
In fact, he argued, it could have been a culinary conspiracy concocted by criminals, whose actions led to the cooking wine used to prepare the noodles being laced with a banned heart drug that found its way into an athlete's system. This theory was spelled out to international anti-doping officials during a meeting and, after weeks of wrangling, finally made it into the thousands of pages of data handed over to the lawyer who investigated the case involving 23 Chinese swimmers who had tested positive for that same drug. The attorney, appointed by the World Anti-Doping Agency, refused to consider that scenario as he sifted through the evidence. In spelling out his reasoning, lawyer Eric Cottier paid heed to the half-baked nature of the theory. "The Investigator considers this scenario, which he has described in the conditional tense, to be possible, no less, no more," Cottier wrote. Even without the contaminated-noodles theory, Cottier found problems with the way WADA and the Chinese handled the case but ultimately determined WADA had acted reasonably in not appealing China's conclusion that its athletes had been inadvertently contaminated. Critics of the way the China case was handled can't help but wonder if a wider exploration of the noodle theory, details of which were discovered by The Associated Press via notes and emails from after the meeting where it was delivered, might have lent a different flavor to Cottier's conclusions. "There are more story twists to the ways the Chinese explain the TMZ case than a James Bond movie," said Rob Koehler, the director general of the advocacy group Global Athlete. "And all of it is complete fiction." In April, reporting from the New York Times and the German broadcaster ARD revealed that the 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive for the banned heart medication trimetazidine, also known as TMZ. China's anti-doping agency determined the athletes had been contaminated, and so, did not sanction them. WADA accepted that explanation, did not press the case further, and China was never made to deliver a public notice about the "no-fault findings," as is often seen in similar cases. The stock explanation for the contamination was that traces of TMZ were found in the kitchen of a hotel where the swimmers were staying. In his 58-page report, Cottier relayed some suspicions about the feasibility of that chain of events — noting that WADA's chief scientist "saw no other solution than to accept it, even if he continued to have doubts about the reality of contamination as described by the Chinese authorities." But without evidence to support pursuing the case, and with the chance of winning an appeal at almost nil, Cottier determined WADA's "decision not to appeal appears indisputably reasonable." A mystery remained: How did those traces of TMZ get into the kitchen? Shortly after the doping positives were revealed, the Institute of National Anti-Doping Organizations held a meeting on April 30 where it heard from the leader of China's agency, Li Zhiquan. Li's presentation was mostly filled with the same talking points that have been delivered throughout the saga — that the positive tests resulted from contamination from the kitchen. But he expanded on one way the kitchen might have become contaminated, harkening to another case in China involving a low-level TMZ positive. A pharmaceutical factory, he explained, had used industrial alcohol in the distillation process for producing TMZ. The industrial alcohol laced with the drug "then entered the market through illegal channels," he said. The alcohol "was re-used by the perpetrators to process and produce cooking wine, which is an important seasoning used locally to make beef noodles," Li said. "The contaminated beef noodles were consumed by that athlete, resulting in an extremely low concentration of TMZ in the positive sample. "The wrongdoers involved have been brought to justice." This new information raised eyebrows among the anti-doping leaders listening to Li's report. So much so that over the next month, several emails ensued to make sure the details about the noodles and wine made their way to WADA lawyers, who could then pass it onto Cottier. Eventually, Li did pass on the information to WADA general counsel Ross Wenzel and, just to be sure, one of the anti-doping leaders forwarded it, as well, according to the emails seen by the AP. All this came with Li's request that the noodles story be kept confidential. Turns out, it made it into Cottier's report, though he took the information with a grain of salt. "Indeed, giving it more attention would have required it to be documented, then scientifically verified and validated," he wrote. Neither Wenzel