Biden’s pardon frays justice systemLuanda (Angola), Dec 3 (AP) President Joe Biden arrived for his long-awaited first presidential visit to sub-Saharan Africa on Monday to the cheers of thousands in Angola, where he will highlight an ambitious US-backed railway project meant to counter China's influence on the continent of over 1.4 billion people. Biden's three-day visit to Angola will focus largely on the Lobito Corridor railway redevelopment in Zambia, Congo and Angola. It aims to advance the US presence in a region rich in the critical minerals used in batteries for electric vehicles, electronic devices and clean energy technologies. Biden's trip comes weeks before Republican Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20, finally delivering on Biden's pledge to visit sub-Saharan Africa. On his way to Angola, he stopped in the Atlantic Ocean island nation of Cape Verde for a brief, closed-door meeting with Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva. Biden plans to meet with Angolan President João Lourenço in the capital, Luanda, where crowds lined the streets for his arrival, and visit the National Slavery Museum. He also will travel to the Atlantic port city of Lobito for a look at the rail project. He will announce new developments on health, agribusiness and security, White House officials said. Biden had been expected to visit Africa last year after reviving the US-Africa Summit in December 2022. The trip was pushed back to 2024 and delayed again this October because of Hurricane Milton, reinforcing a sentiment among some Africans that their continent is still low priority for Washington. The last US president to visit sub-Saharan Africa was Barack Obama in 2015. Biden did attend a United Nations climate summit in Egypt in North Africa in 2022. “I just kind of push back on the premise that this is some Johnny-come-lately trip at the very end,” national security spokesman John Kirby told reporters on board Air Force One on the way to Angola, noting that top administration officials had visited Africa, including Vice President Kamala Harris. “This is something he (Biden) has been focused on since he became president of the United States.” A new strategy Critical minerals are a key field for US-China competition, and China has a stranglehold on Africa's critical minerals. The US has for years built relations in Africa through trade, security and humanitarian aid. The 800-mile (1,300-kilometer) railway upgrade is a different move and has shades of China's Belt and Road foreign infrastructure strategy. The Biden administration has called the corridor one of the president's signature initiatives, yet Lobito's future and any change in US engagement with the continent depends on the incoming administration of President-elect Trump. “President Biden is no longer the story,” said Mvemba Dizolele, director of the Africa Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based think tank. “Even African leaders are focused on Donald Trump.” A fit for Trump's vision? The US has committed USD 3 billion to the Lobito Corridor and related projects, administration officials said, alongside financing from the European Union, the Group of Seven leading industrialized nations, a Western-led private consortium and African banks. “A lot is riding on this in terms of its success and its replicability,” said Tom Sheehy, a fellow at the United States Institute of Peace, a nonpartisan federal research institution. He called it a flagship for the G7's new Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, which was driven by Biden and aims to reach other developing nations as a response to China's Belt and Road. Many are optimistic that the Lobito project, which won't be complete until well after Biden has left office, will survive a change of administration. Blunting China has bipartisan backing and is high on Trump's to-do list. “As long as they keep labeling Lobito one of the main anti-China tools in Africa, there is a certain likelihood that it's going to keep being funded,” said Christian-Géraud Neema, who analyzes China-Africa relations for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Kirby said the Biden administration hopes Trump and his team see the value in Lobito but “we are still in office. We still have 50 days. This is a key major development not just for the United States and our foreign policy goals in Africa, but for Africans.” Only a starting point The Lobito Corridor will be an upgrade and extension of a railway line from the copper and cobalt mines of northern Zambia and southern Congo to Angola's port of Lobito, strengthening a route west for Africa's critical minerals. It also ultimately aims to extend from Zambia and Congo to Africa's east coast through Tanzania and be a coast-to-coast rail link. While Biden's administration called it a “game-changer” for US investment in Africa, it's little more than a starting point for the US and its partners, with China dominant in mining in Zambia and Congo. Congo has more than 70% of the world's cobalt, with most heading to China to reinforce its critical mineral supply chain that the US and Europe rely on. Michelle Gavin, a former adviser on Africa to Obama, said the US had failed to take Africa seriously over multiple administrations, a bipartisan trend. The Lobito Corridor was “not just about trying to blunt China, but trying to imagine, OK, what does it look like if we actually were to show up in a more serious way?” she said. “It's one project. It's one good idea. And I'm very glad we're doing it. It's not enough.” (AP) NB NB (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)
