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NoneEvens as incentive pay pools grow, many bankers may not receive higher payouts. Adrien Veczan/The Canadian Press Banks at the top of the leaderboard in share price performance this year are handing out the biggest bonus increases, rewarding employees for a year of higher profits and bigger returns. Performance-based compensation at Canada’s biggest banks jumped 12 per cent to $23.75-billion on average this year, up from a 9 per cent increase in 2023. But the bonus pool increases range widely, from a 4 per cent rise at Bank of Nova Scotia to a 19 per cent hike at Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. “This is one of the cloudiest years we have seen,” Bill Vlaad, chief executive officer of executive recruitment firm Vlaad and Company, said. “Most of the time we have strong confidence that bonuses are going to be up or down fairly definitively. This year it is a little less certain. I think part of that is because different parts of the business have performed extremely differently.” Evens as incentive pay pools grow, many bankers may not receive higher payouts. “This is a year where investment banks will pay $1 more – and only $1 more – to keep their teams intact,” Dean Executive Search founder and president Adam Dean said in an interview. “Top senior people and stars will always be appropriately compensated. However, from the discussions we’ve had with group heads and senior investment bankers around the street and across regions, I would say that this will be an incrementalist year in terms of how they pay their people to retain.” Bonuses are based on performance, and most of that compensation is paid to capital markets employees, which include traders, analysts and investment bankers, whose pay is typically more variable depending on performance and market conditions. There are also disparities among different capital markets teams. “You’ve got areas like equity capital markets or the sales and trading desk on the equity side, which has laid a goose egg for the last year,” Mr. Vlaad said. “But you’ve got their brethren in the debt capital markets and the fixed income side who have done well.” Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce CM-T increased its bonus pool by 19 per cent to $2.99-billion, a jump from last year’s 2.2 per cent increase and the largest percentage increase among the country’s top lenders. The increase in variable-based compensation was driven by growth across the bank as CIBC posted higher revenue, CIBC chief financial officer Robert Sedran said. CIBC’s stock has surged 47 per cent since the start of 2024 as revenue jumped 13 per cent and profit rose to $7.2-billion from $5-billion the 2023 fiscal year. While capital markets in 2024 saw only a slight uptick in net income, Mr. Sedran said the division performed well in a tough market as tax changes and market volatility put pressure on its global markets unit. “When we look at the performance of our capital markets business, they had a good year with our core clients, deepening client relationships, expanding internationally and navigating through some pretty volatile markets,” Mr. Sedran said Thursday discussing fourth-quarter results. Shares of Royal Bank of Canada RY-T and National Bank of Canada NA-T both climbed more than 30 per cent so far this year. Royal Bank of Canada allocated $8.8-billion for variable compensation, a 16 per cent jump year-over-year compared with a 6.7 per cent increase in 2023. Capital markets profit rose 10 per cent from last year to $4.8-billion. National Bank of Canada boosted variable compensation by 14 per cent to $1.5-billion. Last year, the lender increased bonuses by a slim 2 per cent. Toronto-Dominion Bank TD-T share price tumbled more than 14 per cent so far this year, plagued by anti-money laundering failings that prompted heavy penalties from U.S. regulators. On Thursday, the bank suspended its medium-term financial targets for 2025. While the bank’s total net income fell to $8.8-billion in the 2024 fiscal year, compared with $10.6-billion last year, profit in its capital markets unit jumped 20 per cent year-over-year. TD allocated $4.48-billion for incentive pay, a 10 per cent increase compared to 2023, but a significant drop from last year’s 23 per cent jump. Bank of Montreal BMO-T posted $3.74-billion in performance-based pay, a 5 per cent increase year-over-year, as capital markets profit declined. Bank of Nova Scotia BNS-T set aside $2.17-billion in performance-based pay, a 4 per cent increase year-over-year, as capital markets profit fell 5 per cent to $1.69-billion. In 2023, the bank also increased bonuses by 4 per cent. “It is not like every bank had a similar year,” Vlaad and Company president Mark Stipe said.. “Each bank made their money in different spots. RBC had a huge year in fixed income, TD last year had a big year in M&A. But if they don’t get [bonuses] right, you’re going to see large exoduses off of a couple of firms.”
Alabama flips RB Jace Clarizio from Michigan StateSome quotations from Jimmy Carter: We have a tendency to exalt ourselves and to dwell on the weaknesses and mistakes of others. I have come to realize that in every person there is something fine and pure and noble, along with a desire for self-fulfillment. Political and religious leaders must attempt to provide a society within which these human attributes can be nurtured and enhanced. — from 1975 book “Why Not the Best?” Our government can express the highest common ideals of human beings — if we demand of government true standards of excellence. At this Bicentennial time of introspection and concern, we must demand such standards. — “Why Not the Best?” I am a Southerner and an American, I am a farmer, an engineer, a father and husband, a Christian, a politician and former governor, a planner, a businessman, a nuclear physicist, a naval officer, a canoeist, and among other things a lover of Bob Dylan’s songs and Dylan Thomas’s poetry. — “Why Not the Best?” Christ said, “I tell you that anyone who looks on a woman with lust has in his heart already committed adultery.” I’ve looked on a lot of women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times. This is something that God recognizes I will do — and I have done it — and God forgives me for it. But that doesn’t mean that I condemn someone who not only looks on a woman with lust but who leaves his wife and shacks up with somebody out of wedlock. — Interview, November 1976 Playboy. This inauguration ceremony marks a new beginning, a new dedication within our Government, and a new spirit among us all. A President may sense and proclaim that new spirit, but only a people can provide it. — Inaugural address, January 1977. It’s clear that the true problems of our nation are much deeper — deeper than gasoline lines or energy shortages, deeper even than inflation and recession. ... All the legislation in the world can’t fix what’s wrong with America. ... It is a crisis of confidence. — So-called “malaise” speech, July 1979. But we know that democracy is always an unfinished creation. Each generation must renew its foundations. Each generation must rediscover the meaning of this hallowed vision in the light of its own modern challenges. For this generation, ours, life is nuclear survival; liberty is human rights; the pursuit of happiness is a planet whose resources are devoted to the physical and spiritual nourishment of its inhabitants. — Farewell Address, January 1981. We appreciate the past. We are grateful for the present and we’re looking forward to the future with great anticipation and commitment. — October 1986, at the dedication of the Carter Presidential Library and Museum. War may sometimes be a necessary evil. But no matter how necessary, it is always an evil, never a good. We will not learn to live together in peace by killing each other’s children. — December 2002, Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech. Fundamentalists have become increasingly influential in both religion and government, and have managed to change the nuances and subtleties of historic debate into black-and-white rigidities and the personal derogation of those who dare to disagree. ... The influence of these various trends poses a threat to many of our nation’s historic customs and moral commitments, both in government and in houses of worship. — From 2005 book “Our Endangered Values.” I think that this breakthrough by Barack Obama has been remarkable. When he made his speech (on race) a few months ago in Philadelphia, I wept. I sat in front of the television and cried, because I saw that as the most enlightening and transforming analysis of racism and a potential end of it that I ever saw in my life. — August 2008, commenting on then-Sen. Barack Obama’s candidacy. I think it’s based on racism. There is an inherent feeling among many in this country that an African-American should not be president. ... No matter who he is or how much we disagree with his policies, the president should be treated with respect. — September 2009, reacting to Rep. Joe Wilson’s shout of “You lie!” during a speech to Congress by President Barack Obama. I’m still determined to outlive the last guinea worm. — 2010, on The Carter Center’s work to eradicate guinea worm disease. You know how much I raised to run against Gerald Ford? Zero. You know how much I raised to run against Ronald Reagan? Zero. You know how