nor officials at the Chinese anti-doping agency returned messages from AP asking about the noodles conspiracy and the other athlete who Li suggested had been contaminated by them. Meanwhile, 11 of the swimmers who originally tested positive competed at the Paris Games earlier this year in a meet held under the cloud of the Chinese doping case. Though WADA considers the case closed, Koehler and others point to situations like this as one of many reasons that an investigation by someone other than Cottier, who was hired by WADA, is still needed. "It gives the appearance that people are just making things up as they go along on this, and hoping the story just goes away," Koehler said. "Which clearly it has not."SupraCut Systems Partners with Walk-In Talk Media to Showcase Automated Citrus Slicing Solution for Hospitality Industry
A Weflo official inspects one of the drones owned by the Jeju Special Self-Governing Provincial Government by placing it atop the company’s contactless maintenance pad at an airfield in Jeju Island on Dec. 5. Weflo conducted a check for possible defects across the entire fleet of drones owned by the authority using the pad. Courtesy of Weflo Weflo's detection system replaces human labor By Ko Dong-hwan Weflo CEO Kim Yee-jung / Courtesy of Weflo JEONJU, North Jeolla Province — Troubleshooting mechanical defects in drones and air taxis must shift to robotic automation, rather than relying on human technicians’ sensory-based decisions, to ensure more time-efficient and error-free operations of future mobility, according to the head of Weflo, a startup specializing in technical solutions for the maintenance of advanced aerial mobility (AAM). Kim Yee-jung, CEO of the Jeonju-based company, has invested this year in designing the solution's concept models, building prototypes, and promoting it worldwide. He expects the company to start generating revenues next year. However, his more ambitious goal is to expand what he believes to be the world’s first technology of this type across the global AAM industry and dominate the maintenance market within the sector. Weflo’s technology, applicable to both drones and air taxis, centers on a "fusion sensor." This sensor scans the machines’ driving motor, electronic speed controller, and blades, checking for irregularities based on electromagnetic waves, noise, and vibration. By analyzing the results of the scan, which takes just seconds, the system can detect issues such as worn-out bearings, broken coils, or twisted axles. According to Kim, the predictive maintenance system boasts an accuracy rate of at least 98 percent. Checking for mechanical defects in these machines has traditionally been the job of human experts. “They would put their hands on the blade and give it a few spins. Depending on how that spinning feels like, they would give out a verdict. It is same with other critical parts of drones or air taxis. They would take a close look but it all depends on the technician’s job experience and physical condition that day,” Kim said in his interview with The Korea Times at GroundX which is Weflo’s research and development facility in Jeonju. “We cannot rely on human decisions. What if that technician was sick that day? Would his decision be trustworthy? What if there were like a hundred drones to inspect? That will take hours or even days.” The contactless technology can take various forms, from a portable tripod-like scanner for drones (called Portable Verti-Pit) to a built-in scanner inside a drone maintenance pad (Verti-Pit), and even a scanner for slowly-moving automobiles in parking lots (HUMs). At a vertiport, which serves as a platform for vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (VTOL), a dedicated maintenance section can scan air taxis shortly before or after each flight. Weflo refers to this as the Intelligent AAM Inspection (IAI) Platform, which the company is currently placing its biggest bet on. Weflo's Verti-Pit mini won the Innovation Award in the Drone Category at CES 2025. The Verti-Pit mini, a miniature version of the company’s drone maintenance pad Verti-Pit, is designed to scan small-size drones for possible defects, offering a compact and efficient solution for drone inspections. Courtesy of Weflo At GroundX, four Hums are currently being tested in an outdoor parking lot, scanning vehicles in motion — such as during a carwash — for defects across the body and tires. The results are simultaneously transmitted to computers housed in a container booth next to the cameras for analysis and monitoring. Weflo has so far progressed furthest with drones. Under the project commissioned this year by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the company is