IRWINDALE, Calif. , Dec. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BIC America continues to showcase its legacy of delivering exceptional sound solutions with the Acoustech Architectural Series, featuring five expertly engineered in-ceiling speaker models: AU510, AU610, AU620, AU810, and AU820. These speakers demonstrate the company's commitment to providing superior audio performance across various applications for both residential and commercial installations.Acoustech Architectural Series: Delivering Excellence Across Every Model Acoustech Architectural Series: Unmatched Quality and Design Each speaker in the Acoustech Architectural Series is crafted with durability and performance in mind. Featuring innovative pivoting tweeters and precision-engineered drivers, these speakers provide tailored sound while maintaining a discreet, seamless ceiling integration. Key Differentiators: About BIC America With over 50 years of audio expertise, BIC America continues to be a trusted name in sound technology. The company remains dedicated to creating high-quality audio systems that enhance listening experiences for home theater enthusiasts and music lovers. Contact: Eric Huang , bic@bicamerica.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bic-america-spotlights-acoustech-architectural-in-ceiling-speaker-series-302326616.html SOURCE BIC AmericaElection 2024: Greens are better for farmers than Independents, Clare candidate saysNew Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, signed a law Monday prohibiting public schools and libraries from banning books and protecting librarians who obey state law. Murphy’s signing of the Freedom to Read Act comes amid an ongoing push by conservative lawmakers and activists across the country to challenge books they consider inappropriate for minors, particularly those about LGBTQ issues and race. Lawmakers in at least 13 states this year have introduced legislation to disrupt library services or limit their materials, according to an NBC News tally . “Across the nation, we have seen attempts to suppress and censor the stories and experiences of others,” Murphy said in a statement. “I’m proud to amplify the voices of our past and present, as there is no better way for our children to prepare for the future than to read freely.” In September, PEN America, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting free speech, reported that the number of books being removed from school shelves during the 2023-24 school year had tripled from the previous year, to more than 10,000. The PEN America report, along with one from the American Library Association released that same month, outlined how frequently challenged books are often about or written by people of color or those who identify as LGBTQ. In 2023, the American Library Association’s list of the 10 most challenged books nationwide included Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye,” a novel about a young Black girl who grew up after the Great Depression; Maia Kobabe’s “Gender Queer: A Memoir,” a graphic memoir about the author’s exploration of gender identity from adolescence to young adulthood; and George M. Johnson’s “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” a coming-of-age memoir about a queer Black man. New Jersey is the third state to sign a law prohibiting the banning of books at public schools and libraries, following Illinois and Minnesota. The new law is set to take effect in a year from the governor’s signing. However, the state education commissioner and the New Jersey state librarian are permitted to start implementing it immediately “as may be necessary,” the law states. “Through this legislation, we are protecting the integrity of our libraries that are curated by dedicated professionals and making those resources available to help every student to grow as a critical thinker,” New Jersey acting Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer said in a statement.
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Concerns were formally raised by senior clinicians with management three months ago about the “intolerable” risk level within NHS Grampian. Last week, the health board, which covers Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray, declared a “critical incident”, which saw some patients diverted to neighbouring areas, including Ninewells Hospital in Dundee. This was due to the demand at NHS Grampian’s flagship Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI), which was later stood down on November 30. According to , a letter in August from members of the Medicine and Unscheduled Care (MUSC) leadership team warned that not enough was being done to meet the expected increase in demand over winter. It said: “Over the past 12 months multiple risks have been reported and recorded from all areas of the portfolio, both formally and informally. “Despite this, we are experiencing a deterioration in the performance against most measures and targets, and the quality of care we are able to deliver to patients. “We are increasingly concerned about the impact this sustained pressure and risk is having on our staff. We see regular evidence of individuals and teams who are experiencing harm from the required workload and inability to deliver effective care for patients with the resources available. ‘Continuous deterioration’ “We are aware that these concerns have been escalated previously and despite reassurances, this has not resulted in any significant improvement. “The current trajectory of performance and occupancy across MUSC in recent months suggests continuous deterioration. “There is no evidence to support any planned improvement work or capacity changes that will meet the impending increase in demand seen over October and sustained over winter period. In response, NHS Grampian said MUSC’s points had been considered and “enormous challenges” were being faced by its teams. It said it had to take the “significant step” on November 28 to declare a after sustained and continuing demands at ARI, which as well as Ninewells, saw some patients taken to Dr Gray’s in Elgin where “clinically appropriate”. Despite this, life-saving treatments still took place at the Foresterhill hospital, although some elective procedeures and appointments were cancelled, but not for cancer treatment and diagnostic tests. NHS Grampian interim chief executive Adam Coldwells told BBC Scotland he and another senior manager had considered the points raised in the letter and they had both written to and met its authors. He said: “Continuous discussion with, and hearing the challenges of all our colleagues, is an integral part of both understanding the issues and finding the right solution. “There are enormous challenges facing our teams, not only in medicine and unscheduled care, but in other parts of acute care, in community hospitals and working out in the community itself. The past week has shown those challenges play out in real time. ‘We continue to look at ways to improve’ “We continue to look at ways to improve flow within the footprint across the whole of health and social care in Grampian. In addition, our colleagues in Scottish Government have committed to support that work as necessary. “The hard work and dedication of our teams cannot be understated in such difficult times.” Speaking today, First Minister John Swinney said ministers were in discussions with NHS Grampian about the incident, who said they would be reviewing what happened last week.