much will be raised this year by all presidential, Senate and House campaigns? $6 billion. That’s 6,000 millions. — September 2012, reacting to the 2010 “Citizens United” U.S. Supreme Court decision permitting unlimited third-party political spending. I have become convinced that the most serious and unaddressed worldwide challenge is the deprivation and abuse of women and girls, largely caused by a false interpretation of carefully selected religious texts and a growing tolerance of violence and warfare, unfortunately following the example set during my lifetime by the United States. — From 2014 book “A Call to Action.” I don’t think there’s any doubt now that the NSA or other agencies monitor or record almost every telephone call made in the United States, including cellphones, and I presume email as well. We’ve gone a long way down the road of violating Americans’ basic civil rights, as far as privacy is concerned. — March 2014, commenting on U.S. intelligence monitoring after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks We accept self-congratulations about the wonderful 50th anniversary – which is wonderful – but we feel like Lyndon Johnson did it and we don’t have to do anything anymore. — April 2014, commenting on racial inequality during a celebration of the Civil Rights Act’s 40th anniversary. I had a very challenging question at Emory (University) the other night: “How would you describe the United States of America today in one word?” And I didn’t know what to say for a few moments, but I finally said, “Searching.” I think the country in which we live is still searching for what it ought to be, and what it can be, and I’m not sure we’re making much progress right at this moment. — October 2014 during a celebration of his 90th birthday. The life we have now is the best of all. We have an expanding and harmonious family, a rich life in our church and the Plains community, and a diversity of projects at The Carter Center that is adventurous and exciting. Rosalynn and I have visited more than 145 countries, and both of us are as active as we have ever been. We are blessed with good health and look to the future with eagerness and confidence, but are prepared for inevitable adversity when it comes. — From 2015 book, “A Full Life.” Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to share on X (Opens in new window) Most Popular Chinese student’s drone got stuck in tree near Newport News Shipbuilding, leading to Espionage Act prosecution Chinese student’s drone got stuck in tree near Newport News Shipbuilding, leading to Espionage Act prosecution Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter dies at 100 Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter dies at 100 Candidates who ran against Sen. 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But it is not the largest prize a person has won in this country. Here are the 10 biggest UK lottery winners – all from EuroMillions draws – and what some of them did with their fortunes. – Anonymous, £195,707,000 A UK ticket-holder scooped the record EuroMillions jackpot of £195 million on July 19 2022 – the biggest National Lottery win of all time. – Joe and Jess Thwaite, £184,262,899.10 Joe and Jess Thwaite, from Gloucester, scooped a then record-breaking £184,262,899 with a Lucky Dip ticket for the draw on May 10 2022. At the time, Joe was a communications sales engineer, and Jess ran a hairdressing salon with her sister. – Unclaimed ticket holder, £177 million Tuesday’s winner is wealthier than former One Direction member Harry Styles and heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua, who are both worth £175 million, according to the latest Sunday Times Rich List. Players have been urged to check their tickets to see if they can claim the prize. – Anonymous, £170,221,000 The fourth biggest winner of the National Lottery to date scooped £170 million in October 2019, after matching all the numbers in a Must Be Won draw. – Colin and Chris Weir, £161,653,000 Colin and Chris Weir, from Largs, North Ayrshire, bagged their historic winnings in July 2011, making them the biggest UK winners at the time. Colin used £2.5 million of his fortune to invest in his beloved Partick Thistle Football Club, which led to one of the stands at the stadium being named after him. He later acquired a 55% shareholding in the club, which was to be passed into the hands of the local community upon his death. He died in December 2019, aged 71. The couple also set up the Weir Charitable Trust in 2013 and donated £1 million to the Scottish independence referendum in 2014. They divorced in the same year as Colin’s death. – Adrian and Gillian Bayford, £148,656,000 Adrian and Gillian won 190 million euros in a EuroMillions draw in August 2012, which came to just over £148 million. The couple bought a Grade II listed estate in Cambridgeshire, complete with cinema and billiards room, but it was sold in 2021, some years after the pair divorced, as reported by The Mirror. – Anonymous, £123,458,008 The seventh biggest National Lottery winner won a Superdraw rollover jackpot in June 2019, and decided not to go public with their success. – Anonymous, £122,550,350 After nine rollovers, one lucky anonymous ticket-holder bagged more than £122 million in April 2021. – Anonymous, £121,328,187 Another of the UK’s top 10 lottery winners found their fortune through a Superdraw jackpot rollover, this time in April 2018. – Frances and Patrick Connolly, £114,969,775 Former social worker and teacher Frances set up two charitable foundations after she and her husband won almost £115 million on New Year’s Day 2019. She estimates that she has already given away £60 million to charitable causes, as well as friends and family. She considers helping others to be an addiction, saying: “It gives you a buzz and it’s addictive. I’m addicted to it now.”
Maupay also had a dig at Everton when he departed on loan to Marseille in the summer and his latest taunt has further angered the Premier League club’s supporters. The 28-year-old said on X after Sean Dyche’s side had lost 2-0 to Nottingham Forest at Goodison Park on Sunday: “Whenever I’m having a bad day I just check the Everton score and smile.” Whenever I’m having a bad day I just check the Everton score and smile 🙂 — Neal Maupay (@nealmaupay_) December 29, 2024 Former boxer Tony Bellew was among the Toffees’ supporters who responded to Maupay, with the ex-world cruiserweight champion replying on X with: “P****!” Maupay endured a miserable spell at Everton, scoring just one league goal in 29 appearances after being signed by the Merseysiders for an undisclosed fee in 2022. He departed on a season-long loan to his former club Brentford for the 2023-24 season and left Goodison for a second time in August when Marseille signed him on loan with an obligation to make the deal permanent. After leaving Everton in the summer, Maupay outraged their fans by posting on social media a scene from the film Shawshank Redemption, famous for depicting the main character’s long fight for freedom.FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Looking for hard-to-find bottles of Kentucky bourbon to toast the holidays or add to a collection? Get your bids ready as the Bluegrass State launches its first online auction of confiscated alcohol. Whiskeys up for sale include two bottles of Old Rip Van Winkle, a Blanton’s Single Barrel Gold in box with Japanese markings and a bottle of Four Roses Small Batch Barrel Strength 2011. The sale is the result of a new Kentucky law, which allows alcohol confiscated from closed criminal investigations by the state's alcoholic beverage control agency to be auctioned. Online bidding opens Wednesday and closes at midnight on Dec. 11. Proceeds will support programs promoting responsible alcohol use by adults and awareness programs for youths. “This is a really good auction,” Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, said by phone Tuesday. “There are some hard-to-find and rare bottles on there.” No estimate has been given on how much the auction might raise. “We look forward to seeing the response to this auction and have started planning additional auctions for 2025,” said Allyson Taylor, commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. The auction features 32 bottles of alcohol and includes a “stock the bar” bundle with bottles of wine, vodka, rum and whiskey, the agency said. Story continues below video But the stars are the hard-to-find and rare bourbons up for sale. “It’s not every day you go to a liquor store and find a bottle of Blanton’s Gold," Gregory said. “You never go to a liquor store and find a bottle of Four Roses 2011.” The lineup includes bottles of E.H. Taylor bourbon, Blanton’s Single Barrel, Eagle Rare 10 yr., Weller Antique 107, Willett Family Estate Single Barrel Rye, Michter’s, an Old Forester gift set and more. A link to the online auction is available at ABC.ky.gov . Auction items cannot be shipped, so winning bidders must pick up items in Frankfort, the state said. The auctions will become a “can't miss opportunity” for bourbon connoisseurs, Gregory said. Until this year's change in the law, Kentucky regulators were required to destroy confiscated alcohol once a case was closed, the agency said. “We don't like to see good bourbon poured down the drain,” Gregory said. Kentucky distillers produce 95% of the global bourbon supply, the Kentucky distillers’ group says.
