top 646 apk

top 646 apk Amid claims that the controversial Tax Reform Bills propose a derivation formula for sharing Value Added Tax (VAT) skewed against the North, the Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, has dismissed the allegations as unfounded saying it would favour the North. In a Christmas message personally signed by him, Senator Bamidele maintained that the proposed legislation is “guided purely by the principles of equity, fairness, and justice.” The Senate Leader noted that, contrary to the narrative being promoted in the public space by certain lawmakers from the North, the derivation formula on VAT actually favors certain states in the North West. “For the record, the Tax Reform Bills, when finally enacted, will utterly exempt all employees earning N1,000,000 annually or N83,000 monthly; exempt start-ups, shared services, and technologically driven services from taxation; and recommend zero VAT on essential services and consumables. “Even though it reviews the derivation formula to 60%, this proposal is guided purely by the principles of equity, fairness, and justice. “The new model will ultimately guarantee a significant increase in VAT distributable to every state in the federation. ALSO READ: BREAKING: Tax reform is here to stay — Tinubu “As credible data have shown, for instance, the new model recommends 6.17% for Kano compared to the current 0.89%. It recommends 1.21% for Zamfara compared to the current 0.05%. Meanwhile, Lagos, which currently gets 80.26%, will receive 15.28% under the new model, representing an 81% decrease. “Similarly, Rivers’ share will decline from 7.74% to 4.6%, accounting for a 41% reduction. With these figures, the narrative around the new derivation model is utterly incorrect and unfounded.” Senator Bamidele added, “Amid the debates about the Tax Reform Bills, as Christ our Lord has taught us, and as the Parliament of the people, we shall never pursue any agenda outside our oath of allegiance or undertake policy initiatives that are adversarial to or conflict with the interests and welfare of all our constituents and indeed our Fatherland.” The Senate Leader also appealed to Nigerians to embrace the spirit of the Christmas season to renew their hope in the country. “This is the season never to shy away from the eternal responsibilities God Almighty has committed to our hands. It is the season to renew our resolve to faithfully stand with the political leadership for the renewal of hope. “It is the season to halt the search for pastures that are never green and instead join hands to build our nation with conviction, rebranding it for the ceaseless inflow of global capital and the endless influx of global tourists.” NIGERIAN TRIBUNEBy THOMAS ADAMSON and JOHN LEICESTER, The Associated Press PARIS (AP) — Howling winds couldn’t stop Notre Dame Cathedral‘s heart from beating again. With three resounding knocks on its doors by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, wielding a specially designed crosier carved from fire-scorched beams, the monument roared back to life Saturday evening. For the first time since a blaze nearly destroyed it in 2019 , the towering Gothic masterpiece reopened for worship, its rebirth marked by song, prayer and awe beneath its soaring arches. The ceremony, initially planned to begin on the forecourt, was moved inside due to unusually fierce December winds sweeping across the Île de la Cité, flanked by the River Seine. Yet the occasion lost none of its splendor. Inside the luminous nave, choirs sang psalms, and the cathedral’s mighty organ, silent for nearly five years, thundered to life in a triumphant interplay of melodies. The restoration, a spectacular achievement in just five years for a structure that took nearly two centuries to build, is seen as a moment of triumph for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline — and a welcome respite from his domestic political woes. The evening’s celebration, attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump , Britain’s Prince William and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscored Notre Dame’s enduring role as both a spiritual and cultural beacon. Observers see the event as Macron’s, and his intention to pivot it into a fully fledged diplomatic gathering, while highlighting France’s ability to unite on the global stage despite internal political crises. Macron’s political woes Speaking inside the cathedral , Macron expressed “gratitude” Saturday to those who saved, helped, and rebuilt Notre Dame, his voice reverberating through the nave. “I stand before you ... to express the gratitude of the French nation,” he said, before voices raised in song flooded the space, filling it with harmonies not heard in over five years. “Tonight, the bells of Notre Dame are ringing again. And in a moment, the organ will awaken,” sending the “music of hope” cascading through the luminous interior to Parisians, France, and the world beyond, he said. The celebration is expected to give a much-needed boost to the embattled French leader, whose prime minister was ousted this week, plunging the nation’s politics into more turmoil . Macron has called Notre Dame’s reopening “a jolt of hope.” Observers say he hoped the occasion would briefly silence his critics and showcase France’s unity and resilience under his leadership — a rare moment of grace in a presidency now facing a grave crisis. Paintings are seen inside Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the