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zombie jollibee Pakistan’s 'brain rot' A trial of methods to enforce law will start in January We are increasingly living in a post-truth world. But what does it mean? Well, Oxford Dictionaries define it “as relating to and denoting circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotions and personal belief”. There is a reason why I am reminded of this term – or word. Post-truth was chosen as the word of the year in 2016, after the word’s proliferation in the first election of Donald Trump as the president of the United States. He was characterised as engaging in a ‘war on truth’. There is no obvious connection between that 2016 word of Oxford Dictionaries and the word chosen this year, when Trump has been re-elected. In any case, the Oxford Dictionaries word for 2024 is ‘brain rot’. There were other words to choose from, such as ‘lore’, ‘demure’, ‘romantasy’, ‘dynamic pricing’, and ‘slop’. ‘Brain rot’ is a slang term for supposed mental damage done by overconsumption of trivial online content. It relates to how social media is being used in most countries of the world. We, in Pakistan, have our own problems in this context. And there have been reports this week to underline this issue. Social media, of course, is an integral part of the lives of most people around the world, including in Pakistan. It serves many purposes. What has become a major concern is that it also dispenses disinformation, misinformation and fake news. The advent of Artificial Intelligence has changed the very nature of the game. It is hard to distinguish between what is real and what is not. I confess to not having much understanding of these matters and have no presence on any social media platform beyond WhatsApp. For this reason, I do not fully comprehend the measures enforced by authorities to curtail freedom in the digital domain and to regulate social media. The thoughts that I have at this time relate to reports I have read this week – including on the net – about the impact of social media on mental health. I am not aware of any professionally conducted study of the impact of social media in Pakistan. What we know is that in the political arena, the PTI has excelled in using social media as a weapon. The party has ‘keyboard warriors’ that have attracted the wrath of the ruling authorities. On Thursday, a statement of ISPR, issued after the 84th Formation Commanders’ Conference at the GHQ, decried a social media campaign to spread allegations of protesters’ killings during the PTI demonstration in Islamabad last week. The statement labelled it as a “pre-planned, coordinated, and premeditated” propaganda effort aimed at sowing discord between the military and the public”. There was a reference to how PTI activists residing abroad use social media in a column Ansar Abbasi wrote this week in this paper. The leading investigative reporter said that the PTI leadership has become a hostage to this group. He said that the campaign of overseas supporters and social media activists of the PTI against the military and the army chief is creating challenges for the party. Take this as evidence of the power of social media in today’s political landscape. Now, let me return to the larger perspective of how the mental health of individuals and societies is affected by social media. It is argued by one analyst that social media is a problem because it gives stupid people power. It allows dumb people to think that they are clever. One question that is seriously posed is this: does the use of social media decrease your IQ over time? An IQ researcher cites increased consumption of digital media and entertainment as well as less time spent reading and writing as likely factors behind falling IQ scores in the United States. A psychologist associated with the Oxford University Press said that the popularity of the word – brain rot – is a ‘symptom of the time we’re living in’. Brain rot is defined as the supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as the result of overconsumption of material considered to be trivial or unchallenging. The word gained traction on social media among Gen Z and Gen Alpha communities but is now being used in the mainstream as a way to describe low-quality, low-value content found on social media. A statement by the Oxford University Press, publisher of Oxford Dictionaries, said that the chosen word “describes our dissatisfaction with the online world and it is a word that we can use to bundle our anxieties that we have around social media”. One important development relating to the use of social media was recorded last week when Australia approved a social media ban for children aged under 16. This happened after an emotive debate that has gripped the nation. The law forces the tech giants – from Instagram and Facebook to TikTok – to stop minors from logging or face huge fines. A trial of methods to enforce the law will start in January. This will be a test case for a growing number of governments which have legislated or said they plan to legislate an age restriction on social media amid concern about its mental health impact on young people. On this subject, I have seen several references to a book published earlier this year. It is ‘The Anxious Generation’ by a renowned American social scientist, Jonathan Haidt. Its sub-heading is: ‘How the great rewiring of childhood is causing an epidemic of mental illness’. The book’s focus is on the spread of smartphones and social media among children. The Guardian, in its review, called the book “an urgent and persuasive warning about the toll of ‘phone-based’ childhoods”. The review notes that at the start of the 2010s, rates of teenage mental illness took a sharp upward turn, and they have been rising ever since. I wonder if educators and parents in Pakistan have any plans to keep smartphones at least out of schools. The writer is a senior journalist. He can be reached at: ghazi_salahuddin@hotmail.comHyderabad: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president JP Nadda criticized the Congress as “parasitic” that survives by relying on other parties before eventually undermining them. He advised Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy to distance himself while he still could. Addressing a public meeting held by BJP at Saroornagar Stadium on Saturday, December 7, Nadda said that Congress was “standing on the crutches and running with the support of regional parties.” “Congress has been working on four principles- as long as you live, live happily, enjoy, borrow and drink ghee. When everything is over, who will remember whom?” he remarked, commenting on the state government taking loans. Comparing the Congress’ guarantees with a magician’s tricks, Nadda said that whether it was in Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka or Telangana, the party hasn’t fulfilled its election promises after coming to power. Listing out Congress’s promises, including giving Rs 12,000 per year to auto drivers, providing unemployment allowance to job-seekers, loan waiver of up to Rs 2 lakh, establishing 6,000 new schools, Rs 12,000 per year assistance to farm workers among the few, Nadda questioned whether the promises were fulfilled or not. As the mobilisation for the public meeting was thin, the ‘nay-saying voices’ were less in number and low in volume. Nadda claimed that through the devolution of taxes, the Modi government has provided Rs 1.60 lakh crore along with Rs 1.19 lakh crore as grants-in-aid to Telangana. He also said that the works for the establishment of the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) at Bibinagar will be completed shortly. Highlighting BJP secured seven seats in the Lok Sabha election from Telangana, Nadda expressed confidence that the saffron party will come to power in Telangana eventually. Union minister of state for home affairs Bandi Sanjay, addressing the meeting alleged that CM Revanth was a puppet in the hands of “urban naxals.” “Those appointed by the Congress government in the education commission are urban naxals. Half of the state government comprises urban naxals. Revanth Reddy’s government is trying to turn the youth of the state into naxals. Do you want to become someone like Ambedkar, Shivaji, Savarkar, Swami Vivekananda, Sardar Patel, or an urban naxal?” he asked the crowd. Bandi Sanjay also alleged that CM Revanth has a ‘secret dealing’ with BRS chief K Chandrashekar Rao and claimed it was this reason why senior leaders of the pink party, KTR and Harish Rao, are still not in jail.

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( MENAFN - The Conversation) Meaningful internet access goes beyond having easy and everyday access to broadband internet and digital devices. Equally important is whether Canadians can use their digital access for their benefit. That depends on their ability to acquire and apply the skills necessary to navigate the online world. Many adults across the country face daily challenges with accessing and finding what they need online, reflecting a three-tiered digital divide . This divide describes differences in how people get connected, how they regularly use online resources and obtain what they need. Regular and consistent access to devices and internet connections can certainly foster digital skills. But this knowledge is incomplete and unequally distributed without formal learning and opportunities for practice in supported and safe digital spaces. Government and telecommunication companies have focussed on the broadband infrastructure divide, arguing that when the whole country is connected people will figure out how to navigate online by themselves. But research shows this isn't the case . The differences between living with seamless and digital access can be illustrated through storytelling grounded in research . With a colleague, I developed composite (fictional) profiles of two adults, Eva and Sandra, based on a review of research related to digital access, statistical analysis of data from the Canadian Internet Use Survey , and interviews we conducted with teachers and adult learners. Eva has seamless internet access and easily engages with daily tasks in digital spaces at home, in transit and at her place of employment, using hardware and software supplied and managed by an IT department. She responds to emails on the bus, using her unlimited, employer-paid 5G data talk-and-text plan, and renews her licence plate online. At work, she prints, signs, scans and returns a form. By contrast, Sandra spends a big chunk of her day navigating digital hurdles to accomplish what might be considered quick and easy tasks. They include bus trips to the local library for internet access and a local supply store to print and scan a form. To save time and her phone's data plan - which she pays for out of her tight household budget - Sandra must stay at the library to accomplish other tasks requiring technology. She checks her college application and searches for a solution to her back pain. A lack of privacy, a noisy environment, extra costs and a lack of assistance are just a few of the barriers she must contend with. As a PhD student, I have researched inequities in digital access since before the pandemic when it