Mcap of 6 of top-10 most valued firms climbs Rs 86,847.88 cr; HDFC Bank, RIL biggest gainersNotable quotes by Jimmy CarterChargers activate RB J.K. Dobbins from IR
A UK ticket-holder has won £177 million in Tuesday’s EuroMillions draw. But it is not the largest prize a person has won in this country. Here are the 10 biggest UK lottery winners – all from EuroMillions draws – and what some of them did with their fortunes. – Anonymous, £195,707,000 A UK ticket-holder scooped the record EuroMillions jackpot of £195 million on July 19 2022 – the biggest National Lottery win of all time. – Joe and Jess Thwaite, £184,262,899.10 Joe and Jess Thwaite, from Gloucester, scooped a then record-breaking £184,262,899 with a Lucky Dip ticket for the draw on May 10 2022. At the time, Joe was a communications sales engineer, and Jess ran a hairdressing salon with her sister. – Unclaimed ticket holder, £177 million Tuesday’s winner is wealthier than former One Direction member Harry Styles and heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua, who are both worth £175 million, according to the latest Sunday Times Rich List. Players have been urged to check their tickets to see if they can claim the prize. – Anonymous, £170,221,000 The fourth biggest winner of the National Lottery to date scooped £170 million in October 2019, after matching all the numbers in a Must Be Won draw. – Colin and Chris Weir, £161,653,000 Colin and Chris Weir, from Largs, North Ayrshire, bagged their historic winnings in July 2011, making them the biggest UK winners at the time. Colin used £2.5 million of his fortune to invest in his beloved Partick Thistle Football Club, which led to one of the stands at the stadium being named after him. He later acquired a 55% shareholding in the club, which was to be passed into the hands of the local community upon his death. He died in December 2019, aged 71. The couple also set up the Weir Charitable Trust in 2013 and donated £1 million to the Scottish independence referendum in 2014. They divorced in the same year as Colin’s death. – Adrian and Gillian Bayford, £148,656,000 Adrian and Gillian won 190 million euros in a EuroMillions draw in August 2012, which came to just over £148 million. The couple bought a Grade II listed estate in Cambridgeshire, complete with cinema and billiards room, but it was sold in 2021, some years after the pair divorced, as reported by The Mirror. – Anonymous, £123,458,008 The seventh biggest National Lottery winner won a Superdraw rollover jackpot in June 2019, and decided not to go public with their success. – Anonymous, £122,550,350 After nine rollovers, one lucky anonymous ticket-holder bagged more than £122 million in April 2021. – Anonymous, £121,328,187 Another of the UK’s top 10 lottery winners found their fortune through a Superdraw jackpot rollover, this time in April 2018. – Frances and Patrick Connolly, £114,969,775 Former social worker and teacher Frances set up two charitable foundations after she and her husband won almost £115 million on New Year’s Day 2019. She estimates that she has already given away £60 million to charitable causes, as well as friends and family. She considers helping others to be an addiction, saying: “It gives you a buzz and it’s addictive. I’m addicted to it now.”Some quotations from Jimmy Carter: We have a tendency to exalt ourselves and to dwell on the weaknesses and mistakes of others. I have come to realize that in every person there is something fine and pure and noble, along with a desire for self-fulfillment. Political and religious leaders must attempt to provide a society within which these human attributes can be nurtured and enhanced. — from 1975 book “Why Not the Best?” Our government can express the highest common ideals of human beings — if we demand of government true standards of excellence. At this Bicentennial time of introspection and concern, we must demand such standards. — “Why Not the Best?” I am a Southerner and an American, I am a farmer, an engineer, a father and husband, a Christian, a politician and former governor, a planner, a businessman, a nuclear physicist, a naval officer, a canoeist, and among other things a lover of Bob Dylan’s songs and Dylan Thomas’s poetry. — “Why Not the Best?” Christ said, “I tell you that anyone who looks on a woman with lust has in his heart already committed adultery.” I’ve looked on a lot of women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times. This is something that God recognizes I will do — and I have done it — and God forgives me for it. But that doesn’t mean that I condemn someone who not only looks on a woman with lust but who leaves his wife and shacks up with somebody out of wedlock. — Interview, November 1976 Playboy. This inauguration ceremony marks a new beginning, a new dedication within our Government, and a new spirit among us all. A President may sense and proclaim that new spirit, but only a people can provide it. — Inaugural address, January 1977. It’s clear that the true problems of our nation are much deeper — deeper than gasoline lines or energy shortages, deeper even than inflation and recession. ... All the legislation in the world can’t fix what’s wrong with America. ... It is a crisis of confidence. — So-called “malaise” speech, July 1979. But we know that democracy is always an unfinished creation. Each generation must renew its foundations. Each generation must rediscover the meaning of this hallowed vision in the light of its own modern challenges. For this generation, ours, life is nuclear survival; liberty is human rights; the pursuit of happiness is a planet whose resources are devoted to the physical and spiritual nourishment of its inhabitants. — Farewell Address, January 1981. We appreciate the past. We are grateful for the present and we’re looking forward to the future with great anticipation and commitment. — October 1986, at the dedication of the Carter Presidential Library and Museum. War may sometimes be a necessary evil. But no matter how necessary, it is always an evil, never a good. We will not learn to live together in peace by killing each other’s children. — December 2002, Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech. Fundamentalists have become increasingly influential in both religion and government, and have managed to change the nuances and subtleties of historic debate into black-and-white rigidities and the personal derogation of those who dare to disagree. ... The influence of these various trends poses a threat to many of our nation’s historic customs and moral commitments, both in government and in houses of worship. — From 2005 book “Our Endangered Values.” I think that this breakthrough by Barack Obama has been remarkable. When he made his speech (on race) a few months ago in Philadelphia, I wept. I sat in front of the television and cried, because I saw that as the most enlightening and transforming analysis of racism and a potential end of it that I ever saw in my life. — August 2008, commenting on then-Sen. Barack Obama’s candidacy. I think it’s based on racism. There is an inherent feeling among many in this country that an African-American should not be president. ... No matter who he is or how much we disagree with his policies, the president should be treated with respect. — September 2009, reacting to Rep. Joe Wilson’s shout of “You lie!” during a speech to Congress by President Barack Obama. I’m still determined to outlive the last guinea worm. — 2010, on The Carter Center’s work to eradicate guinea worm disease. You know how much I raised to run against Gerald Ford? Zero. You know how much I raised to run against Ronald Reagan? Zero. You know how much will be raised this year by all presidential, Senate and House campaigns? $6 billion. That’s 6,000 millions. — September 2012, reacting to the 2010 “Citizens United” U.S. Supreme Court decision permitting unlimited third-party political spending. I have become convinced that the most serious and unaddressed worldwide challenge is the deprivation and abuse of women and girls, largely caused by a false interpretation of carefully selected religious texts and a growing tolerance of violence and warfare, unfortunately following the example set during my lifetime by the United States. — From 2014 book “A Call to Action.” I don’t think there’s any doubt now that the NSA or other agencies monitor or record almost every telephone call made in the United States, including cellphones, and I presume email as well. We’ve gone a long way down the road of violating Americans’ basic civil rights, as far as privacy is concerned. — March 2014, commenting on U.S. intelligence monitoring after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks We accept self-congratulations about the wonderful 50th anniversary – which is wonderful – but we feel like Lyndon Johnson did it and we don’t have to do anything anymore. — April 2014, commenting on racial inequality during a celebration of the Civil Rights Act’s 40th anniversary. I had a very challenging question at Emory (University) the other night: “How would you describe the United States of America today in one word?” And I didn’t know what to say for a few moments, but I finally said, “Searching.” I think the country in which we live is still searching for what it ought to be, and what it can be, and I’m not sure we’re making much progress right at this moment. — October 2014 during a celebration of his 90th birthday. The life we have now is the best of all. We have an expanding and harmonious family, a rich life in our church and the Plains community, and a diversity of projects at The Carter Center that is adventurous and exciting. Rosalynn and I have visited more than 145 countries, and both of us are as active as we have ever been. We are blessed with good health and look to the future with eagerness and confidence, but are prepared for inevitable adversity when it comes. — From 2015 book, “A Full Life.”
