Skobalj's 19 help UIC down La Salle 96-83
New Hampshire courts hear two cases on transgender girls playing girls sportsBy FATIMA HUSSEIN WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday threatened 100% tariffs against a bloc of nine nations if they act to undermine the U.S. dollar. His threat was directed at countries in the so-called BRIC alliance, which consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and [...]
For centuries, rice has been the heartbeat of Sri Lankan agriculture, with over 1 million hectares of paddy fields cultivated annually, accounting for 37% of the country’s land use. But as climate change accelerates, the task of managing water resources, especially for paddy, has become ever more challenging. The Green Climate Fund-financed Climate Resilient Integrated Water Management Project (CRIWMP) is responding to this challenge with an innovative solution – Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD). The project, implemented by the Government of Sri Lanka, with technical support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Sri Lanka, is transforming agricultural productivity, through integrated water management. Paddy fields have long been cultivated under the continuous flooding system, consuming around 2,500 litres of water to produce just 1 kilogram of rice, placing immense pressure on water resources, especially during periods of drought. Data from the project shows that through AWD, water usage is reduced by upto 27%, and increased cropping intensity from 1.2 to 2.1, which means farmers can now cultivate their land more frequently, leading to more harvests, more income, and food security. The success of this initiative is not just about introducing technology; it is about empowering Sri Lankan farmers with knowledge. The CRIWMP has worked closely with farming communities, providing them with training, tools, and climate advisory services to adopt the AWD system effectively. Take for example, the case of the Palugaswewa Farmer Organisation. President R.B.M. Anura Wasantha shared that, prior to the project’s intervention, they could only cultivate their land to its full extent during the Maha (major) season and just a fraction during the Yala (minor) season. The introduction of AWD technology has been a game-changer. Using simple tools like water pipes buried in the soil, farmers learned to monitor water levels and irrigate only when necessary. Agro-metrological advisories helped synchronise rainwater with their irrigation needs, ensuring that tank water is preserved for critical periods. “Earlier, we used tank water for land preparation without understanding ‘on-farm and off-farm’ water management and were not familiar with agro-meteorological advisories either. Now, thanks to the depth gauge that has been installed, we can calculate the tank water levels accurately and follow the advisories to make better use of rainwater, conserving a big proportion of the irrigation water in the tank.” “Now, we save the water in our tanks – it is like saving money in a bank for us,” says Wasantha, who proudly states that this practice has allowed them to cultivate their land fully even during the Yala season. As the AWD method became more established, the CRIWMP took it a step further by introducing two advanced technologies – the Sensor Light System and the Water Level Arrow Marking System. The Sensor Light System uses solar-powered sensors to monitor water levels. When the water level reaches a critical point, a red light switches on, signalling farmers to irrigate. The Water Level Arrow Marking System, on the other hand, uses a floating arrow that indicates water levels. Farmers can easily observe the water level from a distance, reducing the need to enter the field. These innovations have enabled farmers like Wasantha to feel more confident in managing their water resources, even referring to themselves as “smart” farmers. CRIWMP Climate Smart Agriculture Program Coordinator Dr. Geethika Wijesundara sees this transformation as a paradigm shift in water management for Sri Lanka’s paddy cultivation. She explains: “By adopting AWD, farmers can now cultivate with just 2.9 to 3 acre-feet of water. This reduction means that water saved can be allocated to other field crops (OFCs) for a third season, leading to more yields and income.” Palugaswewa Farmer Organisation Secretary Susantha shares: “We cultivated 100% of our Yala land with AWD. Along with agro-meteorological advisories, we used only the necessary amount of water for paddy cultivation. After the Maha season, we had 240 acre-feet of water left in the tank, and we received more from the rains. So, for the Yala season, we were able to use water for both paddy and green gram. We still have 30 acre-feet of water left in the tank for our domestic purposes.” The impact of AWD goes beyond water conservation and paddy productivity. Methane emissions, a significant contributor to global warming, have been reduced by 40% in fields adopting the AWD system. In Sri Lanka, studies note that the average methane emission rate in flooded paddy fields is 570 mg/ha, which have been reduced to an