Virginia lawmakers should prioritize the safety of citizens by embracing license plate readers, former U.S. Rep. Rick Boucher writes in a guest column. 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To be rescued, it turns outENGLEWOOD, Colo. — John Elway says any remorse over bypassing Josh Allen in the 2018 NFL draft is quickly dissipating with rookie Bo Nix's rapid rise, suggesting the Denver Broncos have finally found their next franchise quarterback. Elway said Nix, the sixth passer selected in April's draft, is an ideal fit in Denver with coach Sean Payton navigating his transition to the pros and Vance Joseph's defense serving as a pressure release valve for the former Oregon QB. "We've seen the progression of Bo in continuing to get better and better each week and Sean giving him more each week and trusting him more and more to where last week we saw his best game of the year," Elway said in a nod to Nix's first game with 300 yards and four touchdown throws in a rout of Atlanta. For that performance, Nix earned his second straight NFL Rookie of the Week honor along with the AFC Offensive Player of the Week award. "I think the sky's the limit," Elway said, "and that's just going to continue to get better and better." In a wide-ranging interview with The Associated Press, Elway also touted former coach Mike Shanahan's Hall of Fame credentials, spoke about the future of University of Colorado star and Heisman favorite Travis Hunter and discussed his ongoing bout with a chronic hand condition. Elway spent the last half of his decade as the Broncos' GM in a futile search for a worthy successor to Peyton Manning, a pursuit that continued as he transitioned into a two-year consultant role that ended after the 2022 season. "You have all these young quarterbacks and you look at the ones that make it and the ones that don't and it's so important to have the right system and a coach that really knows how to tutelage quarterbacks, and Sean's really good at that," Elway said. "I think the combination of Bo's maturity, having started 61 games in college, his athletic ability and his knowledge of the game has been such a tremendous help for him,'" Elway added. "But also Vance Joseph's done a heck of a job on the defensive side to where all that pressure's not being put on Bo and the offense to score all the time." Payton and his staff have methodically expanded Nix's repertoire and incorporated his speed into their blueprints. Elway lauded them for "what they're doing offensively and how they're breaking Bo into the NFL because it's a huge jump and I think patience is something that goes a long way in the NFL when it comes down to quarterbacks." Elway said he hopes to sit down with Nix at some point when things slow down for the rookie. Nix, whose six wins are one more than Elway had as a rookie, said he looks forward to meeting the man who won two Super Bowls during his Hall of Fame playing career and another from the front office. "He's a legend not only here for this organization, but for the entire NFL," Nix said, adding, "most guys, they would love to have a chat with John Elway, just pick his brain. It's just awesome that I'm even in that situation." Hall of Fame Orange Crush linebacker Randy Gradishar joined Elway in the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year, something Elway called "way, way overdue." Elway suggested it's also long past time for the Hall to honor Shanahan, who won back-to-back Super Bowls in Denver with Elway at QB and whose footprint you see every weekend in the NFL because of his expansive coaching tree. Sanders & Hunter Elway called University of Colorado stars Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders "both great athletes." He said he really hopes Sanders gets drafted by a team that will bring him along like the Broncos have done with Nix, and he sees Hunter being able to play both ways in the pros — but not full time. Elway said he thinks Hunter will be primarily a corner in the NFL but with significant contributions on offense: "He's great at both. He's got great instincts, and that's what you need at corner." Hand condition It's been five years since Elway announced he was dealing with Dupuytren's contracture, a chronic condition that typically appears after age 40 and causes one or more fingers to permanently bend toward the palm. Elway's ring fingers on both hands were originally affected and he said now the middle finger on his right hand is starting to pull forward. So, he'll get another injection of a drug called Xiaflex, which is the only FDA-approved non-surgical treatment, one that he's endorsing in an awareness campaign for the chronic condition that affects 17 million Americans. The condition can make it difficult to do everyday tasks such as shaking hands or picking up a coffee mug. Elway said what bothered him most was "I couldn't pick up a football and I could not imagine not being able to put my hand around a football."
SMITHS FALLS, ON , and NEW YORK , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Canopy Growth Corporation (" Canopy Growth ") (TSX: WEED) (NASDAQ: CGC ), a world-leading cannabis company dedicated to unleashing the power of cannabis to improve lives, and Acreage Holdings, Inc. (" Acreage ") (CSE: ACRG.A.U, ACRG.B.U)(OTCQX: ACRHF , ACRDF), a vertically integrated, multi-state operator of cannabis cultivation and retailing facilities in the U.S., are pleased to announce that it is anticipated that Canopy USA , LLC (" Canopy USA ") will complete its acquisition of Acreage on or around December 9, 2024 , subject to the satisfaction or waiver of closing conditions set out in the Arrangement Agreements (as defined below). Canopy Growth and Acreage are party to an arrangement agreement dated April 18, 2019 , as amended (the " Fixed Share Arrangement Agreement "), relating to the proposed acquisition (the " Fixed Share Acquisition ") of all issued and outstanding Class E subordinate voting shares of Acreage (the " Fixed Shares ") pursuant to a plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act ( British Columbia ). The Fixed Share Acquisition is anticipated to occur immediately after the acquisition of the Class D subordinate voting shares of Acreage (the " Floating Shares ") pursuant to a plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act ( British Columbia ) in accordance with the arrangement agreement (the " Floating Share Arrangement Agreement " together with the Fixed Share Arrangement Agreement, the " Arrangement Agreements ") dated October 24, 2022 , as amended, among Canopy Growth, Acreage and Canopy USA (together with the Fixed Share Acquisition, the " Acquisitions "). Upon the closing of the Acquisitions, Canopy USA will own 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Acreage. As previously announced by Acreage, if the price of the common shares of Canopy Growth (the " Canopy Shares ") on the Nasdaq does not go above US$5.00 prior to closing of the Acquisitions (calculated in the manner prescribed in the Fixed Share Arrangement Agreement), holders of Fixed Shares will not receive any consideration in exchange for their Fixed Shares. A letter of transmittal with respect to the Fixed Share