Raphinha scores 2 and Barcelona ends Spanish league slump with 5-1 rout of MallorcaTiny dancers: Scientists synchronize bacterial motion December 3, 2024 Delft University of Technology Researchers at TU Delft have discovered that E. coli bacteria can synchronize their movements, creating order in seemingly random biological systems. By trapping individual bacteria in micro-engineered circular cavities and coupling these cavities through narrow channels, the team observed coordinated bacterial motion. These findings have potential applications in engineering controllable biological oscillator networks. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIN Email Researchers at TU Delft have discovered that E. coli bacteria can synchronise their movements, creating order in seemingly random biological systems. By trapping individual bacteria in micro-engineered circular cavities and coupling these cavities through narrow channels, the team observed coordinated bacterial motion. Their findings, which have potential applications in engineering controllable biological oscillator networks, were recently published in Small . An audience clapping in rhythm, fireflies flashing in unison, or flocks of starlings moving as one -- synchronisation is a natural phenomenon observed across diverse systems and scales. First described by Christiaan Huygens in the 17th century, synchronisation was famously illustrated by the aligned swinging of his pendulum clocks. Now, TU Delft researchers have shown that even E. coli bacteria -- single-celled organisms only a few micrometres long -- can display this same phenomenon. "This was a remarkable moment for our team," said Farbod Alijani, associate professor at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. "Seeing bacteria 'dance in sync' not only showcases the beauty of nature but also deepens our understanding of the microscopic origins of self-organisation among the smallest living organisms." Synchronised movement Alijani's team, together with TU Delft professor Cees Dekker and the TU Delft spin-off SoundCell, achieved this by using precisely engineered microcavities that trap single E. coli cells from a bulk population. Inside these circular cavities, the bacteria began to exhibit rotary motion akin to pendulum clocks. By connecting two of these cavities with a tiny channel, the researchers observed that after some time, the two bacteria began to synchronise their movements. "This synchronisation occurs because of hydrodynamic interactions induced by the movement of bacteria in the coupled system," explains Alijani. The team quantified this coupling strength and found that the bacteria's coordinated motion adhered to universal mathematical rules of synchronisation. Towards a network of coordinated motion The findings hold significant promise, paving the way for designing micro-tools capable of inducing controlled oscillations and synchronisation in bacterial systems. Such tools could help scientists study bacterial motility and coordination in confined environments, providing a better understanding of microbial active matter. The team is now exploring more complex systems by coupling multiple cavities to form networks of synchronised bacteria. "We want to uncover how these networks behave and whether we can engineer even more sophisticated dynamical movements," Alijani adds. Possibilities for drug screening While this research is primarily fundamental, its potential applications are wide-ranging. "This could even provide a novel approach to drug screening, for instance, by measuring fluid flow changes and forces caused by bacterial movement before and after administering antibiotics," Alijani suggests. The study was inspired by earlier work where Alijani's team recorded the first-ever sound of a single bacterium using a graphene drum. "We were curious if we could go a step further and create order out of the chaotic oscillations we observed," says Alijani. With this study, they've moved from recording the soundtrack of a single bacterium to orchestrating their 'tango'. Story Source: Materials provided by Delft University of Technology . Note: Content may be edited for style and length. Journal Reference : Cite This Page :Scientists identify brain cell type as master controller of urination December 3, 2024 eLife Researchers have identified a subset of brain cells in mice that act as the master regulators of urination. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIN Email Researchers have identified a subset of brain cells in mice that act as the master regulators of urination. The research, published today as a Reviewed Preprint in eLife , is described by editors as an important study with convincing data showing that estrogen receptor 1-expressing neurons (ESR1+) in the Barrington's nucleus of the mouse brain coordinate both bladder contraction and relaxation of the external urethral sphincter. Urination requires the coordinated function of two units of the lower urinary tract. The detrusor muscle of the bladder wall relaxes to allow the bladder to fill and empty, while the external sphincter opens when it's appropriate to allow urine to flow out, but otherwise keeps tightly shut. "Impairment of coordination between the bladder muscle and the sphincter leads to various urinary tract dysfunctions and can significantly degrade a person's quality of life," says first author Xing Li, Advanced Institute for Brain and Intelligence, School of Physical Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China. "But although we know the individual nerve signalling pathways that control each of these urinary tract components, we don't know which brain areas ensure they cooperate at the right time." To explore this, the authors used state-of-the-art live cell imaging to study the activity of brain cells in anaesthetised and awake mice during urination. They focused on a brain region called the pontine micturition centre (PMC), otherwise known as the Barrington's nucleus, and compared the activity of different PMC nerve cell subtypes. In their first experiments, they measured the activity of the cells as the bladder empties by measuring changes in levels of calcium. This revealed that the electrical firing rate of a subset of PMC cells expressing estrogen receptors (PMC ESR1+ cells) was tightly linked to bladder emptying. When they combined this with monitoring bladder physiology, they found that it was not only the timing of PMC ESR1+ cell activity that correlated with bladder emptying, but the strength of cell electrical activity, too. Next, they tested what happened to urination if they blocked or triggered the PMC ESR1+ cells. They found that when PMC ESR1+ cell activity was blocked, the amount of urine the mice passed was significantly reduced and ongoing urination was suspended from the moment the cells were inactive. To understand the mechanism behind this, they measured the activity of the bladder muscle and sphincter. They discovered that both increase of bladder pressure and sphincter muscle bursting activity associated with bladder emptying both stopped when PMC ESR1+ cell activity was blocked during an ongoing voiding even. Similarly, when PMC ESR1+ cells were artificially activated using light, bladder emptying occurred 100% of the time. This suggests that PMC ESR1+ cells work as a reliable master switch that either initiates or suspends bladder emptying. To test whether PMC ESR1+ cells can influence bladder emptying independently of controlling the sphincter, they disconnected either the nerve carrying messages from the brain to the sphincter, or the nerve carrying messages from the brain to the bladder. They found that PMC ESR1+ cell control of the bladder was fully operational even when communication to the sphincter was blocked, and vice versa. This showed the cells could control the bladder and sphincter independently of one another, but the question remained: could they coordinate the action of the bladder muscle and sphincter together? That is, operate them in a controlled, perfectly timed manner, to trigger bladder emptying when appropriate? To explore this, they simultaneously recorded bladder pressure and electromyography measurements of sphincter activity. The timing of bladder pressure changes immediately before sphincter bursting activity was consistent for both spontaneous bladder emptying and emptying caused by activating the PMC ESR1+ cells, showing that these cells can coordinate the two steps in a precisely temporal sequence and controlled way. "Our study shows that a subset of cells in the Barrington's nucleus of the brain can initiate and suspend bladder emptying with 100% accuracy when needed, for example, to release only a small volume for landmarking by animals, or for a human to urinate into a small sample tube for a health check," concludes senior author Xiaowei Chen, Third Military Medical University, and Chongqing Institute for Brain and Intelligence, China. "While other cells will no doubt be involved in perfect urination control, our pinpointing of PMC ESR1+ cells' crucial role in bladder-sphincter coordination will aid the development of targeted therapies for treating urination dysfunction caused by brain or spinal cord injury or peripheral nerve damage." Story Source: Materials provided by eLife . Note: Content may be edited for style and length. Journal Reference : Cite This Page :
