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The Toronto Stock Exchange is a mine of rich dividend stocks that give high yields. In this dividend mine, some stocks have the highest yields right now as their stock price has stumbled due to short-term challenges. However, their long-term dividend-paying capacity remains unaffected. The Canadian telecom sector is undergoing a major upheaval. The telecom sector invested billions of dollars in technical upgrades to 5G, which increased the leverage on their balance sheet. That was followed by an interest rate hike from 0.25% to 5% in 15 months from April 2022 to July 2023. Moreover, ( ) and ( ) started a price war to poach Shaw’s customers, which hurt their . The rising financing cost and lower price of subscriptions stressed the cash flows and inflated BCE’s and Telus’s dividend-payout ratios to 111% and 77%, respectively, in 2023. These ratios are way above their target range, and so are their leverage ratios. Such made investors worry about their dividends, and these stocks went into a downtrend. The two telecom stocks fell another 10% in December as the Bank of Canada and the U.S. Fed signalled a slowdown in rate cuts in 2025 over fears of rising inflation from several policy changes. Moreover, Canada has cut its immigration target by 20% for the next three years. This could slow the growth prospects for the two telcos that rely on immigrants for new subscriptions. The next three years could be challenging for telcos as they could face lower subscription growth and slightly higher financing costs. Taking a conservative approach, I expect their stock price to grow a modest 3.2% annually and the dividend per share to remain stable. Since Telus announced a 3% dividend growth in the third-quarter earnings, I included that in the 2025 dividend per share. These stocks could pick up from 2028 onwards after three years of slow growth as the 5G opportunity kicks in. The 5G technology will enable artificial intelligence (AI) at the edge, from autonomous cars to drone deliveries to smart homes and AI security cameras. That could create more revenue-generating opportunities for Telus and BCE and help them resume dividend growth. If you are considering investing in telecom stocks when the growth begins, you will lose out on the power of . Both stocks offer a dividend-reinvestment plan (DRIP) that buys stocks from the dividend money. Since the stock prices are at their multi-year lows and yields are inflated (Telus yields 8%; BCE yields 11.8%), you can get more for less. A $10,000 investment in BCE today can buy you 294 shares and earn an annual dividend of $1,173. This dividend can buy 33.4 DRIP shares, compounding your dividend to $1,306 in 2026. Note that I have considered a dividend-growth pause till 2027. By the end of 2034, your BCE investment could earn you $3,222 in annual dividends. By the time growth resumes in 2028, you will already own 363.5 shares of BCE, which could be worth $16,357 if the stock price surges to $45. If you delay your $10,000 investment to 2028, you can only buy 222 shares, which gives an annual dividend of $912. A similar calculation on Telus with similar predictions of a dividend pause till 2027 and growth in 2028 could earn you $2,241 in dividends by 2034. Those are good returns for those who stay invested.Australia's House of Representatives passes bill that would ban young children from social media
President Carter, America’s 39th President, passed away at the age of 100. Ms Hanna said President Carter was the first US President to seriously engage with issues in Northern Ireland. The South Belfast and Mid Down MP said: “Throughout his life Jimmy Carter was an advocate for human rights, peace, humanitarianism and doing what’s right, no matter how difficult. Alongside his late wife Rosalynn, his legacy stretches far beyond his term as President and his achievements through the Carter Centre and with Habitat for Humanity are arguably just as meaningful as anything he achieved while in office. “At a time when violence was raging across Northern Ireland, Jimmy Carter ignored advice not to intervene and stuck his head above the parapet calling for the US to become directly involved in trying to secure peace here and promising investment after it was established. He was persuaded to get involved by Tip O’Neill, Ted Kennedy and others who updated him with the latest happenings here, though their own engagement with John Hume. “Carter’s intervention was a significant one, he was serious about his commitment to advancing the cause of peace around the world and shared Hume’s vision that the only solution to the conflict here could be a peaceful one. His statement sent a clear message to the then-British government that they could no longer act with impunity when it came to Northern Ireland. “Jimmy Carter leaves a lasting imprint not only on Northern Ireland, but around the world. He has left the world a better place as a result of his contribution throughout a lifetime of service and I can think of no greater legacy than that.” Carter, who was the longest-living former American president, died on Sunday, December 29, his son announced. An immediate cause was not given. He served as president for one term from 1977 to 1981, but is just as well-known for his humanitarian service after leaving Washington, DC, working for Habitat for Humanity and negotiating peace deals. In 2018, it was revealed by official files that he had been previously suggested for a Northern Ireland peace process role. Speculation was mounting in January 1993 that president-elect Bill Clinton would appoint a special envoy. British Foreign Office official Jonathan Powell mentioned Mr Carter in a note disclosed in an archived British government file released by the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) in Belfast. Mr Powell described how former congressman Bruce Morrison, then head of the Irish Americans for Clinton lobby group, envisaged the envoy. Mr Powell wrote: “He (Morrison) did not envisage an Irish American filling the role. “An Irish American like (Bill) Flynn would have too much baggage. “He envisaged instead someone completely independent, like Jimmy Carter, or someone in the same mould but of lower profile.” Mr Carter only served one term in office but became a diplomat and mediator around the world. He worked on the Middle East peace process and tried to encourage talks between North and South Korea. In 1993 a statement from the Friends of Ireland in the US said: “On this St Patrick’s Day, the Friends of Ireland in the US Congress join with Irish Americans... in calling for renewed efforts to achieve peace, reconciliation and justice in Northern Ireland.” In the event, former Democratic senator George Mitchell was appointed as envoy in 1995, securing a commitment to non-violence from the gunmen and ultimately becoming the architect of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.
