On Tuesday, the Southern Caucus in the House of Representatives declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s . Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the leader of the caucus, Hon. Nicholas Mutu said they are, however, open to more dialogue and views from Nigerians. The tax reform bills, which have unsettled the polity in the past few weeks, include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill 2024, Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill 2024, and the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill 2024. According to Hon. Babajimi Benson, the bills would improve Nigeria’s tax system. He said “The constitution gives the responsibility of making laws to the National Assembly. The National Assembly, as you’re aware, has two arms—the Senate and the House of Representatives—and we abide by the rule of law. “The Executive can present bills, and there are processes through which those bills can be treated. Bills go through first and second readings, and they are passed for public hearing. “There will be interests one way or another. But our interest is to sit down with our brothers, and at the end of the day, Nigeria will be better for it.” Another member of the caucus, Hon. Fredrick Agbedi, said they were ready to work to ensure that they provide better tax laws for Nigerians. He noted that there was no such thing as a southern and northern divide, stating that the National Assembly’s responsibility is to make laws for the country. “We align with the constituents we represent. We are ready to work to ensure that we provide better tax laws for Nigeria. That’s what we are saying. “There’s nothing about a southern and northern divide. The National Assembly’s responsibility is to make laws for this country,” he said.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Adou Thiero scored 23 points, and Boogie Fland added another 21 to lead No. 20 Arkansas to a 79-67 win over Little Rock on Friday night. Thiero scored 16 of his 23 in the second half to put the Trojans away after they cut Arkansas’ lead to seven points. The Razorbacks never trailed and improved to 4-1 under Hall of Fame coach John Calipari. Along with Thiero's second half, Arkansas used a 7-0 run to keep Little Rock at bay. DJ Wagner and Zvonimir Ivisic scored 11 and 10, respectively. Mwani Wilkinson led the Trojans with 18 points. Takeaways Little Rock: The Trojans were picked as preseason OVC favorites and largely looked the part against a power-conference foe before stumbling late. Arkansas: The Razorbacks are maintaining position as they near the toughest portion of their nonconference schedule. Arkansas will play No. 25 Illinois and Miami in back-to-back games around the Thanksgiving holiday. Key moment Arkansas went on a 7-0 run just as Little Rock cut the lead to seven points in the second half. Arkansas forward Adou Thiero (3) and Little Rock guard Mwani Wilkinson (5) fight for a rebound during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, in Fayetteville, Ark. Credit: AP/Michael Woods Key stat The Razorbacks were not good at holding on to the ball, committing 19 turnovers. The difference came on scoring off those miscues as Arkansas scored 28 points off Little Rock’s 19 giveaways while the Trojans managed just 17 off the Razorbacks' mistakes. Up next Little Rock travels to Illinois on Monday, the same day Arkansas hosts Maryland-Eastern Shore.
Love is in the air this winter, with plenty of things for new lovebirds to see and do in Vancouver. But it can be stressful trying to figure out where to go for a first date, especially if you’re just getting to know someone. We’re here to help you out with a list of fun places around the city where you can take your new special someone this winter to ensure you both have a fun time. Whether you’re geeky, outdoorsy, or a foodie, this list will help ensure that there will be a second date (or at least that you had fun on the first one)! There are a bunch of to check out in and around Vancouver. From space to anthropology to grisly murder cases, there’s practically a museum for all interests. Make your best moon puns while discovering , or get nautical at the . You can even get really deep at the . There are few things more romantic than ice skating hand in hand. That’s why we love that Metro Vancouver has two free outdoor ice rinks to bring a first date: the and . The Downtown Vancouver and North Vancouver rinks are free if you bring your own skates, and pairs can also be rented on-site. Just make sure to grab some hot chocolate afterwards to warm yourselves up. Metro Vancouver is home to a bunch of that you and your date will love spending hours in. There is , which also serves tasty food and drinks in the Three10 Bar and The Den, or check out the recently opened . You can also play some games at , with dozens of retro cabinets. And even has mini-golf and batting cages. They say that a way to a person’s heart is through their stomach. So why not treat yourself and your date to a unique and delicious meal for your first date? Dished has got you covered with . Breakfast, lunch or dinner. Sushi on a train or Indian street snacks. Whatever your stomach (and heart) desires, there’s sure to be a hidden gem that will satisfy your hunger. Bon appétit! Winter is the perfect time to go for a . Not only is it a great way to connect with someone during the chilly months, but you’ll also get a chance to discover some of the finest green spaces around the region. If you’re feeling cuddly this winter, then you need to bring your new match to one of Vancouver’s wonderful cafes that will let you snuggle with adorable animals while sipping a delicious drink. Beaus can book a time to visit on East Broadway or in the International Village Mall. And if kitty’s aren’t quite your thing, then you can hop on down to the in East Van. Laughter makes the heart grow fonder, and Vancouver has some of the best comedy shows to choose from. From stand-up to improv, sketch to open mics, there is something for every funny bone to enjoy. Invite your funny Valentine to a star-studded returning in February, with Jerry Seinfeild, Kumail Nanjiani, Margaret Cho, Roy Wood Jr., and more. There’s also The Improv Centre, Instant Theatre, Yuk Yuk’s, The Comedy Department, and more to help put you in a romantic mood! Looking to get the pulse pounding on a first date? Strap yourselves in for a trip to the go-karts. Richmond is home to two indoor kart racing tracks — and — with many types of racing to choose from. Sometimes love may be about the thrill of the chase, but you better strap in for this one!
