fortune rabbit pg slot background
Asian shares rise after Wall Street rally ends tough weekPITTSBURGH (AP) — The decorations outside Acrisure Stadium suggested Christmas. The play on the field by the home team hinted at another holiday entirely. Groundhog Day. Like Bill Murray in the iconic movie — set about 90 minutes northeast of Pittsburgh in Punxsutawney — it's not that the Steelers are reliving the same day (or in their case, season) over and over exactly. It's that no matter what plan they come up with in a frantic effort to get to the other side, they seem to end up right back where they started. Competitive sure. But a contender? Ehhhh. Despite a series of aggressive moves — particularly on offense — that was considerably “unSteeler-like" in the offseason, Pittsburgh finds itself in familiar territory following a 29-10 loss to Kansas City on Wednesday: likely heading on the road in the first round of the playoffs, perhaps as a considerable underdog. While there is still time for Pittsburgh (10-6) to turn it around before a first-round playoff game on the second weekend in January, it's running out quickly. So too is the patience of those weary of being stuck on the treadmill of “good but hardly great” for far too long. Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith — who is 0-3 in the postseason since being drafted in 2020 — wondered aloud afterward if there's enough “want to” on the roster. Safety DeShon Elliott bemoaned communication issues that have cropped up, the kind of thing that is tolerable in Week 2, not so much in Week 17. Coach Mike Tomlin described a performance against the Chiefs in which his team was outclassed at seemingly every turn “junior varsity.” That may be being charitable. And while the offense certainly has its issues (see below), the reality is the NFL's highest-paid defense has lost its way during a three-game slide that has dimmed the considerable optimism that surrounded the club after Thanksgiving. Pittsburgh is allowing an average of 402 yards during the skid and while the Chiefs seemed to have plenty of juice at the end of the same three games in 11 days stretch the Steelers endured, their opponents appeared to be gassed. Patrick Mahomes did whatever he wanted as usual and Pittsburgh failed to get a single sack or produce a turnover. There were opportunities. Linebacker Mark Robinson forced a fumble on a punt return only to see someone in red-and-white fall on the loose ball. Linebacker Patrick Queen let a tipped pass in Kansas City territory fall through his arms for an incompletion. Earlier in the season, Pittsburgh was making those plays. Though it should be noted, the competition then wasn't on the scale of what it has faced against Philadelphia, Baltimore and the two-time defending Super Bowl champions. The road has gotten considerably harder, just as the Steelers knew it would when the schedule was released in May. Like Phil Connors in “Groundhog Day,” however, knowing what's coming and being able to navigate it are two different things. It took Connors a while to figure things out — anywhere from a few months to 25 or more years depending on who you ask — Pittsburgh doesn't have eternity to get it right if it wants to avoid a quick first-round playoff exit for the fourth time in five years. It has just over two weeks. And the clock is ticking. Maybe all the way back to 6 a.m. Because it sure looks like it's Groundhog Day. Again. What's working Not much. One of the few bright spots on a difficult day was the 36-year-old Russell Wilson's ability to make plays with his feet. He ran for a season-high 55 yards, his best single-game total since September 2023. What needs help One of the reasons Wilson had to run is because on some plays, he had no choice while playing behind a youth-laden offensive line that looks as if it is wearing down late in the season. The Chiefs sacked Wilson five times — some of which, to be clear, were because of Wilson's indecisiveness — even with perennial Pro Bowl defensive end Chris Jones out while nursing a calf injury. Pittsburgh wants to be a team that imposes itself physically on the opponent. That has simply not happened during the current slide. The opponents have dictated the terms, particularly along the line of scrimmage. Turning that around this deep into a season may be a difficult ask. Stock up Jaylen Warren is becoming the more dynamic option at running back. Warren has 37 touches for 212 yards during the three-game slide, while Najee Harris has 31 touches for 144 yards. Harris could become a free agent in March after the Steelers declined to pick up his fifth-year option. While Harris — who has topped 1,000 yards rushing in each of his first four seasons — certainly has a future in the NFL, it seems increasingly likely that it will be elsewhere. Stock down Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. His egalitarian approach to play-calling allows everyone to get involved. That's not a bad thing during the dog days in the middle of the season. It keeps players at all levels of the depth chart engaged and adds wrinkles opponents need to account for. Yet in the final weeks, the ball should be finding its way to the established difference-makers more frequently. Calling a run for Cordarrelle