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Trying to get good audio for your electronics can be a surprisingly difficult task. Even when you rely on trustworthy major soundbar brands , getting a high-quality setup could cost more than your TV or monitor. Some potential buyers might want to focus on finding cheaper alternatives, sacrificing the overall quality for something that'll just give them the sound that they need. But how worthwhile are these cheaper systems compared to their more expensive counterparts? There are many different types of sound system out there, and one of the most common is the soundbar. These products act as external speakers for whatever device you're watching from, and they're often paired with extras like a subwoofer to truly immerse listeners in their media. As you start cutting costs, though, these systems can end up falling short of what you might come to expect — especially if you've experienced top-quality surround sound systems before. Therefore, it's important to consider the many pros and cons of buying a cheaper soundbar or sound system. In just about every instance, even a cheap soundbar will sound better than built-in speakers from a TV or computer monitor. Something like Sony's S100F soundbar might not be all that impressive on its own, but at least its speakers are facing toward the listener. TV and monitor speakers, due to prioritizing screen space and width, will often face their speakers down or even backward. This will lead to muffled voices and muddy music, assuming your display even has built-in speakers in the first place. If you're getting a soundbar or sound system just because your display isn't handling audio well, you won't need to break the bank at all. The top-rated soundbars for PC and console gaming aren't much more than glorified speakers, but they'll almost always outdo whatever might be inside of your screen. These also won't cost you more than $100, which is a rarity when looking at top-quality sound systems. They might still fall short of competitors, but a bad soundbar is better than having no sound at all. If you're not willing to go above $300, you still have plenty of opportunities to get the full sound system experience. A large number of soundbars around this price range will come with extra hardware to provide even greater immersion. The Vizio 5.1 soundbar from is a prime example, offering both a subwoofer and surround speakers to offer an auditory experience that's as complete as possible. We also reviewed the similar-yet-more-expensive Vizio M-Series 5.1 Soundbar , noting how these extras allowed for some fantastic auditory moments during intense movies. Sometimes, soundbars will even have subwoofers built-in to save on space. While it's generally agreed that external subwoofers sound better, built-in ones can usually still put out fine sound for most people. Vizio's V-Series 2.1 soundbar is one such device, and its pricing falls at the lower end of just under $120, making it a perfect pick for budget-conscious buyers. Even when considering the cost, it's not a bad idea to make sure your soundbar comes with at least one of these hardware extras. Even at lower price points, soundbars can be a lot more flexible than you may think. The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar , for example, is one of the cheapest and most basic soundbars you can get. It lacks an internal subwoofer and doesn't have a lot of optional features, but it still allows you to connect to your display wirelessly. From $100 and upward, almost all soundbars allow for some form of wireless connectivity, particularly through Bluetooth. Because of their wireless functionality, you can use these soundbars for more than just your TV or monitor. Connecting a phone or handheld console can work just as easily as connecting them to other wireless external speakers, and depending on your budget, it can have a much more immersive result. You can also take advantage of being untethered to simply move your soundbar closer to where you are. Thanks to this, even if the distance of your display makes it hard to hear some dialogue or music, you won't have to rely on just making it louder. While cheaper soundbars often lack the capabilities of full sound systems, they sometimes offer bonuses that aren't present in more expensive options. Take the Roku Streambar for example — the soundbar also doubles as a streaming device. Even when comparing the Roku Streambar's differences to the Roku Ultra , a more dedicated streaming player, it's still able to provide the same basic functionality and resolution. This puts its functionality far above other soundbars in multiple price ranges, simply because of how much you're able to do with it. Other soundbars go the route of providing more "smart" functionality for homes. The Polk Audio React soundbar has Amazon Alexa built into it, which also allows you to call friends and family without the need of a phone. If your focus is on audio alone, you might still want to look at more dedicated setups to get as much quality out of a budget pick as possible. But as all-in-one solutions for those without streaming services or smart home devices, these soundbars are honestly pretty great value. If prices are simply far too high for you, there's always the option of buying secondhand sound systems from other sellers. You can easily find massive price cuts on refurbished devices from websites like eBay, sometimes bringing setups down from $300 to $150. With any luck, you can find normally costly setups at remarkably low prices, though this will depend on finding the right seller at the right moment. As with any secondhand item, you should also be aware of any defects or