Verstappen captures 4th F1 championship after Mercedes sweep of Las Vegas Grand Prix LAS VEGAS (AP) — Max Verstappen cruised to a fourth consecutive Formula 1 championship Saturday night by finishing fifth in the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Verstappen needed only to finish ahead of Lando Norris of McLaren to give Red Bull a fourth straight driver championship. The Dutchman started fifth but was already up to second by the 10th lap around the street circuit that includes the famed Las Vegas Strip. Norris, who had to score at least three points more than Verstappen to extend the championship fight, finished sixth. The race was won by George Russell who was followed by Lewis Hamilton in the first 1-2 sweep for the Mercedes drivers since 2022. Dartmouth sorority, two members of fraternity face charges after student who attended party drowned HANOVER, N.H. (AP) — A sorority at Dartmouth College and two members of a fraternity faces charges related to the death of a student who drowned after attending an off-campus party. The Hanover, New Hampshire police department, where Dartmouth is located, said Friday that Alpha Phi was charged with one count of facilitating an underage alcohol house. Two members of the Beta Alpha Omega face a charge of providing alcohol to a person under 21. Won Jang, 20, of Middletown, Delaware, had attended an off-campus party in July hosted by Alpha Phi sorority. Police said the alcohol was provided by Beta Alpha Omega. Tens of thousands of Spaniards protest housing crunch and high rents in Barcelona BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Tens of thousands of Spaniards are marching in downtown Barcelona to protest the skyrocketing cost of renting an apartment in the popular tourist destination. Protesters cut off traffic on main avenues in the city center, holding up homemade signs in Spanish reading “Fewer apartments for investing and more homes for living." The lack of affordable housing has become one of the leading concerns for the southern European Union country, mirroring the housing crunch across many parts of the world, including the United States. The average rent for Spain has doubled in the last decade. In cities like Barcelona, rental prices have also been driven up by short-term renters including tourists. Jason Kelce's wife announces she is pregnant with the couple's fourth child Former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce's wife is announcing she's pregnant with the couple's fourth child. Kylie Kelce posted a photo on Instagram on Friday of the couple's three young daughters reacting to the news. The oldest daughter, Wyatt, appears to be cupping her head in shock. The middle daughter, Ellioette, is smiling. The youngest, Bennett, is in tears. A caption attached to the photo reads: “I feel like we captured a very accurate representation of how each of the girls feel about getting another sister. At least Ellie, mom and dad are on the same page!” Israeli-Moldovan rabbi living in UAE is missing. Israeli officials fear he may have been kidnapped DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — An Israeli-Moldovan rabbi living in the United Arab Emirates has gone missing, with Israeli authorities raising the suspicion he may have been kidnapped as tensions remain high with Iran. The Israeli prime minister’s office said that Zvi Kogan has been missing since noon Thursday. It said that against the backdrop of information that this was a terrorist incident, an extensive investigation has been opened in the country. Emirati officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment Saturday. State-run media in the UAE, an autocratic federation of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula and home to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, did not immediately report the incident. Alyssa Nakken, first full-time female coach in MLB history, leaving Giants to join Guardians CLEVELAND (AP) — Alyssa Nakken, the first woman to coach in an MLB game, is leaving the San Francisco Giants to join the Cleveland Guardians. Nakken made history in 2022 when she took over as first-base coach following an ejection. A former college softball star at Sacramento State, Nakken joined the Giants in 2014 and was promoted to a spot on manager Gabe Kapler’s staff in 2020, becoming the majors’ first full-time female coach. Nakken has been hired as an assistant director within player development for the Guardians, who won the AL Central last season under first-year manager Stephen Vogt. Nakken, 34, will work with former Giants coaches Craig Albernaz and Kai Correa. Officer kills pet dog mistaken for a coyote in Massachusetts town. The owner says it was unnecessary An animal control officer shot and killed a pet dog in a Massachusetts town after mistaking it for a coyote in an incident local police are describing as a sad mix-up. Police in Northbridge, Massachusetts, say the shooting happened on Tuesday after police received a call of a report of a coyote in a residential backyard. Police say the animal control officer went into the woods to look for the coyote and found what they thought was the animal in a threatening position and shot it. The incident happened as communities around Massachusetts and the country have dealt with an uptick in interactions between coyotes and people. Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Michael B. Jordan uses timeout at women's college basketball game to sign smoldering photo LOS ANGELES (AP) — Snoop Dogg strolled in wearing a jacket with JuJu Watkins’ name and number on the front and back. Michael B. Jordan thrilled a USC female fan with an impromptu autograph during a timeout. The stars came out to the showdown between third-ranked Southern California and No. 6 Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish won 74-61 to remain undefeated in the nationally televised game. The woman held up a smoldering magazine photo of the actor and he indicated he'd sign it. With the arena DJ egging her on, she climbed out of the stands and met Jordan at his seat. He leaned in to ask her name, signed and they shared an embrace.
