roulette spinner

roulette spinner NEW YORK (AP) — What a wonderful year 2024 has been for investors. U.S. stocks ripped higher and carried the S&P 500 to records as the economy kept growing and the Federal Reserve began cutting interest rates. The year featured many familiar winners, such as Big Tech, which got even bigger as their stock prices kept growing . But it wasn't just Apple, Nvidia and the like. Bitcoin , gold and other investments also drove higher. Here's a look at some of the numbers that defined the year. All are as of Dec. 20. Remember when President Bill Clinton got impeached or when baseball's Mark McGwire hit his 70th home run against the Montreal Expos? That was the last time the U.S. stock market closed out a second straight year with a leap of at least 20%, something the S&P 500 is on track to do again this year. The index has climbed 24.3% so far this year, not including dividends, following last year's spurt of 24.2%. The number of all-time highs the S&P 500 has set so far this year. The first came early, on Jan. 19, when the index capped a two-year comeback from the swoon caused by high inflation and worries that high interest rates instituted by the Federal Reserve to combat it would create a recession. But the index was methodical through the rest of the year, setting a record in every month outside of April and August, according to S&P Dow Jones Indices. The latest came on Dec. 6. The number of times the Federal Reserve has cut its main interest rate this year from a two-decade high, offering some relief to the economy. Expectations for those cuts, along with hopes for more in 2025, were a big reason the U.S. stock market has been so successful this year. The 1 percentage point of cuts, though, is still short of the 1.5 percentage points that many traders were forecasting for 2024 at the start of the year. The Fed disappointed investors in December when it said it may cut rates just two more times in 2025, fewer than it had earlier expected. That’s how many points the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by the day after Election Day, as investors made bets on what Donald Trump’s return to the White House will mean for the economy and the world . The more widely followed S&P 500 soared 2.5% for its best day in nearly two years. Aside from bitcoin, stocks of banks and smaller winners were also perceived to be big winners. The bump has since diminished amid worries that Trump’s policies could also send inflation higher. The level that bitcoin topped to set a record above $108,000 this past month. It's been climbing as interest rates come down, and it got a particularly big boost following Trump's election. He's turned around and become a fan of crypto, and he's named a former regulator who’s seen as friendly to digital currencies as the next chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission, replacing someone who critics said was overly aggressive in his oversight. Bitcoin was below $17,000 just two years ago following the collapse of crypto exchange FTX. Gold's rise for the year, as it also hit records and had as strong a run as U.S. stocks. Wars around the world have helped drive demand for investments seen as safe, such as gold. It's also benefited from the Fed's cut to interest rates. When bonds are paying less in interest, they pull away fewer potential buyers from gold, which pays investors nothing. It's a favorite number of Elon Musk, and it's also a threshold that Tesla's stock price passed in December as it set a record. The number has a long history among marijuana devotees, and Musk famously said in 2018 that he had secured funding to take Tesla private at $420 per share . Tesla soared this year, up from less than $250 at the start, in part because of expectations that Musk's close relationship with Trump could benefit the company. That's how much revenue Nvidia made in the nine months through Oct. 27, showing how the artificial-intelligence frenzy is creating mountains of cash. Nvidia's chips are driving much of the move into AI, and its revenue through the last nine months catapulted from less than $39 billion the year before. Such growth has boosted Nvidia's worth to more than $3 trillion in total. GameStop’s gain on May 13 after Keith Gill, better known as “Roaring Kitty,” appeared online for the first time in three years to support the video game retailer’s stock, which he helped rocket to unimaginable heights during the “ meme stock craze ” in 2021. Several other meme stocks also jumped following his post in May on the social platform X, including AMC Entertainment. Gill later disclosed a sizeable stake in the online pet products retailer Chewy, but he sold all of his holdings by late October . That's how much the U.S. economy grew, at annualized seasonally adjusted rates, in each of the three first quarters of this year. Such growth blew past what many pessimists were expecting when inflation was topping 9% in the summer of 2022. The fear was that the medicine prescribed by the Fed to beat high inflation — high interest rates — would create a recession. Households at the lower end of the income spectrum in particular are feeling pain now, as they contend with still-high prices. But the overall economy has remained remarkably resilient. This is the vacancy rate for U.S. office buildings — an all-time high — through the first three quarters of 2024, according to data from Moody's. The fact the rate held steady for most of the year was something of a win for office building owners, given that it had marched up steadily from 16.8% in the fourth quarter of 2019. Demand for office space weakened as the pandemic led to the popularization of remote work. That's the total number of previously occupied homes sold nationally through the first 11 months of 2024. Sales would have to surge 20% year-over-year in December for 2024's home sales to match the 4.09 million existing homes sold in 2023, a nearly 30-year low. The U.S. housing market has been in a sales slump dating back to 2022, when mortgage rates began to climb from pandemic-era lows. A shortage of homes for sale and elevated mortgage rates have discouraged many would-be homebuyers.B.C. man who flipped 14 homes in four years is fined $2M for tax evasionSAN ANTONIO (AP) — Colorado secured what it said was record insurance coverage for quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter as the star duo opted to complete their college careers in the Alamo Bowl rather than sit out and prepare for the NFL draft. Colorado would not disclose the amount of insurance coverage each received, citing privacy laws. Coach Deion Sanders and athletic director Rick George both said it was the largest in college football history. “We happen to have two players that are probably going to be the first two picks of the NFL draft,” Sanders said Monday. “We all know who those two are and they have received, I think, the highest number of coverage that has ever been covered in college football. It far exceeds anyone that has ever played this game of college football.” While college programs maintain insurance policies for their athletes in case of injury, Colorado increased disability coverage for its entire roster in the Alamo Bowl. Sanders, the coach of the No. 20 Buffaloes, ensured his QB son and two-way star Hunter received larger policies since both are expected to be among the top 10 selections in the upcoming NFL draft. “It was his idea we should get disability insurance for our athletes for this game to ensure that they played and if there was some kind of injury that they would be well taken care of," George said. “So, we worked together on that. We’re excited about it. We think it’s great that all our players are playing in the game. That’s what all bowl games should be like.” Colorado (9-3, No. 23 CFP) will face the 17th-ranked BYU Cougars (10-2, No. 17 CFP) in the Alamo Bowl on Saturday. While most teams are scrambling with starters opting out of bowl games this year to enter the transfer portal or NFL draft, the Buffaloes did not lose any player on their two-deep roster. “It’s more than what I got (when he played at Kansas State),” Colorado linebackers coach Andre’ Hart said. “They gave us a helmet and said pop this on your leg and get out there and play. For them to get that (increased insurance coverage), I just think it’s beneficial. To talk about where the game is, where it’s going and how leadership is taking care of the players, I thought that’s excellent.” Shedeur Sanders completed 337 of 454 passes for 3,926 yards and 35 touchdowns this season. Many scouting services have Sanders rated as the top quarterback in this year's draft. Hunter received the Heisman Trophy as a two-way standout at cornerback and wide receiver. He had 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns and as a cornerback had four interceptions, broke up 11 passes and limited the opposition to 22 receptions on 688 defensive snaps. “They’ve taken care of us, everybody,” Colorado running back Micah Welch said. “It really means a lot to have every teammate up here. That's a big thing. What I like about Coach Prime, they’re taking care of us.” Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Shares of Surf Air Mobility Inc. (SRFM) surged as much as 7% in morning trade on Friday to hit an eight-month high of $6.41, building on its gain of 56% during the previous session that helped the stock make up for some of its year-to-date decline. The stock reversed most of its gains, trading 0.36% lower in mid-day trade on Friday. The uptick in Surf Air Mobility’s shares comes after the company announced that its board members purchased stock from the open market. If the stock had maintained its gains, it would have pared its year-to-date decline to under 50% — most of this fall came in April, when the stock fell by over 40% after the company received a notice of possible delisting from the New York Stock Exchange. Surf Air Mobility’s chairman, Carl Albert, purchased 14,500 shares, while co-founder and board member Sudhin Shahani purchased 17,237 shares. The aggregate transaction is valued at approximately $110,000. “We have near and midterm goals to increase value for our shareholders. We are firmly and financially committed to successful execution of our Transformation Plan,” said Albert. Retail traders on Stocktwits expressed optimism about Surf Air Mobility’s turnaround plan, which includes securing a $50 million term loan. The company expects to become profitable in 2025. The stock purchase by board members indicates the confidence insiders have in the company’s four-phase transformation plan. While some retail traders remained confident about the stock’s long-term prospects, others may now regret not taking profits when they had the chance earlier in the day. Surf Air Mobility, a Los Angeles-based regional air mobility service, currently operates Cessna Caravan aircraft, which have a range of a little over 1,200 miles, with a top speed of 213 miles per hour. The company is also developing an AI-powered airline software operating system. It also has electric powertrain technology that is currently in the process of being certified. Surf Air Mobility’s shares have declined by 44% year-to-date. For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.<