wrong items you come across. Doing research on the various aspects of soundbars themselves can be just as important as researching the model you're after. Make sure you read each description carefully so someone claiming to have a " true surround sound " system doesn't leave you with something underpowered. Even so, if you're pushing to get the best sound for the cheapest price, this might be the only way you'll get it. The biggest problem with finding a "budget" soundbar is the fact that you'll still need to spend a lot of money for one. The only way you can find any of these under $100 is if you go for generic or online-only brands. The VMAI soundbar is one of the few you'll find under $100, offering plenty of basic functionality and even including a built-in subwoofer to sweeten the deal further. But if you're looking for long-term support or consistent quality, you're unlikely to get it at this price point. Under $100, a soundbar isn't all that different from basic speakers like the Logitech Z313 . You should take a close look at the pros and cons of soundbars versus speakers to see if the former is really what you need. If all you're doing is listening to things on your computer, you probably won't need to spend nearly as much money on a costly sound system. If you're after something that will give you a home theater experience, you're better off saving up for the more expensive alternatives. Even if they come with a subwoofer and extra speakers, some budget soundbars can lack very basic hardware functionality. Soundbars like the Hisense HS2100 will include a remote that allows you to adjust various settings like volume or bass & treble, but if you lose the remote, you won't be able to adjust those settings personally. Often, there simply won't be any buttons to raise or lower the volume or adjust other settings on the soundbar itself, potentially forcing you to deal with poor settings on an otherwise decent device. The connectivity of certain cheaper soundbars can also be an issue. Most will have the ability to be plugged into other devices using an AUX or optical cable, but lower price points will make you lose out on additional HDMI connection options. This is a rarity even among cheaper soundbars, but it's something to be aware of if you're going for the least expensive possible option. In a worst-case scenario, you won't even be able to test your sound system until you get an entirely new device to plug it into. How subwoofers actually work is by providing more bass to whatever you're listening to, picking up slack in lower frequencies where regular speakers simply won't cut it alone. Because of this, many audio enthusiasts recommend that you always get a sound system that includes one. Considering how even extra-cheap soundbars often come with this addition, whether built-in or external, it's almost impossible to lose out on them by accident. However, there are some low-cost soundbars that do not come with a subwoofer, and you should probably avoid them. One particular soundbar without a subwoofer is the Hisense HS205G . Its list price of $80 makes it one of the least costly options you can find, but its capabilities are sorely lacking without a subwoofer. Some owners report that it doesn't even manage to surpass the volume of their basic built-in TV speakers. If you're willing to spend the extra money on a soundbar in the first place, you shouldn't settle for one that comes without the extra boost in audio performance. You'll probably expect a lack of support at cheaper price ranges for any device. Yet certain audio technologies like Dolby Audio and DTS are supported by a wide range of inexpensive soundbars, including the Samsung HW-T400 . These technologies allow for more immersive sound — especially from movies — allowing even cheap soundbars to at least compare to more expensive ones. However, models like the Sony S100F do not support these technologies, leaving you unable to experience them no matter what. At lower price points, you're also likely to miss out on more powerful sound systems. You're likely to only get to 2.0 or 2.1 surround sound with just $100, with the higher-standard 5.1 being reserved for $200 or higher. Of course, if you know the differences between 5.1, 7.1, and Dolby Atmos systems already, you probably know whether or not you'll actually need any of these extra features. But there are cheaper options that support these additions, leaving you with few reasons to avoid choosing them — much like soundbars with included subwoofers. If you consider yourself as an audiophile, you've likely experienced higher-end sound systems before. If that's the case, then pretty much any soundbar under $500 is likely to fall short of your expectations. Those who were able to use products like the Bose soundbars gave near-universal praise, only criticizing them for technical issues and when comparing them to similarly-priced soundbars from rival companies. To put things in comparison, Bose's flagship soundbar — the Smart Ultra Soundbar — has a list price of $900, and the company's cheapest option has a list price of around $280. Someone that has little-to-no experience with these top-quality systems likely won't care about the differences. After all, even the cheapest soundbars still often sound better than the built-in speakers you'll find in TVs or monitors, as mentioned previously. But these pricier alternatives blow the competition out of the water entirely, satisfying those who went the extra mile to actually pay for those systems in the first place. It's all a matter of perspective when it comes to audio, so as long as what you get is better than your current setup, you probably won't find many reasons to complain.
