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fortune rabbit bonus Jonah Goldberg: This is the trouble with Elon Musk's debut as a federal budget negotiatorTitle: Encounter on the Road: A Tale of Patience and Understanding

Amidst the hustle and bustle, a small electric car was slowly moving along the road, driven by a middle-aged man with his young son seated in the back. Suddenly, a sleek sedan swerved dangerously close to the electric car, nearly causing a collision. The electric car driver honked his horn in warning, but the sedan driver seemed oblivious to the danger he had caused.South Korea's embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol avoided an opposition-led attempt to impeach him over his short-lived imposition of martial law, as most ruling party lawmakers boycotted a parliamentary vote Saturday to deny a two-thirds majority needed to suspend his presidential powers. The scrapping of the motion is expected to intensify public protests calling for Yoon's ouster and deepen political chaos in South Korea, with a survey suggesting a majority of South Koreans support the president's impeachment. Yoon's martial law declaration drew criticism from his own ruling conservative People Power Party, but it is also determined to oppose Yoon's impeachment apparently because it fears losing the presidency to liberals. After the motion fell through, members of the main liberal opposition Democratic Party rallied inside the National Assembly, chanting slogans calling for Yoon's impeachment or resignation. The party's floor leader, Park Chan-dae, said it will soon prepare for a new impeachment motion. "We'll surely impeach Yoon Suk Yeol, who is the greatest risk to Republic of Korea," party leader Lee Jae-myung said. "We'll surely bring back this country to normal before Christmas Day or year's end." RELATED STORY | South Korean parliament defies president by lifting declaration of martial law Despite escaping the impeachment attempt, many experts worry Yoon won't be able to serve out his remaining 2 1⁄2 years in office. They say some ruling party lawmakers could eventually join opposition parties' efforts to impeach Yoon if public demands for it grow further. The ruling party risks "further public outrage and national confusion if they don't find a formula fast for Yoon's departure," said Duyeon Kim, a senior analyst at the Center for a New American Security in Washington. On Saturday, tens of thousands of people densely packed several blocks of roads leading up to the National Assembly, waving banners, shouting slogans and dancing. Protesters also gathered in front of PPP's headquarters near the Assembly, angrily shouting for its lawmakers to vote to impeach Yoon. A smaller crowd of Yoon's supporters, which still seemed to be in the thousands, rallied in separate streets in Seoul, decrying the impeachment attempt they saw as unconstitutional. Impeaching Yoon required support from 200 of the National Assembly's 300 members. The Democratic Party and five other small opposition parties, which filed the motion, have 192 seats combined. But only three lawmakers from PPP participated in the vote. The motion was scrapped without ballot counting because the number of votes didn't reach 200. RELATED STORY | Family of kidnapped American reporter still believes his is alive in Syria National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik called the result "very regrettable" and an embarrassing moment for the country's democracy that has been closely watched by the world. Opposition parties could submit a new impeachment motion after a new parliamentary session opens next Wednesday. If Yoon is impeached, his powers will be suspended until the Constitutional Court decides whether to remove him from office. If he is removed, an election to replace him must take place within 60 days. Earlier Saturday, Yoon issued a public apology over the martial law decree, saying he won't shirk legal or political responsibility for the declaration and promising not to make another attempt to impose martial law. He said would leave it to his party to chart a course through the country's political turmoil, "including matters related to my term in office." "The declaration of this martial law was made out of my desperation. But in the course of its implementation, it caused anxiety and inconveniences to the public. I feel very sorry over that and truly apologize to the people who must have been shocked a lot," Yoon said. Since taking office in 2022, Yoon has struggled to push his agenda through an opposition-controlled parliament and grappled with low approval ratings amid scandals involving himself and his wife. In his martial law announcement on Tuesday night, Yoon called parliament a "den of criminals" bogging down state affairs and vowed to eliminate "shameless North Korea followers and anti-state forces." The turmoil resulting from Yoon's bizarre and poorly-thought-out stunt has paralyzed South Korean politics and sparked alarm among key diplomatic partners like the U.S. and Japan. "Yoon's credibility overseas has been undermined by declaring martial law, so he won't be able to exercise leadership in his foreign policies