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2025-01-24
Improving bureaucratic efficiency A representational image of a man working in an office.— The News/File LAHORE: The efficiency of a country’s bureaucracy is typically evaluated based on factors such as transparency, accountability, meritocracy, corruption levels, adaptability and responsiveness. In this regard, Singapore ranks at the top, followed by Denmark and Switzerland. In contrast, the country’s public sector efficiency is ranked very low. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); Pakistan’s bureaucracy faces numerous challenges, including red tape, corruption, and delays, which stem from structural, operational and cultural issues. The country’s selection process, centred around the central superior services (CSS) exam, prioritises general knowledge and analytical skills over specialised expertise. As a result, bureaucrats are frequently transferred between departments, regardless of their qualifications. This practice leads to inefficiency in sectors such as health, education, and technical industries. While initial training is provided, ongoing professional development, especially in specialised fields, remains limited. This hinders bureaucrats’ ability to adapt to the technical demands of different sectors. Regular rotation of bureaucrats across departments and regions disrupts continuity, institutional memory and long-term planning. Political considerations often influence appointments and transfers, undermining meritocracy and accountability. The hierarchical nature of the system offers little room for innovation or flexibility, with junior officers often lacking the authority to make decisions, thereby slowing down processes. The current selection policy, which only requires a graduate degree for entry, does not ensure candidates possess the technical expertise needed for specialised roles. Although the CSS exam is rigorous, it primarily assesses general knowledge, leaving gaps in technical competency. Once selected, candidates undergo uniform training, without specialised tracks for fields like health, education or finance. To improve governance, introducing specialised qualifications for bureaucrats in various sectors would be crucial. For instance, health departments should be managed by professionals with backgrounds in medicine or public health, while specialists with experience in education policy and administration should oversee the education sector. For administrative roles, generalists with strong analytical and management skills could handle traditional tasks. Furthermore, cross-sector collaboration should be encouraged, but technical positions should remain in the hands of domain experts. The deputation of bureaucrats to public-sector enterprises (PSEs) is another issue in Pakistan, as many lack the technical and managerial skills needed to run these organizations efficiently, often leading to operational inefficiencies and financial losses. Bureaucrats tend to prioritize bureaucratic processes over entrepreneurial decision-making, stifling innovation. In countries like the US and the UK, public enterprises are typically managed by professionals with domain expertise rather than bureaucrats. To address these issues, the government of Pakistan should introduce specialised entry tracks for sectors like health, education and technical industries, alongside the generalist cadre. Continuous sector-specific training and certifications should be implemented, and bureaucrats should be allowed to gain long-term experience in particular sectors. Furthermore, private-sector professionals should be allowed to enter the bureaucracy for technical roles through a transparent process. Professional managers should be appointed to public enterprises to reduce bureaucratic control, and performance metrics should be integrated into bureaucratic evaluations. India also uses a common pool entry system through the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Revenue Service (IRS), but it has separate cadres for technical roles such as the Indian Health Service and Indian Engineering Service. While generalists dominate administrative roles, India has recently emphasized the lateral entry of domain experts into bureaucratic positions. Civil servants in India receive specialised training after selection, with sector-specific modules for certain cadres. While India also appoints bureaucrats to public-sector enterprises, the practice is debated regarding its efficiency. China’s bureaucracy is highly centralised and hierarchical but is known for its efficiency in executing policies, due to strict accountability mechanisms and a focus on technical expertise. Bangladesh’s bureaucracy operates similarly to Pakistan’s, with similar challenges and structures.Nokia Corporation Stock Exchange Release 20 December 2024 at 22:30 EET Nokia Corporation: Repurchase of own shares on 20.12.2024 Espoo, Finland – On 20 December 2024 Nokia Corporation (LEI: 549300A0JPRWG1KI7U06) has acquired its own shares (ISIN FI0009000681) as follows: * Rounded to two decimals On 22 November 2024, Nokia announced that its Board of Directors is initiating a share buyback program to offset the dilutive effect of new Nokia shares issued to the shareholders of Infinera Corporation and certain Infinera Corporation share-based incentives. The repurchases in compliance with the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 (MAR), the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 and under the authorization granted by Nokia’s Annual General Meeting on 3 April 2024 started on 25 November 2024 and end by 31 December 2025 and target to repurchase 150 million shares for a maximum aggregate purchase price of EUR 900 million. Total cost of transactions executed on 20 December 2024 was EUR 3,657,384. After the disclosed transactions, Nokia Corporation holds 218,626,057 treasury shares. Details of transactions are included as an appendix to this announcement. On behalf of Nokia Corporation BofA Securities Europe SA About Nokia At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs. With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future. Inquiries: Nokia Communications Phone: +358 10 448 4900 Email: press.services@nokia.com Maria Vaismaa, Global Head of External Communications Nokia Investor Relations Phone: +358 40 803 4080 Email: investor.relations@nokia.com Attachment Daily Report 2024-12-20spinph net apk

Seahawks are optimistic again and set to battle Cardinals for the NFC West leadSouth Korea's opposition moves to impeach acting presidentCopy link Copied Copy link Copied Subscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Already a subscriber? Login Rajiv Jain was pretty pleased with himself. It was March last year, and GQG Partners, chaired by the star stock picker, had made a near-$3 billion bet on Adani Group, the Indian conglomerate that is spread across everything from mining to ports, airports and power stations. It was a deeply contrarian move. The company, founded by billionaire businessman Gautam Adani as a commodities trading firm in 1988, had been the target of serious accusations from Hindenburg Research, a short-seller that accused it of using offshore tax havens and high debts. Copy link Copied Copy link Copied Subscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Already a subscriber? Login Introducing your Newsfeed Follow the topics, people and companies that matter to you. Latest In Equity markets Fetching latest articles Most Viewed In MarketsMiami Clinical Research Sets the Standard for Clinical Trials

Edifier Scoops 5 Honours At Prestigious Visual Grand Prix 2025ans are fascinated by the idea that star could be in a relationship with and she has offered some clues as to whether that is the case or not. has shared a beach snap that hints at whether the pair are an item or not. There was a burglary recently at the NFL star's house whilst he was away at the Dallas Cowboys and fans know that it was who alerted the authorities to the situation. A source that has been cited by PEOPLE has now claimed that the pair have been hooking up for quite a long time and this is not a new situation. "They have been hooking up since the early fall and are keeping it casual," the insider claimed. As you can imagine, neither party has offered some official commentary on the relationship situation. A burglary provides clues herself has been active on social media since the burglary, sharing a selfie on social media that shows her on the beach. "oopsies one more from the beach," she said on Instagram. It was assumed up until very recently that was in a relationship with with various reports suggesting that he was engaged to That has proven not to be the case. He recently talked about how he wasn;t happy with the reporting that followed the burglary on his house. "I feel like my privacy has been violated in more ways than one, and way more is already out there than I would want out there and that I care to share," he said. "We live a public life. One of my least favorite parts of that is the lack of privacy, and that has been difficult for me to deal with my entire career,"

Seahawks are optimistic again and set to battle Cardinals for the NFC West leadWith an impressive and storied musical pedigree but also philanthropic flair, David Foster is a name that transcends generations. As a career spanned over five decades, Foster has defined the soundtracks of innumerable lives while his reach extends far beyond the walls of the recording studio. His life is a soundtrack of success, from writing #1 singles for musical icons such as Whitney Houston and Celine Dion to creating the transformational David Foster Foundation, reminding us of talent, passion, and purpose. Here is the story of a man whose life began to redefine the concept of music and giving, chasing a few curious million followers down that same path. Unyielding Passion David Foster’s Musical Journey of Evolution and Perfectionism – Read four centuries of news» Foster, who rose from a modest background in Canada to become one of the most revered producers and composers in the history of music has had a massive impact on music around the world. The versatility and timeless work that instantly has you singing has sent him off to work with some of the greatest names of all time winning a long list of accolades and is the true definition of a legend in the game. David Foster naa m na Nkwado ၂, 1949, nọ na Viditoria, British Columbia, Canada. Born into a musical family, he started playing piano at four years old, a natural musical ability that would influence his life. He exhibited artistic inclinations from an early age, receiving piano lessons soon after boarding school and developing a love for music that would shape his life and career. At age 13, he was accepted into the University of Washington where he studied music. His interest in different styles (pop, rock, jazz, and gospel), which he encountered early in his life, developed a versatile musical palette that would be an asset in his career. Skylark was the pop group that helped launch the professional career of the musician Foster in the early 1970s. The band famously broke into the top ten, with several hit songs, in 1973, with “Wildflower.” This was the start of a legendary, decades-long musical career. When Skylark fell apart, Foster moved into record production, where he started to work with a diverse coterie of the biggest names in the industry and quickly became one of its major stars. Since David Foster stepped out of the limelight, he concentrated his energies on songwriting and music production. He soon developed a reputation as an in-demand producer capable of defining and refining the sound of different artists. His broad work for a wide range of genres turned him into a well-known figure due to his collaborations with some of the greatest artists in the business, such as Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, and Whitney Houston. His immense gift as a songwriter/ composer brought him great awards and earned him a reputation in the sphere of music. He has received 47 Grammy nominations during his career and has won 16, including three for Producer of the Year. He has been involved in producing multiple hit songs over the years, resulting in over 40 Hits on the Billboard Hot 100. Combined with his capacity to mold himself to fit the perfectly for the needs of each artist, he has made music that stands the test of time and springs to life across the globe. Alongside his extensive and successful work as a producer, Foster has accomplished some impressive career milestones. He has collaborated with everyone, from Michael Jackson to Josh Groban, and his fingerprints are all over modern music. He is legendary for so many collaborations (The Prayer with Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion is a global anthem to this day!)- music that remains in our hearts and memories. David Foster, now 75, continues to create at his own pace. Rather, he appears to revel in the challenges that new endeavors present. Foster is not, nor has he ever been, static, ever stretching towards new forms of self-exploration and artistic growth. He boasts a career as long as it is deep and rich. But it isn’t just his music where David Foster has made a lasting imprint; the impact of his work in philanthropy is profound through The David Foster Foundation. Set up in 1986, the foundation epitomizes his deep compassion and dedication to supporting families in their hour of sorrow. The foundation is a concrete example of Foster putting into action his personal belief that with a platform and resources comes a responsibility to try and help others live better lives, particularly children who need life-saving organ transplants. David Foster founded The David Foster Foundation in 1986, after watching a young girl waiting for a liver transplant. The foundation stemmed from a deep desire to assist families of children needing life-saving organ transplants, providing them with financial assistance and organization. Foster has a firm belief in philanthropy that shines through in this noble pursuit that has changed countless lives over the years. In addition to providing financial assistance, the mission of The David Foster Foundation is to increase awareness of organ donation and promote better health for children in need. The foundation aims to establish a safe space that promotes healing and hope for families undergoing medical crises via a wide range of programs and outreach activities. For decades, The David Foster Foundation has helped many families navigate the sensitive and overwhelming road ahead of them with organ transplantation. They support things like medical bills, travel expenses for families pursuing treatment, and scholarships for kids who have had transplants. Every dollar provides some relief to families, helping them to spend less time worrying and more time caring for their loved ones and beginning their journey of healing. The foundation also holds different events to promote the foundation. Not only do these events help bring resources to the foundation, but they also unite communities in doing so through camaraderie and compassion to bring hope and healing. The David Foster Foundation David Foster has bigger plans in mind for the long-term future of his organization. He plans to build relationships with more medical groups and other non-profits to help families dealing with health problems on an even larger scale. The organization has established aggressive goals to develop donor relations and expand funding to rapidly grow its endowment for operational sustainability. This continued focus on philanthropy highlights not only Foster’s commitment to giving back but also his faith that music can effect change. He continues to shine a light on important issues through his music industry connections advocating for more organ donors and better healthcare support. There is nothing like the generosity that David Foster has bestowed upon the world, a giant of a man first and foremost helping people in every aspect of their lives. — He is blessed with tremendous musicality, but being blessed with the gift of giving back, you cannot even put into words the lives he has changed with his charity work. By tapping into his network of A-list associates, neither has a rival in