"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" To keep reading, please log in to your account, create a free account, or simply fill out the form below.PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Dec, 2024) The newly established 'Seed Testing Lab’ in has prepared a stock of viable and suitable seeds to be utilized in four divisions of the province in the upcoming spring plantation season. “The Forest Department has set up an internationally accredited laboratory that tests seed’s purity, viability, germination and tetrazolium for production of quality seeds that can give better in growing of forest and increasing green cover,” said Ashir Shuaib, Assistant Director Research and Development Forest Department . Talking to APP, Ashir informed that orchards have been developed in different areas of the province for getting quality seeds which are now checked at the lab for viability. The practice will help in growing of strong forest that can sustain the impacts of climate change besides giving better results to department and people, he hoped. Ashir said due to lack of proper Seed Testing Lab, the department was not getting details about quality of seed being sown in spring and monsoon plantation. However now, he continued, the Seed Testing Lab will provide quality seed which will be clear of any pathogen and would give desired results in stipulated time. The seed stock have been stored at storage houses set up in Manshera and divisions in an appropriate atmosphere and will be utilized during spring plantation, he added. The Seed Lab can also generate revenue for Forest department by testing seed quality before distribution plan by any international organizations like USAID, FAO, . Such organizations can utilize only certified seed lab of Forest department of , Aishir continued. The seed lab checks viability, germination percentage under different treatments, moisture content, preservation methods and utilization for hard seeds, he continued.
House approves $895B defense bill with military pay raise, ban on transgender care for minorsPackers wide receiver Romeo Doubs leaves game because of concussion
Okanagan Sun head coach Travis Miller was struck by a vehicle in Kelowna's Glenmore neighbourhood on Tuesday, Dec. 10. Kelowna RCMP have confirmed the incident, stating the pedestrian was struck when crossing the road in the crosswalk. The Sun confirmed in a social media post stating the pedestrian was Miller, who had just finished his last recruiting meeting of the day. According to RCMP, Miller was taken to Kelowna General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries and the extent of the injuries are unknown. Meanwhile, the Sun said Miller underwent surgery and both his feet were crushed in the incident. “The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and cooperated with police,” said Kelowna RCMP media relations officer Sgt. Laura Pollock. “There was no indication the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol and speed does not appear to be a factor.” RCMP are still investigating the incident and are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or anyone with dashcam footage in the area from 5:45 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. to step forward and reach out to police at 250-762-3300 with the file number 2024-72174. Miller has been the Sun's head coach since Apr. 2, 2022.The rumor mill has been churning for months about the upcoming Nintendo Switch successor, tentatively dubbed the “Switch 2.” While Nintendo remains tight-lipped, a mystery leaker on Reddit, who goes by the username “NextHandheld,” claims to have encountered a final retail unit of the console. This leak, corroborated by sources at The Verge, provides tantalizing details about the console and its dock, painting a picture of a system that refines the Switch formula while introducing some key upgrades. Unveiling the Dock: Enhanced Connectivity and a Sleek Design One of the most significant revelations from the leak concerns the Switch 2’s dock. According to “NextHandheld,” the dock features a “curved” design, departing from the sharp angles of the original Switch dock. Leaked images seem to confirm this, showcasing a more modern aesthetic. More importantly, the dock is said to include an Ethernet port, a feature long requested by Switch owners who prefer the stability of wired internet connections for online gaming. This addition could significantly improve the online experience for competitive titles like Splatoon 2 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The dock also reportedly retains the core connectivity options of its predecessor, including two USB-A ports and an HDMI output. A USB-C port presumably handles power delivery and connectivity to the console. Joy-Cons: Familiar Yet Evolved The leaked information suggests that the Joy-Cons, the detachable controllers that define the Switch’s hybrid nature, will see some refinements in the new iteration. While they are expected to retain their overall form factor, the leak hints at the inclusion of