monument, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP, file) AP Monumental feats of restoration Inside, 42,000 square meters of stonework — an area equal to six soccer pitches — were meticulously cleaned, revealing luminous limestone and intricate carvings. Overhead, 2,000 oak beams, nicknamed “the forest,” were used to rebuild the spire and roof, restoring the cathedral’s iconic silhouette. The thunderous great organ, with 7,952 pipes ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide, is resounding for the first time since the fire. Its newly renovated console, boasting five keyboards, 115 stops, and 30 foot pedals, was a marvel of restoration, reawakening a cornerstone of Notre Dame’s identity. Guests gradually filing into the cathedral for the evening reopening ceremonies were awestruck by the renovated interiors, many whipping out cellphones to capture the moment. “It’s a sense of perfection,” said François Le Page of the Notre Dame Foundation, which raised nearly half of the €900 million ($950 million) in donations for the restoration. He last visited in 2021, when the cathedral was cloaked in scaffolding. “It was somber,” he said. “It’s night and day.” Paris' archbishop Laurent Ulrich knocks on the doors of France's iconic Notre Dame Cathedral Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024 in Paris during it's formal reopening since a devastating fire nearly destroyed the 861-year-old landmark in 2019. (Teresa Suarez, Pool via AP) AP Adding to the ceremony’s visual splendor, Archbishop Ulrich and the clergy donned vibrant liturgical garments designed by renowned French fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. Known for his eye-popping pop-art aesthetic, Castelbajac crafted 2,000 colorful pieces for 700 celebrants, blending modern elements with medieval touches. The Rev. Andriy Morkvas, a Ukrainian pastor who leads the Volodymyr Le Grand church in Paris, reflected on his first visit to Notre Dame in over a decade. “I didn’t recognize it,” he said. “God is very powerful; He can change things.” He expressed hope that the cathedral’s revival could inspire peace in his homeland, drawing strength from the presence of Ukraine’s president. “I think that will have a big impact,” he said. “I hope Notre Dame and Mary will help us resolve this conflict.” The reopening of Notre Dame comes at a time of profound global unrest, with wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East. For Catholics, Notre Dame’s rector said the cathedral “carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.” “It is a magnificent symbol of unity,” Olivier Ribadeau Dumas said. “Notre Dame is not just a French monument — it is a magnificent sign of hope.” More Life & Culture news How to participate in the 125th Christmas Bird Counts | Nature Watch 5 gift suggestions for the outdoors enthusiast on your list ‘Stranger Things’ actor dead after battle with cancerIryna Drozd Written by Nick Ackerman. The hunt for yield continues for income-focused investors. This could be especially true now that the Fed is back in rate-cutting mode, causing the yields investors can find in ultra-safe Treasury Bills, money market, and CDs to come Interested in more income ideas? Check out Cash Builder Opportunities , where we provide ideas about high-quality and reliable dividend growth ideas. These investments are designed to build growing income for investors. A special focus on investments that are leaders within their industry to provide stability and long-term wealth creation. Along with this, the service provides ideas for writing options to build investors' income even further. Join us today to have access to our portfolio, watchlist and live chat. Members get the first look at all publications and even exclusive articles not posted elsewhere. Cash Builder Opportunities (aka Nick Ackerman) is a former fiduciary and a registered financial advisor with 14 years of investing experience. He is the leader of the investing group Cash Builder Opportunities , where his specific focus is on closed-end funds, dividend growth stocks, and option writing as an attractive way to achieve income. He shares model portfolios and research to help investors make better decisions, via his Investing Group’s active chat room. Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of CION, MAIN either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.I n the intricate tapestry of legal education, beyond the familiar realms of criminal law, corporate law, and family law, lies a universe of specialised fields. These unique specialisations cater to a range of legal needs, offering students the opportunity to delve into niche areas and contribute to the evolution of the legal landscape. Sports law: Practitioners deal with a range of issues, such as player contracts, endorsements, labour disputes, and intellectual property rights. They work for professional sports leagues, teams, athletes, and agencies, advising them on matters such as salary negotiations, contract disputes, agent representation, and legal disputes involving sports organisations. Maritime law: This is a specialised branch that governs activities on the high seas and navigable waters. It encompasses a range of issues, including ship ownership and registration, maritime contracts, salvage operations, maritime torts, and maritime insurance. Maritime insurance is a specific kind that provides financial protection against