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The chief technology officer at Foot Locker, Butler brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across all areas of technology to the Board NORFOLK, Va. , Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- PRA Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: PRAA), a global leader in acquiring and collecting nonperforming loans, announced today that Adrian Butler has been elected as an independent director of the company, effective January 1, 2025 . Butler is the chief technology officer (CTO) of Foot Locker, Inc., a leading global footwear and apparel retailer with approximately 2,450 retail stores in 26 countries across North America , Europe , Asia , Australia and New Zealand , and a licensed store presence in the Middle East and Asia . As Foot Locker's CTO, Butler is responsible for driving technology strategy, innovation and delivery across their digital, data and analytics, supply chain/merchandising and omni-channel experiences. Prior to this role, he was chief information officer at Casey's General Stores, Inc., and senior vice president of information technology and chief information officer at Dine Brands Global, Inc., the parent company of Applebee's and IHOP restaurants. He also served as vice president in the technology services division at Target Corporation. In addition to serving on boards such as Potbelly Corporation and Grambling University Foundation, his alma mater, Butler is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions, including Los Angeles Business Journal's CIO of the Year, CIO Magazine's CIO 100, Computerworld's Premier 100 IT Leaders, Board Prospects' 50 Military Veteran Board Members Making a Difference and the 500 Most Powerful Business Leaders in Dallas-Fort Worth . "We are thrilled to welcome Adrian to the Board," said Steve Fredrickson, PRA Group Board chairman. "Adrian is an experienced public company board member and business leader with demonstrated success driving technology innovations to transform large global organizations across multiple industries after serving as captain in the United States Air Force. His business and technology insights and expertise will be invaluable to the Board and management as we continue to advance our IT strategy and preparedness in support of initiatives that drive profitable growth." "I am honored to join the talented Board at PRA Group as a strategic business partner and contribute my experience to support its continued growth and success around the globe," said Butler. About PRA Group As a global leader in acquiring and collecting nonperforming loans, PRA Group, Inc. returns capital to banks and other creditors to help expand financial services for consumers in the Americas, Europe and Australia . With thousands of employees worldwide, PRA Group companies collaborate with customers to help them resolve their debt. For more information, please visit www.pragroup.com . News Media Contact: Elizabeth Kersey Senior Vice President, Communications and Public Policy (757) 641-0558 Elizabeth.Kersey@PRAGroup.com Investor Contact: Najim Mostamand , CFA Vice President, Investor Relations (757) 431-7913 IR@PRAGroup.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/adrian-butler-elected-to-pra-group-board-of-directors-302334284.html SOURCE PRA Group, Inc.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Republican senators pushed back on Sunday against criticism from Democrats that Tulsi Gabbard , Donald Trump's pick to lead U.S. intelligence services , is “compromised” by her comments supportive of Russia and secret meetings , as a congresswoman, with Syria’s president, a close ally of the Kremlin and Iran. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, an Illinois Democrat and veteran of combat missions in Iraq, said she had concerns about Tulsi Gabbard, Trump's choice to be director of national intelligence . “I think she’s compromised," Duckworth said on CNN’s “State of the Union," citing Gabbard's 2017 trip to Syria, where she held talks with Syrian President Bashar Assad. Gabbard was a Democratic House member from Hawaii at the time. “The U.S. intelligence community has identified her as having troubling relationships with America’s foes. And so my worry is that she couldn’t pass a background check,” Duckworth said. Gabbard, who said last month she is joining the Republican Party, has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades. She was deployed to Iraq and Kuwait and, according to the Hawaii National Guard, received a Combat Medical Badge in 2005 for “participation in combat operations under enemy hostile fire in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III." Duckworth's comments drew immediate backlash from Republicans. “For her to say ridiculous and outright dangerous words like that is wrong," Sen. Markwayne Mullin, a Republican from Oklahoma, said on CNN, challenging Duckworth to retract her words. “That’s the most dangerous thing she could say — is that a United States lieutenant colonel in the United States Army is compromised and is an asset of Russia.” In recent days, other Democrats have accused Gabbard without evidence of being a “Russian asset.” Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat, has claimed, without offering details, that Gabbard is in Russian President Vladimir “Putin’s pocket.” Mullin and others say the criticism from Democrats is rooted in the fact that Gabbard left their party and has become a Trump ally. Democrats say they worry that Gabbard's selection as national intelligence chief endangers ties with allies and gives Russia a win. Rep. Adam Schiff, a California Democrat just elected to the Senate, said he would not describe Gabbard as a Russian asset, but said she had “very questionable judgment.” “The problem is if our foreign allies don’t trust the head of our intelligence agencies, they’ll stop sharing information with us,” Schiff said on NBC's “Meet the Press.” Gabbard in 2022 endorsed one of Russia’s justifications for invading Ukraine : the existence of dozens of U.S.-funded biolabs working on some of the world’s nastiest pathogens. The labs are part of an international effort to control outbreaks and stop bioweapons, but Moscow claimed Ukraine was using them to create deadly bioweapons. Gabbard said she just voiced concerns about protecting the labs. Gabbard also has suggested that Russia had legitimate security concerns in deciding to invade Ukraine, given its desire to join NATO. Republican Sen. Eric Schmitt of Missouri said he thought it was “totally ridiculous” that Gabbard was being cast as a Russian asset for having different political views. “It’s insulting. It’s a slur, quite frankly. There’s no evidence that she’s a asset of another country,” he said on NBC. Sen. James Lankford, another Oklahoma Republican, acknowledged having “lots of questions” for Gabbard as the Senate considers her nomination to lead the intelligence services. Lankford said on NBC that he wants to ask Gabbard about her meeting with Assad and some of her past comments about Russia. “We want to know what the purpose was and what the direction for that was. As a member of Congress, we want to get a chance to talk about past comments that she’s made and get them into full context,” Lankford said.I’ve gotten to spend some time getting to know Canon’s newest flagship camera, the Canon EOS R1. And I’ve got thoughts. The term “flagship” is an interesting one. Taking its name from the ship chosen to lead a nautical mission, in terms of cameras, a “flagship” is usually the embodiment of the absolute best technology a company has to offer. In the DSLR days, “flagship” cameras were always really easy to tell apart from the rest of the line. Usually larger bodies. Often built-in battery grips. The best in weather sealing. The best autofocus. And the absolute best feature set available anywhere in the line. To get these features, users would pay a premium. But that premium was well worth it, as the features provided by a flagship camera were simply not available in any other form. But in the age of mirrorless, is that still the case? I’ll get back to that question in a moment. But first, let's get to the particular flagship that you came here to read about. The is technically the first true mirrorless flagship in the line. The company has produced numerous mirrorless cameras in recent years. I owned the original and now own an . The company released an . I have not used that camera, but, according to those who have, it has a lot in common with the R1, either as a predecessor or as a viable alternative, depending on the user. As I said, I haven’t used that camera, so I will leave that discussion to you in the comments. I have also not yet used the . Interestingly enough, the first “flagship” camera I ever owned was the Nikon . I’m not going to spend too much time comparing flagship to flagship in this article. Rather, I tell you all this because my experience will no doubt shape my opinion of the camera. So, what was my experience? Well, right out of the box, one word immediately comes to mind: speed. The R1 is blisteringly fast. That word applies to both the still photography burst speed of 40 fps in raw as well as the lightning-fast autofocus. It’s easily one of the best autofocus systems I’ve ever had the chance to use. Without making any adjustments aside from setting it to auto-detect subjects and scan the whole frame, the camera pretty much never missed a shot. Within ten minutes of opening the box, I had the camera out to track the most demanding of subjects: my dog Archbald (a.k.a. The Rocket), as he sprinted around the backyard as if training for the Olympics. Now, you don’t spend north of $6,000 to take pictures of your pet, so we’ll get to more prestigious subjects in a bit. But one thing I found most impressive in the base autofocus mode was how quickly it latched onto a subject. Even when the dog ran behind the garage and popped out from behind trash cans, the R1 was able to grab focus right away while the subject was already at top speed. In other words, the time between seeing something, raising the camera to your eye, and it being in focus is essentially non-existent. Predict this forward to needing to capture a running back breaking through a hole, and you can see why this camera’s autofocus is the first thing worth mentioning. Add to this some unique features that the camera offers, and you have an autofocus system that really is ahead of the curve. For instance, assuming you are using this camera to shoot human sports and not just an energetic animal, the camera is the first I’ve seen that offers sport-specific detection modes. So, if your subjects are playing soccer, basketball, or volleyball, the camera already knows common movements of the sport. If shooting soccer, for example, you can throw the camera into that mode, follow the action, and the autofocus will automatically jump back and forth between what you likely want in focus