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#top646 TJ Bamba led Oregon with 22 points and five assists in the Ducks' 78-68 victory over San Diego State on Wednesday in pool play of the Players Era Festival at Las Vegas. The Ducks (7-0) won both games in the "Power Group" and will play in the championship Saturday against the top team from the "Impact Group." San Diego State (3-2) will await its opponent for one of the secondary games Saturday. The matchups are based on seeding dependent on performance of the first two games. Bamba made 7 of 14 shots from the field, including 4 of 6 from 3-point range. Keeshawn Barthelemy had 16 points on 5-of-8 shooting from the field and hit 3 of 4 from beyond the arc. Nate Bittle finished with 11 points and nine rebounds, Brandon Angel 12 points and six rebounds and Jackson Shelstad paired 12 points with four assists. BJ Davis led San Diego State with 18 points before fouling out. Nick Boyd finished with 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting from the field, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. Neither team led by more than four points until Oregon scored nine unanswered to take a 34-27 lead with 2:20 left in the first half. Barthelemy started the run with a jumper and finished it with a 3-pointer. Oregon outscored San Diego State 16-4 in the last 4:23 of the half to take a 41-31 lead into the break. Bamba and Barthelemy combined for 20 points on 7-of-14 shooting in the first half. Boyd led San Diego State with 13 points, making all three of his 3-point attempts and going 5-of-6 overall. A 7-2 run for Oregon increased its advantage to 48-35 with 17:36 remaining, but San Diego State cut the lead to 56-53 with 10:58 left following a 9-0 run. A Bamba 3-pointer closed an 8-2 stretch with 4:15 remaining to increase Oregon's lead to 73-63. San Diego State did not get closer than eight points the rest of the way. Davis fouled out with 31 seconds left and Oregon leading 77-68. --Field Level MediaHeidrick & Struggles Appoints Chief Financial Officer

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Republican Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks won her reelection bid Wednesday after a recount confirmed her lead, helping her party pad its thin majority in the U.S. House and retain control of all four of Iowa’s congressional seats. Miller-Meeks said in a post on the social platform X that she was “deeply honored” after she defeated Democrat Christina Bohannan in a rematch of 2022, when Miller-Meeks won by 7 percentage points. The margin this year was much tighter — Miller-Meeks' lead over Bohannan was less than a percentage point, or fewer than 1,000 votes. “I am now looking forward to getting back to work in Washington to lower prices at the gas pump, grocery store and on prescription drugs, secure the border and help farmers," said Miller-Meeks, who represents the 1st District, which includes the eastern part of the state and a swath of south-central Iowa, including Johnson County, home to University of Iowa in Iowa City. Miller-Meeks earned a first term in Congress representing Iowa’s 2nd District when she defeated Democrat Rita Hart by just six votes in 2020. The Associated Press called this year's race at 4:02 p.m. ET on Wednesday. Miller-Meeks had declared victory earlier, but the AP had not yet called the race because the margin was close enough that it could prompt a recount. Bohannan's campaign on Nov. 14 requested a recount , as any candidate is allowed to do, saying in a statement that the recount will make certain “that every voter is heard.” She congratulated Miller-Meeks in a message on X after the vote count was completed. “Although this is not the result we wanted, I am so proud of our campaign,” she wrote. “We exceeded all expectations and turned a district that many pundits thought was unwinnable into one of the very closest races in the country.” The request was made for a recount in each of the district’s 20 counties. Because the margin was less than a percentage point, the state — not the candidate — pays for the costs associated with the recount. Miller-Meeks’ campaign accused Bohannan and other Democrats of being “election deniers," and Republicans have said Bohannan is wasting taxpayer dollars. “This is a delaying tactic to thwart the will of the people,” the Miller-Meeks campaign said in a Nov. 14 statement. “A recount won’t meaningfully change the outcome of this race as the congresswoman’s lead is mathematically impossible to overcome.” Republican incumbents held onto Iowa’s three other congressional seats, maintaining GOP control over the entirety of Iowa’s congressional delegation. The sweep in 2022 represented the first time in three decades that Iowa had an all-Republican delegation, emblematic of the sharp rightward shift in the state not long after former President Barack Obama carried Iowa in 2008 and again in 2012. Obama won with solid support from the eastern counties along the Mississippi River that have mostly backed Trump since and bolster Miller-Meeks' in her district as well. Two competitive congressional races in Iowa this year — the 1st and 3rd Districts — brought millions of dollars in paid advertising to the state from national campaign arms for House Republican and Democrats. Zach Nunn fought off the challenge from Democrat Lanon Baccam in the 3rd District, which includes much of the Des Moines metro area. Republican incumbents Ashley Hinson in the 2nd District and Randy Feenstra in the 4th District won decisively. Hinson defeated Democrat Sarah Corkery. Feenstra defeated Democrat Ryan Melton.Sean “Diddy” Combs has been denied bail as he awaits a sex trafficking trial by a judge who cited evidence showing him to be a serious risk of witness tampering and proof that he has violated regulations in jail. US District Judge Arun Subramanian made the decision in a written ruling following a bail hearing last week, when lawyers for the hip-hop mogul argued that a 50 million dollars bail package they proposed would be sufficient to ensure Combs does not flee and does not try to intimidate prospective trial witnesses. Advertisement Two other judges previously had been persuaded by prosecutors’ arguments that the Bad Boy Records founder was a danger to the community if he is not behind bars. Lawyers did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment on the decision. Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges that he coerced and abused women for years, aided by associates and employees. An indictment alleges that he silenced victims through blackmail and violence, including kidnapping, arson and physical beatings. Advertisement A federal appeals court judge last month denied Combs’ immediate release while a three-judge panel of the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan considers his bail request. Prosecutors have insisted that no bail conditions would be sufficient to protect the public and prevent the I’ll Be Missing You singer from fleeing. They say that even in a federal lock-up in Brooklyn, Combs has orchestrated social media campaigns designed to influence prospective jurors and tried to publicly leak materials he thinks can help his case. They say he also has contacted potential witnesses through third parties. Advertisement Lawyers for Combs say any alleged sexual abuse described in the indictment occurred during consensual relations between adults and that new evidence refutes allegations that Combs used his “power and prestige” to induce female victims into drugged-up, elaborately produced sexual performances with male sex workers known as “Freak Offs”.

KUWAIT: His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah has had an eventful debut year as Crown Prince, with a series of diplomatic, social, and international engagements that highlight Kuwait’s active role in regional and global affairs. From hosting official visits to addressing international forums, His Highness has been at the forefront of key national and international events throughout 2024. National unity and diplomacy On June 1, 2024, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled was appointed Crown Prince of Kuwait, taking the oath of office the following day, June 2. His Highness began his tenure with a series of important meetings, starting with a gathering on June 10 with members of the Al-Sabah family at the family Diwan in Bayan Palace. The meeting underscored the importance of unity and solidarity within the leadership of Kuwait. Later that month, His Highness the Crown Prince hosted a gathering at Bayan Palace, welcoming a large number of citizens and further solidifying his commitment to maintaining open communication with the public. Global engagement A few days after taking the oath as Crown Prince, His Highness held pivotal talks with Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, during an official visit to the Kingdom. The meeting took place at the Peace Palace in Jeddah, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. As part of his international engagements, His Highness the Crown Prince traveled to New York in September to head Kuwait’s delegation at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. During his visit, he delivered Kuwait’s speech at the Future Summit and participated in the General Debate, where he addressed global issues and Kuwait’s role in promoting peace and cooperation on the international stage. His Highness’s activities also included the celebration of the anniversary of the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative on September 26, where he underscored Kuwait’s dedication to regional cooperation and multilateral collaboration. On October 2, His Highness arrived in Doha to lead the Kuwaiti delegation at the 3rd Asia Cooperation Dialogue Summit. His participation in this summit aimed to enhance Kuwait’s role in fostering closer ties within the Asian region, promoting dialogue and cooperation on key economic and political issues. Global security and climate action In November, His Highness the Crown Prince delivered the opening speech at the 4th International Conference on “Enhancing International Cooperation in Combating Terrorism,” held in Kuwait. The conference, which was attended by over 450 participants from United Nations member states, aimed to strengthen international cooperation in combating terrorism and promoting peace and security. Additionally, His Highness the Crown Prince played a key role at the extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh on November 11, where he addressed regional issues and the importance of unity among Arab and Islamic nations in addressing common challenges. In a significant contribution to global climate efforts, His Highness also participated in the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, on November 13. In his address, he emphasized Kuwait’s commitment to tackling climate change and fostering international cooperation to achieve sustainable development. Strengthening regional ties The year ended with a significant visit from Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II, Crown Prince of Jordan, who visited Kuwait on December 15. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah warmly received Prince Hussein at Bayan Palace, marking a strong reaffirmation of the ties between Kuwait and Jordan. Throughout 2024, His Highness the Crown Prince has shown exemplary leadership in reinforcing Kuwait’s diplomatic relations, both regionally and globally. His engagements have highlighted his dedication to strengthening Kuwait’s position on the world stage, addressing critical issues such as international security, climate change, and sustainable development, while continuing to foster unity and cooperation at home. The Crown Prince’s active participation in these high-level meetings, summits, and official visits further underscores his commitment to advancing Kuwait’s foreign policy objectives and promoting the country’s interests in various international forums.