In 16 short years, mirrorless cameras have gone from being the new kid on the block to the new normal, now accounting for about 90% of all sales of interchangeable-lens digital cameras. The compact Panasonic Lumix G1 was the very first mirrorless camera, and it changed the photography world forever. A lot of exciting and innovative events happened in 2008. It was the year we all flocked to movie theaters to bask in the gloomy, noir ambiance of “The Dark Knight,” and listened for the very first time to the likes of Lady Gaga and Coldplay on the newly launched Spotify music streaming service. It was also the year that saw the introduction of a genuine innovation in digital cameras—one that would completely reshape the camera market in the decades that followed. 2008 was the year I purchased my Panasonic Lumix G1, the very first commercially available mirrorless camera. I still have it to this day, and I doubt I would ever sell it because it is such a landmark camera for me. You can see my little G1 in the lead picture for this article, complete with its original strap. All the photographs in this article are my own, taken with that very same G1 you see in the picture. If you think you might want a G1 of your own, there are still plenty of them around, and you can pick up a used one for next to nothing on sites like eBay. The slightly textured, rubberized coating on the G1 body came in a few different colors (I chose the blue), which gave the camera a novel and unique look that reflected the mechanical and optical innovation happening inside. Unfortunately, on my G1, this coating has developed a slight stickiness over the years, making it a magnet for dust. This stickiness also makes it rather difficult to remove the dust, as you can probably tell from the picture. Despite its dusty exterior, however, my Lumix G1 is still in perfect working order, and the batteries still hold their charge pretty well, even after all these years. Before we go on, I should mention that this is in no way, shape, or form intended to be a review of the Lumix G1. There would be little sense in writing yet another review of a camera that came out 16 years ago, and if you were hoping for one, you’ll probably need to jump into your internet time machine and scroll back to 2008. The release of the G1 was pretty big news at the time, so I’m sure you can find plenty of reviews out there if that's what you're looking for. Now, in this age where hyperbole often gets weaponized to be heard above the noise of social media, the phrase “game changer” tends to get thrown around rather liberally. If ever an innovation deserved this title, however, it was the Lumix G1. Here was a fully featured camera in an incredibly compact and lightweight form factor, able to accept a range of interchangeable lenses that were every bit as compact and lightweight as the camera itself. Migrating, as I was at that time, from my hefty Canon 20D SLR that could double as a tank obstacle, along with a selection of equally hefty Canon glass that made you want to trade in your camera bag for a wheelbarrow—the Lumix G1 seemed nothing short of miraculous. Here was a fully featured system of camera bodies and lenses you could carry all day without needing a team of sherpas! A little slice of camera history is probably necessary at this point to understand how the evolution of digital cameras brought us to the tiny marvel that is the Lumix G1, and how this eventually spawned a subsequent generation of mirrorless cameras that became the dominant form factor in the digital photography market. 35mm is the standard. It’s important to realize that the very first interchangeable-lens digital cameras produced between the 1990s and the early 2000s were just digital camera bodies designed to take advantage of all the legacy glass film photographers had accumulated over the years. This made perfect practical and commercial sense—offering photographers the digital technology to transition from film while retaining and leveraging their investment in existing film lenses. In this sense, the first DSLRs could not be considered digital camera systems of the kind we are used to today, where the digital image capture path is fully integrated between the camera body and the lens. The form factors and optical paths of these early DSLRs were dictated by the demands of existing lenses designed for use with 35mm film cameras (even though, ironically, the first DSLRs did not have full-frame sensors to reproduce the 24 x 36mm frame size of 35mm film). For commercial and practical purposes, these pioneering DSLR manufacturers were essentially locked into building their new digital imaging technology around the demands of a century-old analog imaging format. What if we did not have to constrain the design of our digital camera systems to the demands of using a 35mm format? , developed jointly by Olympus and Kodak, was the first attempt to address this question. The requirement to capture a digital image in a 35mm format