based on common actions associated with soccer. But they didn’t stop there. The camera also allows you to register specific faces. What does that mean? Well, let’s say the 1997 Chicago Bulls all came out of retirement and played a pickup game. You’ve got Michael, Scottie, Rodman, and Steve Kerr. Even Toni Kukoc is making an appearance. But let’s face it: we really just want a shot of MJ. So, you could essentially take a shot of Michael Jordan, register his face in the camera as your priority, and then track him around the court. Regardless of what happens in front of or behind him, the R1’s focus will now stick to Michael all game long (or until you disable it). Now, let’s say Michael goes out of the game for a rest or isn’t in that particular frame. You can register multiple faces and prioritize who is most important. So, if Mike’s not in the frame, it may start looking for Scottie, for example. This seems like the makings of an SNL sketch about teammates being jealous of whoever is higher on the R1’s priority list. But in practice, this is an incredibly helpful tool. Okay, I’ve started with the camera’s key strength: its autofocus system. But let’s face it, there is one really big elephant sitting in the corner of the room that we simply have to discuss. In a market where the competitors’ flagships all have 45 MP plus, the R1 has a 24 MP sensor. It’s a fast sensor. It’s an amazing sensor. But math is math, and 24 is less than 45. I’m of two minds about this. I mentioned earlier that the Nikon Z9 was the first “flagship” I ever owned. That’s not because I haven’t been a professional photographer for 20 years. That’s because the type of clients that I have tend to prioritize megapixels due to how the key art images I create for them will be printed large and cropped in multiple variations. I am not a photojournalist, so the majority of my work is for billboards, store displays, etc., as opposed to publication. In other words, they prioritize printing size options over speed. I mention that because the R1 isn’t really aimed at photographers like me. Instead, it is laser-focused on photojournalists, like sports photographers, and the highly demanding environments in which they work. So, while the 24 MP sensor would be an issue for my own work, it is actually a positive for those this camera is aimed at. 24 MP is more than enough for publication and editorial purposes. And, while I am no engineer, it feels safe to say that many of the R1's groundbreaking abilities in terms of speed are aided by the fact that it is not trying to do those magic tricks at a higher megapixel count. Far more important than megapixels is that hyper-speed 4,897-point autofocus system I discussed in the previous section. Far more important to a photojournalist is the fact that the camera is built like a tank. Awesome weather sealing allows this camera to be used game in and game out, regardless of whether that game is in Hawaii during the summer or Buffalo during the winter. The camera even upgrades its hot shoe port cover game to be more weather-resistant with a new contraption I’m hoping other brands start to copy. Features like the built-in Ethernet port allow photojournalists to quickly transfer files to their editors over a LAN connection at the speed of the news. And, in the case of photojournalists, the smaller file size also means faster transfer speeds. The camera does offer another unique feature, which is AI upscaling in-camera. So, you do have the power to upscale your 24 MP images up to as high as 96 MP in-camera through the magic of artificial intelligence. This is actually better, in my opinion, than something like pixel shift because it doesn’t require a perfectly still camera and subject to function. The feature is, however, only available with JPGs. Yet, still, this is a realistic option for journalists who want to uprez right on the spot, then transfer the higher resolution images to their clients right from the field. I’ve already mentioned that the R1 is built tough. The tall body with the built-in grip is sturdy, and you won’t have to worry about it standing up to difficult environments. Interestingly enough, despite its size, the camera body itself feels surprisingly light. I didn’t take it apart—it is just a loaner unit I have, after all—but whatever is happening inside the body must not take up too much space because the camera feels super light in hand. I was in the unusual position of having five different camera bodies to choose from during the time I had to review the R1 and found myself reaching for it on many occasions. Mostly because the R1 was the best combination of speed, stability, and weight for many of my purposes. Like other Canon bodies, the R1 has a fully articulating LCD screen, which comes in handy if you need to get in front of the camera yourself. Opinions are divided between those who like a flippy screen and those who prefer their LCD to go straight back and stay in line with the lens. I kind of like owning one of each. When I’m working in earnest, I do prefer the LCD to be in line with the lens. But having it flip out to the side does offer benefits, especially when doing a lot of these camera tests. It’s just a matter of what works best for you. Actually, I really like the way Sony has been doing LCDs lately, where you have the option to either flip straight back or flip all the way around. I’m hoping the industry as a whole will adopt this model in the future. One autofocus feature I didn’t mention is that the camera is capable of eye control autofocus. This is a really cool technology where, after you take a moment to calibrate the system, the EVF is able to track your eye to see where you are looking and shift autofocus accordingly. This takes some getting used to, and I did not have enough time to truly master it. But I did take the time to calibrate it and set it up. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting it to work. I don’t always have the best luck with cutting-edge tech. But the little tracking ball was spot-on with my eye, and it’s clear that this feature has the potential to give Canon a leg up on the competition. For me, however, the main benefit of having eye control is that I imagine it inspired the company to give the R1 such a massive EVF. The viewfinder has incredible detail with a 9.44-million-dot EVF, but I’m especially referring to the physical size of the eyepiece itself. On a practical level, it is simply one of the most comfortable EVFs I’ve ever looked through—especially since I wear glasses. Again, this is a little touch that is sure to be loved by photojournalists who have to spend an entire game with an eye pressed to their camera day after day. The EVF also has optional blackout-free shooting. The camera has a stacked sensor and can be shot with either an electronic or mechanical shutter. When combined with an RF lens, the camera is capable of up to a whopping 8.5 stops of image stabilization. I really like that the camera can flash sync up to 1/320th. That’s much better than the 1/200th you find on most mirrorless cameras. It can apparently go up to 1/400th if using a Canon-built flash (I could only test with third-party options). This could be a major benefit in the field for a variety of shooting scenarios. As an owner of an R5C, I would like to personally thank Canon for finally putting a full-sized HDMI on the R1. If you aren’t a video shooter, you have no idea how big an improvement this is. If you, like me, have left a long trail of broken micro HDMI cables and ports in your wake, you’ll be sending Canon an extra-large cookie basket this holiday season. I also like that Canon has the multifunction hot shoe, which allows for additional wireless add-ons that can help build out the camera, such as sound recording options, in addition to traditional flash. Of course, that’s getting into the realm of video. So, should we go there next? Sure, let’s do it. The R1 is a really great B cam if you are using a Canon mirrorless system like the R5 II or R5C as an A cam. It could also be a great A cam. But Canon has thrown a few wrinkles in, which have me scratching my head. The good news is that those wrinkles are mostly very easily fixed with a firmware update. The additional good news is that there is still plenty here to be happy about. Top on that list for most people will be that the R1 can record in 6K 60 fps in 12-bit Canon raw video as well as 10-bit XF-AVC S, XF-HEVC S, and MP4 up to 4:2:2. A very usable range for all different types of filmmakers. My favorite feature, aside from the full-sized HDMI, is that the R1 allows you to shoot with C-Log 2. If you don’t know, C-Log 2 is widely considered superior to C-Log 3. My R5C can shoot raw video that you can debayer as C-Log 2 in post. But the R1 allows you to shoot natively in C-Log 2 both in the raw format as well as the other formats. This offers massive upgrades for professional workflows. Another of my favorite things—which is oddly the most frustrating—is that this camera offers false color! Yes!!! I love false color for checking exposure and have it mapped to a custom function button on my R5C so that I can toggle it on and off before every take. The R1 also allows you to toggle it on and off before every shot. There’s only one little oddity that I can’t seem to make sense of. You can’t use the false color if your R1 is set to View Assist. View Assist allows you to view your log recording as “normal” on the LCD screen with the technical LUT applied, giving you a more pleasing viewing experience and a better idea of what contrast will look like in your image. So, generally, I’m going to want that on all the time. But, for some reason, with the R1, you have to actively turn off View Assist before you can turn on false color. Then, once you’ve looked at the false color, you have to go back into the menu to turn View Assist back on. Then, for the next take, you have to repeat this four-step process (turn off View Assist, turn on false color, turn off false color, turn on View Assist). On the R5C, for instance, I can just live in View Assist and still toggle the false color on or off at will with a custom function button. But instead of it being one toggle, it's an entire process with the R1. It may not seem like a big thing, but for a camera whose biggest asset is its speed of operation, this seems like an unnecessary slowdown to the process. I asked Canon about this, and hopefully, they can easily fix this in the next firmware update. For now, it's probably one of my least favorite things about the camera. Also, adding to the list of things I’d love to see in the next version of the firmware is the option for a waveform. At the moment, the camera has a histogram, but no waveform option. I’m 100% sure that Canon can fix the waveform and False Color/View Assist issues in a firmware update, so these are hardly fatal flaws. In fact, the mere existence of false color at all puts the R1 ahead of many other flagships on the market. They