Abcourt Announces its Results for the First Quarter Ended September 30, 2024
Some 140 years after its first trailblazing luxury train chugged out of Paris’s Gare de l’Est bound for Constantinople, the Orient Express is having something of a rebirth. Arguably the most interesting in a flurry of announcements from the brand is the launch of Orient Express Silenseas, a new collection of yachts that are a collaboration between three French giants: global hospitality group Accor, luxury goods titan LVMH and shipbuilders Chantiers de l’Atlantique. Orient Express Corinthian is the world’s largest sailing yacht. The finished product looks like the lovechild of the fanciest superyacht and the most elegant sailing boat. The first yacht to be completed, Orient Express Corinthian, which at 220m long, with three 100m-high sails, is the world’s largest sailing yacht, won’t be taking paying guests until 2026, but the first images of its interiors have been released. Luxury hotel groups such as Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons and Aman have all announced launches of luxury yachts this year . But while they may be fabulous, they are smallish cruise ships, not yachts. Evrima, for example, the first in the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, offers 224 suites. Then there’s Four Seasons, whose first “yacht”, when it launches in 2026, will have 14 decks and 95 suites. With just 50 cabins, Aman at Sea, which launches in 2027, is the closest of the offerings to a superyacht and also in scale to the 54-suite Orient Express Corinthian. But what Orient Express Corinthian has that none of the others do is sails. The interiors team took inspiration from classic French liners such as SS Normandie. There’s something much cooler and more adventurous-seeming about a great big yacht with sails than an all-bling one with just an engine. This is something that hasn’t escaped Jeff Bezos, who spent $500 million on his three-masted boat Koru , which at 127 metres was the world’s largest sailing yacht – until now. Inspired by the golden age of the French Riviera, Orient Express Corinthian has been designed by French architect and designer Maxime d’Angeac, who has also worked on a new Orient Express train that will launch in France around the same time. The two will combine on certain itineraries. Sustainability was central to the design process, seen through the minimal use of leather, no plastic and lots of walnut wood panelling. “The pillars of Orient Express are art deco, geometric patterns and strong colours, which both train and boat have,” says d’Angeac. “Train interiors can be much darker as this makes them feel cosy and luxurious. The boat [has] much more space and height, so its design feels more Riviera, like a villa on the Côte d’Azur. I’ve also replaced the really small windows you usually get in yacht cabins with huge, durable windows.” Orient Express Corinthian will have five restaurants, eight bars including a speakeasy, two swimming pools including a lap pool, an amphitheatre cabaret space and a private recording studio. In-room spa treatments and meditation sessions will also be available. The boats will spend summers in the Mediterranean and the Adriatic and winters in the Caribbean, with dining, shopping and cultural experiences offered at multiple stop-offs along the way. Sustainability has been at the forefront of the design process, as has working out how to be beautiful but also functional. For example, there is hardly any leather, no plastic and lots of walnut wood panelling, which as well as being elegant and warm is durable and lightweight. The team examined classic French liners such as SS Normandie for inspiration. There are lovely details at every turn: a long, daybed window seat that lifts up to reveal a wooden games box stocked with chess, dominoes and playing cards; luxurious velvet headboards and bathrooms lined in the most decadent-looking Violetta Calacatta marble with crimson walls behind. All of this will be accompanied by Orient Express service, with butlers on hand around the clock. The luxurious bathrooms feature Violetta Calacatta marble. Sustainability was central to the design process, seen through the minimal use of leather, no plastic and lots of walnut wood panellingThe luxurious bathrooms feature Violetta Calacatta marble “The in-room bar,” replies d’Angeac, when I ask him to name a small detail he particularly likes. “When I arrive at a hotel, I’m always excited to see what has been chosen. We are still deciding but I can tell you it will be the best artisan cocktails and chocolate, as opposed to big names. We will simply use small French companies offering the best things.” Silenseas is also debuting groundbreaking wind-harnessing technology that has been 20 years in the making: SolidSail, a rigid, foldable carbon sail and mast system that will provide more than 50 per cent of the yachts’ propulsion. “Wind technology is the future of cruising, everyone knows that,” says d’Angeac. “We can’t just go on producing bigger and bigger boats with enormous polluting engines. Using less gasoline is really important to us, so we will adapt our routes to ensure we follow the wind, which will all be part of the experience.” Loading This hybrid system will combine wind power with an engine running on liquified natural gas (LNG – typically at least 85 per cent methane). While LNG is by no means the perfect option, it is much cleaner than other fossil fuels such as coal, gas or oil, so makes for a better alternative while the infrastructure needed to handle fully renewable energy is still being developed. It was said that Orient Express founder Georges Nagelmackers was first inspired to design a luxury train on a transatlantic crossing to America in 1867, revelling in its luxurious suites, social scene and general grandeur. “I think he would have gone into luxury cruising eventually, had he not died so young,” says d’Agneac. Either way, this feels like a full-circle moment. The Telegraph, London Sign up for the Traveller newsletter The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now . Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Luxury holidays Ocean cruises Cruises Most viewed on Traveller LoadingA would-be Arizona influencer accused of spraying pesticides on produce at a Phoenix-area Walmart is facing felony charges following the stunt that was posted to social media. Charles Smith, 27, was arrested after videos were uploaded to Instagram and TikTok showed a man spreading bug spray on yams, lemons, chicken and other produce at the Walmart in Mesa, according to the Arizona Republic , part of the USA TODAY Network. According to a press release from the Mesa Police Department , Smith faces one felony charge of introducing poison, as well as misdemeanor charges of theft, criminal damage and endangerment. A judge ordered him held on a $10,000 bond during a court appearance on Monday involving a separate third-degree burglary charge, according to reporting by AZ Family and KSAZ-TV . It's unclear what led to the burglary charge against Smith, though at least one of his videos appears to show him taking something from a customer outside a business and running away. Smith posts public prank videos under the username Wolfie Kahletti on Instagram and TikTok. On Instagram, he has a following of more than 300,000, but he's been banned on Tiktok. Smith faces his next court appearance on Friday. Court records do not list an attorney representing him. What happened? Smith is accused of spraying the bug spray on the grocery items on the evening of Dec. 19. "Through investigative means, and with assistance from the Tempe Police Department, detectives were able to identify Smith as the suspect," Detective Richard Encinas, told the Arizona Republic. "Mesa Police contacted Smith and he turned himself in voluntarily. During the interview, Smith admitted to the theft and spraying of the pesticide." Smith was booked into jail on charges of introducing poison, criminal damage, endangerment and theft. The videos showing the incident were posted on social media under the username Wolfie Kahletti. The videos show Smith dispensing the bug spray, and later two videos were subsequently uploaded with the captions, "Fooled u," "Threw them away" and "Promise I threw them away". The videos show him taking large quantities of produce from the shelves, loading it into a shopping cart, and pushing the cart inside of the Walmart. Followers warned of imminent arrest In the video Smith posted showing something being taken from a customer at what appears to be a restaurant patio, followers commented that he was going to get in trouble someday soon. "Can't wait til you're ARRESTED," one says, while another says: "How are these pranks when you're hurting someone?" Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
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Another local Methodist church will soon take up new residence. Ignite Church, a growing congregation in the Lewis Run community, announced its pending purchase of the historic Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church at 35 Lafayette Ave. Representatives said the acquisition marks a significant milestone for the church, which has experienced rapid growth since its launch in the fall of 2023. Ignite began as a Bible study in the living room of Pastor Greg and Nancy Newkirk. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to purchase this beautiful building,” said Greg Newkirk. “This will allow us to expand our ministry and better serve our community. We believe this is a divine appointment and are excited to see what God has in store for us.” As The Era has previously reported, a special Mass was held in 2023 to deconsecrate Our Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. The services moved the building from sacred to secular use, so it could be sold. Still, parishioners there might be relieved to learn the building will remain a place of worship, albeit in a different tradition. Ignite Church, which currently meets at the Lewis Run Volunteer Fire Hall at 46 Main St., has seen a steady increase in attendance. It averages around 30 people per worship experience, held Sunday mornings at 10 o’clock. The church’s highest attendance to date was 40 people Nov. 17, leaders said. Each week the church meets for what is considered to be a “worship experience,” as opposed to a service, and that includes music, a message, children’s activities, prayer and fellowship. The new church building will provide ample space for worship, fellowship and children’s ministry, leaders said, adding the congregation plans to use the space to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for people of all ages. “Our vision is to be a place of love, hope, healing, and belonging in Jesus Christ,” said Ignite Church Deacon Alex Davis. “We believe that this new space will help us to fulfill that vision and make a positive impact on our community.” Ignite Church is part of the Free Methodist Church, a Protestant Christian denomination founded in 1860. The church is known for its emphasis on personal holiness, social justice and missions. For more information, visit ignitechurchlr.onechurchsoftware.com .Matt Gaetz talks before President-elect Donald Trump speaks during an America First Policy Institute gala at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) I have three Filipino American daughters. So I’m curious at how our leaders acted in these nomination hearings when rape becomes an issue. To me, the lesson for Matt Gaetz and even Pete Hegseth – the Trump bro nominees with sex on their resume – is simple. Rape is a serious matter and ultimately is disqualifying for anything in public life. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . But was Gaetz watching Thursday Night Football on Amazon last night? The Cleveland Browns, one of the worst teams this season, upset the favored Pittsburgh Steelers in a messy game in the snow. Emerging from it all was the Browns quarterback, Jameis Winston, good enough to put the Browns on his back and will them to victory. Charissa Thompson, who made the news last year for admitting she made things up as a sideline reporter, fawned over Winston in the post-game. “You’re the best,” she proclaimed again and again. She even had Winston doing snow angels on the field. And all I could think of was this is the formerly disgraced Jameis Winston who was accused of rape while a star player at Florida State in 2012, and the subject of a NY Times investigation on how the local police and the school never took the case seriously. Winston, of course, denied any rape charges but settled with the victim, Erica Kinsman, a former student at Florida state for an undisclosed amount. Kinsman sued Florida state and it settled the matter for nearly a million dollars. Kinsman has been outspoken on the matter and is in the documentary, “The Hunting Ground.” And now more than a decade after the initial indiscretion, Winston gives hope to Gaetz, and maybe even Hegseth. They are the people who believe there is life after rape in America. But maybe there shouldn’t be. These days, Winston is no pariah. The former Heisman winner will always be a sports hero. He got to win a meaningless football game on Amazon and get praised to death by an admitted liar. So the chances are good even Gaetz will be back. This is why it’s essential that the Ethics committee report from women who testified under oath that they witnessed Gaetz having sex with a 17-year-old must be released to the public. It’s also important that the Senate fully investigate the Hegseth matter. The details of the Monterey, Calif. police report are out. Hegseth claims it was consensual sex with a married GOP operative. The report said the woman said, “No,” multiple times. What did she mean? The woman has been silenced because Hegseth had her sign a non-disclosure agreement. Right out of the Trump playbook. Rape is meaningless to men to whom “No” does not mean no. This is the Trump bro world. They’re just following the leader. Trump was found liable for sexual assault in the E.Jean Carroll case. FILE PHOTO (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson) Trump bros say, “How bad is it when Trump’s now the president of everything?!” Women who voted for the man who took away your federal right to reproductive freedom should consider what he thinks about guys like Gaetz, who didn’t admit to any wrongdoing. He merely admitted to being “a distraction.” And Trump would say on social media in response: “Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do.” That’s what you have to be scared about. He’s only going away temporarily. He has a “wonderful future.” If he watched fellow Floridian Jameis Winston praised in victory on Thursday night, Gaetz knows, it’s not just the Trump bros, but most of America, that doesn’t take rape very seriously. And they should. But Trump isn’t mourning the loss of Gaetz. Acting swiftly and politically, he put up a woman to replace Gaetz, fellow Floridian Pam Bondi . She was an ardent 2020 election denier. Is she a rape denier? She was the Florida attorney general during the Jameis Winston case. Now she’s Trump’s pick. Emil Guillermo is a journalist and commentator. He writes a column for the Inquirer’s USA Channel. Next year, he’ll be bringing his one-man show to Winnipeg and Edmonton. Stay tuned. See his Emil Amok’s Takeout on www.patreon.com/emilamok Want stories like this delivered straight to your inbox?Stay informed. Stay ahead. Subscribe to InqMORNINGFamily Guy Is Going to Have More Episodes on TV Than Ever Before
Shoppers bemused as Easter eggs hit shop shelves before New Year’s EvePush comes as Syria’s new de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa met Bahraini, Libyan delegations in Damascus. Syria’s new administration is carrying out a security crackdown against what it has described as “remnants” of former President Bashar al-Assad’s rule, with operations under way in several parts of the country. The official Syrian news agency SANA reported on Saturday that authorities were conducting “a large-scale sweep operation” near the city of Latakia on Syria’s northwestern coast. The push — in an area where al-Assad enjoyed support from the Alawite community — came in response to “reports about [the] presence of elements linked to remnants of Assad’s militias”, SANA said in a post shared on social media. Reporting from the capital Damascus, Al Jazeera’s Hashem