How the stock market defied expectations again this year, by the numbersJhon Duran slapped with BAN after FA reject Aston Villa’s appeal to overturn red card against Newcastle

Even with technology taking over much of our day-to-day lives, board games still offer quality entertainment that can’t be beaten. Of course, the popular board games of today are a far cry from the games your parents grew up playing. Board games are perfect for encouraging your family to work together or for bringing your group of friends around the table for an evening. If you’d like to start up a weekly game night, let this helpful list of the most popular board games be your guide. Utter Nonsense Ages 8+ This game will have every player rolling in stitches with each ridiculous phrase that’s uttered. Combine crazy accents and hilarious phrases to impress the Nonsense Judge and win the round. The player with the highest number of wins ultimately wins the game, but the true fun of this card game is listening to your fellow players trying to say some of the most entertaining phrases of all time. This game is perfect for game nights or parties. Speak Out Ages 8+ This hilarious game is perfect if you have teenagers or are hosting a party with all adults. To play, you insert a mouthpiece that alters the sound of your speech, making every word sound silly. Set the timer and read one of the phrases on the cards and try to help your teammate guess what you’re saying. Speak Out easily provides hours of fun that even grandparents will love. Escape Room in a Box Ages 13+ What’s the next best thing to trying to break out of a room? Escape Room in a Box, of course. This thrilling, immersive game involves solving 2D and 3D puzzles in order to prevent a mad scientist from turning you and your friends or family into werewolves. Work together to escape your fate and use Amazon Alexa to enhance the experience. Codenames Ages 14+ This fun strategy game is perfect for anyone with teenagers. Form two teams and select a spymaster on each team. Using clues, spymasters try to help their teammates find all 25 of the agents they’re in contact with, hopefully without selecting the other team’s agents or running into the deadly assassin. This innovative game offers a challenging and rewarding time working together. ​​​​​​​Harry Potter Clue Ages 9+ Excite your kids on game night with this modern twist on a classic. Play as six recognizable Hogwarts characters — Harry, Hermione, Ron, Luna, Ginny or Neville — to solve the mystery behind a fellow student’s disappearance. It’s up to you to figure out who attacked the student, what bewitching spell they used and where it occurred. Watch out for the Dark Mark, moving staircases and secret passages as you travel along in this magical family game. ​​​​​​​Pandemic Ages 8+ If you’ve ever wanted to save humanity from a deadly outbreak, you’ll love spending an hour playing Pandemic. You and your teammates must fight to contain four deadly diseases threatening the human race. Players must learn to work with their teammates to control outbreak hotspots and treat diseases. Win the game by curing all diseases without wiping out humanity first. ​​​​​​​ Catan Ages 10+ This tactical 60-minute game will push your imagination to its limits as you embark on a journey across Catan. Acquire crucial resources as you travel, build roads, buildings, and cities, and be wary of the ruthless robber and other players halting you on your own road. Through careful trading and clever decisions, you can lead your travelers to victory in this role-playing game of limitless possibilities. Play again and again. Every game is different. Ticket to Ride Ages 8+ Train lovers will enjoy this innovative board game which has won numerous awards. This cross-country train adventure game mimics the concept of traveling around the world in 80 days. Collect train cars and claim railways across the country. Players earn the most points by establishing long train routes and connecting distant cities. Each game takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes to complete, and every adventure is different. ​​​​​​​5 Second Rule Ages 10+ This quick-paced game gives each player five seconds to name items on a certain topic. Although the topics are objectively easy —“Name 3 Mountains,” “Name 3 Types of Hats” or “Name 3 Super Heroes,” the pressure of the time crunch is likely to put you on edge. Race the clock and remain composed to win this game. You can even make up your own topics if you prefer. Half the fun is just hearing what other people blurt out, whether it’s relevant to the topic or not. Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

Manmohan Singh, India’s reluctant prime minister, dies aged 92

Global Grain Bin Management Software Market Size, Share and Forecast By Key Players-AGI SureTrack, TSGC, OPI Systems, Ergson GmbH, AGCO 12-24-2024 05:30 PM CET | Advertising, Media Consulting, Marketing Research Press release from: Market Research Intellect Global Grain Bin Management Software Market USA, New Jersey- According to the Market Research Intellect, the global Grain Bin Management Software market is projected to grow at a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.08% from 2024 to 2031. Starting with a valuation of 12.53 Billion in 2024, the market is expected to reach approximately 22.29 Billion by 2031, driven by factors such as Grain Bin Management Software and Grain Bin Management Software. This significant growth underscores the expanding demand for Grain Bin Management Software across various sectors. The grain bin management software market is experiencing notable growth, driven by the increasing need for efficient grain storage solutions and the rising adoption of smart farming technologies. Farmers and agribusinesses are leveraging these software tools to monitor and optimize grain storage conditions, ensuring quality and reducing losses. The integration of IoT sensors and data analytics in grain management systems is enabling real-time tracking of temperature, humidity, and inventory levels, boosting operational efficiency. Growing global food demand and the emphasis on minimizing post-harvest losses are further propelling the adoption of these solutions. Additionally, government support for digital farming practices and the rising awareness about the economic benefits of proper grain storage are encouraging market expansion. The trend toward automation and cloud-based platforms continues to create opportunities for innovation in the industry. The grain bin management software market is shaped by advancements in precision agriculture, rising food security concerns, and the demand for improved storage solutions. Technological innovations, such as IoT integration and AI-driven analytics, are transforming grain storage by enabling predictive maintenance and efficient inventory management. These solutions help farmers and grain operators enhance storage efficiency while minimizing spoilage and waste. However, challenges like high initial implementation costs and limited digital infrastructure in rural areas may restrict adoption in certain regions. The market is also becoming increasingly competitive, with vendors focusing on user-friendly interfaces, mobile compatibility, and scalable software options tailored to different farm sizes. Additionally, the push for sustainability and the need to adapt to climate variability are influencing the development of smarter and more robust grain bin management solutions. Request PDF Sample Copy of Report: (Including Full TOC, List of Tables & Figures, Chart) @ https://www.marketresearchintellect.com/download-sample/?rid=10518950&utm_source=OpenPr&utm_medium=026 Key Drivers: The growth of the Grain Bin Management Software market is driven by several key factors. Technological advancements in Grain Bin Management Software have enabled greater efficiency and enhanced capabilities, spurring adoption across industries. Additionally, the rising demand for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions is pushing companies to innovate and adopt greener practices. Expanding applications in sectors like Grain Bin Management Software and Grain Bin Management Software are further contributing to market demand, as these industries seek advanced solutions to streamline operations and enhance product quality. Favorable government policies and incentives in regions such as North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific support investment and growth. Moreover, an increasing focus on Grain Bin Management Software for improving operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness is encouraging businesses to embrace new technologies, fostering sustained market expansion. Mergers and Acquisitions Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) play a pivotal role in the Grain Bin Management Software market, as companies look to expand their capabilities, access new technologies, and strengthen market presence. Leading players engage in strategic acquisitions to consolidate their position and gain a competitive edge. These transactions often facilitate the integration