are almost there—just give me that firmware 2.0. Lest you think I’m down on the video options, that is not the case. In fact, I absolutely love the camera’s 6K implementation. I’m personally partial to 6K as a recording format. It doesn’t waste as much memory space as recording in 8K, yet still provides enough added resolution for finishing projects in 4K. With that said, it would be great to have some 4K and 2K options for shooting raw video at the full width of the sensor, or some 6K XF-AVC options. Instead, if you want to shoot 6K, you are limited to the raw video format. That’s not a big problem for me, as I prefer the raw video format, but it is something to be aware of. Or, if you prefer to shoot in XF-AVC S, you will be limited to 4K. The camera also performs a nice little trick of being able to record audio even when shooting at high frame rates. Speaking of audio, the camera is able to record four tracks of 24-bit audio, which is a big step up for those needing solid in-camera audio for their projects. The camera also sports two CFexpress Type B slots for fast recording. In both video and stills, it affords you a pre-record option so that you can be sure not to miss the critical moment in a scene. And users can also shoot both stills and motion simultaneously (with video limited to 1920x1080). This might come in handy for photojournalists pulling double duty in the field. Unlike some competitors, the camera also allows you to utilize in camera LUTs. Again, if your workflow includes an overall show LUT that you want to preview beforehand (or bake in in the case of XAVC S files), this is a crucial option and a nice addition. The camera offers a true 24fps workflow for video creation (as opposed to only 23.98). A big plus for users who will use this camera alongside more traditional cinema bodies. As far as I’ve been able to tell, there is no anamorphic desqueeze in camera as of yet. But, this too, could be added via firmware at a later date. The only thing I wish was on the camera that can’t be fixed via firmware is that it is missing a timecode port. I won’t say “missing” because none of the other flagships on the market have one either. But, selfishly, I wish there was a timecode port where the manual flash sync port is. I know I’m spoiled, but I haven’t used a manual flash sync port for a very long time now whereas I use timecode every day. Then, again, this camera isn’t built for me alone. And, I’m sure there are many folks reading this article that do still physically tether to your flashes in the field. So, like I said, wishing for a timecode port on the R1 is simply me being selfish. I apologize. As I mentioned earlier, I am not a sports journalist. I’m not someone who shoots from the sidelines at NFL games or the Olympics, which I believe is exactly the target demographic for the . But I do shoot athletes for a living, just under controlled environments. So, I brought in a friend of mine who used to run track and field and put the camera and its autofocus to the test with the fastest human in my Rolodex. So far, I’ve been rattling off a mountain of statistics about the camera, but none of those specs amount to a hill of beans if they don’t work in the field. Right off the bat, I can tell you that, unsurprisingly, the camera can capture a beautiful image. Canon claims 16 stops of dynamic range, which would be more than the C500. As always, Canon has great color science. I’m not a spray-and-pray kind of guy, but I did run an initial test just to see how sticky the autofocus was and how fast the camera could shoot. So I had my friend, a former sprinter, take off on the track coming toward me. I held down the AF button, letting the camera determine the subject it was looking at, then pressed the shutter button and just let it run until either she or the camera ran out. She finished her sprint (~100ish meters) long before the camera ran out of buffer. Flashing forward a bit, when I got home to look at the images in Capture One, every one of them was in focus. That particular burst of shots was well into the hundreds. So, it's safe to say that any concerns about the camera’s autofocus were laid to bed. But I assumed that. So back on set, I went about testing which of the camera’s specs actually mattered to my own workflow. The autofocus was definitely something that was beneficial. The camera’s form factor was also helpful. I’ve spent so much of my career shooting with smaller bodies that now, when presented with a built-in battery grip camera, I tend to still turn my wrist vertically rather than rotating the camera to take advantage of the second grip. But I did find that the ergonomics of this camera make for a nice hold. There’s a second on/off switch on the built-in grip to keep you from accidentally triggering the shutter during traditional shooting. I did keep forgetting to turn it on when I wanted to shoot with the vertical grip, but that’s something I would easily get used to, and I did enjoy using that to capture a handful of vertical frames. something I would easily get used to and I did enjoy using that to capture a handful of vertical frames. Even with a or , the camera didn’t feel particularly heavy and was easy to handhold. The camera’s speed also makes it very easy to overshoot. Thankfully, the body has a dedicated drive mode on the upper left to allow you to switch between burst levels (high, normal, single shot, etc.). I definitely put that to use during the shoot. While doing my sprinting test, I wanted as many shots as possible. When just looking to capture a single image, I found it hard to only shoot a single frame with high-speed mode turned on (as you might imagine). So, I regularly switched into single-shot mode when I wanted to be more deliberate. I used the electronic shutter for the entire shoot. I wanted to see the camera’s flash sync speed, as the 1/320th is an improvement over many cameras. Flash worked well with my Profoto system and delivered what I needed. I also created a short film with the camera. I wanted to test autofocus performance in video, the 6K Canon raw video, and overall performance. I am not someone who uses slow motion a great deal, but I specifically worked that into the shot list to see how the 6K/60 fps would perform. The process was very simple, and the images looked great. As someone who is used to shooting with cinema cameras and even Canon’s own cinema hybrid, the R5C, I do wish the R1 had an option for shutter angle. It’s not the end of the world, but not having to remember to change shutter speed when changing frame rates would be a plus in the efficiency category. And I promise I won’t go off on another tangent, but not being able to quickly switch between false color and the view assist was a real drag. We ended up getting behind schedule, and I needed to shoot at hyperspeed. Not enough time to keep going back and forth with every new setup. So, I ended up shooting without view assist the whole time so that I could more quickly access false color. I still got a sense of my framing and knew I had the exposure right at least mathematically, but I would love to more easily toggle the view assist on and off for the sake of speed. Okay, mini-rant over. The autofocus in video was just as sticky as it was in stills. This camera also has the added function, as do all Canon cinema cameras, of being able to prioritize faces in autofocus. That means that when your subject leaves the frame, the camera doesn’t just automatically switch to the background. This can be a big plus if you are filming a scene and want the camera to only shift focus when dealing with a human subject. The camera makes for a nice compact package for capturing video in the field. Bringing the footage into DaVinci Resolve, I found the files easy to work with and malleable. There wasn’t an excessive amount of noise in the image, except for one clip that I, for some reason, completely underexposed. But that was my problem, not the camera’s. I did find that because I relied solely on false color as opposed to previewing with live assist, most clips needed a bit of tinkering exposure-wise on my end. But with the raw video adjustments, normalizing everything was a breeze. The same goes for making some color temperature adjustments across the project and correcting any small inconsistencies on set. In fact, I made a point of really pushing the footage in Resolve to see how far I could go before it broke. Happy to report that the Canon raw video files had a great deal of creative latitude and could really stand up to a lot of alterations. All in all, the R1 does exactly what you want it to do in the field. The autofocus in video and stills is spot-on. The body ergonomics allow for fast operation. The handful of quirks I’ve mentioned can all be solved with minor firmware tweaks. And the camera spits out a beautiful image. I realize this is a long review, but in many ways, that's a compliment to the R1. There’s a lot to talk about, as Canon is clearly trying to innovate in this space—especially in terms of autofocus options. I guess the ultimate question of whether this camera is right for you is one that only you can answer. Obviously, there are two main decision points that I think will help guide your decision. First, and most obvious, this is a 24 MP camera. Is that enough for your clients or not? Because I have been shooting with 45 MP+ cameras for about a decade, I definitely noticed the difference when editing in my normal workflow. I’m a cropper. So, even on images that aren’t going to be printed on the sides of buses, I want to have the maximum number of cropping options while still maintaining resolution. But, just as important, aside from me working with the files in post, once completed and posted online or on social media, the vast majority of the audience won’t be able to tell—or care—what the original image resolution was. Even the cropped ones. So unless you really want to blow these images up for huge prints, I don’t think the 24 MP is going to be a real issue for most photographers. Especially, again, for the photographers this camera is aimed at: photojournalists and sports/action shooters. The second consideration, of course, is the price. The R1 currently retails for $6,299. That’s right around the range that Canon “flagship” cameras have traditionally sold for. And this is, by far, the most advanced “flagship” they’ve ever produced in terms of its capabilities. When compared to other cameras in the Canon line, like the R3 and the R5 II, the R1 is clearly the fastest. It’s also the most expensive. So what you are really paying for with the R1 is the speed and dependability. If your profession prioritizes those aspects over megapixels and your budget allows—or demands—the best, the R1 makes a lot of sense. I’ll save comparisons of other brands’ flagships against the R1 for a future article. The short answer is that both Sony and Nikon offer flagships with 45 MP or more. But the R1 seems to have a slight