Published 22:11 IST, November 23rd 2024 In the name of open economy, we allowed other countries to get an advantageous playing field in the country and this has to stop, said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday. Bengaluru : In the name of open economy, we allowed other countries to get an advantageous playing field in the country and this has to stop, said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday. Jaishankar was delivering a virtual keynote address at the 8th India Idea Conclave at Bengaluru. This year, the conclave, organised by India Foundation, is exploring the theme, ‘building Brand Bharath’. “In the name of globalisation, we actually hollowed out the manufacturing. SMEs have been hurting for the last 30 years because they see unfair competition, see subsidised goods coming into the country. If we cannot protect them, they cannot compete,” he said. According to Jaishankar, under Modi’s ‘Brand Bharath’, this is being done differently as 'Make in India' has moved from aspiration to an assertion. “Look at semi conductors industry. We understand today semi conductor will be a make or break for a country like India,” he said, adding that where India that is Bharath is doing things differently is in taking the hard calls were necessary. One such call is being prudent on foreign direct investments (FDI), said Jaishankar. “I can tell you, in every FDI negotiation, we think very long, very hard. We are very concerned both about the social fabric and employment consequences of an FDI, as well as its national security implications,” the Minister said. He added that the Modi government will never sign an FDI if these are not addressed. “And I think that is the departure from the past,” he said. The minister also said since PM Modi took over, if he has to pick a region where India has really built a Brand Bharath, it would be the Middle East. According to him, traditional belief is that if a country does well with Israel, it will lose all other players in the region. But he pointed out that India has proved this conventional wisdom wrong in the last 10 years. “Today, Brand Bharath is seen as an ambitious brand. We are not just one among many willing to go with the flow. We will take the hard calls, put in resources, and we will stay in touch with the contemporary world... Under PM Modi, that really has been the big change, which is why our brand is different,” said Jaishankar. The India Idea Concalve concludes on November 24. Get Current Updates on India News , Entertainment News along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world. 22:11 IST, November 23rd 2024Police deny sitting on evidence as Netflix doc brings renewed attention to JonBenet Ramsey's killingSunday, December 29, 2024 Portland’s Oregon Rail Heritage Center is planning a significant investment in its future. The foundation is about to purchase four miles of railway track to guarantee that future visitors can continue enjoying its historic train excursions. Until now, the excursions have been run on tracks owned by the Oregon Pacific Railroad, which travels along the east bank of the Willamette River, from the Sellwood Bridge to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). A Historic Investment in the Future To secure the track for long-term use, the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation has announced plans to launch a $3 million fundraising campaign in January. This effort will enable the museum to purchase the track and ensure the sustainability of Portland’s beloved historic train excursions. The foundation’s executive director has expressed optimism about this acquisition, highlighting the museum’s commitment to preserving and expanding the opportunities for future visitors to explore Portland’s railway heritage. A Special Deal and the Addition of New Assets The current track owner, Dick Samuels, an influential member of the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation, has long been involved with the organization, leading train trips and educating the public about historic rail technology. Samuels’ sons are now looking to sell the track to the foundation, providing an important opportunity for the museum to expand. The deal not only includes the four miles of track but also an additional mile that the museum has not previously used. Additionally, the transaction will grant the museum ownership of a maintenance shop, office space, and three old railway engines, further supporting its preservation efforts. Track Improvements and Challenges Ahead While this acquisition will be a significant step forward, the track will require substantial improvements to support the museum’s larger engines. The costs associated with upgrading the track could be considerable, but the foundation is committed to this transformation to ensure a robust experience for visitors in the coming years. The foundation has until 2026 to raise the necessary funds for this ambitious project. A Deeper Connection to the Community Leaders at the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation believe that this acquisition will help them connect more deeply with the community. They foresee expanded opportunities for historic rail excursions and enriched volunteer experiences. The new track will not only serve the museum but will continue to be open for commercial use, as a frozen cheese business still relies on the route for its operations. This ensures that the track will maintain its role in Portland’s active transportation network. Historical