Tech Titans Clash: Apple and Meta Spar Over Privacy and Access。

RICHMOND, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 12, 2024-- The Board of Directors of NewMarket Corporation (NYSE: NEU) (the “Company”) approved a new share repurchase program authorizing management to repurchase up to $500 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock through December 31, 2027, as market conditions warrant and covenants under the Company’s existing debt agreements permit. The new repurchase program will replace the Company’s existing $500 million repurchase program approved by the Board of Directors in October 2021, which will expire on December 31, 2024. Under the new program, the Company may conduct share repurchases in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, through block trades or pursuant to any trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The new program does not require the Company to acquire any specific number of shares and may be terminated or suspended at any time. NewMarket Corporation is a holding company operating through its subsidiaries Afton Chemical Corporation (Afton), Ethyl Corporation (Ethyl), and American Pacific Corporation (AMPAC). The Afton and Ethyl companies develop, manufacture, blend, and deliver chemical additives that enhance the performance of petroleum products. AMPAC is a manufacturer of specialty materials primarily used in solid rocket motors for the aerospace and defense industries. The NewMarket family of companies has a long-term commitment to its people, to safety, to providing innovative solutions for its customers, and to making the world a better place. Some of the information contained in this press release constitutes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although NewMarket’s management believes its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of its knowledge of its business and operations, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from expectations. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations include, but are not limited to, the availability of raw materials and distribution systems; disruptions at production facilities, including single-sourced facilities; hazards common to chemical businesses; the ability to respond effectively to technological changes in our industries; failure to protect our intellectual property rights; sudden, sharp, or prolonged raw material price increases; competition from other manufacturers; current and future governmental regulations; the loss of significant customers; termination or changes to contracts with contractors and subcontractors of the U.S. government or directly with the U.S. government; failure to attract and retain a highly-qualified workforce; an information technology system failure or security breach; the occurrence or threat of extraordinary events, including natural disasters, terrorist attacks, wars and health-related epidemics; risks related to operating outside of the United States; political, economic, and regulatory factors concerning our products; the impact of substantial indebtedness on our operational and financial flexibility; the impact of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates; resolution of environmental liabilities or legal proceedings; limitation of our insurance coverage; our inability to realize expected benefits from investment in our infrastructure or from acquisitions, or our inability to successfully integrate acquisitions into our business; the underperformance of our pension assets resulting in additional cash contributions to our pension plans; and other factors detailed from time to time in the reports that NewMarket files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risk factors in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and Part II, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2024, which are available to shareholders at www.newmarket.com . You should keep in mind that any forward-looking statement made by NewMarket in the foregoing discussion speaks only as of the date on which such forward-looking statement is made. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict these events or how they may affect the Company. We have no duty to, and do not intend to, update or revise the forward-looking statements in this discussion after the date hereof, except as may be required by law. In light of these risks and uncertainties, you should keep in mind that the events described in any forward-looking statement made in this discussion, or elsewhere, might not occur. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241210821417/en/ CONTACT: FOR INVESTOR INFORMATION CONTACT: William J. Skrobacz Investor Relations Phone: 804.788.5555 Fax: 804.788.5688 Email: investorrelations@newmarket.com KEYWORD: VIRGINIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CHEMICALS/PLASTICS ENERGY MANUFACTURING OIL/GAS SOURCE: NewMarket Corporation Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/12/2024 05:01 PM/DISC: 12/12/2024 05:02 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241210821417/enBankrate issues survey on financial outlook for 2025None

