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Title: Effective and Strong Macro-Control: Economic Observations of China in 2024
As Melton talks U.S. Steel deal, local environmental groups question if Nippon is bestRico Carty, who won the 1970 NL batting title with the Atlanta Braves, has died
“Gladiator II” asks the question: Are you not moderately entertained for roughly 60% of this sequel? Truly, this is a movie dependent on managed expectations and a forgiving attitude toward its tendency to overserve. More of a thrash-and-burn schlock epic than the comparatively restrained 2000 “Gladiator,” also directed by Ridley Scott, the new one recycles a fair bit of the old one’s narrative cries for freedom while tossing in some digital sharks for the flooded Colosseum and a bout of deadly sea-battle theatrics. They really did flood the Colosseum in those days, though no historical evidence suggests shark deployment, real or digital. On the other hand (checks notes), “Gladiator II” is fiction. Screenwriter David Scarpa picks things up 16 years after “Gladiator,” which gave us the noble death of the noble warrior Maximus, shortly after slaying the ignoble emperor and returning Rome to the control of the Senate. Our new hero, Lucius (Paul Mescal), has fled Rome for Numidia, on the North African coast. The time is 200 A.D., and for the corrupt, party-time twins running the empire (Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger), that means invasion time. Pedro Pascal takes the role of Acacius, the deeply conflicted general, sick of war and tired of taking orders from a pair of depraved ferrets. The new film winds around the old one this way: Acacius is married to Lucilla (Connie Nielsen, in a welcome return), daughter of the now-deceased emperor Aurelius and the love of the late Maximus’s life. Enslaved and dragged to Rome to gladiate, the widower Lucius vows revenge on the general whose armies killed his wife. But there are things this angry young phenom must learn, about his ancestry and his destiny. It’s the movie’s worst-kept secret, but there’s a reason he keeps seeing footage of Russell Crowe from the first movie in his fever dreams. Battle follows battle, on the field, in the arena, in the nearest river, wherever, and usually with endless splurches of computer-generated blood. “Gladiator II” essentially bumper-cars its way through the mayhem, pausing for long periods of expository scheming about overthrowing the current regime. The prince of all fixers, a wily operative with interests in both managing gladiators and stocking munitions, goes by the name Macrinus. He’s played by Denzel Washington, who at one point makes a full meal out of pronouncing the word “politics” like it’s a poisoned fig. Also, if you want a masterclass in letting your robes do a lot of your acting for you, watch what Washington does here. He’s more fun than the movie but you can’t have everything. The movie tries everything, all right, and twice. Ridley Scott marshals the chaotic action sequences well enough, though he’s undercut by frenetic cutting rhythms, with that now-familiar, slightly sped-up visual acceleration in frequent use. (Claire Simpson and Sam Restivo are the editors.) Mescal acquits himself well in his first big-budget commercial walloper of an assignment, confined though he is to a narrower range of seething resentments than Crowe’s in the first film. I left thinking about two things: the word “politics” as savored/spit out by Washington, and the innate paradox of how Scott, whose best work over the decades has been wonderful, delivers spectacle. The director and his lavishly talented design team built all the rough-hewn sets with actual tangible materials the massive budget allowed. They took care to find the right locations in Morocco and Malta. Yet when combined in post-production with scads of medium-grade digital effects work in crowd scenes and the like, never mind the sharks, the movie’s a somewhat frustrating amalgam. With an uneven script on top of it, the visual texture of “Gladiator II” grows increasingly less enveloping and atmospherically persuasive, not more. But I hung there, for some of the acting, for some of the callbacks, and for the many individual moments, or single shots, that could only have come from Ridley Scott. And in the end, yes, you too may be moderately entertained. “Gladiator II” — 2.5 stars (out of 4) MPA rating: R (for strong bloody violence) Running time: 2:28 How to watch: Premieres in theaters Nov. 21. Michael Phillips is a Tribune critic.Lauren Betts recorded 18 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and four blocks as No. 5 UCLA held off No. 17 Louisville 66-59 on Monday in Paris, France. UCLA led the game 32-29 at halftime and 50-46 after three quarters. Isla Juffermans made a jumper to cut the deficit to 50-48 before the Bruins rattled off 11 of the next 14 points. Betts had the final four points of that surge. Her layup gave UCLA its largest lead at 61-51 with 4:02 to play. Oregon State transfer Timea Gardiner put up 15 points in her team debut and Londynn Jones had 13 for the Bruins. Tajianna Roberts finished with 21 points for Louisville to lead all scorers, while Jaleah Williams had 11 points, nine assists and four steals. --Field Level Media
Rabada unlikely batting star as SA edge Pakistan in thriller
Despite the ongoing asset sales and divestitures, the company remains optimistic about its prospects for the future. By focusing on its core strengths, investing in high-potential growth areas, and optimizing its cost structure, the company is confident in its ability to weather the current challenges and emerge stronger in the long run. The transfer of the three subsidiaries for $1 each is just one of the many strategic moves the company has made to position itself for sustainable growth and profitability.Chinese football should strive to strike a balance between nurturing young talent and ensuring their holistic growth and well-being. Emphasizing the importance of education, emotional intelligence, and character development alongside rigorous football training can help create well-rounded athletes who are not only skilled on the pitch but also equipped to navigate the challenges of professional sports and life beyond football.
