spanish lottery results betfred
With technical prowess and considerable style, Marta danced around two sliding defenders, outwitted a goalkeeper and calmly scored as another player rushed forward in desperation to stop her. It was more Marta Magic. That goal last weekend helped propel the Orlando Pride into Saturday's National Women's Soccer League championship game against the Washington Spirit. Barbra Banda also scored in the Pride's 3-2 semifinal victory over the Kansas City Current . While Banda has had an incredible first season with the Pride, captain Marta has been the talisman that has helped lead the team in its remarkable turnaround this year. The last time the Pride were in the NWSL playoffs was in 2017 — Marta's first year with the club. But this season they nearly went undefeated, going 23 games without a loss to start the season before losing 2-0 to the Portland Thorns with just two regular-season games left. “I think because of the way that we did it, during this season, from beginning to now, it’s something very special that I’ve never had before with any other club that I’ve played for," Marta said. "Plus year by year, we see in America, strong competition. This is the best league in the world. And you never know what’s going to happen, and it’s hard to keep winning the games, being in the first place almost like the whole season. That’s why it’s really different and so special.” Marta’s goal was the latest gasp-inducing moment in a stellar career filled with them. Known by just her first name, the 38-year-old is a six-time FIFA world player of the year. "Let's see if tomorrow I can do something similar — or even better," Marta said on Friday. Her teammate Kylie Strom chimed in: “That was the greatest goal I've ever witnessed, hands down." Appropriate. Earlier this year, FIFA announced that the best goal in women's soccer each year would earn the Marta Award. In a lighthearted moment the day before the title match, Marta was asked if she thought it was possible she might give the award to herself. “You guys need to decide, because who votes for the best goal in the year? It’s you. It’s the people in the public. So it should be really interesting, like Marta’s Award goes to Marta!” she said with a laugh. Marta has played in six World Cups for Brazil and played this summer in her sixth Olympics, winning a silver medal after falling in the final to the United States . She previously said this would be her final year with the national team. But since then Brazil was named the host of the 2027 Women's World Cup. "I had a conversation with my coach, the national team coach, and I was really clear about playing in 2027. I told him it’s not my goal anymore,” she said. “But I’m always available to help the national team. And if they think I still can do something during this preparation for the World Cup, yeah, I would be happy to help them." Marta's club career started in Brazil when she was just 16. She has also played in Sweden and in the U.S. professional women's leagues that came before the NWSL. With nine regular-season goals, Marta has had one of her best seasons since she joined the Pride. “I can never pick a side, I never pick favorites — but I love to see this for Marta," U.S. coach Emma Hayes said. “Marta is someone we all like, admire and are grateful for. And that goal was just like prime Marta at her best. And so grateful for and thankful for her that she got the opportunity with another game with her team.” The Pride went 18-2-6 this season, clinching the NWSL Shield for the first trophy in club history. Orlando also set a record with 60 regular-season points to finish atop the standings. “We are sitting top of the table, but I think there still are a lot of doubters. I think there’s people out there who say, maybe this was a one-off season,” Strom said. “But we’re here to prove them all wrong. So I think we do carry a bit of that underdog mentality still with us.” The second-seeded Spirit advanced to the title match at Kansas City's CPKC Stadium last weekend on a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw against defending champions Gotham FC. The Spirit's roster includes Trinity Rodman, a standout forward who formed the so-called “Triple Espresso” trio with Mallory Swanson and Sophia Smith for the United States at the Olympics. ___ AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer Anne M. Peterson, The Associated PressNissan and Honda to attempt a merger that would create the world's No. 3 automaker TOKYO (AP) — Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda have announced plans to work toward a merger that would catapult them to a top position in an industry in the midst of tectonic shifts as it transitions away from its reliance on fossil fuels. The two companies said they signed an agreement on integrating their businesses on Monday. Smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors agreed to join the talks. News of a possible merger surfaced earlier this month. Japanese automakers face a strong challenge from their Chinese rivals and Tesla as they make inroads into markets at home and abroad. What a merger between Nissan and Honda means for the automakers and the industry BANGKOK (AP) — Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan will attempt to merge and create the world’s third-largest automaker by sales as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels. The two companies said they had signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday and that smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors also had agreed to join the talks on integrating their businesses. Honda will initially lead the new management, retaining the principles and brands of each company. Following is a quick look at what a combined Honda and Nissan would mean for the companies, and for the auto industry. Nordstrom to be acquired by Nordstrom family and a Mexican