edge in terms of FPS and autofocus. Sony shooters might quibble with the autofocus part (I haven’t shot with the new a1 II yet, so couldn’t say), but I will say that the R1 has the best autofocus of any camera I’ve personally ever used to this point. The Sony is slightly more expensive than the Canon. The Nikon is slightly cheaper. All have their own pros and cons, which I won’t get into here. The is the type of camera you already know if you need. If you need to capture action at the speed of light in absolutely any environment and turn those images around just as quickly for a news outlet or another client, the R1 makes for a terrific solution. Perhaps paired with an R5 II or another higher-megapixel Canon camera, it would make for the best 1-2 punch for a Canon shooter. The camera is a flagship at a flagship price, but it’s among the best Canon has ever offered and promises to deliver day in and day out for years to come. Christopher Malcolm is a Los Angeles-based lifestyle, fitness, and advertising photographer, director, and cinematographer shooting for clients such as Nike, lululemon, ASICS, and Verizon.A global anti-scam application, Whoscall, has identified three common scams to watch out for as the Christmas season approaches. Developed by Gogolook, a leading global TrustTech company, the Whoscall app is designed to help individuals protect themselves from online scams. According to Mel Migriño, Gogolook Philippines Country Head, these scams tend to increase during the holidays, and Filipinos should remain vigilant. “Filipinos are naturally generous, especially during the holiday season, which makes us more vulnerable to scams,” Migriño said. “Fraudsters often take advantage of this by using tactics like social engineering,” added Migriño, who is also internationally recognized as a top Filipina in the field of cybersecurity. Travel Scam The holiday season is a time for families, and many Filipinos take the opportunity to travel with their loved ones, creating memories together. However, this supposedly joyful season can also attract online fraudsters eager to exploit enthusiastic travelers. Scammers often post enticing advertisements on social media and websites, promoting discounted vacation packages, exciting travel experiences, and luxurious accommodations that seem too good to be true. These offers can be hard to resist, especially when families are looking to bond and celebrate. “Many of these scams involve fake travel agencies, fraudulent online listings, or scammers posing as legitimate travel providers. The ads typically include links that lead unsuspecting victims to counterfeit versions of real booking sites, designed to deceive and mislead,” Migriño explained. “Once victims enter their personal information, it can be used for illegal activities like identity theft or financial fraud,” she added. In a particularly troubling twist, when victims pay for “affordable” plane tickets or vacation packages, the money often goes directly to the scammer, leaving them with nothing but disappointment and financial loss. Fake online seller/store The Christmas season is a beloved time for gift-giving, known locally as “pamamasko,” where godparents—”Ninong at Ninang”—share presents to spread holiday cheer. This tradition showed a sense of community, as families and friends come together to celebrate love and appreciation. However, in the digital age, where online shopping is more convenient than ever, scammers are taking advantage of this festive spirit. As consumers hunt for the best deals to make their Christmas celebrations memorable, it is crucial to stay alert to potential fraud. One major red flag is when branded products are sold at prices that seem too good to be true. As Migriño pointed out, “If you find a deal with steep discounts on well-known brands, it could indicate a fraudulent online seller.” “These scammers often set up websites that closely imitate legitimate retailers, using URLs that look almost identical to the real thing but have slight differences,” she added. Similar to travel scams, where fake sites trick unsuspecting travelers with ridiculously low prices, these deceptive e-commerce platforms can lead to financial losses and disappointment. Fake relative/friend scam Christmas is a time for reuniting with friends and family, filled with joyous moments like family gatherings and catching up with busy friends who often become available during the holidays. However, this spirit of connection can also create opportunities for scammers to execute what is known as the “fake relative/friend scam.” In these scams, fraudsters impersonate the names of victims’ friends or family members, often reaching out through Small Message Service (SMS). They may ask for personal information or, more commonly, request money under false pretenses. “Imagine receiving a message from a relative or friend you don’t often hear from, claiming they’re in a desperate situation and urgently need financial help due to some supposed emergency. This emotional appeal can catch many off guard, especially during the holiday season when people are feeling generous and more inclined to assist loved ones,” Migriño said. Using Whoscall to prevent these scams In response to the presence of online scams during the holiday season, Whoscall has launched the #DapatAllMagHoHoWhoscall campaign to raise public awareness about online fraud that often increases at this time of year. The initiative aims to educate the public about various types of scams and promote protective measures to ensure a safe online experience throughout the holidays. As part of the campaign, Whoscall encourages users to make use of its anti-scam tools. For issues related to travel scams and fake online sellers or stores, users can utilize Whoscall’s Web Checker feature, which filters out safe links from suspicious ones. “We can use the Whoscall App’s Web Checker feature, which helps detect suspicious links and prevents users from opening them,” said Gogolook’s Country Head, “By simply copying a URL into the app, users can check its safety and receive warnings about potentially harmful sites.” To combat the “fake relative/friend scam,” Whoscall also offers message and caller identification features that alert users if an incoming call or message is potentially fraudulent. This added layer of protection helps users stay informed and cautious during their holiday interactions. Migriño further emphasized the importance of staying vigilant during this festive season. “If you want to make your time with family and friends more enjoyable and stress-free, always stay alert by avoiding suspicious links,” she said. “Use anti-scam applications like Whoscall to ensure that what should be a joyful experience doesn’t turn into a stressful one,” she concluded. Being business-savvy should be fun, attainable and A+. BMPlus is BusinessMirror's digital arm with practical tips & success stories for aspiring and thriving millennial entrepreneurs.
American Water Works Co. stock underperforms Tuesday when compared to competitors despite daily gains
WASHINGTON — Walmart, the world's largest retailer , has started giving associates body cameras to wear as part of a pilot program at a few of its U.S. locations. A person familiar with the program said that these body cameras are specifically for the safety of employees and not designed for anti-theft measures. It's not clear how many stores are part of the program, but the company confirmed its being tested in just one market right now. Fox Business reports the pilot involves multiple stores in Denton, Texas, about 40 miles from Dallas, which have reportedly posted signage letting customers know body cameras are being used. A shopper in Denton also shared a photo with CNBC that showed an associate checking receipts while wearing a yellow and black body camera earlier this month. "While we don’t talk about the specifics of our security measures, we are always looking at new and innovative technology used across the retail industry," Walmart said in a statement on Tuesday. "This is a pilot we are testing in one market, and we will evaluate the results before making any longer-term decisions." A photo reportedly of Walmart body cameras in charging bays was posted on Reddit last month . The photo included instructions for how to use the camera to record "an event if an interaction with a customer is escalating." While Walmart's body camera pilot program is focused on employee safety, it comes after another national retailer rolled out body cameras to help curb shoplifting. TJ Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods stores started having their stores' unarmed security guards wear body cameras late last year, parent company TJX revealed in an earnings call back in May . A company spokesperson said at the time that they hoped the body cameras would help de-escalate incidents, deter crime and demonstrate to our employees and customers that they take safety in stores seriously.Increased vet burden creates animal welfare concernsAFP – Romanians voted yesterday in the first round of a presidential election amid a surge in inflation that could favour far-right leader George Simion. The vote kicks off two weeks of elections in the poor North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member country, including a parliamentary vote and a December 8 presidential run-off. Social democrat Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu is leading a field of 13 contenders in the race to take over from President Klaus Iohannis in the largely ceremonial post. Ciolacu has about 25 per cent support in opinion polls, followed by AUR leader Simion on 15 to 19 per cent. Ciolacu, whose Social Democratic Party (PSD) has shaped the country’s politics for more than three decades, promised stability and a “decent” standard of living as he voted Sunday. Simion, 38, has seen his popularity surge by tapping into voter anger over record inflation – 10 per cent last year and 5.5 per cent predicted for 2024 – while promising more affordable housing. Looking for a new election breakthrough for European far-right parties, he warned of possible “fraud” and “foreign interference” when voting. But he added: “I am happy that we are giving Romanians hope and the prospect of a better future.” Simion is targeting people like Rodica, a 69-year-old who was among the first to vote in Bucharest’s chilly sunshine. The pensioner, who would not give a family name, was afraid of the neighbouring war and wanted “better living conditions and peace”. The Black Sea nation now plays a “vital strategic role” for NATO – as it is a base for more than 5,000 soldiers – and the transit of Ukrainian grain, the New Strategy Center think tank said. Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election has further “complicated” Romania’s choice, political analyst Cristian Pirvulescu told AFP . Known for his fiery speeches, Simion is a Trump fan who sometimes dons a red cap in appreciation of his idol.