Adelaide, Dec 6: Ravichandran Ashwin was preferred over Washington Sundar for the second Test here because the Indian team management reckoned the senior off-spinner would be more effective on the Adelaide Oval surface, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said on Friday. Also, Ashwin’s record in pink-ball Tests helped him pip Ravindra Jadeja and Sundar in the playing XI. Australia dominated the opening day’s play and reached 86/1 at stumps after bowling out India for 180 in their first innings, making a strong comeback following the 295-run hammering they received at the hands of the visitors in the series opener at Perth. “Yeah, Washy hasn’t put a foot wrong since he’s come into the fold, halfway through that New Zealand series... I guess the thinking going into the last Test, we wanted to strengthen the batting,” ten Doeschate said at the post-day press conference. “And given what we saw of Nitish in the first Test, we kind of thought we’d go with what we perceived to be the guys bowling the best spin at the moment. And we feel Ash is more likely to get wickets in these conditions.” “When you get the confidence of Nitish batting at 7, it doesn’t really matter with Ash batting at 8. And that was the thinking. Not much to choose between them. And we just thought that Ash would be slightly more effective on this wicket,” he added. Australia will enter the second day trailing by only 94 runs and with nine wickets in hand, but ten Doeschate felt India can still turn things around and will draw inspiration form their remarkable comeback in the Perth Test. “I know that the scores look like there is a big gap between the two teams but we still feel we are in the game and with a few tweaks tomorrow (Saturday), we can get back in the game,” India’s assistant coach told the media. “This team doesn’t need the coaches to go into the dressing room and say we need to fight. The guys understand that implicitly and it’s obviously a very proud team who wants to come here and do well. “We feel slightly behind the game now but there certainly won’t be any letting up and certainly won’t be any surrendering. There certainly is a little bit of swing and a little bit of seam still there. So we’re pretty confident we can still turn it around.” He added, “At Perth, we got bowled out for 150 and still we got back into that game. This is a proud team and the players want to come here and do well. We may be slightly behind in the game now but there certainly won’t be any surrendering.” He was asked if playing less matches with pink ball had something to do with the performance of the team on Friday. “I just think it’s the nature of it. If you’re going to bring the pink ball into it, it’s obviously great for the crowds. It’s a little bit different for the players and we try to use the week as best we can to help them to adapt to the small differences. “I don’t think there are huge differences and I certainly don’t think there’s anything to read into about how the guys performed today. He added that things happen a bit faster with the pink ball. “Things happen in clumps, we lost wickets in clumps, which we wanted to avoid. I also thought that Mitchell’s (Starc) stock ball was very good and there are lessons to be learnt from that first innings. We will look at how we can play better in the second innings.” The assistant coach was full of praise for 21-year-old all-rounder Reddy, who stood out with his solid knock on the first day and dragged India to 180. “We are so chuffed with him. From the prep week in Perth, where he looked like he still needed to figure things out, the way he worked in Perth and the game plans he implemented in Perth, to get crucial runs there, I think to get us to 150 in that first game was amazing. “Just the way he’s gone about his work here. It’s obviously the first pink ball game he’s playing in. There’s still a little bit of work to do. He’s very raw. But for a young kid, a 21-year-old, to come out like that and play three innings of the quality he has, it’s super exciting. “There’s obviously a chat about Washy not playing. But he’s done everything a young player could do in a very short space of time. And we think he’s got a very high ceiling.” Ten Doeschate said India will look to go all out in the first session of the second day. “I think we’ll go as hard as we can in the morning but be slightly conscious of what the rest of the day looks like and what we need to do to get back into the game.”Happy Valley actor James Norton announced the winner in a ceremony held at Tate Britain on Tuesday evening. The five jury members chose Kaur for “her ability to gather different voices through unexpected and playful combinations of material, from Irn-Bru to family photographs and a vintage Ford Escort, locating moments of resilience and possibility”. Kaur, who was born in Glasgow but lives and works in London, used her speech to advocate for the people in Palestine. The 38-year-old said she wanted to “echo the calls of the protesters outside” who had gathered after an open letter urged the Tate to cut ties with “organisations complicit in what the UN and ICJ are finally getting closer to saying is a genocide of the Palestinian people”. “This is not a radical demand,” Kaur said on stage. “This should not risk an artist’s career or safety. We’re trying to build consensus that the ties to these organisations are unethical, just as artists did with Sackler,” she said, referencing the family linked to the opioid epidemic. “I’ve been wondering why artists are required to dream up liberation in the gallery but when that dream meets life we are shut down. “I want the separation between the expression of politics in the gallery and the practice of politics in life to disappear. “I want the institution to understand that if you want us inside, you need to listen to us outside.” Kaur concluded her speech by calling for a ceasefire, adding: “Free Palestine.” BBC reporter Katie Razzall had to apologise to viewers after Kaur used a swear word in her speech. The artist was nominated for an exhibition that was held at the Tramway in her home city last year. The display, a series of installations exploring religious identities, politics and history, makes heavy use of different sounds, embedded into the exhibition by way of worship bells, Sufi Islamic devotional music, Indian harmonium, and pop tracks. This year the arts prize, named after British painter JMW Turner, which awards £25,000 to its winner, is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Established in 1984, the prize is awarded each year to a British artist for an outstanding exhibition or other presentation of their work. Previous recipients include sculptor Sir Anish Kapoor (1991), artist Damien Hirst (1995), and filmmaker Sir Steve McQueen (1999). In 2025, the prize will be presented in Bradford at Cartwright Hall art gallery, marking the 250th anniversary of Turner’s birth. The exhibition of the four shortlisted artists – Pio Abad, Claudette Johnson, Delaine Le Bas, and Kaur – is at Tate Britain until February 16 2025.Chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen returns to a tournament after a dispute over jeans is resolved
With a focus on human rights, US policy toward Latin America under Jimmy Carter briefly tempered a long tradition of interventionism in a key sphere of American influence, analysts say. Carter, who died Sunday at the age of 100, defied the furor of US conservatives to negotiate the handover of the Panama Canal to Panamanian control, suspended aid to multiple authoritarian governments in the region, and even attempted to normalize relations with Cuba. Carter's resolve to chart a course toward democracy and diplomacy, however, was severely tested in Central America and Cuba, where he was forced to balance his human rights priorities with pressure from adversaries to combat the spread of communism amid the Cold War standoff with the Soviet Union. "Latin America was fundamental and his global policy was oriented toward human rights, democratic values and multilateral cooperation," political analyst Michael Shifter of the Inter-American Dialogue, a think tank in Washington, told AFP. During his 1977-1981 administration, which was sandwiched between the Republican presidencies of Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan, the Democrat sought to take a step back from US alignment with right-wing dictatorships in Latin America. An important symbol of Carter's approach was the signing of two treaties in 1977 to officially turn over the Panama Canal in 1999. "Jimmy Carter understood that if he did not return the canal to Panama, the relationship between the United States and Panama could lead to a new crisis in a country where Washington could not afford the luxury of instability," said Luis Guillermo Solis, a political scientist and former president of Costa Rica. Carter called the decision, which was wildly unpopular back home, "the most difficult political challenge I ever had," as he accepted Panama's highest honor in 2016. He also hailed the move as "a notable achievement of moving toward democracy and freedom." During his term, Carter opted not to support Nicaraguan strongman Anastasio Somoza, who was subsequently overthrown by the leftist Sandinista Front in 1979. But in El Salvador, the American president had to "make a very uncomfortable pact with the government," said Shifter. To prevent communists from taking power, Carter resumed US military assistance for a junta which then became more radical, engaging in civilian massacres and plunging El Salvador into a long civil war. Carter took a critical approach to South American dictatorships in Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Paraguay, suspending arms deliveries and imposing sanctions in some cases. But his efforts "did not