was not a mainstream topic. During the pandemic, many of us experienced difficulties when in-person services were no longer available . If we had reliable ways to reach the“outside” world by going online , we saw how crucial this was. But even when people have access to devices and internet connections, this knowledge is incomplete and unequally distributed without formal learning and opportunities for practice in supported and safe digital spaces. Many adults go to adult education programs to learn and practice their digital skills - whether in adult literacy or settlement language training programs serving immigrants. These programs help adults develop functional literacy and language skills that help them to get further education, apprenticeship training, certification and employment. As I saw myself over a fifteen-year period working in this field prior to my doctoral research, these programs are well positioned to offer digital learning opportunities as part of adult upgrading, vocational, language and literacy skills curriculums. Programs can be tailored to meet specific community literacy needs - for example, for Indigenous or Deaf learners , and can be offered in both official languages. Digital technologies have been an integral part of many adult education programs for years . Guided and facilitated by instructors, students are expected to: participate using digital devices, to use an email address to communicate, to complete online forms, and to work collaboratively online. Some adult education programs have hired people to work as digital navigators who help adult learners or their teachers with learning or teaching online access. Yet many adult education programs must currently reapply for operational financing each year . Recently, I co-authored a paper published by the Institute of Research on Public Policy with Christine Pinsent-Johnson, a policy and research specialist. We argue that to meaningfully address digital divides, Employment and Social Development Canada should work with provincial and territorial governments to provide sustained, core funding to provincial and territorial adult education programs. (A French version of this paper is also available , which I discussed recently on Radio Canada ). These key adult education programs help Canadians acquire needed digital literacy skills for further education, apprenticeship training, certification and employment. Regular funding would stabilize operations, facilitate long-term planning and reduce administrative costs. It would do that particularly by ensuring predictable support for equipment purchases, IT infrastructure and software licensing. Additionally, we advocate for the creation of a national platform for educators to share learning materials and best practices. A similar platform for the federally funded settlement language programs could serve as a model. Beyond this platform, we call for a cross-sectoral network to co-ordinate programs aimed at enhancing digital skills and access for underserved communities. Such initiatives can connect provincial organizations with similar missions, leverage existing partnerships and forge new collaborations. They can serve as vital hubs for integrating informal and formal digital skills learning. One example is a not-for-profit organization like AlphaPlus , where I worked as a technology coach and researcher some years ago. This organization supports adult literacy programs in Ontario with professional development, and guides good practices for building digital technology capacity to support adult learners, for example, around AI . With regular funding and a mandate to co-ordinate efforts in digital skills development, such organizations could take on a much larger role supporting adult education programs. A more consistent and sustained approach is needed to support and connect similar efforts across the country to ensure equitable access to digital resources and learning opportunities across diverse Canadian communities. Such an approach will help citizens acquire the digital literacy skills and experience they need to participate meaningfully and effectively in Canadian society and the labour market. MENAFN25112024000199003603ID1108925016 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Tested: Intel Lunar Lake brings real gaming to thin, light laptops

First RBI rate cut likely in Feb with easing domestic inflation: Crisil reportFreelancers can now register VPNs using mobile numbers PTA advises users to register VPNs against mobile numbers by accessing regulatory’s body’s website ISLAMABAD: In a move aimed at facilitating freelancers, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has said that those who lack static IP addresses can now register virtual private networks (VPNs) against mobile numbers. “The step is aimed to further simplify the VPN registration process for facilitation of the IT industry,” said the PTA in a statement on Saturday, adding that over 31,000 VPNs have been registered by the regulatory body so far. The PTA also advised users to register the VPNs against mobile numbers by accessing the regulatory’s body’s website. The development comes as the PTA, in light of security concerns raised by the government, had announced to initiate a crackdown against unregistered VPNs. The body had initially set out a November 30 deadline for VPN registration. However, later it decided to not block VPNs on the expiry of the deadline maintaining that it would go beyond it. The Ministry of Interior had announced to begin the process of shutting down all unregistered VPNs by the middle of November but later announced a two-week “grace period” allowing the unregistered VPNs to comply with mandatory registration requirements. Speaking to the media, Chairman Maj Gen (retd) Hafeez Ur Rehman had confirmed that the authority would not block VPNs, as the government had decided to grant an extension to the stipulated deadline. VPNs, commonly used worldwide to bypass restricted content and ensure data security, have witnessed a notable increase in their usage in Pakistan after authorities banned social media site X (formerly Twitter) earlier this year over “national security” concerns. Stakeholders, including the IT industry and freelancers, have been pushing for an extension of the deadline for registration. The PTA, according to sources, has emphasized that VPN registration is crucial for enhancing cybersecurity and ensuring national security and data protection. The VPN registration process involves completing an online form and providing basic details, including computerised national identity card (CNIC), company registration details and taxpayer status. Freelancers must submit documentation, such as a letter or email, verifying their project or company association, said the statement by the PTA. Additionally, applicants must provide the IP address for VPN connectivity. If a fixed IP address is required, it can be acquired from an Internet Service Provider (ISP).Twin Cedars announces 2025 Royal Court

Actor Timothée Chalamet strayed from his indie roots and artsy persona to step into the world of college football on Saturday when he appeared on ESPN’s “College GameDay” as a guest football analyst, picking his winners for the highly anticipated conference championship games. The 28-year-old, who is set to star in the Bob Dylan biopic “ A Complete Unknown ” opening Christmas Day, predicted Texas would overcome the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC championship. The game is the biggest of the night. “This is a Longhorns victory,” the French actor said alongside “GameDay” host Rece Davis, former NFL kicker Pat McAfee and former Alabama head coach Nick Saban. During the popular pregame show, Chalamet predicted Oregon would take down Penn State in the Big Ten championship. Chalamet, whose covers of “Like a Rolling Stone” and “Girl From the North Country” were released on Friday, didn’t stop there while attempting to show off his sports acumen to a nationwide audience. When it came to the Big 12 championship, he picked the red-hot Sun Devils of Arizona State to bring home the trophy against Iowa State. “I’m pulling for Arizona State today,” he said during the telecast. In the Sun Belt Conference, Chalamet chose Louisiana over Marshall. “Billy Napier’s legend remains, the defense is strong,” he joked, referring to how the current Florida Gators head coach once held the same position at Louisiana. And in a twist, the actor predicted favorite Miami of Ohio would lose to in-state rival Ohio University in the MAC championship. “These teams are 2-2 in their last four matchups. I’m going underdog, Bobcats,” he said. Demonstrating his versatility as a sports guru, Chalamet chose Southern Methodist University to defeat Clemson. “It smells like the 1980s, folks,” he said. In the SWAC championship, Chalamet picked Jackson State University over Southern. “I’m going with Jackson State,” he said on the broadcast. “This should be an easy win for them.” Bob Dylan praised both the film and Chalamet , who plays the famed singer-songwriter in the movie, earlier this week in a post on X . “There’s a movie about me opening soon called A Complete Unknown (what a title!),” Dylan wrote.COO works to keep planes running on time

Varsity Maine football honor roll, Nov. 25Mystery drone sightings continue in New Jersey and across the U.S. Here's what we knowWASHINGTON (AP) — Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin has a broken left fibula and is expected to miss 4 to 6 weeks.

CLAYTON — St. Louis County Clerk Diann Valenti tried to make it look like a staffer, hired in violation of a state ban on nepotism, was just a volunteer and not an employee, according to charges made public on Tuesday. Prosecutors accused Valenti of modifying personnel records and falsely stating Councilman Dennis Hancock’s stepdaughter, Hollie Galati, was only a volunteer. She didn’t act alone, and did so “with the purpose to defraud,” county prosecutors alleged in charges. But, after St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell resigns on Jan. 2, the county will have a new top prosecutor. Valenti’s lawyer said the case won’t go anywhere under Bell’s replacement. “Any normal prosecutor will dismiss this case,” said Joe Hogan, who represents the clerk. Valenti was just doing her job, he added. After Hancock and Galati realized her employment by Hancock was not allowed under Missouri law, Galati said she didn’t want to be paid for the few days she worked at the county as the councilman’s legislative assistant. Valenti tried to adjust personnel records to reflect the change. “These were people doing their daily jobs,” Hogan said. “Who did she defraud?” The indictment was kept under seal until Valenti was served a summons, with the charges, on Tuesday, Hogan said. Now, it’s public and the case will appear in court records as soon as clerks can file it, he said. The Christmas holiday could delay the filing. A hearing is set for Jan. 15. Hogan said he’ll file a motion to dismiss the case. Valenti also works as the administrative director for the County Council, and its members vigorously defended her against an effort they said was coordinated by County Executive Sam Page. Council Chair Shalonda Webb, a