losses and covers various risks, such as ship damage, cargo loss, and liability for accidents at sea. Gaming law: In the digital age, gaming law addresses legal issues related to video games, online gaming platforms, and virtual reality. Specialists can work for game developers, publishers, and online gaming platforms, advising on matters such as intellectual property rights, privacy laws, and consumer protection. Space law: It governs activities in outer space and encompasses various aspects such as the exploration, use, and exploitation of celestial bodies, as well as the regulation of satellite launches, space debris, and the legal framework for space colonisation. Space law seeks to establish international standards and principles to ensure peaceful and sustainable use of outer space for the benefit of all humanity. Food law: Another specialised field, this deals with the legal aspects of food production, processing, distribution, and consumption. Specialists can work for food manufacturers, retailers, and government agencies, advising on matters such as food safety regulations, labelling requirements, and consumer protection laws. They play a vital role in ensuring that food products are safe and meet regulatory standards. Art law: These specialists can work for art galleries, auction houses, museums, and artists, advising on matters such as copyright, authentication, and art fraud. They help protect the rights of artists and ensure the integrity of the art market. Art law encompasses a wide range of issues, including copyright, trademark, and patent law as applied to artistic works; contract law in the context of art sales and exhibitions; and issues related to the authentication and provenance of artworks. Technology law: In the age of digital technology, technology law is essential to address the legal challenges posed by the rapid evolution of technology. Specialists can work for technology companies, Internet service providers, and government agencies, advising on matters such as intellectual property rights, privacy laws, and cybersecurity. These are just a few examples of the many specialised fields within the ever-evolving legal profession. As technology continues to advance and societal needs evolve, new specialisations are likely to emerge. The writer is Dean, School of Law, GD Goenka University, Gurugram. Published - December 14, 2024 08:00 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit education / The Hindu Education Plus / higher education / careers / students / university / universities and colleges / lawyer / crime, law and justice / laws

Macron, Trump, Zelenskyy discuss 'crazy' world in ParisIsrael Light Commercial Vehicle Market Set to Surpass US$ 1,319.69 Million By 2032 | Vans to Control Over 36% Market Share Says Astute Analytica

None

Government announces $5.9m funding boost to enable SBS' expansion into Western Sydney(All times Eastern) Schedule subject to change and/or blackouts Sunday, Dec. 15 COLLEGE BASKETBALL (MEN’S) 1 p.m. CBSSN — Omaha at Iowa St. 2 p.m. BTN — New Orleans at Iowa 4 p.m. BTN — Georgia Tech vs. Northwestern, Milwaukee 6 p.m. BTN — Stephen F. Austin at Oregon 8 p.m. BTN — Montana St. at Southern Cal COLLEGE BASKETBALL (WOMEN’S) Noon ACCN — Miami at Pittsburgh BTN — Iowa at Michigan St. SECN — Longwood at Florida 1 p.m. ABC — NC State at Louisville 2 p.m. ACCN — Georgia Tech at North Carolina ESPN2 — West Virginia at Temple SECN — South Florida at South Carolina 3 p.m. ESPNU — Penn St. at Kansas 4 p.m. ACCN — Clemson at Wake Forest SECN — Lipscomb at Missouri COLLEGE VOLLEYBALL (WOMEN’S) 3 p.m. ABC — NCAA Tournament: Wisconsin at Nebraska, Regional Final 8:30 p.m. ESPN — NCAA Tournament: Creighton at Penn St., Regional Final GOLF 4:30 a.m. GOLF — DP World Tour: The Alfred Dunhill Championship, Final Round, Leopard Creek Country Club, Malelane, South Africa 1 p.m. GOLF — LPGA/PGA Tour: The Grant Thornton Invitational, Final Round, Tiburon Golf Club and The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Naples, Fla. 2 p.m. GOLF — Korn Ferry/PGA Tour: The Q-School, Final Round, Sawgrass Country Club, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. NBC — LPGA/PGA Tour: The Grant Thornton Invitational, Final Round, Tiburon Golf Club and The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Naples, Fla. HORSE RACING 2:30 p.m. FS1 — NYRA: America’s Day at the Races NBA G-LEAGUE BASKETBALL 3 p.m. NBATV — Greensboro at Westchester NFL FOOTBALL 1 p.m. CBS — Regional Coverage: Kansas City at Cleveland, Baltimore at N.Y. Giants, Miami at Houston FOX — Regional Coverage: Cincinnati at Tennessee, Washington at New Orleans, Dallas at Carolina, N.Y. Jets at Jacksonville 4:25 p.m. CBS — Regional Coverage: Indianapolis at Denver, Buffalo at Detroit, New England at Arizona FOX — Regional Coverage: Pittsburgh at Philadelphia, Tampa Bay at L.A. Chargers 8:20 p.m. NBC — Green Bay at Seattle PEACOCK — Green Bay at Seattle NHL HOCKEY 3 p.m. NHLN — N.Y. Islanders at Chicago 6 p.m. NHLN — Vegas at Minnesota SKIING 4 p.m. NBC — FIS: Alpine World Cup, Beaver Creek, Colo. (Taped) SOCCER (MEN’S) 9 a.m. USA — Premier League: Crystal Palace at Brighton & Hove Albion 11:30 a.m. USA — Premier League: Manchester United at Manchester City 2 p.m. USA — Premier League: Brentford at Chelsea SOCCER (WOMEN’S) 7 p.m. CBSSN — Serie A: Sassuolo at Inter Milan (Taped) The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive TV listings provided by LiveSportsOnTV .