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Former Uvalde schools police chief loses bid to toss criminal charges related to 2022 shootingSome tech industry leaders are pushing the incoming Trump administration to increase visas for highly skilled workers from other nations. Related Articles National Politics | In states that ban abortion, social safety net programs often fail families National Politics | Court rules Georgia lawmakers can subpoena Fani Willis for information related to her Trump case National Politics | New 2025 laws hit hot topics from AI in movies to rapid-fire guns National Politics | Trump has pressed for voting changes. GOP majorities in Congress will try to make that happen National Politics | Exhausted by political news? TV ratings and new poll say you’re not alone The heart of the argument is, for America to remain competitive, the country needs to expand the number of skilled visas it gives out. The previous Trump administration did not increase the skilled visa program, instead clamping down on visas for students and educated workers, increasing denial rates. Not everyone in corporate America thinks the skilled worker program is great. Former workers at IT company Cognizant recently won a federal class-action lawsuit that said the company favored Indian employees over Americans from 2013 to 2022. A Bloomberg investigation found Cognizant, and other similar outsourcing companies, mainly used its skilled work visas for lower-level positions. Workers alleged Cognizant preferred Indian workers because they could be paid less and were more willing to accept inconvenient or less-favorable assignments. Question: Should the U.S. increase immigration levels for highly skilled workers? Caroline Freund, UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy YES: Innovation is our superpower and it relies on people. Sourcing talent from 8 billion people in the world instead of 330 million here makes sense. Nearly half our Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children. Growing them also relies on expanding our skilled workforce. The cap on skilled-worker visas has hardly changed since the computer age started. With AI on the horizon, attracting and building talent is more important than ever. Kelly Cunningham, San Diego Institute for Economic Research YES: After years of openly allowing millions of undocumented entrants into the country, why is there controversy over legally increasing somewhat the number having desirable skills? Undocumented immigration significantly impacts lower skill level jobs and wages competing with domestic workers at every skill level. Why should special cases be made against those having higher skills? Could they just not walk across the border anyway, why make it more inconvenient to those with desirable skills? James Hamilton, UC San Diego YES: Knowledge and technology are key drivers of the U.S. economy. Students come from all over the world to learn at U.S. universities, and their spending contributed $50 billion to U.S. exports last year. Technological advantage is what keeps us ahead of the rest of the world. Highly skilled immigrants contribute much more in taxes than they receive in public benefits. The skills immigrants bring to America can make us all better off. Norm Miller, University of San Diego YES: According to Forbes, the majority of billion-dollar startups were founded by foreigners. I’ve interviewed dozens of data analysts and programmers from Berkeley, UCSD, USD and a few other schools and 75% of them are foreign. There simply are not enough American graduates to fill the AI and data mining related jobs now exploding in the U.S. If we wish to remain a competitive economy, we need highly skilled and bright immigrants to come here and stay. David Ely, San Diego State University YES: Being able to employ highly skilled workers from a larger pool of candidates would strengthen the competitiveness of U.S. companies by increasing their capacity to perform research and innovate. This would boost the country’s economic output. Skilled workers from other nations that cannot remain in the U.S. will find jobs working for foreign rivals. The demand for H-1B visas far exceeds the current cap of 85,000, demonstrating a need to modify this program. Phil Blair, Manpower YES: Every country needs skilled workers, at all levels, to grow its economy. We should take advantage of the opportunity these workers provide our employers who need these skills. It should be blended into our immigration policies allowing for both short and long term visas. Gary London, London Moeder Advisors YES: San Diego is a premiere example of how highly skilled workers from around the globe enrich a community and its regional economy. Of course Visa levels need to be increased. But let’s go further. Tie visas and immigration with a provision that those who are admitted and educated at a U.S. university be incentivized, or even required, to be employed in the U.S. in exchange for their admittance. Bob Rauch, R.A. Rauch & Associates NO: While attracting high-skilled immigrants can fill critical gaps in sectors like technology, health care and advanced manufacturing, increasing high-skilled immigration could displace American workers and drive down wages in certain industries. There are already many qualified American workers available for some of these jobs. We should balance the need for specialized skills with the impact on the domestic workforce. I believe we can begin to increase the number of visas after a careful review of abuse. Austin Neudecker, Weave Growth YES: We should expand skilled visas to drive innovation and economic growth. Individuals who perform high-skilled work in labor-restricted industries or graduate from respected colleges with relevant degrees should be prioritized for naturalization. We depend on immigration for GDP growth, tax revenue, research, and so much more. Despite the abhorrent rhetoric and curtailing of visas in the first term, I hope the incoming administration can be persuaded to enact positive changes to a clearly flawed system. Chris Van Gorder, Scripps Health YES: But it should be based upon need, not politics. There are several industries that have or could have skilled workforce shortages, especially if the