Significance of the Track The track that the museum is acquiring has been a part of Portland’s infrastructure since 1904. Initially constructed by the Oregon Water Power and Railway Company, it was built to connect various towns and attractions via passenger trolleys. Over the years, it has played a pivotal role in the region’s transportation history, and the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation is now working to ensure its continued use in the future. Transitioning from a Workshop to a Museum The Oregon Rail Heritage Center, which opened 12 years ago on the east side of Portland’s Tilikum Crossing bridge, initially served as a place for enthusiasts to repair and restore steam engines. However, as part of a new vision, the museum is shifting its focus to become a more accessible and engaging museum for a wider audience. The foundation aims to attract more visitors and increase income, creating a vibrant space where history comes to life through immersive rail experiences. Impact on Portland’s Travel and Tourism This effort to secure the track and expand the museum’s offerings will likely have a positive impact on Portland’s travel and tourism sector. By ensuring that the train excursions remain a part of the city’s cultural landscape, the museum is positioning itself as a key destination for both locals and visitors. Tourists seeking an authentic, historical experience in Portland will now have an even greater reason to visit, as the museum will be able to offer more frequent and diverse rail experiences. With the museum’s expanded focus on its visitor experience and the growing interest in historical tourism, this project could play a significant role in Portland’s broader tourism strategy. The foundation’s investment in maintaining Portland’s rail heritage and its focus on sustainability will likely boost the city’s appeal to both history enthusiasts and casual travelers alike. Portland’s Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation is on the cusp of a major milestone, as it works to secure the future of historic rail excursions. The proposed acquisition of the track and associated improvements will ensure that the Oregon Rail Heritage Center remains a vital and dynamic institution in the city’s tourism and cultural scene. By raising funds, improving infrastructure, and expanding its offerings, the foundation is poised to provide an even richer experience for the public, all while preserving Portland’s railroad history for future generations.

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Rumor has it landscape photography on bright sunny days with blue skies is not a good idea. I would disagree. Here are a few ideas for editing photos shot in the midday sun that might just inspire you to go out and shoot more in bright conditions. The problem I have with bright sunny days is the lack of contrast and an unappealing blue haze in the distance. The first thing we tend to do is add some contrast and clarity to flat images to try to bring them to life, but that’s the worst thing you can do with a landscape photo shot on a bright, hazy sunny day. That nasty blue haze is exaggerated, and we make matters worse. When I look at a lovely view that is being ruined by less-than-perfect light, I consider shooting a black-and-white photo. If there are appealing shapes and tonal contrast, this can often be quite effective. The sample below is a great example. I love the dark trees on the ridgeline and the light, bright sky. There’s contrast there, and the color doesn’t add to this, so let’s get rid of it. Now, the distracting colors aren’t taking away from what’s interesting about the composition. If you study classic 18th- and 19th-century landscape painters and look at the colors they used in their daytime scenes, you’ll see that they were the original color-grading experts. They introduced colors to help evoke a certain mood, and there’s more to learn here about color grading than anywhere else, in my opinion. Often, darker tones are given a hint of red-brown, and lighter tones are given a yellow “grade.” Look at the skies in these old paintings in particular (examples within video). It’s worth the time trying to emulate classic paintings that appeal to you, using your editing app. There’s a lot we can learn from this. Old film stock from yesteryear is making a comeback, but it’s expensive. You can emulate the colors in analog film, which is something I like to do often. But beware of putting lipstick on a pig; a boring photo will still be a boring photo. I find the vintage film vibe works best with scenarios that are conducive to a certain time period. For example, I was in the Hollywood Hills a few years ago on assignment for a publication, and I was asked to photograph a house built in the ’50s. The bright midday Californian sun didn’t help matters, so I created a color grade in Photoshop that suited the era and took the edge off the nasty blue haze. I invite you to take a look at a video I made, using some photos as examples of what I’ve briefly covered here. I go into a bit more detail, with examples. Do you shoot in the bright midday sun or avoid it? Simon is a professional photographer and video producer, with over 35 years experience. He spends his time between Canada and the UK. He has worked for major brands, organizations and publications; shooting travel, tourism, food, and lifestyle. For fun he enjoys black and white photography, with a penchant for street and landscapes.

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