Acquisition and the Floating Share Acquisition will be mailed to registered Acreage shareholders. The letters of transmittal have been filed by Acreage under Acreage's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission through EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar. All registered Acreage shareholders with physical certificate(s) or DRS statement(s) will be required to send their certificate(s) or DRS statement(s) representing their Fixed Shares and/or Floating Shares with a completed letter of transmittal to the Company's transfer agent, Odyssey Trust Company (" Odyssey "), in accordance with the instructions provided in the applicable letter of transmittal. Shareholders who hold their Fixed Shares and/or Floating Shares through a broker or other intermediary and do not have Acreage shares registered in their name will not need to complete the applicable letter(s) of transmittal. Such shareholders should contact their broker or other intermediary to arrange for the deposit of their DRS statement(s) or certificate(s) representing their Acreage shares. As a result of the labour dispute at Canada Post, registered Acreage shareholders are encouraged to contact Odyssey with any questions by email at [email protected] in the event that registered Acreage shareholders have not received copies of their DRS statement(s) or certificate(s) representing their Canopy Shares following the closing of the Acquisitions and completion and delivery of their letter of transmittal to Odyssey. Copies of the Floating Share Arrangement Agreement and the Fixed Share Arrangement Agreement may be accessed under Acreage's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission through EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar . About Canopy Growth Canopy Growth is a world leading cannabis company dedicated to unleashing the power of cannabis to improve lives. Through an unwavering commitment to consumers, Canopy Growth delivers innovative products with a focus on premium and mainstream cannabis brands including Doja, 7ACRES, Tweed, and Deep Space, in addition to category defining vaporizer technology made in Germany by Storz & Bickel. Canopy Growth has also established a comprehensive ecosystem to realize the opportunities presented by the U.S. THC market through an unconsolidated, non-controlling interest in Canopy USA . Canopy USA has closed the acquisitions of approximately 77% of the shares of Lemurian, Inc. ("Jetty") and 100% of the Wana entities that make up Wana Brands , being Wana Wellness, LLC, The CIMA Group, LLC and Mountain High Products, LLC. Jetty owns and operates Jetty Extracts, a California -based producer of high- quality cannabis extracts and pioneer of clean vape technology, and Wana Brands is a leading North American edibles brand. The option to acquire Acreage, a vertically integrated multi-state cannabis operator with principal operations in densely populated states across the Northeast and Midwest, has also been exercised. Beyond its world-class products, Canopy Growth is leading the industry forward through a commitment to social equity, responsible use, and community reinvestment – pioneering a future where cannabis is understood and welcomed for its potential to help achieve greater well-being and life enhancement. For more information visit www.canopygrowth.com . About Acreage Acreage is a multi-state operator of cannabis cultivation and retailing facilities in the U.S., including its national retail store brand, The Botanist. With its principal address in New York City , Acreage's wide range of national and regionally available cannabis products include the award-winning brands The Botanist and Superflux , the Prime medical brand in Pennsylvania , and others. Acreage has focused on building and scaling operations to create a seamless, consumer-focused, branded experience. Learn more at www.acreageholdings.com . References to information included on, or accessible through, the Canopy Growth or Acreage website do not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained at or available through such websites, and you should not consider such information to be part of this press release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements or information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Canopy Growth, Acreage or their respective subsidiaries to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release. Examples of such statements and uncertainties include statements with respect to the anticipated closing date of the Acquisitions, the price of the Canopy Shares, the consideration to be issued to the holders of Fixed Shares pursuant to the Fixed Share Acquisition, the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in the Fixed Share Arrangement Agreement and Floating Share Arrangement Agreement, and the closing of the Acquisitions. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information or statements could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including the ability of the parties to satisfy or waive, in a timely manner, the conditions to the completion of the Fixed Share Arrangement Agreement and the Floating Share Arrangement Agreement; the ability of Canopy Growth, Acreage and Canopy USA to satisfy or waive, in a timely manner, the closing conditions set forth in the Fixed Share Arrangement Agreement and Floating Share Arrangement Agreement; risks relating to the value and liquidity of the Canopy Shares, the Fixed Shares and Floating Shares; the rights of the holders of Floating Shares and Fixed Shares may differ materially from those of shareholders on Canopy Growth; negative operating cash flow; uncertainty of additional financing; use of proceeds; volatility in the price of the Canopy Shares, the Fixed Shares and the Floating Shares; expectations regarding future investment, growth and expansion of operations; regulatory and licensing risks; changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial and stock markets and the impacts of increased rates of inflation; legal and regulatory risks inherent in the cannabis industry, including the global regulatory landscape and enforcement related to cannabis; additional dilution; political risks and risks relating to regulatory change; risks relating to anti-money laundering laws; compliance with extensive government regulation and the interpretation of various laws regulations and policies; public opinion and perception of the cannabis industry; and such other risks contained in the public filings of Canopy Growth and Acreage filed with Canadian securities regulators and available under each of the Canopy Growth and Acreage profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com and with the Securities and Exchange Commission through EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar , including under the heading "Risk Factors" in Canopy Growth's and Acreage's respective annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 , respectively, and their subsequently filed quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. In respect of the forward-looking statements and information, Canopy Growth and Acreage have provided such statements and information in reliance on certain assumptions that they believe are reasonable at this time. Although Canopy Growth and Acreage believe that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information or forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information or statements and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Should one or more of the foregoing risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information or statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although Canopy Growth and Acreage have attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and neither Canopy Growth nor Acreage undertakes any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise unless required by applicable securities laws. SOURCE Canopy Growth CorporationWhy This Streaming Giant Could Be December's Best Stock Pick, Backed By 20 Years Of Data