Democrat from north St. Louis County, also accused the prosecuting attorney of unfairly targeting Valenti. “Sam Page is not acting alone,” Webb said at a special council meeting Friday morning. “Wesley Bell, someone I had come to trust, and the people of our community depended on, has found himself as a willing accomplice.” On Friday, Bell’s spokesman, Chris King, issued a statement on behalf of the prosecuting attorney: “It is disappointing and inappropriate for public officials to make public comments on evidence or matters that they have not seen. Every defendant has a right to their day in court, and anyone charged will have theirs.” On Tuesday, King declined to comment. Also on Tuesday, Page spokesman Doug Moore said, “We don’t comment on sealed indictments. We will let the legal process play out.” Valenti attended Friday’s special council meeting in her regular role. She serves as the custodian of records, reminds councilmembers of procedural rules and generally keeps the meetings on track. She also handles bills and other administrative responsibilities for the council. “She is the jewel of this council staff and should be treated that way,” Webb said. The council introduced legislation to pay for Valenti’s legal fees with taxpayer money. Six out of seven councilmembers, including two Democrats who frequently side with the county executive, supported the bill. Republican Councilman Ernie Trakas abstained because he feels the county shouldn’t pay anyone’s bills in a criminal case. But he said he was still “concerned and incensed” by the case against Valenti. “It has an odor of political gaming to it,” Trakas said. The bill could pass at the council’s next meeting on Jan. 7. On Friday, a judge ruled Gov. Mike Parson gets to pick a replacement for Bell, the county prosecuting attorney. Parson said he’ll pick Melissa Price Smith, who has worked as an assistant prosecuting attorney in the county since 2008. Valenti has worked for the county since 2015, according to her online résumé. She started as a legislative assistant to former Councilman Kevin O’Leary and in 2017 began working as the deputy county clerk. She took her current job in August 2019. She has gained a reputation among councilmembers for her precision and consistency. Last year, Valenti won an award from the Missouri Press Association for dutifully filling open records requests. Valenti was indicted by a grand jury this week, and grand jury proceedings are private. When one is convened, the jury listens to evidence from a prosecutor and issues an indictment when its members feel there is enough evidence to charge a defendant. An indictment differs from other cases where prosecutors file the charges. The St. Louis County grand jury issued charges in over two dozen other cases this week.

Part of the appeal to camping for many is the raw, rewarding experience of surviving in the wilderness. Some may even prefer camping during the colder times of the year as a way of giving themselves an extra challenge. Among the many variables that come with the outdoors, there's the added challenge of enduring the freezing cold. Sure, you could always go back to mankind's very beginnings and warm yourself with a roaring fire, but you could also take advantage of one of our modern mechanical marvels, the tent heater. Even though there are plenty of ways to stay toasty during your winter expedition , few methods pack the same kind of power that a tent heater can provide. On top of producing high levels of BTU that can heat hundreds of square feet, such as Mr. Heater Big Buddy Portable Propane Heater , these tools are easy to transport, durable, and varied. From propane to electric to catalytic, there are a wide assortment of heaters to choose from depending on your specific needs. But no matter what kind of heater you choose, it's important to use them safely. As with any kind of machinery that can generate power like a tent heater and in an enclosed space, there's always the potential for dangers such as carbon monoxide or fires. Most tent heaters are specifically designed to steer clear of such problems, but it doesn't hurt to take some extra precautions to keep yourself and those around you safe from harm. Getting the right kind of tent heater is the first step to staying safe with one of these tools. First off, be sure you're getting heater specifically made for use in interior spaces such as tents. Outdoor heaters typically produce higher quantities of heat, which can quickly become uncomfortable and far more dangerous. Take stock of the size of your tent and find an heater approved for enclosed environments of that size. Even beyond this, there are a number of features and functions you should keep an eye out for that can further lessen the chances for disaster. Many heaters nowadays come with built-in safety functions that detect potential hazards and shut down the tool before any worse danger can occur. Some such as the Mr. Heater Little Buddy Propane Heater comes with a fall detector that automatically senses when the device is tipped over, stopping it from breaking and starting a fire. Other heaters are even able to shut down after identifying overheating or excessive carbon monoxide.It might not even be a bad idea to bring supplementary tools along, such as carbon monoxide detectors or thermometers, as supplementary items on your trip. No matter how many safety features your heater has, you should still do everything in your power to make sure there's never a reason for those functions to kick in. The area where your heater will be located should be your top priority, as there could be more dangers laying