Patterson — the league's oldest running back — on third-and-3 near midfield as Smith did late in the first half makes little sense. Injuries Perhaps the most jarring thing about Pittsburgh's swoon is that the Steelers are generally healthy. Sure, they missed cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (knee) against Kansas City, but the rest of the 21 starters on offense and defense were in the lineup. Key number 0. The number of opening-drive touchdowns scored by the Steelers this season. For a group that has trouble “warming up to the game” as Tomlin likes to say, consistently being put in a position to play from behind against quality teams such as the ones Pittsburgh will see in the playoffs is inadvisable. Next steps Rest up, heal up and try to find a way to restore some of its swagger ahead of a meeting with AFC North rival Cincinnati on the first weekend in January. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Will Graves, The Associated PressCompany experts offer predictions across key sectors to help businesses navigate the unexpected MEMPHIS, Tenn. , Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sedgwick , a leading global provider of claims management, loss adjusting and technology-enabled business solutions, has published its Forecasting 2025 thought leadership report . In preparing the report, Sedgwick's experts conducted research and engaged with clients for notable insights to forecast trends across key sectors and topics. The content focuses on ensuring organizations are aware of new risks and evolving trends and helping them navigate the unexpected in the year ahead. The Forecasting 2025 thought leadership report highlights trends related to: The future of the workplace: Organizational leaders will need to navigate generational differences, an ever-increasing focus on mental health, and new strategies for talent recruitment, retention and development — while developing efficient support systems to respond in the event of workplace injuries, accidents and other crises. Recalls, regulatory landscape and compliance: Strategies like "mock recalls" will be a priority as leaders focus on maintaining public trust, tailoring communication strategies to broader and more segmented audiences, and maximizing awareness and response in the event of a product recall. Catastrophe planning and disaster recovery: Operational continuity in the event of a disaster will be key in 2025, as business and property owners, company leaders and private citizens anticipate the rising frequency and intensity of droughts, extreme temperatures, flooding and storms. Parametric insurance policies will become more common, as will new building methods and construction strategies amid regulatory and policy changes, technological advancements, and environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives. AI and ...: Artificial intelligence and robotics have driven some of the most prominent workplace evolutions over the past few years. In 2025, these and other leading-edge technologies will continue to play a significant role in the way companies promote efficiencies and engage with customers. However, business leaders must be able to keep up with new regulations, understand the associated vulnerabilities and risks, and put a team in place to effectively implement and maintain them. Planning ahead: The world is rapidly changing, becoming more uncertain and volatile every day. Supply chain disruptions, new tariffs, more frequent and sophisticated cyber-attacks and business interruption will greatly impact organizations in 2025. Diversification, rapid response and technology will be critical tools in being as prepared as possible. "2024 was a seismic year across industry sectors as companies navigated the unexpected, and 2025 will be no different," said Kimberly George, Sedgwick's Global Chief Brand Officer . "These predictions serve as a barometer for what's to come, so leaders around the world can prepare accordingly." The trends and predictions in the Forecasting 2025 report will be monitored by Sedgwick's experts throughout the year and serve as part of a larger thought leadership strategy to keep clients and partners informed. With this, Sedgwick will launch a new podcast featuring in-depth conversations with its experts and client partners on a new topic each month. For more on the report insights, visit sedgwick.com . About Sedgwick Sedgwick is a leading global provider of claims management, loss adjusting and technology-enabled business solutions. The company provides a broad range of resources tailored to clients' specific needs in casualty, property, marine, benefits, brand protection and other lines. At Sedgwick, caring counts; through the dedication and expertise of over 33,000 colleagues across 80 countries, the company takes care of people and organizations by mitigating and reducing risks and losses, promoting health and productivity, protecting brand reputations, and containing costs that can impact performance. Sedgwick's majority shareholder is The Carlyle Group; Stone Point Capital LLC, Altas Partners, CDPQ, Onex and other management investors are minority shareholders. For more, see sedgwick.com . SOURCE Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc.
