or economically disadvantaged groups in the broader society. Yet, at times, this system deviates from its intended goal, benefiting individuals or groups who are already in a favourable socio-economic position. Consequently, not only do deserving individuals miss out on their rightful opportunities, but it also reduces the chances available to open merit candidates. The existing reservation setup in Kashmir is enforced to open doors in education, employment, and other fields to oppressed classes. When it comes to reservations in Kashmir, the government of Jammu and Kashmir currently made a decision and initiated a recruitment policy. Under this, 575 lecturer posts were announced, with 238 reserved for open merit candidates and 337 for reserved categories. It’s clear that while reservations are valid for reserved category candidates, we also need to affirm that open-merit candidates are placed in a welcoming environment so that they don’t feel segregated. This reservation policy is not confined to the Education Department but is common in all departments in Kashmir. The government needs to pay attention to this reservation approach, analyze how it affects open-merit candidates, and find ways to protect their rights. It’s imperative to maintain their career advancement and ensure they are given equitable chances without feeling neglected. The Effects of the Reservation System Positive Effects 1. Social integration: The reservation framework has empowered historically excluded populations (Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes) to approach education, employment, and public representation. In Jammu and Kashmir, the participation of Gujjars, Bakerwals, and other groups under Scheduled Tribe categories has enhanced their social hierarchy. 2. Intellectual growth: Many people from deprived communities have achieved from avenues in higher education and scholarships, providing to a reduction in illiteracy and shrinking the educational break. In Kashmir, reservations for backward areas (such as far-flung villages) have promoted educational access in underdeveloped areas. 3. Economic upliftment: Proactive measures in public sector employment have increased economic access for excluded groups, reducing poverty in some areas. In Kashmir, reservations for defined groups have encouraged in incorporation of underprivileged communities into primary economic sectors. 4. Representation in Politics: The reservation of seats in legislatures has allowed marginalized communities to have a voice in governance. Negative Effects 1. Perceived discrimination: Critics contend that reservations can occasionally result in reverse discrimination, fostering resentment among marginalized groups, especially the economically disadvantaged sections of upper castes. In Jammu and Kashmir, certain communities feel marginalized from the advantages of the reservation system, prompting calls for their integration. 2. Restricted access: The advantages of reservations often fail to reach the most needy within the reserved categories because of a “top-tier” effect, where the more wealthy individuals within these groups gain the majority of the benefits. 3. Impact on Meritocracy: The system is criticized for potentially compromising merit in education and employment, leading to inefficiencies in some sectors. 4. Political manipulation: The reservation system is usually used as a political agenda, with parties assuring increased benefits for political advantage, periodically deepening divisions. 5. Intergroup conflict: In regions like Kashmir, the reservation system has sometimes triggered tensions between communities, especially when new groups are included in the list or when quotas are regarded as limited. While the reservation system has played a vital role in addressing historical injustices and improving the socio-economic conditions of disadvantaged groups, it also faces challenges related to its implementation and perceived fairness in both India and Jammu and Kashmir. The reservation system is a vital step toward promoting social justice, but flaws in its implementation can negatively impact open-merit candidates. To address these issues, it is essential to reform the reservation system so that it reaches the genuinely deserving and preserves the importance of merit. A balanced and transparent system will not only advance social justice but also protect the rights of open-merit candidates. Further contemplation and practical steps on this subject are the need of the hour. The writer is an English Lecturer By Athar Ul Islam [email protected]Musk has until Monday to respond to SEC Twitter settlement, source saysPrairie premiers urge action on security amid Trump's tariff threats