building Verti-Pit maintenance pads for a network of delivery drone platforms nationwide. The drone network is scheduled for commercialization in 2027. Nine cities and counties, including Incheon, Busan, Jeju Island, and Seongnam in Gyeonggi Province, are part of the project. The network, which will connect both within and outside these areas, will consist of vertiports, maintenance/command centers, and delivery destinations. In total, around 150 infrastructure elements are planned, with 100 already completed. While different consortiums handle the construction of infrastructure, logistics operations, and drone control systems for the project, Weflo is solely responsible for drone maintenance. “Once a drone parks itself atop Verti-Pit, fusion sensors installed inside the pad scans for possible defects,” Kim said, showing Verti-Pit's prototype at GroundX. While the pad scans the drone with all four blades spinning at full-speed, sensor-connected computers show uptick movements indicating the flyer’s condition. “Each pad is an assembled module. We can adjust each pad’s size and how many or where exactly we want fusion sensors inside the pad depending on which drone to inspect.” IAI Weflo’s technologies culminate in the IAI Platform, currently a concept model that specializes in inspecting air taxis between flights. Kim promoted the platform at the Air Taxi World Congress in London earlier this month. He highlighted that the platform would enable vertiport operators to reduce pre-flight inspection time, ultimately shortening turnaround time for each flight and allowing for more air taxis to be operated. Airlines can also implement the platform in their hangars for more precise aircraft inspections, while air taxi manufacturers could introduce it to their end-of-line (EOL) process to significantly reduce plane testing time, he added. “While the IAI is still in the design phase, it shares its core technology with Verti-Pit. I hope that the transport ministry's delivery drone network will eventually expand to include the IAI feature as well,” Kim anticipated. “For air taxi passengers, the improved maintenance will save enough time to ensure no wait for their flight.” Weflo's concept model for the IAI Platform garnered attention at the Air Taxi World Congress in London, held from Nov. 25-28. Courtesy of Weflo Kim targets the United States as Weflo’s largest market for IAI. Most globally renowned companies specializing in the AAM industry, such as Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation, are based there. Europe, on the other hand, has recently witnessed many companies in the industry going bankrupt. Kim believes that his company must make a breakthrough in the U.S. to effectively showcase its technological capabilities. In November, Weflo established its American subsidiary in Silicon Valley. The company is also currently engaged in "working groups" with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Within these groups, Weflo has proposed ideas — including those involving the IAI platform — to advance the global AAM industry. U.S. counterparts, along with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), are now considering developing Weflo's proposals into official regulations. "Georgia is witnessing the most active AAM industry in the U.S., so we have been focusing our efforts there. Next year, we plan to expand our influence and impress other U.S. states as well," Kim said. “AAM planes, each costing hundreds of billions of won to build, must find ways to increase revenues as a form of public transit. What we (the working groups) have been discussing is how to save time, workforce, and costs when operating AAM for public passengers and determining what rate their service fare should be set at. I have been persuading them that IAI will help launch such services at a commercially viable level.” Kim plans to further develop Weflo’s AAM maintenance technologies by making them applicable to a wider range of aircraft and equipment, including medium- to large-sized drones and electric VTOLs. The company is currently working to sell its technologies to Korean drone manufacturers so they can integrate the system into their EOL processes. According to Kim, this will save these companies time and effort by eliminating the need for separate flight tests. “We have seen a series of disasters caused by electric vehicles' lithium battery explosions this year, raising concerns over the vehicles and increasing awareness of the batteries’ safety,” Kim said. “These incidents have underscored the importance of pre-flight inspections for drones and air taxis. I believe this will present an opportunity for our company to highlight our technologies.”