impressive 325 mg/ha through AWD. Dr. Wijesundara explains: “This has opened our eyes to the fact that integrated water management in paddy farming is essential. If AWD is adopted across Sri Lanka’s paddy farming fields, we could potentially reduce methane emissions by 245,000 tons annually.” As the CRIWMP continues to introduce and promote innovative water management technologies, it is clear that the future of Sri Lankan paddy farming is becoming brighter, more sustainable, and more resilient. Susantha attests: “I never knew that paddy fields emit methane. Thanks to the CRIWMP, we learned about methane emissions and now, I am proud to say that we are working on reducing our contributions to global warming.” Taking AWD a step further, the project plans to conduct soil drainage class mapping in two village irrigation systems’ Yala programs, to determine the most optimal crop plan for the Yala season. This will ensure that paddy is cultivated based on water availability, while OFCs with higher market value are introduced, enhancing smallholders’ resilience and profitability, ensuring that they thrive in a changing climate. Sri Lanka’s journey towards climate-resilient agriculture is a testament to the power of blending traditional knowledge with modern technology. By embracing change and innovation, Sri Lankan farmers are not just growing rice – they are cultivating hope, resilience, and a sustainable future for generations to come.Walker has 22 as Binghamton knocks off Lancaster Bible 85-60
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Cryptocurrency has redefined the way we think about money and investments. Over the past decade, projects like Ripple (XRP) and Tron (TRX) have carved out their place as some of the most reliable options for savvy investors. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned player, finding the best coins to buy and hold for the long term is critical to maximising your portfolio’s growth. But here’s the deal: every once in a while, a new player comes along and shakes things up. That’s where Qubetics (TICS) enters the conversation. With a presale that’s breaking records and innovation that screams long-term potential, Qubetics might just be your ticket to massive returns. So, let’s dive into why these three coins – Qubetics, Ripple, and Tron – should be on your radar. Qubetics: Revolutionising Real-World Asset Tokenisation Qubetics isn’t just a new face in the crypto world; it’s a force to be reckoned with. With over 382 million $TICS tokens sold and a whopping $8 million raised, this project is turning heads in its 13th presale stage . Right now, you can snag $TICS tokens at just $0.037, but here’s the kicker – the price will jump by 10% this weekend. That means time is of the essence if you’re eyeing those jaw-dropping returns analysts are predicting. Think about it: $TICS is projected to hit $0.25 by the end of the presale. That’s a 630% return on investment. And it gets better. Analysts are pegging $TICS at $5 post-presale and $15 after its mainnet launch, translating to a mind-boggling 43,711% ROI. Imagine dropping $100,000 into $TICS today and watching it grow to $14.6 million if those projections hold. Sounds unreal? That’s the magic of catching a project at its early stages . At the heart of Qubetics’ appeal is its game-changing Real-World Asset Tokenisation (RWAT) technology. Imagine tokenising real-world assets like real estate, fine art, or intellectual property into digital assets that can be traded seamlessly. Businesses could unlock liquidity for traditionally illiquid assets. Professionals might use RWAT to secure funding for creative projects, while individuals could finally invest in assets previously out of reach. Think of a world where owning a fraction of a Picasso or a downtown skyscraper is as easy as buying coffee. Qubetics isn’t just about flashy returns; it’s about real-world impact. Its RWAT platform promises to bridge the gap between traditional and digital economies. This level of innovation, paired with the presale momentum, makes Qubetics one of the best coins to buy and hold for the long term. Ripple: A Veteran with Unmatched Cross-Border Appeal Ripple, or XRP, isn’t the new kid on the block. It’s the seasoned veteran that has consistently delivered value to investors since its launch. Ripple’s primary claim to fame is its ability to facilitate lightning-fast, low-cost cross-border payments. Forget waiting days for a wire transfer; Ripple processes transactions in seconds, making it a favourite among financial institutions and payment providers. Ripple has earned its spot as a staple for those looking for the best coins to buy and hold for the long term. Why? Because it’s one of the few cryptocurrencies actively working with traditional financial institutions rather than against them. Its partnerships with major players like Santander and American Express highlight its real-world utility and staying power. Ripple also boasts a massive community of supporters. If you’ve ever checked out crypto forums or Reddit, you’ll know XRP holders are some of the most passionate in the game. That kind of loyalty and