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Game Boy classic Donkey Kong Land is on Nintendo Switch Online nowBy KRISTEN WOOD Chilly weather and early nights make the holiday season the best time of year for cuddling up with your favorite games. From enjoying a quiet afternoon alone to gathering with family, these board, video and card games will bring cozy vibes to your holiday gaming. The holidays are prime time for coziness. Cold weather, hot drinks and days off work or school are perfect for snuggling up under a blanket. With many games designed to be cozy, relaxed and lighthearted, accompanying your cozy afternoons with a game might be your new holiday tradition. Many holidays bring together friends and family as well. While some families may look forward to feuding over the Risk board or resources in Settlers of Catan, more low-key games can be an opportunity to bond with loved ones. Cooperative games or games with a bit of friendly competition let you focus on who you’re playing with. Since these cozy games often have easier instructions, everyone can get involved. A busy holiday season also benefits from rest. Take a break from shopping, cooking, traveling and other holiday tasks with some games. Stress-busting games let you enjoy a couple of hours of quiet gameplay or raucous laughter, both sure to provide some relaxation. Relaxing board games are great for a lazy afternoon with friends or after dinner at a holiday party. These games often feature cooperative play or minimal competition, beautiful artwork and straightforward gameplay ideal for all ages. For the holidays, these games provide a whimsical escape from seasonal chaos. Patchwork Patchwork is a chill two-player puzzle game where you and your opponent compete to create the best quilt. The tactile experience and cozy results are relaxing on a chilly day. If you have more than two players, try Calico instead where you’ll create quilts for cats. Carcassonne In Carcassonne, players compete to build Medieval cities and fields by laying tiles. The game takes a bit of strategy and luck, and it will generate some friendly competition among children and adults alike. The charming artwork of parks, featuring America’s national parks, will also transport you on a road trip from the comfort of your home. Everdell and Flamecraft For those looking for longer gameplay, Everdell will have you playing as cute forest creatures building new cities during a game that averages a little over an hour. Flamecraft is another delightfully whimsical game where players try to attract dragons to improve the reputation of their shops. Each of these games is simple to pick up and, with every playthrough offering something new, they’ll get you through the entire holiday season. Parks, Everdell and Flamecraft can also be single-player games if you need a break from socialization. Snuggling up on the couch with a video game is inherently relaxing. Whether you enjoy mobile, computer, handheld or console games, the cozy game genre provides dozens of options. This season, try games ranging from relaxing to enchanting. If having everything in its place provides calm in the chaos of the holiday season, you’ll love Unpacking. This puzzle game, available on Switch, PC and Xbox, has you unpacking boxes and putting items away. Playing games like Unpacking can be a meditative experience. Other puzzle games like A Little to the Left and Spiritfarer blend stories into the gameplay. For spooky autumn vibes, try Strange Horticulture and play as the owner of a plant shop and potion maker. Maintaining a virtual farm or building a make-believe castle from your sofa can be a great stress reliever. Stardew Valley is a quintessential farming game surrounded by charming townspeople. With the highly anticipated November update, you can now play on console, mobile and PC. Palia , a massively multiplayer online game, features farming, quests and community building with other players. It’s also free. For those with a Nintendo Switch, the Animal Crossing series has you interacting with other animal players in a peaceful village. With multiplayer modes, these games are great options for playing with friends and family from afar during the holidays. For a single-player escape, try the recently-released Tiny Glade on PC where you’ll build castles. This cozy game’s detailed artistry and conflict-free gameplay will bring hours of relaxation. Or build a world from tiles in Dorfromantik. The game can be entirely chill or provide a bit of strategy if you want to go for a high score. A pack of cards is reliable entertainment at any gathering. From classics to innovative new card games, having a few in your game collection can be worthwhile. Card games can range from simple to complex, a few minutes to a few hours and single-player to dozens of players. If you have a standard deck of playing cards, Blitz is a great option for any number of players. Also known as Thirty One, this game gives every player three cards and lets them trade out a card on each turn, trying to get a value of thirty-one. President is another simple social card game where players race to get rid of their cards in ascending order. If you are imbibing this holiday season, some people play it as a drinking game. For a two-player card game, try The Fox in the Forest. This trick-taking card game features cozy graphics, and its fast, simple gameplay is perfect for a winter date night. For two to four players, Arboretum has darling tree graphics on its cards. Players lay cards down with the goal of creating a beautiful garden. This holiday season, be sure to take time to connect with loved ones and catch a few moments to yourself. Cozy games are a lighthearted escape. As the genre grows, there are options for everyone this season, from mindless games to those that require a touch of strategy – perfect for any mood or moment. Kristen Wood is a writer, photographer, avid cozy gamer and creator of The Cozy Gaming Nook , your source for everything cozy games. Her work has been featured in various online and print publications, including Elle, NBC, Forbes, Chicago Sun-Times, Martha Stewart, Seattle Times and more.Piroe double sends Leeds top in fog-hit win at Stoke