the camp when it comes to his ability to pull strings in an ever-connected entertainment world, Foster has been a catalyst for headline charity events aimed at promoting and raising much-needed funds for a wide range of causes. His loyalty in giving back demonstrates how collaboration can enhance and utilize an amplifying platform for good. Over the years, David Foster has hosted and appeared at many star-studded charity events aimed at raising money for worthy causes. He regularly collaborates with other high-profile musicians and celebrities who understand the importance of giving back to the community as showcased at his events. These events generate monetary support for charities and the visibility of some critical social issues. The annual gala, which attracts major talents from the entertainment world, is one of the cornerstone events of The David Foster Foundation. At the gala, special performances, live auctions, and stories from families that have been impacted by the foundation are highlighted. Every year, the funds raised through these events genuinely change lives and will still make a difference for years to come, helping families in their most difficult moments. With his background, David Foster has accessed numerous connections in the music industry and collaborated with celebrities to spread awareness and raise money for causes. His collaborations with various artists such as Celine Dion, Michael Bublé, and so on have led to some excellent entertainment and good values being set for promoting charity. This awakens and delivers the relevant issues to organ donation and healthcare messenger reach, encouraging many fans and followers to make a fuss to help in their way. Foster’s use of his platform at special concerts and charity performances aims to inspire artists and people to get involved and do something. As a popular musician, he can engage the public imagination and move people to act for good like no other. In addition to The David Foster Foundation, over 400 charity organizations. He’s participated in high-profile things like the Muhammad Ali Celebrity Fight Night and the Carousel of Hope, helping raise millions of dollars for several charitable efforts. Besides serving as a direct benefactor of people, Foster also inspires others to become philanthropists themselves. Through his work, he highlights the true spirit of philanthropy, using one skills and resources towards some greater good. Foster has always had his mind on music and being someone who is embedded in the music industry, he sees the power music has infused into the community where they can mobilize and take action for change. A future of philanthropy that embraces innovation, adheres to core values that center on inclusivity, and recognizes the generative ability of music: this is what David Foster imagines. Foster now plans to continue leveraging his skills and ambition to shake things up in his industry to reach more and more people and provide opportunities to impact lives. His vision centers around bringing people together, and compassion, and demonstrates how art and music can help solve the world’s most vital problems, while also spreading hope and connection around the world. With this release, David Foster continues to develop as an artist and philanthropist while creating cohesive projects at the intersection of music and charitable endeavors. Foster imagines new initiatives that continue to address areas of success, like raising his daughters in the 1980s, but that also grow to meet new needs. He envisions a future where different art forms and entertainment are melded into charity, attracting more people to the conversation of how society can change. Ultimately, Foster plans to expand on the concept and look into ways in which he can perform live, with the proceeds going to the direct organizations benefitting from the fundraiser. His approach intends to connect with people through an emotional bond through his art, then turn around the understanding and support of such individuals to the respective causes through the fusion of his music and philanthropy. Forest believes that music can bring communities together and help them heal. Through all of his experiences, he has learned the undeniable truth that music knows no bounds; it allows people to connect, and communicate on such a deeper level. His long-term philanthropy vision involves more community involvement with local artists/musicians at charity events. He encourages the conversation of collaboration among different art forms because of music’s almost magical power to effect change — so you have a willingness to continue that conversation. Part of what Foster aims to achieve is spaces for communities to connect, share their stories, and inspire each other through the power of music. Looking ahead, David Foster seeks to spread the impact of his altruism further. We have now realized the significance of using technology and social media to reach larger audiences, especially youth interested in making a difference. With these platforms, Foster intends to raise awareness for important causes and stimulate people to engage in philanthropy. He believes education and outreach are critical to helping cultivate a more compassionate society with people who can make a difference. With his continued artistic and charitable work, David Foster hopes to continue to change lives one note at a time and leave behind a legacy of empathy, compassion, and hope.