belief in a project goes a long way in the volatile crypto market. What’s more, Ripple’s ongoing legal battle with the SEC has only strengthened its resolve. While the lawsuit created some turbulence, it also positioned Ripple as a symbol of resilience. The market sentiment around XRP is turning bullish, and with regulatory clarity on the horizon, Ripple is poised for a significant breakout. For investors eyeing the best coins to buy and hold for the long term, Ripple offers a balance of innovation, stability, and growth potential. Tron: The Entertainment Powerhouse If Ripple is the stalwart of financial innovation, Tron is the bold innovator of the entertainment world. Launched by Justin Sun in 2017, Tron’s mission is straightforward: decentralise the internet. Its blockchain is specifically designed for content creators, gamers, and developers looking for an ecosystem where they can build and monetise freely. Tron has already made waves with its acquisitions, including the peer-to-peer platform BitTorrent. The integration of BitTorrent into the Tron ecosystem created a perfect synergy, enabling the seamless sharing and downloading of content. If you’ve streamed or downloaded anything from the internet lately, chances are you’ve encountered Tron-powered technology without even realising it. One of Tron’s standout features is its ability to handle massive transaction volumes with minimal fees. For context, Tron processes more transactions daily than most other blockchains, thanks to its Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS) consensus mechanism. It’s like the blockchain version of a high-speed freeway – no traffic jams, just smooth sailing. Investors looking for the best coins to buy and hold for the long term often turn to Tron for its focus on real-world applications in entertainment and gaming. And let’s not forget its thriving DeFi ecosystem, with projects like JUST and Sun.io attracting billions in total value locked (TVL). If you’re into staking, lending, or farming, Tron’s got you covered. Tron’s future looks bright, especially with the growing interest in Web3 and decentralised entertainment. It’s a solid pick for those who believe blockchain will play a pivotal role in reshaping digital media. Conclusion All three projects – Qubetics, Ripple, and Tron – bring something unique to the table. Ripple is the go-to for fast, efficient global payments. Tron leads the charge in decentralised entertainment. But Qubetics? It’s the future of Real-World Asset Tokenisation. With its presale in full swing and analysts making sky-high predictions, Qubetics is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting, this is your chance to get in on the ground floor of what could become a crypto powerhouse. Don’t sit on the sidelines. With $TICS at just $0.0342 and the price set to jump this weekend, now’s the time to make your move. Head over to Qubetics’ presale platform and secure your stake in one of the best coins to buy and hold for the long term . Your future portfolio will thank you. Qubetics: https://www.qubetics.com/ Telegram: https://t.me/qubetics Twitter: https://twitter.com/qubetics Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp _____________ Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more here.AP Sports SummaryBrief at 5:12 p.m. ESTParents are faced with countless decisions impacting their children’s well-being, many of which aren’t black and white. As technology evolves with each new “must-have” gadget, the choices we make become tougher. In a world where perfection is impossible, how do we decide what’s best for our kids? Electric bicycles are on many wish lists this season. It is important for parents to do their homework before making a purchase. First, talk to a reputable bike shop before buying an e-bike. Many of our local bike shops will not work on e-bikes that they don’t sell. Like cars, brake maintenance of e-bikes is crucial. Not all e-bikes are the same, and not all “e-bikes” are legal. It is important to ask questions. E-bikes are defined within the California Vehicle Code under three distinct classes. All e-bike motors are limited to 750 watts and must have fully operable pedals; any e-wheel that has a higher wattage is not an e-bike. Speed is also a part of the class definitions. Class 1 e-bikes provide pedal-assisted power up to 20 mph. Class 2 e-bikes have a throttle that goes up to 20 mph. Class 3 e-bikes provide pedal-assisted power up to 28 mph. E-bikes are a great way for kids to get to school, activities and recreation. E-bikes are vehicles, not toys. The pedal-assisted motor of a class 1 e-bike can help a rider climb hills and cycle longer distances. Riding any kind of bike takes skill and understanding the rules of the road. Mastery of riding a conventional bicycle is necessary before riding a class 1 e-bike. Following the rules of the road and being predictable and visible when riding are key. The Marin County Health and Human Services Department is tracking data related to e-bike 911 calls. Ambulances respond to e-bike incidents involving 10- to19-year-old people at five times the rate of any other age group. In