Hugel aims to secure strong business coverage in the region via the strategic partnership The MENA aesthetic market is projected to witness strong growth in the next few years with UAE and Saudi Arabia taking the lead SEOUL, South Korea , Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hugel Inc., a leading global medical aesthetics company, said on Friday it will spur expansion in the botulinum toxin market of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) via a strategic partnership with Dubai -headquartered aesthetic and medical distribution partner Medica Group. The two companies have recently entered into an agreement to bolster the distribution of Hugel's toxin Botulax in the key markets of the region. Hugel, which exports its own toxin to 64 markets including the US, Europe and China , the world's three largest toxin buyers, obtained sales approval for Botulax in the Middle East last year. Medica Group is a leading player in the region and has strong distribution networks through its head office in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and branches in Saudi Arabia and Lebanon . The company distributes medical aesthetic products from about 30 global brands, proving their solid know-how in the field and strong execution capabilities in the MENA. The MENA is one of the fastest growing regions for medical aesthetics, driven by strong economic momentum, favorable demographic characteristics, increasing accessibility to social media as well as social and consumption transformation. Hugel's Executive Chairman, Suk Cha , commented on the partnership: "We are very pleased to enter into this strategic collaboration with Medica Group. The Middle East represents a key market for Hugel, with its rapidly growing demand for medical aesthetic treatments. We have chosen Medica Group as our distributor because they share our commitment to excellence and quality. Their proven expertise, extensive reach and deep understanding of the region make them the ideal partner to bring our Botulax product to this dynamic region. Botulax is recognized globally for its quality, and we are confident that, through this partnership, it will become a leading choice for medical professionals and patients in the Middle East and Africa ." Andre Daoud , CEO of Medica Group, highlighted the importance of this collaboration: "Our partnership with Hugel marks a key milestone for us as we continue to expand our portfolio and lead the aesthetics market with global solutions. The introduction of Botulax in the Middle East and Africa offers healthcare professionals access to a world-class botulinum toxin that is highly trusted for its quality, safety, and performance. This strategic partnership aligns with our mission to provide advanced, innovative products and services that meet the demands of the region's growing beauty and medical aesthetics market. Hugel's global expertise, combined with our deep local knowledge and network, will create tremendous value for our customers and their patients." About Hugel Established in 2001, Hugel is a leading global medical aesthetics company that manufactures injectables for skin rejuvenation such as botulinum toxin, hyaluronic acid fillers and skin boosters as well as absorbable sutures and cosmetics products. The company is the only South Korean supplier to the world's three largest botulinum toxin markets, the US, China and Europe . It exports medical aesthetic products and devices to around 70 countries and operates eight global subsidiaries in the US, Australia , Canada , Taiwan , China , Hong Kong and Singapore . About Medica Group A leading partner in the field of aesthetic medicine, Medica Group continues to push the boundaries of beauty and wellbeing in the region. Being at the forefront of the industry, the group is renowned for its innovative approach, state-of-the-art solutions with a solid commitment to delivering outstanding results and setting new standards in aesthetics. A trusted partner for international aesthetic brands, Medica showcases a commitment to excellence and quality through the technologies of its product and services, and the collaboration of the aesthetic medicine community. Contact: Jihyun Kim , Manager of the PR Team, Hugel jihyun.kim@hugel-inc.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hugel-and-medica-join-forces-to-boost-botulinum-toxin-sales-in-middle-east-north-africa-302313729.html SOURCE HugelNo. 2 Ohio State takes control in the 2nd half and runs over No. 5 Indiana 38-15 COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Will Howard passed for two touchdowns and rushed for another, TreVeyon Henderson ran for a score and No. 2 Ohio State beat previously undefeated No. 5 Indiana 38-15. All Ohio State has to do now is beat Michigan at home next Saturday and it will earn a return to the Big Ten championship game for the first time since 2020 and get a rematch with No. 1 Oregon. The Ducks beat Ohio State 32-31 in a wild one back on Oct. 12. Man City routed 4-0 by Tottenham in fifth-straight defeat as crisis deepens for Pep Guardiola What started as an evening of celebration for Manchester City ended with the four-time defending Premier League champion falling to a fifth-straight loss in all competitions and facing a deepening crisis in a season that is threatening to unravel. A 4-0 defeat to Tottenham left City five points behind league leader Liverpool, having played a game more. Two goals from James Maddison inside 20 minutes at the Etihad Stadium stunned the home crowd. Pedro Porro scored a third for Tottenham after halftime. Brennan Johnson added a fourth in the third minute of stoppage time. City manager Pep Guardiola signed a two-year contract extension this week. Chelsea, Arsenal and Brighton all won and closed the gap on Liverpool to six points. Florida knocks No. 9 Ole Miss out of College Football Playoff contention, 24-17 in the Swamp GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — DJ Lagway threw two touchdown passes, Montrell Johnson ran for 127 yards and a score, and Florida upset No. 9 Mississippi 24-17 on Saturday to knock the Rebels out of College Football Playoff contention. The Gators beat ranked teams in consecutive weeks for the first time since 2008 and became bowl eligible. The late-season spurt provided another vote of confidence for coach Billy Napier, who