Amusing ourselves to death Postman argues that “typographic mind” was yielding to “televisual mind” The late cultural critic Neil Postman, in his book ‘Amusing Ourselves to Death’ (1985), warned of a society losing its capacity for rational discourse, succumbing to a culture dominated by television’s relentless pursuit of entertainment. Postman argued that the “typographic mind” – one moulded by print culture, reading, analysis, and sustained attention – was yielding to the “televisual mind”, driven by images and short snippets of uncontextualised information. Today, the problem has gone beyond television’s passive consumption. With devices in hand, we encounter entertainment that is relentlessly measured and optimised to hold attention. Instead of exploring topics with patience, the information diet now consists of quick fixes: a meme here, a viral clip there, creating a false sense of being ‘informed’. Content in the form of short clips, introduced by platforms like TikTok and imitated across other social media applications, exemplifies this shift. The simple reason for this shift is that such content requires minimal attention while offering maximum gratification Why have we collectively decided to sacrifice depth for gratification, reflection for reaction, and understanding for amusement? These are not just questions of taste or trend; they are cultural signposts reflecting a deep shift in how we process information and engage with the world. The ephemeral nature of these clips caters to ever-diminishing attention spans, where the audience is often restless, scrolling mindlessly until something grabs their eye. This raises an existential question: if we continue down this path, what kind of society do we become? Without the habit of reading deeply, without the patience to understand context, nuance, or historical perspective, we risk turning into passive consumers of packaged meaning. Originality, once nurtured by a long apprenticeship with the written word and the contested realm of ideas, may die a quiet death in this sea of easily digestible content. Yet, to throw up our hands and lament this state of affairs as inevitable would be a grave mistake. It is still possible to restore balance. Educational institutes, for one, have a crucial role to play: they can arrange more in-person sessions that encourage dialogue, debate, and sustained engagement with complex texts, helping students rediscover the pleasure and power of active learning. Classroom discussions where students must defend their ideas with evidence and reasoning may stand as a barricade against the erosion of deep thinking. Outside of academia, parents and communities could become more deliberate about screen time. Perhaps a cultural shift encouraging family reading hours, local book clubs, and literary festivals can help. If we want to save ourselves from an unthinking future, we must cultivate environments that reward focus, inquiry, and meaningful conversation. Public policy can also nudge us in this direction: more libraries can be established, and existing ones can be better funded, critical media literacy courses introduced from early school years, and creative writing workshops supported as a form of community development. None of this is simple, and none of it is guaranteed to succeed. We are grappling with powerful technologies and profit-driven platforms that have mastered the art of catching our eye and holding it just long enough to move on to the next instant distraction. But the stakes are high. Our capacity for independent thought, our ability to reflect, and our understanding of complexity are all at risk. If we value these attributes – and we should – we must resist the lure of amusement for its own sake. Instead, we must strive to preserve and foster a culture where genuine engagement, intellectual depth, and originality are not only possible but prized. In doing so, we might yet avoid amusing ourselves to death. The writer is a Lahore-based lawyer.

Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin Gratitude fatigue refers to the emotional exhaustion from the pressure to feel grateful, even in difficult situations. Gratitude is a powerful force multiplier. In my previous post , I talked about how cultivating an attitude of gratitude can increase our mental, physical, and emotional well-being. But sometimes, gratitude can feel hard to come by, especially when you’re dealing with grief, health issues, financial stress, or friction in relationships. If you’re finding it difficult to tap into your reserves of gratefulness despite the merriment and holiday cheer, you may be experiencing gratitude fatigue. What Is Gratitude Fatigue? Gratitude fatigue is a form of emotional exhaustion that comes from internal or external pressure to feel grateful even when doing so feels forced or inauthentic. People might tell themselves, “I shouldn’t feel this way. I should be grateful because others have it worse,” or believe that allowing themselves to experience difficult emotions like anger, sadness or frustration makes them ungrateful. “This mindset dismisses valid emotions that need to be felt and processed,” says Dr. Breese Annable , a North Carolina-based clinical psychologist. Constantly forcing yourself to feel thankful can overwhelm your brain , in particular the limbic system and prefrontal cortex that are responsible for emotional processing and decision-making, explains Dr. Mary Poffenroth, biopsychologist and author of Brave New You . It can also lead to emotional dissonance—a state where your feelings and expressions are at odds. “This internal conflict can result in increased cortisol levels and heightened anxiety, as the person