November 2023, the department sent an advisory to the public and pediatricians regarding e-bikes and the rate of serious injuries among youth. This advisory reflected the influx of e-bike-related injuries that were being seen in Marin clinics and emergency rooms. Operating any vehicle, including an e-bike, comes with risks. Parents should not allow their kids to ride an e-bike without evaluating the risks and assessing their child’s skills on a bike. The Marin County Special Committee on Youth E-bike Safety began convening in September 2024. It has an education-first approach. The committee’s aim is effective education, outreach, consistent local policies and enforcement across Marin. The county and the Transportation Authority of Marin are jointly funding a countywide public education campaign with students and parents as the two distinct audiences. The committee will work toward a model ordinance to implement Assemblymember Connolly’s Assembly Bill 1778. The bill enables Marin County jurisdictions to pilot restricting class 2 e-bikes to riders aged 16 and older. Class 3 e-bikes are already restricted to riders 16 and older. Throttle-powered e-wheels capable of providing power beyond 20 mph and without fully operable pedals, which may be advertised as e-bikes, are not e-bikes and are illegal for youth. Throttles add a dimension similar to a motorcycle, with potential for injuries similar to motorcycle injuries. If buying an e-bike, buy at an in-person reputable bike shop to ensure your e-bike will get the maintenance it needs. E-bikes require more brake maintenance than conventional bikes. A class 1 pedal-assist e-bike is the best choice for youth. We want to see more kids and adults on bikes. Getting out of our cars and onto bikes is good for our physical and mental health and enjoyment. We want parents to understand what is legal versus what is illegal, and what is age and skill appropriate for their child. Marin Safe Routes to Schools’ e-bike education page on that group’s website is a great place to start when considering a purchase. Do your homework before you buy. Marin County Supervisor Mary Sackett represents District 1. Dr. Nelson Branco is a primary care pediatrician at Tamalpais Pediatrics in Marin County.
Mohamed A. El-Erian It is something of a tradition every December to take stock of the year that is ending and consider what might lie ahead. This is true on a personal level: In my family, we tend to do this around the dinner table. But it is also true more broadly, with the time of year inviting an examination of the intersection of economics, national politics, and global geopolitics. You would be forgiven if, as a starting point, you expected these three areas to be in alignment. After all, they are deeply interconnected, which suggests self-reinforcing dynamics. But 2024 brought some unusual dispersion in this relationship that actually widened, rather than narrowed, over the course of the year. Begin with geopolitics. In 2024, Russia secured a greater advantage in the Ukraine war than the consensus forecasts of a year ago anticipated. Similarly, the human suffering and physical destruction resulting from the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza exceeded most observers’ already grim expectations, and spread to other countries, such as Lebanon. The apparent impunity of the strong, together with the absence of effective means of preventing dire humanitarian crises, has deepened the sense for many that the global order is fundamentally imbalanced, and lacks any enforceable guardrails. As for domestic politics, upheaval has been the order of the day in many countries. Governments have collapsed in both France and Germany — Europe’s largest economies — leaving the EU without political leadership. And following Donald Trump’s victory in last month’s presidential election, the US is preparing for a political transition that is likely to bring a significant increase in the influence of a new “counter-elite.” Meanwhile, an “axis of convenience,” comprising China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia, is seeking to challenge the Western-dominated international order. Other recent developments — from the now-impeached South Korean president’s abrupt declaration of martial law, a move that was quickly reversed, to the collapse of Bashar Assad’s regime in Syria — have reinforced the impression that we are living at a time of exceptional geopolitical and political volatility. The past year also brought some worrisome macroeconomic developments. Europe’s malaise has deepened, as countries grapple with low growth and large budget deficits. Meanwhile, China has failed to respond credibly to the clear and present danger of “Japanification,” with unfavorable demographics, a debt overhang, and a prolonged property market downturn undermining growth, economic efficiency, and consumer confidence. And yet, stock markets have remained relatively stable and delivered high returns, including almost 60 record-high closes for the S&P index. The US economy’s exceptional performance is a major reason. Far from weakening, as most economists expected, the US