More loans, more pains and the season of discontentAamir Khan To Revive His Dream Project Mahabharat | EXCL
Chiefs head to Pittsburgh on Christmas hoping to lock up the top seed in the AFCThe Washington Commanders released 2023 first-rounder Emmanuel Forbes on Saturday, cutting ties with another high draft pick from the previous regime. All of previous coach Ron Rivera's first-rounders — including edge rusher Chase Young in 2020, linebacker Jamin Davis in ‘21 and wide receiver Jahan Dotson in '22 — are now gone. Forbes never showed progress to the new staff led by coach Dan Quinn and was a healthy scratch twice this season and did not play in two other games during which the 23-year-old was in uniform. It's unclear if Forbes' release means anything about the status of cornerback Marshon Lattimore , the Commanders' trade deadline pickup in early November who still has not played for them because of a hamstring injury. Lattimore was listed as doubtful for Washington's home game Sunday against Tennessee. The Commanders (7-5) also put running back Austin Ekeler on injured reserve because of a concussion . They elevated kicker Zane Gonzalez and defensive tackle Carl Davis from the practice squad in preparation for facing the Titans (3-8). Washington has lost three in a row to fall from first place in the NFC East to the conference’s final wild-card spot. The most recent loss, last weekend against division rival Dallas, came when Austin Seibert missed his second extra point of the game, which would have tied it with 21 seconds left. Seibert went on IR earlier in the week with a groin injury that Quinn said the kicker reported Monday. While injuries have piled up as the Commanders await their late bye week, the choice of Forbes has been second-guessed since the moment Rivera's front office chose the 166-pound Mississippi State defensive back with the 16th pick over Christian Gonzalez and others. Gonzalez was selected next, by New England, and has started 16 games for the Patriots. Forbes was benched last season by Rivera, who was in charge when Washington selected Davis ahead of offensive lineman Christian Darrisaw in '21 and traded down to take Dotson the following year instead of safety Kyle Hamilton or receiver Chris Olave. Forbes has two interceptions and 12 passes defensed in 20 games. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
President Joe Biden is marking his final Thanksgiving on Nantucket, a family tradition as he wraps up his time in office. This year, the holiday serves as a poignant farewell, symbolizing the close of his presidency, which has been overshadowed by political tensions with former President Donald Trump. Biden's Nantucket visit, featuring strolls on the island's picturesque streets with family, comes amidst questions about his legacy. Despite retiring from politics, he remains active in major geopolitical dialogues, planning a trip to Angola and addressing issues with Trump's agenda, including tariffs and foreign trade relations. Biden also focused on family amidst personal strife, including legal issues faced by his son, Hunter. Discussions with Trump over potential economic impacts and efforts to preserve international alliances remained a significant part of his presidential swan song. (With inputs from agencies.)Nick Kern came off the bench for 20 points and 13 rebounds as Penn State remained unbeaten with an 85-66 thumping of Fordham in a semifinal of the Sunshine Slam on Monday in Daytona Beach, Fla. The Nittany Lions (6-0), who will play either San Francisco or Clemson for the tournament title on Tuesday, put four other players in double figures. Zach Hicks scored 16 points, while Puff Johnson added 15. Ace Baldwin and Yanic Konan Niederhauser each chipped in 12 points. Penn State sank nearly 53 percent of its field goal attempts and earned a 38-30 advantage on the boards, more than enough to offset missing 12 of its 32 foul shots. Four players reached double figures for the Rams (3-4), led by 15 points apiece from Jackie Johnson III and reserve Joshua Rivera. Romad Dean and Jahmere Tripp each added 13. Fordham was as close as 56-49 after Tripp made a layup with 14:25 left in the game. But the Nittany Lions responded with a 16-1 run, capped with a layup by Kern for a 22-point lead at the 9:33 mark, and they never looked back. The main storyline prior to tipoff was whether Penn State could continue its torrid early start that saw it come into the day leading Division I in steals and ranked second in scoring at 98.2 points per game. The Nittany Lions certainly played to their billing for most of the first half, establishing a 21-8 lead at the 10:08 mark via Hicks' three-point play. Fordham predictably struggled early with the pressure defense, committing four turnovers in the first four minutes. But the Rams got their bearings over the last 10 minutes and made some shots. They got as close as four on two occasions late in the half before Penn State pushed the lead to 42-34 at the half. The officials were busy in the half, calling 23 fouls and administering 27 free throws. --Field Level Media
Human thought crawls at 10 bits per second, Caltech study finds