Gemcor provides flexible automated solutions for precision-based drilling and fastening applications, blending proven reliability with next-generation technology MACOMB, Mich. , Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Since 1937, Gemcor Production Solutions (Gemcor) has installed over 2,000 automated fastening systems worldwide, integral to the manufacturing process of aerostructures throughout modern history. Acquired by Ascent Aerospace in 2016, its advantage is its heritage–a patented, roller-screw technology that provides manufacturing flexibility with many benefits, including shorter cycle times, extended life, and cost savings. "Gemcor products truly set the standard in the industry. With over 80 years of innovation and 100 installations alone in the last ten years, nothing is as reliable or adaptable as a quality-tested factory solution for airframers," shared Dan Friz, Vice President of Business Development and Sales at Ascent Aerospace. Automation and integration were central to Gemcor's evolution under Ascent. "Working directly with legacy Gemcor customers, we were able to pinpoint steps in the production process where opportunities existed to innovate," said Michael Hinckley , Director of Strategic Programs at Ascent Aerospace. "To provide a turn-key solution, we incorporated an automated fastener loading system and integrated a maintenance platform and equipment into the overall production system." For Ascent's customers, quality and cycle-time reductions were key factors in Gemcor's innovation. "The enhanced visual quality inspection with machine learning capabilities, built-in cycle time optimization, and the ability to enable future 'lights-out' operations are just a few of the added benefits of Gemcor's offerings," added Hinckley. "Each of these improvements allows our customers to ramp up production and save on costs, with zero compromise on quality. Our customers trust the legacy capabilities of the Gemcor product line, and the integration into Ascent Aerospace has not only solidified the brand, it has enhanced the overall capabilities." Gemcor's latest technology boasts a fully integrated wing panel assembly production system and six large C-Frame Gemcor machines that provide fastener feed, drill, countersink, sealant application, swage, shave, and multiple inspection capabilities. In addition, two product lines with Gemcor accessibility from both sides of the product, as well as eight automated positioning systems for positioning and holding wing panels. A traffic controller that provides coordinated movement between positioning systems, Gemcor machines, and material handling has been developed to provide personnel safety. In addition, a remote control operation station enables a single operator to safely monitor and run multiple machines simultaneously. "We worked directly with Siemens to develop a new motion control solution within Gemcor that supports the SINUMERIK software platform," shared Friz. "The ability to execute closed-loop force feedback with drilling and riveting operations with Siemens' state-of-the-art controller has reduced cycle times while providing a familiar solution for our customers. We pride ourselves at Ascent on our ability to be flexible throughout our design and engineering process, where we work closely with each customer to provide systems that meet specific facility needs and exceed quality expectations." Gemcor products offer fastening applications to provide efficient fastening rates and high productivity for airframers. Gemcor's latest in a range of technological enhancements includes incorporating continuous improvement processes into its SCADA system to provide critical data for customer-defined KPIs and clear, customizable reports. "This will allow manufacturers to access a user-friendly dashboard that shows how the system is performing," shared Nick Battle , General Manager - MI at Ascent Aerospace. "Using machine learning, this feature will also provide predictive maintenance and process action suggestions, OEE, and Statistical Process Control (SPC)." The integration of machine learning is just one important development of many when it comes to Gemcor's capabilities. Additional features using the latest technologies to enhance Gemcor's systems for customers include various software integrations and the use of AI deep learning to optimize performance and reduce cycle times. "Our goal at Ascent with Gemcor product development has been to increase accuracy, repeatability, and reliability while saving our customers time and resources throughout their manufacturing life-cycle. We have achieved this with the help of industry partners and the dedication and hard work of our talented employees," added Battle. Ascent is continuously adapting Gemcor to meet customers' changing needs as technology advances. "From process engineering to build and installation, our process is to work closely with customers to develop their projects and see them through to ensure we are providing an efficient and cost-effective solution." Additional Gemcor Production Solutions features: With offerings for a range of applications – from fuselages, wings, to engine nacelles and ducts, to its complete range of system regulations to include stand-alone riveters, semi-automatic systems, full multi-access CNC systems, and robot-based systems – Gemcor is a proven leader in automated drilling and fastening systems and is the factory solution to meet current demand across aerospace markets. Ascent Aerospace is a world-renowned, factory solutions provider of production and automated assembly systems for space, defense, and commercial aerospace industries. In addition to Gemcor Production Solutions, Ascent produces a full suite of both mold and assembly tooling required for the aerospace manufacturing market, including the largest Invar molds ever made— making Ascent the largest tooling group in the industry. As a true factory solutions partner, Ascent has the technology to support customers' builds throughout the lifecycle of their program. For inquiries regarding Gemcor Production Solutions, contact Al Bolen at al.bolen@ascentaerospace.com . Learn more at: https://ascentaerospace.com/ Contact: Dan Friz daniel.friz@ascentaerospace.com SOURCE Ascent Aerospace
The chief technology officer at Foot Locker, Butler brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across all areas of technology to the Board NORFOLK, Va. , Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- PRA Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: PRAA), a global leader in acquiring and collecting nonperforming loans, announced today that Adrian Butler has been elected as an independent director of the company, effective January 1, 2025 . Butler is the chief technology officer (CTO) of Foot Locker, Inc., a leading global footwear and apparel retailer with approximately 2,450 retail stores in 26 countries across North America , Europe , Asia , Australia and New Zealand , and a licensed store presence in the Middle East and Asia . As Foot Locker's CTO, Butler is responsible for driving technology strategy, innovation and delivery across their digital, data and analytics, supply chain/merchandising and omni-channel experiences. Prior to this role, he was chief information officer at Casey's General Stores, Inc., and senior vice president of information technology and chief information officer at Dine Brands Global, Inc., the parent company of Applebee's and IHOP restaurants. He also served as vice president in the technology services division at Target Corporation. In addition to serving on boards such as Potbelly Corporation and Grambling University Foundation, his alma mater, Butler is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions, including Los Angeles Business Journal's CIO of the Year, CIO Magazine's CIO 100, Computerworld's Premier 100 IT Leaders, Board Prospects' 50 Military Veteran Board Members Making a Difference and the 500 Most Powerful Business Leaders in Dallas-Fort Worth . "We are thrilled to welcome Adrian to the Board," said Steve Fredrickson, PRA Group Board chairman. "Adrian is an experienced public company board member and business leader with demonstrated success driving technology innovations to transform large global organizations across multiple industries after serving as captain in the United States Air Force. His business and technology insights and expertise will be invaluable to the Board and management as we continue to advance our IT strategy and preparedness in support of initiatives that drive profitable growth." "I am honored to join the talented Board at PRA Group as a strategic business partner and contribute my experience to support its continued growth and success around the globe," said Butler. About PRA Group As a global leader in acquiring and collecting nonperforming loans, PRA Group, Inc. returns capital to banks and other creditors to help expand financial services for consumers in the Americas, Europe and Australia . With thousands of employees worldwide, PRA Group companies collaborate with customers to help them resolve their debt. For more information, please visit www.pragroup.com . News Media Contact: Elizabeth Kersey Senior Vice President, Communications and Public Policy (757) 641-0558 Elizabeth.Kersey@PRAGroup.com Investor Contact: Najim Mostamand , CFA Vice President, Investor Relations (757) 431-7913 IR@PRAGroup.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/adrian-butler-elected-to-pra-group-board-of-directors-302334284.html SOURCE PRA Group, Inc. Stay Informed: Subscribe to Our Newsletter TodayGlobalWafers Co chairwoman Doris Hsu poses for a photograph at the company’s booth at a trade show in Taipei on Oct. 26 last year.Photo: CNA CHIP SUBSIDY:The US funding would help alleviate the financial pressure from building two fabs in the US and should lift gross margins in 2026, the company said By Lisa Wang / Staff reporter 請繼續往下閱讀... GlobalWafers Co (環球晶圓), the world’s third-largest silicon wafer supplier, yesterday said it is to receive US$406 million in subsidies from the US Department of Commerce for two new US fabs under the CHIPS and Science Act, with the first batch of the funds likely coming next year. The grant represents 10 percent of the planned investments of US$4 billion in advanced semiconductor wafer manufacturing facilities in Texas and Missouri, GlobalWafers said. The commerce department is to disburse the funds based on the completion of project milestones over a multiyear timeframe, the company said. 