retail group in $6.25 billion deal Century-old department store Nordstrom has agreed to be acquired and taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal. Nordstrom shareholders will receive $24.25 in cash for each share of Nordstrom common stock, representing a 42% premium on the company’s stock as of March 18. Nordstrom’s board of directors unanimously approved the the proposed transaction, while Erik and Pete Nordstrom — part of the Nordstrom family taking over the company — recused themselves from voting. Following the close of the transaction, the Nordstrom Family will have a majority ownership stake in the company. An analyst looks ahead to how the US economy might fare under Trump WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump won a return to the White House in part by promising big changes in economic policy — more tax cuts, huge tariffs on imports, mass deportations of immigrants working in the United States illegally. In some ways, his victory marked a repudiation of President Joe Biden’s economic stewardship and a protest against inflation. It came despite low unemployment and steady growth under the Biden administration. What lies ahead for the economy under Trump? Paul Ashworth of Capital Economics spoke recently to The Associated Press. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. American consumers feeling less confident in December, Conference Board says American consumers are feeling less confident in December, a business research group says. The Conference Board said Monday that its consumer confidence index fell back in December to 104.7 from 112.8 in November. Consumers had been feeling increasingly confident in recent months. The consumer confidence index measures both Americans’ assessment of current economic conditions and their outlook for the next six months. The measure of Americans’ short-term expectations for income, business and the job market tumbled more than a dozen points to 81.1. The Conference Board says a reading under 80 can signal a potential recession in the near future. Stock market today: Wall Street rises at the start of a holiday-shortened week Stocks closed higher on Wall Street at the start of a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 rose 0.7% Monday. Several big technology companies helped support the gains, including chip companies Nvidia and Broadcom. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.2%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 1%. Honda's U.S.-listed shares rose sharply after the company said it was in talks about a combination with Nissan in a deal that could also include Mitsubishi Motors. Eli Lilly rose after announcing that regulators approved Zepbound as the first prescription medicine for adults with sleep apnea. Treasury yields rose in the bond market. The internet is rife with fake reviews. Will AI make it worse? Researchers and watchdog groups say the emergence of generative artificial intelligence tools that allow people to efficiently produce detailed and novel online reviews has put merchants, service providers and consumers in uncharted territory. Phony reviews have long plagued many popular consumer websites, such as Amazon and Yelp. But AI-infused text generation tools enable fraudsters to produce reviews faster and in greater volume, according to tech industry experts. The deceptive practice is illegal in the U.S. and becomes a bigger problem for consumers during the holiday shopping season, when many people rely on reviews to buy gifts. A tech company and watchdog group that uses software to detect fake reviews says AI-generated reviews have multiplied. Romanian lawmakers narrowly approve new pro-European coalition during period of political turmoil BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romanian lawmakers have voted narrowly in favor of a new pro-European coalition government led by incumbent Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. The move on Monday could usher in an end to a protracted political crisis in the European Union country following the annulment of a presidential election. Parliament approved the new administration in a 240-143 vote in the 466-seat legislature. The new coalition is made up of the leftist Social Democratic Party, the center-right National Liberal Party, the small ethnic Hungarian UDMR party and national minorities. President Klaus Iohannis swore in the new government on Monday night. Government regulators close investigation into Ford Focus recalls Government safety regulators are closing an investigation into two previous recalls of the Ford Focus after determining that Ford Motor Co. has satisfied its concerns. Ford recalled around 1.5 million Ford Focus sedans from the 2012-2018 model years in 2018 because they could lose power. The issue was a malfunctioning canister purge valve and software that didn’t adequately detect when it was stuck open. Ford fixed the software in two separate recalls, but after cars continued to stall, the government opened an inquiry last year. Earlier this fall, Ford offered to replace the canister purge valve on all of the vehicles, satisfying regulators' concerns. AI will eavesdrop on world's wildest places to track and help protect endangered wildlife PUERTO JIMÉNEZ, Costa Rica (AP) — A biologist hid 350 audio monitors across Costa Rica’s tropical rainforests to spy on endangered spider monkeys in order to help protect them. But she had to go back to collect the data and feed those sounds into artificial intelligence systems that can recognize monkey calls. Now tech giant Microsoft's philanthropic arm is hoping to supercharge AI-assisted wildlife research with new solar-powered devices that can capture sounds, images and other wilderness data for a year or more without human intervention. Researchers say more AI wildlife surveillance is urgently needed to monitor the health of species at risk of extinction.