Despite a preponderance of data on the high level of financial and environmental risks, the World Bank has opted to become a major financial backer of the Rogun hydropower dam project in Tajikistan, an initial $350 million grant to help finish the first phase of construction. Following up on the World Bank’s decision, the Asian Infrastructure Development Bank a $270 million loan for dam construction and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development a $100 million line of credit to the project, the first loan installment of which has already been delivered. Though largely unspoken, Rogun’s potential as a hotbed of cryptocurrency production may have been the difference in making the project financially attractive enough to secure international financing, some analysts appear to believe. Rogun is envisioned to become the world’s tallest dam with an annual of 3,600 megawatts, an amount of power that could turn it into a goose that keeps laying golden bitcoins. “Taking into account the gigantic volumes of generated electricity, the mining capacity of the Rogun HPP should be simply fantastic,” said Alexander Kolotov, who heads a regional environmental watchdog, Rivers Without Boundaries. In a sent earlier this year to another regional watchdog group, CEE Bankwatch, World Bank officials defended Rogun as a potentially “transformative clean energy project that will improve domestic and regional welfare and contribute to the decarbonization of regional power grids in Central Asia, provided it is managed under sound macro-economic, commercial, and social and environmental sustainability frameworks.” The rapidly changing nature of the electricity market in Central Asia, as well as crypto-mining’s notoriety for causing environmental harm, appear to undermine the World Bank’s “clean energy” argument for Rogun. A UN published in 2023 on crypto-mining’s environmental impact noted that “in addition to a substantial carbon footprint, global Bitcoin mining activities have significant water and land footprints.” The report added that hydropower, “an energy source with significant water and environmental impacts, is the most important renewable source of energy of the Bitcoin mining network, satisfying 16 percent of its electricity demand.” International financial institutions are probably reluctant to discuss the Rogun-crypto connection because of bad optics, Kolotov said. “Mining cryptocurrency is not a story about the development of a country or a region,” he added. “A mining farm does not create jobs for local residents, does not develop the surrounding area. It produces a purely virtual and extremely volatile product.” Officially, the dam has long been billed as a driver of economic development for Tajikistan, Central Asia’s poorest state. Plans currently call for roughly 70 percent of the electricity generated by the hydropower station to be exported, thus bringing in considerable revenue for the government. But watchdogs, including Rivers Without Boundaries, warn that the project’s skyrocketing construction costs, as well as the growing efficiency of solar and wind power generation, threaten to render Rogun uncompetitive before it can reach its maximum generating potential. The cost of completing Rogun according to its present specifications now stands at $6.4 billion and is expected to keep climbing. Meanwhile, export options for the dam’s power appear rapidly shrinking. One challenge for Rogun is it will be before it is fully operational, while its main potential customers need added power than that to alleviate chronic electricity supply problems. Kazakhstan, originally seen as a major taker of Rogun’s electricity, appears to be moving in a different direction. In October, a approved the idea of building a nuclear power plant in the country. also has a deal in place to build a nuclear plant with Russia’s . Meanwhile, Kyrgyzstan is pondering nuclear power while at the same time pushing its own hydropower project, dubbed , which is projected to generate 2,000 megawatts of electricity per year. Yet another source of competition for Rogun is a joint initiative launched in 2024 by Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to export solar and wind power to Europe via an underwater cable beneath the Caspian Sea. A possible role model for Rogun is the Bratsk hydropower plant on the Angara River in Russia’s Irkutsk Region. A locally based entity called has taken advantage of the comparatively cheap power generated by the Bratsk plant to rapidly expand operations: the company now bills itself as the biggest crypto player in Eurasia and one of the biggest in the world, even though it was subjected to by the US Treasury Department in 2022. Rogun becoming a major power source for crypto-mining offers perhaps the most certainty that international investors will get a return on their investments. Whether the dam can fulfill its promise as a driver of economic growth and prosperity for Tajikistan is far less certain. Tajikistan is by watchdogs as one of the least democratic and most corrupt states in the world. “I am sure that we will hear about the [crypto] mining [link] at the Rogun HPP only when the budget of the project swells to some completely indecent size,” said Chinara Aitbaeva, director of the Kyrgyzstan-based watchdog group Nash Vek. “That’s when it’s possible to present the option of creating crypto-mining at [Rogun] as an additional instrument for project profitability.”