請繼續往下閱讀... Along with the tax credit, which is equal to 25 percent of the qualified investment, the total government funding would make up 35 percent of GlobalWafers’ investments in the US, it said. The company plans to build a new 12-inch silicon facility in Sherman, Texas, and a new 12-inch silicon on insulator (SOI) wafer plant in St Peters, Missouri, via its subsidiaries GlobalWafers America and MEMC LLC. GlobalWafers said that it has received orders that would take up 80 percent and 90 percent of the capacities of the Texas and Missouri fabs respectively. Starting in the first half of next year, GlobalWafers America would become the first high-volume advanced 12-inch silicon wafer facility in the US, the company said. MEMC is also slated to start manufacture 12-inch silicon-on-insulator wafers in the first half of next year, it added. “As we plan to achieve the first milestone in the first half of next year, we have an opportunity to receive the first CHIPS Act funding by the end of next year, if everything progresses smoothly,” GlobalWafers chairwoman Doris Hsu (徐秀蘭) told a virtual media briefing yesterday. The US government funding would “greatly help” mitigate the company’s financial pressure and drive down the depreciation costs of the new facilities and manufacturing equipment, Hsu said. GlobalWafers is facing mounting financial pressure with its capital expenditures and depreciation costs forecast to peak this year and next year, she said. The company expects to see a significant improvement in gross margins in 2026 versus next year, as well as a better equipment loading rate and relatively healthier inventory on the semiconductor market, Hsu said. Amid growing concern that US president-elect Donald Trump could scrap the CHIPS Act when he takes office next month, GlobalWafers said it believes the US government would uphold the law and that no major changes would occur as Washington has a good track record of living up to its promises. With the new advanced wafer factories in the US, GlobalWafers said it would have a competitive edge over its rivals, given no tariffs, shorter-distance transportation costs and low carbon emissions. “Our target is to have our wafers certified at all silicon wafer consumers in the US,” Hsu said. “Starting next year and for the first time in over 20 years, the US will again be home to advanced wafers for leading-edge integrated circuits. Our new facilities will fill a key vulnerability in the US supply chain and bring back to American shores the technology that was pioneered here over 60 years ago,” GlobalWafers president Mark England said in a statement yesterday. “As the only global wafer manufacturer participating in the CHIPS for America Program, we are fully committed to supporting the nation’s semiconductor manufacturing rebirth,” he said. 新聞來源: TAIPEI TIMES 不用抽 不用搶 現在用APP看新聞 保證天天中獎 點我下載APP 按我看活動辦法
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None-- Shares Facebook Twitter Reddit Email For those who find joy in cooking , entertaining and gathering loved ones around the table, the right tools and treasures can elevate both the everyday and the extraordinary. This curated gift guide offers a range of ideas for culinary enthusiasts — from stocking stuffers that delight to showstopping centerpieces for the table. Whether you’re shopping for a budding home chef, a seasoned entertainer or the friend who swears by their air fryer , these picks balance function and flair to inspire delicious moments all year long. From ingenious herb savers and handcrafted carbon steel roasters to powerful appliances and artisanal dinnerware, every item has been chosen with care to bring both beauty and practicality to the kitchen and beyond. So, whether your giftee loves to grill, bake or host unforgettable soirées, there’s something here to surprise and delight. Let the feasting begin! Related The ultimate 2024 gift guide for food and travel lovers Stocking stuffers What the heck is a stocking stuffer? Well, it can be pretty much anything (or a few anythings) as long as it fits into a stocking and will be loved by the recipient. For an out-of-the-box stocking stuffer for foodies, cooks and entertainers alike, consider the Prepara Herb Savors . Anyone who cooks with fresh herbs has experienced the frustration of herbs that die much sooner than they should, and the herb savor fixes that, extending the life of the herbs by a lot! Any while we’re on the subject of flavor, level up your loved one’s spice game with Flatiron Pepper Co.’s chili flake blends . Instead of the boring red pepper flakes, you’ll find bottles of curated chili mixes with various spice levels, perfect to pair with a variety of meals. On the sweet side, Valerie Confections offers one hell of a caramel gift box . It includes two caramel flavors, dark chocolate almond fleur de sel and milk chocolate black sesame and toasted rice caramel. Love Preferred Coffee smells amazing and directly benefits Colombian farmers through dividends and tips. It will be a little snug in the stocking, but a good fit for a fabulous cup of coffee all winter long. Small kitchen items HORL2 Rolling Knife Sharpener Knives are important in any kitchen, but no matter how much you spend, they'll eventually need to be sharpened — and I don’t know about you, but I can never seem to get them to the sharpener in time for whatever big event I’m cooking for. That all changes with the HORL 2 rolling knife sharpener. It’s simple to operate, fairly foolproof and compact. Get the HORL 2 for anyone who wants to take their cooking to the next level. Don’t trust the gift recipient with a knife sharpener? This mail-in service will send them temporary knives while they sharpen theirs. TempSpike Pro I’m convinced that many home cooks struggle with big pieces of meat like turkey and prime rib simply because they don’t use a thermometer. Change that for someone on your list by gifting them a TempSpike Pro , which includes two waterproof and heat-resistant probes (up to 1050°F). The probes are wireless and can run for 36 hours without needing a charge, so you can put them into a turkey and get constant updates on its temperature without opening and reopening the oven. We need your help to stay independent Subscribe today to support Salon's progressive journalism Tabletop Noon and Moon Lollypop Glasses Nothing quite levels up a beautiful tablescape like colorful hand-blown wine glasses. Noon and Moon Lollypop glasses are unique, come in two colors that compliment each other well, and are available in pairs as well as six and 12-count sets. And if these aren’t quite what you’re looking for, be sure to browse the rest of their selection of glassware, including stunning vases and colorful drinking glasses. Smithey Carbon Steel Oval Roaster Smithey’s Carbon Steel Oval Roaster is a stove-to-oven-to-table centerpiece. It’s hand-hammered by a blacksmith, resulting in a beautiful finish and an heirloom-quality roaster. Carbon steel is much lighter than cast iron, yet it heats up and retains heat just as well. It’s just easier to cook on. Home cooks and professional chefs alike would appreciate the quality and showmanship of this roaster . Teak Latitude Board There’s one big downside to a fabulous charcuterie board. It can sit for hours while people graze, which can be a real safety hazard. The Teak Latitude Board is designed to fix all that and become your go-to charcuterie board. You see, inside that beautiful wood is a slot specially designed for a flat icepack. The slots on the side open so you can swap the ice pack (just $9!) when the first one isn’t keeping things chilled the way it should be. Also available is a handy thermal carrying case , which makes taking your creation on the road easy. Villeroy & Boch Artesano Dinnerware Set White dinnerware is timeless, and this Villeroy & Boch porcelain service for six is a great starter set for any entertainer. It includes appetizer and dinner plates, soup bowls, coffee cups and saucers. The classic white color allows for a versatile table setup, regardless of season or holiday. Appliances Mini Chest Freezer from Newair Every true entertainer would appreciate a chest freezer, especially a compact one that could fit anywhere, even a small garage. Newair’s mini deep freezer doesn’t skimp on the details. Loading it up with lots of stuff? No problem! Just hit the deep freeze mode button and viola, the freezer will make sure everything gets to temperature quickly. There’s a wire basket to hold all the smaller items and a light that turns on as soon as you open the freezer so you can see inside. This size is perfect for a backup freezer! Breville the Super QTM Pro Breville’s Super Q Pro blender is a beast of an appliance. Not only is it professional grade, it also comes with two 68-fluid ounce glass jugs — and it’s wicked quiet. This blender can make almost anything, from soups to sauces, cocktails and frozen beverages. The ice crush preset can turn ice into snow, ready for a snow cone treat, while the stir function is great for emulsified sauces like Caesar dressing. And there’s a clean mode, too, so you don’t have to fuss with the blender to get it perfectly clean. For any serious cook or professional chef needing a home blender update, the Super Q Pro is the blender to get them. Fritaire Air Fryer What’s the number one thing air fryer fans complain about? Well, I can’t tell you for certain, but I’d venture to guess that cleaning is high on the list. That is, until the Fritaire air fryer , with its glass chamber and self-cleaning function. The air fryer comes with a rotisserie, tumbling basket and air stand, so the gifter can use it to its full potential. Weber Searwood Pellet Grill If your friend or loved one enjoys grilling, level up their game with a Weber Searwood pellet grill . It’s not just a pellet smoker, thanks to the direct flame cooking and top temperature of 600°F. You can sear and grill your food, not just smoke it (or sear after you smoke). The pellet system, temperature control and probes make smoking a pleasure for anyone, no matter their technical abilities. Note the shelves, griddle, rotisserie and more probes — one is included — are available separately. Now, for grilling-loving apartment dwellers, consider Luma’s electric steak grill . It heats to 1450°F, allowing you to expertly grill a fabulously crusted steak without ever leaving the comfort of your heated apartment. DEEBOT T30S COMBO COMPLETE All-in-one Robotic Vacuum Cleaner Robotic vacuums are all the rage, but what about when you need to vacuum the couch or car? The DEEBOT T30s combo is an all-in-one robotic vacuum system . You’ll get the robot that vacuums and mops, as well as a handheld