Ashcroft says he’s happy with his work, ready to step away from Missouri politicsInjured Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts won't play Sunday against Dallas
A Joint Seminar on Customs Regulation between Myanmar and the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) was held via videoconferencing at Office 1, Nay Pyi Taw, on the afternoon of 23 December 2024, to exchange experiences on trade facilitation, upgrade of customs regulations, and strengthening the regional economic stability and development between Myanmar and the Eurasian Economic Commission. Union Minister for Investment and Foreign Economic Relations Dr Kan Zaw and the Member of the Board – Minister in charge of Integration and Macroeconomics of the EEC Mr Eldar Alisherov delivered the opening remarks in the seminar. Dr Kan Zaw addressed that trade facilitation processes are being carried out in digital technology since the international trade processes have increased and upgraded in this age, the status of trade facilitation processes in Myanmar, and encouraged the participants to exchange experiences and best practices on customs regulations. Mr Eldar Alisherov gave remarks on the situation of single window mechanism development in the implementation of foreign economic activity regulation of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), the status of coordination among the members of EAEU, and the future work plan of EEC. After that, Mr Grigor Ohanyan, Deputy Director of the Department of Customs Legislation and Law Enforcement Practice of the EEC explained the Customs Code of EAEU and Acts of EEC with the title “Unified Customs Regulation in the EAEU”, and U Kyaw Linn Myaing, Assistant Director of the Customs Department of the Ministry of Planning and Finance presented the Myanmar Customs Laws, Duties and Taxes, Three pillars of Customs Duties, and Customs Procedures under title of “Customs Regulation System in Myanmar”. Then, Mr Grigor Ohanyan continued the discussion on the prospects of the development of a single window mechanism in the EAEU, and U Hein Htet Aung, Deputy Director of the Customs Department of the Ministry of Planning and Finance made the presentation on Myanmar Automated Cargo Clearance System (MACCS) and National Single Window System within the title of “Application of the Single Window mechanism in the system of foreign economic activity regulations”. Moreover, Mr Vladimir Badeynov, Head of the Division for Integration of Information Systems of Customs Authorities of the Customs Infrastructure Department of the EEC exchanged information on the approach used in the EAEU, and U Si Thu Kyaw, Assistant Director of the Customs Department of the Ministry of Planning and Finance explained the ASEAN Single Window Live Operation, Myanmar National Single Window Routing Platform and exchange electronic messages under the title of “Exchange of Information on the Implementation of Interstate Electronic Information Exchange in the Customs Sector”. After the presentations, the questions and answers session was followed. The seminar was attended by senior officials and the relevant officials with a total number of 25 from the Ministry of Planning and Finance, the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations and the Ministry of Commerce. Similar joint seminars on Finance and Digital Economy and Agro-Industrial Complex will be held in 2025 between Myanmar and the Eurasian Economic Commission. — MIFER
Each and every one of us is invited to uphold the fundamental principle of human dignity at all times and in all situations. — Bernama photo THIS is the time of the year when we celebrate our faith and the universal belief of all decent people that empathy, kindness and above all, love triumphs over evils and wickedness. While we are celebrating an important Christian event, we also think of many who are suffering emotionally, physically and financially. In a world filled with conflicts, pain and sickness, we remember the plight of the poor, the destitute and the homeless, and those who are terminally ill and sick. Every single human, whether born the poorest of the poor, the weakest of the weak, or incapacitated by serious illness, is entitled to be treated with dignity and respect, and above all, love. We must never inflict cruelty nor destroy human lives, especially the young, the poor, the sick, and the elderly and the most vulnerable ones. Human dignity does not depend on social status, financial standing, nor physical or intellectual abilities. Every person warrants respect and his or her dignity can never be diminished by misfortune, illness, vulnerability or poverty. I believe that deep in our heart, everyone knows that is morally wrong, unethical, and immoral to deliberately treat any human person unjustly, unkindly, without regard for his dignity as a fellow human brother or sister. Each and every one of us is invited to uphold the fundamental principle of human dignity at all times and in all situations. Our hearts be warm and capable of giving love in abundance in this most difficult and trying world. May God bless us all and touch the open the hearts of all humanity to show kindness, mercy, empathy and love to fellow human beings and even to all creatures. Let us celebrate this Christmas as a time to bring hope, peace, to share our resources and work together with all people of goodwill to build a better society where the dignity of every person is respected and honoured. And where love, peace and hope abounds to bless all humanity. Merry Christmas!