India News | Political Parties in J-K Condole Manmohan Singh's Death, Hail His Humility and Wisdom24X National Exchange Plans to be the First Exchange to Offer U.S. Equities Trading 23 Hours-Per-Day on Weekdays STAMFORD, Conn. , Nov. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- 24 Exchange announced today that it has received approval from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to operate 24X National Exchange as the first national securities exchange in the U.S. that allows trading of U.S. securities 23 hours each workday. The extended hour trading is subject to Equity Data Plans making changes that would facilitate overnight trading hours and 24X National Exchange making an additional rule filing with the SEC confirming the changes and the Exchange's ability to comply with the Securities Exchange Act. 24X National Exchange will be subject to the SEC's ongoing regulatory oversight and full range of investor protections. The new Exchange will enable retail and institutional customers anywhere in the world to trade in U.S. equities via broker-dealers who are approved members of 24X National Exchange. 24X National Exchange will be launched in two stages. A first stage will open in the second half of 2025, with the Exchange operating from 4:00AM ET to 7:00PM ET on weekdays. The second stage, which will launch once the conditions noted above are met, will offer trading in U.S. equities from 8:00PM ET on Sunday through 7:00PM ET on Friday . A one-hour operational pause will occur during each trading day to accommodate routine software upgrades and functionality testing. 24 Exchange CEO and Founder Dmitri Galinov said: "The SEC's approval of our new exchange is a thrilling development that the 24X Team has been working toward for many years. Traders are most at-risk when the market is closed in their geographic location. 24X National Exchange will seek to alleviate this problem by facilitating around-the-clock U.S. equities trading for broker-dealers and their institutional and retail customers." As the first national securities exchange approved by the SEC to operate 23 hours each weekday, subject to the conditions noted above, 24X National Exchange will initially focus on capturing the expanding demand in the APAC region for overnight liquidity in U.S. equities. The 24X National Exchange will run on a proven, state-of-the-art technology platform provided by MEMX Technologies. The new Exchange's executive team will place a high priority on enhancing client experience through continuous technology innovations and improvements. "With this historic SEC approval in place, we will build and operate a customer-driven Exchange that can rapidly align with market demands and adapt quickly to client feedback," Galinov added. "We look forward to bringing a superior trading experience to global customers. 24X National Exchange will deliver the cost efficiency, speed, resilience, and adaptability that the company's financial institutional customers have long come to expect." 24X National Exchange will close on U.S. market holidays, similar to the schedules maintained by the NYSE and Nasdaq. 24 Exchange through 24X Bermuda Limited, an affiliate of 24X National Exchange, will continue to offer FX NDFs, Swaps and Spot trading to institutional clients. Since its launch in 2019, 24 Exchange's multi-asset offering through a single trading interface has enabled clients to access increased liquidity at lower cost. About 24 Exchange 24 Exchange allows market participants to seamlessly exchange their exposures at the lowest possible cost. 24 Exchange's mission is to enable members to initiate the most cost-effective trades across a growing range of asset classes, 24 hours a day. 24 Exchange lowers the cost of exchanging assets in the global markets while delivering creative and unique workflows catered to each asset class. More information is available at https://24exchange.com/ . Media Contact: Eric Andrus , KARV 24Xmedia@karv.global Phone: +1 (212) 333-0275 View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/24-exchange-receives-sec-approval-of-its-new-national-securities-exchange-24x-national-exchange-302317878.html SOURCE 24 ExchangeUDR Inc. stock underperforms Tuesday when compared to competitors