essentially predetermined the form factors and optical paths of the first DSLRs. But if you could abandon the 35mm format and its legacy lenses entirely—starting from scratch with a digital sensor of any size you wanted, along with a new range of lenses designed specifically for it—you could build a system with much smaller and lighter bodies and lenses. This system would be far more compact and lightweight than any traditional 35mm SLR system. In 2008, the semiconductor sensors used in digital cameras were following the kind of exponential performance/value trajectory that had correctly predicted for computers. With the availability of smaller, cheaper sensors that could match or even exceed the performance of the previous generation of larger sensors, a smaller sensor format became a viable option for creating high-performance systems with more compact camera bodies and lenses. The Four Thirds engineers eventually settled on a sensor with a 4:3 aspect ratio and an area about nine times larger than the tiny 1/2.5” sensors typically used in compact point-and-shoot cameras. This compromise between sensor size and performance gave the Four Thirds System much better image quality than was possible with compact point-and-shoot cameras, while using a sensor that was still 30% smaller than APS-C and had about half the linear dimensions (roughly one-quarter the area) of a 35mm full-frame sensor. The 4:3 aspect ratio also made better use of the imaging circle produced by a lens than the 3:2 aspect ratio of 35mm, further facilitating the design of more compact, high-performance lenses. But there was still a problem. The camera bodies and lenses for the Four Thirds System achieved some reduction in size and weight compared to traditional 35mm systems. However, the major obstacle to achieving the significant size and weight reductions that the Four Thirds sensor could theoretically deliver was the SLR’s complex optical path between the lens and the image capture surface. In a traditional SLR, a diagonal mirror is positioned in front of the film to redirect light from the lens into the viewfinder for composing the image. When the photographer trips the shutter, this mirror moves out of the way before the shutter opens to expose the film, then immediately moves back into place to redirect the light into the viewfinder again. Because the mirror corrects the vertically inverted image projected by the lens while also creating a laterally inverted image, it was necessary to reflect this laterally inverted image through a pentaprism in the roof of the camera, correcting the lateral inversion and allowing the photographer to see the original, upright, left-right-corrected view of the scene in the viewfinder. In the diagram below, you can clearly see how the need for a mirror and pentaprism in the optical path between the lens and the image plane required a much bulkier camera body. It also placed the rear element of the lens much further away from the image plane than would be necessary without this extended optical path. The shaded orange area gives you a good sense of how much space could be saved if the mirror and pentaprism system were eliminated from the SLR design. The solution? The solution involved replacing the optical viewfinder with the live view from the actual sensor itself. In this way, the photographer could compose the shot through the same lens that would capture the image, but there was no need for the complex moving mirror system or the pentaprism to correct the mirror image in the viewfinder. The optical viewfinder was replaced by an electronic viewfinder (EVF) that displayed, in real time, exactly what the sensor saw through the lens. The other great benefit of simplifying the optical path in this way was that it brought the rear element of the lens much closer to the plane of image capture. This resulted in several performance advantages for both lens and sensor design. And thus the was born. Although Micro Four Thirds inherited the same sensor format as Four Thirds, the elimination of the mirror and pentaprism allowed for much smaller and lighter camera bodies. The corresponding reduction in distance between the rear lens element and the imaging plane also allowed for much smaller lenses. In fact, the flange focal distance—a measure of the gap between the lens and the imaging surface—was reduced by about 50% in the Micro Four Thirds System, enabling far more compact lenses. The initial response to mirrorless cameras was overwhelmingly positive, but this new format was not without its issues. Many pointed out (rightly) that the EVFs in these new cameras tended to be sluggish in terms of refresh rate and couldn’t match the performance of equivalent optical viewfinders, particularly in low light. However, even in 2008, it was clear that since this was an electronics issue, the rapid evolution of semiconductor technology would likely overcome many of these limitations in the near future. At the time I purchased my Lumix G1, I was seldom