especially when his days are numbered," Kim, the analyst, said. "Its government bureaucracy will need to continue business as usual for existing alliance and foreign policy initiatives as best it can because there is a lot of important work to do globally." Tuesday night saw special forces troops encircling the parliament building and army helicopters hovering over it, but the military withdrew after the National Assembly unanimously voted to overturn the decree, forcing Yoon to lift it before daybreak Wednesday. The declaration of martial law was the first of its kind in more than 40 years in South Korea. Eighteen lawmakers from the ruling party voted to reject Yoon's martial law decree along with opposition lawmakers. PPP later decided to oppose Yoon's impeachment motion. Yoon's speech fueled speculation that he and his party may push for a constitutional amendment to shorten his term, instead of accepting impeachment, as a way to ease public anger over the marital law and facilitate Yoon's early exit from office. Lee told reporters that Yoon's speech was "greatly disappointing" and that the only way forward is his immediate resignation or impeachment. His party called Yoon's martial law "unconstitutional, illegal rebellion or coup." Lawmakers on Saturday first voted on a bill appointing a special prosecutor to investigate stock price manipulation allegations surrounding Yoon's wife. On Friday, PPP chair Han Dong-hun, who criticized Yoon's martial law declaration, said he had received intelligence that during the brief period of martial law Yoon ordered the country's defense counterintelligence commander to arrest unspecified key politicians based on accusations of "anti-state activities." Hong Jang-won, first deputy director of South Korea's spy agency, told lawmakers Friday that Yoon had ordered him to help the defense counterintelligence unit to detain key politicians including Han, Lee and Woo. The Defense Ministry said Friday it suspended three military commanders including the head of the defense counterintelligence unit over their involvement in enforcing martial law. Vice Defense Minister Kim Seon Ho has told parliament that Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun ordered the deployment of troops to the National Assembly. Opposition parties accused Kim of recommending to Yoon to enforce martial law. Kim resigned Thursday, and prosecutors imposed an overseas travel ban on him.

In a recent live stream event, actor and singer Xiang Zuo, also known as Xiang Zuo, and his wife, actress and singer Xiaohua, spent three hours together creating a new hairstyle. The couple, who are known for their fun and interactive live streams, delighted fans with their lively banter and creative collaboration.For audiophiles like me, 2024 was a year filled with exciting new releases and innovations in the world of high-fidelity audio. From groundbreaking headphone technology to the resurgence of vinyl, it was a year that catered to both seasoned audiophiles and newcomers alike. But as the year draws to a close, all signs point to 2025 being even bigger and better. Let’s delve into why 2024 was such a fantastic year for sound enthusiasts and what we can expect in the coming year. This article will explore the key trends and releases that defined 2024 in the audiophile world and provide insights into what we can anticipate in 2025. We’ll cover everything from advancements in wireless audio and spatial sound to the continued growth of vinyl and the rising popularity of high-resolution audio streaming. Get ready to turn up the volume and dive into the exciting future of audio! 2024: The Year in Audio Wireless Audio Takes Center Stage: 2024 saw significant strides in wireless audio technology. Bluetooth codecs like aptX Adaptive and LDAC continued to push the boundaries of wireless sound quality, bringing it closer than ever to wired fidelity. Personally, I was blown away by the improvement in my listening experience when I upgraded to a pair of headphones with aptX Adaptive. The difference was truly noticeable, especially when streaming high-resolution audio. Spatial Audio’s Immersive Rise: Spatial audio, with its ability to create a 3D soundscape, truly came into its own this year. Apple’s Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos on Apple Music, along with Sony’s 360 Reality Audio, offered immersive listening experiences that redefined how we enjoy music. I remember listening to Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon in spatial audio for the first time, and it felt like I was rediscovering the album. The way the sound enveloped me was simply breathtaking. Vinyl’s Resurgence Continues: Vinyl records continued their impressive comeback in 2024. New turntables, cartridges, and phono preamps flooded the market, catering to a wide range of budgets and preferences. Even mainstream artists embraced the format, with many releasing special vinyl editions of their albums. I finally took the plunge this year and invested in a decent turntable setup, and I haven’t looked back. There’s something truly special about the ritual of listening to vinyl. High-Resolution Audio Streaming Gains Momentum: Streaming