next administration tightens immigration as promised and expected. Over the years, there have been nursing shortages that have been met partially by trained and skilled nurses from other countries. The physician shortage is expected to get worse in the years to come. So, this visa program may very well be needed. Jamie Moraga, Franklin Revere NO: While skilled immigration could boost our economy and competitiveness, the U.S. should prioritize developing our domestic workforce. Hiring foreign nationals in sensitive industries or government-related work, especially in advanced technology or defense, raises security concerns. A balanced approach could involve targeted increases in non-sensitive high-demand fields coupled with investment in domestic STEM education and training programs. This could address immediate needs while strengthening the long-term STEM capabilities of the American workforce. Not participating this week: Alan Gin, University of San DiegoHaney Hong, San Diego County Taxpayers AssociationRay Major, economist Have an idea for an Econometer question? Email me at phillip.molnar@sduniontribune.com . Follow me on Threads: @phillip020
With a focus on human rights, US policy toward Latin America under Jimmy Carter briefly tempered a long tradition of interventionism in a key sphere of American influence, analysts say. Carter, who died Sunday at the age of 100, defied the furor of US conservatives to negotiate the handover of the Panama Canal to Panamanian control, suspended aid to multiple authoritarian governments in the region, and even attempted to normalize relations with Cuba. Carter's resolve to chart a course toward democracy and diplomacy, however, was severely tested in Central America and Cuba, where he was forced to balance his human rights priorities with pressure from adversaries to combat the spread of communism amid the Cold War standoff with the Soviet Union. "Latin America was fundamental and his global policy was oriented toward human rights, democratic values and multilateral cooperation," political analyst Michael Shifter of the Inter-American Dialogue, a think tank in Washington, told AFP. During his 1977-1981 administration, which was sandwiched between the Republican presidencies of Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan, the Democrat sought to take a step back from US alignment with right-wing dictatorships in Latin America. An important symbol of Carter's approach was the signing of two treaties in 1977 to officially turn over the Panama Canal in 1999. "Jimmy Carter understood that if he did not return the canal to Panama, the relationship between the United States and Panama could lead to a new crisis in a country where Washington could not afford the luxury of instability," said Luis Guillermo Solis, a political scientist and former president of Costa Rica. Carter called the decision, which was wildly unpopular back home, "the most difficult political challenge I ever had," as he accepted Panama's highest honor in 2016. He also hailed the move as "a notable achievement of moving toward democracy and freedom." On Sunday, Panamanian President Jose Mulino praised Carter for helping his country achieve "full sovereignty." During his term, Carter opted not to support Nicaraguan strongman Anastasio Somoza, who was subsequently overthrown by the leftist Sandinista Front in 1979. But in El Salvador, the American president had to "make a very uncomfortable pact with the government," said Shifter. To prevent communists from taking power, Carter resumed US military assistance for a junta which then became more radical, engaging in civilian massacres and plunging El Salvador into a long civil war. Carter took a critical approach to South American dictatorships in Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Paraguay, suspending arms deliveries and imposing sanctions in some cases. But his efforts "did not achieve any progress in terms of democratization," said Argentine political scientist Rosendo Fraga. The American president also tried to normalize relations with Cuba 15 years after the missile crisis. He relaxed sanctions that had been in force since 1962, supported secret talks and enabled limited diplomatic representation in both countries. "With him, for the first time, the possibility of dialogue rather than confrontation as a framework for political relations opened up," Jesus Arboleya, a former Cuban diplomat, told AFP. But in 1980, a mass exodus of 125,000 Cubans to the United States, with Fidel Castro's blessing, created an unexpected crisis. It "hurt Carter politically with the swarm of unexpected immigrants," said Jennifer McCoy, a professor of political science at Georgia State University. Castro continued to support Soviet-backed African governments and even deployed troops against Washington's wishes, finally putting an end to the normalization process. However, more than 20 years later, Carter made a historic visit to Havana as ex-president, at the time becoming the highest-profile American politician to set foot on Cuban soil since 1959. During the 2002 visit, "he made a bold call for the US to lift its embargo, but he also called on Castro to embrace democratic opening," said McCoy, who was part of the US delegation for the trip, during which Castro encouraged Carter to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at a Cuban All-Star baseball game. "Castro was sitting in the front row and we were afraid he would rise to give a long rebuttal to Carter's speech. But he didn't. He just said, 'Let's go to the ball game.'" Cubans "will remember with gratitude his efforts to improve relations," the island's current leader Miguel Diaz-Canel said on Sunday. In the years following Carter's presidency, Ronald Reagan (1981-1989) would go on to resume a full-frontal confrontation with Cuba. Decades later, Barack Obama (2009-2017) opened a new phase of measured normalization, which Donald Trump (2017-2021) brought to an end. US President Joe Biden promised to review US policy toward Cuba, but hardened his stance after Havana cracked down on anti-government protests in 2021. "Carter showed that engagement and diplomacy are more fruitful than isolation," McCoy said. bur-lp-rd-jb/lbc/mlr/bfm/sst/bbk/nro/acb