of advanced Grain Bin Management Software solutions, helping firms broaden their product portfolios and meet growing customer demands. Additionally, M&A activities support companies in achieving economies of scale and penetrating new regional markets, particularly in high-growth areas like Asia-Pacific. Through such strategic alliances, businesses aim to accelerate innovation, enhance operational efficiency, and address evolving market challenges, ultimately driving the overall growth of the Grain Bin Management Software market. Get a Discount On The Purchase Of This Report @ https://www.marketresearchintellect.com/ask-for-discount/?rid=10518950&utm_source=OpenPr&utm_medium=026 The following Key Segments Are Covered in Our Report By Type On-premise Software Cloud-based Software By Application Agricultural Cooperative Grain Processor Other Major companies in Grain Bin Management Software Market are: AGI SureTrack, TSGC, OPI Systems, Ergson GmbH, AGCO, TGM, InfoTech Solutions, Cultura Technologies, Ronin System Solutions, IntraGrain Technologies, Silos Cordoba, iRely, Extron, Agvance, AgTrax, TeleSense, Zhongke Shengshi, Green Intelligent Global Grain Bin Management Software Market -Regional Analysis North America: North America is expected to hold a significant share of the Grain Bin Management Software market due to advanced technological infrastructure and the presence of major market players. High demand across sectors like Grain Bin Management Software and Grain Bin Management Software is driving growth, with the U.S. being a key contributor. Additionally, ongoing investments in R&D and innovation reinforce the region's strong market position. Europe: Europe is projected to experience steady growth, driven by stringent regulatory standards and a rising focus on sustainability in Grain Bin Management Software practices. Countries like Germany, France, and the UK are leading due to their advanced industrial base and supportive government policies. The demand for eco-friendly and efficient Grain Bin Management Software solutions is expected to continue fostering market expansion. Asia-Pacific: Asia-Pacific is anticipated to be the fastest-growing region, fueled by rapid industrialization and urbanization. Countries such as China, India, and Japan are driving demand due to expanding consumer bases and increasing investments in infrastructure. The region's robust manufacturing sector and favorable economic policies further enhance growth opportunities in the Grain Bin Management Software market. Latin America: Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are expected to show moderate growth in the Grain Bin Management Software market. In Latin America, growth is supported by rising industrial activities in countries like Brazil and Mexico. Meanwhile, in the Middle East & Africa, infrastructure development and an increasing focus on innovation in sectors like Grain Bin Management Software are key drivers of market expansion. Middle East and Africa: The Middle East and Africa represent emerging markets in the global Grain Bin Management Software market, with countries like UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Nigeria showing promising growth potential. Economic diversification efforts, urbanization, and a young population are driving demand for Grain Bin Management Software products and services in the region. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 1. What is the current size of the Grain Bin Management Software market? Answer: The Grain Bin Management Software market was valued at approximately 12.53 Billion in 2024, with projections suggesting it will reach 22.29 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 10.08%. 2. What factors are driving the growth of the Grain Bin Management Software market? Answer: The market's expansion is attributed to several factors, including increased demand for Grain Bin Management Software, advancements in Grain Bin Management Software technology, and the adoption of Grain Bin Management Software across various sectors. 3. Which regions are expected to dominate the Grain Bin Management Software market? Answer: Regions such as North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific are anticipated to lead due to the presence of major industry players and growing investments in Grain Bin Management Software. 4. Who are the key players in the Grain Bin Management Software market? Answer: Prominent companies in the Grain Bin Management Software market include Grain Bin Management Software, Grain Bin Management Software, and Grain Bin Management Software, each contributing to market growth through innovations and strategic partnerships. 5. What challenges does the Grain Bin Management Software market face? Answer: The market faces challenges such as Grain Bin Management Software, regulatory compliance, and competition from alternative solutions. However, ongoing advancements aim to address these issues. 6. What are the future trends in the Grain Bin Management Software market? Emerging trends include the integration of Grain Bin Management Software technology, sustainability practices, and digital transformation in processes, all expected to shape the market's future. 7. How can businesses benefit from the Grain Bin Management Software market? Answer: Businesses can leverage growth opportunities in the Grain Bin Management Software market by adopting new solutions, enhancing operational efficiency, and expanding their offerings to meet evolving consumer demands. 8. Why invest in a Grain Bin Management Software market report from MRI? Answer: MRI's report provides in-depth analysis, future projections, and key insights to support strategic decision-making, enabling businesses to stay competitive and capitalize on growth trends in the Grain Bin Management Software market. For More Information or Query, Visit @ https://www.marketresearchintellect.com/product/grain-bin-management-software-market/?utm_source=OpenPr&utm_medium=026 About Us: Market Research Intellect Market Research Intellect is a leading Global Research and Consulting firm servicing over 5000+ global clients. We provide advanced analytical research solutions while offering information-enriched research studies. We also offer insights into strategic and growth analyses and data necessary to achieve corporate goals and critical revenue decisions. Our 250 Analysts and SMEs offer a high level of expertise in data collection and governance using industrial techniques to collect and analyze data on more than 25, 000 high-impact and niche markets. Our analysts are trained to combine modern data collection techniques, superior research methodology, expertise, and years of collective experience to produce informative and accurate research. Our research spans a multitude of industries including Energy, Technology, Manufacturing and Construction, Chemicals and Materials, Food and Beverages, etc. Having serviced many Fortune 2000 organizations, we bring a rich and reliable experience that covers all kinds of research needs. About Us: Market Research Intellect Market Research Intellect is a leading Global Research and Consulting firm servicing over 5000+ global clients. We provide advanced analytical research solutions while offering information-enriched research studies. We also offer insights into strategic and growth analyses and data necessary to achieve corporate goals and critical revenue decisions. Our 250 Analysts and SMEs offer a high level of expertise in data collection and governance using industrial techniques to collect and analyze data on more than 25,000 high-impact and niche markets. Our analysts are trained to combine modern data collection techniques, superior research methodology, expertise, and years of collective experience to produce informative and accurate research. For inquiries, Contact Us at: Mr. Edwyne Fernandes Market Research Intellect APAC: +61 485 860 968 EU: +44 788 886 6344 US: +1 743 222 5439 This release was published on openPR.Share Tweet Share Share Email Data reconciliation is now a crucial aspect of the contemporary data-driven enterprise landscape. As businesses heavily depend on precise, uniform, and dependable data, reconciliation serves as a vital tool in facilitating informed decision-making, ensuring adherence to regulations, and sustaining a competitive edge. As enterprise data ecosystems grow in complexity, innovative and advanced approaches are necessary for reconciling extensive and diverse datasets. The latest developments in data modelling, onboarding procedures, tools, data catalogues, lineage tracking, and anchor frameworks have revolutionized how enterprises approach data reconciliation. In this article, we will explore the principles of advanced data reconciliation techniques, with insights from industry experts and future trends, as emphasized by PraveenTripathi . Praveen is a renowned technology leader in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud services who stresses the significance of integrating cutting-edge technologies for seamless data governance. Praveen Tripathi The Foundation: A Guide to Efficient Reconciliation through Data Modeling. The process of data modelling creates the basis for arranging and aligning data, as well as establishing connections, interdependencies, and arrangements within datasets. Dimensional modelling utilizes either star or snowflake schemas to help organizations construct efficient data structures for quick querying and analysis. These structures categorize data into facts, such as sales information, and dimensions like time, product, and geography, streamlining the reconciliation process. Additionally, ERD is useful for enhancing reconciliation by illustrating connections between data entities through the use of primary keys, foreign keys, and constraints. To handle intricate interconnected datasets like supply chains, social networks, and customer journeys, many have turned to graph models as they provide a versatile means of depicting relationships. Similarly, hierarchical models are beneficial for datasets with multi-level relationships such as organizational structures or product categories, allowing for comprehensive insights during