services like Tidal and Qobuz, offering high-resolution audio , saw increased adoption. Audiophiles are increasingly demanding higher quality audio, and these services delivered. I’ve been a Tidal subscriber for a while now, and I love the option to stream Master quality recordings. The clarity and detail are simply unmatched by standard streaming services. Looking Ahead to 2025: The Future of Sound Lossless Audio Goes Mainstream: Apple Music’s adoption of lossless audio in 2023 paved the way for wider acceptance of high-fidelity streaming. We can expect more streaming services to follow suit in 2025, making lossless audio the new standard. This is fantastic news for audiophiles, as it means easier access to high-quality music without the need for large local libraries. AI-Powered Audio Personalization: Artificial intelligence is poised to revolutionize the audio experience. We can expect to see AI-powered headphones that automatically adjust sound profiles based on individual preferences and listening environments. Imagine headphones that learn your favorite genres and tailor the sound accordingly! This is an exciting prospect for personalized audio experiences. The Metaverse and Immersive Audio: As the metaverse continues to develop, immersive audio will play a crucial role in creating realistic and engaging virtual environments. Expect to see advancements in binaural audio and spatial sound technologies that transport users to another world. I’m particularly interested in seeing how this technology evolves in the gaming sector, where immersive audio can significantly enhance the gameplay experience. Sustainability in Audio: With growing concerns about environmental impact, the audio industry is likely to focus on sustainability. We can anticipate more eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes in the production of audio equipment. I’m eager to see companies adopt sustainable practices and offer products that are both high-quality and environmentally conscious. The Rise of Independent Audio Brands: While established brands continue to innovate, we can expect to see a rise in independent audio companies offering unique and specialized products. These smaller companies often push the boundaries of audio technology, offering innovative designs and features that cater to niche markets. I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting audio brands, and I think 2025 will be a great year for discovering hidden gems. My Predictions for 2025 2024 was a landmark year for audiophiles, with advancements across various aspects of audio technology. However, 2025 promises to be even more groundbreaking, with AI-powered personalization, immersive soundscapes, and a continued focus on high-fidelity audio. As an audiophile, I’m excited to see how these trends unfold and how they will shape the future of our listening experiences. Bring on the next wave of audio innovation!

In the aftermath of the chilling stand-up routine, the audience emerged with a newfound appreciation for the power of storytelling and the impact of humor on our perceptions of safety and security. The tale of the Snail Lady may have been a harrowing detour into the realm of horror, but it served as a reminder that even in the darkest of moments, there is always room for laughter and light to guide us through the shadows.Washington, Dec 9 (AP) President Joe Biden said on Sunday the US government believes missing American journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared 12 years ago near the Syrian capital, is alive and that Washington is committed to bringing him home after Bashar Assad's ouster from power in Damascus. “We think we can get him back," Biden told reporters at the White House, while acknowledging that “we have no direct evidence” of his status. "Assad should be held accountable.” Biden said officials must still identify exactly where Tice is after his disappearance in August 2012 at a checkpoint in a contested area west of Damascus. “We've remained committed to returning him to his family,” he said. Tice, who is from Houston and whose work had been published by The Washington Post, McClatchy newspapers and other outlets. A video released weeks after Tice went missing showed him blindfolded and held by armed men and saying, “Oh, Jesus”. He has not been heard from since. Syria has publicly denied that it was holding him. The United States has no new evidence that Tice is alive, but continues to operate under the assumption he is alive, according to a US official. The official, who was not authorised to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, said the US will continue to work to identify where he is and to try to bring him home. His mother, Debra, said at a news conference Friday in Washington that the family had information from a “significant source”, whom she did not identify, establishing that her son was alive. “He is being cared for and he is well — we do know that,” she said. The Tice family met this past week with officials at the State Department and the White House. “To everyone in Syria that hears this, please remind people that we're waiting for Austin,” Debra Tice said in comments that hostage advocacy groups spread on social media Sunday. “We know that when he comes out, he's going to be fairly dazed and he's going to need lots of care & direction. Direct him to his family please!” (AP) PY PY (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)