a mysterious “C” button. Speculation abounds about the function of this new button, with some suggesting it could be a dedicated capture button for screenshots and video recording. The Console: A Refined Form Factor? Details about the console itself are more limited. However, the leak, combined with information from other sources, suggests a potential increase in screen size. This aligns with the trend of larger displays in handheld gaming devices. It remains to be seen whether Nintendo will opt for an OLED screen, as seen in the revised Switch model, or another display technology . Performance Upgrades: A New Level of Power? While the Reddit leak doesn’t delve into the technical specifications of the Switch 2, it’s widely anticipated that the console will boast significant performance improvements over its predecessor. Rumors suggest the inclusion of a new NVIDIA Tegra chip, potentially enabling higher resolutions, smoother frame rates, and more complex visuals. This would allow the Switch 2 to handle more demanding games and provide a more visually impressive experience. The “Switch 2” Name: More Than Just a Placeholder? Interestingly, the leak also indicates that the console might simply be called the “Nintendo Switch 2.” While this might seem like a straightforward choice, it breaks from Nintendo’s tradition of giving its consoles unique names. This could signal a shift in Nintendo’s marketing strategy, emphasizing the continuity and backward compatibility of the new system. My Thoughts and Expectations As an avid Switch owner, I’m incredibly excited about the prospect of a new and improved console. The leaked details, if accurate, point to a system that addresses some of the shortcomings of the original Switch while building upon its strengths. The addition of an Ethernet port to the dock is a particularly welcome change. As someone who enjoys playing online games, I’ve often been frustrated by the inconsistent performance of the Switch’s Wi-Fi connection. A wired connection would provide a much more stable and reliable online experience. I’m also intrigued by the rumored “C” button on the Joy-Cons. A dedicated capture button would be a convenient addition, streamlining the process of sharing gameplay moments with friends. While the leak doesn’t provide concrete information about the console’s internal hardware, I’m hopeful that Nintendo will deliver a significant performance boost. The ability to play games at higher resolutions and smoother frame rates would be a major selling point for the Switch 2. Overall, I’m optimistic about the future of the Nintendo Switch . The leaked details suggest that Nintendo is committed to refining its hybrid console concept, delivering a more powerful and feature-rich gaming experience. I can’t wait to see what Nintendo officially unveils in the coming months. The leaked information, while exciting, should be treated with caution until officially confirmed by Nintendo. However, it provides a tantalizing glimpse into what the future holds for the Switch. With its potential combination of enhanced connectivity, refined design, and improved performance, the Switch 2 could be poised to become another massive success for Nintendo.
Driving are evading detection from speed cameras by using so-called 'ghosts plates' that aren't picked up by traditional enforcement tools. Authorities are cracking down on the use of these unique plates that obscure the registration from camera detection, rendering them illegitimate. The illegal 3D and 4D 'ghost plates' reflect light, concealing the plate to skirt detection. Now, police forces are arming themselves with advanced cameras capable of spotting these deceptive devices. The head of the UK's Automatic Number Plate Recognition system technology expressed concern over the use of 'ghost plates'. According to Professor Fraser Simpson, who called it, 'staggeringly simple' practice, previously wrote a letter to then-Transport Secretary Mark Harper after leaving his role as Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner, lamenting the lack of action being taken to curb this issue, reports Wales Online. READ MORE: Veteran was 'programmed to ignore pain' - it had tragic consequences READ MORE: Blue Badge warning as breaking rules could lead to £1,000 fine Local authorities are now being equipped with cameras designed to 'see' these elusive plates. Wolverhampton is one locality where council officers have been provided these upgraded cameras as part of the intensified efforts. Car owners found using these unlawful number plates can expect to receive a £100 penalty. Councillor Craig Collingswood, responsible for environment and climate change at Wolverhampton City Council, spoke to BirminghamLive about the initiative. "Wolverhampton is leading the way as the first council investing in this state-of-the-art technology to deter and detect offenders," he said. Also known as 3D and 4D plates, police are now equipping themselves with special cameras to detect people flouting the law (Image: Wales Online) "Bus lanes are essential for the