Each holiday season, scammers hope to turn consumers’ Christmas shopping into gifts for themselves. People under the age of 70 fall for social media scams more often than any other type of scam, such as phone calls, texting and email, according to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) data . There are many types of social media scams and many different methods scammers use to trick victims. We VERIFIED six different ways scammers use social media to target victims and teach you how to avoid these scams. The most common social media scams are ads, particularly on Facebook and Instagram, that lead to fake online stores that never deliver items their victims have purchased, according to the FTC . A red flag that an online store’s website may be fraudulent is if it’s missing basic information, such as shipping times, costs, address and direct contact information, the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs says. If you’re unsure about an online store, you can check for consumer reviews or scam reports on the Better Business Bureau’s website. A store can fake the reviews on its own website, so it’s best to look at information posted on other sites. The FTC recommends simply searching for a store’s name and “scam” or “complaint” on Google before buying items. Using a credit card instead of a debit card for online purchases can also give you more protection against fake stores, the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs says. That’s because credit cards “offer better fraud protection and provide a safer way to dispute unauthorized charges if necessary.” Most people who use social media marketplaces, such as Facebook Marketplace, are genuine people selling legitimate items, but scammers may also pose as sellers or customers, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) says. The CCPC recommends that buyers not hand over any money unless they’re sure the item is legitimate. It advises sellers not to click any link a buyer sends them and to not send the buyer any details that might allow them to gain access to their bank account. This scam begins when the scammer either hacks a person’s profile or creates a brand new, fake profile meant to look like someone else’s. Then, the scammer will usually directly message family and friends of the person they’re impersonating, claim there’s an emergency and ask for money, says Terranova Security , a cybersecurity company. Alternatively, the scammer may send their victims links to malicious websites instead of asking for money, according to Wells Fargo . Whether it’s a request for money or an unexpected link, you should double-check the identity of the sender, say Terranova Security and Wells Fargo. Do that by contacting the person through other means, such as a call, text or email. Only take action after they’ve confirmed the message is really from them. You should generally be suspicious of profiles that are brand new or if you receive a friend request from a profile you thought you were already friends with, the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs says. In some cases, scammers will create profiles impersonating a well-known company, a government agency or a popular celebrity by using their names, logos and photos. These types of imposter accounts may post malicious links disguised as fake giveaways, promote investment scams or request money through direct messages, according to Aura , a cybersecurity company. Fake giveaways are used to harvest user data, steal personal information or spread malware. Terranova says genuine giveaways won’t ask for sensitive information and will always be conducted through a company’s official channels. These imposter accounts are usually new profiles. Their posts, messages and account information will often have poor grammar and spelling, the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs says. These accounts will also lack the official verification given to companies on most social media websites. Aura notes that scammers may also pose as celebrities and directly contact people to ask for money or claim they’re raising money for charities. Neither Taylor Swift nor any other celebrity will ever directly message random fans to ask for money. For some schemes, scammers don’t need to impersonate someone you already know. They can lure in victims by posting publicly about fake investment or job opportunities. Victims reported losing more money to investment scams than any other kind of social media scam in the first half of 2023, according to the FTC. Social media investment scams, which are often based around cryptocurrency, often promote the scammer’s own supposed success to lure people to investment websites or apps that turn out to be phony and leave victims empty-handed after they invest, the FTC said. Job offer scammers will usually promise their victims a good job, sometimes in the form of attractive work-from-home opportunities, but then require some kind of fee to actually secure the phony position, Wells Fargo and Terranova say. Legitimate employers, both online and off, will never ask you for a payment as a condition for employment, Terranova Security says. And you should generally be suspicious of anyone on social media who is asking for money or offering you money, Wells Fargo