Gemini – (21st May to 20th June) Daily Horoscope Prediction says, Do not let minor issues impact your life Troubleshoot romance-related issues by talking openly. Utilize professional opportunities to display your skills at the workplace. Financial prosperity also exists. Have a strong professional life where you may make crucial and safe decisions. Consider open communication to settle the relationship issues. Financial prosperity also comes with good health. Gemini Love Horoscope Today The romantic relationship will see many brighter sides and you will enjoy the best day. Accept the demands of your lover and consider the emotions to strengthen the bonding. Some lover affairs will see tremors from ex-lovers. Do not let a previous relationship impact the current one. Approach the parents for support in the love affair and some fortunate females will also make a call on marriage. Those who are traveling should connect with their lover to express their feelings. Gemini Career Horoscope Today Consider safe options while you have confusion related to professional decisions. You may expect minor troubles in the form of troublesome clients, office politics, and unhappy seniors but you will overcome these issues with your performance. Job seekers may find a new job. Those who are keen to switch jobs can put down the paper today. IT, healthcare, sales, banking, engineering, and designing professionals may see opportunities abroad. You will also see opportunities to launch business in new territories. Gemini Money Horoscope Today You are good in terms of money. This will help you make smart investment decisions today. There will be disagreements over property within the family and it is crucial to avoid arguments with siblings. You will buy electronic appliances or jewelry but do not go for stock and trade as the returns may not be good. Businessmen will be successful in raising funds for business expansions. Gemini Health Horoscope Today Do not take health issues lightly. There can be issues associated with breathing. Some females may complain about migraine or back pain. There can be minor oral health issues that will need you to visit a dentist. Stay away from people with bad vibes and instead spend time on creative stuff. The second part of the day is good to join a gym or a yoga session. Do not lift heavy objects in the second part of the day. Gemini Sign Attributes Strength: Insightful, Wise, Smart, Pleasant, Quick-witted, Charming Weakness: Inconsistent, Gossipy, Lazy Symbol: Twins Element: Air Body Part: Arms & Lungs Sign Ruler: Mercury Lucky Day: Wednesday Lucky Color: Silver Lucky Number: 7 Lucky Stone: Emerald Gemini Sign Compatibility Chart Natural affinity: Aries, Leo, Libra, Aquarius Good compatibility: Gemini, Sagittarius Fair compatibility: Taurus, Cancer, Scorpio, Capricorn Less compatibility: Virgo, Pisces By: Dr. J. N. Pandey Vedic Astrology & Vastu Expert Website: www.astrologerjnpandey.com E-mail: djnpandey@gmail.com Phone: 91-9811107060 (WhatsApp Only)Deadlock over next year’s Champions Trophy continued as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said on Saturday that an International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting to discuss the issue was delayed. The tournament, scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, has become embroiled in a dispute, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refusing to send its team to Pakistan, citing political and security concerns, despite assurances from all member boards regarding the security arrangements and the tentative match schedule. BCCI representatives on Thursday turned down the PCB’s proposal of adopting a “partnership formula” for the next three years as part of efforts to break the ongoing deadlock between the two parties. Addressing the continuing deadlock while speaking to the media in Lahore today, Naqvi said: “We had a meeting [with the ICC] today, it’s been postponed. Once the details have been finalised we’ll update you.” Naqvi refused to answer or comment on any alleged developments with the ICC or the BCCI regarding the Champions Trophy, only saying that “we will not disappoint the nation”. “Talks are still ongoing but I do not want to say anything that is premature. We are aiming to achieve the best for Pakistani and international cricket,” he said. Responding to another question, he refused to comment, stating that he did not want to “hurt negotiations”. Naqvi said Pakistan was playing a “positive role” in the talks. Answering a question about newly appointed ICC chief Jay Shah, Naqvi did not comment, only replying: “If the ICC progresses, cricket will progress. If there is a dent in the ICC it will be felt across the world.” With the BCCI having unofficially communicated to the tournament orga­nisers last month about the Indian government’s refusal to allow the country’s cricket team to visit host Pakistan, a hybrid model was reported to have been agreed upon earlier this week. The model, in its originality would have seen India play their Champions Trophy matches at a neutral venue, while the rest of the tournament is held in Pakistan. The PCB, however, had added a tit-for-tat condition to it; Paki­stan would also play their matches at neutral venues when India host an ICC tournament in the future – it being dubbed as the “partnership formula”. The PCB initially wanted the condition to be applied until the end of the current Future Tours Programme cycle of the ICC, which culminates with the 2031 Cri­cket World Cup. With the BCCI disagreeing to it, its Pakistan counterpart proposed the same for the next three years. Amid political tensions between the two neighbours, the BCCI has stood firm by the Indian government’s policy of not engaging with Pakistan in terms of bilateral cricket over the years. However, after having played the last bilateral series against each other in 2012, Pakistan and India have competed in ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup. Pakistan, in fact, visited India to feature in the ICC World Cup last year. The visit, if anything, heightened expectations of India returning the favo­ur by touring Pakistan for the Cha­m­pions Trophy. But with that not being a realistic possibility and the hybrid model established as the only way out, the PCB wants things to be done on “equal terms” as Naqvi said last week. The Champions Trophy issue has coincided with BCCI secretary Jay Shah taking charge as the ICC president on Dec 1. It is understood that Jay, son of Indian Home Minister Amit Shah – a key leader of the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, the country’s ruling party – tried his best to delay his arrival to office until the deadlock between the Pakistan and India’s cricket representatives was broken. The issue, however, continued. Sources said the PCB has come to realise its role in the ICC’s politics and is playing all its cards to “bring India to the breaking point”. Meanwhile, however, broadcasters are pressurising the ICC to release the Champions Trophy schedule, with the tournament less than three months away.Happy Birthday Pakistan