After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season. , the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony-winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo ( , Broadway's ) as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart. It runs at 12.30pm or in Gold Class at 6pm. runs at 10am, 11.30am, 3.30pm and 6.30pm. For the young and young at heart, is playing at 10am, 12.30pm, 3.30pm and 8.30pm. Otherwise, action fans can settle in for from 7pm. or signup to continue reading Saddle up for the 69 annual Golden Spurs at Myrtleford. The rodeo is a family fun day where you can just kick back and enjoy the thrills and spills of a country rodeo. Held at the Myrtleford Showgrounds, the rodeo is in a natural amphitheatre with plenty of room for everyone to see and be part of the action. Big screen replays ensure you won't miss out on a thing. Gates open at 11am for junior and second division events and the main program starts at 4pm and runs until 10.30pm. Barrel races, team roping, saddle bronc and bareback riding build up the day's events to the open bull ride, where the bravest cowboys try to stay on for eight seconds on some of Australia's Happy Gill's best bucking bulls - Gold Bandit and Vertical Exit. The rodeo is fully catered, and there is a strict no BYO alcohol or glass policy. Patrons are urged to bring their own chair, jacket or blanket for the late evening. Pass-outs are available to get these items from your car. Entry: adults $35, teenagers $25 (13-17), children $15 (6-12), under 6 free, family $85. Camping $20 for the night of December 26. Ticket does not include rodeo entry. No free camping. Limited EFTPOS available (no cash out). The rodeo is run by volunteers with all proceeds donated back to the community. Do Christmas Recovery right at Cofield Wines. Savour tasty bites from food trucks while enjoying your favourite wines, beers and refreshing cocktails. The event will feature live performances, perfect for dancing the day away in the beautiful vineyard. Whether you're celebrating with friends or family, it's the perfect way to keep the holiday spirit alive. Don't miss out on this festive celebration of good food, great drinks and fantastic entertainment. Bookings: Put on your runners and make a beeline for the Boxing Day sales throughout the Border and North East. Stock up on homewares, active wear and cosmetics while the prices are rock bottom. It's also the best time to cash in your Christmas Day gift vouchers to get more bang for your buck. Frequent a local eatery to fuel up for the exercise. Then pace yourself! SOS The Australian ABBA Tribute show takes you back in time when ABBA ruled the world stage. From their debut of at Eurovision right up until today, ABBA's music has left a sparkle in our eyes and a beat in our hearts. The music of ABBA lives on with SOS, performing their greatest hits of hot disco tracks such as , unforgettable pop classics like and heart-clenching ballads like This full show, costumed, choreographed with a high-energy band, will make you believe you're seeing the real thing. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement Advertisement
NVIDIA: A Success Story in Tech Investment Over the past 15 years, NVIDIA has shown extraordinary performance in the stock market, beating market averages and showcasing the power of compounded returns. For those who trusted NVIDIA’s potential early on, the financial rewards have been significant. A 15-Year Financial Transformation If you had invested $1000 in NVIDIA stock 15 years ago, your investment would have grown tremendously. With the stock price currently standing at $139.78, that initial investment would now be valued at an impressive $311,254.16. This remarkable growth highlights NVIDIA’s average annual return of 46.28%, outperforming the market by an annualized 34.46%. Market Reach and Influence Today, NVIDIA boasts a substantial market capitalization of $3.42 trillion, underlining its impressive growth and influence in the tech industry. This market cap reflects the company’s enduring success and its pivotal role in technology innovation. The Lesson of Compounded Returns The story of NVIDIA over the past 15 years underscores an essential investment lesson: the profound impact of compounded returns over time. While past performance does not guarantee future results, NVIDIA’s trajectory illustrates how a well-chosen investment can yield significant financial gains. Investors are reminded of the potential rewards of long-term investing, as demonstrated by NVIDIA’s exceptional journey from a pioneering tech company to a market leader. The Astonishing Rise of NVIDIA: Insights and Innovations NVIDIA’s Revolutionary Innovations: Shaping the Tech Landscape In the ever-evolving tech industry, NVIDIA has not only outperformed market expectations but has also set new benchmarks in innovation and technological advancement. From graphics processing units (GPUs) to artificial intelligence (AI) applications, NVIDIA’s innovations continue to redefine the boundaries of technology. Key Innovations: Driving the Future of Computing NVIDIA has been a trailblazer in several cutting-edge technologies. Their GPUs have revolutionized computer graphics, making them a staple in gaming, professional visualization, and data centers. Additionally, NVIDIA’s AI-powered platforms, such as the NVIDIA DRIVE for autonomous vehicles and NVIDIA Clara for healthcare, showcase their commitment to transforming industries through innovation. Market Analysis: Trends and Predictions NVIDIA’s ability to anticipate and capitalize on emerging trends has been instrumental in its success. The global demand for AI and machine learning technologies is surging, with NVIDIA positioned at the forefront of this growth. The company’s focus on developing AI infrastructure indicates a promising future, with analysts predicting continued expansion in sectors such as autonomous driving, robotics, and cloud computing. Compatibility and Ecosystem: Enhancing User Experience Another aspect contributing to NVIDIA’s success is its robust compatibility within a diverse tech ecosystem. The company’s products seamlessly integrate with various hardware and software platforms, resulting in a comprehensive suite of solutions. This compatibility enhances user experience, making NVIDIA a preferred choice across multiple sectors. Security Aspects: Ensuring Robust Protection With technology becoming integral to infrastructure and security, NVIDIA places a strong emphasis on safeguards within its products. The company invests heavily in security protocols, ensuring that its products meet the highest standards of data protection and cybersecurity. This focus on security enhances trust and reliability among NVIDIA’s vast customer base. Sustainability: Committed to a Greener Future In line with global sustainability trends, NVIDIA is actively pursuing eco-friendly initiatives. The company is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and has implemented greener practices across its operations to promote sustainability in the tech industry. This dedication not only benefits the environment but also aligns NVIDIA’s goals with global environmental standards. The Bottom Line: A Promising Road Ahead Looking forward, NVIDIA’s strategy indicates a commitment to harnessing technology for societal benefit, continuing its legacy of innovation and unparalleled growth. For investors and tech enthusiasts, NVIDIA stands as a beacon of ingenuity, adaptability, and sustainable progress in a rapidly changing world. For more insights into NVIDIA’s journey and innovations, visit their official website .