Geoffrey Deuel, best known for portraying famed outlaw Billy the Kid in the 1970 John Wayne vehicle Chisum , died Dec. 22 at age 81, per an official obituary . The news was additionally confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter by wife Jacqueline Deuel. The performer, younger brother to Peter Duel (who became known for portraying Hannibal Heyes/Joshua Smith on the popular ABC Western Alias Smith and Jones prior to his suicide), died in hospice care in Florida following a battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. “He and Peter were very close,” Jacqueline Deuel told THR . “They really loved each other and took care of each other.” Deuel, who was born Jan. 17, 1943, mostly appeared on television in a variety of series stretching from the late ’60s to mid-’70s. Among those credits are The Monkees , The Invaders , The F.B.I. , The Manhunter , Medical Center , Barnaby Jones, Mannix , Adam-12 , The Mod Squad , Mission: Impossible , The Streets of San Francisco , Ironside , Cannon , The Young and the Restless , To Rome With Love and more. Born in Lockport, New York to a doctor father and nurse mother, he was raised in nearby Penfield. After attending Penfield High School, Ithaca College and Syracuse University, Deuel followed in his brother’s footsteps, beginning his career in Hollywood in 1965. The following year, he appeared in an episode of ABC’s 12 O’Clock High . Deuel and Duel, who was three years his senior, worked alongside one another on a 1971 episode of NBC’s The Name of the Game . In the 1980s, Deuel acted in plays in Tampa, Fla. and returned to higher education to earn a master’s degree from the University of South Florida. Thereafter, he became a substitute teacher. He is survived by his wife — whom he married in 2017 after four decades together — and younger sister Pamela.WiMi Develops a Quantum Technology-Based Random Access Memory Architecture

Fugitive dog gains fame in New Orleans eluding dart guns and nets

Following weeks of drones reported flying overhead in the tri-state area, the Federal Aviation Administration imposed temporary restrictions on flying aircraft over certain locations. The agency last Friday published 30 temporary flight restrictions prohibiting drone flights over “critical New York infrastructure,” including near LaGuardia Airport, where drones were spotted earlier this month. It did so “at the request of federal security partners,” according to faa.gov . “Special security reasons” are listed as the cause, and restrictions are in effect until mid-January. The agency last Thursday enacted similar restrictions at 22 locations in New Jersey. Gov. Hochul said in a statement issued last Thursday that the FAA’s actions are “purely precautionary” and that there are no threats to the sites where restrictions apply. “While we have not detected any public safety or national security threats, we will continue aggressively monitoring the situation as we call on Congress to pass legislation to give states and local law enforcement the authority and resources they need to manage this evolving technology,” Hochul said. The FAA’s measures come in addition to the “state-of-the-art drone detection system” delivered by the Biden-Harris administration last week, Hochul added. The Chronicle reported last week that while some Queens folks are afraid that no one seems to know what the aircraft are, others see no reason to panic.Live coverage: SpaceX to launch 4 Astranis MicroGEO satellites on Falcon 9 rocket from Cape CanaveralNORAD's Santa tracker was a Cold War morale boost. Now it attracts millions of kidsWayne Holdsworth became an advocate for from social media because his son took his own life after falling victim to an online sextortion scam. Mac Holdsworth died last year at his Melbourne family home at the age of 17 after a 47-year-old Sydney man who purported to be an 18-year-old woman demanded money for an intimate image the boy had shared. Since then, the grieving father has taken his tragic story to around 20 schools to warn students of the risks of social media. “I saw firsthand the damage that social media could do. I saw Mac, my son, get sexually extorted on social media,” Holdsworth said. “His mental health deteriorated at a rapid rate.” Online predators began approaching the teenager before his 16th birthday and his father believes such a ban could have saved his life. Australia’s House of Representatives on Wednesday voted for such a ban and the Senate is expected to make it law soon. Holdsworth said most of the 3,000 students he’s spoken to, from age 12 to 17, agree with a ban on children under the age of 16. “They come up to me and they say, ‘I’m so glad that this is going to be implemented,’” Holdsworth said. “Even the kids see it now that they’re going to be protected from those predators outside that are preying on them.” He said three girls approached him after a school address on Monday to tell him that they were being subjected to sextortion. One had already handed over 2,500 Australian dollars ($1,600) of her parents’ money to a blackmailer. Holdsworth