struggles to reconcile their true feelings with imposed gratitude,” says Najamah Davis , a licensed clinical social worker based in New Jersey. What Does Gratitude Fatigue Look Like According to psychologist Caitlin Slavens , common signs of gratitude burnout or gratitude fatigue include: Emotional numbness: Gratitude no longer feels genuine—you express it because you “should,” not because you mean it. Mental exhaustion: Showing gratitude feels like another box to check, not a source of joy or connection. Emotional avoidance: When tough feelings come up, you tend to ignore them by listing what you’re grateful for instead of addressing them. Resentment: You start resenting things you're “supposed” to be grateful for, as well as those who remind you to “just be thankful.” Guilt and shame: You feel pangs of guilt or shame for not feeling thankful enough when real, painful emotions come up. How To Overcome Gratitude Fatigue The first step is to recognize that gratitude and difficult emotions can coexist. “You can be grateful while still making room for challenging feelings and experiences,” says Dr. Gabrielle Schreyer-Hoffman , a licensed psychologist specializing in anxiety and eating disorders. Here are a few more expert-backed strategies for fostering authentic gratitude while honoring your emotional needs: Allow space for both the positive and negative: When we ignore negative emotions, they don’t just disappear. “They often amplify to demand our attention, resurface unexpectedly, or leave us feeling shut down and disconnected,” says Dr. Annable. By permitting ourselves to feel the full spectrum of emotional experiences , we allow for more balanced activation of both sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, says Dr. Poffenroth. This helps prevent the overactivation of stress responses while harnessing the benefits of gratitude, she adds. Zoom in to the specifics: Illinois-based therapist Katrina Gelazius suggests focusing on small, specific things that genuinely bring you joy instead of being vague or generic. For example, "I’m thankful for the cozy blanket that kept me warm today" can feel more authentic and manageable than “I’m thankful for everything.” Find what works best for you: Gratitude looks different for everyone. For some, it could be reciting affirmations or journaling. For others, it could be hugging a loved one or savoring a moment of quiet reflection. “Choose a method that feels authentic and meaningful,” says Dr. Schreyer-Hoffman. Balance gratitude with self-compassion: Be kind to yourself when you’re struggling instead of forcing toxic positivity. “It's okay to recognize what's hard and still appreciate small comforts,” says Gelazius. For example: "This week has been tough, but I’m grateful for the support of my family." Take a break: By giving yourself permission to take a break from gratitude when things feel overwhelming, you create space to connect with it more authentically later, says Dr. Annable. Don’t be afraid to seek support: Gratitude doesn’t mean pretending everything’s fine. Instead of using it to minimize your struggles, consider sharing what you’re going through with someone who would listen without judgment, suggests Slavens. Lastly, remember, gratitude isn’t about ignoring the hard stuff. It’s about appreciating what we have, while holding space for what hurts. Editorial Standards Forbes Accolades Join The Conversation One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to share your thoughts. Forbes Community Guidelines Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space. In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site's Terms of Service. We've summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil. Your post will be rejected if we notice that it seems to contain: False or intentionally out-of-context or misleading information Spam Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language or threats of any kind Attacks on the identity of other commenters or the article's author Content that otherwise violates our site's terms. User accounts will be blocked if we notice or believe that users are engaged in: Continuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejected Racist, sexist, homophobic or other discriminatory comments Attempts or tactics that put the site security at risk Actions that otherwise violate our site's terms. So, how can you be a power user? Stay on topic and share your insights Feel free to be clear and thoughtful to get your point across ‘Like’ or ‘Dislike’ to show your point of view. Protect your community. Use the report tool to alert us when someone breaks the rules. Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Please read the full list of posting rules found in our site's Terms of Service.Apple is in discussions with Tencent and ByteDance to potentially integrate AI models into iPhones sold in China, according to sources. The talks come as Apple's market share in China wanes. Regulatory barriers have prevented ChatGPT's availability, prompting Apple to seek local partnerships for AI integration. The absence of AI features in Chinese iPhones has placed Apple at a disadvantage as it competes with domestic brands. Huawei's recent AI-powered phone release has contributed to its 42% sales surge in Q3, contrasting Apple's 0.3% decline. Meanwhile, Apple's negotiations with Baidu face setbacks over technical issues. (With inputs from agencies.)