ATLANTA (AP) — Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer who won the presidency in the wake of the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, endured humbling defeat after one tumultuous term and then redefined life after the White House as a global humanitarian, has died. He was 100 years old. The longest-lived American president died on Sunday, roughly 22 months after entering hospice care, at his home in the small town of Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died at 96 in November 2023, spent most of their lives, The Carter Center said. “Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia,” the center said on the social media platform X. It added in a statement that he died peacefully, surrounded by his family. As reaction poured in from around the world, President Joe Biden mourned Carter’s death, saying the world lost an “extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian” and he lost a dear friend. Biden cited Carter’s work to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil and human rights, promote free and fair elections and house the homeless as an example for others. “To all of the young people in this nation and for anyone in search of what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning – the good life – study Jimmy Carter, a man of principle, faith, and humility,” Biden said in a statement. Biden spoke later Sunday evening about Carter, calling it a “sad day” but one that “brings back an incredible amount of good memories.” “I’ve been hanging out with Jimmy Carter for over 50 years,” Biden said in his remarks. He recalled the former president being a comfort to him and his wife Jill when their son Beau died in 2015 of cancer. The president remarked how cancer was a common bond between their families, with Carter himself having cancer later in his life. “Jimmy knew the ravages of the disease too well,” said Biden, who was ordering a state funeral for Carter in Washington. Businessman, Navy officer, evangelist, politician, negotiator, author, woodworker, citizen of the world — Carter forged a path that still challenges political assumptions and stands out among the 45 men who reached the nation’s highest office. The 39th president leveraged his ambition with a keen intellect, deep religious faith and prodigious work ethic, conducting diplomatic missions into his 80s and building houses for the poor well into his 90s. “My faith demands — this is not optional — my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can, with whatever I have to try to make a difference,” Carter once said. A president from Plains A moderate Democrat, Carter entered the 1976 presidential race as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad smile, outspoken Baptist mores and technocratic plans reflecting his education as an engineer. His no-frills campaign depended on public financing, and his promise not to deceive the American people resonated after Richard Nixon’s disgrace and U.S. defeat in southeast Asia. “If I ever lie to you, if I ever make a misleading statement, don’t vote for me. I would not deserve to be your president,” Carter repeated before narrowly beating Republican incumbent Gerald Ford, who had lost popularity pardoning Nixon. Carter governed amid Cold War pressures, turbulent oil markets and social upheaval over racism, women’s rights and America’s global role. His most acclaimed achievement in office was a Mideast peace deal that he brokered by keeping Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin at the bargaining table for 13 days in 1978. That Camp David experience inspired the post-presidential center where Carter would establish so much of his legacy. Yet Carter’s electoral coalition splintered under double-digit inflation, gasoline lines and the 444-day hostage crisis in Iran. His bleakest hour came when eight Americans died in a failed hostage rescue in April 1980, helping to ensure his landslide defeat to Republican Ronald Reagan. Carter acknowledged in his 2020 “White House Diary” that he could be “micromanaging” and “excessively autocratic,” complicating dealings with Congress and the federal bureaucracy. He also turned a cold shoulder to Washington’s news media and lobbyists, not fully appreciating their influence on his political fortunes. “It didn’t take us long to realize that the underestimation existed, but by that time we were not able to repair the mistake,” Carter told historians in 1982, suggesting that he had “an inherent incompatibility” with Washington insiders. Carter insisted his overall approach was sound and that he achieved his primary objectives — to “protect our nation’s security and interests peacefully” and “enhance human rights here and abroad” — even if he fell spectacularly short of a second term. And then, the world Ignominious defeat, though, allowed for renewal. The Carters founded The Carter Center in 1982 as a first-of-its-kind base of operations, asserting themselves as international peacemakers and champions of democracy, public health and human rights. “I was not interested in just building a museum or storing my White House records and memorabilia,” Carter wrote in a memoir published after his 90th birthday. “I wanted a place where we could work.” That work included easing nuclear tensions in North and South Korea, helping to avert a U.S. invasion of Haiti and negotiating cease-fires in Bosnia and Sudan. By 2022, The Carter Center had declared at least 113 elections in Latin America, Asia and Africa to be free or fraudulent. Recently, the center began monitoring U.S. elections as well. Carter’s stubborn self-assuredness and even self-righteousness proved effective once he was unencumbered by the Washington order, sometimes to the point of frustrating his successors. He went “where others are not treading,” he said, to places like Ethiopia, Liberia and North Korea, where he secured the release of an American who had wandered across the border in 2010. “I can say what I like. I can meet whom I want. I can take on projects that please me and reject the ones that don’t,” Carter said. He announced an arms-reduction-for-aid deal with North Korea without