pulled even further ahead. Given the amount of foreign capital the US is attracting, and the scale of its investment in the future drivers of productivity, competitiveness, and growth, it is likely to continue outperforming other major economies in 2025. One consequence of this success is that the US Federal Reserve did not deliver the soothing 1.75-2-percentage-point interest rate cuts that markets were pricing in a year ago. This trend, too, is set to continue. At December’s policy meeting, the Fed signaled fewer cuts in 2025, and a higher terminal (long-run) rate. But political and geopolitical upheaval — and the limited prospects for significant improvements — does pose a risk to the endurance of US economic exceptionalism. Even if the US continues outperforming its peers, as expected, the range of possible outcomes, in terms of both growth and inflation, has widened. In fact, global economic and policy outcomes as a whole are now subject to a larger possibility set, both because the downside risks have grown and because upside innovations, such as in artificial intelligence, life sciences, food security, healthcare, and defense, could transform sectors and accelerate productivity gains. Absent a major policy reset, my baseline scenario for the US includes a somewhat lower immediate growth rate, even as the economy outperforms its peers, and sticky inflation. This will present the Fed with a choice: Accept above-target inflation or attempt to bring it down and risk tipping the economy into recession. Globally, economic fragmentation will continue, pushing some countries to diversify their reserves further away from the US dollar and explore alternatives to Western payment systems. Yields on US 10-year government bonds, a global benchmark, will edge higher, trading mostly in the 4.75-5 percent range. As for financial markets, they might find it more challenging to maintain their status as the “good house” in a challenging geo-economic neighborhood. This is how things appear now. But, beyond recognizing the wider dispersion of possible economic outcomes in 2025, it will be crucial regularly to test whichever baseline one embraces against actual developments. Courtesy: arabnews
British Museum chairman Mr Osborne said Sir Keir Starmer’s Government had contributed to a warmer spirit of negotiations with Greece. A deal which could see the Elgin Marbles returned to Greece is “still some distance” away, George Osborne has signalled. The former Tory chancellor, now chairman of the British Museum, suggested Sir Keir Starmer had contributed to a warmer spirit of the negotiations over the famous ancient artworks. Greece has long called for the return of the Marbles, also known as the Parthenon sculptures, and maintains they were illegally removed from Athens’ acropolis during a period of foreign occupation. The British Museum – where they are currently on display – is forbidden by law from giving away any of its artefacts, and the Government has no plans to change the law to permit a permanent move. But under Mr Osborne’s leadership, the museum is negotiating the possibility of a long-term loan of the sculptures, in exchange for rolling exhibitions of famous artworks. No 10 has indicated the Prime Minister is unlikely to stand in the way of such a deal. Speaking on Political Currency, the podcast he hosts alongside former Labour politician Ed Balls, Mr Osborne said the museum was “looking to see if we can come to some arrangement where at some point some of the sculptures are in Athens, where, of course, they were originally sited”. He added: “And in return, Greece lends us some of its treasures, and we made a lot of progress on that, but we’re still some distance from any kind of agreement.” The Greek government has suggested negotiations with the museum have taken a warmer tone since Labour came to power in the summer. Mr Osborne appeared to concur with this view and praised Sir Keir’s hands-off approach, adding: “It is not the same as Rishi Sunak, who refused to see the Greek prime minister, if you remember, he sort of stood him up. “So it seems to me a more sensible and diplomatic way to proceed.” Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Greek premier, discussed the Elgin Marbles with Sir Keir when they met on Tuesday morning at Downing Street, he said after returning to Athens. Mr Mitsotakis has signalled his government is awaiting developments on the negotiations. A diplomatic spat between the Greek leader and Mr Sunak emerged last year when the then-prime minister refused to meet his counterpart. Mr Mitsotakis had compared splitting the Elgin Marbles from those still in Athens to cutting the Mona Lisa in half. The marble statues came from friezes on the 2,500-year-old Parthenon temple and have been displayed at the British Museum for more than 200 years. They were removed by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century when he was British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire. Some of the remaining temple statues are on display in the purpose-built Acropolis Museum in Athens, and Greece has called for the collections to be reunited.