around your tent than you may initially realize. A number of items you'll find in and around your tent, such as leaves, clothing, sleeping bags, paper, and carpeting can start fires in the wrong situation. Even dusts such as those from charcoal and cotton can be hazardous when exposed to an ignition source.To prevent a potential fire, you should keep your tent as clean as possible. You can sweep with a broom and pan, although there's no shortage of powerful cordless vacuums with long-lasting batteries, many even being handheld. You should also be cautious with where your heater is placed to ensure it doesn't come into close contact with any potentially flammable items. A good rule of thumb is to keep the heater no less than three feet away from anything that could catch fire. Avoid overstuffing your tent with belongings to make it easier to give your heater some space. As tempting as it is to keep your heater on all night, it may not be such a smart idea. All it takes is one unnoticed mishap for your camping trip to turn into a barbecue, so it's important that you don't leave your tent heater unattended. Plenty can go wrong with your heater while not paying attention to it. A gust of wind can knock it over, an internal mechanism can go awry, or someone can accidentally get hurt from touching the tool, among many other undesirable occurrences. As a result, you should always keep an eye on the heater whenever it's on to ensure you spot any potential issues before they become problems. It's also a good idea to keep children and pets away from the heater out of an abundance of caution. If you're concerned about staying warm while you sleep, then leave the heater on for some time before going to bed to ensure your tent is toasty and then turn it off. Additionally, having a heater with built-in timers or detection features can also aid in preventing problems while giving you a bit more leeway. No matter the time of year you're going camping, it's more than likely that the temperature will drastically drop once the sun goes down. This is especially the case for the fall or winter, where some areas can get to below freezing temperatures at night. So, to suggest letting air come into your tent while the heater is running may sound like a ridiculous statement at first. However, if you want to use your tent heater safely, you'll have to throw that way of thinking out of the window. Keeping your tent well-ventilated is key to keeping your heater working properly, especially if using a propane heater. These heaters need to consume oxygen. Blocking off airflow can prove harmful to the device, as the oxygen in your tent will eventually run out. It can also prove dangerous to those in the tent as well, as the carbon monoxide produced by the heater can accumulate and eventually lead the to poisoning. The solution is to simply keep your tent's windows, vents, or door flaps at least somewhat open to allow for proper airflow. Avoid using tents that prevent air from coming in and properly circulating, such as those made specifically for winters. The challenges of venturing out in the wilderness are many. However, while your chances of having to fight off a mountain lion are few and far between, you're more than likely going to be battling a number of smaller, unexpected difficulties that come with the natural world. One of the trickiest things to deal with is finding sturdy ground to place certain belongings on, given the unevenness of terrain. This may be somewhat irritating for those with thin sleeping bags, but it can become a real danger for your tent heater. As we've mentioned a good few times already, a tipped over tent heater can break open and potentially start a fire, especially if its near flammable objects. And while having a heater with fall detection can help alleviate these concerns, it's better if you don't have to worry about the heater falling in the first place. So, ideally, choose a spot for the heater that's nice and sturdy by having it placed on as flat a surface as possible. Try avoiding setting up your tent in an area with any slopes or inclines. It may also be a good idea to have a flat object such as the lid of a plastic container, foam board, or a piece of wood on hand to place your heater on in case you're unable to find stable enough ground. Just be sure to read your manual and keep an eye on the heater itself to ensure whatever you place it on isn't a fire hazard. Sometimes, even with the best planning and preparation, things can go wrong. No one gets a tent heater with the intent of it starting a fire, but you should nevertheless be prepared for that possibility. Going into your camping trip knowing how to handle such a scenario can prove to be life-saving. Similar to knowing where hospitals and emergency centers are located near your camping site, it's also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the nearest fire station in your area and keep any necessary contact information on hand. You should examine the area you'll be staying at, as well as your tent, to determine a good escape route should a fire break out. Avoid blocking your tent exits with anything that makes it difficult to get out and be sure your car is nearby a safe exit point. You may also want to have a fire extinguisher on hand, preferably a Class A, B, or C extinguisher as these are rated for the kinds of fires you're likely to come across during camping. Ensure that everyone traveling with you is aware of your evacuation plan, exit points, and tools in the case of an emergency. To bring things back to our first tip, the kind of heater you get will go a long way in