IT was a typically sunny Los Angeles afternoon and I was sitting in a trailer at the ABC Studios car park watching Bruno Tonioli strip down to his underpants. Bruno was all hot and bothered after a full afternoon rehearsing for Dancing With The Stars, the US version of the show that made him a household name, Strictly Come Dancing. 6 I had only met Bruno Tonioli about two minutes before he decided he simply had to get out of his TV clobber Credit: Rex 6 Bruno during his time as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing I was there, in this oven-cum-caravan, to interview him about his transatlantic life as a judge on both shows in the same week. I had only met him about two minutes before he decided he simply had to get out of his TV clobber. Then suddenly there he was, mere feet away from me wearing nothing but a pair of tighty whities and a very expensive-looking gold chain. He was gesticulating wildly by now and, in between puffs on a cigarette, was tearing into then Strictly pro Anton Du Beke who had been caught out calling Laila Rouass the P-word. “You say that to me and I’m gonna punch you in the f***ing face,” he boomed. Strong stuff. A bit too strong for his BBC paymasters, who asked me to exclude it from my subsequent interview for this newspaper. I would say I am very hard to shock but he had made me feel awkward during his rant about how his fellow Strictly star had made someone else feel awkward (and worse). The irony seemed completely lost on Bruno, who has famously stripped off for the cameras on many occasions. Most read in News TV HUGE SCOOP Scots dad wins £27k on Deal or No Deal as 'mystic' son stops him getting 10p HOT PLAY Watch the moment Loose Women's talkathon is gatecrashed by famous rockstar IT'S BACK! Hugely popular Amazon Prime thriller's second series date confirmed DUTY CALLS Line of Duty's Martin Compston stars in new role worlds away from BBC cop drama Common thread You say that to me and I’m gonna punch you in the f***ing face Bruno Tonioli tearing into Anton Du Beke Yet I made no fuss because it was by no means threatening and only mildly uncomfortable. Also, I had an interview to do and, well, I quite liked Bruno and he was giving me some good copy (most of which the Beeb would not later request to be ignored). Fury as BBC had complaints about Gregg Wallace’s ‘sexual remarks’ on Strictly 10yrs ago but was allowed to stay on show And, well, some stars are just a bit bonkers, aren’t they? But I couldn’t help thinking later, back at my hotel, would he have done that if I was a woman? I was reminded of that episode this week when the Gregg Wallace scandal blew up again. Not that Bruno’s behaviour was anything like that which Gregg is being accused of. But I would argue there is a common thread. Here was a star doing as he pleased without much of an apparent thought for whoever else was in the vicinity. 6 The Gregg Wallace saga goes much deeper than Gregg, his potty mouth and allegedly wandering hands Credit: BBC It is behaviour that smacks of a supreme sense of entitlement where the star is the only person who matters. It is behaviour that smacks of a supreme sense of entitlement where the star is the only person who matters Much of this attitude comes from the “talent” — a word now banned by BBC chief Tim Davie to describe those “front of camera”. Many believe they are God’s gift to whatever line of work it is that has propelled them on to the flat screen 55-incher on your wall. Confidence is a prerequisite of fame. Sharp elbows will get you the audition, only then will talent get you the gig. Bad behaviour But while celebrities and their egos are the frontmen and women of TV shows, it is the production teams that get them on the air. And unfortunately television is full of enablers — nervous executives and producers who will tolerate almost anything to get the show out. When it’s a hit they care even less how badly their stars might behave. Don’t mess with success! Indeed, the industry is awash with bad behaviour from famous faces and anyone (honest) who works in it will tell you that pretty much every star they work with can behave like a complete **** (and it’s usually the full-strength Anglo-Saxon term used). I can attest to this. In my many years of covering TV I met and wrote about the biggest names on the box on a regular basis and they all had their moments. Yes, even the saintly Ant and Dec. Just ask Kelly Brook, who blamed them for her sacking as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent in 2012. So the Gregg Wallace saga goes much deeper than Gregg Wallace, his potty mouth and allegedly wandering hands. It goes much deeper than the BBC and its patently piss-poor complaints procedure. It is about how the entire industry behaves. How time after time it has been shown to foster a toxic environment where stars are considered just too important to sack, no matter how appalling their behaviour. And it will continue