Sports on TV for Thursday, Dec. 26

Share this Story : Christmas gift guide with golfers in mind, Callaway tops the list Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Breadcrumb Trail Links Gift Guide Holiday Guide Sports Golf Christmas gift guide with golfers in mind, Callaway tops the list Technology and equipment have never been better; there's plenty to choose from. Author of the article: Tim Baines Published Dec 07, 2024 • 5 minute read Join the conversation You can save this article by registering for free here . Or sign-in if you have an account. Xander Schauffele of the United States plays his shot from the 12th tee during the final round of the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club on May 19, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky. Photo by Christian Petersen / Getty Images Article content With Christmas fast approaching, finding the perfect gift for the golfer in your life can be exhausting. Article content We apologize, but this video has failed to load. Try refreshing your browser, or tap here to see other videos from our team . Christmas gift guide with golfers in mind, Callaway tops the list Back to video Article content Trying to figure out what to choose from a busy market full of equipment, rangefinders, clothing, shoes, golf balls and everything in between can be mind-numbing, especially if you’re on the outside looking in, not knowing what’s hot and what’s not. The good news: Technology and equipment have never been better; there’s plenty to choose from. Advertisement 2 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office. Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account. Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office. Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account. Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Sign In or Create an Account Email Address Continue or View more offers If you are a Home delivery print subscriber, online access is included in your subscription. Activate your Online Access Now Article content Here are a few ideas. Let’s start with equipment and golf balls. You can’t go wrong with Callaway Golf, long an industry trailblazer. Through its Odyssey brand, Callaway recently launched the Square 2 Square putter, with its zero-torque technology, the hottest trend in putters right now. And they’re selling, a lot. Basically, it helps you aim, sink putts, lower your score. That’s good, right? The company is coming off a huge year for its putters. Thirty-nine players at the Canadian Open were playing a version of the Jailbird putter. Most of them were not on staff; they weren’t being paid to use a Callaway product. They were just swayed by the results of the putters. Callaway is really good with its drivers (Paradym Smoke) and irons (Apex); just ask anybody who’s got them in their golf bag. There are plenty of locations to get them properly fitted, which is always a good idea. “Of course, we’re excited about the Ai 200s, the Ai 300s and the Ti Fusion is amazing,” Callaway Golf Canada’s general manager Bruce Carroll said. “We hadn’t introduced a new Apex iron in three years so we were super excited.” Sports Get the latest sport headlines and breaking news. There was an error, please provide a valid email address. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Thanks for signing up! A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sports will soon be in your inbox. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again Article content Advertisement 3 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content It’s been a big year for golf ball sales. With Callaway, there are lots of options, some conventional and others a bit more light-hearted, but still producing those great results. Some of the unique offerings in time for Christmas are Chrome Tour’s Ugly Sweater and the Let the Big Dog Eat balls. There’s also the Holiday Double Dozen. Personally, I like the Chrome Soft Triple Track balls; they really help me dial in with my aim. “We have the highest share we’ve ever had,” Carroll said. “Our golf ball business has become huge; it’s the No. 1 category for Callaway, bigger than our driver, bigger than our irons.” “Our Tour ball won three majors, two of them by Xander Schauffele, one with Yuka Saso.” For more info, check out www.callawaygolf.ca . GETTING A GRIP: Golf club grips are something we take for granted. Getting fitted for nice clubs is a great thing; not taking care of them over the years ... not so much. The rule of thumb is replace the grips every 12-18 months, or every 30-40 rounds. It can make a difference. SuperStroke, considered the No. 1 putter grip, has some terrific options; a few attention-grabbing ones caught my eye. Advertisement 4 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content As a bit of a superhero guy, I was drawn to SuperStroke’s partnership with Marvel. The latest release is SuperStroke Zenergy Tour 2.0 grips, inspired by Marvel’s Venom. Previous putter grip collaborations with Marvel have been inspired by Spider-Man, Iron Man, Hulk, Deadpool and Wolverine. For sports fans, there are also NFL, NCAA and MLB putter-grip options. 