The energy sector in West Africa, dominated by oil and gas production, has long been the backbone of regional economies. However, as global investors, regulators, and communities demand greater accountability, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting has become a critical challenge. The region’s resource-dependent economies face unique obstacles, including fragmented data systems, regulatory inconsistencies, and limited technological infrastructure. Emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) offer transformative solutions to these ESG reporting challenges, enabling the sector to transition from mere extraction to responsible and transparent operations. The energy sector in West Africa relies on a patchwork of manual data collection systems that often lack standardization. This leads to incomplete or inaccurate ESG data, making it difficult to generate credible reports. ESG regulations in the region vary significantly across countries, with some lacking formal frameworks altogether. For companies operating across borders, compliance becomes a daunting task. As companies face increasing pressure to demonstrate sustainability, the risk of greenwashing—where entities misrepresent their ESG credentials—has risen sharply, further eroding stakeholder trust. Issues like oil spills, deforestation, and community displacement are central to ESG concerns in the region. However, companies often lack the tools to measure and report the social and environmental impact accurately. Artificial intelligence has emerged as a game-changer for ESG reporting. Below are key applications of AI that can help reshape ESG reporting in West Africa’s energy sector: Data aggregation and integration: AI-powered tools can aggregate data from multiple sources, such as IoT sensors on oil rigs, satellite imagery, and government databases. These tools not only ensure consistency but also reduce human error and improve the speed of reporting. For example, satellite-based AI solutions can monitor oil spills and detect deforestation near energy projects, providing real-time environmental data for ESG reports. Data validation and anomaly detection: Machine learning algorithms can validate data integrity by cross-referencing information from disparate sources. AI can compare energy output figures with emission levels to ensure consistency, flagging anomalies indicative of underreporting or misrepresentation. Regulatory alignment through NLP: Natural Language Processing (NLP) algorithms can analyse local and international regulatory texts, helping companies understand and align their ESG reports with the relevant frameworks. AI systems can map company activities to compliance requirements across ECOWAS countries, streamlining multi-jurisdictional reporting. Real-time monitoring and proactive response: AI enables continuous monitoring of environmental and social metrics, ensuring that reports reflect real-time performance rather than outdated information. Companies can also use this data to respond proactively to stakeholder concerns. Greenwashing detection: By leveraging AI for pattern recognition, stakeholders can identify discrepancies between reported ESG metrics and actual performance. This deters companies from inflating their sustainability credentials. Predictive analytics for risk mitigation: AI can also predict potential environmental incidents, such as oil spills or pipeline failures, based on historical data. This helps companies prepare and include risk mitigation strategies in their ESG reports. Resource optimisation and environmental footprint tracking: AI models can optimise resource use and track the environmental footprint of energy projects, ensuring more sustainable extraction processes. Machine learning models can predict water usage in oil extraction, helping companies minimise overuse and report efficiency improvements. Blockchain integration for data integrity: Coupled with AI, blockchain technology can create immutable records of ESG-related data, ensuring transparency and building stakeholder trust. A blockchain-backed AI system could verify carbon offset claims by linking them to on-ground renewable energy projects in the region. The benefits of AI-enhanced ESG reporting are significant: Improved credibility through accurate, data-backed insights. Regulatory confidence through automated compliance with evolving standards. Investor trust is driven by transparency. Operational efficiency through reduced time and cost associated with ESG reporting. As West Africa’s energy sector grapples with the dual imperatives of economic growth and environmental responsibility, adopting AI for ESG reporting is no longer optional. By addressing data fragmentation, regulatory challenges, and greenwashing risks, AI can help companies transition to a more transparent and sustainable model. Governments, corporations, and investors must collaborate to deploy AI solutions tailored