really bothered by the performance of its EVF, which I felt was more than adequate in most circumstances. With its equivalent of about 1.4 million pixels and 100% coverage of the frame, it felt pretty much like the state of the art at that time. Comparing the EVF of the G1 to any modern mirrorless camera, however, it definitely feels rather clunky and primitive by today’s standards. But I liken this sentiment to the kind of experience we went through with the introduction of high-definition TV (HDTV). Before we got used to HDTV, we were perfectly happy with our grainy 525 vertical lines of analog picture resolution, and it was only after we got used to watching HD that the old analog format started to look rather shabby and outdated. I’m a firm believer in the old adage that the absolute best camera in the world is the one that you actually have with you when the shot presents itself. From this perspective, it is difficult to overstate what a huge benefit it can be to have smaller, lighter photo gear. My Lumix G1, with its tiny 14-45mm kit lens (equivalent to a 28-90mm zoom in 35mm full frame format), weighs in at a meager one and a half pounds, so there was never any question of being reluctant to tote it around when you were out and about. Given the passage of 16 years since its release, it would be pretty futile to spend too much time comparing the specifications of the G1 with any modern mirrorless camera. Innovation in the camera world has continued apace since 2008, and of course, the G1 lacks many of the features we now take for granted in mirrorless cameras—in-body image stabilization, high resolution coupled with incredible low-light performance, face recognition, etc. And while it’s certain that the Lumix G1’s EVF and 12 MP sensor would not offer any real competition to the current generation of mirrorless cameras, the fact remains that it was (and in many ways still is) a great little camera. The proof of the pudding, as they say, is that you can still take great pictures with it. Looking back, I loved using my Lumix G1, and it really was a camera that went everywhere with me. I was very happy with its performance, and I took a lot of great pictures with it. But I think there was also an additional sense of excitement around the potential this transformative evolution in digital cameras might hold for the future. The Lumix G1 just turned sixteen this year, and it was the seed of a mirrorless camera revolution that is still ongoing today—an evolution in digital photography that started with small-sensor cameras and has now grown to include full frame and even medium format systems as well. So happy sixteenth, G1—the photography world would not be the same without you! Gordon Webster is a professional photographer based in New England. He has worked with clients from a wide range of sectors, including retail, publishing, music, independent film production, technology, hospitality, law, energy, agriculture, construction, manufacturing, medical, veterinary, and education.Bankwell financial director Eric Dale acquires $11,153 in stock
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US allocates US$725 million military aid package to Ukraine
SALT LAKE CITY – As if Kirill Kaprizov didn’t do enough during his league-leading seventh three-point game Friday night in Anaheim to again take over the NHL scoring lead, the Wild superstar and early favorite to win the Hart Trophy then showed, in Yakov Trenin ’s words, his heart five minutes after helping the Wild become the first team to hit 40 points this season. Advertisement After first acknowledging Reese Johnson ’s Wild debut in his postgame speech, Kaprizov passed along the HARD “Hero of the Game” chain to Trenin – “the Russian Machine” — for scoring his first goal in 26 games with the Wild into an empty net from 110 feet away. It was also Trenin’s first point in 21 games. When producing points comes as easy to a player like Kaprizov, it would be easy take for granted the hardship a long drought could pose for a teammate. But Kaprizov knew how much it had been weighing on his countryman, which is why he was pumping his arms excitedly on the bench after Trenin scored. “It’s first goal for him. It’s always exciting,” Kaprizov said. “It’s nice it happens. It’s hard when you don’t score in how many games, 25, and then you score — it should be a big deal.” you thought we’d keep this one away for you?? ⛓️ pic.twitter.com/t1DPni8mtS — Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) December 7, 2024 Trenin, who then registered his first goal streak with the Wild the next night in L.A., was touched how excited all his teammates were for him. The bench was jubilant, with players hugging each other, pumping their fists and Marco Rossi giving Trenin a water bottle shower during his celebratory fly-by. “Everybody was so happy to give me knuckles,” Trenin said. “It’s so special.” trenin goal!! first for the wild and the bench is celebrating!!! pic.twitter.com/egTPhMsGMk — nikki ☽ (@kingfleury29) December 7, 2024 In coach John Hynes’ mind, when your best player shows that much awareness, it speaks volumes about Kaprizov’s character. “He really is down to earth,” Hynes said. “He’s a great player, a competitor, but he’s a team guy. He’s involved in all the team. You can tell his teammates love him because he treats everyone the right way. “You go on the road and guys go to dinner or guys go out on their night off. He’s right in the mix with everybody else. That does bring a team together when you have a star player like that that’s just one of the guys. Off the ice he’s one of the guys.” GO DEEPER The story behind the Wild victory chain: 'Choose your hard,' Hartzy's workshop and a new team attitude On a team that doesn’t generate a ton of chances (the Wild rank 25th in expected five-on-five goals for, according to MoneyPuck) but still ranks 13th in goals per game (3.19), Kaprizov has scored or had an assist on 42 of the Wild’s 86 goals. Kaprizov, 27, who has rewritten the Wild record book in his five seasons, has 372 points in 304 games. That’s fifth on the Wild all-time. If he keeps his current pace, he could actually pass Marian Gaborik’s 437 points (502 games) for second this season. Advertisement Kaprizov is currently tied for first in league scoring with 42 points and ranks first in points per game (1.62), even-strength points (32) and points on the road (10-18-28). He’s tied for first with 14 multi-point games, tied for fourth with 17 goals and seventh with 25 assists. He’s fourth among NHL forwards in average ice time per game (22:22). He has factored in on 10 game-winning goals (four goals, six assists), most in the NHL. SECONDS AFTER BOESER HIT THE POST, KIRILL KAPRIZOV WINS IT FOR THE WILD IN OT! #mnwild pic.twitter.com/2Rm2MDT2zF — Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) December 4, 2024 The definition of the Hart Trophy is “most valuable to his team.” Considering how many hockey writers predicted the Wild to not make the playoffs, if they do and he keeps up this 54-goal, 132-point pace, Kaprizov will be right in the mix for the Hart Trophy come voting in April. “Guys like (Kaprizov), they have the ‘it’ factor,” defenseman Zach Bogosian said. “I think what makes Kirill so impressive is how hard he competes on pucks. He wins a lot of stick battles, and you gotta realize too he’s playing against every single night the other team’s top pair that are trying to shut him down, and generally more defensive forwards that are trying to shut him down, and that line down. “And just to see how he can create offense against guys that are defensive minded, that’s impressive.” Hynes has seen Hart Trophy seasons up close and personal. He was in New Jersey when the Devils traded Adam Larsson to the Oilers for Taylor Hall . During his second season in Newark, Hall scored 39 goals and 93 points to lead the Devils into the playoffs, just edging Nathan MacKinnon for the Hart. “When Taylor won that year, it was very similar to Kirill in the sense of the way they practice, there’s a mission in practice and the way they come into every game, just the competitive level, the drive that they play with and the consistency level,” Hynes said. “To get to that level, to be the MVP, it’s the consistency of your play at a high, high level, and that year he was like that. Advertisement “We were a semi-rebuilding team and no one picked us for playoffs. ... But he was almost ... at times he was like unstoppable. He just found different ways every night. It would be off the rush. It would be net-front goals, power-play goals, similar to what’s going on (with Kaprizov). But to me what stands out is the level of consistency that he was able to play with.” Even with sidekick Mats Zuccarello injured, Kaprizov’s showing he’s not solely dependent on Zuccarello. He’s produced with Marco Rossi or Joel Eriksson Ek at center or Matt Boldy on his wing. “It’s so much fun,” Rossi, who has nine goals and 23 points in 27 games, said of playing with Kaprizov. “(Boldy and I) know he’s on a heater right now, so we just try to support him.” He’s also been double-shifted a lot in games with the third and fourth lines depending on circumstance and situations. In the last 10 games without Zuccarello, Kaprizov has seven goals and 12 points. “He can drive the line, whatever line he’s on,” Hynes said. “Kind of with Taylor that year and then looking at Kirill, they can play on any line. It’s not just like he needs someone to get him the puck. He can play with Zuccy and they have that chemistry. He can play with Ekky and Bolds and they have chemistry. Then I can throw him out with Marco and Bolds or you can put him out with ( Marat Khusnutdinov and Devin) Shore because he plays the game — he plays all aspects of the game. “He can forecheck. He can play in the O-zone. He can attack off the rush. He can score at the net front. So it’s not like he needs a particular style of player to play with. Whatever the game is, he can play it and that’s I think