MicroStrategy stock rises 3.3% amid Nasdaq 100 inclusion speculationPaulina Porizkova, 59, gushes over 'dream' boyfriend on his 61st birthday a year after meeting on Raya Have YOU got a story? Email tips@dailymail.com By AMY LAMARE FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 19:03 GMT, 21 November 2024 | Updated: 19:24 GMT, 21 November 2024 e-mail 8 shares 10 View comments Paulina Porizkova shared an absolutely gushing tribute to her boyfriend for his 61st birthday on Instagram. The model, 59, has been dating Will and Grace writer Jeff Greenstein for almost two years and she appreciates how long it took for her to find the love she'd been searching for her whole life . 'It took me nearly sixty years to find him. It took taking stock of who I am and what my priorities are,' her gushing caption began. It took looking inward and understanding my patterns and bad habits, working on changing them. It took understanding my worth. And then - it took rearranging my picker.' But it wasn't only the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue model who had work to do, so did her beau. She continued: 'He also had some heavy lifting to do before qualifying as my dream partner. And then we met at exactly the right time.' Paulina Porizkova shared an absolutely gushing tribute to her boyfriend for his 61st birthday on Instagram The model, 59, has been dating Will and Grace writer Jeff Greenstein for almost two years and she appreciates how long it took for her to find the love she'd been searching for her whole life Read More Sealed with a kiss in the city of love! Paulina Porizkova, 58, finally reveals the identity of her mystery boyfriend - Will & Grace writer Jeff Greenstein - as pair lock lips in front of the Eiffel Tower during romantic Paris vacation The supermodel went on to explain that despite meeting so late in life, she believes the work they did on themselves before meeting is what drew them together. 'I believe the rest of our learning is as a team, as a couple, as two people who navigated their way ever so slowly across the world - to eventually find one another.' And a new, deeper sense of calm and happiness is what Paulina feels with him. 'Each night, we drop off to sleep holding one another, not clinging in desperation like drowning people, but folded within and around each other like the petals of a flower. Like it’s the most natural placement of our bodies and limbs. 'Every night we go to sleep with a sigh of content. Every morning we wake up with a smile. I’m deeply and profoundly grateful this man was born 61 years ago today. It wasn’t just luck, but I’m the luckiest woman in the world.' In the photos, the couple look blissfully happy and in love, proving that when it comes to love, age is just a number. Paulina debuted her relationship in May 2023, three months into their courtship and about two years after she and writer Aaron Sorkin , 63, ended their relationship. The beauty was also formerly married to the late Cars lead singer Ric Ocasek from 1989 to 2019. They shared sons Jonathan, 31, and Oliver, 25. 'It took me nearly sixty years to find him. It took taking stock of who I am and what my priorities are,' her gushing caption began 'It took looking inward and understanding my patterns and bad habits, working on changing them. It took understanding my worth. And then - it took rearranging my picker' But it wasn't only the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue model who had work to do, so did her beau She continued: 'He also had some heavy lifting to do before qualifying as my dream partner. And then we met at exactly the right time' The supermodel went on to explain that despite meeting so late in life, she believes the work they did on themselves before meeting is what drew them together 'I believe the rest of our learning is as a team, as a couple, as two people who navigated their way ever so slowly across the world - to eventually find one another' And a new, deeper sense of calm and happiness is what Paulina feels with him 'Each night, we drop off to sleep holding one another, not clinging in desperation like drowning people, but folded within and around each other like the petals of a flower' 'Like it’s the most natural placement of our bodies and limbs. 'Every night we go to sleep with a sigh of content. Every morning we wake up with a smile. I’m the luckiest woman in the world' Paulina and Jeff on the celebrity dating app Raya. He is best known for being the showrunner of the popular sitcom Will & Grace. He's also behind a slew of other shows including Dream On, Partners, Getting Personal, and State of Georgia. In addition, he wrote episodes for The Charmings, Mr. Belvedere, Friends, Parenthood and Desperate Housewives over the years. Sports Illustrated Instagram Paulina Porizkova Share or comment on this article: Paulina Porizkova, 59, gushes over 'dream' boyfriend on his 61st birthday a year after meeting on Raya e-mail 8 shares Add comment