‘Let’s not panic’: Canada picks up the pieces after Latvia loss at world juniors
Bitcoin hit a record high above $100,000 on Thursday as the election of Republican Donald Trump as U.S. president fuels expectations that his administration will usher in a friendly regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies. The world's largest cryptocurrency was last up 3% at $101,000. Since Trump's win on November 5, the price has surged around 45%, driven by a swathe of buying that has poured capital into U.S. bitcoin-backed exchange-traded funds. Comments: Justin D' Anethan, independent crypto analyst, Hong Kong: Web Development Advanced C++ Mastery: OOPs and Template Techniques By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Learn InVideo AI: Create Videos from Text Easily By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Office Productivity Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By - Study At Home, Quality Education Anytime, Anywhere View Program Web Development A Comprehensive ASP.NET Core MVC 6 Project Guide for 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Strategy Succession Planning Masterclass By - Nigel Penny, Global Strategy Advisor: NSP Strategy Facilitation Ltd. 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The figure not that long ago dismissed as fantasy, stands as a reality. Discover the stories of your interest Blockchain 5 Stories Cyber-safety 7 Stories Fintech 9 Stories E-comm 9 Stories ML 8 Stories Edtech 6 Stories "Institutional adoption is evident, as seen by the increased volume on the CME, ETFs (exchange traded funds), and derivatives markets during U.S. hours. Essentially, funds now need to either get involved or risk standing on the sidelines while more gutsy competitors potentially outperform." Bobby Ong, cofounder, Coingecko, Kuala Lumpur: "Bitcoin reaching the $100,000 milestone marks a significant moment for the cryptocurrency market , reflecting its growing maturity and mainstream adoption. "The psychological importance of $100,000 is also attracting new investors and driving market sentiment. This rally demonstrates Bitcoin's position as a leading financial innovation, solidifying its reputation as a digital store of value and a hedge against traditional economic uncertainties. "It also underscores the growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies as a legitimate asset class." Shane Oliver, chief economist and head of investment strategy, AMP, Sydney: "As time goes by it's proving itself as part of the financial landscape, slotting in more as a store of value as opposed to a regular asset you can value on the basis of things it produces, like shares. Ray Attrill, head of Fx Research "It's the ultimate speculative asset, isn't it. "I wasn't surprised ... it was probably the cleanest 'Trump trade'. Just from a regulatory point of view and the concept of a much more easily traded asset, it's justified its run up, though it's now taken on a life of its own. "The test will be if we do have a big puke in risk sentiment at some point, and we start to see a major stock market correction. Where does crypto sit in that? I don't know the answer." RICHARD TENG, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, BINANCE, DUBAI: "Almost 16 years since its first block was mined in 2009, bitcoin has reached the landmark milestone of $100K per coin, placing the asset at a total market capitalisation of $2.1 trillion. "This also places bitcoin firmly on the very short list of just seven assets or companies that have achieved more than 2 trillion dollars in market capitalisation, the rest being gold and tech giants NVIDIA, Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet (Google), and Amazon. "With talks of a U.S. Strategic Bitcoin reserve and more companies adding bitcoin to their corporate treasuries, we are on the precipice of true mainstream global adoption." Jean-Baptiste Graftieaux , CEO, Bitstamp, Luxembourg: "Bitcoin reaching $100,000 is a watershed moment, highlighting its resilience after a challenging few years. Despite shifts in the political and regulatory landscape, bitcoin has proven its staying power. "This milestone reflects the growing maturity of the crypto market, as traditional financial institutions and retail customers increasingly embrace digital assets. Looking ahead, we anticipate broader integration of crypto into retail, professional and institutional holdings and pensions, coupled with a more diverse range of trading services and instruments, mirroring the evolution of traditional finance."Quantum science and technology: highlights of 2024HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 4, 2024-- Crescent Energy Company (NYSE: CRGY) (“we” or “our”) announced today that its indirect subsidiary Crescent Energy Finance LLC (the “Issuer”) has priced its previously announced private placement pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), to eligible purchasers of $400 million aggregate principal amount of 7.625% Senior Notes due 2032 (the “Additional Notes” and, together with the Existing Notes (as defined below), the “Notes”). The size of this offering was increased from the previously announced $300 million to $400 million. The Notes mature on April 1, 2032 and pay interest at the rate of 7.625% per year, payable on April 1 and October 1 of each year, with interest payments on the Additional Notes commencing on April 1, 2025. The Additional Notes were priced at 100.250% of par, plus accrued and unpaid interest from October 1, 2024. The Issuer intends to use the net proceeds from this offering, together with the net proceeds of the previously announced underwritten public offering of our Class A Common Stock (the “Equity Offering”), to fund the cash portion of the consideration for the previously announced acquisition of Ridgemar (Eagle Ford) LLC (the “Ridgemar Acquisition”). Pending the use of proceeds described in the previous sentence, the proceeds from each of this offering and the Equity Offering will be used to temporarily reduce the borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility and any remaining for general corporate purposes. If the Ridgemar Acquisition is not completed, the proceeds of this offering will be used to reduce the borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility or for general corporate purposes. This offering is not contingent on the completion of the Ridgemar Acquisition or the Equity Offering, and neither the Ridgemar Acquisition nor the Equity Offering is conditioned on the completion of this offering. This offering is expected to close on December 11, 2024, subject to customary closing conditions. The Additional Notes are being offered as additional notes under the indenture dated as of March 26, 2024, as supplemented (the “Indenture”), pursuant to which the Issuer has previously issued $700 million aggregate principal amount of 7.625% Senior Notes due 2032 (the “Existing Notes”). The Additional Notes will have substantially identical terms, other than the issue date, the first interest payment date and the initial offering price, as the Existing Notes, and the Additional Notes and the Existing Notes will be treated as a single series of securities under the Indenture and will vote together as a single class. The Notes and the related guarantees have not been registered under the Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and, unless so registered, the Notes and the guarantees may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. The Issuer plans to offer and sell the Additional Notes only to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act and to persons outside the United States pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act. This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, the securities described herein, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. About Crescent Energy Company Crescent Energy Company is a U.S. energy company with a portfolio of assets concentrated in Texas and the Rockies. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements are based on current expectations. The words and phrases “should”, “could”, “may”, “will”, “believe”, “think”, “plan”, “intend”, “expect”, “potential”, “possible”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “forecast”, “view”, “efforts”, “target”, “goal” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements and express our expectations about future events. This communication includes statements regarding this private placement and the Equity Offering and the use of proceeds therefrom, respectively, and the Ridgemar Acquisition and the transactions related thereto that may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws. We believe that our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions; however, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to be correct. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations, anticipated results or other forward-looking information expressed in this communication, including weather, political, economic and market conditions, including a decline in the price and market demand for natural gas, natural gas liquids and crude oil, uncertainties inherent in estimating natural gas and oil reserves and in projecting future rates of production, our hedging strategy and results, federal and state regulations and laws, recent elections and associated political volatility, the severity and duration of public health crises, actions by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”) and non-OPEC oil-producing countries, the impact of the armed conflict in Ukraine, continued hostilities in the Middle East, including the Israel-Hamas conflict and heightened tensions in Iran, Lebanon and Yemen, the impact of disruptions in the capital markets, the timing and success of business development efforts, including acquisition and