public transport network to operate efficiently and speed cameras help to keep the public safe from speeding vehicles and reduce the likelihood of a crash. "All motorists can expect to pay a fine if found to be using these illegal methods to avoid cameras and taxi drivers licensed by Wolverhampton may have their licence suspended or revoked." Writing to Mr Harper, Professor Sampson revealed that people are evading fines by cloning number plates, using reflective tape, and purchasing 'stealth plates', allowing them to speed or sneak into low-emission zones undetected. "All motorists can expect to pay a fine if found to be using these illegal methods to avoid cameras," says Councillor Craig Collingswood (Image: Getty Images) He added that despite technology being advanced, there is still only a 97% accuracy with number plate recognition – leading to approximately 2.4 million misreadings daily, which could result in faultless drivers being mistakenly ticketed. Professor Sampson said that around 15,400 traffic lanes monitored by cameras create between 75 and 80 million number plate reads daily and sometimes exceeding 80 million, with predictions this could surge to 100 million reads every day by the conclusion of 2024. Prof Sampson has highlighted a significant flaw in the ANPR system, despite its technological advancements and operational indispensability. "For all its technological advancement and operational indispensability, the ANPR system still relies ultimately on a piece of plastic affixed to either end of a vehicle. Traffic cameras still only a 97% accuracy, according to Professor Sampson (Image: Getty Images) "Served by a wholly unregulated market, what my predecessor termed the humble number plate represents a single and readily assailable point of failure with the ANPR network being easily defeated by the manufacture and sale of stealth plates, cloned registration marks and other rudimentary obscurant tactics. "The result is that the ability to frustrate the ANPR system remains staggeringly simple at a time when proper reliance on it for key public services such as policing, law enforcement and traffic management is increasing daily. "Emission zones and other strategic traffic enforcement schemes put motorists in situations where they have to make significant financial choices and it is at least arguable that the incentives for some to 'game' the ANPR systems have never been greater." "One in 15 drivers may already be using anti-ANPR technology," says Prof Sampson (Image: MEN Media) Prof Sampson also mentioned how easy it is to obtain means to deceive the technology. "Merely by applying reflective tape to distort part of a registration plate or purchasing stealth plates from online vendors, motorists can confuse and confound current number plate recognition technology and both of these are easily obtainable. "One recent estimate suggested that one in fifteen drivers may already be using anti-ANPR technology; it is reasonable to expect this conduct to increase as the reliance on ANPR for new traffic management schemes continues."
Townsquare Capital LLC decreased its stake in shares of SPDR Portfolio TIPS ETF ( NYSEARCA:SPIP – Free Report ) by 12.1% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 8,515 shares of the company’s stock after selling 1,177 shares during the period. Townsquare Capital LLC’s holdings in SPDR Portfolio TIPS ETF were worth $224,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. 1620 Investment Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in shares of SPDR Portfolio TIPS ETF in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $26,000. Farmers & Merchants Investments Inc. acquired a new position in shares of SPDR Portfolio TIPS ETF in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $31,000. Prosperity Planning Inc. acquired a new position in shares of SPDR Portfolio TIPS ETF in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $206,000. Charles Schwab Trust Co acquired a new position in shares of SPDR Portfolio TIPS ETF in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $218,000. Finally, Nwam LLC acquired a new position in shares of SPDR Portfolio TIPS ETF in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $227,000. SPDR Portfolio TIPS ETF Price Performance SPDR Portfolio TIPS ETF stock opened at $25.88 on Friday. The firm’s 50 day simple moving average is $25.83 and its 200-day simple moving average is $25.74. SPDR Portfolio TIPS ETF has a fifty-two week low of $24.94 and a fifty-two week high of $26.43. SPDR Portfolio TIPS ETF Company Profile The SPDR Portfolio TIPS ETF (SPIP) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund tracks a market-value-weighted index of inflation-protected US Treasurys with a remaining maturity of at least one year. SPIP was launched on May 25, 2007 and is managed by State Street. Read More Receive News & Ratings for SPDR Portfolio TIPS ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SPDR Portfolio TIPS ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Saving a child is what many fathers would do