clearing the details with Bill Clinton’s White House. He openly criticized President George W. Bush for the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He also criticized America’s approach to Israel with his 2006 book “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid.” And he repeatedly countered U.S. administrations by insisting North Korea should be included in international affairs, a position that most aligned Carter with Republican President Donald Trump. Among the center’s many public health initiatives, Carter vowed to eradicate the guinea worm parasite during his lifetime, and nearly achieved it: Cases dropped from millions in the 1980s to nearly a handful. With hardhats and hammers, the Carters also built homes with Habitat for Humanity. The Nobel committee’s 2002 Peace Prize cites his “untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.” Carter should have won it alongside Sadat and Begin in 1978, the chairman added. Carter accepted the recognition saying there was more work to be done. “The world is now, in many ways, a more dangerous place,” he said. “The greater ease of travel and communication has not been matched by equal understanding and mutual respect.” ‘An epic American life’ Carter’s globetrotting took him to remote villages where he met little “Jimmy Carters,” so named by admiring parents. But he spent most of his days in the same one-story Plains house — expanded and guarded by Secret Service agents — where they lived before he became governor. He regularly taught Sunday School lessons at Maranatha Baptist Church until his mobility declined and the coronavirus pandemic raged. Those sessions drew visitors from around the world to the small sanctuary where Carter will receive his final send-off after a state funeral at Washington’s National Cathedral. The common assessment that he was a better ex-president than president rankled Carter and his allies. His prolific post-presidency gave him a brand above politics, particularly for Americans too young to witness him in office. But Carter also lived long enough to see biographers and historians reassess his White House years more generously. His record includes the deregulation of key industries, reduction of U.S. dependence on foreign oil, cautious management of the national debt and notable legislation on the environment, education and mental health. He focused on human rights in foreign policy, pressuring dictators to release thousands of political prisoners. He acknowledged America’s historical imperialism, pardoned Vietnam War draft evaders and relinquished control of the Panama Canal. He normalized relations with China. “I am not nominating Jimmy Carter for a place on Mount Rushmore,” Stuart Eizenstat, Carter’s domestic policy director, wrote in a 2018 book. “He was not a great president” but also not the “hapless and weak” caricature voters rejected in 1980, Eizenstat said. Rather, Carter was “good and productive” and “delivered results, many of which were realized only after he left office.” Madeleine Albright, a national security staffer for Carter and Clinton’s secretary of state, wrote in Eizenstat’s forward that Carter was “consequential and successful” and expressed hope that “perceptions will continue to evolve” about his presidency. “Our country was lucky to have him as our leader,” said Albright, who died in 2022. Jonathan Alter, who penned a comprehensive Carter biography published in 2020, said in an interview that Carter should be remembered for “an epic American life” spanning from a humble start in a home with no electricity or indoor plumbing through decades on the world stage across two centuries. “He will likely go down as one of the most misunderstood and underestimated figures in American history,” Alter told The Associated Press. A small-town start James Earl Carter Jr. was born Oct. 1, 1924, in Plains and spent his early years in nearby Archery. His family was a minority in the mostly Black community, decades before the civil rights movement played out at the dawn of Carter’s political career. Carter, who campaigned as a moderate on race relations but governed more progressively, talked often of the influence of his Black caregivers and playmates but also noted his advantages: His land-owning father sat atop Archery’s tenant-farming system and owned a main street grocery. His mother, Lillian, would become a staple of his political campaigns. Seeking to broaden his world beyond Plains and its population of fewer than 1,000 — then and now — Carter won an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1946. That same year he married Rosalynn Smith, another Plains native, a decision he considered more important than any he made as head of state. She shared his desire to see the world, sacrificing college to support his Navy career. Carter climbed in rank to lieutenant, but then his father was diagnosed with cancer, so the submarine officer set aside his ambitions of admiralty and moved the family back to Plains. His decision angered Rosalynn, even as she dived into the peanut business alongside her husband. Carter again failed to talk with his wife before his first run for office — he later called it “inconceivable” not to have consulted her on such major life decisions — but this time, she was on board. “My wife is much more political,” Carter told the AP in 2021. He won a state Senate seat in 1962 but wasn’t long for the General Assembly and its back-slapping, deal-cutting ways. He ran for governor in 1966 — losing to arch-segregationist Lester Maddox — and then immediately focused on the next campaign. Carter had spoken out against church segregation as a Baptist deacon and opposed racist “Dixiecrats” as a state senator. Yet as a local school board leader in the 1950s he had not pushed to end school segregation even after the Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board of Education decision, despite his private support for integration. And in 1970, Carter ran for governor again as the more conservative Democrat against Carl Sanders, a wealthy businessman Carter mocked as “Cufflinks Carl.” Sanders never forgave him for anonymous, race-baiting flyers, which Carter disavowed. Ultimately, Carter won his races by attracting both Black voters and culturally conservative whites. Once in office, he was more direct. “I say to you quite frankly that the time for racial discrimination is over,” he declared in his 1971 inaugural address, setting a new standard for Southern governors that landed him on the cover of Time magazine. ‘Jimmy Who?’ His statehouse initiatives included environmental protection, boosting rural education and overhauling antiquated executive branch structures. He proclaimed Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the slain civil rights leader’s home state. And he decided, as he received presidential candidates in 1972, that they were no more talented than he was. In 1974, he ran Democrats’ national campaign arm. Then he declared his own candidacy for 1976. An Atlanta newspaper responded with the headline: “Jimmy Who?” The Carters and a “Peanut Brigade” of family members and Georgia supporters camped out in Iowa and New Hampshire, establishing both states as presidential proving grounds. His first Senate endorsement: a young first-termer from Delaware named Joe Biden. Yet it was Carter’s ability to navigate America’s complex racial and rural politics that cemented the nomination. He swept the Deep South that November, the last Democrat to do so, as many white Southerners shifted to Republicans in response to civil rights initiatives. A self-declared “born-again Christian,” Carter drew snickers by referring to Scripture in a Playboy magazine interview, saying he “had looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times.” The remarks gave Ford a new foothold and television comedians pounced — including NBC’s new “Saturday Night Live” show. But voters weary of cynicism in politics found it endearing. Carter chose Minnesota Sen. Walter “Fritz” Mondale as his running mate on a “Grits and Fritz” ticket. In office, he elevated the vice presidency and the first lady’s office. Mondale’s governing partnership was a model for influential successors Al Gore, Dick Cheney and Biden. Rosalynn Carter was one of the most involved presidential spouses in history, welcomed into Cabinet meetings and huddles with lawmakers and top aides. The Carters presided with uncommon informality: He used his nickname “Jimmy” even when taking the oath of office, carried his own luggage and tried to silence the Marine Band’s “Hail to the Chief.” They bought their clothes off the rack. Carter wore a cardigan for a White House address, urging Americans to conserve energy by turning down their thermostats. Amy, the youngest of four children, attended District of Columbia public school. Washington’s social and media elite scorned their style. But the larger concern was that “he hated politics,” according to Eizenstat, leaving him nowhere to turn politically once economic turmoil and foreign policy challenges took their toll. Accomplishments, and ‘malaise’ Carter partially deregulated the airline, railroad and trucking industries and established the departments of Education and Energy, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He designated millions of acres of Alaska as national parks or wildlife refuges. He appointed a then-record number of women and nonwhite people to federal posts. He never had a Supreme Court nomination, but he elevated civil rights attorney Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the nation’s second highest court, positioning her for a promotion in 1993. He appointed Paul Volker, the Federal Reserve chairman whose policies would help the economy boom in the 1980s — after Carter left office. He built on Nixon’s opening with China, and though he tolerated autocrats in Asia, pushed Latin America from dictatorships to democracy. But he couldn’t immediately tame inflation or the related energy crisis. And then came Iran. After he admitted the exiled Shah of Iran to the U.S. for medical treatment, the American Embassy in Tehran was overrun in 1979 by followers of the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Negotiations to free the hostages broke down repeatedly ahead of the failed rescue attempt. The same year, Carter signed SALT II, the new strategic arms treaty with Leonid Brezhnev of the Soviet Union, only to pull it back, impose trade sanctions and order a U.S. boycott of the Moscow Olympics after the Soviets invaded Afghanistan. Hoping to instill optimism, he delivered what the media dubbed his “malaise” speech, although he didn’t use that word. He declared the nation was suffering “a crisis of confidence.” By then, many Americans had lost confidence in the president, not themselves. Carter campaigned sparingly for reelection because of the hostage crisis, instead sending Rosalynn as Sen. Edward M. Kennedy challenged him for the Democratic nomination. Carter famously said he’d “kick his ass,” but was hobbled by Kennedy as Reagan rallied a broad coalition with “make America great again” appeals and asking voters whether they were “better off than you were four years ago.” Reagan further capitalized on Carter’s lecturing tone, eviscerating him in their lone fall debate with the quip: “There you go again.” Carter lost all but six states and Republicans rolled to a new Senate majority. Carter successfully negotiated the hostages’ freedom after the election, but in one final, bitter turn of events, Tehran waited until hours after Carter left office to let them walk free. At 56, Carter returned to Georgia with “no idea what I would do with the rest of my life.” Four decades after launching The Carter Center, he still talked of unfinished business. “I thought when we got into politics we would have resolved everything,” Carter told the AP in 2021. “But it’s turned out to be much more long-lasting and insidious than I had thought it was. I think in general, the world itself is much more divided than in previous years.” Still, he affirmed what he said when he underwent treatment for a cancer diagnosis in his 10th decade of life. “I’m perfectly at ease with whatever comes,” he said in 2015. “I’ve had a wonderful life. I’ve had thousands of friends, I’ve had an exciting, adventurous and gratifying existence.”