to the region’s unique needs, ensuring that the energy sector becomes a leader in responsible resource management. The journey from extraction to responsibility begins with accurate ESG reporting—and AI is the bridge. Oritsemolebi Adebiyi, a Cornell and IE business school MBA graduate, is a finance and sustainability expert.JHVEPhoto Investors in Verizon Communications ( NYSE: VZ ) have struggled for traction since VZ reached its September 2024 peak. VZ's mixed Q3 earnings release hasn't afforded the breakout opportunity that I had anticipated in my previous article. As a result, A Unique Price Action-based Growth Investing Service We believe price action is a leading indicator. We called the TSLA top in late 2021. We then picked TSLA's bottom in December 2022. We updated members that the NASDAQ had long-term bearish price action signals in November 2021. We told members that the S&P 500 likely bottomed in October 2022. Members navigated the turning points of the market confidently in our service. Members tuned out the noise in the financial media and focused on what really matters: Price Action. Sign up now for a Risk-Free 14-Day free trial! JR Research is an opportunistic investor. He was recognized by TipRanks as a Top Analyst. He was also recognized by Seeking Alpha as a "Top Analyst To Follow" for Technology, Software, and Internet, as well as for Growth and GARP. He identifies attractive risk/reward opportunities supported by robust price action to potentially generate alpha well above the S&P 500. He has also demonstrated outperformance with his picks. He focuses on identifying growth investing opportunities that present the most attractive risk/reward upside potential. His approach combines sharp price action analysis with fundamentals investing. He tends to avoid overhyped and overvalued stocks while capitalizing on battered stocks with significant upside recovery possibilities. He runs the investing group Ultimate Growth Investing which specializes in identifying high-potential opportunities across various sectors. He focuses on ideas that has strong growth potential and well-beaten contrarian plays, with an 18 to 24 month outlook for the thesis to play out. The group is designed for investors seeking to capitalize on growth stocks with robust fundamentals, buying momentum, and turnaround plays at highly attractive valuations. Learn more Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of AAPL either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.In conclusion, the warning issued to Doug Cockle regarding discussions of The Witcher 4 has sparked both curiosity and concern among fans, underscoring the enduring impact of the beloved franchise and the eager anticipation for its future. Only time will tell what lies ahead for Geralt and The Witcher series, but one thing is for certain – the White Wolf's legend will continue to endure in the hearts of fans for years to come.As the showdown between Inter Milan and Lazio looms large on the horizon, all eyes will be on the Stadio Olimpico to witness which team emerges victorious and gains the upper hand in the Serie A title race. For Palermo, the stakes could not be higher, as a defeat against their Roman rivals could plunge them into crisis and threaten to unravel their season. In a season filled with twists and turns, this clash represents a defining moment for both clubs and a test of their character and resolve in the face of mounting pressure.

College Football Playoff's first 12-team bracket is set with Oregon No. 1 and SMU in, Alabama out SMU captured the last open spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff, bumping Alabama to land in a bracket that placed undefeated Oregon at No. 1. The selection committee preferred the Mustangs, losers of a heartbreaker in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game, who had a far less difficult schedule than Alabama of the SEC but one fewer loss. The inaugural 12-team bracket marks a new era for college football, though the Alabama-SMU debate made clear there is no perfect formula. The tournament starts Dec. 20-21 with four first-round games. It concludes Jan. 20 with the national title game in Atlanta. Alabama left out of playoff as committee rewards SMU's wins over Crimson Tide's strong schedule The College Football Playoff committee took wins over strength of schedule, taking SMU over Alabama for the final at-large spot in the field. The field was expanded from four to 12 teams this season, but that didn’t save the committee from controversy. SMU showed it could compete against a traditional power, losing to Clemson 34-31 on a 56-yard field goal in the ACC title game on Saturday. Alabama had some ups and downs in its first season under coach Kalen DeBoer. The Crimson Tide had quality wins against Georgia and South Carolina, but lost at Vanderbilt, Tennessee and Oklahoma. Big Ten wins playoff selection derby, followed by SEC despite notable Alabama omission College football’s conference shakeup left concerns about two super conferences dominating the playoff field. They weren’t totally unfounded, or 100% born out. The Big Ten, not the Southeastern Conference, was the biggest winner. The