SAN DIEGO (AP) — With his stellar America’s Cup career behind him, Jimmy Spithill introduced his new Red Bull Italy SailGP Team on Thursday in Dubai just ahead of the opening regatta of the global league’s fifth season. Spithill, the team’s CEO and founder, pulled a major coup by hiring his old America’s Cup crewmate and fellow Australian, wing trimmer Kyle Langford, from the Australian team that dominated SailGP for the first three seasons. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get the latest sports news delivered right to your inbox six days a week.CRA Update: No Taxes on Your First $16,129 in 2025!The Federal Government through the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has said its goal is to improve a healthy population and protect the finances of the vulnerable through its programmes and policies. The Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Muhammadu Ali Pate who made this remark said the administration of President Bola Tinubu is also committed to maintaining industrial peace and harmony in the health sector. Prof Pate spoke at the 65th National Council of Health opening ceremony held at the Mohammad Indimi Centre for Distance Learning, University of Maiduguri, Borno State. The event with the theme, ‘Accelerating Pathways To Universal Health Coverage: Strategies For 2030 Success’ attracted commissioners of health from the 36 states, top management staff of the Ministry, Development Partners and Civil Society organizations. Highlighting achievements in the health sector under the National Health Renewal Investment Initiative, the Minister emphasized that the Ministry has responded to citizens’ needs, understanding their perceptions, and perspectives and reporting back to them. He explained that under the first pillar of governance, the Ministry has mobilized and repositioned regulatory bodies at the Federal level. Pate noted that with the collaboration of state governments, more than 8,000 primary healthcare centers in Nigeria had benefitted from the ₦46 billion released by the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF). He added that more than 43,000 frontline health workers have been trained out of the 120,000 target. “We have expanded the medical relief program to provide targeted support to ensure that the poorest and most vulnerable access products when they need them. “The revitalization of primary health care has been underway, and more will be revitalized. I think we have visibility to almost 4,000 in collaboration with the states,” Pate said. The Minister of Health stated that efforts are on to make affordable treatment of women with obstetric fistula complications. “On the affordability side, through the National Health Insurance Authority NHIA, the obstetric complication of Vesico Vaginal Fistula, we’ve had more than 1,000 women already being prepared for their obstetric fistula complications free of charge since that initiative was announced. “In addition, in an effort to reduce maternal mortality, we know that at least 30 primary health care centres, secondary facilities are able to offer similar services. These services are being provided by the NHIA and, more will be provided. “By the end of the year, we’ll have less than 100, and they would have reimbursement for NHIA to offer these free services for emergencies for women when they face obstetric complications, including cesarean sections,” Pate explained. On his part, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum announced a pay rise for medical doctors in the state civil service, in parity with their counterparts in federal public service. He directed the state Commissioner of Health to liaise with relevant government agencies to bridge gaps in payment between doctors working for the state and federal government. Zulum described the NCH meeting as a forum to collaborate, brainstorm, and deliver on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate to actualize the goal of saving lives, reducing both physical and financial pain, and producing health for all Nigerians.
Growing up as a Mexican Canadian, I often found myself between two worlds and two families. The first was in my hometown of Montreal, Canada, where I’d go to school, work a part-time job, and socialize for eleven and a half months of the year. I’d be around other Canadians who had a similar family environment, even if most of us originated from different ethnic backgrounds. But in the last two weeks of each year, my mother would take me and my brother to see my grandmother in Mexico City . There, I’d be met with a different set of house rules and cultural norms I didn’t get from my Canadian side. Here’s what I learned about the differences between Mexican and Canadian families: Whenever I land in Mexico, I get a call from my grandmother asking when I’d be at the house. Once I knock on the door, there’s always an uncle, aunt, or cousin who just “happened to be in the area” ready to greet me, catch up, and then take me out for tacos somewhere. Mexicans seem to have an almost permanent open door policy when it comes to family members, close friends and neighbors, which makes it nearly impossible to get any privacy if you’re an ambivert like myself who sometimes needs to recharge his social batteries. Want to check out a new taqueria? Your cousins have probably gone before and are happy to take you there. Want to watch something on TV? Your grandmother, parents, and some aunts and uncles will ask you what show and sit next to you on the couch. If I decide to write an article by myself at a café in Roma Norte, somehow a family member will find out and ask why I didn’t invite anyone to tag along. On the other hand, I usually don’t see most of my extended Canadian family often unless it’s a holiday period. During the normal mundane days of the year, Canadians will focus their attention on work responsibilities and feel comfortable watching Netflix alone or sitting in a café with a laptop and headphones. Chances are, not many relatives from my Canadian side will know exactly what I did throughout the year unless I posted constantly on social media and went viral. The difference between what I experienced in Mexico is stark. But Mexicans also love chisme , so I like to joke that it’s one reason why they’re a lot closer than Canadians. What’s the point of having an uncle who got ripped off at a flea market or a second cousin who got engaged if you can’t find out and go over every little detail, right? It’s not uncommon in my Canadian household and in many others that I’ve encountered to find everyone in the family dynamic eating in separate rooms. Maybe the mother eats in the kitchen