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Stephen Olowoniyi scores 18 as Southern Indiana knocks off Shawnee State 91-56This bearded man with a $10 million bounty on his head could be the next trouble maker in the Middle east; who is he? Here's all about himAfter starting 2-0 in its inaugural Atlantic Coast Conference schedule, SMU looks to make the month even more special on Sunday, hosting Longwood in Dallas, Texas. The Mustangs seek a seven-game win streak in their final nonconference test before welcoming No. 4 Duke to Dallas on Jan. 4. In recent victories over Alabama State, Virginia, LSU, and Boston College, SMU (10-2) averaged 85.3 points per game, allowed just 66.0 ppg, and climbed to No. 30 in the NET rankings. "We're a different team right now than we were earlier in the season," SMU head coach Andy Enfield said at the beginning of December, his words ringing even truer as the season progresses. "They'd never been under pressure together until recently, so they're starting to learn and figure things out." Longwood (11-3) enters its third consecutive road game, having won five of its last six overall. That includes a major 82-67 win at North Carolina Central on Dec. 20. It was only the sixth nonconference home loss for NCC since 2016, and Longwood head coach Griff Aldrich saw it as a result of his team's growing cohesiveness. "We got great contributions from so many players," Aldrich said. "We have been working to play more and more connected, and this team has really taken positive steps this week." The Mustangs' Matt Cross is among the biggest threats to Longwood's defense, which allows just 66.6 points per game. A 6-foot-7 forward, Cross had 36 points over SMU's last two wins, including a 16-point, 16-rebound double-double against LSU. What Cross does with the ball in his hands is impressive -- he is averaging 13.5 ppg in December -- but it is also what he does off the ball that increases his value. "He's extremely tough," Enfield said after Cross' performance against LSU. "His wall up in transition, where (Corey) Chest came down, was going to dunk the ball, and he stood there and took the contact. ...That's a big-time basketball play." Longwood is paced by Michael Christmas, a veteran forward in his fourth year in the program. A hard-nosed wing who can score at all three levels, Christmas is Longwood's only returner who started at least 30 games on last year's NCAA Tournament team. He is averaging a team-high 11.9 points per game. "(He) loves this university, loves this town and community," Aldrich said of Christmas. "He opted to come back here to really invest in the program." --Field Level Media
Sir Paul McCartney is back on home turf in the north west to prepare for four huge UK gigs to end 2024 in style. The Beatles' legend has been on the road since October on his ongoing Got Back tour across the world, including dates in South America and Europe. But there's no place like home for the Liverpudlian music legend. When the gigs were first announced, fans in Liverpool had been questioning why he would chose to perform in Manchester rather than back up the M62 this December. However, the Band on the Run star says it was an easy decision. He will perform two nights at the new Co-op Live Arena this weekend , before heading to London's 02 Arena next week. READ MORE: Huge Manchester venue responds to complaints of neighbours about "customer antics" Sir Paul told The Mirror: "Manchester is like, you know, next to my old hometown. It's a great city, and we love it really. So that's going to be good to be there. "And then London, we finish it up around Christmas time. So that's exciting. We're looking forward to London, and then that will finish this tour, and we'll all be very glad to have a nice Christmas holiday." Previously unseen pictues have today been released of Sir Paul and his band, who have been together 22 years, in rehearsals for the shows. It will see the star end the year with the four homecoming gigs, his first UK dates proper since 2018 (Glastonbury headlining performance aside in 2022). And for Beatles fans heading to the gigs there is the promise of something very special here in Manchester - Sir Paul and his late, great Beatles bandmate John Lennon harmonising on stage. He has admitted it is "very emotional" to play new Beatles track Now And Then on his current tour - because it is a "John song" and so it feels wonderful to be singing with him. Behind the scenes images of Paul Mccartney in Rehearsals for the Got Back Tour in Los Angeles, September 2024. (Image: © 2024 MPL Communications Ltd / Photographer: MJ Kim) Now and Then was released at the end of 2023, after a recording process that started in the late Seventies with a John Lennon demo, and ended with Ringo Starr and Sir Paul in the studio in 2022 finishing the song. It