the reconciliation process. By implementing these models, organizations create a strong framework that ensures reconciliation algorithms operate with defined parameters and logical pathways, ultimately laying the foundation for precise data processing. Cutting-edge Solutions for Reconciliation on Various Platforms In today’s business world, companies utilize various sophisticated tools and platforms to enhance their data reconciliation methods. Examples include ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) and ELT (Extract, Load, Transform) tools like Talend, Informatica, and Apache Nifi, which offer real-time capabilities for seamless and ongoing reconciliation. Additionally, cloud-based services such as AWS Glue, Azure Data Factory, and Google Cloud Dataflow offer scalable options for handling large datasets. AI-powered validation tools, including H2O.ai and DataRobot, improve the process of reconciliation by detecting patterns, irregularities, and discrepancies on a large scale. Platforms for data quality, such as Talend Data Quality, Trifacta, and Ataccama, are essential in assessing, removing duplicates from, and purifying datasets to ensure they are suitable for reconciliation. For those looking for more budget-friendly options with the ability for personalized modifications, open-source solutions like Apache Spark, Airbyte, and dbt can be viable alternatives. By utilizing these tools and platforms, organizations attain flexibility, scalability, and robustness in handling intricate reconciliation workflows. Data onboarding is the crucial step that leads to dependable reconciliation. Efficient data onboarding serves as the key to achieving successful reconciliation, covering various steps such as preprocessing and mapping. Standardization and cleansing procedures, such as deduplication, normalization, and enrichment, guarantee consistent data. The use of AI-based tools further aids in expediting these tasks while reducing the need for manual intervention. Schema mapping tools streamline the onboarding process by aligning source and target schemas with minimal errors. This, combined with incremental loading processes, enables organizations to capture only data changes, facilitating real-time or near-real-time reconciliation. Furthermore, dynamic data enrichment boosts accuracy by incorporating contextual metadata such as geographic, demographic, or behavioral information. Companies that place emphasis on implementing effective onboarding strategies have a lower occurrence of reconciliation failures and improved data credibility, leading to streamlined downstream operations. Data catalogs play a crucial role in reconciliation frameworks by facilitating the organization and management of data. Data catalogues have become essential elements of contemporary reconciliation structures, providing enhanced management, visibility, and context for metadata. These centralized platforms, like Alation, Collibra, and Informatica EDC, serve as repositories for convenient access to data definitions, lineage, and relationships. The inclusion of schema versioning in catalogues allows for tracking of changes over time, aiding in meeting regulatory standards. Additionally, automated schema-matching capabilities speed up onboarding procedures while still maintaining precision. Moreover, the integration of data catalogues with lineage tracking tools provides comprehensive visibility into data flows from beginning to end. The utilization of data catalogues allows enterprises to streamline reconciliation processes, comply with regulations more efficiently, and maintain audit readiness through improved traceability and metadata management. Maintaining Transparency and Compliance with Lineage Tracking and Audit Trails Monitoring lineage is crucial for comprehending the journey of data from start to finish, promoting openness and responsibility. Visual diagrams representing lineage, accessible via resources such as Apache Atlas and Informatica, offer a clear understanding of data changes and interconnections. Utilizing proactive impact analysis through lineage tracking tools highlights the consequences of alterations, expediting resolutions for potential problems. Extensive audit logs document reconciliation efforts, discrepancies, and authorizations to uphold adherence to regulatory frameworks like GDPR and CCPA. Implementing lineage tracking enhances enterprise reconciliation tactics by promoting transparency and ensuring compliance with constantly changing regulatory mandates. The Anchor Frameworks serve as a blueprint for conducting rule-based validation. Anchor frameworks utilize predefined keys, rules, and thresholds to facilitate data validation. These anchor keys, such as transaction IDs or account numbers, function as distinctive identifiers for deterministic matching. The implementation of rule-based comparisons streamlines reconciliation by utilizing conditional logic to minimize false positives. Sophisticated approaches, such as fuzzy matching, effectively manage inconsistencies in data formats or values, such as differences in customer names. By implementing threshold-based validations, a level of leniency is incorporated through the establishment of allowances for slight discrepancies, guaranteeing precision and versatility. These systems allow businesses to handle a variety of reconciliation situations with both accuracy and efficiency. The combination of automation and continuous monitoring. Automation has a significant impact in decreasing the need for manual work, preventing mistakes, and maintaining constant monitoring of data accuracy. Workflow automation tools, like Apache Airflow and Control-M, streamline reconciliation processes by effectively managing task scheduling and execution. Additionally, real-time alert systems integrated with platforms such as Splunk and Datadog offer proactive notifications of discrepancies or issues. Thanks to AI-driven self-healing scripts, enterprises are able to effortlessly address common inconsistencies without the need for manual intervention. With continuous monitoring in place, data consistency remains intact even in constantly evolving environments. Ensuring scalability and optimal performance for the future. As enterprises handle larger amounts of data, they must prioritize scalability and performance optimization to protect their reconciliation frameworks for the future. To expedite execution, parallel processing methods divide data into smaller segments. Additionally, implementing indexing and partitioning techniques can enhance query performance, while utilizing caching mechanisms can decrease repetitive computations in tasks. Utilizing data sampling allows organizations to validate smaller portions of data, serving as an initial measure to streamline the process of reconciling large amounts of data. This approach enables them to be prepared for a potential surge in data volume without compromising effectiveness and precision. Insights into the industry and projections for the future. In 2023, the global market for data integration and reconciliation was valued at $10 billion and is estimated to experience a 12% CAGR until 2030. The use of AI in this field is anticipated to have a significant impact, as Gartner predicts that AI and machine learning will be incorporated into 75% of reconciliation processes by 2025. In addition, the rise of cloud-first strategies will likely result in platforms such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform dominating reconciliation workflows. As regulatory frameworks continue to develop, reconciliation processes will play a crucial role in ensuring compliance, particularly in heavily regulated industries like finance and healthcare. Conclusion It can be stated that the main findings of this study suggest that a stronger emphasis on mental health education and support in schools is essential for promoting overall well-being among students. This not only benefits their academic performance but also prepares them to cope with challenges and stressors in life. In today’s complex data ecosystems, enterprises rely on advanced techniques for data reconciliation. By incorporating strong data modeling, onboarding procedures, tool utilization, lineage tracking, and anchor frameworks, these organizations can establish scalable and efficient workflows for accurate reconciliation. Praveen Tripathi’s perspective highlights the essential role of utilizing cutting-edge technologies and governance strategies. With the ever-changing data environment, it is imperative for companies to adopt these approaches in order to uphold effective data management, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency, ultimately securing their competitive edge in a data-driven landscape. Related Items: AI , cloud services , cybersecurity , data , Data Reconciliation , Data Reconciliation Techniques , Praveen Tripathi Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you AI vs. Human Writing: Who Shapes the Future of Content Creation? Harnessing AI for Smarter Transportation Management AI Transforms Financial Customer Service with Dramatic Efficiency Gains CommentsThose with limited kitchen space will understand the need for effective cookware . Rather than multiple gadgets taking up room across kitchen counters, there are a few multi-use devices that can save you time and space. That includes Instant Pot , the electric multi-cookers, designed to give you a helping hand in the kitchen. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today If you’re on the market for a new cooking device, Instant Pot Duo is currently 54 per cent off on Amazon Australia . For just $99, you can get your hands on a 5.7L multi-cooker , that does everything seven other appliances can. That includes a slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, food warmer and electric pressure cooker . The classic Instant Pot Duo is able to make your life so much easier when it comes to prepping and cooking for the week ahead . This clever device can adjust pressure, temperature, time, plus heat and cook food up to 70 per cent faster than other methods of cooking. Thanks to the large 5.7L, the stainless steel pot is perfect for cooking up to six generous servings. Instant Pot devices have a free Instant Connect app , loaded with hundreds of recipes for any cuisine. Browse through to find your next meal, and then follow the recipe step-by-step using your multi-use cooker. From soups to stews, meat and more, there’s so many delicious dishes you can create using the Instant Pot Duo. Shoppers have raved about the Instant Pot Duo . “ I love this electric pressure cooker! It saves so much time and makes cooking easy and delicious. From tender meats to flavorful stews, every meal turns out perfect,” one shopper commented. “The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen appliance that combines pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and more into one device. It cooks meals quickly and consistently, ideal for saving time,” another shopper said. “This cooker does many different things and brilliantly. I am not a chef by any means and this has made my dinners foolproof and very easy ,” a third shopper commented. To purchase the Instant Pot Duo , head to Amazon Australia . Want more deals? Bose Quiet Comfort Headphones are $200 off For those seeking an oasis of calm from the constant clamour of noisy traffic, children or even in-office chatter, the Bose QuietComfort SC wireless noise-cancelling headphones offer a compelling solution. These headphones are a technological marvel , boasting industry-leading noise cancellation that promises to transport you to a world of pure, unadulterated sound. Bose’s QuietComfort series has long been a leader in the noise-cancelling headphone market and the QuietComfort SC upholds that reputation. Tiny microphones embedded within the headphones detect ambient sounds and then the headphones generate an opposing sound wave to effectively neutralise those unwanted noises. Imagine being on a noisy aeroplane but instead of the roar of engines, you’re enveloped in the serene sounds of your favourite music or audiobook. Craving focus while working in a bustling coffee shop? The QuietComfort SC headphones can transform that environment into a library of quiet concentration. Get them for $299.95 instead of their usual $499.95 outside of Black Friday. Apple iPhone 15 with savings of $230 Amazon Australia has surprised its customers with a very rare deal on the Apple iPhone 15 . Usually priced at $2,299 on the website , for a limited time only you can get it for just $2,069 — a saving of $230 . And if you trade in your old smartphone with the retailer you can get as much as $800 off the purchase price. It’s listed as “Amazon’s Choice” of Apple iPhone and is renowned for its superior camera quality. Shark hair device ‘like a Dyson’ is a bestseller on Amazon and it is on sale The latest innovation in hair styling has arrived with the Shark FlexStyle which is an all-in-one device that combines the power of a hair dryer with the versatility of a multi-styler. It’s quickly becoming the go-to choice for hair enthusiasts everywhere and it’s currently on sale for $297, normally $449.99 on Amazon Australia. The Shark FlexStyle is truly a game-changer, offering the performance of a professional-grade hair dryer with the added bonus of multiple styling attachments to suit every hair type. This ultra-versatile styling system allows you to curl, smooth, volumise, or dry your hair — all with just one tool. Whether your hair is straight, wavy or curly, the FlexStyle has a solution to suit your needs, making it perfect for anyone looking to simplify their routine. The innovative styling tool includes interchangeable attachments giving you the freedom to create a variety of styles. Need bouncy curls or beachy waves? Simply attach the curling barrels to the styling wand. Looking to smooth out frizz and add volume? Use the round brush or smoothing brush to style while you dry. The powerful airflow ensures fast drying, while the precision attachments allow you to experiment with different looks — from sleek, polished styles to voluminous, textured hair. Dyson hairdryer I use every day down to $579 The recently-released Dyson Nural hairdryer claims it is Dyson’s “most intelligent hairdryer for healthier scalp and hair” yet. And for a limited time only you can pick it up from Amazon Australia for $579, down from its usual $749 price tag . What does this mean and how does this make it better than the regular Supersonic dryer , I hear you ask? Well, the Supersonic Nural takes everything we know and love about the regular Supersonic hairdryer and supercharges it. Clever intuitive sensor technology works to adjust the temperature of the hairdryer , depending on how close it is to your scalp. This means the hairdryer not only gives you a salon blow-dry from home, it also works to protect your scalp health and enhance your natural shine at the same time. In basic terms, it’s less heat damage, less broken hair and an altogether sleeker, more professional-standard blow dry . Viral snail mucin serum on sale for $17 This cult-favourite, viral skin serum is on sale on Amazon Australia for just $17. It’s the cheapest I have ever seen it. This serum went viral for a reason, it is an absolute game-changer. I’ve used it myself many times and it honestly gives you the most radiant, hydrated and smooth skin. The COSRX Snail Mucin 96 per cent Power Repairing Essence has gained immense popularity in Australia, with more than 10,000 Aussies snapping up this 100ml hydrating serum for just $17. With its powerful blend of ingredients and proven benefits, it’s easy to see why this Korean skincare sensation is flying off the shelves. At the heart of COSRX’s Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is snail secretion filtrate — a powerhouse ingredient packed with nutrients, peptides, and antioxidants. Dyson drops V11 price by $263 Shoppers are loving the Dyson V11 Advanced Cordless Vacuum Cleaner (Nickel/Blue) and its strong suction abilities as well as its impressive performance. More than 500 units of the product have sold on Amazon Australia this month alone. This incredible vacuum is normally $1199 but it is currently on sale on Amazon Australia with 22 per cent off at $936. The advanced vacuum cleaner is a game changer when it comes to cleaning the house and it has 60 per cent more suction than the Dyson V8 vacuum. The vacuum also has up to 60 minutes of fade-free power and its LCD screen shows you the remaining run time and performance updates. Instant Pot that’s ‘like a Thermomix’ is $10 off This all-in-one device is currently available at an unbeatable price of just $143.99 on Amazon Australia. For those seeking a versatile kitchen companion, this Instant Pot has become a must-have item. The Instant Pot Duo Plus 5.7L is not just any pressure cooker, it’s a powerhouse , packed with 13 smart programs that eliminate the need for multiple devices in your kitchen. The 5.7L capacity is big enough to prepare meals for up to six people, making it the perfect size for big families, batch cooking, or hosting a dinner party. The delay start feature, which allows you to set it up to 24 hours in advance, ensures that your meal is ready exactly when you need it, while the 10-hour keep warm function ensures your dish stays at the perfect temperature until you’re ready to serve. Cleaning up after cooking can often be the worst part, but this Instant Pot makes it easy. The cooking pot and lid are both dishwasher safe, so you can spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your meals. Get two for the price of one on Philips toothbrushes For a limited time, you can get two Philips toothbrushes for the price of one while they’re 50 per cent off. The Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9000 Black and Pink Electric Toothbrush Bundle Pack is currently on sale on Amazon Australia for $289.98. This offer gives you the opportunity to invest in improved oral health and enjoy a personalised brushing experience with top-of-the-line technology — all at a fraction of its regular price. Philips electric toothbrushes are designed to provide superior oral care, helping you achieve a healthier smile. One of the standout features is its ability to whiten teeth in just one week. Whether you have stubborn stains or simply want a brighter smile, these toothbrushes are equipped with advanced features to deliver noticeable results. What makes these toothbrushes so effective is that Philips recognises that every person’s brushing needs are unique, which is why Philips has integrated personalised brushing technology into its electric toothbrushes. With BrushSync Technology, the toothbrush automatically selects the optimal brushing mode for you, ensuring the most effective clean every time. Dyson Airstrait is $170 cheaper The Dyson Airstrait is available for $579 instead of its usual price of $749 on Amazon Australia. This limited-time deal means you can save $170 on this innovative styling tool that promises to revolutionise the way you dry and straighten your hair. The Dyson Airstrait is a cutting-edge hair care device that’s designed to transform your hair styling routine. Unlike traditional flat irons or straighteners, which use intense heat to straighten hair, the Airstrait uses powerful, directional airflow to smooth and align strands for a sleek finish. This means no hot plates, no heat damage, and faster styling — a true win for your hair’s health and your time. Gordon Ramsay’s favourite kitchen pan is on sale Celebrity chef and entrepreneur Gordon Ramsay’s favourite kitchen pans are on sale. Known for its groundbreaking hybrid technology, HexClad pans are designed to offer the best of both worlds, the searing power of stainless steel, the durability of cast iron, and the convenience of nonstick cooking. And now, you can grab these kitchen essentials at a discounted price. In an exclusive Boxing Day deal, Amazon Australia is offering HexClad’s Hybrid Nonstick 20cm Frying Pan for $109. The brand’s patented hybrid technology combines tri-ply construction — aluminium sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel — with a laser-etched hexagonal nonstick surface. This innovative design creates a versatile cooking experience, allowing you to achieve perfect searing while maintaining durability. It