achieve any progress in terms of democratization," said Argentine political scientist Rosendo Fraga. The American president also tried to normalize relations with Cuba 15 years after the missile crisis. He relaxed sanctions that had been in force since 1962, supported secret talks and enabled limited diplomatic representation in both countries. "With him, for the first time, the possibility of dialogue rather than confrontation as a framework for political relations opened up," Jesus Arboleya, a former Cuban diplomat, told AFP. But in 1980, a mass exodus of 125,000 Cubans to the United States, with Fidel Castro's blessing, created an unexpected crisis. It "hurt Carter politically with the swarm of unexpected immigrants," said Jennifer McCoy, a professor of political science at Georgia State University. Castro continued to support Soviet-backed African governments and even deployed troops against Washington's wishes, finally putting an end to the normalization process. However, more than 20 years later, Carter made a historic visit to Havana as ex-president, at the time becoming the highest-profile American politician to set foot on Cuban soil since 1959. During the 2002 visit, "he made a bold call for the US to lift its embargo, but he also called on Castro to embrace democratic opening," said McCoy, who was part of the US delegation for the trip, during which Castro encouraged Carter to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at a Cuban All-Star baseball game. "Castro was sitting in the front row and we were afraid he would rise to give a long rebuttal to Carter's speech. But he didn't. He just said, 'Let's go to the ball game.'" In the years following Carter's presidency, Ronald Reagan (1981-1989) would go on to resume a full-frontal confrontation with Cuba. Decades later, Barack Obama (2009-2017) opened a new phase of measured normalization, which Donald Trump (2017-2021) brought to an end. US President Joe Biden promised to review US policy toward Cuba, but hardened his stance after Havana cracked down on anti-government protests in 2021. "Carter showed that engagement and diplomacy are more fruitful than isolation," McCoy said. bur-lp-rd-jb/lbc/mlr/bfm/sst/bbk
MADRID (AP) — Barcelona got back to winning in the Spanish league in style, routing Mallorca 5-1 on Tuesday with a pair of goals by Raphinha. Ferran Torres, Frenkie de Jong and Pau Víctor also scored for Barcelona, which hadn't won in three consecutive league games to allow Real Madrid to inch closer at the top of the standings. Madrid is now four points back although it has two games in hand. Torres, who got to start in place of league-leading scorer Robert Lewandowski, opened the scoring in the 12th minute after Mallorca defenders failed to clear an easy ball from inside the area. One defender tried to kick it away but it ended ricocheting off a teammate to give Ferran an easy shot on goal. The hosts equalized with Vedat Muriqi in a breakaway just before halftime in what was Mallorca's only shot on target, but Raphinha put Barcelona back in front by converting a 56th-minute penalty kick. He added to the lead in the 74th after a nice assist by Lamine Yamal. Raphinha now has 11 goals in 16 league games this season. “This is probably my best moment, but I want to do more,” Raphinha said. “We knew it was important to win again after three matches in which something was lacking. It wasn't our best match, but it was important to win.” Yamal also helped set up De Jong's goal five minutes later, not long after the midfielder had come off the bench. It was De Jong who then assisted Víctor's goal in the 84th. Barcelona has scored five or more goals in a match for the sixth time this season across all competitions. It has outscored opponents 48-17 in the league alone. Barcelona had lost twice in its last three league matches — 2-1 to Las Palmas at home on Saturday and 1-0 at Real Sociedad three rounds ago. Its other setback was a 2-2 draw at Celta Vigo when it was winning 2-0 until late in the match. The game against Mallorca was moved forward in the schedule because both clubs will be playing in the Spanish Super Cup in January. Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao, the other two clubs in the Super Cup, will meet on Wednesday in Bilbao. Barcelona, which beat Brest in the Champions League last week, will visit Real Betis in its next league match on Saturday. Mallorca, sitting in sixth place in the Spanish league, faces Celta on Friday. Mallorca was coming off two straight league victories — against Valencia and at Las Palmas. In the second round of the Copa del Rey, fourth-division club Barbastro ousted top-flight club Espanyol 2-0, while Celta Vigo trounced Salamanca 7-0, Las Palmas defeated Europa 2-1 and Valladolid beat Ávila 4-2. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccerSean Penn slams Oscars for its 'cowardice' in fiery rant
A Boston city councilor was arrested by FBI agents Friday morning after she was indicted in an alleged kickback scheme that netted her thousands of dollars in cash from a staffer in exchange for a large bonus. Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson, 45, represents District 7 in Boston, which includes Roxbury, Dorchester, Fenway and part of the South End. Sister station WCVB was outside her Dorchester home Friday when FBI agents placed her under arrest at about 6 a.m. According to court documents, Fernandes Anderson faces five federal counts of wire fraud and one federal count of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds. "These six felony charges stem from an alleged kickback scheme that she orchestrated to obtain several thousand dollars in taxpayer money in exchange for a bribe she paid to a staffer who she gave a very large bonus," U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy said. Fernandes Anderson was going to use the money from the scheme to pay a fine issued following an ethics investigation, Levy said. Fernandes Anderson is expected to appear in federal court Friday afternoon. According to a federal indictment , Fernandes Anderson gave extra bonus money to "Staff Member A" with the agreement that the staffer would give a portion of the money back to the councilor. That staff member is a relative of Fernandes Anderson, something the councilor lied about, investigators said. Since staff bonus information is publicly available, Fernandes Anderson said the larger bonus for Staff Member A was to compensate them for previous volunteer work, court documents said. Staff Member A's $13,000 bonus was more than double the amount given to other staffers, investigators said. "But that supersized bonus came with a hitch. Ms. Fernandes Anderson told Staff Member A she would need to fork over $7,000 in cash back to Ms. Fernandes Anderson. Staff Member A agreed," Levy said. Over the course of several bank transactions in June 2023, the staffer withdrew $7,000 from the deposited bonus payout, according to the indictment. That money was then surreptitiously handed over to Fernandes Anderson on June 9, 2023, according to the indictment. “At approximately 4:11 p.m., Staff Member A texted FERNANDES ANDERSON, ‘Bathroom’ to let FERNANDES ANDERSON know that Staff Member A was waiting in the bathroom to hand the $7,000 in cash to FERNANDES ANDERSON. Within seconds, FERNANDES ANDERSON texted Staff Member A, ‘Ready’ to confirm that FERNANDES ANDERSON was ready to accept the $7,000 cash kickback from Staff Member A. Shortly following these texts, Staff Member A handed FERNANDES ANDERSON approximately $7,000 in cash at a bathroom in City Hall,” the indictment states. Read the full indictment here. Officials said the investigation is ongoing, and no one else has been charged. In 2023, the state ethics commission found Fernandes Anderson violated the conflict of interest law by hiring her sister and son at city hall and raising their salaries to $70,000 a year. Fernandes Anderson agreed to pay a fine of $5,000. Investigators said Friday the relative involved in the kickback scam was hired after the ethics fine was levied against her, and the scheme was hatched to pay the fine. "Ms. Fernandes Anderson chose to violate her fiduciary duty and defraud the city of Boston, the indictment alleges, rather than find a legal means to pay off that debt," Levy said. Last month, the state Office of Campaign and Political Finance sent her campaign a letter which said it had not timely filed deposit information and had taken contributions over the legal limit. Earlier this week, Fernandes Anderson said she was "not thinking about quitting. I'm not thinking about stepping down." After the arrest, Mayor Michelle Wu said Fernandes Anderson has a "right to a fair legal process," but urged the councilor to step down. "The serious nature of these charges undermine the public trust and will prevent her from effectively serving the city," Wu said in a statement. "I urge Councilor Fernandes Anderson to resign." City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune said a resignation would prevent disruption to the council while Fernandes Anderson's case is litigated. "Given the severity of the allegations brought against her, and the direct impact that they have on residents’ ability to see the Boston City Council as their faithful stewards, it is in the best interest of the body that she resign," Louijeune wrote in a statement. Councilor At-Large Erin Murphy, District 2 Councilor Ed Flynn and District 8 Councilor Sharon Durkan also called for Fernandes Anderson to resign. Fernandes Anderson has represented District 7 since 2021 and won re-election in 2023.