Ahelbarra explained that the new administration said it is not targeting the Alawite community, from which al-Assad hailed. Instead, the authorities said the security operation has focused on soldiers and Syrian army officials associated with al-Assad and his brother, Maher al-Assad, a powerful former military commander. “They say that [they’ve] issued an ultimatum to those people to hand over weapons to the new administration,” Ahelbarra reported, adding that operations also were being carried out in Homs, Aleppo and on the outskirts of Damascus. The push comes days after 14 police officers were killed in what the authorities said was an “ambush” by forces loyal to al-Assad in the Tartous governorate, another area on Syria’s western coast. Interior Minister Mohammed Abdul Rahman had promised on Thursday to crack down on “anyone who dares to undermine Syria’s security or endanger the lives of its citizens”. Syrian opposition groups led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) took control of the country earlier this month after a rapid offensive that ousted al-Assad after more than two decades in power. A political transition is under way, with Syria’s new de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa – who headed HTS and previously had ties to al-Qaeda – holding talks with a number of Arab and Western diplomats in recent days. Several countries have urged al-Sharaa to ensure that religious and ethnic minorities will be protected amid some recent tensions and fears that any unrest could negatively affect Syria and the wider region. “What happens next in Syria will not only have an impact on the Syrians themselves, but it could spread beyond the country,” said Al Jazeera’s Ahelbarra. “This is why people are concerned about what happens next.” Al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Julani, met with a Bahraini delegation in Damascus on Saturday, as well as with a senior official from Libya’s United Nations-recognised government. “We expressed our full support for the Syrian authorities in the success of the important transitional phase,” Libyan Minister of State for Communication and Political Affairs Walid Ellafi told reporters after the meeting. “We emphasised the importance of coordination and cooperation ... particularly on security and military issues,” Ellafi said, while the pair also discussed cooperation “related to energy and trade” and “illegal immigration”. Meanwhile, Lebanese officials and a war monitor said Lebanon expelled approximately 70 Syrian officers and soldiers on Saturday, returning them to Syria after they crossed into the country illegally via informal routes. Many senior Syrian officials and people close to the al-Assad family fled the country to neighbouring Lebanon after al-Assad was toppled on December 8. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a London-based monitor, said Syrian military personnel of various ranks had been sent back via Lebanon’s northern Arida crossing. SOHR and a Lebanese security official told the Reuters news agency that the returnees were detained by the new Syrian authorities after crossing the border.Musk Vows to Defend H-1B Visa Program Amid Criticism
Luke Humphries defeats Luke Littler to retain Players Championship Finals titleEagles look to clinch NFC East title while Cowboys hope to play spoiler Dallas (7-8) at Philadelphia (12-3) Sunday, 1 p.m. EST, Fox BetMGM NFL Odds: Eagles by 7 1/2 Against the spread: Dallas 6-9; Philadelphia 9-6 Series record: Cowboys lead 74-58. Canadian Press Dec 26, 2024 3:29 PM Dec 26, 2024 3:35 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni speaks to members of the media after an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Dallas (7-8) at Philadelphia (12-3) Sunday, 1 p.m. EST, Fox BetMGM NFL Odds: Eagles by 7 1/2 Against the spread: Dallas 6-9; Philadelphia 9-6 Series record: Cowboys lead 74-58. Last meeting: Jalen Hurts threw two touchdowns and ran for two more in the Eagles’ 34-6 rout of the Cowboys at Dallas on Nov. 10. Last week: Cowboys defeated the Buccaneers 26-24; Eagles lost 36-33 at Washington. Cowboys offense: overall (16), rush (28), pass (10), scoring (20) Cowboys defense: overall (27), rush (27), pass (21), scoring (30) Eagles offense: overall (6), rush (1), pass (31), scoring (8) Eagles defense: overall (1), rush (9), pass (2), scoring (5) Turnover differential: Cowboys minus-3; Eagles plus-6 Eagles player to watch RB Saquon Barkley is 162 yards shy of becoming the ninth player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a season and needs 268 yards to break Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards, set in 1984. Cowboys player to watch In his past five games, QB Cooper Rush has passed for nine touchdowns and one interception, looking more comfortable of late after taking over for Dak Prescott in November. Rush is 9-2 as a starter against teams that are not the Eagles. Key matchup Dallas’s rushing defense vs. Barkley. Can anyone stop him? The Cowboys will be the latest to try to corral Barkley, who has 1,838 rushing yards and 2,114 scrimmage yards, both of which lead the NFL. Dallas ranks 28th in the NFL in rushing defense, allowing an average of 135.9 yards a game. Philadelphia, behind Barkley’s stellar play, tops the league at 187.9 yards a game on the ground. Key injuries Cowboys: WR CeeDee Lamb will miss the final two games after getting shut down over the sprained right shoulder he's been dealing with the second half of the season. ... LB