another component of being able to be that consistent.” Like his partner in crime, Zuccarello, Kaprizov is often self-deprecating when self-assessing. In Anaheim, the Kaprizov-Rossi-Boldy line combined for four goals and nine points. As Trenin said hilariously, “It was too fast for my brain. Probably the same for Anaheim. Boom, boom, backdoor, backdoor.” Wild goals never get old #EastToCelebrate x @budlight pic.twitter.com/93BTO7nenN — Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) December 7, 2024 But Kaprizov said, “With Zuccy and Ekky out now, we just try and put us together. We play before a couple shifts sometimes in different games, but today we play whole game together. I feel like Marco fast, Bolds fast. I’m a little bit fast and just feel each other a little bit, just try and create offense and enjoy playing together.” Advertisement And, frankly, that’s the key with Kaprizov right now. Hart Trophy-level or not, the Wild are winning routinely. In fact, Tuesday night in their first-ever trip to Utah, they’ll try to avoid losing consecutive games in regulation for the first time this season. But the vibes are great inside the Wild room right now. As Bogosian said, “Winning does that for teams and cultures,” and you can just see the joy on Kaprizov’s face every time he walks into the rink and certainly when he walked out after another productive night. “It’s just team, you know?” Kaprizov said when asked how he maintains the level he’s playing at. “Team keep winning, and it’s easy to play myself and it’s easy to play for the whole team and just love to come to the rink. Everybody’s smiling, joking around, and have some fun and same you go in the game you jump on the ice and you just try to show your best. That’s it.” (Photo of Yakov Trenin celebrating his goal: Gary A. Vasquez / Imagn Images)
Canadian savers are using their self-directed Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) to build portfolios that can complement the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, and company pensions in retirement. One popular investing strategy involves buying top dividend stocks and using the distributions to acquire new shares. This harnesses a compounding process that can turn modest initial investments into meaningful savings over the long run. Canadian National Railway ( ) went public in the mid-1990s. Since then, the stock has been one of the best dividend-growth names on the TSX. The railway giant operates nearly 20,000 route miles of tracks that cross Canada from the Pacific to the Atlantic and run through the United States to the Gulf of Mexico. CN generates a good chunk of its revenue in the U.S., so it is a good way for investors to get exposure to the American economy through a Canadian stock. CN moves raw materials and finished goods, which are key to the smooth operation of the economy in Canada and the United States. Railways tend to have wide competitive moats. The odds of new competing tracks being built along the same routes are pretty much nil. CN’s share price is down about 6.5% in 2024 compared to a gain of more than 20% for the TSX. Labour issues at both the railway and Canadian ports have combined with disruptions by wildfires to make the past 12 months challenging for the rail operator. Potential new tariffs on goods entering the U.S. from Canada next year have also made investors cautious in recent weeks. These are likely short-term problems, however, and investors should consider taking advantage of the pullback in the stock. Buying CN on meaningful dips has historically proven to be a savvy move for patient investors. Fortis ( ) is another dividend-growth superstar on the TSX. The board has increased the dividend in each of the past 51 years. Looking ahead, Fortis intends to raise the distribution by 4-6% per year over through 2029. That’s good guidance in an uncertain economic outlook heading into 2025. Fortis operates roughly $69 billion in utility assets that include natural gas distribution, power generation, and electricity transmission businesses. Nearly all the revenue comes from rate-regulated assets, so cash flow tends to be predictable and reliable. Fortis grows through a combination of strategic acquisitions and development projects. The company hasn’t made a large purchase for several years, but that could change as interest rates decline in Canada and the United States. In the meantime, Fortis is working on a $26 billion capital program. As the new assets are completed and go into service, the boost to revenue and cash flow should support the planned dividend increases. Fortis gives investors a 2% discount on new stock purchased through the dividend-reinvestment plan. The bottom line on top TSX dividend stocks CN and Fortis are good examples of dividend-growth stocks that have generated attractive total returns for long-term investors. If you have some cash to put to work in a self-directed RRSP, these stocks deserve to be on your radar.Kobe Sanders tied a season high with 27 