Vikings' passing attack is as potent as ever with Addison's surge as Bears prepare for a rematch“We can do every treatment again . . . Those who are going out, it’s a choice. “It’s not because they are not specialised in care. Comrades, these are serious things we are talking about,” she says. This comes as minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula has said that public hospitals have been struggling with clinical and medicinal supplies for the past three years. Nandi-Ndaitwah addressed a rally in Windhoek on Sunday. “I was so happy when my medical team told me that while you have invested in this country, in the supplies and medical training, you should not go out for medical treatment,” she said.

Kari Dziedzic, former Minnesota Senate majority leader, dies at 62HACKENSACK, N.J. — Fairleigh Dickinson University rode a balanced scoring attack and a strong rebounding effort to a 66-48 win over the University of Maine women’s basketball team in the FDU Christmas Classic tournament on Saturday afternoon. Ava Renninger scored 14 points and Teneisia Brown added 13 points and 15 rebounds to power the Knights, who improved to 9-3 on the season. Abaigeal Babore added 11 points for FDU. Asta Blauenfeldt and Caroline Dotsey each finished in double-figures for the Black Bears, who fell to 4-8 on the season. Blauenfeldt, who stretched her double-digit scoring streak to four, registered a game-high 19 points on 7-of-8 shooting with three triples while Dotsey added 18 points. Maine finished the contest 18-of-49 from the field, 6-of-20 from three-point range, with six steals. The Black Bears lost the rebounding battle 44-25 as the Knights held a 20-2 advantage in second chance points. Maine jumped out to a 5-1 advantage early but FDU ended the first quarter with a 16-0 run to carry a 17-5 advantage into the second. The Black Bears rebounded to start the second quarter, putting together a 7-0 run to begin the stanza. Dotsey aided the sprint with five points, sandwiched by a Blauenfeldt layup, to cut the deficit to five. FDU again responded, this time with a 14-0 run, to push the lead out to 37-20 at the break. Maine was unable to cut the deficit under 15 points in the second half. The Black Bears conclude the FDU Christmas Classic when they take on Coppin State on Sunday at 1 p.m. More articles from the BDN

Imran insists on demands to put off civil disobedience PTI founder fears that government might attempt to sideline their demand for probe into May 9 and November 26 incidents ISLAMABAD: Former premier and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan said on Tuesday that the civil disobedience movement would be postponed if his two demands were fulfilled. Speaking to his legal team during a meeting at Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi, he expressed support for the efforts of the party’s negotiation committee. However, he emphasised the importance of meeting with his nominated negotiation team to understand the issues at hand clearly. In a message posted on his social media account ‘X,’ Imran Khan revealed that he had appointed Sahibzada Hamid Raza as the spokesperson for the PTI negotiation process. “If the government wants fruitful negotiations, we have two demands: the release of under-trial political prisoners and the formation of a judicial commission comprising senior judges to investigate the May 9 and November 26 incidents,” he said. Khan said that if these demands were met, the civil disobedience movement would be postponed. However, he expressed concern that the government might attempt to sideline the demand for investigations into these incidents, vowing not to let that happen. The PTI chairman also rejected the recent military court decisions, saying, “I reject the unconstitutional decisions of the military courts. These decisions are tarnishing Pakistan’s image internationally and may lead to economic sanctions against the country.” He criticised the judiciary’s role, saying, “By delivering such decisions, the constitutional bench has undermined its credibility. Political engineering is evident, with the PTI being targeted, which signals the demise of democracy, judicial independence, and the rule of law in Pakistan.” Imran further argued that no country could progress without the rule of law, which is essential for foreign and domestic investment. He said that capital flight from Pakistan was a result of the lack of judicial independence and respect for the law. Commenting on the 26th Constitutional Amendment, he said that it had effectively curtailed the judiciary’s powers, describing the establishment of a constitutional bench and its decisions as an embarrassment for the Supreme Court. Separately, his wife Bushra Bibi visited him in jail. According to reports, she arrived under official protocol provided by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, with 12 security personnel and two bulletproof vehicles. After her visit, PTI legal representatives, including Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Qazi