vacuum with a number of attachments, to make every vacuuming task effortless. The robotic vacuum itself has a number of useful features, like zero tangle technology to prevent hair from tangling up and stopping the vacuum, and adaptive edge mapping that allows the vacuum to get up to 1mm from walls and extends the mopping plates for full floor coverage. There’s nothing quite like the messy house left after entertaining lots of friends and family, but with this system, at least your favorite entertainer won’t have to mop the floor. Miele CM5 Silence Countertop Coffee System For coffee connoisseurs ready to level up their standard cup of morning coffee, the Miele CM5 coffee system makes coffee that tastes amazing without much fussing. The machine is much quieter than most models on the market and fully automated, from grinding the beans to steaming milk and even self-cleaning (although you’ll still need to do some of that). It’s a gift they’ll use on a daily basis. Nama J2 Cold Press Juicer Level up your favorite person’s juicing game with the Nama J2 cold press juicer . Unlike many juicers, you can load up your J2 and walk away while it does its thing. Nama also makes some attachments to expand what you can do with the juicer. There’s a citrus attachment for all the citrus juices you can conjure up and a sorbet attachment to turn frozen fruit into creamy goodness (although it might be a little more of a hassle than it’s worth unless you're a sorbet connoisseur). Want to make nut milk? The J2 has you covered in that department, too. Food lovers' delights Honolulu Fish Co. Ichiban Home Sushi Kit Sushi is pretty simple to make at home as long as you have high-quality fish. Honolulu Fish Co. offers an Ichiban home sushi kit that has everything you need to create a hell of a feast. Farm-raised salmon, ahi tuna, and kanpachi-greater amberjack — which is often grouped under the term yellowtail, though yellowtail refers to a category of fish rather than a specific species — along with rice, seaweed, ginger, soy sauce and rice vinegar. My wife and I enjoyed a generous salmon and tuna hand roll dinner, made kampachi crudo for friends, and saved some tuna for a later date, all from one box. Four Sixes Ranch Prime Bundle Four Sixes Ranch sells excellent beef, and the prime bundle includes the best of the best. Two ribeyes, two striploins and two tenderloin steaks that will make any entertainer smile. The steaks are aged for 21 days and arrive frozen and individually vacuum-sealed so they can be pulled out of the freezer and quickly defrosted whenever the urge strikes. Caviar Dream The Luxe Life Gift Set Kendra Anderson is on a mission to make caviar accessible to everyone by keeping prices low and educating consumers about all things caviar. Caviar Dream’s Lux Life Gift Set would make any foodie or entertainer’s holiday just that much better. It includes 2 ounces of classic and imperial osetra, potato crisps, blini, 8 ounces of crème frâiche and a mother-of-pearl spoon. All you need is some eggs, shallots and perhaps some chives for a hell of a holiday spread. Gneiss Spice Magnetic Jars and Organic Spices Gift Set Good food starts with great spices, something Gneiss Spice knows all about. Not only do they offer high-quality, fresh, organic spices, but their magnetic hexagon jars are beautiful to display. All the spices can stick to a magnetic fridge or a custom magnetic board for an organized and extremely useful spice setup. Gneiss Spice is nearly zero waste, with the only plastic item in the entire shop being the stickers for spice names on each jar. They have countless gift sets that any home cook would love! Entertaining Ledge Halo Firepit Firepits are even better when it’s cold outside, and the Ledge Halo Firepit will keep you and all your friends on your patio. The center compartment makes hiding a propane tank easy, and the sliding lid allows you to open and close the tank before and after each entertaining session. You can fill the base with water to deter theft, as it will be much too heavy to go anywhere. Thanks to a Wind-SenseTM flameout sensor, the gas will automatically halt if the flame blows out. The Halo Firepit is available in four colors and can be left outside year-round. It’s the ultimate tool in an entertainer's toolbelt. Clif Family Just Add Cheese Set Heading to a holiday dinner and want to bring something that doesn’t require any cooking? You’re going to want the Clif Family Just Add Cheese Set . The gift box is a beautiful way to bring all the fixings for a fabulous cheese board. It includes chipotle and cayenne, as well as black sesame, biscuits; two different kinds of nuts; meyer lemon marmalade and red pepper jam. Top it off with hot or hibiscus honey. Just bring a few different textured cheeses and you’re in business. Butcher Box Brisket Bonanza Whether the gift recipient loves to smoke or entertain, the Butcher Box Brisket Bonanza will certainly put a smile on their face. The box has two frozen, vacuum-sealed 7-lb grain finished briskets, perfect for slow cooking, smoking, and impressing all their friends. For a little more variety, the Scotch & Sear Box , in collaboration with Bruichladdich, has a mix of seafood, steak, and your choice of Bruichladdich, The Classic Laddie or Port Charlotte 10. There are also scallops, lobster tails, ribeyes, bacon and more. Dandelion Chocolate Nutcracker Bonbon Collection Dandelion Chocolate Bonbons are truly an entertainer's treat, perfect for a crowd after a dinner feast. The Nutcracker Bonbon Collection features chocolates inspired by the San Francisco Ballet's rendition of Tchaikovsky’s holiday ballet. There are seven chocolate flavors, each inspired by a dance with a guide to tasting and listening to a collection of curated music snippets. My favorite bonbon was the chocolate filled with coffee caramel and saffron-infused date jelly — but there wasn't a single bonbon that didn't surprise and delight. Truly magnificent chocolate. We need your help to stay independent Subscribe today to support Salon's progressive journalism Cookware and bakeware Made In 9-piece Enameled Cast Iron Set Enameled cast iron is a nice step up for any home cook looking to take cooking more seriously. Whether you gift the full Made In 9-piece set , complete with three differently sized Dutch ovens, a skillet, and a saucepan, or a smaller 5-piece set with one Dutch oven, these will last a lifetime and then some when properly used. The set is oven-safe up to 580°F, nonstick without needing to be seasoned, and comes with a lifestyle warranty. Being stove to table and available in a few different colors is just a bonus. 360 Cookware 360 Essential Bakeware Set Somehow, bakeware was just not something I prioritized in my own kitchen, but the 360 Essential Bakeware Set changed all of that. Made from stainless steel 5-ply surgical-grade construction, it’s a solid, beautiful set with natural non-stick properties. The five-piece set includes a pie pan, a 9 x 13-inch roasting pan, a cookie sheet, and two round cake pans. If your favorite baker can use an upgrade, this is the set they’ll want. Viking PerformanceTi 12-piece Cookware Set Viking’s PreformanceTi 12-piece Cookware set makes for a fantastic cookware upgrade gift. It features a titanium interior and aluminum core for a naturally non-stick finish after seasoning and high-quality performance for years to come. Any home cook would appreciate the upgrade. Spirits and fine drinks Spirits as gifts are a tradition that’s likely as old as time. Consider these showstopping splurges and memorable —but more budget-conscious choices — as gifts this holiday season, especially for the entertainers who have everything and the traveler who enjoys trying liquors from around the world. You just can't go wrong with a nice bottle or two (and there are non-alcoholic options as well!). Great Value Naginata sake is one of the best sakes outside of Japan, made right here in the United States — and at a budget-friendly $61 pricepoint, no less. Made from Yamadanishiki rice grown in Arkansas and brewed in 1800 bottle batches in Forest Grove, Oregon, Naginata Sake comes in a beautiful giftable bottle ready for the holidays. VOON The Holiday Box wine includes four bottles in a giftable box: 2022 Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay, 2022 Sta. Rita Hills ‘NADA Pinot Noir, 2023 Sta. Rita Hills Grenache and a limited 2020 Napa (Oak Knoll) Cabernet Sauvignon, at an excellent price point. The bottles themselves have beautiful artist labels, so you could buy the set and gift each individually. The LGBT-owned winery makes California wine in small batches with little intervention for a high wine that’s ready to enjoy. Two whiskey-drinking sisters teamed up to create Lodestar Whiskey when they found that even ordering an old-fashioned would elicit a reaction. A blend of straight high rye bourbon and American single malt whiskey, Lodestar has won awards and makes a great gift. Cocktail Collection’s premade Crown Royal Whisky Sour Cocktail with Black Cherry , Ketel One Espresso Martini Cocktail , or Bulleit Old Fashioned Cocktail makes entertaining a crowd without mixing up beverages easy. A gift set of the full collection is also available. Cakebread Celler’s 2023 Vin De Porche Rosé Anderson Valley is a lovely bottle of wine that would make any Rose lover a happy camper this holiday season. The wine is produced by a family-owned winery with vineyards across California. Non-alcoholic Non-alcoholic wine, liquor and more are better than ever and truly a gift worth giving. For those starting from scratch and wanting the social experience of blending drinks and sipping on deliciousness, the Zero Proof Non-Alcoholic Bar Cart Bundle has it all. Gin, tequila, whiskey, run, bitters, wine, cocktail syrups, and even Cheeky’s lemon and line juice (check out Cheeky’s full lineup of cocktail mixers, they’re fabulous, too). California’s three Michelin star Single Thread Restaurant offers a highly regarded non-alcoholic pairing to their meals. Kally, a non-alcoholic wine company, teamed up to create two stand-out wines using ingredients from Single Threads Farms for two beverages that would complement even the fanciest holiday meal. The collaboration duo is available for a limited time and includes a bottle of Plum Shiso and Pear Verbena. Abstinence Spirits makes complex spirits from a variety of botanicals native to South Africa's Cape Floral Kingdom, where the company is based. The Cape Floral Kingdom is home to over 9,000 plant species, 70% of which aren’t found anywhere else on earth. For someone who enjoys