says. Romance scams often start with a seemingly innocent friend request from a stranger, quickly followed by love bombing and eventually requests for money, according to the FTC. These scams often start on Facebook, Instagram or Snapchat. These kinds of scammers tend to profess their “love” for you unusually quickly and may even offer to move closer to you, Wells Fargo says. Treat any quick profession of love from an online stranger as a red flag, Terranova says. Wells Fargo says other common signs of this scam include poor or vague communication, flowery language and a small number of pictures and posts on the stranger’s account. You should avoid sending money to anyone you have only met online, Wells Fargo says. Personality quizzes and surveys are popular on social media, and are thus popular among scammers, too. These malicious quizzes might ask for permissions that give them access to your account or ask for personal details that can be used to steal your identity or financial information. “When you encounter a quiz or social media test that asks for unnecessary personal details or permissions, do not proceed,” Terranova Security says. There is no 100% foolproof way to avoid being targeted by scammers on social media, but there are ways to reduce the likelihood. Wells Fargo recommends setting your profiles to be private, so only people you know can see your information and posts. You should also restrict your contacts to people you know personally. Don’t accept random friend requests from strangers. If you can turn off messages from strangers or filter them, it’s a good idea to do that, too. The Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs recommends that you regularly review your accounts’ privacy settings so you can ensure your information is only visible to people you know and trust. It also recommends regularly changing your password and using two-factor authentication for logins.
If there’s one individual from history who continues to enthral billions of people across our planet it’s a man called Abraham. Knight of faith, king of compassion, father of nations, he inspires Jews, Christians and Muslims. He is an interfaith maestro. In view of this, when I was recently invited to the Abrahamic Peace Working Group Conference in Indonesia, especially at this time of gross tension between the monotheist faiths, it was a no-brainer that I should attend. An Islamic organisation willing to invite Jews and Muslims to come together (and interact with Christians) was a rare opportunity. It also supported my belief, based on the profound reflections of former Commonwealth chief rabbi Jonathan Sacks and Rabbi Menachem Froman (a pioneer of interfaith endeavours in Israel and the West Bank) that if religion today is part of the problem, it can also be part of the solution. Mevlidi-i Halil Mosque in Sanliurfa, Turkiye, where a synagogue and then a church previously stood, is next to the reputed birthplace of Abraham. Credit: Mark Daffey The Abrahamic Peace or Circles initiative is the brainchild of Dr Dino Patti Djalal, former Indonesian ambassador to Washington, who believes that addressing the problems of the world means recognising the role religion plays in them. The October 7 War, says Dino, will continue to have emotional and psychological consequences; left unchecked it can also allow religious extremism to flourish. While he is mindful that meetings like this will not change the world overnight, he is convinced that small and incremental changes can temper the dangers of extremism. The conference involved Jewish, Christian and Muslim religious leaders and scholars from across the world, from Dubai and Jordan to London, New York and East Timor. Drafting an action plan was the most challenging part of the conference. Referencing the war of October 7 was a flashpoint of vigorous, angry and impassioned debate. There were tears and pain from the Jewish side when describing the murder and kidnapping of family, friends and fellow Jews; there were tears and broken hearts from Muslims with Palestinian family and friends in Gaza. There was sorrow on all sides for the horrible loss of innocent lives and the increase in antisemitism and Islamophobia. There was also a recognition of how the war has affected Christians who often felt caught in the middle. Notwithstanding the difficult, brave and vigorous conversations, we walked and worked side by side, ate and laughed together, appreciating our shared humanity. The wise words of Archbishop Desmond Tutu resonated: it’s better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it. The action plan developed at the conference is a bold, hopeful and practical response offering concrete proposals to address Abrahamic angst, using educational, governmental and social media platforms, alongside grassroots and youth-oriented programs. The conference coincided with the weekly Torah reading of Genesis 12, which concerns the journey and mission of Abraham: to be a blessing to humanity. This is an important reminder to all of us not to despair of our role to repair – and to play our part in mending – the world. Rabbi Ralph Genende is interfaith and community rabbi to the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council.