Energy Drink Company Curated Art Basel Rubbish, Selling Pieces of Art For A Good Cause MIAMI , Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lucky Energy , known for its full-flavor, deliciously refreshing energy drinks, kicked off its first-ever Art Basel appearance with an unforgettable activation that was as trashy as it was inspiring. Dubbed "Trashy Art," the activation featured models picking up garbage outside the Miami Beach Convention Center on days 1 and 2 of the art fair. The brand curated 30-40 pieces of this rubbish and sold them on ArtBaselTrash.com . All pieces went on sale for $13 - typically an unlucky number, but the brand finds that the most unlucky moments encourage us to "create our own luck." Proceeds of the sale will go towards DonorChoose. "Lucky Energy is a beverage and entertainment company that draws inspiration from pop art and fashion, so showing up in this format at Art Basel is an important milestone for us," said Lucky Energy Founder and CEO Richard Laver . Our "Talking Trash" initiative is a unique expression of our brand identity - it challenges conventional thinking and encourages deeper reflection. We believe it will resonate with our audience, who appreciate our delicious beverages, humor, and charm. Developed by Lucky Energy's in-house team, the website sold tickets to a Miami Heat Game, an unopened can of Lucky Energy Drink with lipstick on the rim, a long piece of black hair (rumored to belong to a famous sister that was once married to a rapper), an empty can of Redbull and more. "As the saying goes, 'art is art is art.' Art exists as its own entity, regardless of definition. With this insight, we ask, why can't trash fall into that category if everything is Art?" said Hamid Saify , CMO of Lucky Energy. "Our depiction of Art was designed to spark conversation and curiosity. As a brand, rethinking cultural norms is in our DNA. When told we can't or shouldn't, we are inspired to prove otherwise. We aim to instill that same 'can do' attitude and motivation in people, giving them the fuel they need to keep going. To make their own luck. This is why we are committed to supporting social causes, with the proceeds of "Trashy Art"' and an additional donation to funding a Miami -based kid's art program through DonorsChoose." Richard Laver founded Lucky Energy after experiencing tragic lows and dizzying heights; he launched the company to inspire people to persevere and keep going as he learned to do. He's the youngest survivor of the Delta 191 flight that killed his father and 136 others. After surviving the crash at just 12 years old, Laver suffered from depression and was homeless by 27. He eventually found the love of his life, Michelle, but during the premature birth of their first child, Kate, she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and would need a feeding tube for nourishment. Through a medley of medical complications, he founded Kate Farms (now the #1 recommended plant-based tube-feeding formula) to save her life. In thinking about his next chapter, Laver landed on creating a cleaner alternative to the energy drinks on the market. To learn more about Lucky Energy and Trashy Art, visit www.luckybevco.com and follow @luckyenergyofficial on social media. Please contact Valeria Carrasco at valeria@hallettsconsulting.com with any questions. ABOUT Lucky Energy Drink Lucky Energy is a cleaner, better-for-you energy drink company founded by serial beverage entrepreneur Richard Laver . The brand creates high-quality products to motivate people to keep going . The product line features five flavors—with 5 super ingredients, including maca and beta-alanine, 0 sugar, 0 aftertaste, and only 5 calories. Products are available on Amazon. For more information, visit www.luckybevco.com and follow @luckyfckenergy on social media. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/talking-trash-lucky-energy-debuted-at-art-basel-302329542.html SOURCE Lucky Beverage Company
EOG Resources Inc. stock rises Wednesday, still underperforms marketIt was a fine first win for Ruud van Nistelrooy , and perhaps one final defeat for Julen Lopetegui. Leicester marked Van Nistelrooy’s first match in charge of the team by surging to a 3-1 win over Lopetegui's West Ham in the Premier League on Tuesday. Van Nistelrooy, the former Manchester United striker, is back in English soccer this time as a manager, with Leicester taking something of a gamble on the Dutchman after his brief and impressive spell as interim coach at United this season following Erik ten Hag's departure. He faces the tough task of keeping Leicester, one of the top candidates for relegation, in the top division. For that to happen, he’s likely to need goals from Jamie Vardy — and the 37-year-old former England international delivered immediately. Nine years after breaking Van Nistelrooy’s record for scoring in consecutive games, Vardy scored the first goal of the Dutchman’s tenure at Leicester by beating the offside trap and slotting home a finish with less than two minutes gone. Morocco midfielder Bilal El Khannouss supplied the pass for Vardy’s goal and scored himself with a low shot in the 61st minute to make it 2-0. Patson Daka added a third for Leicester in the 90th minute, before a stoppage-time consolation by West Ham substitute Niclas Füllkrug. “We are very happy with the new manager," El Khannouss said of Van Nistelrooy. “He arrived two days ago, and there’s a new dynamic in the group.” Van Nistelrooy praised the “spirit and energy” in his team. “The foundation for us going forward is everyone working their socks off, fighting for every inch and defending together,” he said. “We can look further then, and they did that in an unbelievable