is expected back for a fourth season. Ole Miss lost for the first time in four games and surely will drop out of the 12-team playoff picture. Jennings has 3 TDs as No. 13 SMU routs Virginia 33-7 to clinch a spot in the ACC title game CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — Kevin Jennings threw for a career-high 323 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another, and No. 13 SMU clinched a spot in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game by routing Virginia 33-7. Isaiah Smith and Jared Harrison-Hunte each had two sacks to help the Mustangs extend their winning streak to eight. They would earn an automatic bid into the expanded College Football Playoff by beating 11th-ranked Miami or 17th-ranked Clemson in the ACC title game on Dec. 7 in Charlotte, North Carolina. UVa must beat rival Virginia Tech next week to become bowl eligible. No. 11 Miami pulls away late to beat Wake Forest 42-14 and move one win from the ACC title game MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Cam Ward passed for 280 yards and threw two touchdowns to Jacolby George on another record-breaking day, Mishael Powell ran an interception back 76 yards for a touchdown and No. 11 Miami pulled away late to beat Wake Forest 42-14. The 10-1 Hurricanes can clinch a berth in the ACC title game with a win at Syracuse next weekend. Ward completed 27 of 38 passes, plus ran for a score. Demond Claiborne had a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown for 4-7 Wake Forest. No. 24 Illinois stuns Rutgers on Bryant's 40-yard TD reception with 4 seconds left PISCATAWAY, N.J. (AP) — Luke Altmyer found Pat Bryant for a catch-and-run, 40-yard touchdown pass with 4 seconds left, sending No. 24 Illinois to a wild 38-31 victory over Rutgers. Illinois was down 31-30 when it sent long kicker Ethan Moczulski out for a desperation 58-yard field goal with 14 seconds to go. Rutgers coach Greg Schiano then called for a timeout right before Moczulski’s attempt was wide left and about 15 yards short. After the missed field goal was waved off by the timeout, Illinois coach Bret Bielema sent his offense back on the field. Altmyer hit Bryant on an in cut on the left side at the 22, and he continued across the field and scored untouched. Andy Murray will coach Novak Djokovic through the Australian Open Recently retired Andy Murray will team up with Novak Djokovic, working with him as a coach through the Australian Open in January. Murray’s representatives put out statements from both players on Saturday. Djokovic is a 24-time Grand Slam champion who has spent more weeks at No. 1 than any other player in tennis history. Murray won three major trophies and two Olympic singles gold medals who finished 2016 atop the ATP rankings. He retired as a player after the Paris Summer Games in August. Jannik Sinner and Matteo Berrettini lift Italy past Australia and back to the Davis Cup final MALAGA, Spain (AP) — Top-ranked Jannik Sinner and Matteo Berrettini won their singles matches to lift defending champion Italy past Australia 2-0 and back into the Davis Cup final. Sinner extended his tour-level winning streak to 24 sets in a row by beating No. 9 Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-4 on Saturday on an indoor hard court in Malaga, Spain. That came after Berrettini came back to defeat Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-7 (6), 6-3, 7-5. Italy will meet first-time finalist Netherlands on Sunday for the title. The Dutch followed up their victory over Rafael Nadal and Spain in the quarterfinals by eliminating Germany on Friday. Argentina's Racing wins its first Copa Sudamericana championship by beating Brazil's Cruzeiro 3-1 ASUNCION, Paraguay (AP) — Gaston Martirena and Adrian Martinez scored first-half goals as Argentina’s Racing won its first Copa Sudamericana championship by beating Brazil’s Cruzeiro 3-1 in the final on Saturday. Martirena opened the scoring in the 15th minute and Martinez added a goal five minutes later to help give “La Academia” its first international title since 1988 when it won the Supercopa Sudamericana. Roger Martinez sealed the victory with a goal in the 90th. “Maravilla” Martinez scored 10 goals in 13 matches and finished as the top scorer in the competition. Kaio Jorge scored in the 52nd for Cruzeiro. Formula 1 expected to expand grid to 11 teams as early as next week for Cadillac to enter in 2026 LAS VEGAS (AP) — Formula 1 is expected to approve grid expansion for an 11th team originally started by Michael Andretti as early as next week. The team will be called Cadillac F1 and powered by Ferrari engines when it enters the sport in 2026. General Motors is expected to complete its own Cadillac power unit ahead of the 2028 season. Multiple industry insiders spoke to The Associated Press about the grid expansion on condition of anonymity because an announcement ahead of Saturday night’s Las Vegas Grand Prix could potentially steal the spotlight from the showcase event on the F1 calendar.OptiSigns to Showcase Cutting-Edge Digital Signage Solutions at the Digital Signage Experience 2024 in Las VegasSitting down for most of the day is obviously bad for us, known to raise our risk of type 2 diabetes, cancer and even an early death. However, it’s largely unavoidable for those of us with desk-based jobs. Too much sitting is also detrimental for our mental health, a study from sportswear company Asics has found. Survey results from more than 7000 desk-based workers found that mood drops after just two hours and stress spikes four hours in. However, taking a 15-minute exercise break reverses these effects. Taking a midday stroll or jog can vastly improve your health at work. Credit: Joe Armao Professor Brendon Stubbs, a researcher in movement and mental wellbeing at King’s College London, who led the study, says incorporating movement into our working day – among other healthy habits – could be game-changing. “Each habit can contribute to positive mental health, and the more people do, especially over time, the greater the physical and mental health benefits,” he says. Here, he shares his top tips. 8am: Read a book on your commute instead of scrolling social media. Most of us are spending up to nine hours of our day sitting down. If you’re seated for your commute, at least make sure you’re engaging your brain, Stubbs says. “It is passive sedentary behaviour (such as sitting down to watch Netflix or scroll social media) and not active sedentary behaviour (sitting down to read a book or play a game, for example) that is particularly not good for our mental health,” he explains. Swap your afternoon biscuit for a bar of dark chocolate, a healthier option that can lift your mood. A study from Stubbs and colleagues which looked at the self-reported health habits and medical notes of around 40,000 people found that those engaging in more than three hours of active sedentary behaviour per day had a 26 per cent lower risk of depression compared to those who did less than this. “Additionally, our research has shown that excessive social media is literally rewiring our brain and altering our reward-processing systems, making it harder to become motivated for everyday tasks,” Stubbs adds.