Eric Kendricks (calf) warmed up but wasn’t able to play against Tampa Bay last week. Eagles: Hurts is in concussion protocol after leaving the game following a 13-yard scramble with 9:52 left in the first quarter last week. ... DE Josh Sweat (ankle) and Jordan Davis also left the game at Washington early. ... QB Ian Book was signed to the practice squad Thursday. Series notes The Cowboys made the playoffs in each of the previous three seasons, but were eliminated prior to their game against Tampa Bay last week when the Commanders came back from a 13-point, fourth-quarter deficit to beat Philadelphia. ... Dallas is 5-2 on the road. ... The Eagles can clinch the NFC East and one of the conference's top two seeds with a victory. ... On Jan. 11, 1981, the Eagles defeated the Cowboys 20-7 at their former home, Veterans Stadium. Wilbert Montgomery rushed for a 42-yard touchdown to give Philadelphia an early lead that propelled the Eagles to their first Super Bowl appearance. Stats and stuff LB Micah Parsons needs half a sack to reach double digits in sacks for the fourth straight season to begin his career and would become just the fifth player to accomplish the feat in NFL history. ... K Brandon Aubrey made a 53-yard and two 58-yard field goals against the Buccaneers, upping his league-leading total to 14 made of 50-plus yards. ... Kenny Pickett went 14 of 24 for 143 yards and a TD in relief of Hurts last week. If he can’t go because of the rib injury and Hurts remains unavailable, Philadelphia could turn to third-stringer Tanner McKee, a 2023 sixth-round pick. Pickett, a 2022 first-round pick, is no stranger to starting, going 14-10 as Pittsburgh’s QB earlier in his career. ... Defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson was ejected against Washington for committing two unsportsmanlike penalties. ... The Eagles already set a team record for rushing yards in a season with 2,818, and they are within four rushing touchdowns of tying the club’s best single-season mark of 32, set in 2022. ... Barkley needs just 33 yards from scrimmage to break McCoy’s mark of 2,146 scrimmage yards, set in 2013. ... WR A.J. Brown leads the NFL with 16.3 yards a catch and ranks ninth in the league with 1,043 receiving yards, joining Mike Quick (1983–85) as the only Philadelphia players to have three consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons. Fantasy tip Philadelphia’s defense is tied for ninth in the NFL with a plus-6 turnover margin. With Hurts possibly sidelined, Philadelphia giving up an uncharacteristic 36 points last week and the chance to clinch the division, the Eagles defense likely will be extra motivated to have a good performance against a Dallas offense that ranks 21st in the league in points. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Football (NFL) Daniels and the Commanders host Penix and the Falcons in prime time with playoff chances at stake Dec 26, 2024 3:21 PM Playoff hopes in the balance when the Broncos face the Bengals in Cincy Dec 26, 2024 3:20 PM Broncos cornerback Riley Moss is set to return after missing a month with knee injury Dec 26, 2024 3:05 PMCanadiens’ Patrik Laine skates with teammates for the first time since his injury
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Home For The Holidays
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Decreases Stake in Genuine Parts (NYSE:GPC)The S&P 500 fell less than 0.1% after spending the day wavering between small gains and losses. The tiny loss ended the benchmark index’s three-day winning streak. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.1% and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.1%. Trading volume was lighter than usual as US markets reopened following the Christmas holiday. Semiconductor giant Nvidia, whose enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes, slipped 0.2%. Meta Platforms fell 0.7%, and Amazon and Netflix each fell 0.9%. Tesla was among the biggest decliners in the S&P 500, finishing 1.8% lower. Some tech companies fared better. Chip company Broadcom rose 2.4%, Micron Technology added 0.6% and Adobe gained 0.5%. Health care stocks were a bright spot. CVS Health rose 1.5% and Walgreens Boots Alliance added 5.3% for the biggest gain among S&P 500 stocks. Several retailers also gained ground. Target rose 3%, Ross Stores added 2.3%, Best Buy rose 2.9% and Dollar Tree gained 3.8%. Traders are watching to see whether retailers have a strong holiday season. The day after Christmas traditionally ranks among the top 10 biggest shopping days of the year, as consumers go online or rush to stores to cash in gift cards and raid bargain bins. US-listed shares in Honda and Nissan rose 4.1% and 16.4% respectively. The Japanese car makers announced earlier this week that the two companies are in talks to combine. All told, the S&P 500 fell 2.45 points to 6,037.59. The Dow added 28.77 points to 43,325.80. The Nasdaq fell 10.77 points to close at 20,020.36. Wall Street also got a labour market update. US applications for unemployment benefits held steady last week, though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years, the Labour Department reported. Treasury yields mostly fell in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury slipped to 4.58% from 4.59% late on Tuesday. Major European markets were closed, as well as Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia. Trading was expected to be subdued this week with a thin slate of economic data on the calendar.