Astrologers foresee a year of extraordinary growth and prosperity for three zodiac signs in 2025. With planetary movements creating transformative energy, individuals under these signs are set to experience luck, success, and personal growth. ET Year-end Special Reads What kept India's stock market investors on toes in 2024? India's car race: How far EVs went in 2024 Investing in 2025: Six wealth management trends to watch out for Whether it’s stepping out of their comfort zones, embracing new opportunities, or aligning with their true purpose, 2025 promises to be a remarkable year. Here’s a closer look at what’s in store for Gemini, Cancer, and Pisces, as mentioned in a report by Hindustan Times. Gemini: Embracing Change and Breaking Barriers For Geminis, 2025 signals the beginning of a transformative era. From July 7 to November 7, Uranus enters Gemini, offering a preview of a seven-year cycle that will fully take shape in 2026. This period encourages Gemini to break free from routine and embrace bold changes that will redefine their lives. 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By venturing beyond their comfort zones, Geminis can align with their true purpose and unlock their potential. This pivotal year marks the start of a journey that promises to elevate them to new heights with renewed confidence and perspective. Cancer: A Year of Abundant Opportunities Luck and growth are on the horizon for Cancerians in 2025, thanks to Jupiter's entry into Cancer in June. The planet of expansion and abundance will remain in this sign for about a year, bringing with it a cascade of opportunities for success. Jupiter’s presence encourages Cancer to broaden their horizons, explore new possibilities, and embrace their natural talents. Their inherent warmth and kindness will attract supportive individuals and create meaningful connections. By staying true to themselves and their values, Cancerians can seize the chances that come their way, leading to personal and professional achievements. Pisces: Embracing Destiny and Self-Transformation Pisces is set for a year of profound growth and alignment with their true purpose in 2025. With the North Node moving into Pisces in January, this cosmic shift propels them toward a life of balance and fulfillment. Pisces will feel an undeniable call to deepen their self-awareness and embrace personal transformation. Trusting their intuition will be crucial during this time, as it will guide them toward decisions that align with their destiny. By nurturing self-love and focusing on their inner journey, Pisces can unlock their full potential and create a harmonious life that reflects their deepest aspirations. How to Harness 2025’s Astrological Energy While 2025 brings unique opportunities for Gemini, Cancer, and Pisces, everyone can benefit from the year’s transformative energy by trusting their instincts and pursuing their goals. Checking your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs can provide additional insights into how these celestial shifts may influence your journey. FAQs What is the #1 zodiac sign? As the first sign of the zodiac, Aries thrives on being number one. This energetic fire sign is always up for a challenge, approaching even the toughest situations with boldness and ambition. Fearless and driven, Aries is determined to emerge victorious every time. Who was the father of astrology? Alan Leo, originally named William Frederick Allan, was a renowned British astrologer, author, publisher, astrological data collector, and theosophist. He is frequently hailed as "the father of modern astrology." (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )Man City stumble again while Arsenal and Bayern Munich earn dominant wins
The piece of technology sits unassumingly on top of the helmet of veteran quarterback Sam Darnold during most practices at TCO Performance Center. ADVERTISEMENT It allows the Vikings to capture footage in real time, providing a peek into the past for the man at the forefront of the future. “It’s super cool,” Darnold said. “It’s a really amazing tool to be able to use.” Though the Vikings are very much keeping the focus on this season with big goals in mind, they also have started laying the foundation for next season with the help of a GoPro camera. “This is the first time I’ve done anything like that,” Darnold said. “It doesn’t really feel like anything when it’s on my helmet.” ADVERTISEMENT That’s arguably the biggest part of its appeal. The fact that the GoPro camera weighs much less than a pound means it doesn’t interfere with anything the Vikings are trying to get done on a daily basis. It exists more or less as an accessory for Darnold at this point, taking video from his perspective whether he’s calling a play in the huddle, making a check at the line of scrimmage or scanning the field after the ball is snapped. That has been extremely useful for rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy as he continues to work his way through his recovery from a knee injury that ended his rookie campaign before it even got started. The ability to see everything through the eyes of Darnold has helped McCarthy train his brain even if he isn’t able to experience it firsthand. ADVERTISEMENT “The mental reps are of utmost importance,” McCarthy said a couple of months ago. “Just watching film from that perspective is really good.” This is the best option for the Vikings right now. Originally, after selecting McCarthy with the No. 10 pick in the 2024 draft, the Vikings hoped he would be able to get live reps himself this season. ADVERTISEMENT Instead, after McCarthy had surgery to repair a torn meniscus, the Vikings are doing everything in their power to make sure he’s ready for next season. That’s something head coach Kevin O’Connell has stressed whenever McCarthy’s name has been brought up. “We wanted to make sure we’re maximizing every moment for him,” O’Connell said. “We thought, ‘How do we make sure we’re doing the things that we need to do to ensure that he’s in the best possible position when he is healthy?'” The use of a GoPro camera is simply another resource the Vikings have at their disposal. ADVERTISEMENT “We’ve done a lot of different stuff that maybe we don’t do with a 10-year veteran quarterback,” O’Connell said. “Just to make sure that we’re farming an ideal learning environment for him to hit the ground running when he’s healthy.” As soon as the GoPro camera captures the footage from a particular practice, McCarthy can go back and watch it, getting a feel for what life is like in the huddle, at the line of scrimmage and after the ball is snapped. Sometimes the Vikings will even put it on in their war room, where there’s a gigantic screen that takes up an entire wall. That grandiose display is something offensive coordinator Wes Phillips appreciates because it makes it feel like McCarthy is inside the helmet. ADVERTISEMENT “It’s pretty cool to watch in there,” Phillips said. “It gives him a chance to see it a little bit more from that perspective.” Some of the other creative ways the Vikings have kept McCarthy on track include allowing him to be a part of the dialogue that goes on between O’Connell and Darnold during games. He was cleared to travel with the team for the first time last month, for example, so he was in attendance at SoFi Stadium when the Vikings suffered a 30-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Just getting a glimpse of what it feels like in the heat of battle will go a long way for McCarthy as he continues to develop. “I’m really excited about having him with us,” O’Connell said. “Any and all areas we can find to maximize those chances, we’re going to use it.” All the while, McCarthy has also been attending meetings, asking questions to O’Connell, Phillips, quarterback coach Josh McCown, assistant quarterbacks coach Grant Udinski and anybody else he can find in their office at TCO Performance Center. “He’s great about saving some questions he has,” Phillips said. “He’ll do that off to the side, understanding that guys are getting ready for the game.” Though the Vikings would’ve loved for McCarthy to be able to learn everything firsthand as a rookie, they are making the most of their current situation, ensuring their young quarterback of the future is completely prepared heading into next season. “Obviously he wants more than anybody to be there physically,” Phillips said. “He’s doing everything he can to be ready when his time comes.” ______________________________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here .Chilean prosecutors probe harassment complaint against President Boric, who says he's a victim