doesn’t matter whether you’re flipping eggs, searing fish, or sautéing vegetables, HexClad pans provide a balance of heat retention and even cooking. Gamers ‘rejoice’ over PlayStation 5 deal The PlayStation 5 is the latest revolution in gaming. It delivers breathtaking visuals, lightning-fast load times and a truly immersive experience. It’s perfect for any gaming enthusiasts and would make an incredible Christmas present for both kids and adults. The PlayStation PS5 is currently on sale for $759 on Amazon Australia so now is the ideal time to purchase it. It features a custom-designed processor and ultra-fast storage to make your gaming experience better than ever before. Not only will your load times be incredibly fast but the PS5 redefines gaming visuals. The graphics on the PS5 take gaming to a new level, offering incredible visual clarity that allows players to experience stunning realism and different environments. Whether it’s a highly detailed cityscape or a lush landscape, the PS5 brings your gaming experience to life in ways that you’ve never imagined. The PlayStation 5’s 3D Audio technology, will make you feel as though you’re right in the centre of the action. With compatible headphones, you can experience a true, multi-dimensional soundscape, making every sound directionally precise. The 3D audio creates a more lifelike experience that pulls you deeper into your game’s world. Shoppers on Amazon Australia’s website have given the console a 4.6-star rating and are calling it, “the best platform out there”. “Highly recommend, such a great console,” one person said. “Bought it for the kids and they absolutely love it,” another shopper added. “Such great value for money,” a third shopper said. To purchase the PlayStation 5, head to Amazon Australia’s website here. Best-selling projector joins list of sales Get ready to bring cinematic experiences to your own home with this best-selling portable projector. It’s currently on sale for only $128.99 on Amazon Australia. The XuanPad Mini Projector features upgraded Electric Focus function, which provides better image clarity than manual focus projectors on the market. With the included remote control, you can quickly adjust the focus for a sharper, more defined picture. This is especially convenient when setting up in different environments or distances. More than $50 off AirPods A pair of Apple AirPods have had their price slashed by 13 per cent on Amazon Australia this week, taking them from $399 to just $348. The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) , which feature much of Apple’s top tech, have been described as the “perfect earphone” on Amazon from hundreds of reviews. Some of the earbuds’ standout features include active noise cancellation to reduce unwanted background noise, a sweat and water-resistant finish, up to six hours of listening time with active noise cancellation on and up to 30 hours of total listening time with the MagSafe charging case. Many also love that the AirPods are easy to set up, they feature in-ear detection and automatic switching between devices - so you can seamlessly move from your iPad to laptop when moving in and out of meetings. 50% off R.M. Williams-style boot Shoppers are loving a pair of R.M. Williams lookalike boots from Hush Puppies currently selling on Amazon for half the regular price. The Men’s Chelsea Boot is an ankle boot that normally sells for $179.95 but is now available for $84. The boots look very similar to R.M. Williams’ best-selling Craftsman Boot which sells for as much as $649. The Chelsea Boot comes in brown, black, mahogany and tan burnish and range from sizes 7-16. Unlike the R.M. Williams boot, the Chelsea boot is not made from yearling leather but synthetic material instead. The boot features padded lining and in-built arch support for 24/7 comfort. The boots contain in-built bounce comfort pods which create maximum shock absorption and energy return when you’re walking. The lightweight sole will also make sure your feet are comfy all day and night long. The boots have a 4.4-star rating on Amazon’s website and shoppers are loving the quality. “These are the best shoes I’ve ever bought, fits as well as it says and very comfortable,” one buyer said. “These have become my everyday work boot. Comfortable enough for all day wear, durable and without a crazy price tag,” another person added. “Love these boots, great value, comfortable and well-made,” someone else said. ‘Lowest price’ for the new Kindle If you’re an avid reader looking for the perfect device to enhance your reading experience, the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (32GB) is the ultimate solution. The All-new Amazon Kindle Paperweight Signature Edition is currently on sale for $279, normally $329, on Amazon Australia. This epic Kindle offers a range of impressive features designed for convenience, speed, and immersion, is Amazon’s fastest Kindle ever and takes your reading experience to the next level. Whether you’re reading at home, on holiday, or lounging by the pool, this ultra-thin, high-performance e-reader has everything you could want. This next-generation 7“ Paperwhite display has a higher contrast ratio with 25 per cent faster page turns and a larger glare-free screen in comparison to previous models. You’ll be able to fully switch off and immerse yourself in your books because the Kindle doesn’t have any distracting apps, social media nor notifications. With its auto-adjusting front light, your Kindle adjusts its screen brightness based on your environment, ensuring you can read comfortably day or night. A single charge of your Kindle will last up to 12 weeks, plus you can access over 15 million different titles in the Kindle Store Worldwide. Shoppers have given the Kindle a 4.5-star rating on Amazon Australia’s website. “Love my new Kindle, it is better than my earlier model,” one impressed shopper said. Half-price, cafe-quality coffee machine This Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is currently on sale for $547, normally $999 on Amazon Australia. And for a limited time, you can receive six free bags of coffee and a Shake & Take when you purchase the Oracle Jet or Oracle Touch — or up to four free bags with any other machine. The express espresso machine is designed to take your espresso-making skills to new heights, whether you’re a seasoned barista or just getting started. One of the machine’s stand-out features is its integrated precision conical burr grinder which grinds coffee on demand. This delivers just the right amount of freshly ground coffee directly into the portafilter and means no more pre-ground coffee or stale beans. This feature ensures that you’ll enjoy a fresh, aromatic cup every time, and the grind size dial gives you complete control over the grind — whether you’re working with a light or dark roast. Robot vacuum reduced by 32 per cent I’m quietly obsessed with the Roborock Qrevo MaxV Robot Vacuum . This $2199 device — which is currently on sale for $1448 for Boxing Day — is a must-have for those who want to clean their house faster. I’ve come to rely on its quiet but all-powerful motor to scoot around our floorboards and tidy them up in mere minutes. It took just moments to set up, connecting to the free-to- download Roborock app and popping in the serial number before “Rocky”, as the device nicknames itself, burst to life and began visually mapping our apartment. We don’t have huge open spaces, so I was worried our new friend Rocky would have issues with spatial awareness. But it got to work in no time visually digesting the couches, tables, chairs and extra shoes lying around on the floor. The integration of structured light and a camera allows the robot to identify and avoid 62 types of objects across 20 categories, so there won’t be a single product it hasn’t come in contact with in the past. The Qrevo MaxV has “hyperforce suction” equivalent to 7000 Pa, meaning no crumb or tiny fleck of dust will be able to escape as the Roborock glides quietly over the top of it. ‘Cheapest’ Dyson Airwrap price The iconic Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler and Dryer is currently on sale for $709, normally $749 on Amazon Australia for Boxing Day. This viral hair tool from Dyson does it all — it dries, curls, shapes and hides flyaways with no heat damage. With the Dyson Airwrap you can also recreate Matilda Djerf’s iconic blow-dry in a few simple steps at home. The hair tool’s powerful airflow quickly rough-dries your hair in preparation for styling, saving you time but not compromising your hairstyle. The Airwrap is engineered for all hair types and will help protect your hair’s shine. Amazon Australia shoppers have given the Dyson Airwrap a 4.6-star rating on the website, and you’ll want to get your hands on this deal fast as it’s only for a limited time. Boxing Day sales Traditionally, retailers would start their Boxing Day sales on the 26th and they would last for only a day. However, now the sales often go on for as long as a week, and they are both online and in physical stores.

NYT Strands today — hints, spangram and answers for game #300 (Saturday, December 28 2024)Is Enron back? If it’s a joke, some former employees aren’t laughingThe Gophers football program has added a second receiver commitment in two days via the NCAA transfer portal. Nebraska transfer Malachi Coleman pledged to Minnesota on Tuesday and will have three years of eligibility at the U. ADVERTISEMENT “Let’s rock,” he posted on social media. Coleman was a top 70 recruit in the nation out of Lincoln (Neb.) East in the class of 2023, but didn’t play much in 2024. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 190 pounds, Coleman played in only one game in 2024, using his redshirt season. As a true freshman in 2023, Coleman had eight receptions for 139 yards and one touchdown. In 2023, he received an average grade out 58.0 by Pro Football Focus and was primarily a split receiver for 332 out of 335 total offensive snaps. Coleman follows two other wideouts to Minnesota: Logan Loya (UCLA) on Monday and Jaovn Tracy (Miami of Ohio) on Dec. 15. ______________________________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here .