Tomas Hertl is back in San Jose. The San Jose Sharks traded the fan favorite, in a shocking move, last Trade Deadline to the Vegas Golden Knights. Hertl looked like he could be a Shark for life in Mar. 2022, when he signed an eight-year, $65.1 million extension, which was armed with a No-Movement Clause in the first three years. A San Jose first-round pick in 2012, Hertl was a big part of the last great Sharks teams, helping Team Teal to the Stanley Cup Final in 2016 and the Western Conference Finals in 2019. San Jose was hoping that Hertl could be a centerpiece of the transition out of the Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, and Joe Pavelski era. However, the San Jose Sharks struggled mightily, and while Hertl had All-Star campaigns in 2019-20 and 2023-24, it wasn’t enough to lift San Jose out of the cellar. Meanwhile, the 31-year-old forward was watching the clock tick on his chances to win a Stanley Cup, so when perennial contender Vegas came a-calling last year? Hertl discussed how the trade came together, his emotions coming back to San Jose, how good it feels to win again, and more. San Jose Hockey Now also talked exclusively with Tomas Hertl in Las Vegas in October, discussing Joe Thornton’s retirement ceremony, how the Sharks are still his No. 1 team (non-Golden Knights category), and more. Here are highlights from Hertl’s interview today! Hertl, on his emotions coming back to San Jose: Last time I was here, that was the day I got traded. So it’s long time ago. I wasn’t here for 10 months. So all the memories come back when you drive, just being on the bus. Both kids were born here. I got 11 years [here], nobody will take it from me. And I will never play anywhere that long ever again in another team. It was definitely a special time to be here, not just for me, but for my family, not just my wife, kids, but family back home, because we spent a lot of time here. And the organization, the fans, always was great to me. And I was really lucky I could start earlier here. Hertl, on living in Las Vegas as opposed to San Jose: It’s not like we’re living on the Strip...It’s really similar, maybe less raining. Two days ago, like 45 minutes [away], I was with the kids to see the snow in the mountains. So it’s not like everybody thinks, living in a desert, but the life is great. The neighborhoods we live in, my family are really happy about it, and you can say nothing bad about where we living and the people around us. Hertl, on coming back to SAP Center for the first time: Honestly, I don’t think I was ever in this [visitors] room. (laughs) I was playing here 11 years. I was never in this room. But at the same time, I’m excited to be back, see fans after a long time. And obviously I’m still coming here for two points, but obviously I want to enjoy it. Hertl, on controlling his emotions tonight: Probably just be myself. I always smile, so probably smile even more during the warm-ups and just having a good time, and at the same time, get ready for the game. I think maybe during the warm-ups or before the game, maybe a little emotions. But I feel like when the puck drops, kind of [put it] behind and just want to play good. Hertl, on how hard a decision it was to waive his No-Move Clause: Me and my wife, we talked end of the day about that. I’m a competitive guy, [but] the Sharks gave me everything and they gave me a great career. They’ve been always great to me. The time that the offer came, I just couldn’t say no, because I think I’m still in my prime, I can help teams win hockey games. And, Vegas was just, they are in a great spot with a great team. I couldn’t say no, because nobody can obviously guarantee you can win Stanley Cup. But there’s a chance, and I just want to grab it and try to fight for it. Hertl, on parting ways being good for both sides: I think so. I think it’s [a good idea] for both sides. They’re going for a rebuild. They got now great players, Celebrini, he’s on the rise, and hopefully turn this organization around. Because I still follow them, after the game, and watching the Sharks. I got friends here, and after our game, I will be always cheering for them, because I was so long here and I want to see them do obviously better, and turn this team around it, but it takes time. I felt it could be my last chance. I was happy both sides could figure it out and work it out. Hertl, on when he first heard about the Golden Knights’ interest: I heard maybe in January, actually, before I was hurt, like that Vegas was thinking about it from my agent, but nothing happened. I was coming for [the All-Star Game], kind of was quiet, and maybe when I came back it started rumbling, there is a chance Vegas wants to make a deal with the Sharks. It almost came [down] to the last couple days of the Deadline. Hertl, on how he enjoys the move to Vegas: I couldn’t say one bad word about the organization, about the teammates in the locker room, how they [embraced] me in the team, even the fans around the city. And obviously, when you win a lot of hockey games, everything gets pretty easy around it. I almost