Jimmy Carter, the earnest peanut farmer who as US president struggled with a bad economy and the Iran hostage crisis but brokered peace between Israel and Egypt has died at his home in Plains, Georgia, the Carter Centre said. He was 100. or signup to continue reading "My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love," said Chip Carter, the former president's son. "My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs". A Democrat, Carter served as president from January 1977 to January 1981 after defeating incumbent Republican President Gerald Ford in the 1976 US election. Carter was swept from office four years later in an electoral landslide as voters embraced Republican challenger Ronald Reagan, the former actor and California governor. Carter's one-term presidency was marked by the highs of the 1978 Camp David accords between Israel and Egypt, bringing some stability to the Middle East. But it was dogged by an economy in recession, persistent unpopularity and the embarrassment of the Iran hostage crisis that consumed his final 444 days in office. In recent years, Carter experienced several health issues including melanoma that spread to his liver and brain. Carter decided to receive hospice care in February 2023 instead of undergoing additional medical intervention. His wife, Rosalynn Carter, died in November, 2023, at age 96. He looked frail when he attended her memorial service and funeral in a wheelchair. Carter left office profoundly unpopular but worked energetically for decades on humanitarian causes. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 in recognition of his "untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development." A Southern Baptist Sunday school teacher since his teens, Carter brought a strong sense of morality to the presidency, speaking openly about his religious faith. Despite his difficulties in office, Carter had few rivals for accomplishments as a former president. He gained global acclaim as a tireless human rights advocate, a voice for the disenfranchised and a leader in the fight against hunger and poverty, winning the respect that eluded him in the White House. Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his efforts to promote human rights and resolve conflicts around the world, from Ethiopia and Eritrea to Bosnia and Haiti. His Carter Centre in Atlanta sent international election-monitoring delegations to polls around the world. The Middle East was the focus of Carter's foreign policy. The 1979 Egypt-Israel peace treaty, based on the 1978 Camp David accords, ended a state of war between the two neighbours. Carter brought Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin to the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland for talks. Later, as the accords seemed to be unravelling, Carter saved the day by flying to Cairo and Jerusalem for personal shuttle diplomacy. The treaty provided for Israeli withdrawal from Egypt's Sinai Peninsula and establishment of diplomatic relations. Begin and Sadat each won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1978. By the 1980 election, the overriding issues were double-digit inflation, interest rates that exceeded 20 per cent and soaring gas prices, as well as the Iran hostage crisis that brought humiliation to America. These issues marred Carter's presidency and undermined his chances of winning a second term. In November 1979, revolutionaries devoted to Iran's Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini stormed the US Embassy in Tehran, seized the Americans present and demanded the return of the ousted shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who was backed by the United States and was being treated in a US hospital. The American public initially rallied behind Carter. But his support faded in April 1980 when a commando raid failed to rescue the hostages, with eight US soldiers killed in an aircraft accident in the Iranian desert. Carter's final ignominy was that Iran held the 52 hostages until minutes after Reagan took his oath of office on January 20, 1981, to replace Carter, then released the planes carrying them to freedom. Not all of Carter's post-presidential work was appreciated. In 2004, Carter called the Iraq war launched in 2003 by President George W Bush one of the most "gross and damaging mistakes our nation ever made." He called the younger Bush's administration "the worst in history" and said Vice President Dick Cheney was "a disaster for our country." In 2019, Carter questioned Republican Donald Trump's legitimacy as president, saying "he was put into office because the Russians interfered on his behalf." Trump responded by calling Carter "a terrible president." DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. 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Enzo Maresca backs his Chelsea side to 'dominate English football'... but insists the Blues are not ready to be the top dogs in the Premier League yetNoneiShares iBonds Dec 2029 Term Corporate ETF ( NYSEARCA:IBDU – Get Free Report ) shares saw unusually-high trading volume on Friday . Approximately 1,356,069 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 240% from the previous session’s volume of 398,776 shares.The stock last traded at $22.77 and had previously closed at $22.79. iShares iBonds Dec 2029 Term Corporate ETF Stock Down 0.2 % The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $22.97 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $23.07. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Confluence Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of iShares iBonds Dec 2029 Term Corporate ETF during the third quarter valued at about $5,798,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its position in iShares iBonds Dec 2029 Term Corporate ETF by 16,778.2% in the 3rd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 242,371 shares of the company’s stock valued at $5,698,000 after buying an additional 240,935 shares in the last quarter. Lyell Wealth Management LP raised its stake in iShares iBonds Dec 2029 Term Corporate ETF by 23.3% during the 3rd quarter. Lyell Wealth Management LP now owns 305,924 shares of the company’s stock worth $7,192,000 after buying an additional 57,724 shares during the period. Adirondack Trust Co. boosted its holdings in iShares iBonds Dec 2029 Term Corporate ETF by 108.9% in the third quarter. Adirondack Trust Co. now owns 42,731 shares of the company’s stock worth $1,004,000 after acquiring an additional 22,271 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Spinnaker Trust grew its stake in iShares iBonds Dec 2029 Term Corporate ETF by 70.2% in the third quarter. Spinnaker Trust now owns 53,268 shares of the company’s stock valued at $1,252,000 after acquiring an additional 21,971 shares during the period. iShares iBonds Dec 2029 Term Corporate ETF Company Profile The iShares iBonds Dec 2029 Term Corporate ETF (IBDU) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund tracks a Bloomberg index of USD-denominated, investment-grade corporate bonds maturing between Jan 1 and Dec 15, 2029. IBDU was launched on Sep 17, 2019 and is managed by BlackRock. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for iShares iBonds Dec 2029 Term Corporate ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares iBonds Dec 2029 Term Corporate ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .WASHINGTON — A federal judge dismissed the gun case against Hunter Biden on Tuesday after President Joe Biden issued a sweeping pardon for his son. U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika closed the case the week before Hunter Biden was to be sentenced. He could have faced up to 25 years in prison, though as a first-time offender he likely would have gotten far less time or avoided prison entirely. Prosecutors opposed dismissing the case, arguing in court documents that a pardon shouldn't wipe away the case “as if it never occurred." Hunter Biden was convicted on three felonies after he lied on a federal form to purchase a gun in Delaware by saying he wasn’t a drug user in 2018, a period when he has acknowledged being addicted. The Justice Department special counsel is also opposed to dismissing a case filed in California after he failed to pay $1.4 million in taxe s. A federal judge in Los Angeles hasn't yet ruled in that case. The president's Sunday decision to go back on previous pledges and issue his son a blanket federal pardon for actions over the past 11 years has sparked a political uproar in Washington, drawing criticism from many Democrats as well as Republicans and threatening to cloud Biden’s legacy as he prepares to leave office on Jan. 20. Hunter Biden was originally supposed to strike a plea deal with prosecutors last year that would have spared him prison time, but the agreement fell apart after Noreika questioned unusual aspects of it.