Federal DEI spending explodes under Biden-Harris administration
A fresh perspective on investing has caught the attention of the financial world. As market dynamics continue to evolve, investors are seeking alternative strategies to maximize their returns. Innovative Approach This new method emphasizes diversifying portfolios in unexpected ways. By focusing on sectors traditionally overlooked, investors are finding opportunities in areas they never considered before. Instead of sticking to the usual trends, this approach encourages a broader vision, spotting potential in emerging industries and technologies. Reshaping Portfolios Analysts suggest that this strategy could redefine how we think about risk and reward. By venturing outside conventional boundaries, investors may unlock new growth potential. This new mindset champions a proactive search for novelty in markets, aiming for both stability and innovation. Global Impact The ripple effect of this shift is already being felt worldwide. As more adopt this novel approach, the global investment landscape may see significant changes. Embracing a mix of tried-and-true methods along with bold, new ideas could lead to a more balanced and prosperous financial future. A Call for Action Now is the time for investors to reconsider their strategies and explore new horizons. With this innovative investment path, individuals can potentially harness diverse opportunities to bolster their financial well-being. As the adage goes, fortune often favors the bold. Unveiling the Future: Revolutionary Investment Tactics Transforming Global Markets In an era where market dynamics are constantly shifting, a new investment strategy is gaining traction, challenging traditional financial principles and offering fresh opportunities for growth. The Rise of Alternative Investment Strategies The new approach focuses on diversifying investment portfolios in unconventional ways, particularly by targeting sectors often neglected. These sectors include emerging industries and breakthrough technologies that promise substantial returns. By venturing beyond traditional market trends, investors can identify opportunities that were previously overlooked. Pros and Cons of the Innovative Investment Strategy – Pros : – Expands investment opportunities by identifying undervalued sectors. – Facilitates potential high returns through exploration of emerging markets. – Encourages a diversified portfolio, reducing overall investment risk. – Cons : – May involve higher risk due to the unpredictability of untested markets. – Requires extensive research and due diligence to identify viable opportunities. – Potentially volatile, with results less consistent than traditional strategies. Predictions and Trends: The Future of Investing Industry experts predict that this innovative investment approach could reshape the concept of risk and reward within financial markets. By blending stability with innovation, this strategy encourages a future where new market frontiers are explored, potentially leading to a more dynamic global investment landscape. Insights into the Global Impact The implementation of these strategies is already influencing global markets. As more investors adopt this approach, there is potential for significant changes in investment behaviors worldwide. The shift towards a balanced integration of time-tested methods and groundbreaking ideas could foster more robust financial systems globally. Security and Sustainability: Investment Strategies for the Modern World A key consideration for investors looking to adopt this strategy is ensuring security and sustainability. Emphasizing environmentally sustainable practices and assessing the long-term viability of new technologies ensures ethical and responsible investing. Compatibility with Existing Investment Principles This new strategy doesn’t solely replace traditional approaches but complements them. It encourages investors to think outside the box while still honoring the fundamental principles of risk management and portfolio diversification. Are You Ready for the Change? A Call to Action for Investors As the financial world evolves, it’s crucial for investors to reevaluate their strategies and consider exploring these new horizons. Engaging with this innovative approach may open doors to opportunities that not only enhance individual portfolios but also contribute positively to global economic growth. For more information on diverse investment strategies, visit Forbes .Iran restores access to WhatsApp and Google Play after they were banned amid protests
Vikings staying on track and in control behind Sam Darnold's composure and confidence
US President-elect Donald Trump has the Panama Canal in his sights, blasting the "exorbitant prices and rates of passage" levied on US ships, and threatening to retake control of the US-built shipping route, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. "The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, especially knowing the extraordinary generosity that has been bestowed to Panama by the US," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform . Accusing Panama of "ripping off" the US, Trump added that the canal "was not given for the benefit of others, but merely as a token of co-operation with us and Panama. If the principles, both moral and legal, of this magnanimous gesture of giving are not followed, then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us, in full, and without question." Why was the Panama Canal built? The 51-mile waterway, through the middle of Panama, connects