said he was the first adult they had confided in. “The parent won’t know until the credit card statement comes out,” he said. “So it’s prevalent. It happened last night and it’ll happen tonight,” he added. Holdsworth described the government plan to ban children younger than 16 from social media as “absolutely essential for the safety of our children.” But not all parents are convinced that banning young children from social media is the answer. Critics say the legislation was rushed through Parliament without adequate scrutiny, would not work, would create privacy risks for users of all ages and would take away parents’ authority to decide what’s best for their children. They also argue the ban would isolate children, deprive them of positive aspects of social media, drive children to the dark web, make children too young for social media reluctant to report harms they encounter, and take away incentives for platforms to make online spaces safer. Independent Sydney lawmaker Kylea Tink on Tuesday became the first member of the House of Representatives to speak publicly against the bill, which would make platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram liable for fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million) for systemic failures to prevent young children from holding accounts. “As a mom of three young adults ... I’m very aware of the negative impacts of social media and the challenges of parenting in this digital world,” Tink told Parliament. “I also recognize, however, that my children are digital natives and are very literate about how these platforms work. For this reason, I encourage everyone involved in this debate to ensure they are listening to the voices of young Australians when it comes to this decision-making process rather than assuming that the grownups in the room know best.” Tink was among 13 lawmakers who voted against the bill in the House on Wednesday. They were overwhelmed by 102 legislators who voted for it. The platforms have urged a that examined the legislation on Monday to delay a vote until after a government-commissioned evaluation of age assurance technologies is completed next June. The four-hour committee meeting on Monday attracted 15,000 written submissions. X Corp. told the committee that billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk’s platform had “serious concerns as to the lawfulness of the bill,” including its compatibility with the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. “There is no evidence that banning young people from social media will work and to make it law in the form proposed is highly problematic,” X said. Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, said the legislation was “inconsistent with what Australian parents have told us that they want, which is a simple and effective way for them to set controls and manage their teens’ online experience.” Under the bill, parental consent for children to use social media does not override the ban. Lizzie O’Shea, chair of the Digital Rights Watch charity, which aims to uphold the digital rights of Australians, said she was appalled by the process and limited timeframe the government used to pass such significant and contentious legislation. She said she was very aware of the serious risks posed by social media platforms, “but I do not support a ban personally because I understand both the limits of that particular policy and the expert evidence that is coming out from people who work in this space about the problems for young people being excluded from those spaces,” O’Shea said. Her concerns centered on privacy, negative mental health impacts on excluded children and the possibility that young children would find ways to access social media spaces that would become even less child friendly as a result of the ban. “I’m profoundly aware of the dangers of large social media platforms running a certain kind of business model that prioritizes data extraction and exploitation of vulnerability over the public interest or the building of community and the protection of democracy,” she said. Swinburne University digital media expert Belinda Barnet, who supports the ban, feels she is part of a minority among professionals in the digital field. “I like it mainly because I think many of the social media platforms as they exist right now are not suitable environments for young children,” she said.