way.” This dismal result for West Ham came three days after its 5-2 thrashing at home by Arsenal , which piled more pressure of Lopetegui early in the former Spain and Real Madrid coach's first season with the London club. West Ham's disgruntled traveling fans chanted "You’re getting sacked in the morning” toward Lopetegui during the second half — even if his team dominated large parts of the game but only had one goal to show from 31 shots on goal. “We're very frustrated but in the same way I can say nothing about the players — they fight until the end,” Lopetegui said. "It’s not easy to explain football some days.” West Ham has lost seven of its 14 games so far and is in 14th place in the 20-team league, one spot above Leicester. Crystal Palace won for just the second time in the league this season, beating relegation rival Ipswich 1-0 to pull clear of the bottom three. Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the goal in the 59th minute. Palace’s only other league victory was against Tottenham in October. While Ipswich stayed in next-to-last place, Palace moved three points above the relegation zone. Much of the focus ahead of the game was on the teams’ captains , Sam Morsy of Ipswich and Marc Guehi of Palace, during another round when the Premier League was celebrating LGBTQ+ inclusion in its campaign to promote equality and diversity. For the second straight game, Morsy chose against wearing a rainbow armband issued to the captain of each of the 20 teams in the league. He has made the decision “due to his religious beliefs,” Ipswich says. Guehi did wear the rainbow armband but defied Football Association rules by writing a religious message on the item. The message read “Jesus loves you” — using a heart sign instead of the word “loves.” During the match against Newcastle on Saturday, Guehi wrote “I love Jesus” — and was later contacted by the FA for acting in contravention of its regulations. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Monster Hunter Wilds is now available to pre-order on the platform of your choice, and Capcom has prepared a lot of goodies for those willing to spend more money. Following the MH Wilds open beta test, Capcom has revealed what bonuses players will get for either buying the more expensive versions along with the rewards for longtime fans of the series. Here is everything you need to know about Monster Hunter Wilds regarding its price, editions, pre-order bonuses and save data bonuses. Monster Hunter Wilds Price and Editions Monster Hunter Wilds will come in three editions: The Deluxe Edition of the game includes the Deluxe Pack, which has the following items: The Premium Deluxe Edition will include the following items: Monster Hunter Wilds Pre-Order Bonuses Everyone who purchases MH Wilds before its release date will receive the following pre-order bonus items: Monster Hunter Wilds Save Data Bonuses Those who played Monster Hunter World and its Iceborne expansion can unlock more bonus items in MH Wilds by transferring their saved data from the previous installment. Here are the save data bonuses for MH Wilds: Monster Hunter World Save Data Bonuses Monster Hunter World: Iceborne Save Data Bonuses Monster Hunter Wilds Release Date Monster Hunter Wilds will be released on February 28, 2024, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
As a judge, Alexander P. Bicket made those around him feel at ease. Whether it was from the bench of his third-floor courtroom with the parties before him or in his chambers, where he regularly welcomed students, interns and young lawyers, he was unassuming. A native of South Africa — with a strong accent even more than 40 years after coming to the United States — Bicket showed a genuine interest in those around him. “He just collected friends and people who cared for him,” said his wife, Susan Bicket. “My life was enriched by it.” Bicket, 68, of Mt. Lebanon, died on Monday at home. He had been diagnosed with lung cancer nearly three years ago and continued to work throughout his treatment. Most people in the Allegheny County Courthouse on Grant Street did not know Bicket, who never smoked, was ill. Bicket. who worked in Common Pleas Court for 13 years, presided over several high-profile cases during his time in the criminal division, including the homicide trial of former East Pittsburgh police officer Michael Rosfeld in 2019, and the 2020 guilty pleas in the rare book thefts from the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh . Sense of justice Originally from Cape Town, Bicket attended a private boarding school at the foot of Table Mountain, which overlooks the city, from the age of 6, said his twin brother, Nicholas “Nicky” Bicket. The judge excelled in sports, his brother said, including sailing and riding their pony — until he was thrown off one too many times. As for academics, he excelled there, as well, although his brother was quick to point out Bicket failed his history exams his senior year of