points as Nevada claimed fifth place in the Charleston Classic with a 90-78 victory over Oklahoma State Sunday afternoon in South Carolina. Sanders helped the Wolfpack (6-1) earn a second win following one-possession games against Vanderbilt and VCU. After hitting the decisive 3-pointer with five seconds left in Friday's 64-61 win over VCU, Sanders made 7 of 10 shots, hit three 3s and sank 10 of 13 free throws Sunday. Nick Davidson added 223 points as Nevada led by as many as 19 and shot 58.9 percent. Brandon Love contributed 11 on 5-of-5 shooting as the Wolfpack scored 46 points in the paint and scored at least 85 for the fourth time this season. Marchelus Avery led the Cowboys (4-2) with 15 points and Arturo Dean added 13. Robert Jennings and Abou Ousmane added 11 apiece but leading scorer Bryce Thompson was held to seven points on 1-of-9 shooting as Oklahoma State shot 42 percent and 73.2 percent (30-of-41) at the line. After Avery's 3 forged a 12-12 tie with 13:41 remaining, Nevada gradually gained separation. The Wolfpack took a 24-15 lead on Chuck Bailey's jumper in the paint with 8:28 left but the Cowboys inched back, getting within 33-31 on a dunk by Avery with 4:11 left. Another Bailey jumper staked Nevada to a 40-33 lead by halftime. Nevada began pulling away early in the second half as it scored eight in a row for a 52-40 lead on a basket by Love with 16:44 left. A 3 by Sanders opened a 62-43 lead with 14:06 remaining before Oklahoma State charged back. After Nevada made eight straight shots, the Cowboys countered with 11 straight points and trailed 62-54 with 11:19 left on a 3-pointer by Avery. Thompson made his first basket by sinking a jumper with 10:37 left to get Oklahoma State within 64-56 left, and Keller's triple cut the margin to 70-64 nearly three minutes later. The Cowboys were within 78-72 on a basket by Avery with 3:56 remaining, but he fouled out about a minute later and the Wolfpack outscored Oklahoma State 12-6 the rest of the way as Sanders sank five free throws. --Field Level Media
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Some models even have antimicrobial surfaces that help maintain sterility and reduce chances of infections after surgery. To sum it up: using high-quality medical lighting in veterinary surgeries is essential for increasing precision and improving outcomes for your pets. As technology keeps advancing, we can look forward to even better solutions! Media Contact Company Name: NANCHANG MICARE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT CO, LTD. Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=surgical-precision-how-medical-lights-enhance-pet-surgery-outcomes ] Country: China Website: https://www.surgicallight.com/ This release was published on openPR.Eagles receivers Smith and Brown complain about vanishing pass offense during winning streakAfter 10 years of donating and selling thousands of bikes at a low cost to those in need, a Bendigo charity faces an uphill climb to continue its work. or signup to continue reading started in a shed next to the Good Loaf Bakery on Hargreaves Street, with the bakery's owner Laurie Whelan developing a good relationship with passionate volunteer bike mechanics including Richard Hodgson. Over time, the shed grew as a charity where or sold to those in need. "I've loved every minute of it," Mr Hodgson said. "We've given away thousands of bikes and it's been very rewarding." When the partly due to rental increases, the volunteers were told they would need to leave. They've been given until Sunday, December 1 to vacate the shed. Mr Hodgson turned to social media in hopes someone would have a site suitable for them. "The response was fabulous; we've had nearly a hundred people respond to our post," he said. The group is looking for a shed suitable for about 50 bikes and a workspace. Mr Hodgson said their customers ranged from cash-strapped single parents, to refugees and people who've recently been in prison. "We deal with people who have just got the rough end of the stick ... and don't have any transport," he said. "We're not a source of cheap bikes, we're a charity and if you can afford to go to a bike shop or even buy one secondhand, that's where you should go." All kids should ride a bike, according to Mr Hodgson. "Sometimes we have kids who come in and they've had a little balance bike or something, and they get a real bike and they get on it and they're off," he said. "They just love it and they come back with a beaming smile." Mr Hodgson said the bikes would be stored until a new home was found. Jonathon has been living and working in Bendigo since March 2021, currently working as a general reporter. Contact him on jonathon.magrath@austcommunitymedia.com.au. Jonathon has been living and working in Bendigo since March 2021, currently working as a general reporter. Contact him on jonathon.magrath@austcommunitymedia.com.au. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. 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