EDEKA Jaeger has unveiled a third retail location with automated self-service kiosks that perform biometric age verification in Stuttgart Plieningen, Germany. The company, which is part of German supermarket EDEKA Group, is deploying the AI-powered biometric system from to carry out facial age estimation checks for customers purchasing age-limited items like alcohol. Retail Systems that a customer uses the kiosk by consenting to it before their physical traits are analysed by AI-powered cameras to determine their age. Diebold Nixdorf is providing the Vynamic Smart Vision Age Verification solution in partnership with UK digital ID and age estimation provider . Alexander Klein, account manager at Diebold Nixdorf, is quoted as saying that self-service solutions such as the one supplied by them “make the operating process even faster and more convenient for customers, especially for age-restricted products.” “All good things come in threes! The third EDEKA Jäger store with self-checkouts and AI supported age verification in Stuttgart Plieningen is live. In addition to a diverse assortment and regional offers, Florian Jäger sets new standards for an innovative shopping experience,” he is as saying in another report. The biometric check-out system also reduces the need for staff involvement, which means workers can concentrate more on other customer service responsibilities. This new kiosk follows two others opened by EDEKA Jaeger – a which was announced in April, as well as at another one in the same city. The company says this move is part of its push for a fully customer-centric retail experience. Diebold’s self-service retail technology will be featured next month at in New York. Age verification is being deployed to automated retail systems in countries around the world, in some cases through , and in other . | | | | | |

Red Sox finalize $18.25M, 2-year deal with Patrick Sandoval, who is recovering from elbow surgery BOSTON (AP) — The Red Sox finalized an $18.25 million, two-year contract on Monday with left-hander Patrick Sandoval, who is recovering from elbow ligament surgery. Canadian Press Dec 26, 2024 1:35 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message FILE - Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Patrick Sandoval (43) delivers against the against the Texas Rangers in the third inning of a baseball game Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Richard W. Rodriguez, File) BOSTON (AP) — The Red Sox finalized an $18.25 million, two-year contract on Monday with left-hander Patrick Sandoval, who is recovering from elbow ligament surgery. Sandoval, 28, made 16 starts for the Los Angeles Angels this year, going 2-8 with a 5.08 ERA before tearing his UCL on June 21 against the Los Angeles Dodgers on a pitch to former teammate Shohei Ohtani . Sandoval had internal brace surgery five days later. The operation has an anticipated recovery time of at least a year. He gets a $5.5 million salary next season and $12.75 million in 2026. Sandoval is 19-45 with 4.01 ERA in 100 starts and seven relief appearances over six major league seasons, all with the Angels. Sandoval played for Mexico in the 2023 World Baseball Classic and was selected to the All-WBC team after going 1-0 with a 1.23 ERA in two starts. ___ AP MLB: https://apnews.com The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Baseball Marlins agree to 1-year contract with INF Eric Wagaman Dec 26, 2024 1:43 PM Texas Rangers agree with free agent DH Joc Pederson on contract, AP source says Dec 26, 2024 1:41 PM Carlos Santana returns to Cleveland on 1-year deal, first baseman's third stint with Guardians Dec 26, 2024 1:40 PM

Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save NEW ORLEANS — A scruffy little fugitive is on the lam again in New Orleans, gaining fame as he outwits a tenacious band of citizens armed with night-vision binoculars, nets and a tranquilizer rifle. Scrim, a 17-pound mutt that's mostly terrier, has become a folk hero, inspiring tattoos, T-shirts and even a ballad as he eludes capture from the posse of volunteers. And like any antihero, Scrim has a backstory: Rescued from semi-feral life at a trailer park and adopted from a shelter, the dog broke loose in April and scurried around the city until he was cornered in October and brought to a new home. Weeks later, he'd had enough. Scrim leaped out of a second-story window, a desperate act recorded in a now-viral video. Since then, despite a stream of daily sightings, he's roamed free. Body matching description of missing 84-year-old found in Galloway Township Questions about Gillian’s Wonderland finances draw angry response from Mita 1 injured in Egg Harbor Township crash Absecon police detain suspect in dollar store robbery Pentagon refutes Van Drew Iran claims as New Jersey officials meet to discuss mystery drones Could American Airlines bus program lead to more flights at Atlantic City airport? These South Jersey bars and restaurants have transformed into holiday wonderlands Atlantic City now has more weed shops than casinos with dozens more on the way District overspending main focus for new Atlantic City school board member Ron Bailey Atlantic County suing NJ Juvenile Justice Commission over placement of youth offenders Large drones spotted in Philadelphia area as FBI investigates mysterious drone sightings in NJ Egg Harbor City church celebrates its inspiration with 1,700-year-old artifact Who are The Press 2024 Boys Soccer All-Stars? Northfield intersection to become four-way stop Former Galloway gymnastics co-owner accused of sex with minor to remain in jail The dog’s fans include Myra and Steve Foster, who wrote “Ode to Scrim” to the tune of Ricky Nelson’s 1961 hit, “I’m a Travelin’ Man.” Michelle Cheramie, founder of Zeus' Rescues, at her office in New Orleans on Dec. 9 with a whiteboard index of sheltered cats and dogs and a Scrim look-alike recuperating in the background. 