2UNDR: Looking for the perfect stocking stuffer? A good place to start is 2UNDR ( ca.2undr.com ), an underwear company that has become so much more. Let’s start with the undies that feature technology like the patented Joey Pouch, that “ separates man’s most valuable assets away from the body to reduce unwanted skin-on-skin contact.” Designed in Vancouver, the underwear comes in different collections, including Swing Shift, Sport Shift, Day Shift, Power Shift, Flow Shift and Eco Collection, plus it comes in different lengths. I have a drawer full of them. I love the comfort and I particularly like the ones with the funkier designs. Also in my drawer: The super lightweight Bodhi short, which is featured in 12 colours and has a terrific comfort level on or off the golf course. Advertisement 5 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content ON WITH THE SHOE: There are plenty of golf shoes on the market, a lot of them very good options. I found one earlier this year that’s become my go-to: OG Cush by True Linkswear ( truelinkswear.ca ). A press release from True Linkswear says the OG Cush “ marries a barefoot feel with maximum comfort.” After walking around the golf course, that sounds about right. The shoe has a first-of-its-kind zero-drop Wanderlux foam. The zero drop sole means it’s completely level from heel to forefoot with a cushioned foam platform underfoot for a comfortable walk. The boosted Wanderlux cushioning will wear into each golfer’s foot shape over time to create a natural arch that provides more support with each step, from the course to the trail, the streets or the office. True Linkswear also offers plenty of apparel options. HOME ON THE RANGE(FINDER): I’ve gone through a few rangefinders and watches over the years. Earlier this year, I saw an ad for the Shot Scope V5 GPS watch. So, I bought one. Can’t say enough good things about the watch, with automatic performance tracking; a big key was no subscription fees on the Shot Scope mobile app, which gives you plenty of statistics to crunch. Advertisement 6 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content The watch has a full-colour daylight readable screen and provides front, middle, and back distances to every green as well as measurements to hazards, layups, and doglegs on 36,000 preloaded courses. A big plus for stats geeks: You can measure shot distances with tracking tags you screw into the top of your club. I like gadgets, so I took it a step further and got my hands on the Pro L2, a hand-held rangefinder. A daptive slope technology adjusts your distance, taking the up-and-down hills into account to allow for better club selection. Advanced features include rapid-fire detection and target-lock vibration. It’s lightweight and, despite my shaky hands, seems to lock into the target quicker than other rangefinders I’ve used. The website is ShotScope.com/ca . Recommended from Editorial Ottawa Senators had no serious talks on Jacob Trouba as search for help continues Brady Tkachuk to New York Rangers rumour is 'Total bulls--t' and 'garbage' Article content Share this article in your social network Share this Story : Christmas gift guide with golfers in mind, Callaway tops the list Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Comments You must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments. Create an Account Sign in Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. Trending Ottawa police release photo of suspect in Riverside Drive shooting News 'Travel advisory' in effect in Ottawa, as 15 cm of snow on the way Local News Ottawa man and woman face drug charges after south-end traffic stop News Pure Kitchen shuts doors on Rideau Street location Local Business Brady Tkachuk to New York Rangers rumour is 'Total bulls--t' and 'garbage' Ottawa Senators Read Next Latest National Stories Featured Local SavingsSyrian government services come to a 'complete halt' as state workers stay home

The internet made a stink over her ‘politics of smell’ PhD thesisFrom Philly and the Pa. suburbs to South Jersey and Delaware, what would you like WHYY News to cover? Let us know! Saving one life at a time is what gets pastor Aaron Campbell excited every day. He’s founder of Level Up Philly, an anti-violence-based program that attracts nearly 1,500 youths from more than 100 schools across the city. Children flood the church each week looking for alternatives to street life. Campbell is also pastor of Antioch Christian Fellowship Church located near 47th and Chestnut streets in West Philadelphia. “We do all angles of mentoring,” Campbell said. It includes everything from after-school, relaxation, safe space, academic tutoring and cash for good grades. “Any kid can show their grades and get $20 right on the spot,” he said. One might call it controlled chaos, but Campbell insists his holistic mentoring program is making a difference. “The reality is crime is lower when Level Up doors are open. Every neighborhood is here, and we get them from the nerdiest to actually, some of the most violent,” Campbell said. One evening at the church, Campbell welcomed at-risk youth ages 10 to 25 to a space where they could find joy in their respective interests this holiday season. The aroma of lamb chops wafted from the kitchen — a warm invitation for anyone else who entered the building. Some gathered in the arcade room, others were immersed in art and garden therapy, while others showed off their dance moves as part of a live recording on TikTok. Armed security guards stood watch at every entrance and corner of the church, a visible layer of protection for children and the state-of-the-art STEM lab housed inside. The lab is equipped with computer labs, 3-D printers, VR headsets and two robotic dogs. Instructors teach children digital navigation, coding, video game design, entrepreneurship and how to use artificial intelligence. They’re also learning to code in C++ and Python, skills being used to train the robotic dogs. “We want to prepare them for the future,” Campbell said. “The surest path and the path, is the stem. The short path for career pipelines and future stability.” Sybir Brown, 18, demonstrated how to operate one of the robotic dogs, which can respond to commands to jump and roll over. “I know it’s a lot of people that would do anything just to even get a look at this,” Brown said. “I got an opportunity to put my hands on it, so I’m blessed.” One of the robotic dogs that Level Up Philly purchased to acclimate students to the technology and give them the opportunity to learn how they work. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY) Philly manufacturer of military robot dogs is a target of Gaza war protests Pennovation’s Ghost Robotics has embraced the weaponization of its robots. 