disposition opportunities, our ability to integrate operations or realize any anticipated operational or corporate synergies and other benefits from the Ridgemar Acquisition and the acquisition of SilverBow Resources, Inc., our reliance on our external manager, sustained cost inflation, elevated interest rates and central bank policy changes associated therewith and other uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this communication that address activities, events or developments that we expect, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. Consequently, actual future results could differ materially from our expectations due to a number of factors, including, but not limited to, those items identified as such in the most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K and the risk factors described thereunder, filed by Crescent Energy Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Many of such risks, uncertainties and assumptions are beyond our ability to control or predict. Because of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. We do not give any assurance (1) that we will achieve our expectations or (2) concerning any result or the timing thereof. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning this offering and the Equity Offering and the use of proceeds therefrom, respectively, and the Ridgemar Acquisition and the transaction related thereto, Crescent Energy Company and the Issuer or other matters and attributable thereto or to any person acting on their behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. We assume no duty to update or revise these forward-looking statements based on new information, future events or otherwise. 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ASHBURN, Va.— Former Atlanta Falcons coach Dan Quinn has the Washington Commanders rolling. The Falcons (8-7) are set to face the Commanders (10-5), one of the hotter teams in the NFL, at 8:20 p.m. ET Sunday at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md., with NFC playoff implications on the line. The Commanders, who are led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, are coming off a 36-33 victory Sunday over the Eagles, which snapped their 10-game win streak. The Commanders still are in the hunt for the NFC East title, two games behind the Eagles (12-3) with two games to play. The Falcons are tied for the lead with the Bucs (8-7) in the NFC South. The Falcons hold the tiebreaker over the Bucs with two head-to-head wins. The Falcons need to beat Washington and then the Panthers in the regular-season finale to make it back to the playoffs for the first time since the 2017 season. Quinn, who was the Falcons coach from 2015-20, is one of two coaches to take the franchise to the Super Bowl. After he was fired five games into the 2020 season, Quinn was hired as Dallas’ defensive coordinator the next year. Quinn took over in Washington this season and is benefiting from the spectacular play of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, a former Arizona State and LSU standout who was taken with the second overall pick in the NFL draft. “It’s been awesome,” Commanders backup quarterback Marcus Mariota, a former Falcon, said to The Atlanta Journal Constitution recently about playing for Quinn. “He is, honestly one of my favorites that I’ve ever played for. The energy and the culture he builds here is just very fun to be a part of. I’m really enjoying myself.” Daniels has completed 301 of 432 passes (69.7%) for 3,303 yards, 22 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He has a passer rating of 101.3. A crafty runner, Daniels also has rushed 128 times for 737 yards and six touchdowns. He’s a near lock for the Associated Press rookie-of-the-year award. “He’s done a great job,” Mariota said. “He’s deserves a lot of credit for how he’s come in. His demeanor and the way he works. I think that there are no surprises as to why he’s good.” Former Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus caught five passes for 70 yards and two touchdowns Sunday. He also is a big supporter of Daniels. “It’s been great,” Zaccheaus told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “I think he’s handled a lot of things very, very well. ... It’s been cool to see. It’s great to play alongside of him. He’s just going to continue to grow as he gets more games under his belt.” Cornerback Marshon Lattimore, who was acquired in a trade with the Saints in early November, played in his second game for the Commanders in the win Sunday. He covered A.J. Brown and was called for three defensive pass-interference penalties. Quinn was fine with how Lattimore competed. “He has a real edge about him, a strength about him, and he really fits in well to how we want to play,” Quinn told Washington media members Monday. “So, I was pretty pumped to see him.” Lattimore likely will cover Falcons wide receiver Drake London, who’s 22 yards from his