Nationalism has emerged as a potent force shaping global tech policy, nowhere more so than in the United States. With Donald Trump returning to the White House for a second term, his vision for America’s technological future is coming into sharper focus. 05:03 How does China’s AI stack up against ChatGPT?There will be no complimentary champagne, red carpets or luxury suites as the Ducks welcome visitors from Las Vegas on Wednesday, when they’ll joust with the Golden Knights in search of their first victory in the season series. Vegas captured two prior meetings by 3-1 and 3-2 counts this fall, after their title defense last season was weighed down by losses in three of four matchups with the fledgling Ducks. Frank Vatrano had four goals and six points in those games last season to pace the Ducks. After pounding the bottom of the ketchup bottle – he has 16 more shots on goal than any other Duck – the sauce is starting to flow for Vatrano, with four goals in his past four games following just one goal against a goalie in his other 18 outings. Last year, when he catapulted over his previous career high of 24 goals to find the twine 37 times, Vatrano wedged a goal between droughts of nine and seven contests before finishing the campaign with seven goals in four games. “Frankie was going to score eventually. He’s a scorer, and those guys go through dry spells,” Ducks coach Greg Cronin said. “It doesn’t matter how many games you don’t score in.” All four of Vatrano’s goals featured assists by Troy Terry, who has seven helpers over that same four-game span. Terry has created a more commanding presence and assumed an even stronger leadership role this season, one in which the 27-year-old said the Ducks’ young group sometimes made him feel old. Yet Vatrano said he saw “the same player.” “As you get older, you know where you’re going to score your goals from and where you’re going to get your opportunities,” Vatrano, 30, said. “You kind of outsmart guys, knowing where you need to be, knowing where you need to break down the defense and hold onto the puck to make plays. I think it’s just him maturing, playing a lot more games and becoming a veteran in this league.” Yet Terry underwent something of a stylistic transformation offensively last season, which paid dividends as it progressed. He has continued to refine his game, balancing his ability to carry the puck confidently with trust that he’ll be able to recover dumps, chips and other conservative plays that can enable him to continue attacking. Cronin, who described the line of Vatrano, Terry and Ryan Strome as a trio that played like “a fourth line with skill,” credited the relationship Terry has with assistant coach Tim Army for some of his advances. “He’s getting a steady diet and a healthy diet of when to move (the puck) forward and when not to move it forward, to recognize when there’s an opportunity to use your creativity at the offensive blue line and when not to,” Cronin said. The scoring spree of Vatrano and Terry has been timely since Leo Carlsson sustained an upper-body injury four games ago against Seattle. He should be considered doubtful against Vegas. Defenseman Cam Fowler, who had five points against Vegas last season, is again a possibility to skate but hasn’t played since Nov. 5. Vegas will be without a pair of rearguards, Zach Whitecloud and former Duck Ben Hutton, as well as Mark Stone, the Golden Knights’ captain and top scorer on a per-game basis. They’re led in overall points by Jack Eichel and in defensive scoring by former Duck Shea Theodore. Like the Ottawa Senators were in the Ducks’ 4-3 shootout win on Sunday, Vegas will be in the back half of games on consecutive nights after hosting the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday. When: Wednesday, 7 p.m. Where: Honda Center How to watch: Victory+, KCOP (Ch. 13)

By JUAN A. LOZANO, Associated Press HOUSTON (AP) — An elaborate parody appears to be behind an effort to resurrect Enron, the Houston-based energy company that exemplified the worst in American corporate fraud and greed after it went bankrupt in 2001. If its return is comedic, some former employees who lost everything in Enron’s collapse aren’t laughing. “It’s a pretty sick joke and it disparages the people that did work there. And why would you want to even bring it back up again?” said former Enron employee Diana Peters, who represented workers in the company’s bankruptcy proceedings. Here’s what to know about the history of Enron and the purported effort to bring it back. Once the nation’s seventh-largest company, Enron filed for bankruptcy protection on Dec. 2, 2001, after years of accounting tricks could no longer hide billions of dollars in debt or make failing ventures appear profitable. The energy company’s collapse put more than 5,000 people out of work, wiped out more than $2 billion in employee pensions and rendered $60 billion in Enron stock worthless. Its aftershocks were felt throughout the energy sector. Twenty-four Enron executives , including former CEO Jeffrey Skilling , were eventually convicted for their roles in the fraud. Enron founder Ken Lay’s convictions were vacated after he died of heart disease following his 2006 trial. On Monday — the 23rd anniversary of the bankruptcy filing — a company representing itself as Enron announced in a news release that it was relaunching as a “company dedicated to solving the global energy crisis.” It also posted a video on social media, advertised on at least one Houston billboard and a took out a full-page ad in the Houston Chronicle In the minute-long video that was full of generic corporate jargon, the company talks about “growth” and “rebirth.” It ends with the words, “We’re back. Can we talk?” Enron’s new website features a company store, where various items featuring the brand’s tilted “E” logo are for sale, including a $118 hoodie. In an email, company spokesperson Will Chabot said the new Enron was not doing any interviews yet, but that “We’ll have more to share soon.” Signs point to the comeback being a joke. In the “terms of use and conditions of sale” on the company’s website, it says “the information on the website about Enron is First Amendment protected parody, represents performance art, and is for entertainment purposes only.” Documents filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office show that College Company, an Arkansas-based LLC, owns the Enron trademark. The co-founder of College Company is Connor Gaydos, who helped create a joke conspiracy theory that claims all birds are actually surveillance drones for the government. Peters said that since learning about the “relaunch” of Enron, she has spoken with several other former employees and they are also upset by it. She said the apparent stunt was “in poor taste.” “If it’s a joke, it’s rude, extremely rude. And I hope that they realize it and apologize to all of the Enron employees,” Peters said. Peters, who is 74 years old, said she is still working in information technology because “I lost everything in Enron, and so my Social Security doesn’t always take care of things I need done.” “Enron’s downfall taught us critical lessons about corporate ethics, accountability, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Enron’s legacy was the employees in the trenches. Leave Enron buried,” she said. Follow Juan A. Lozano on X at https://x.com/juanlozano70DaveAlan/iStock Unreleased via Getty Images I covered Delta Air Lines ( NYSE: DAL ) in July after stock tumbled following its second quarter earnings release. Since then, the stock has gained 42.4%, easily outperforming the S&P 500, which returned 6.4%. It shows that while airline stocks If you want full access to all our reports, data and investing ideas, join The Aerospace Forum , the #1 aerospace, defense and airline investment research service on Seeking Alpha, with access to evoX Data Analytics, our in-house developed data analytics platform. Dhierin-Perkash Bechai is an aerospace, defense and airline analyst. The Aerospace Forum Learn more Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of BA, EADSF either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

VPN concerns After November 30, it will be impossible for ordinary internet users to access all banned websites, including X The Pakistan Telecom Authority (PTA) has officially informed that after the end of this month, all unregistered Virtual Private Networks (VPN) will be completely blocked across the country. In a briefing to the Senate Committee on IT and Telecom, the PTA chairman said that individuals and organisations related to software houses, call centres, banks, embassies, freelancers and others should register their VPN on the PTA’s website. After November 30, it will be impossible for ordinary internet users to access all banned websites, including the X (formerly Twitter). I frequently express my views to ensure responsible use of social media. That is why when a new debate related to VPNs started, I thought it appropriate to review the situation internationally. Two years ago, a new law was introduced in India that required VPN service providers based in India to keep the logs of their users for at least five years. Local VPN service providers are required to share the data with law enforcement agencies. Similarly, the Indian government is trying to control the use of WhatsApp by anti-social and criminal elements. The use of a VPN is not prohibited in the UAE, but using a VPN to access prohibited content is a strictly punishable offence under Emirati laws. Under the guidelines issued by the UAE Telecom & Digital Regulatory Authority, the usage of VPNs for illegal access to prohibited websites, changing IPs for unlawful purposes, copyright infringement, defamation and dissemination of fake news is strictly forbidden with a heavy penalty of imprisonment and a fine not less than Dh500,000 and not exceeding Dh2,000,000 or either of these two penalties. Even making illegal WhatsApp audio or video calls through VPN is a punishable cybercrime in the UAE and some other countries. After studying the internet laws of various countries including China, the UK, Russia, Turkey, Brazil, South Africa, I came to know that technically there is no ban on VPNs, but some restrictions are being enforced to prevent illegal use of VPNs. On the other hand, in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, concerns are being raised about the threats to national security and social harm due to the unrestricted free use of VPNs. I mentioned in my column published in these pages on March 22 this year that the Canadian parliament has introduced the Online Harm Act, under which the Digital Safety Commission of Canada is being established to combat extremism and violent terrorism through internet-based social media content. I further highlighted in my column on April 26 that due to the Great Firewall of China, there is no room for any external force or local facilitator to take any step against the country’s security. On May 31, 2017, I presented some suggestions including internet registration and a code of conduct for social media, which can be implemented to prevent the dissemination of hateful content on the Internet. The misuse of the internet by extremist elements in Pakistan has increased a lot. Undoubtedly, impersonating identity on the internet through VPN is a major hurdle to combat cybercrimes. However, with the recent announcement by the PTA, many genuine concerns are arising at a larger scale: if X (Twitter) is banned by the government, then why are our rulers, public bodies and the authorities continuously using it? Under which act of parliament is the PTA authorised to restrict VPNs and what will be the penalty for using an unregistered VPN after November 30? What were the factors behind the recent fatwa declaring VPN illegal religiously? In my view, our authorities have made a huge mistake by not taking stakeholders into confidence and by not conducting a vigorous public awareness campaign regarding the VPN issue. There is a dire need for the PTA to review the November 30 deadline immediately. Being a democratically responsible state, no such action should be taken without legislation in parliament. The writer is a member of the National Assembly and patron-in-chief of the Pakistan Hindu Council. He tweets/posts @RVankwani