'I'm a travelin' dog and I've made a lot of stops/All over this town...' Leading the recapture effort is Michelle Cheramie, a 55-year-old former information technology professional. She lost everything — home, car, possessions — in Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and in the aftermath, found her calling rescuing pets. “I was like, ‘This is what I should be doing,’” Cheramie said. “I was born to rescue.” She launched Zeus’ Rescues, a nonprofit shelter that now averages 600 cat and dog adoptions a year and offers free pet food to anyone who needs it. She helped Scrim find the home he first escaped from. It was Cheramie's window Scrim leaped from in November. She's resumed her relentless mission since then, posting flyers on telephone poles and logging social media updates on his reported whereabouts. She's invested thousands of dollars on wildlife cameras, thermal sensors and other gear. She took a course offered by the San Diego Zoo on the finer points of tranquilizing animals. And she's developed a network of volunteers — the kind of neighbors who are willing to grid-search a city at 3 a.m. Scrim on Oct. 24 at the Metairie Small Animal Hospital in Metairie, La. '...And at every stop I own the heart, of at least one lovely...' People like writer David W. Brown, who manages a crowd-sourced Google Map of all known Scrim sightings. He says the search galvanized residents from all walks of life to come together. As they search for Scrim, they hand out supplies to people in need. “Being a member of the community is seeing problems and doing what you can to make life a little better for the people around here and the animals around you,” Brown said. Neighbor Tammy Murray had to close her furniture store and lost her father to Parkinson's disease. This search, she says, got her mojo back. “Literally, for months, I’ve done nothing but hunt this dog,” said Murray, 53. “I feel like Wile E. Coyote on a daily basis with him.” Murray drives the Zeus' Rescues van toward reported Scrim sightings. She also handles a tactical net launcher, which looks like an oversized flashlight and once misfired, shattering the van's window as Scrim sped away. After realizing Scrim came to recognize the sound of the van's diesel engine, Murray switched to a Vespa scooter for stealth. Michelle Cheramie, director of Zeus' Rescues, left, walks with Scrim on Oct. 24 at the Metairie Small Animal Hospital in Metairie, La. '...If you're ever in the 9th Ward stop and see/My cute little mini poodle...' Near-misses have been tantalizing. The search party spotted Scrim napping beneath an elevated house, and wrapped construction netting around the perimeter, but an over-eager volunteer broke ranks and dashed forward, leaving an opening Scrim slipped through. Scrim's repeated escapades prompted near-daily local media coverage and a devoted online following. Cheramie can relate. “We’re all running from something or to something," she said. "He's doing that, too.” Cheramie's team dreams of placing the pooch in a safe and loving environment. But a social media chorus growing under the hashtag #FreeScrim has other ideas — they say the runaway should be allowed a life of self-determination. The animal rescue volunteers consider that misguided. “The streets of New Orleans are not the place for a dog to be free,” Cheramie said. “It’s too dangerous.” Scrim rests in a kennel Oct. 24 at the Metairie Small Animal Hospital in Metairie, La. '...and my Shar-Pei doll down in old Treme/Waits for my return...' Scrim was a mess when Cheramie briefly recaptured him in October, with matted fur, missing teeth and a tattered ear. His trembling body was scraped and bruised, and punctured by projectiles. A vet removed one, but decided against operating to take out a possible bullet. The dog initially appeared content indoors, sitting in Cheramie's lap or napping beside her bed. Then while she was out one day, Scrim chewed through a mesh screen, dropped 13 feet to the ground and squeezed through a gap in the fence, trotting away. Murray said Cheramie's four cats probably spooked him. Cheramie thinks they may have gotten territorial. Devastated but undeterred, the pair is reassessing where Scrim might fit best — maybe a secure animal sanctuary with big outdoor spaces where other dogs can keep him company. Somewhere, Murray says, “where he can just breathe and be.” Scrim sits in the arms of Zoey Ponder on Oct. 24 at Metairie Small Animal Hospital in Metairie. Scrim at the Terrebonne Parish Animal Shelter in Louisiana. A Scrim sticker for sale Dec. 9 at Zeus' Rescues office to raise money for the shelter in New Orleans. A homemade portrait of Scrim hangs Dec. 9 in the Zeus' Rescues shelter in New Orleans. Scrim spends some time outside Oct. 24 with Michelle Cheramie, director of Zeus' Rescues, in a fenced-in area at Metairie Small Animal Hospital in Metairie. 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