8 months ago Brown appreciates the opportunity and the investment Campbell is making to provide children with new technology. “I think he’s opening up a lot of opportunities for people to get jobs for the future,” Brown said. Brown said he would likely have fallen victim to the streets, a sobering admission that underscores the stakes for the initiative aimed at gun violence. Sybir Brown, 18, operates one of Level Up Philly’s robotic dogs, which can perform actions coded by the user. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY) Kirby Gaherty is a senior fellow of Community Safety & Harm Reduction at the Greater Washington Community Foundation. Gaherty told WHYY News that traditional youth programs often miss the mark when it comes to helping those entangled in gun violence. Too often, she said, educational and workforce opportunities target young people who excel in school and have adequate support at home, leaving the most vulnerable behind. “These programs will also often remove young people based on behaviors as opposed to providing added support,” Gaherty said. “Programs where ALL young people feel seen, heard and welcome are key to preventing and intervening in violence.” Although young people are not the primary drivers of gun violence in cities, Gaherty noted that firearms remain the leading cause of death for children in the United States. But she emphasized that creating spaces where young people can lead, have fun, feel safe and connect with relatable, caring and consistent adults is integral to violence prevention. “Young people are more likely to participate in and attend programming that is of interest to them,” Gaherty said. “Adults can often prescribe certain educational or career pathways to youth without really learning from them about their goals, skills and interests. In spaces where there are a variety of options for exploration alongside holistic support, young people can feel free to be themselves while also being kept safe- that is youth violence prevention.” And that’s the point: Campbell hopes to empower the next generation of young leaders. “We’ve reconciled, numerous gangs, countless gangs, and we’re considered the only neutral place in all of Philadelphia where every warring neighborhood will come here and not fight because it’s considered neutral territory,” Campbell said. Get daily updates from WHYY News! The free WHYY News Daily newsletter delivers the most important local stories to your inbox. WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

The Indiana vs. Notre Dame matchup in the first round of the College Football Playoff is the most expensive ticket on StubHub, but it's Tennessee vs. Ohio State that's selling the fastest. StubHub spokesperson Adam Budelli said Monday that the game being hosted in Columbus, Ohio, on Dec. 21 has sold 34% more tickets than the game in South Bend, Indiana, on Dec. 20. “The expanded college football playoffs are seeing early high demand, especially as we see new teams enter the competition for the first time,” Budelli said. StubHub lists tickets for sale from official event organizers, but most of its offerings are from the resale market. Here's the ticket marketplace's average CFP first-round prices as of Monday evening: 1. Indiana at Notre Dame — $733 2. Clemson at Texas — $518 3. Tennessee at Ohio State — $413 4. SMU at Penn State — $271 Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballIn a first, NASA astronaut Joseph M Acaba arrived in Dhaka today to engage with local youth, academia, and media. Acaba's visit is a significant milestone, marking the first time NASA's chief of the Astronaut Office has travelled to Bangladesh, said the US embassy in a statement. His tour will include interactive sessions with students, where he is expected to impress upon young minds to pursue careers in space science, robotics, and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education. Acaba is also expected to engage in discussions on the role of space exploration in advancing technology and addressing global challenges, such as the climate crisis. In addition to his academic engagements, Acaba is scheduled to give an interview to a TV channel, sharing insights on NASA's contributions to global science and technology, and how Bangladesh can benefit from collaborative efforts in space exploration and technology innovation through the Artemis Accords. The Artemis Accords promote principles for a safe, peaceful, and prosperous future in space to foster further collaboration between NASA and Bangladesh's growing space and technology sectors. Acaba is an American educator, hydrogeologist, and a returned peace corps volunteer. In May 2004, he became the first person of Puerto Rican descent to be named a NASA astronaut. In 2023, Acaba was appointed the chief of the Astronaut Office. As an astronaut, Acaba logged over 306 days in space across three missions - including spacewalks and groundbreaking scientific research aboard the International Space Station. In a first, NASA astronaut Joseph M Acaba arrived in Dhaka today to engage with local youth, academia, and media. Acaba's visit is a significant milestone, marking the first time NASA's chief of the Astronaut Office has travelled to Bangladesh, said the US embassy in a statement. His tour will include interactive sessions with students, where he is expected to impress upon young minds to pursue careers in space science, robotics, and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education. Acaba is also expected to engage in discussions on the role of space exploration in advancing technology and addressing global challenges, such as the climate crisis. In addition to his academic engagements, Acaba is scheduled to give an interview to a TV channel, sharing insights on NASA's contributions to global science and technology, and how Bangladesh can benefit from collaborative efforts in space exploration and technology innovation through the Artemis Accords. The Artemis Accords promote principles for a safe, peaceful, and prosperous future in space to foster further collaboration between NASA and Bangladesh's growing space and technology sectors. Acaba is an American educator, hydrogeologist, and a returned peace corps volunteer. In May 2004, he became the first person of Puerto Rican descent to be named a NASA astronaut. In 2023, Acaba was appointed the chief of the Astronaut Office. As an astronaut, Acaba logged over 306 days in space across three missions - including spacewalks and groundbreaking scientific research aboard the International Space Station.