High school football: Rice Lake surrenders lead, state title in Wisconsin Division 2 championship gameRinnai America Joins Forces with Homes For Our Troops to Aid Injured Veterans
Manufacturer marks Official Supplier status with 5 millionth tankless water heater donation and 50-year anniversary milestone PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. , Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rinnai America Corporation — manufacturer of a leading brand of tankless gas water heaters in North America — is proud to announce a landmark partnership with Homes For Our Troops (HFOT), a nonprofit organization dedicated to building and donating specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives. The new agreement makes Rinnai the Official Supplier of water heaters for new homes across the country through 2027. This exclusive collaboration strengthens both organizations' shared commitment to providing Veterans and their families with the resources they need to rebuild their lives after service. Also celebrating 50 years in North America , Rinnai marked the occasion by donating the 5 millionth tankless water heater manufactured at its state-of-the-art facility in Griffin, Georgia for a new home under construction in Texas . "Celebrating 50 years and reaching 5 million tankless water heaters sold in the North American market are significant milestones for us but knowing that our donation is helping a Veteran and their family start a new chapter in life is incredibly meaningful," said Frank Windsor , President, Rinnai America Corporation. "We are honored to help restore some of the freedom and independence to the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much defending our country. Our continued partnership with Homes For Our Troops is a powerful way for us to give back and deliver our brand promise of 'Creating a healthier way of living'." Since its inception in 2004, HFOT has built over 400 homes. Each specially adapted energy efficient home is designed to comfortably raise a family while limiting future expenses. Equipped with Rinnai's durable and highly energy efficient products, the homes constructed as part of this partnership will help reduce the families' long-term utility costs and serve as a safe and welcoming place to call home for years to come. "We are incredibly proud to extend our partnership with Rinnai. The company's passion for assisting Veterans and their families significantly helps us advance our mission of Building Homes and Rebuilding Lives for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans," said HFOT President/CEO, Brig. Gen., USA (Ret) Tom Landwermeyer . "These Veterans face enormous challenges, and through this partnership, we are also providing the comfort and convenience of a high-quality water heater to help create a home that promotes healing and independence." Army SGT Christopher Leverkuhn will receive the 5 millionth product, a SENSEI ® RX Series, for his home currently under construction in Kerrville, Texas . The most advanced condensing tankless water heater on the market, it sets the standard for efficiency at 0.98 UEF and creates a healthier way of living by delivering the ultimate in comfort, smart design and unlimited hot water. Over the next three years, Rinnai will donate appropriate products with features ideal for the hot water demands of each Veterans' home. Many will receive Rinnai's newest condensing tankless water heater, the SENSEI RXP. This product comes equipped with a built-in recirculation pump to deliver faster hot water to the faucet. Rinnai will also provide its RWM200 WiFi module, which can be used with the Rinnai Central TM app to control temperature and recirculation patterns. Veterans may also receive Rinnai's new electric heat pump water heater , one of the most sustainable electric water heating solutions available, meeting highest efficiency standards while reducing energy usage and costs. The agreement highlights the growing commitment of the sustainable manufacturer's corporate responsibility and charitable giving in addressing the needs of Veterans and their families. In addition to HFOT, Rinnai partners with Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of military members who have fallen or been disabled while serving in the United States Armed Forces. These organizations prove that partnerships can lead to lasting change and help those who have given so much for their country. About Homes For Our Troops: Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) is a publicly funded 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives. Most of these Veterans have sustained injuries including multiple limb amputations, partial or full paralysis, and/or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). These homes restore some of the freedom and independence our Veterans sacrificed while defending our country, and enable them to focus on their family, recovery, and rebuilding their lives. Since its inception in 2004, nearly 90 cents of every dollar spent has gone to our program services for Veterans. HFOT builds these homes where the veteran chooses to live and continues its relationship with the Veterans after home delivery to assist them with rebuilding their lives. www.hfotusa.org . About Rinnai: Rinnai America Corporation, a subsidiary of Rinnai Corporation in Nagoya, Japan , was established in 1974 and is headquartered in Peachtree City, Georgia . Rinnai Corporation manufactures gas appliances, including tankless water heaters, a wide range of kitchen appliances, and heating and air conditioning units. As the technology leader in its industry, Rinnai is the largest gas appliance manufacturer in Japan and is the No. 1 selling brand of tankless gas water heaters in the United States and Canada . Annual corporate revenues, including those of its subsidiaries, are in excess of $3.3 billion . With a global perspective to create 21st-century products for the home and business, Rinnai Corporation commits itself to safety and Creating a healthier way of living ® . For more information about Rinnai's entire product line, visit www.rinnai.us . Copyright 2024. All rights reserved. Rinnai ® and Creating a healthier way of living ® are the registered trademarks of Rinnai Corporation used under license by Rinnai America Corporation. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rinnai-america-joins-forces-with-homes-for-our-troops-to-aid-injured-veterans-302336611.html SOURCE Rinnai America CorporationNFL Christmas games on Netflix set streaming records