ACC scored, too. The Big Ten led the initial 12-team playoff field with four making the cut, topped by a No. 1 Oregon team that was part of the Pac-12 exodus. Then came the SEC — and one notable omission. ACC runner-up SMU got the nod over college football blue-blood Alabama, another blemish in Kalen DeBoer’s first season as Nick Saban’s championship-or-bust successor. Tamar Bates scores 29 points to help Missouri beat No. 1 Kansas 76-67 COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Tamar Bates had 29 points and five steals to help Missouri beat Hunter Dickinson and No. 1 Kansas 76-67. Mark Mitchell scored 17 points in Missouri’s first win over Kansas since a 74-71 victory on Feb. 4, 2012. Anthony Robinson II had 11 points and five steals for the 8-1 Tigers. Dickinson had 19 points and 14 rebounds, but he also committed seven turnovers. The 7-2 Jayhawks have lost two straight on the road after falling 76-63 against Creighton on Wednesday night. Scottie Scheffler ends his big year in the Bahamas with his 9th victory NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Scottie Scheffler ended his biggest year with another victory. Scheffler was coming off a two-month break and looked as good as ever. He shot 63 in the Hero World Challenge and set tournament records at Albany with a 72-hole total of 263 and a six-shot victory. Tom Kim was the runner-up and Justin Thomas finished third. Scheffler ends his year with nine victories in 21 tournaments. That includes the holiday tournament in the Bahamas and the Olympic gold medal in Paris. It's the third-highest winning percentage in the last 40 years. Tournament host Tiger Woods had two better years. Lindsey Vonn is encouraged by how close she is to being competitive in ski racing return at age 40 COPPER MOUNTAIN, Colo. (AP) — Lindsey Vonn is encouraged by how close she is to being competitive again in her ski racing return at 40 years old. Vonn is still getting her ski equipment dialed in and getting used to going full speed again on her new titanium knee. That’s why all that she's reading into being more than two seconds behind in a pair of lower-level super-G races Sunday is that she’s right there. This after nearly six years away from ski racing and an abbreviated prep period. She was 2.19 seconds behind in the first race and 2.06 in the second. Both were won by her American teammate Lauren Macuga. Plane circles MetLife Stadium with message to co-owner John Mara to fix the Giants' 'dumpster fire' EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — A small plane circled MetLife Stadium roughly 90 minutes before New York was to play host to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, asking Giants co-owner John Mara to overhaul the team that has made the playoffs twice since winning the Super Bowl in February 2012. “Mr. Mara, enough. Please fix this dumpster fire!” the message read as it was towed behind the rear of a small plane. Saquon Barkley sets Eagles season rushing record and has Dickerson's NFL mark in his sights PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Saquon Barkley has broken LeSean McCoy's Eagles franchise record for rushing yards in a season. Barkley has 1,623 yards. He surpassed McCoy's mark of 1,607 yards with a 9-yard run in Sunday's 22-16 win over Carolina. Barkley finished the game with 124 yards, within a yard of his season average. He has four games left and is on pace to break Eric Dickerson's 40-year-old NFL record of 2,105 yards. Dickerson set that record in a 16-game season and Barkley has one more game. Eagles fans serenaded Barkley with “MVP!” chants and McCoy congratulated him on social media. Tua Tagovailoa's TD pass to Jonnu Smith gives Dolphins 32-26 overtime win over Aaron Rodgers, Jets MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Tua Tagovailoa threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Jonnu Smith in overtime and the Miami Dolphins overcame Aaron Rodgers’ first 300-yard passing game in nearly three years to beat the New York Jets 32-26. After Jason Sanders tied it with 7 seconds left in regulation with a 42-yard field goal, Tagovailoa quickly moved the Dolphins down the field and they beat the Jets for the ninth straight time in Miami. That came after Anders Carlson gave the struggling Jets the lead with a 42-yarder with 52 seconds remaining. New York was eliminated from playoff contention for the 14th straight year. Steelers WR George Pickens to miss first game of his career with hamstring injury PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens will have to wait to “introduce” himself to Cleveland Browns defensive back Greg Newsome II. Pickens is inactive for Pittsburgh's rematch against the Browns because of a hamstring injury. Newsome and Pickens ended Cleveland’s 24-19 win on Nov. 21 by tussling on Pittsburgh’s last-gasp desperation pass attempt. Pickens grabbed Newsome’s facemask as the two careened through the end zone and slammed into a restraining wall. Afterward, Newsome called the mercurial Pickens a “fake tough guy.” Pickens responded on Friday by feigning ignorance and saying he didn’t even know who Newsome was when asked if he would talk to Newsome before the game.