has been described as the last ever Beatles song and after wowing fans the world over on release, it now has two Grammy nominations. Sir Paul has been including it in all his sets on his Got Back world tour and speaking for the first time about playing it, he says: "It's really great. When you introduce a new song, even though it's an old song, like 'Now and Then', the first reaction is, people aren't quite sure what it is or what you're doing. "But during the run of the concerts, they get the idea. The word gets out on the internet, you know. So now the reaction is really strong, and for us it's great to play because it's a nice song to play, and for me, it's particularly great because it's a John song. And so it's very emotional for me. I love it. I love doing it, and the audience seem to love it too." Sir Paul, who will be supported at the UK gigs by friends and family including wife Nancy McCartney, says he does his best to keep an element of surprise, so fans coming to the shows in the coming days in Manchester won't know exactly what to expect apart from some huge singalong hits. Sir Paul in the rehearsal room for the gigs (Image: © 2024 MPL Communications Ltd / Photographer: MJ Kim) He says: "On the first night we can pull some surprises, but then the minute that gets on social media... It’s like the old comedians who used to complain that their jokes got told, so the next people who saw them knew the jokes. "I approach every show and every audience in a slightly different way depending on the location of the show, so I suppose that’s the way I change it up a little bit. "You’ll see your set list published and we’ll go, ‘Right, we’re gonna change it!’ We keep trying to be ahead of the guy who’s giving the game away. I would like it much better if people had no idea what they were coming to see, but the only answer to that is for us to make changes occasionally. So if he said, ‘They open up with this song,’ we’ll go, ‘Let's open up with a different song,’ just to prove them wrong." Recent opening songs he's played include Can't Buy Me Love in Madrid and Hard Days Night in Paris, so whatever he chooses for Manchester, Beatles fans won't need much encouragement to sing along. Looking back over the year he highlights some particularly enjoyable shows in October and those close to him who have been on the road say it is clear he still loves playing live, treating fans to shows lasting nearly three hours every night with over 35 songs. Paul Mccartney performing in Sao Paulo on 15.10.24 "The audiences in South America are insanely wonderful," he says, having played 15 shows there to over 500,000 people. "And they are so keen and crazy that we have a party every time we play to them. So it's been great." More recently he has played Paris and Madrid to incredible ovations, with fans aware that the chance to see the iconic 82-year-old does not come around too often these days. And with 12 Beatles studio albums, 26 solo albums and 22 UK number ones to his name, he has also answered the question of how you manage to choose a set list each night. Aside from perhaps some obvious hits which must stay on heavy rotation, he still likes to be inspired by culture and the world around him. Sir Paul on tour (Image: © 2024 MPL Communications Ltd / Photographer: MJ Kim) In the tour programme, Sir Paul writes: "If I see a movie and then hear one of my songs in it, I think: ‘Oh, I should do that one.’ Sometimes it will give me the impetus to actually look at that song and think of doing it. "It may even just be someone saying to me, ‘Oh, I love that song of yours,’ and you go, ‘Oh...’ They love it enough for me to think, ‘Yeah, I should do that, just for you.’ There are songs that some people say, ‘Oh, I love that one,’ and it makes a difference. That’s always happened. One of my own Wings albums, I’ll be thinking, ‘Well, it didn’t do too well, so maybe it wasn’t that good,’ and then you find some kids are playing the hell out of it saying, ‘This is a great album,’ so it gets me back into it." He adds: "I'll just hear it at a random place like you say, on the radio, at a party, and decide to include it. That's always a good feeling, it's like a little light bulb moment "ding, eurika" we should definitely try that one. That is often the way I decide how to do things, or decide what to do. You work on the setlist over time, and you finally feel you get it to a place where it’s working well. That's how we all feel on the tour now - and it looks like the audiences agree!" Sir Paul McCartney's Got Back tour ends in the UK with two dates at the Manchester Co-Op Live followed by two shows at London's O2 Arena next week. New documentary Beatles 64 is out now on Disney+Deal on Elgin Marbles ‘still some distance’ away, says George Osborne
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