This Timberwolves roster is different than the one from a year ago. That much is obvious in games, as Karl-Anthony Towns’ consistent scoring and general size is missed, as is the playmaking and ball security of guys like Kyle Anderson and Jordan McLaughlin. But their absences have been felt in the locker room, as well. Towns was a consistent source of positivity for the team. Anderson was one of the loudest vocal leaders. The latter can be especially difficult to replace, especially because it can be uncomfortable to speak up when things are going poorly and something needs to change. That was the position Anthony Edwards has found himself in early this season. Edwards has been praised for his leadership through his first four years on Minnesota’s roster. Mostly, that all came via positivity and example. Edwards can be coached hard, which gave the greenlight for the coaches to treat everyone else the same way. Edwards was also quick to credit his teammates around him for their contributions to the cause, and was eager and willing to spend time with and talk to anyone on the roster, players No. 1-15. He’ll also stand up for any of his teammates if the occasion ever arises. That’s why he has been so beloved in the locker room and why he was viewed as such a leader, even at his young age. But with Anderson’s departure, Edwards was now tasked with leading even through choppy waters. And the waves have been rather large through the first quarter of the season. Minnesota’s defense has fallen off a cliff in comparison to where it was a year ago. After never even as many as three consecutive games during the 2023-24 regular season, the Wolves endured a four-game losing skid earlier this week. At that point, words were exchanged, both publicly and privately. A halftime hash out during Minnesota’s loss Wednesday to Sacramento got the conversation rolling. Mike Conley got the dialogue started, but all indications are that Edwards was a healthy participant. Edwards noted it’s difficult to know what to say in those times. “Because you look at everybody, and everybody got a different agenda. It’s like, ‘What the (heck) am I supposed to say?’ You know what I mean?” Edwards said. “I’m trying to get better in that aspect, figure out what the hell to say to get everybody on the same agenda, because everybody right now is on different agendas. I think that’s one of the main culprits of why we’re losing, because everybody out there got their own agenda. I guess their imagination of what’s supposed to be going on, and what’s really happening.” Nickeil Alexander-Walker told reporters at Friday’s shootaround that this is the most vocal Edwards has ever been. And while the intention of everyone’s messages are pure, “sometimes it’s not always worded the right way.” “I think we’ve crossed that line of, ‘Man, I feel like you’re not hearing the message.’ It’s tough to be called out, because you start to feel like, ‘OK, are you saying I’m the reason?’ No one wants to be at fault,” Alexander-Walker said. “But at the end of the day, I definitely think that guys are open to hearing it better. And I think it just came from a stand point of, at a point and time in the conversation, there was a comeback. It was going back and forth now, as opposed to receiving it (and saying), ‘OK, I got you.’ That’s how it’s going to be. It’s very rare that someone is just going to be able to be called out and not have anything to say. “It’s human nature to be defensive, at the end of the day. But kind of remembering what we’re here for, and if I’m being called out, chances are I’ve got to look in the mirror and be better.” It’s a delicate dance. There has to be an environment rooted in accountability, but you also have to be sure not to lose teammates, as Jimmy Butler was criticized for doing during his short stint in Minnesota a few years ago. And while it’s never ideal for a team to be living through a stretch of basketball the quality of which falls significantly short of the expectation, these stretches will likely lead to growth for Edwards, if not on the court, then in the locker room. You can’t steer a ship to a title if you don’t know how to navigate turbulent tides. Day by day, loss by loss, Edwards is learning how to spin the wheel.The finality of the concluding line of so many testimonies in ‘Lost Gaels’ is stark, devastating and entirely factual. That closing line or two is one side of the story that Peadar Thompson, the author of the book of ‘Family Testimonies of Members of the GAA Killed During the Conflict in Ireland,’ has deliberately chosen not to tell. It surrounds the circumstances of the murders by loyalist forces, the British Army, the IRA, the Real IRA, the UDR and others. Here is one such example: “Martin McShane was 16 when he was shot dead on 14 December 1971 by the Royal Marines as he crossed the playing field of Coalisland Na Fianna. “He was at the local youth club in the clubhouse, and the pitch separated his small estate from the GAA club. Of the 30 shots fired at him, Martin was struck seven times in the back.” The story of Martin McShane’s life is retold with warmth and affection by his childhood friend Paddy, as each and every testimony is throughout the book, more often by close family members. Read More: Wexford All Star hurler retires from intercounty game after 12 seasons at the top Read More: GAA club fixtures and live games on TV this weekend as RTE, TG4 and Clubber showcase big provincial semi-finals At the other end of his life was Sean Fox from the St. Enda’s club in Belfast, now a thriving community hub whose members suffered horrifically throughout the course of 30 plus years. “Sean Fox was 72 years old when UVF gunmen arrived at his door on October 25, 1993. They entered his home, just 200 yards from the St. Enda’s club, and proceeded to torture him before killing him. No one has ever been convicted of his killing.” Or Gerard Cairns, a 22 year old from Tullylish, County Down: “Gerard Cairns was killed alongside his brother Rory in the living room of their home on the evening of October 28, 1993 by the UVF. “They had just finished celebrating Róisin’s (the family's youngest sibling) 11th birthday, when gunmen came through the back door and shot Gerard and Rory in front of her.” These are not the stories Thompson set out to tell. Instead of relaying circumstances of their killings, he has instead told the story of their life. Not victims, but people. A celebration. Incredibly in all the testimonies he gathered together over three years he says he encountered no bitterness from families and friends. “The book is focused on the memories of bereaved relatives and families,” says Thompson. “They were very much happy that someone wanted to talk about their loved ones to learn about who they were as people and bring that real human story to the fore. That was the feeling I got. “I didn’t meet a family who were bitter despite having all the reasons to be bitter. Families have been let down by the state in many ways in terms of truth, reconciliation, justice. “Ultimately really what’s there is a family in grief and that’s been compounded by the injustice of all this. “It’s really grief, a person who they miss that was taken from them. I never came across any animosity. “That tells you a lot about bereaved victims in particular and breaks down some stereotypes that might be attached to them. “The only media attention they do seem to get is because they are on the streets protesting, because their rights or justice have been denied. “People sit and think these people are bitter, or they have a chip on their shoulder type of thing, but that’s not the case. “Unfortunately the state has let them down. They have to be on the streets. These are some fantastic people.” The stories of clubs celebrating the lives of members are littered throughout the book, from memorial gardens to tournaments, to cups and far more. Stories of communities galvanising and growing stronger in the face of tragedy. “This project is about human stories,” says Thompson. “Whenever someone dies in conflict that becomes their defining legacy. ‘Oh I remember that person’s name because they were killed.’ They are remembered because of the circumstances of their victimhood. “The book was about trying to broaden the definition of that person’s legacy. Yes they were a victim but they were also a Gael, also a father, a brother, a sister, a mom, and bringing who that person was to the fore. “It was about allowing families the space to bring about the before. Yes, it’s important to have the conversations around the circumstances of death and trauma. “But there are many pieces of work that do that. I think what makes this book quite different and unique is that it was focused on the life that was lived. “That took a lot of families by surprise. For a lot of them this was the first time anyone had asked them something like this. “They found it a bit challenging in a sense and incredibly rewarding. Families were sharing memories of stories no-one else knew and they went on this journey of discovery again and it was pretty powerful. Peadar’s father Mark is CEO of Relatives For Justice (RFJ), an organisation which works with families who have suffered conflict related trauma. They are members of the St. John’s club in Belfast. “One of the questions that would often come up (in RFJ) around memory and memorialisation would be how many members of the Association were actually lost in the conflict. It was something we didn’t have an answer to.” So they compiled a record. They decided the next step was to write “a book of pen portraits of how each of the people were as their family remembers them off and on the pitch.” “I was very much aware of burnout and vicarious trauma,” says Thompson. “There was a support network around that. “Coming from a bereaved family myself, I am aware of the nature of the conversations and the difficulties that can arise from those methodologies. “When you are going through something as difficult as conflict, you have to be able to adjust to be able to live your life in a way. “There is a lot of acceptance of stuff you know is wrong, but in a sense you have to put up with it to keep going. “It’s only on the other side of it you can take stock and say, ‘You know what, that was pretty messed up.’ “Gaels in the North were treated differently and came to live with the expectation of being treated violently and harassed, and being singled out simply for enjoying the sport they love.” Some GAA clubs were hit over and over again. Coalisland in Tyrone for one. And St. Malachy’s, St. Enda’s and Ardoyne Kickhams in Belfast. What Belfast GAA might have been when you look at Dublin: “It’s a big question and you can only speculate,” says Thompson. “From anecdotal evidence, talking to families who were around before the conflict really took off in the late 60s, they were part of clubs that were really doing great. “The impact of the conflict was. being a member of the Association did put a target on your back. “You put your head above the parapet simply by being a member of the GAA. I would say it undoubtedly had an effect. There was a stop put on the development of the Association. “The state viewed the Association with inherent suspicion. That trickled through and all the different effects that would have had. “There is also a galvanising effect, of clubs and communities really coming together. Like in Patsy Kelly’s case (Trillick club man) where the club came together and said, ‘This is even more important to us. Let’s put all of our energy into this.’ “You always get that around Championship time on the Sunday Game, ‘This means more to us,’ ‘This means more to northern teams.’ “Whilst the likes of Peter Canavan and all might get a sneer or two from others in the South and the Sunday Game, I think he is very right. It does mean more to people in the North because of what they experienced.” Thompson and Eoin Connolly, who was heavily involved in the project, reached out to as many members as possible, including the Kielty Family. Jack, the father of Late Late Show host, Paddy was killed by the UFF in 1988. “We were unsuccessful in reaching many people. Say for the likes of Paddy Kielty and his family. We couldn’t find any contact. “I know his brother (John) is the Chairman of the club (Dundrum). We didn’t hear back. There was a lot of families we didn’t hear back from. And a lot who probably have no surviving relatives.” Thompson continued: “When we set out on the project it was the centenary of ‘Bloody Sunday.’ “The elephant in the room of those fantastic and beautifully done celebrations was that we had a 30 year conflict in the North and we have no collective or centralised acknowledgement within the Association of what happened. “My hope is we can create a living project from this book and do something with Croke Park and the GAA to ensure all lost GAA members can be remembered and memorialised in an official way with the Association. “Their might maybe be a lack of interest from the southern parts of the Association, or a lack of insight and knowledge. “I think we are at a good and positive time. Jarlath Burns has written a foreword and being a northern gael, has an experience of the conflict. “There is a wee bit of momentum that we might be able to get something done with the Association.” Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts .
LYNN — Healing Abuse, Working for Change (HAWC) Executive Director Sara Stanley and Board Member Paul Kurker were recognized by the North Shore Chamber of Commerce with the Distinguished Leaders Award. The Distinguished Leaders Award is presented annually to individuals who have made a profound and lasting impact within their company, industry, and community. Stanley, Kurker, and Tom Sands of Beth Israel Lahey Health received the award at the Chamber’s 105th Annual Dinner Meeting. HAWC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic abuse and promoting social change. It has community-based offices in Lynn and Salem and also supports Beverly, Boxford, Danvers, Essex, Georgetown, Gloucester, Hamilton, Ipswich, Lynnfield, Magnolia, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Marblehead, Middleton, Nahant, Peabody, Rockport, Rowley, Saugus, Swampscott, Topsfield, and Wenham. Stanley became the executive director of HAWC in 2018 and also serves on the Essex County Commission on the Status of Women, on the Board of Directors for Jane Doe Inc., and on the Thrive Advisory Council for the North Shore Chamber. She was also named one of the inaugural recipients of the North Shore Chamber of Commerce’s Diamond Awards in 2021, given to extraordinary businesswomen who make a positive impact on their community. “It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by my colleagues ... as someone who is committed to the North Shore and committed to seeing that we can all thrive,” Stanley said. Stanley emphasized the importance of HAWC’s mission, and expressed gratitude to the North Shore Chamber of Commerce for supporting their efforts. “In reality, most people know someone who has experienced domestic abuse,” Stanley said. “The fact that we have leaders in our community that are willing to donate their time, energy, and talent to supporting survivors and hopefully preventing abuse in the future is really important.” Kurker is the senior vice president at Eastern Bank and has been a community advocate for more than 25 years. He has served on HAWC’s Executive Committee since 2015, holding the position of Treasurer. “It was a great honor to be recognized as a North Shore Distinguished Leader, especially alongside Sara Stanley and Tom Sands,” Kurker said. “I am fortunate to work at Eastern Bank who not only allows volunteerism, but encourages [it as one of its] pillars of existence.” “We are immensely proud of Sara and Paul, and grateful for their unwavering commitment and exceptional leadership in advancing HAWC’s mission. Under their leadership HAWC has strengthened the operation and services available to the community. With a newly developed strategic plan in place that will have a profound impact, their awards are a well-deserved reflection of their tireless work and compassion,” HAWC Board of Directors President Elisa Castillo said. “As we continue our mission to support survivors and challenge patterns of oppression and violence, we are reminded of how crucial strong leadership and community collaboration are to effecting meaningful change,” HAWC stated in a press release. For more information on HAWC’s programs and initiatives, visit hawcdv.org. HAWC’s 24-hour hotline phone number is 800-547-1649.