preventing problems from arising. But no matter if you get a regular heater or one with special detection features, you should always take a close look at the device before committing to buy it. Even if a heater seems fine, there can always be issues that aren't as apparent from a first glance. A malfunctioning heater isn't only frustrating to deal with because of the money lost, but also because it can increase the chances of an emergency arising. Frayed wires, broken plugs, leaks, cracks, and other damaged components are troubling signs that your heater could work improperly, which can lead to fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, and more. Whether you're getting your heater from a store or just received it from online, take the time to give it a close thorough inspection before you take it on your trip. Along with seeing how it appears physically, see if you can give it a test to ensure it is also working properly. If you're able to, see if you can get it seen be an expert, either from a retailer or, even better, the equipment's manufacturer.MAG Unveils First A330neo, Ushering in a New Era of Air Travel for Malaysia Airlines

Family-Friendly Perks and Huge Discounts Highlight Princess Cruises' 'Come Aboard Sale on 2025 - 2027 Sailings

Legal affairs: Mountain West seeks to dismiss Pac-12 lawsuit over $55 million poaching penaltyOTTAWA—Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said her update coming Monday on the government’s finances will show one of the government’s fiscal objectives is holding, but she refused to answer whether the others are still on solid ground. The fall fiscal update next week will give a picture of the nation’s finances — something that has so far been obscured. The fiscal picture typically comes in October or November, making this year’s update unusually late. The Liberals have also not yet introduced the public accounts, essentially the government’s audited books, for the 2023-24 financial year, which ended in March. Those documents are typically introduced into Parliament in the early fall, but have not yet been presented to the House of Commons. In last year’s fall fiscal update, the government set up three objectives as anchors on the government’s spending. The first was a commitment that Canada’s debt-to-GDP ratio — the total amount Canada has borrowed as a percentage of the economy — would be on a downward trajectory. The second commitment was that the government’s deficit would be below one per cent of GDP by 2026-27. The third was a pledge that the government’s deficit — the amount of new debt it takes on — would be capped at $40.1 billion for the 2023-24 fiscal year. During her news conference, Freeland said Canada will hit the first target on the debt-to-GDP ratio, which she argued is the most important measure. “I do expect that when we table the fall economic statement on Monday, the debt-to-GDP ratio for 2023-24, which we put forward in the 2024 budget, will be met,” she said. “If your debt is declining as a share of the economy, by definition, your fiscal position is sustainable and that is really important.” Earlier this fall, the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) estimated the government missed the $40.1-billion target, with an estimated deficit of $46.8 billion. The PBO gauged that the government’s target for this year of a deficit below $40 billion would be missed, coming in at $46.4 billion. The PBO made those estimates before the government announced plans to spend more than $6 billion on its temporary GST holiday and a proposal to send $250 cheques to 18 million Canadians. Freeland’s comments came ahead of a series of votes expected Tuesday evening on the supplementary estimates, a collection of new spending measures worth more than $21 billion. Those votes are expected to pass with the NDP’s support. When asked repeatedly about whether Canada would hit the broader deficit targets, Freeland declined to answer. “I’m not going to comment on anonymous rumours that are out there in this town,” she said, adding she had chosen her words carefully. Without revealing the numbers in next week’s update, Freeland made it clear Canada’s finances are still better than its peer countries. “When it comes to the deficit, Canada has the lowest debt-to-GDP ratio and the lowest deficit in the G7 and that’s important.” Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre focused on the $40-billion deficit figure. In question period, he said it was clear that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was forcing Freeland to engage in reckless spending and blow through her self-imposed fiscal rules. “She’s like a bus driver saying she is going to come just short of hitting that $40-billion guardrail and then some crazy lunatic grabs the steering wheel and steers the bus off the cliff,” he said. “Does he realize there are 41 million Canadians who are going off the cliff with him?” Poilievre said Freeland was risking runaway inflation. “She promised that the deficit would be capped at $40 billion, acknowledging if it went over it would mean even more inflation, meaning hungry Canadians lining up at food banks.” Robert Asselin, a senior vice-president with the Business Council of Canada, said the government shouldn’t just abandon fiscal targets when they become harder to achieve. “You can’t pick and choose fiscal anchors as you go, and renege on a commitment you made only a year ago. The fact of the matter is this government is losing control of public finances and Canadians are noticing.”Green Bay's recent dominance on defense has Packers believing they can make a deep playoff run