high school. That same year, Bicket, a tenor who had performed for years in their school choir, played the role of Major-General in “The Pirates of Penzance.” It was a performance they still talk about, his brother said. After high school graduation in 1973, Bicket was called up to the South African Defence Force for a year, where he primarily served as a junior chef for officers. Afterward, Bicket attended South Africa’s Stellenbosch University. It was there, his brother said, that Bicket developed a deep discomfort with the country’s apartheid regime that discriminated against its nonwhite majority. Bicket grew uncomfortable in the whites-only school. “He was aware that it was patently unfair,” his brother said. “He developed a very strong sense of justice and injustice. “He found racism — institutionalized or not — to be something he abhorred.” They were feelings that continued to guide Bicket, decades later, in his career on the bench. Although Bicket started out in legal studies, friends persuaded him to switch to education. He later earned a teaching degree from the University of Cape Town. Bicket taught in South Africa for two years before following a girlfriend to New York City. There, he earned a master’s degree in psychology from Columbia University before moving with her to Pittsburgh, where she got a job as a doctor. The two eventually broke up. Switching careers Bicket, who needed a job and a visa, went to the Fox Chapel Area School District — wearing flip-flops, cut-off shorts and a T-shirt, according to his wife. He applied to teach Latin and English. “He said, ‘I need to be sponsored for citizenship.’ They said, ‘OK, you’re hired,’ ” Susan Bicket said. He was shocked that they offered him the job, but the high school had been looking to fill the Latin spot for years, his brother said. When school officials saw Latin on his transcripts, they thought Bicket had studied it in college. However, the transcript they’d seen was from his high school studies, his brother said. “He didn’t know any Latin,” he said. Nonetheless, Bicket thrived in the district, working there from 1982 to 1989, and earning an award for teacher of the year. In 1988, he became a U.S. citizen. While working at Fox Chapel, he enrolled in the night law school program at Duquesne University. It was there where he met his future wife, Susan Mosites, who attended the day program. They married in 1991, and their son, Alexander Ian, now 30, was born a few years later. August followed five years after that. Both children live in California now. The family traveled extensively, Susan Bicket said, including frequent trips to England and South Africa. They visited his brother in Cambridge often, and the judge’s favorite part of his visits to London was drinking ale there. “He would step off the plane and look for an old pub,” Nicky Bicket said. He also recalled his brother, in his younger years, taking pint glasses from those same pubs in London to collect them. Bicket loved Bach, but his favorite song was “American Pie” by Don McLean. His favorite place, his wife said, was Pearly Beach on the Cape Whale Coast in South Africa. A judicial temperament After graduating from law school, Bicket joined Zimmer Kunz. He worked in insurance defense for 23 years, including serving as a special master for U.S. District Judge Alan Bloch. In 2011, he ran for and won a seat on the Allegheny County Common Pleas Court. “That was his favorite job by a long shot,” his wife said. Bicket spent the first four years in the family division. His parents had been divorced when he was 2, his wife said, so it gave him additional insight and empathy into the difficulties parents and children faced. He moved to the criminal division in 2015. Bicket enjoyed the drama of the courtroom and understanding the psychology behind the people who appeared before him, his wife said. U.S. District Judge Robert Colville knew Bicket for years when they both worked as attorneys, but they became close friends when Bicket was elected to the bench. “He had a keen and intellectual respect for the rule of law, balanced against a sincere and unrelenting compassion for people, simply as fellow human beings deserving of dignity.” Judge Jill E. Rangos was close to Bicket and often popped into his chambers — filled with dozens of photographs of his loved ones and always kept exceedingly warm with a space heater — to chat. He directed his visitors to one of two chairs, and Bicket sat on the couch opposite, propping his feet up on the coffee table in front of him. Rangos called him unpretentious. “He cared more about you and less about telling you about himself,” Rangos said. In an interview soon after Bicket was elected, he was asked what kind of judge he wanted to be. His answer: “‘prepared, courteous, punctual, polite and compassionate.’” “He was all those things and more,” Rangos said. Bicket still dressed like a high school teacher, she recalled, noting he wore a shirt and tie and sweater, but