Grade: Senior School: Davenport North Notes: Bourrage, the reigning Iowa Gatorade Player of the Year, ranked second in the MAC scoring (19.8 ppg) and first in rebounds (9.3) and assists (5.6) last season. ... Has 1,042 points and 533 rebounds for her career. ... Signed with LSU earlier this month. Grade: Senior School: Davenport North Notes: Enters the season with 1,229 points and 603 rebounds. ... Missed the last eight games last season because of a knee injury. Shot 63.8% last season. ... Averaged 18.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 4.6 steals per game as a junior. ... Signed with Iowa earlier this month. Grade: Junior School: Bettendorf Notes: McCorkle, who played at Davenport North as a freshman, ranked fifth in the MAC in scoring last season at 15.9 points per game. ... The 5-foot-8 guard also accounted for 3.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 3.5 steals per game. ... Has D-I college offers from Ball State and Buffalo. Year: Senior School: Pleasant Valley Notes: 5-6 guard was second in assists per game last season (5.0) behind only North’s Divine Bourrage. ... Scored 12.5 points per game and added 3.6 steals per contest. Career totals: 793 points, 263 assists, 255 steals. ... Signed with D-III Wartburg. Grade: Senior School: Central DeWitt Notes: Led the MAC in scoring (21 ppg) and ranked fourth in 4A last season. ... Also averaged 5.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.7 steals per game as a junior. ... Has 1,008 career points. ... Signed with D-II Lewis University of the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Sent weekly directly to your inbox! Sports Editor {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.Christmas In Post-Assad Syria Tainted By Fears For Minority's Future

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Her co-star He Rundong, who has previously showcased his acting chops in various hit dramas and films, expressed similar enthusiasm for the project. He stated, "I believe that horror films have a unique ability to tap into our deepest fears and emotions. I am looking forward to working alongside Chen Yanxi and the talented cast and crew to create a truly unforgettable and terrifying movie experience."

Exhibition of paintings on ‘Mountain Heritage, Landscape’ opens at PAC Group photo at a painting exhibition titled ‘Mountain Heritage and Landscape’ jointly organised by the Punjab Arts Council (PAC) Rawalpindi and Devcom-Pakistan at the Rawalpindi Arts Gallery, on Dec 26, 2024. — Facebook@pucarofficialpage. Rawalpindi:The Punjab Arts Council (PAC) Rawalpindi and Devcom-Pakistan jointly organised a painting exhibition titled ‘Mountain Heritage and Landscape’ on Thursday at the Rawalpindi Arts Gallery, in connection with the 14th Pakistan Mountain Festival. The festival is a signature initiative aimed at mainstreaming mountain challenges and celebrating the rich cultural and environmental heritage of Pakistan's mountainous regions. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); The exhibition featured an impressive array of artworks created by talented artists and students. The exhibits reflected the vibrant cultural heritage, traditional architecture, and sports associated with Pakistan's mountainous communities. Artists employed a variety of mediums, offering diverse perspectives on the theme. The event served as a visual celebration of mountain life and an artistic reminder of the urgent need to preserve this invaluable heritage in the face of environmental and cultural challenges. In the senior youth group, the first three prizes were won by Attiqa Malik, Shanza Noreen and Afia Risha respectively, while Salslabeen Aslam, Hamna and Syed Moazzam won first three prizes in the students category respectively. Well-known artist Shahnaz Akram was the chief jury and chief guest of the occasion. She distributed certificates among the winning artists and praised the creativity and dedication displayed by the participants. In her address, Shahnaz Akram underscored the importance of art in highlighting critical social and environmental issues. “Art has the unique ability to inspire and educate,” she said. “Through this exhibition, we see not just the beauty of our mountains but also the challenges they face.” Munir Ahmed, executive director of Devcom-Pakistan and founder of the Pakistan Mountain Festival, also addressed the audience. He emphasised the critical role mountains play in Pakistan’s ecological balance, water security, and cultural identity. “Our mountains are more than majestic landscapes; they are the lifeblood of our environment and culture. In the context of changing climate, it is imperative to protect and promote their environmental and cultural heritage,” he remarked. He further lauded the partnership between the Punjab Arts Council and Devcom-Pakistan, noting that such collaborations are vital for raising awareness and fostering appreciation for mountain ecosystems and communities.Every Outlander Sex Scene, Ranked