to be that way until the people who perpetuate it decide enough is enough and enact the changes that are so urgently needed. They? We won’t forget them Emma 6 Emma Corrin out at a premiere of a new horror film EMMA “don’t call me a woman” Corrin has been doing her, sorry “their”, bit for gender diversity this week by appearing at the premiere of a new horror film with a brace of presumably non-female breasts, proudly on display. The star, who plays a female character in the film, showcased the daring braless look on the blood-red carpet for the remake of the classic 1922 Dracula-inspired Nosferatu. Vainglorious Emma insists on being called “they”, in keeping with the pronoun demands of her fellow non-binaries. Well, we certainly won’t forget them. Price to pay at BBC 6 BBC presenter Clive Myrie failed to disclose extra-curricular activities totalling up to £250,000 Credit: Getty NEWSREADER, Mastermind host and one of the only male stars left at the Beeb who hasn’t been revealed to be a sex pest, Clive Myrie has got himself into a pickle. He apologised this week after confessing that due to “administrative issues” he had failed to disclose extra-curricular activities totalling up to £250,000 . Strict BBC rules insist that people like Clive, who are supposed to be impartial, declare what they are up to elsewhere. Clive says he now won’t take on any other extra stuff for the time being and will instead struggle by on the £310,000 a year he gets from our licence fees (u ok hun?). But this whole episode reveals a fundamental flaw at the heart of the BBC’s argument as to why it must pay so much. The corporation says it is because of what the commercial sector offers. So it pays “market price”, despite insisting it rarely does pay that. But once installed at the BBC, stars like Clive can trade on that to make even more cash in the commercial market. So simply by having a job at the BBC, their stock rises. That would also be the case if we paid them less. Maybe if we did, executives could stop claiming to be skint – and then stop jacking up the increasingly unjustifiable licence fee. SPOTIFY’S Unwrapped week is upon us, when folk with the audio streaming app take to social media to boast about how cool their music choices are. Unless you’re a parent of young kids. Unwrapped collates all your most-played songs to reveal a bespoke top five. So my No1 was not one of the cool new indie bands I’ve been streaming all year but a song by Taylor Swift. Now I happen to like this particular tune but not as much as my daughter, who insists on it being streamed in the car from my Spotify account at least five times a journey. But it could be worse. A friend with younger kids revealed her number one was Wheels On The Bus. Cool points for that one: Zero. Ad ban a waist of time 6 A TV junk food ban will be a waste of time, the number of junk food influencers – aka snackfluencers – is expanding faster than their viewers’ waistlines Credit: instagram/elburritomonster A HARD-and-fast rule of any new public policy is that by the time it’s actually ready to be implemented, it will be completely outdated. Take the plan to ban “junk food” ads before 9pm on telly or in paid online adverts . We’ve heard about this since cavemen created their first brontosaurus smash burger. And still it won’t come in until October 2025. But even if it was introduced now it would a waste of time, as a cursory glance at social media will confirm. The number of junk food influencers – aka snackfluencers – is expanding faster than their viewers’ waistlines. Food porn accounts Only Scrans and El Burrito Monster already have a million followers. Instagram and TikTok are stuffed to the gills with six-patty burgers deep fried in cheese. Or my favourite, a burrito made of about ten items from McDonald’s. Once again, the internet charges ahead while government puffs and pants behind it like someone from My 600lb Life. No fan of Jim MANCHESTER United ’s new boss, Jim “local lad” Ratcliffe , has decided to endear himself to fans by ripping us off at the turnstiles. Ratcliffe – net worth £12.5billion – has whacked up ticket prices and scrapped all concessions so my lad’s £20 ticket is now £66. Squeezing more cash out of already fed-up Reds is quite the PR masterstroke, as the huge protests outside Old Trafford at Sunday’s Everton game showed. Now, Unlucky Jim is being spoken of with the same disdain fans have for owners the Glazers. Read more on the Scottish Sun DARR-ARGH! Weather maps reveal exact date Storm Darragh to hit Scots with rain, wind & SNOW 'SICK BEYOND BELIEF' Cops probe footage 'showing Scots woman having sex with XL Bully dog' But at least he can console himself that he now has his very own terrace chant, to the tune of The Beach Boys’ Sloop John B. All together now: “Jim Ratcliffe’s a c***, Jim Ratcliffe’s a c***, just like the Glazers . . . Jim Ratcliffe’s a c***.”

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