sophisticated, complex, and really interesting non-alcoholic drinks, a bottle or gift set from Abstinence Spirits would certainly impress. Fresh Victor mixers are perfect to combine with alcohol or non-alcoholic spirits for easy but flavorful holiday and year-round cocktails. Pick up any bottle and a jug of Fresh Victor and mix up a quick pitcher cocktail for that holiday dinner you’re attending. The WillaKenzie 96-Point Duo includes two pinot noirs from the 2018 harvest that a red wine connoisseur will certainly enjoy. It’s a hands-off thanks to the included gift box and free shipping. Komos Extra Añejo Tequila is the first tequila to receive a 100-point rating from The Tasting Room Magazine. It’s complex and unique thanks to three years of aging in French oak white wine barrels and American bourbon barrels. The bottle itself is a showstopper worthy of display in any home collection. Louis Latour Meursault Premier Cru "Château de Blagny" 2022 is a nice bottle of white Burgundy that pairs well with seafood. Critics have highly rated previous vintages. Reserva de la Familia Extra Añejo tequila is another great tequila option, complete with a beautiful gift box by Mexican sculptor, goldsmith, and leatherer Ana Pellicer. The price point is a bit more budget-friendly while still being a high-quality splurge in a giftable box. Read more about this topic You deserve a fancy fish sandwich Observations from a Chicago Dunkin' Donuts A love letter to all the produce I haven't picked By Chaya Milchtein Chaya Milchtein is an automotive educator and journalist who writes about cars, plus size fashion, queer life and love, and sometimes, food and travel. Her work has in Real Simple, Parents Magazine, Xtra Magazine, Al Jazeera, Shondaland and others. MORE FROM Chaya Milchtein Related Topics ------------------------------------------ Commentary Cooking Entertaining Gift Guide Holiday Related Articles Advertisement:
Evaluating strategic options for iopofosine I 131 a late-stage clinical program with compelling Phase 2 data and a substantial market opportunity Focusing on advancing radiotherapeutic assets including alpha- and Auger-emitting radioconjugates into Phase 1 solid tumor studies FLORHAM PARK, N.J., Dec. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cellectar Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLRB), a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of drugs for the treatment of cancer, today announces a strategic update on its clinical development programs for its proprietary phospholipid ether drug conjugate platform that delivers a broad array of therapeutic modalities to target cancers. Due to recent communications with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA, or the Agency) regarding a confirmatory study to support accelerated approval and the regulatory submission for iopofosine I 131, the Company has decided to pursue strategic options for the further development and commercialization of this product candidate. The CLOVER-WaM study was conducted in accordance with earlier FDA communications from an end of Phase 2 meeting and from a meeting in early 2024, during which the Company was informed that positive results for major response rate (MRR) as the primary endpoint could be acceptable to support accelerated approval of iopofosine I 131 as a treatment for Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia (WM). Based upon a recent Type-C meeting with the FDA, the Company now believes that a submission seeking accelerated approval would need to be based on the MRR data from CLOVER-WaM and enrollment in a randomized, controlled confirmatory study that is designed to generate data on progression-free survival (PFS). “While iopofosine I 131’s positive WM data along with the high unmet medical need for these patients support further investment, we have determined that such a program may best be brought to market by a larger organization with greater resources. Importantly, partnering or divesting this program supports our commitment to providing this potentially life-saving drug to the patients who need it as quickly as possible,” stated James Caruso, president and CEO of Cellectar. “We believe iopofosine I 131 represents a compelling opportunity as it has shown strong efficacy and good tolerability based on our clinical studies. Moreover, the commercial work we conducted demonstrates iopofosine I 131’s substantial market opportunity based upon the product profile, which includes off-the-shelf global distribution, orphan pricing and existing unmet medical need.” Cellectar remains confident in the potential of its phospholipid ether drug conjugate platform and the targeted radiotherapies in its development pipeline. Iopofosine I 131’s clinical success validates the platform’s ability to target cancers and Cellectar will leverage its experience to focus on the development of its earlier clinical programs. Specifically, Cellectar will focus on those assets it believes have the highest therapeutic potential and opportunity for value creation. As highlighted by recent acquisitions and collaborations within the radiopharmaceutical sector, precision isotopes like alpha- and Auger-emitters have emerged as the leading therapeutics of interest. Consequently, the Company will now focus its resources on targeting solid tumors by advancing CLR 121225, its actinium-225 based program, and CLR 121125, its iodine-125 Auger-emitting program into the clinic. Cellectar expects to file Investigational New Drug applications in the first half of 2025 for both CLR-121225 and CLR-121125, which will allow the initiation of Phase 1 clinical studies in solid tumor cancers. Both programs have demonstrated robust in vivo activity, tolerability, excellent targeting and uptake in preclinical solid tumor models. The Company believes this approach will provide an expedited timeframe to achieve safety and proof-of-concept data in patients. The Company’s strategic reprioritization will impact all departments and result in an immediate reduction in headcount of approximately 60%, which should be complete by the end of the fourth quarter 2024. The Company anticipates that the implementation of the restructuring will extend its cash runway into the third quarter of 2025. “We are being methodical in our efforts to reorganize the company with the goal of conserving cash while maintaining the flexibility to execute immediate priorities and build for long-term growth and value creation. This reorganization is difficult but necessary for the future growth potential of Cellectar,” said Mr. Caruso. “I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our departing employees for their significant contributions to our work and their dedication to making a difference in the lives of patients.” About Cellectar Biosciences, Inc. Cellectar Biosciences is a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of proprietary drugs for the treatment of cancer, independently and through research and development collaborations. The company’s core objective is to leverage its proprietary Phospholipid Drug Conjugate TM (PDC) delivery platform to develop the next-generation of cancer cell-targeting treatments, delivering improved efficacy and better safety as a result of fewer off-target effects. The company’s product pipeline includes lead asset, iopofosine I 131, a small-molecule PDC designed to provide targeted delivery of iodine-131 (radioisotope), CLR 121225, an actinium-225 based program being targeted to several solid tumors with significant unmet need, such as pancreatic cancer, CLR 121125, an iodine-125 Auger-emitting program targeted in other solid tumors, such as triple negative breast, lung and colorectal, proprietary preclinical PDC chemotherapeutic programs and multiple partnered PDC assets. In addition, iopofosine I 131 is under evaluation in Phase 2b studies for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (MM) and central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma, alongside the CLOVER-2 Phase 1b study, targeting pediatric patients with high-grade gliomas, for which Cellectar is eligible to receive a Pediatric Review Voucher from the FDA upon approval. The FDA has also granted iopofosine I 131 Orphan Drug and Fast Track Designations for various cancer indications. New data from the CLOVER-WaM Phase 2 clinical trial were recently presented in an oral presentation at the 66th American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting and Exposition (ASH 2024). For more information, please visit www.cellectar.com or join the conversation by liking and following us on the company’s social media channels: Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer This news release contains forward-looking statements. You can identify these statements by our use of words such as "may," "expect," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "could," "estimate," "continue," "plans," or their negatives or cognates. These statements are only estimates and predictions and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual future experience and results to differ materially from the statements made. These statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations as to such future outcomes. Drug discovery and development involve a high degree of risk. Factors that might cause such a material difference include, among others, uncertainties related to the ability to raise additional capital, uncertainties related to the disruptions at our sole source supplier of iopofosine, the ability to attract and retain partners for our technologies, the identification of lead compounds, the successful preclinical development thereof, patient enrollment and the completion of clinical studies, the FDA review process and other government regulation, our ability to obtain regulatory exclusivities, the availability of priority review vouchers, our ability to successfully develop and commercialize drug candidates, competition from other pharmaceutical companies, product pricing and third-party reimbursement. A complete description of risks and uncertainties related to our business is contained in our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission including our Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2023, and our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and we disclaim any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Contacts MEDIA: Christy Maginn Bliss Bio Health 703-297-7194 cmaginn@blissbiohealth.com INVESTORS: Anne Marie Fields Precision AQ 212-362-1200 annemarie.fields@precisionaq.com
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