forgot, over the last couple years, honestly, how fun it is to win a lot of games — you can win any game, even if you’re losing, and come back. Obviously, last couple years here was pretty tough. When you’re one of the leaders and you try and help, but the winning wasn’t coming, it wasn’t easy. So this is definitely a fun part, because so far this year, our team is really good. I definitely enjoy that. Hertl, on the reception that he expects to get from San Jose Sharks fans: I don’t know. I think, honestly, [the rivalry] kind of chilled out. Maybe first three years there was a rivalry, everybody enjoyed, I enjoyed playing against Vegas in that time. But over the years, last two, three years, the rivalry kind of slowed down, because the team changed here a lot. There wasn’t the same players when we had the rivalry and when we played here, the Sharks, we didn’t play that good. So Vegas was kind of too good for us and I think that rivalry kind of slipped away. I hope it will be good. It was a nice 11 years, but it’s maybe up to the fans now, nothing I can do about it really right now. Special thanks to Felicia Keller for her help transcribing. See the full interview here . This article first appeared on San Jose Hockey Now and was syndicated with permission.Sandra Richardson: Working 'on purpose' for the new year Here’s to a collaborative 2025! Sandra Richardson Dec 29, 2024 7:00 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Sandra Richardson is CEO of the Victoria Foundation. VICTORIA FOUNDATION Listen to this article 00:03:11 The Victoria Foundation has gratitude for the year we’re leaving, and much excitement for the milestones ahead. Looking back to the year we’ve left behind can come with moments of learning, a sense of pride at our achievements and, of course, gratitude for those around us who strengthened the charitable sector and supported our community. At the Victoria Foundation, we are very thankful to the charitable sector for the resilience, compassion, and flexibility it’s given to improve the well-being of Greater Victoria this year. During the Canada Post disruption, in particular, I’m heartened to see organizations widening other channels for people to give during one of the busiest times of year. I would like to extend thanks to our community partners, who we are very proud to work with each year and who’ve made great impact in 2024, including the City of Victoria, the University of Victoria, the Government of British Columbia, the South Island Prosperity Partnership, the Times Colonist and CHEK TV. Also, for the leadership of our board of directors, the professional advisers we partner with, and our community filled with donors who share their vision and generosity. This time of year, charitable organizations are working head-on to ensure our region’s most vulnerable are protected from the cold and have access to a support network. Thanks to your generosity, charities like the Sooke Shelter Society can continue providing safe shelter and necessities for the unhoused, while faith-based groups like the Coastline Church can continue providing meals and community for those in need. Also, the arts sector brings back joy and hope to the season. The Victoria Foundation, as your community foundation, continues to change and grow along with the community. Peeking behind the curtain for 2025, we’re working “on purpose,” shifting our tune, to lay the groundwork for collaborations that will make a true and lasting impact. While we’re an organization that makes grants, we’re also working upstream with everyone in the region on solutions to issues deeply rooted in our community. Our department of innovation and impact will be at the helm of the work we plan to collaborate with the community on, in order to tackle our region’s complex challenges. We further look forward to welcoming new board members and staff, and to continuing our focus on reconciliation in everything we do. I’m also pleased to say that 2025 will bring a milestone anniversary: 20 years of the Vital Signs program — an influential “report card” on the health of our region. And together with foundation partners, we plan to launch the 2025 Civil Society report, a major study that measures the economic and social impacts of the charitable sector in the capital region. I invite you to stay tuned for the special celebrations being planned for these significant events. And I keenly anticipate the remarkable work we will do together, as a community, to keep Greater Victoria healthy and prosperous for everyone who calls this region home. Here’s to a collaborative new year! Sandra Richardson is CEO of the Victoria Foundation. See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message More Life Vital People: Local approach helps the homeless in Sooke Dec 29, 2024 4:30 AM Vital People: Grant helps church help the community with food-related projects Dec 29, 2024 4:15 AM December 29: Your Daily Horoscope Dec 29, 2024 12:00 AM Featured Flyer
Manmohan Singh's contributions transformed India, says CWC ResolutionDC Edit | Dr Singh’s growth prescription