In anticipation of more hostility toward abortion under President-elect Donald Trump ’s administration, California lawmakers announced two new pieces of legislation Monday aimed at protecting medication abortion and punishing local governments that interfere with access to reproductive health care. California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the bills at a press conference, saying Californians are in an “urgent and dangerous situation” with Trump returning to office and Republicans soon controlling both chambers in Congress. One of the legislative proposals, the Medication Abortion Access bill, seeks to ensure that medication abortion ― a two-pill regimen of mifepristone and misoprostol ― is protected and available everywhere in California, including in its so-called health care deserts where medical providers are harder to come by. “Rights don’t really do us any good if we can’t access them,” said Assemblymember-elect Maggy Krell, who co-authored the bill with Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry. The goal of the bill is to ensure that medication abortion ― the most common way of terminating a pregnancy ― is “not just a constitutional right that lives in a constitutional document on paper,” she said. The legislation “will ensure that patients and providers have access to what they need, to mifepristone, to misoprostol, and protect the transportation, the mailing, the supplying of everything that would be needed for a medication abortion,” Krell continued at Monday’s press conference. The full text of the bill and its strategies have not yet been released. The legislation comes as reproductive rights advocates warn that Trump could invoke the the Comstock Act ― a 150-year-old law that criminalizes sending “obscene” materials in the mail, including anything “intended for producing abortion” ― to ban medication abortion, which has become a crucial access point since the fall of Roe v. Wade in 2022. After months of pressure for him to clarify his stance, Trump said on the campaign trail that he wouldn’t enforce the Comstock Act. But critics are skeptical of such a promise given that many of his allies, including Vice President-elect JD Vance, have advocated for using it to crack down on medication abortion. The other California legislation announced Monday would broaden Bonta’s powers to enforce the Reproductive Privacy Act , an existing statute banning the state from interfering in a patient’s decision to access abortion. If passed, Bonta would be able to slap those who violate it with financial penalties. “This is not a hypothetical,” Bonta said Monday, saying city officials in Beverly Hills illegally colluded earlier this year to stop an abortion clinic from opening there. “We were able to prevent Beverly Hills from taking this type of action again, but we weren’t able to seek financial penalties that would in turn further disincentivize government actors from violating the law,” Bonta said. The bills’ announcement comes the same day California Gov. Gavin Newsom convened a special session on Trump-proofing some of the state’s laws. He plans to ask the legislature to approve additional funding to Bonta’s office in preparation with legal fights with the Trump administration. “We’re not going to be caught flat-footed,” Newsom said at a press conference earlier this month. “We want to be prepared as early as Jan. 20.” Speaking Monday, Bonta said it’s California’s duty to inspire every state to its east. “At times in this nation, when people’s rights and freedoms are under attack, when they’re at risk ― as is so often the case ― people look west across this country,” he said. “They look west to California to see what the largest state in the nation, the fifth-largest economy in the world, the most diverse state in the nation, is doing. And here’s what they’ll see.” Don't let this be the end of the free press. The free press is under attack — and America's future hangs in the balance. As other newsrooms bow to political pressure, HuffPost is not backing down. Would you help us keep our news free for all? We can't do it without you. Can't afford to contribute? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you. Whether you give once or many more times, we appreciate your contribution to keeping our journalism free for all. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you. Whether you give just one more time or sign up again to contribute regularly, we appreciate you playing a part in keeping our journalism free for all. Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages. He noted that his office sued the previous Trump administration more than 120 times and won a supermajority of those cases. Related From Our PartnerTHE Managing Director of Jester Media Services’ (JMS) Broadcasting Division, Zweli Sibanda, says the sky is the limit for fast-growing independent national television station, 3Ktv. This comes after the country’s most watched channel on satellite once again dominated and also won the prestigious ‘Popular Television Station’ award at the esteemed Zimbabwe Annual Film and Television Awards (ZAFTAs) that were held in Harare this past weekend. It also comes as the station has just launched its 12th season, which includes even more riveting and fresh local and international programming. “Winning the ZAFTAs’ Popular Television Station award again was huge, as it cemented the fact that 3Ktv represents The Very Best of Zimbabwe, as our famous motto goes. “Indeed, the future is bright for 3Ktv and the possibilities for the station are boundless if we keep innovating and working as hard as we are currently doing. “Kudos are due to the station’s conscientious team, and indeed to the whole JMS family for its unwavering support, which resulted in this incredible achievement,” the elated Sibanda said. He also said 3Ktv was continuing to perform well ahead of all forecasts and projections — including with regards to its viewership numbers and advertising volumes. “This is all thanks to Zimbabweans and our business partners who continue to give us amazing support. Another one of the station’s advantages for our partners is that we are also on MultiChoice’s DStv platform, which has very high engagement rates. “Our rich programming menu also offers the benefit of excellent audience targeting, which has long been a part of TV marketing — such as advertising at certain times of the day and on certain programmes to make sure that one hits the people who are likely to be watching 3Ktv at a particular time,” Sibanda added. At this year’s ZAFTAs, the station’s productions dominated the awards, with notable wins for Inkaba, Love and Reality, Village 4 and Bundu. Among other awards, John Mabuyane received the Outstanding Directing gong for Inkaba, while Joylene Ismail of The Design Show took home the Outstanding Television Presenter title. Last year’s edition of the awards were equally successful for 3Ktv, with wins for Outstanding Television Presenter (Mazwi), Outstanding Television Actor (Lucian David), Outstanding Television Series (Faking It), and Outstanding Indigenous Culture, Language, and Tradition (Hakata). Amanxeba swept four categories, including Outstanding Directing and Popular Television Series. However, 3Ktv’s feed is also available through other platforms for which subscription fees may be payable, which explains the station’s key partnership with MultiChoice — which has seen it also hosted on DStv’s channel 293. Licensed in November 2020 after coming up tops in a competitive, open bidding process, the station went live amid palpable excitement in the country on the 28th of February 2022. In the process, the most watched local channel on satellite made history and became the first private station to operate legally in Zimbabwe since television was first introduced in the then Southern Rhodesia in November 1960. Apart from operating 3Ktv, Jester Media Services also owns some of the country’s biggest and most influential media brands that include the Daily News, the Daily News On Sunday , its printing division Printco, Jester Events, online business newsletter Business Live, and The Financial Gazette — the country’s number one business publication.