the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans, and allows ships to avoid the long, treacherous journey around the southern tip of South America. Creating such a passageway was the "elusive goal of several empires that had colonies in the Americas", said CNN . The US took control of a strip of land and began construction in 1904, after backing a revolt that helped Panama win its independence from Colombia. When the canal was completed in 1914, it "cemented the US's status as an engineering and technological superpower" – despite the "enormous human cost". An estimated 5,600 people died during its construction. Now, up to 14,000 ships pass through the canal every year, transporting cargo worth about $270 billion (£214 billion). And the US is its biggest customer. Who owns the Panama Canal? Ownership of the canal has long been a bone of contention. After the canal opened, the US controlled it, to the exclusion of Panamanians – which, over the years, "created tensions between locals and US visitors", said The Guardian . These tensions reached critical mass in 1964 when anti-US riots broke out in the canal zone, leading to several deaths and a brief severing of diplomatic ties between the two countries. In 1977, the US began ceding control back to Panama, under a treaty signed by President Jimmy Carter. But the move wasn't supported by all, with then-presidential candidate Ronald Reagan stating that "the people of the United States" are "the rightful owners of the Canal Zone", said CNN. After a period of joint custody and official neutrality – "marred by a 1989 US invasion" to overthrow Manuel Noriega – Panama took full control in 1999, and has since operated the canal through the Panama Canal Authority. Trump has now suggested that the canal is in danger of falling into the "wrong hands" – an apparent reference to China, the canal's second-biggest customer. A "Chinese company, based in Hong Kong, controls two of the five ports next to the canal", said The Guardian. After Trump raised the issue again in a speech on Sunday, Panama's President José Raúl Mulino said that his country's sovereignty and independence were "non-negotiable", and that China had "no influence" or control over the canal. "Every square metre of the Panama Canal and its adjacent zones is part of Panama, and it will continue to be," Mulino said in a video statement. Trump responded: "We'll see about that!" Why is Trump interested in the Panama Canal? The canal is "running dry" , said the BBC . A lack of rain and the El Niño weather phenomenon mean that water levels in Lake Gatún, which feeds the canal, are "falling critically low". This drought has "hampered the canal's ability to move ships between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans", said Bloomberg . As part of its water-saving measures, Panama has reduced the number of ships allowed to pass through, and the weight they are allowed to carry, exacerbating existing pressures on supply chains. Despite the restrictions, the canal's profits increased by about 9.5% in the year ending in September, said Reuters , to $3.45 billion (£2.7 billion). But authorities have imposed higher and higher fees to pass through the canal, and this "appears to form one part of Trump's issue", said CNN . His other claim that China is seeking to exert more control "is not without merit", either – China's influence in the area around the canal has grown since Panama vowed in 2017 not to maintain any official ties with Taiwan . Trump also has form for "threatening to take or encroach on territory belonging to a friendly foreign power". He has "taunted" Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau by suggesting that Canada should be made the 51st US state, and, during his first term, he "repeatedly floated the idea of the US buying Greenland from Denmark" – a notion he also "resurrected" last weekend. His "not-so-subtle threats" are a reminder that Trump "does not always see the sovereignty of other nations' borders as sacrosanct", said The New York Times . Instead, he displays "the instincts of a real-estate developer who suddenly has the power of the world's largest military" to back him up.TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran's government on Tuesday said it had lifted a ban on access to WhatsApp and Google Play after more than two years, the official IRNA news agency reported. The report said the country’s Supreme Council of Cyber Space made the decision in a meeting led by reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian, who has vowed to remove restrictions on social media. Iran’s telecommunication minister Sattar Heshemi in a post on X called the decision a “first step” in removing restrictions and said “the path will continue" — indicating the possibility of unblocking other services. Many people reached by The Associated Press across the capital, Tehran, and other cities said they had access to the services on computers but not yet on mobile phones. WhatsApp has been the third most popular messaging platform in Iran after Instagram and Telegram. The ban on WhatsApp and Google Play was put in place in 2022 during mass protests against the government over the death of a woman held by the country’s morality police for allegedly violating the strictly enforced dress code. The protests calmed in 2023 after a crackdown by police and security forces that led to the death of hundreds of people and the imprisonment of thousands. Iran has blocked access to various social media platforms over the years but many people in the country use proxies and VPNs to access them. The Associated Press