2024 reached the semi-final this week, with the celebs and their professional partners really pulling out all the stops to wow the judges. It's always a tightly fought competition at this stage, with the couples having to dance twice and really impress to make it through to the final. But before the first dances had even finished, the fans were taking to social media to declare their winner. And it isn't even a celebrity contestant - well, not quite! The viewers are united in their adoration of pro Dianne Buswell, calling her "a star". This year, Dianne is paired with blind comedian Chris McCausland. The pair have really hit it off and Chris has won over the viewers with his determination. "Just give Chris the glitterball trophy NOW," said one impressed fan. "Chris and Dianne for the win." Get the What to Watch Newsletter The latest updates, reviews and unmissable series to watch and more! While Chris has been delighting the fans, the viewers have also been amazed by Dianne's efforts. In fact, fans are hoping she gets to lift the glitterball trophy next week! "Dianne DESERVES THAT TROPHY!" one fan declared. "These two have been my highlight of this year's strictly," wrote another smitten viewer. "Dianne is a star and Chris works just as hard as everyone. I love them both so much. Just give Chris McCausland the glitterball trophy 🏆 NOW not only is he inspirational he is incredible keep voting for him strictly family #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing Chris and Dianne for the WIN 🏆 pic.twitter.com/GVnjs2OKRS "we're going up [the stairs] now" makes my heart weep joy every week#StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly | Chris and Dianne | Chris McCausland pic.twitter.com/OJK4CDQNhH Others mentioned Dianne's considerate coaching methods and how well she cares for Chris during the show. Each week she tells Chris what is going on, and always makes sure he is safe when they go up to the Clauditorium. "we're going up [the stairs] now" makes my heart weep joy every week," said an impressed viewer. If EVER a professional dancer deserved to be in the final of Strictly it’s Dianne Buswell.A catalogue of wonderful choreography and performances this series.She is seriously incredible.#strictly #StrictlyComeDancing #diannebuswell #chrismccausland pic.twitter.com/SuClqqWdMp No matter what happens from now on. These two have been my highlight of this year's strictly. Dianne is a star and Chris works just as hard as everyone. I love them both so much. #strictly #StrictlyComeDancing pic.twitter.com/6yArnb8fBk Chris deserves to be in the final next week!!! His timing, musicality is just beyond!! Dianne DESERVES THAT TROPHY!!! She has trained Chris incredibly well. I’m so proud of my team!! #StrictlyComeDancing pic.twitter.com/gfrouY5ZPm Chris and Dianne danced a Charleston first this week, scoring 33 points. But it was their second dance - an emotional Viennese waltz - that really wowed the fans, judges and audience alike. Both Chris and Dianne were teary eyed as the dance finished, and the judges were moved, too. They won their best score of the series - four 9s - for the dance. Will their performance tonight be enough to see them into the final and maybe to be crowned Strictly champions? We'll find out in tomorrow's results show. Check our for more information.HALIFAX - A Nova Scotia charity is serving at least 600 free traditional dinners over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to spread a little bit of holiday cheer. The Souls Harbour Rescue Mission is offering a sit-down turkey dinner with all the fixings for people who need “food or friends” at mission locations across the province. It’s the first time the group is serving the meals over the holidays since it started providing community service in 2010. Michelle Porter, the CEO, says the charity has been raising funds for Christmas festivities since November and estimates the cost for events during the holiday season is around $1 million. Meals will differ slightly at mission locations across the province, but Porter says all plates will have turkey, potatoes, cranberry, gravy and some vegetables. People who attend will also get a Christmas stocking that includes a mini hygiene set and a few treats like chocolate, gloves and socks. About 400 people will eat today in Lower Sackville, Bridgewater, Truro and Sydney Mines, while Porter estimates 200 people will share a meal together in Halifax on Christmas Day. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 24, 2024.

The Federal Government says the COVID variant — XEC, has not been detected in Nigeria. The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said this in a statement issued by Mr Alaba Balogun, the Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, in Abuja on Saturday. According to him, it has become imperative to correct the misinformation and fear of the public concerning the resurgence of COVID-19 in Nigeria. He added that the contents of a letter with Ref.No.DHS/INSPDIV/017/VOL.1/46 dated Dec. 5, implying that the variant was in the country and has been circulating on social media, should be ignored. He stated that “you may recall that a newly detected COVID variant, XEC, was reported in Australia and has spread to 29 countries globally, showing more virulence over other circulating strains with concern over its possible impact on service delivery in our federal tertiary hospitals. “However, the good news is that there is no evidence of COVID variant XEC in Nigeria. “In light of the above, the public is advised not to panic but to continue with the universal precautions of observing personal hygiene, including regular washing of hands.” Alaba noted that the ministry, through her agencies, stepped up surveillance, including at all entry points to Nigeria. He added that the federal government proactively upgraded its federal tertiary hospitals by establishing molecular laboratories, isolation centres, and intensive care units (ICUs) equipped with ventilators. The XEC variant is a sub-variant of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain, first reported in May. The virus had been detected in 43 countries across Europe, Asia, and North America. However, in Africa, Botswana reported one XEC case from a hospitalised European traveller.