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With Easter Sunday falling on April 20 next year, customers shared their confusion on social media after finding chocolate eggs and hot cross buns already for sale in shops including Morrisons, Tesco and Asda. One user, @Jingle1991, shared an image of Malteser Bunnies in Sainsbury’s on Christmas Eve and pointed out: “Jesus hasn’t even been born yet.” Meanwhile, Gary Evans from Margate shared a shot of Creme Eggs on display in Morrisons in Margate on Boxing Day. “I just think its crazy that everything is so superficial and meaninglessly commercial... (there’s) something quite frantic about it,” the 66-year-old told the PA news agency. Joseph Robinson found Easter confectionary including Cadbury Mini Eggs, and themed Kit-Kat and Kinder Surprise products at his local Morrisons in Stoke-on-Trent on Friday evening. “It’s funny, as they’ve not even managed to shift the Christmas chocolates off the shelves yet and they’re already stocking for Easter,” the 35-year-old admin support worker told PA. “I wish that Supermarkets weren’t so blatantly consumerist-driven and would actually allow customers and staff a time to decompress during the Christmas period.” Asked if he was tempted to make a purchase, Mr Robinson added: “As a vegan it holds no appeal to me!” Mike Chalmers, a devout Christian from Chippenham, Wiltshire, was slightly less critical after spotting a display entitled: “Celebrate this Easter with Cadbury.” “Christmas and Easter are the two centrepoints of the Christian good news story so it’s no bad thing to see the connections,” the 44-year-old said. “It’s about more than shapes of chocolate though!” Marketing consultant Andrew Wallis admitted he was surprised to see Easter eggs in the Co-op in Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire, but added it also illustrates “forward-thinking” from big businesses. “It made me reflect on how big brands are always thinking ahead and planning early,” the 54-year-old from the Isle of Man, who provides marketing advice to the fitness industry, told PA. “My message to retailers would be: while planning ahead is important, it’s also essential to be mindful of consumer sentiment. “Some might feel it’s too early for seasonal products like this but others might see it as a sign of forward-thinking. “Striking the right balance is key to keeping customers happy.”The press freedom group Reporters Without Borders is urging Apple to remove its newly introduced artificial intelligence feature that summarizes news stories after it produced a false headline from the BBC. The backlash comes after a push notification created by Apple Intelligence and sent to users last week falsely summarized a BBC report that Luigi Mangione, the suspect behind the killing of the UnitedHealthcare chief executive, had shot himself. The BBC reported it had contacted Apple about the feature “to raise this concern and fix the problem,” but it could not confirm if the iPhone maker had responded to its complaint. On Wednesday, Reporters Without Borders technology and journalism desk chief Vincent Berthier called on Apple “to act responsibly by removing this feature.” “A.I.s are probability machines, and facts can’t be decided by a roll of the dice,” Berthier said in a statement . “The automated production of false information attributed to a media outlet is a blow to the outlet’s credibility and a danger to the public’s right to reliable information on current affairs.” More broadly, the journalist body said it is “very concerned about the risks posed to media outlets by new A.I. tools, noting that the incident emphasizes how A.I. remains “too immature to produce reliable information for the public, and should not be allowed on the market for such uses.” “The probabilistic way in which A.I. systems operate automatically disqualifies them as a reliable technology for news media that can be used in solutions aimed at the general public,” RSF said in a statement. In response to the concerns, the BBC said in a statement, “it is essential to us that our audiences can trust any information or journalism published in our name and that includes notifications.” Apple did not respond to a request for comment. Apple introduced its generative-AI tool in the US in June , touting the feature’s ability to summarize specific content “in the form of a digestible paragraph, bulleted key points, a table, or a list.” To streamline news media diets, Apple allows users across its iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices to group notifications, producing a list of news items in a single push alert. Since the AI feature was launched to the public in late October, users have shared that it also erroneously summarized a New York Times story , claiming that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had been arrested. In reality, the International Criminal Court had published a warrant for Netanyahu’s arrest, but readers scrolling their home screens only saw two words: “Netanyahu arrested.” The challenge with the Apple Intelligence incident stems from news outlets’ lack of agency. While some publishers have opted to use AI to assist in authoring articles, the decision is theirs. But Apple Intelligence’s summaries, which are opt-in by the user, still present the synopses under the publisher’s banner. In addition to circulating potentially dangerous misinformation, the errors also risk damaging outlets’ credibility. Apple’s AI troubles are only the latest as news publishers struggle to navigate seismic changes wrought by the budding technology. Since ChatGPT’s launch just over two years ago, several tech giants have launched their own large-language models, many of which have been accused of training their chatbots using copyrighted content, including news reports. While some outlets, including The New York Times, have filed lawsuits over the technology’s alleged scaping of content, others — like Axel Springer, whose news brands include Politico, Business Insider, Bild and Welt — have inked licensing agreements with the developers.ABU DHABI , UAE , Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ADGM, the leading international financial centre of Abu Dhabi and a globally recognised hub for asset and wealth management unveiled nineteen major announcements from global financial institutions during the third edition of ADFW. These represent almost USD 635 billion in assets under management (AUM) and follow other Q4 announcements from the world's largest asset managers, BlackRock, PGIM, and Nuveen, which have also been set up in ADGM. This remarkable increase, from USD 450 billion to USD 635 billion , within a year has reinforced the centre's reputation as the region's fastest-growing and one of the world's most dynamic jurisdictions for asset management. This growth has been further bolstered by the establishment of billionaire-led family offices, including those of British businessman Asif Aziz , prominent philanthropist and financial strategist Wafic Said , and Singaporean entrepreneur and real estate leader Kishin RK, underscoring the centre's growing appeal as a global wealth management hub. Commenting on Abu Dhabi and ADGM's continued momentum, H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi , Member of Abu Dhabi's Executive Council & Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and ADGM said, "These milestones reflect the heart of what makes Abu Dhabi so special—a shared vision of progress, partnership, and possibility. The growing number of global financial leaders and innovators choosing ADGM is a testament to the trust they place in our infrastructure, robust regulations, commitment to excellence and Abu Dhabi's reputation as the world's safest and most dynamic jurisdiction for asset and wealth management. As we welcome these new partnerships, we remain dedicated to driving the growth and diversification of the 'Falcon Economy' and creating opportunities that resonate across industries and borders. It's an exciting moment for ADGM, Abu Dhabi , and all those who are part of this remarkable journey." Larry Fink , Chairman and CEO of Blackrock praised Abu Dhabi commenting, "It's been a long journey watching how Abu Dhabi has matured as an economy. The constant innovation that I'm seeing from the economy and from the leadership. And Abu Dhabi has really positioned itself to become a leader over the next 20 years. Its psychology was different, and now it's blossoming into this magnet of opportunity. With that strength, it is now becoming a foundation for innovation." "We see a real burgeoning of entrepreneurship happening in the region and believe that the Middle East is the next big entrepreneurial hot spot. We've watched this happen before and always had our eye out on areas emerging in terms of entrepreneurship," said Bill Ford , Chairman & CEO of General Atlantic , during the second day of ADFW. Sir Paul Marshall , Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of Marshall Wace said, " Abu Dhabi is such a great place. Abu Dhabi is absolutely nailing it. It's a very attractive place." Confirming their establishment in ADGM during ADFW were leading private equity firms General Atlantic, Lone Star Funds, and Investindustrial along with private credit giants Golub Capital and Polen Capital, insurance manager – Eldridge as well as leading global equity management company, Carta and hedge fund Marshall Wace . This recent wave of commitments from global financial institutions signifies ADGM's leadership in attracting the world's foremost investment firms. Reflecting this confidence and growth, billionaire-led family offices have also been drawn to ADGM, recognising it as a trusted hub for managing and growing wealth. Asif Aziz , Founder and CEO of Criterion Capital commented, " Abu Dhabi's transformation into a global financial powerhouse makes it an ideal base for our operations. ADGM's world-class infrastructure and strategic location provide unparalleled opportunities to forge partnerships that align with our growth ambitions across the UAE and beyond." Building on its role as a leading destination for global investors and asset managers, ADGM is also redefining financial innovation by advancing its digital ecosystem. A cornerstone of this effort was the launch of Finstreet, a first-of-its-kind international securities market and an ecosystem for private securities, which exemplifies ADGM's commitment to integrating cutting-edge digital solutions with its robust financial infrastructure. The week also saw a new funding round for Themis and the entry of international digital pioneers Zodia Markets, Polygon Labs, FJ Labs, Aptos Digital, Chainlinks, Astra Tech and Themis, further solidifying the Emirate's reputation as a global innovation hub. Meanwhile, FinTech Astra Tech's Quantix announcement of a landmark USD 500 million financing from Citigroup, among the largest provided to a UAE FinTech company to date, to expand its CashNow consumer lending platform. Additionally, Themis—renowned for its advanced financial crime prevention technologies—is further reinforcing ADGM's position as a hub for the next generation of financial technologies, secured over USD 9.75 million in scale-up funding, building on its success in partnerships with global leaders, including ADGM underscoring its role in advancing financial crime prevention in innovative regulatory environments. The market announcements were released during the third edition of ADFW held under the theme "Welcome to the Capital of Capital," which gathered more than 20,000 leaders and executives from across the financial services industry, which collectively represented more than USD 42 trillion in assets under management. This wave of newcomers ADFW underscores Abu Dhabi's position as a global financial powerhouse and ADGM's role as a catalyst for economic diversification, attracting top-tier talent, cutting-edge technologies, and transformative investments that are shaping the emirate's future. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2550581/5010772/ADGM_Logo.jpg View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aum-of-usd-635-billion-at-adfw-caps-stellar-q4-as-trillion-dollar-club-flock-to-adgm-302336607.html SOURCE ADGM
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