Anwar, Ali Bukhari, and Faisal Chaudhry, also met with Imran Khan to discuss legal matters. Speaking to The News, PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said that Imran Khan had designated Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, and himself (Waqas) as the only authorised individuals to address international matters and issue party policy statements. He expressed hope that the government’s committee would facilitate a meeting between the PTI negotiation team and their party leader before the next negotiation round on January 2. “The ruling coalition’s committee is free to consult with the prime minister, and we expect no hurdles in meeting our leader in jail,” he emphasised.Georgia QB Carson Beck declares for 2025 NFL DraftNEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 28, 2024-- Halper Sadeh LLC, an investor rights law firm, is investigating whether the sale of Adams Resources & Energy, Inc. (NYSE: AE) to an affiliate of Tres Energy LLC for $38.00 per share in cash is fair to Adams shareholders. Halper Sadeh encourages Adams shareholders to click here to learn more about their legal rights and options or contact Daniel Sadeh or Zachary Halper at (212) 763-0060 or sadeh@halpersadeh.com or zhalper@halpersadeh.com . The investigation concerns whether Adams and its board of directors violated the federal securities laws and/or breached their fiduciary duties to shareholders by failing to, among other things: (1) obtain the best possible consideration for Adams shareholders; (2) determine whether Tres Energy is underpaying for Adams; and (3) disclose all material information necessary for Adams shareholders to adequately assess and value the merger consideration. On behalf of Adams shareholders, Halper Sadeh LLC may seek increased consideration for shareholders, additional disclosures and information concerning the proposed transaction, or other relief and benefits. We would handle the action on a contingent fee basis, whereby you would not be responsible for out-of-pocket payment of our legal fees or expenses. Halper Sadeh LLC represents investors all over the world who have fallen victim to securities fraud and corporate misconduct. Our attorneys have been instrumental in implementing corporate reforms and recovering millions of dollars on behalf of defrauded investors. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241228238028/en/ CONTACT: Halper Sadeh LLC One World Trade Center 85th Floor New York, NY 10007 Daniel Sadeh, Esq. Zachary Halper, Esq. (212) 763-0060 sadeh@halpersadeh.com zhalper@halpersadeh.com https://www.halpersadeh.com KEYWORD: NEW YORK UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES LEGAL SOURCE: Halper Sadeh LLC Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/28/2024 02:07 PM/DISC: 12/28/2024 02:05 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241228238028/en

WAYNE Rooney has shared a sweet message about how 'proud' he is of Coleen - as he urged fans to vote her for a trial. The footie legend took to social media to publicly back his wife as her first week in the jungle draws to a close. Wayne, 39 , shared a selection of snaps of Coleen on I'm A Celebrity as he pleaded with fans to vote for her to do a Bushtucker Trial. He told his 16 million Instagram followers: "Proud of @coleen_rooney on @imacelebrity she’s doing great. "Me and the boys would love to see her doing a trial and we know she’d want to put herself to the test. "If you can download the #ImACeleb app and let’s get voting." more on i'm a celebrity It appears Wayne's plea has paid off, with Ant and Dec announcing to camp that Coleen and Dean McCullough had been voted to do the next trial. The pair will face Absolute Carnage, which will see one of them locked in the back of a pick up van. Coleen previously revealed how she has left footie-style tactics boards filled with instructions to ensure her sons are looked after while she is in ­Australia for I’m a Celebrity. The mum of four has filled two whiteboards with details of parties, pick-ups and drop-offs for the next four weeks. Most read in I’m A Celebrity 2024 Husband Wayne, 39, manages Championship side Plymouth Argyle, 300 miles away from the family home in Cheshire — so Coleen has had to draft in an army of friends and relatives to help with Kai, 15, Klay, 11, Kit, eight, and Cass, six. MAURA Higgins is a late entry to I'm A Celeb 2024. Yet who is joining her? 2019 Love Island star Maura, 33, will be a late entry to the jungle line-up. She will head into the I'm A Celeb camp , along with the Reverend Richard Coles , 62. The duo will join the likes of Coleen Rooney , Barry McGuigan and Danny Jones in Ant and Dec’s jungle camp a week into this year’s star-spangled series. Yet initially the duo will have their own private base - and a secret mission - before heading into the main compound Down Under. Maura has already described the jungle as "hell." Meanwhile Richard, who has starred on Strictly, has confessed his biggest "fear."