first 1,000-yard receiving season. Quinn has won over his locker room. “I’m grateful for DQ reaching out to me and bringing me in,” Zaccheaus said. “I know what he wants things to look like. I’m helping him build a culture here. We want to win. We are just building that culture day in and day out. I know what that should look like. I know what he wants it to look like. So, I’m just helping him do that.” Falcons coach Raheem Morris was on Quinn’s staff with the Falcons and took over as the interim head coach in 2020. He then went to the Rams and helped them win a Super Bowl as their defensive coordinator. He was hired in January to replace Arthur Smith. Morris and Quinn, while with the Rams and Cowboys, have faced each other before. “We played the Cowboys, I want to say twice,” Morris said. “It could be just once, but for sure once. They kicked our butts a bit last year.” The Cowboys won 43-20 on Oct. 29, 2023 at home. Both made their return to the head-coaching ranks this season from previous head coaching jobs. “Man, it’s always fun to play against your friends, your confidants, your mentors — whatever you want to look at it as — that we’ve been able to grow up with throughout this whole process,” Morris said. “You know, Dan coaching me in college (at Hofstra) and then having a chance to work together, then having a chance to really follow the same path to the National Football League.” ©2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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After her son's death, Melissa Etheridge turned her grief into advocacy by creating a foundation to support new research into old 'plant medicine'FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — If things had worked out differently, wide receiver Ladd McConkey might have been standing on the New England Patriots’ sideline Saturday at Gillette Stadium, watching Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert shred his defensive teammates during a 40-7 victory . Instead, McConkey set Chargers rookie records for receptions and receiving yards in a season Saturday. He caught eight passes for 94 yards and two touchdowns, bringing his season totals to 77 receptions and 1,054 receiving yards, breaking Keenan Allen’s marks of 71 catches and 1,046 yards in 2013. McConkey is one touchdown shy of Allen’s rookie record of eight. When the Chargers jettisoned Allen and Mike Williams in a pair of cost-saving moves during the offseason, new General Manager Joe Hortiz had the notion of selecting a standout wide receiver near the top of his to-do list going into the draft. Hortiz picked right tackle Joe Alt with his first-round pick . Hortiz then made what seemed at the time like a minor move. He swapped his second-round pick for the Patriots’ second-round selection, moving up from 37th to 34th to take McConkey , a standout from the University of Georgia. Hortiz added the 137th overall pick as a sweetener to complete the trade. So, it was that McConkey torched the team that ended up trading him. “No extra motivation or anything like that,” McConkey said, laughing when asked about facing the Patriots for the first time since the draft back in April. “I was excited to get drafted. I didn’t care that I got traded. I’m right where I’m supposed to be. It’s a cool moment. I’m glad they drafted me.” McConkey recalled he met with the Chargers only briefly during the Senior Bowl. He didn’t have any inkling that they would have any special interest in drafting him. Little did he know how easily he would mesh with his teammates, and especially Herbert, who has called him a “quarterback’s best friend.” “I always believed in myself, but I didn’t know,” McConkey said of his mindset going into his rookie season. “I didn’t know. Obviously, I wanted to get as many yards as I could and contribute as much as I could. In a sense, I really didn’t think about this, but it is pretty cool. I feel like it just developed.” EXTRA POINTS Derwin James Jr. sacked Patriots quarterback Drake Maye twice and recovered Maye’s fumble, one of several stellar defensive players Saturday. Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu also sacked Maye once apiece. The Chargers limited Maye to 12 for 22 passing for 117 yards and one touchdown. ... Cameron Dicker kicked field goals of 27, 38, 41 and 35 yards for the Chargers. He accounted for the only points in their 6-0 victory last season over the Patriots, a game played in a steady downpour that limited the Chargers’ offenses to only two successful possessions. ... Wide receiver Joshua Palmer suffered a heel injury and didn’t return to the game. He was walking with the aid of crutches after the game. Defensive back Elijah Molden departed the game on a cart after suffering a shin injury on a non-contact play. Molden wore a walking boot after the game.
AP News Summary at 6:33 p.m. ESTInjured Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts won't play Sunday against Dallas