rarely the full suit typical of a judge. Each day before his staff left, Bicket unfailingly thanked them for their work. Bicket enjoyed performing weddings, and just a few weeks before he died, led the ceremony for his secretary and her now-husband, his wife said. He also filled the role of ethics judge in Allegheny County, Rangos said. She and others, including attorneys, went to him with questions on ethical dilemmas, seeking guidance. Lawyers loved to appear in Bicket’s courtroom, Rangos said. “People thought they were treated justly,” she said. “When you talk about a judicial temperament, he was the ideal of that.” Attorney Michael Machen, who became friends with Bicket, agreed. “You were delighted to see he was your judge,” Machen said. In addition to his wife, children and brother, Bicket is also survived by his granddaughter, Artemis; and two nieces. Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Slater Funeral Home at 1650 Greentree Road.
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Giordano Vaccaro wasn’t raised in a football family. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * Giordano Vaccaro wasn’t raised in a football family. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? Giordano Vaccaro wasn’t raised in a football family. He was thrust into soccer at a young age — in part due to his strong Italian background — and was also avidly interested in hockey, a sport he played for 10 years. Football? Not so much. He played his first season on the defensive line with his local community club, the Corydon Comets, in elementary school. He never enjoyed it; instead he found it quite “boring.” MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS U of M Bisons offensive lineman Giordano Vaccaro credits the culinary skills of his mother and grandmother for helping him keep his weight up. Today, football is the sport he loves. Vaccaro, now 21, begins most days with an early-morning practice session. It’s a “grind mentality” going on eight years and is what helped the third-year left guard from the University of Manitoba Bisons win the JP Metras Award this season as U SPORTS’ Lineman of the Year. “It’s truly an honour,” said Vaccaro in a recent interview with the “It’s cool to look back and see how far I’ve come up until this point.” Vaccaro, who joined the Bisons in 2022, hasn’t missed a start the last three seasons under head coach Brian Dobie, who is retiring after coaching the team for 29 years. “He (Dobie) is a huge inspiration for me — I look up to him as a mentor and a leader,” Vaccaro said. “Believing in an 18-year-old coming in and offering me a scholarship and a starting spot — I can’t thank him enough.” Vaccaro said he entered his first university season with realistic expectations, knowing a starting spot would not likely be available for a freshman on a competitive squad. He was surprised, however, as Dobie and Bison offensive line coaches, Terry Watson and Jeff Ready, gave him an opportunity to play immediately. “They believed in me and let me compete for a spot, and I’m very grateful for that,” he said. Vaccaro helped Manitoba’s offence gain more than 2,016 rushing yards in 2024. It’s a big factor in how he became the fifth Bison to receive the JP Metras honours and the first to do so since 2015. He is also the first Bison offensive lineman to earn back-to-back recognition as a Canada West all-star and first team All-Canadian. Vaccaro knows hard work goes a long way, but said his achievements wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for several of his mentors prior to university. They include Stacy Dainard, St. Paul’s High School varsity football head coach. Up until Grade 9, Vaccaro had no interest in pursuing football. That was, until Dainard pushed him into giving the sport a crack. “I gave it a go, and I think a switch just kind of flipped,” Vaccaro said. “He (Dainard) really ignited my passion for football.” As Vaccaro continued to build on his skills throughout high school under Dainard, he was able to play a sizable role in guiding the Crusaders to a championship season in 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic struck. During high school, Vaccaro also enlisted the help of Recruit Ready, a Winnipeg-based football training program. “They brought me into the program, and they looked over me and mentored me,” Vaccaro said. ‘They’ refers to Recruit Ready coaches Kelly Butler and Brad Black, who’ve been alongside Vaccaro since he was 14. Butler, who specializes in the offensive line position, and Black, who focuses on strength and conditioning, work with Vaccaro during early morning training at 6:30 a.m. They have helped Vaccaro refine his skills on the O-line and have developed him into the 6-3, 305-pound giant he is today. Most of all, though, Butler and Black helped cement Vaccaro’s football aspirations as a reality by showcasing his potential for collegiate coaches. “They helped me realize that I could take my skill to another level — it was honestly eye-opening,” he said. “They are both some of my biggest mentors.” Although Vaccaro came up short of landing a spot on a NCAA Division 1 roster, Recruit Ready did help him make the Bisons squad. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Looking ahead to his fourth year with the Bisons, Vaccaro is working with the team’s strength and conditioning coach, Cole Scheller, to make sure his body is in peak form for the beginning of next season. Scheller has made a specific program for Vaccaro to work on in the off-season: running and lineman combative drills in the morning, weight training in the afternoon. Vaccaro also continues to work two to three times a week with Butler and Black. “Coach Kelly (Butler) told me to ‘Always stay hungry and humble,’ and coach Brad (Black) always says, ‘Nothing but hard work,’ so the grind never stops,” Vaccaro said. As for his nutrition plan, Vaccaro said there’s only one thing he needs to do as an offensive lineman, and that’s eat. “I’m one of the guys working in the trenches, so constantly eating is a necessity to keep up the weight,” said Vaccaro. “My mom and my grandma are a huge help in that regard with all the food they make.” Advertisement Advertisement
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday condoled the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, saying that India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders. In a post on X, the Prime Minister said that his thoughts are with Dr Manmohan Singh’s family, his friends, and his countless admirers. India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. Rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist. He served in various government positions as well, including as Finance Minister, leaving a strong imprint on our economic policy over the years. His interventions in Parliament were also insightful. As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives,” he wrote on X. India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. Rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist. He served in various government positions as well, including as Finance Minister, leaving a strong imprint on our economic... pic.twitter.com/clW00Yv6oP “Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji and I interacted regularly when he was PM and I was the CM of Gujarat. We would have extensive deliberations on various subjects relating to governance. His wisdom and humility were always visible. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the family of Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji, his friends and countless admirers. Om Shanti,” PM Modi added. Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92 due to age-related medical conditions, AIIMS informed. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President JP Nadda also expressed condolences over the demise of former PM Singh, calling it a loss for the nation. Nadda said that Singh’s legacy will continue to inspire generations in their pursuit of nation-building. “The passing of Former Prime Minister and Economist Shri Manmohan Singh ji is an immense loss for the nation. A visionary statesman and a stalwart of Indian politics, throughout his remarkable career in public service, he consistently voiced for the welfare of the downtrodden. His leadership earned admiration and respect across party lines. Shri Manmohan Singh Ji’s legacy will continue to inspire generations in their pursuit of nation-building. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and admirers. Om Shanti,” JP Nadda. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha expressed his deepest condolences to Singh’s family and called him blessed and privileged to have had the opportunity to work alongside him in the Rajya Sabha. “A world-renowned economist and the architect behind the liberalization of the Indian economy, Dr Manmohan Singh Ji steered India through difficult times and into a new era. An Oxford-educated economist, he spearheaded India’s 1991 economic reforms and led the nation as Prime Minister with quiet determination, proving that intellect and integrity can drive transformative change. I join the nation in mourning the passing of one of our most distinguished statesmen. His legacy will endure and inspire generations to come. I consider myself blessed and privileged to have had the opportunity to work alongside him in the Rajya Sabha. My deepest condolences to his family. RIP, Sir. Om Shanti,” the AAP leader, posted on X. Singh retired from the Rajya Sabha earlier this year after serving 33 years in the house. Manomohan Singh, born in Punjab in 1932, served two terms as Prime Minister of India—from 2004 to 2014. He took the oath of office for the first time in 2004, after Congress won the 2004 Lok Sabha election against Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA. He served his second term from 2009 to 2014. He was then succeeded by PM Narendra Modi in 2014. Comments