with her phone open, the father eats in front of the television because there’s a hockey or football game and the children eat in their bedrooms. Different work schedules and fast food options also tend to affect the lost family tradition of gathering around the dinner table. I’ve had days when I’d finish work at 5:00 p.m. but get a quick poutine at a nearby restaurant because I knew I wouldn’t be home until around 8:00 p.m. due to rush hour traffic in the metro and highway. If you are around Montreal on a weekday, you’ll see restaurants filled with people having an early dinner with colleagues or by themselves. You’ll rarely see them with their immediate or extended families. But with my Mexican family, I’ve noticed there’s more importance on making time for good food, conversation and quality time with loved ones. You can’t get away with taking a plate into your room to eat and watch YouTube videos alone on your bed. In Mexico, making someone a meal and sharing food is how we show and express gratitude. It’s how we foster strong connections that go beyond the culinary delights. Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday in particular, my Mexican side has made it an obligation to make time for family dinners no matter what’s happening in our lives. As I’ve travelled and befriended other Mexicans, I’ve noticed the heart of their family is also at the dinner table. It’s wholesome, universal, and something I wish we had more of in Canada. Mexican people work hard. But we do so in order to live — we don’t live to work like in Canada. If you’re with family at a wedding, a ten-year-old’s birthday party, or celebrating a religious holiday or family milestone, your family expects you to be present for those special occasions, not thinking about replying to an email or your Monday workload. If I can’t make it to a cousin’s wedding in Canada, all I have to do is explain why and wish them the best. If we’re really close, I promise to make up for it with a nice dinner, and often that’s more than enough. But when I couldn’t attend my Mexican cousin María’s wedding five years ago, the questions I got were relentless and almost dramatic. “What are you doing that’s more important?” my aunt texted me on WhatsApp. “You grew up together. She loves you, and so do we. Please, come! Explain to your boss.” I can go on, but you get the idea. Other than the dinner table, life events within a Mexican family are crucial to nourish relationships. When I went to another Mexican family wedding two years ago, we partied literally all night, took lots of photos, and danced nonstop — quite the difference from Canadian events. It’s another way to show love in Mexican culture. Keeping up appearances matters because it demonstrates that you care. It’s fair to say Mexican families are full of personalities, core values, little dramas, and endless affection for those they love. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. If my thoughts on Mexican and Canadian families struck a chord with you, or if you have a similar bicultural experience, why not let us know in the comments? Ian Ostroff is an indie author, journalist, and copywriter from Montreal, Canada. You can find his work in various outlets, including Map Happy and The Suburban. When he’s not writing, you can find Ian at the gym, a café, or anywhere within Mexico visiting family and friends.AP Trending SummaryBrief at 5:46 p.m. ESTLucknow, Dec 26 (PTI) The Uttar Pradesh government is set to create the UP Pavilion on a five-acre site, showcasing the state's vibrant cultural and spiritual heritage in the upcoming Maha Kumbh 2025. Organised by the Department of Tourism, the pavilion will provide visitors with a glimpse of Uttar Pradesh's top tourist destinations and cultural treasures, according to an official statement. The pavilion will also feature an exquisite handicrafts market showcasing the region's renowned artistry along with cultural programmes. "The Uttar Pradesh State Pavilion is being constructed near Mahakumbh Kshetra Sector-7 Nagavasuki Temple, spanning approximately five acres. This pavilion will showcase the state's 12 prominent tourism circuits, including the Ramayana Circuit, Krishna-Braj Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Mahabharata Circuit, Shaktipeeth Circuit, Spiritual Circuit, Sufi-Kabir Circuit, Jain Circuit, Bundelkhand Circuit, Wildlife and Eco Circuit, Craft Circuit, and Freedom Struggle Circuit," it said. A large 15,000-square-foot 3D map will depict iconic sites such as Ayodhya, Kashi, Mathura, Prayagraj, Kushinagar, Sarnath, and Naimisharanya, offering detailed insights into their significance, the statement added. Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said Uttar Pradesh's uniqueness lies in its religious, spiritual, and natural tourism destinations, along with its cuisine, handicrafts, music, and dance forms. "With an estimated 40 crore devotees expected to attend Mahakumbh 2025, the pavilion aims to acquaint visitors with the state's rich heritage and cultural legacy," Singh said. The Pavilion will further feature 75 stalls dedicated to the state's One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, showcasing unique products from each district, he said. Three stages will host cultural programmes while over 20 food stalls will serve local and regional delicacies from across the country. To enhance the visitor experience, special selfie points will be set up across the pavilion, he added. Singh further highlighted that this year's Maha Kumbh will stand apart from traditional editions. Advanced technology will be used for monitoring the fairgrounds, ensuring top-notch security and cleanliness. (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)
Dr. Singh was a bright student from his school days, despite lacking basic amenities like electricity and a nearby school. He had to walk miles to attend school. There was an interesting fact about Dr. Manmohan Singh. He was not able to read Hindi, but when he was given a topic in Urdu, he practiced extensively before reading it in public. Published: December 27, 2024 12:47 AM IST By Edited by For breaking news and live news updates, like us on or follow us on and . Read more on Latest on . Topics
AP News Summary at 1:24 p.m. ESTAll we want for Christmas is a better schedule for working parents. Four education and workplace experts share ideas for creating a system that actually works.Micron Q1 Preview: AI Has Hit A Wall, This Is Good For MicronPixalate Releases Q3 2024 EMEA Invalid Traffic (IVT) & Ad Fraud Benchmarks: UK Most At Risk to Ad Fraud on CTV (38% IVT Rate); Spain (18%) & Germany (14%) Most At Risk on Mobile Apps