WASHINGTON — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide Tuesday because of a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne about an hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop for the airline. The order, which prevented planes from taking off, was issued at the airline's request. The airline said in an email that the problem was caused by trouble with vendor technology that maintains its flight operating system. An American Airlines employee wearing looks toward quiet check-in counters Tuesday in the American terminal at Miami International Airport in Miami. Dennis Tajer, a spokesperson for the Allied Pilots Association, a union representing American Airlines pilots, said the airline told pilots at 7 a.m. Eastern that there was an outage affecting the system known as FOS. It handles different types of airline operations, including dispatch, flight planning, passenger boarding, as well as an airplane's weight and balance data, he said. Some components of FOS have gone down in the past, but a systemwide outage is rare, Tajer said. Flights were delayed across American's major hubs, with only 37% leaving on time, according to Cirium, an aviation analytics company. Out of the 3,901 domestic and international American Airlines flights scheduled for Tuesday, 19 were canceled. Cirium noted that the vast majority of flights departed within two hours of their scheduled departure time. A similar percentage — 36% — arrived at their destinations as scheduled. Meanwhile, the flight-tracking site FlightAware reported that 3,712 flights entering or leaving the U.S., or serving domestic destinations, were delayed Tuesday, with 55 flights canceled. It did not show any flights from American Airlines. Cirium said Dallas-Fort Worth, New York's Kennedy Airport and Charlotte, North Carolina, saw the greatest number of delays. Washington, Chicago and Miami experienced considerably fewer delays. Travelers wait in line for security checks Tuesday at the Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles. Amid the travel problems, significant rain and snow were expected in the Pacific Northwest at least into Christmas Day. Showers and thunderstorms developed in the South. Freezing rain was reported in the Mid-Atlantic region near Baltimore and Washington, and snow fell in New York. Because the holiday travel period lasts weeks, airports and airlines typically have smaller peak days than they do during the rush around Thanksgiving, but the grind of one hectic day followed by another takes a toll on flight crews. Any hiccups — a winter storm or a computer outage — can snowball into massive disruptions. That is how Southwest Airlines stranded 2 million travelers in December 2022, and Delta Air Lines suffered a smaller but significant meltdown after a worldwide technology outage in July caused by a faulty software update from cybersecurity company CrowdStrike. Many flights during the holidays are sold out, which makes cancellations even more disruptive than during slower periods. That is especially true for smaller budget airlines that have fewer flights and fewer options for rebooking passengers. Only the largest airlines, including American, Delta and United, have "interline agreements" that let them put stranded customers on another carrier's flights. An American Airlines employee wearing a Santa Claus hat walks through the American terminal Tuesday at Miami International Airport in Miami. This will be the first holiday season since a Transportation Department rule took effect that requires airlines to give customers an automatic cash refund for a canceled or significantly delayed flight. Most air travelers were already eligible for refunds, but they often had to request them. Passengers still can ask to get rebooked, which is often a better option than a refund during peak travel periods. Finding a last-minute flight on another airline tends to be expensive. An American spokesperson said Tuesday was not a peak travel day for the airline — with about 2,000 fewer flights than the busiest days — so the airline had somewhat of a buffer to manage the delays. The groundings happened as millions of travelers were expected to fly over the next 10 days. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen 40 million passengers through Jan. 2. Airlines expect to have their busiest days on Thursday, Friday and Sunday. American Airlines employees check in travelers Tuesday in the American terminal at Miami International Airport in Miami. Many flights during the holidays are sold out, which makes cancellations more disruptive than during slower periods. Even with just a brief outage, the cancellations have a cascading effect that can take days to clear up. About 90% of Americans traveling far from home over the holidays will be in cars, according to AAA. "Airline travel is just really high right now, but most people do drive to their destinations, and that is true for every holiday," AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz said. Gasoline prices are similar to last year. The nationwide average Thursday was $3.04 a gallon, down from $3.13 a year ago, according to AAA. Charging an electric vehicle averages just under 35 cents per per kilowatt hour, but varies by state. Transportation-data firm INRIX says travel times on the nation's highways could be up to 30% longer than normal over the holidays, with Sunday expected to see the heaviest traffic. "It's not the destination, it's the journey," said American essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson. Ralph clearly was not among the travellers on one of more than 350 cancelled or 1,400 delayed flights after a worldwide tech outage caused by an update to Crowdstrike's "Falcon Sensor" software in July of 2023. U.S. airlines carried nearly 863 million travellers in 2023, with Canadian carriers accounting for another 150 million, many of whom experienced lost luggage, flight delays, cancellations, or were bumped off their flights. It's unclear how many of them were compensated for these inconveniences. Suffice it to say, posting a crabby rant on social media might temporarily soothe anger, but it won't put wasted money back in pockets. shares what to know in order to be compensated for the three most common air travel headaches. Bags elected to go on a vacay without you? Check off the following: If you expect a large payout, think again. Tariffs (air carrier contracts) limit the compensation amounts for "loss of, damage to, or the delay in delivery of baggage or other personal property." In the case of Air Canada, the maximum payout is $1,500 per passenger in the currency of the country where the baggage was processed. To raise that limit, purchase a Declaration of Higher Value for each leg of the trip. The charge is $0.50 for each $100, in which case the payout limit is $2,500. For Delta Air Lines, passengers are entitled to up to $3,800 in baggage compensation, though how much you'll receive depends on your flight. Delta will pay up to $2,080 for delayed, lost, and damaged baggage for international travellers, almost half of what U.S. domestic passengers can claim. If your flight is marked delayed for more than 30 minutes, approach the gate agent and politely request food and hotel vouchers to be used within the airport or nearby. Different air carriers and jurisdictions have their own compensation policies when flights are delayed or cancelled. For example, under European Union rules, passengers may receive up to 600 Euros, even when travelling on a non-EU carrier. Similarly, the DOT states that travellers are entitled to a refund "if the airline cancelled a flight, regardless of the reason, and the consumer chooses not to travel." However, US rules regarding delays are complicated. Some air carriers, such as Air Canada, do not guarantee their flight schedules. They're also not liable for cancellations or changes due to "force majeure" such as weather conditions or labour disruptions. If the delay is overnight, only out-of-town passengers will be offered hotel accommodation. Nevertheless, many airlines do offer some compensation for the inconvenience. If your flight is marked delayed for more than 30 minutes, approach the gate agent and politely request food and hotel vouchers to be used within the airport or nearby. In terms of cash compensation, what you'll get can differ significantly based on things like departure location, time, carrier, and ticket class. The DOT offers a helpful designed to keep travellers informed about their compensation rights. The dashboard is particularly helpful because, as the DOT states on its website, "whether you are entitled to a refund depends on a lot of factors—such as the length of the delay, the length of the flight, and your particular circumstances." The Canadian Transportation Agency is proposing air passenger protection regulations that guarantee financial compensation to travellers experiencing flight delays and cancellations, with the level of compensation varying depending on the situation and how much control the air carrier had. The proposed regulations include the following: The airline is obligated to complete the passenger's itinerary. If the new ticket is for a lower class of service, the air carrier would have to refund the cost difference; if the booking is in a higher class of service, passengers cannot be charged extra. If the passenger declines the ticket, the airline must give a full refund, in addition to the prescribed compensation. For overnight delays, the air carrier needs to provide hotel accommodation and transportation free-of-charge. Again, if you are unsatisfied, the Canadian Transportation Agency or Department of Transportation may advocate on your behalf. Passengers get bumped because airlines overbook. When this happens, the air carrier must compensate you. For international flights in the US, the rate is 200% of your one-way fare to your final destination, with a $675 maximum. If the airline does not make travel arrangements for you, the payout is 400% of your one-way fare to a maximum of $1,350. To qualify, you must check-in by the stated deadline, which on international flights can be up to 3 hours ahead. Keep in mind that if you accept the cash, you are no longer entitled to any further compensation, nor are you guaranteed to be rebooked on a direct flight or similar type of seat. Don't be too quick to give up your boarding pass. Negotiate for the best compensation deal that would include cash, food and hotel vouchers, flight upgrade, lounge passes, as well as mileage points. But avoid being too greedy—if the gate attendant is requesting volunteers and you wait too long, you'll miss the offer. According to Air Canada's tariff, if a passenger is involuntarily bumped, they'll receive $200, in cash or bank draft, for up to a two-hour delay; $400 for a 2-6 hours delay; and $800 if the delay is over six hours. (Air Canada was forced to raise its payouts in 2013 due to passenger complaints.) The new rules would raise the payout significantly: $900 for up to six hours; $1,800 for 6-9; and $2,400 for more than nine hours, all to be paid within 48 hours. Statistically speaking, Delta Airlines is the carrier most likely to bump. A few years ago, Delta raised its payout maximum to $9,950, while United Airlines tops out at $10,000. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Iran restores access to WhatsApp and Google Play after they were banned amid protests