Nico Iamaleava throws 4 TD passes to lead No. 10 Tennessee over UTEP 56-03 New School Holidays Added to New York State School Districts
OAKLAND, Calif. , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On November 29, 2024 , PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG) declared its fourth-quarter 2024 regular cash dividend of $0.025 per share on the Corporation's common stock. The dividend is payable on January 15, 2025 , to shareholders of record as of December 31, 2024 . In addition, PG&E Corporation's utility subsidiary, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), declared the regular preferred stock dividend for the three-month period ending January 31, 2025 , to be payable on February 15, 2025 , to shareholders of record as of January 31, 2025 . PG&E will pay dividends on its eight series of preferred stock as follows: First Preferred Stock, $25 Par Value Quarterly Dividend to be Paid Per Share Redeemable 5.00 % $0.31250 5.00% Series A $0.31250 4.80 % $0.30000 4.50 % $0.28125 4.36 % $0.27250 Non-Redeemable 6.00 % $0.37500 5.50 % $0.34375 5.00 % $0.31250 About PG&E Corporation PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG) is a holding company headquartered in Oakland, California . It is the parent company of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, an energy company that serves 16 million Californians across a 70,000-square-mile service area in Northern and Central California . For more information, visit http://www.pgecorp.com . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dates-set-for-pge-quarterly-stock-dividends-302319353.html SOURCE PG&E CorporationFirst Period_None. Penalties_Gostisbehere, CAR (Slashing), 0:42; Orlov, CAR (Roughing), 20:00; Ekblad, FLA (Roughing), 20:00; Svechnikov, CAR (Roughing), 20:00. Second Period_1, Florida, Ekblad 1, 6:42. 2, Florida, Samoskevich 5 (Barkov, Tkachuk), 19:59 (pp). Penalties_Lundell, FLA (Cross Checking), 13:37; Tkachuk, FLA (Roughing), 17:01; Svechnikov, CAR (Delay of Game), 19:14. Third Period_3, Florida, Bennett 12 (Luostarinen, Lundell), 8:19. 4, Florida, Barkov 6 (Reinhart, Tkachuk), 11:37 (pp). 5, Florida, A.Boqvist 1 (Greer), 11:48. 6, Florida, Rodrigues 6 (Verhaeghe, Schmidt), 13:01 (pp). Penalties_Kotkaniemi, CAR (Roughing), 6:12; Bennett, FLA (Interference), 6:12; Walker, CAR (Tripping), 10:22; Necas, CAR (Slashing), 12:09; Kotkaniemi, CAR (Holding), 19:00. Shots on Goal_Carolina 11-7-2_20. Florida 9-10-16_35. Power-play opportunities_Carolina 0 of 2; Florida 3 of 6. Goalies_Carolina, Perets 0-0-0 (7 shots-6 saves), Carolina, Martin 3-4-1 (28-23). Florida, Knight 4-4-0 (20-20). A_18,648 (19,250). T_2:39. Referees_Jean Hebert, Dan O'Rourke. Linesmen_Jonathan Deschamps, Libor Suchanek.Malema warns against factionalism, disunity ahead of EFF conference
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German Consulate Hosts Unity Day In Lagos as Diplomatic Ties BloomJacksonville St. 86, East Carolina 78Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and First Minister John Swinney were among those who remembered a “giant of a man” during a memorial service for Alex Salmond. Tributes were paid to the former Scottish first minister, at the age of 69. A private family funeral has already taken place, with Saturday’s memorial service in Edinburgh held to celebrate his love of Scotland and his commitment to the cause of independence. But while some 500 people, including family, friends and politicians from across the spectrum attended the service at St Giles’ Cathedral, his successor Nicola Sturgeon was not present. A rift between her and Mr Salmond – who she had previously described as her mentor – developed during her term as SNP leader. Ms Sturgeon attended the funeral of Scottish comedian Janey Godley in Glasgow on Saturday morning. Her successor, Mr Swinney, was met with boos as he arrived at the service, held on St Andrew’s Day. At least one person in the crowd outside on the Royal Mile shouted “traitor” as the Perthshire North MSP and his wife Elizabeth made their way inside. Mr Salmond stood down as SNP leader and first minister after the 2014 referendum in which Scots voted to stay part of the UK. He helped found and went on to lead another pro-independence party, Alba, with Kenny MacAskill, a long-time friend who served as justice secretary in Holyrood under Mr Salmond. Acting Alba leader Mr MacAskill told the congregation – which included Mr Salmond’s widow Moira as well as Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, former Labour First Minister Henry McLeish and Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay – that Mr Salmond had been a “giant of man”. The cause of independence was Mr Salmond’s “guiding light, his north star”, the former justice secretary said, adding that “he came so close to achieving it”. He added: “Those of us who share his dream must conclude that journey on his behalf. “That’s the legacy he’d expect and the duty we owe him.” Scottish folk singer Dougie MacLean performed his famous song Caledonia, while singer Sheena Wellington led mourners in a rendition of Robert Burns’ classic A Man’s A Man For A’ That. Fife rockers The Proclaimers were applauded for their performance of Cap in Hand – a pro-independence song which features the line “I can’t understand why we let someone else rule our land, cap in hand”. Brothers Craig and Charlie Reid said: “We’re going to do this for Alex, with love and respect and eternal gratitude for everything you did for our country.” Christina Hendry described her Uncle Alex as a “political giant, a strong leader, a fearless campaigner” but also remembered his as a “dearly loved husband, brother and uncle”.