Looking ahead, Chelsea fans are filled with optimism and excitement as the team continues to compete at the highest level. With Marcelo at the helm, the future looks bright for the club, and supporters are hopeful that this season could be one to remember. As the team prepares for the challenges that lie ahead, one thing is certain – under Marcelo's leadership, Chelsea is a force to be reckoned with in the world of football.The new, 12-team College Football Playoff brings with it a promise to be bigger, more exciting, more lucrative. Perfect or 100% fair? Well, nobody ever believed that. The first expanded playoff bracket unveiled Sunday left a presumably deserving Alabama team on the sideline in favor of an SMU squad that finished with a better record after playing a schedule that was not as difficult. It ranked undefeated Oregon first but set up a possible rematch against Ohio State, the team that came closest to beating the Ducks this year. It treated underdog Boise State like a favorite and banged-up Georgia like a world beater at No. 2. It gave Ohio State home-field advantage against Tennessee for reasons it would take a supercomputer to figure out. It gave the sport the multiweek tournament it has longed for, but also ensured there will be plenty to grouse about between now and when the trophy is handed out on Jan. 20 after what will easily be the longest college football season in history. All of it, thankfully, will be sorted out on the field starting with first-round games on campuses Dec. 20 and 21, then over three succeeding rounds that will wind their way through traditional bowl sites. Maybe Oregon coach Dan Lanning, whose undefeated Ducks are the favorite to win it all, put it best when he offered: "Winning a national championship is not supposed to be easy.” Neither, it turns out, is figuring out who should play for it. Alabama comes up short in the bracket’s biggest debate The Big Ten will lead the way with four teams in the tournament, followed by the SEC with three and the ACC with two. The lasting memory from the inaugural bracket will involve the decision that handed the ACC that second bid. Alabama of the SEC didn't play Saturday. SMU of the ACC did. The Mustangs fell behind by three touchdowns to Clemson before coming back to tie. But they ultimately lost 34-31 on a 56-yard field goal as time expired. “We were on pins and needles,” SMU coach Rhett Lashley said. “Until we saw the name ‘SMU’ up there, we were hanging on the edge. We're really, really happy and thankful to the committee for rewarding our guys for their total body of work." The Mustangs only had two losses, compared to three for the Crimson Tide. Even though SMU's schedule wasn't nearly as tough, the committee was impressed by the way the Mustangs came back against Clemson. “We just felt, in this particular case, SMU had the nod above Alabama,” said Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel, the chairman of the selection committee. “But it’s no disrespect to Alabama’s strength of schedule. We looked at the entire body of work for both teams.” Crimson Tide AD gracious, but looking for answers Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne was gracious, up to a point. “Disappointed with the outcome and felt we were one of the 12 best teams in the country,” he said on social media. He acknowledged — despite all of Alabama’s losses coming against conference opponents this season — that the Tide’s push to schedule more games against teams from other major conferences in order to improve its strength of schedule did not pay off this time. “That is not good for college football," Byrne said. Georgia, Boise State and Arizona State join Oregon with first-round byes Georgia, the SEC champion, was seeded second; Boise State, the Mountain West champion, earned the third seed; and Big 12 titlist Arizona State got the fourth seed and the fourth and final first-round bye. All will play in quarterfinals at bowl games on Dec. 31-Jan. 1. Clemson stole a bid and the 12th seed with its crazy win over SMU, the result that ultimately cost Alabama a spot in the field. The Tigers moved to No. 16 in the rankings, but got in as the fifth-best conference winner. Automatic byes and bids made the bracket strange The conference commissioners' idea to give conference champions preferable treatment in this first iteration of the 12-team playoff could be up for reconsideration after this season. The committee actually ranked Boise State, the Mountain West Champion, at No. 9 and Big 12 champion Arizona State at No. 12, but both get to skip the first round. Another CFP guideline: There’s no reseeding of teams after each round, which means no break for Oregon. The top-seeded Ducks will face the winner of Tennessee-Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. Oregon beat Ohio State 32-31 earlier this year in one of the season’s best games. What the matchups look like No. 12 Clemson at No. 5 Texas, Dec. 21. Clemson is riding high after the SMU upset, while Texas is 0-2 against Georgia and 11-0 vs. everyone else this season. The winner faces ... Arizona State in the Peach Bowl. Huh? No. 11 SMU at No. 6 Penn State, Dec. 21. The biggest knock against the Mustangs was that they didn't play any big boys with that 60th-ranked strength of schedule. Well, now they get to. The winner faces ... Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl. Yes, SMU vs. Boise was the quarterfinal we all expected. No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Notre Dame, Dec. 20. Hoosiers coach Curt Cignetti thought his team deserved a home game. Well, not quite but close. The winner faces ... Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. The Bulldogs got the No. 2 seed despite a throwing-arm injury to QB Carson Beck. But what else was the committee supposed to do? No. 9 Tennessee at No. 8 Ohio State , Dec. 21. The Buckeyes (losses to Oregon, Michigan) got home field over the Volunteers (losses to Arkansas, Georgia) in a matchup of programs with two of the biggest stadiums in football. The winner faces ... Oregon in the Rose Bowl. Feels like that matchup should come in the semifinals or later. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football