The column by Paula Gibbs McKenney on Tuesday, Nov. 12, needs a reply. What troubles me most about McKenney’s letter is the amount of misinformation in it and her angry tone based on this misinformation. I voted for Harris because I believe in the Democrats’ general use of government in the life of our country: regulation of harmful economic practices by private enterprise; support for unions; attempts to mitigate the effects of global warming; support for public education; creation of local, state and national public parks; ensuring people of all races and religions are treated fairly. You get the drift. Democrats aren’t good at all the things they try, but they try. I too care more about a candidate’s policies and abilities over their personality and would agree that Harris was not prepared to run on a cohesive and well-thought-out platform. I am angry at Joe and Jill Biden for not deciding much earlier to withdraw so a traditional campaign for a Democratic candidate could be run. However, Mr. Trump’s policies and abilities and personality as a president are well known and none of them cause me to support him. Much of the media may be somewhat to the left, but primarily they are moderates and appear farther left only in comparison to how far right the current Republican Party has gone. The Steele Dossier is not a fantasy, was not drummed up by the Democrats and was written by a top member of Britain’s intelligence service. Its release was criticized by the Washington Post for being unverified. I disagree with McKenney’s comment suggesting that the current Supreme Court is following the law rather than “their own political agendas.” To think that Mr. Trump is not now a criminal means that one believes that juries and judges have been tampered with. I don’t believe such is true. I am not in favor of girls and boys competing together in sports, and how to treat transgendered kids in public schools befuddles me. I want our borders secure, but I don’t want families torn apart leaving children alone in a type of jail without parents. It seems as if McKenney is OK with that. Public money to pay off student loans is questionable but based on need. I don’t want states to control abortion access. We have seen already the results of such policies. I believe that employees in the FBI and Secret Service probably are more conservative than left-wing. It is Mr. Trump that is threatening to make the DOJ follow a political agenda. Many people say that the country is becoming “socialistic” without knowing the definition of socialism. Regulation of private enterprise is not socialism. I worked in a school system for 22 years. Neither the federal government, the states nor local school boards are very good at it. It sounds as if Ms. McKenney would support our policies in Ukraine against the Russians. I support that also. I don’t want our speech to be controlled either. I agree that price controls are not effective. I, too, want effective, competent people to be hired. Effective people of color, religion and other “irrelevant qualifiers” have been systematically excluded from jobs, so when I see people with “irrelevant qualifiers” in jobs, I assume that they are qualified. I, too, have been disturbed by the name calling done by Democratic presidents and Democratic candidates and others on the left. College professors may be somewhat on the left, but they do not brainwash their students. If that were their method of teaching, they wouldn’t last long. Defunding the police was a stupid idea, expressed in the heat of the moment. Trump was the target of an angry person who was expressing himself in a manner that was not effective nor well thought out and he was using a weapon unnecessary for civilians to posess. To believe that it was a plot by Democrats is not based on fact, even if Trump’s followers say that it is. Brian Hirst is a Harpswell resident. Comments are not available on this story. Send questions/comments to the editors. « PreviousQatar tribune Tribune News Network Doha The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) has announced the launch of seven new programmes for Fall 2025, ranging from bachelor’s to master’s degrees, all focused on hands-on learning and practical applications. These programmes are the result of strategic partnerships with key national and international entities, including local and international organisations in the aviation industry. Admissions for these programmes will open in January 2025 for the academic year 2025-2026. College of Engineering and Technology Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering (BSc AeroE): Designed to prepare students for top positions within the aeronautical engineering technology field, this programme provides comprehensive knowledge and skills for roles in industry, solution providers, or governmental sectors. Graduates will be ready to work in the design, manufacturing, maintenance, and repair of military and civil aircraft, as well as aviation enterprises, and will be equipped to conduct research and apply studies related to aircraft and aviation. Master of Science in Telecommunication and Network Engineering (MSc TNE): Designed for professionals seeking to enhance their careers, this programme provides in-depth knowledge of telecommunications systems, including wireless communication, optical networks, and satellite systems. Graduates will be equipped to apply advanced knowledge to design, manage, and optimise complex network infrastructures, addressing local and global challenges in the telecommunications industry. College of Business Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management (BSc AM): This programme is designed to equip students with a strong foundation in both business management and aviation-specific knowledge, preparing them for leadership roles in the dynamic aviation industry. The programme focuses on developing leadership skills, understanding aviation regulations, and enhancing decision-making through data and technology. It emphasises the importance of safety management, strategic thinking, and systems analysis to improve operational efficiency. Graduates of this programme will be well-prepared to pursue diverse managerial positions within airlines, airports, and other aviation-related organisations. Master of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (MSc DSAI): This programme caters to graduates and professionals seeking to expand their expertise in these critical fields. The master’s covers topics such as AI and data privacy, and cognitive computing, as well as the latest advancements in AI and data science, empowering graduates the necessary competencies to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry. College of General Education Bachelor of Science in Teaching STEM: Combining interdisciplinary teaching strategies with hands-on learning, this programme prepares graduates to create dynamic educational experiences. It is specifically designed to address the national demand for skilled STEM educators, ensuring graduates are ready to lead in classrooms and foster innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving among the next generation of learners. Master of Science in Teaching STEM: This bilingual (English and Arabic), two-year graduate programme combines cutting-edge research with practical teaching methodologies, empowering educators to create transformative learning experiences. Graduates will be prepared to shape the future of education, equipping students with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world. Master of Science in STEM Education and TVET: This comprehensive two-year programme is designed for qualified teachers who wish to advance their expertise in both STEM education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). It focuses on research and leadership, enabling educators to drive innovation, enhance teaching methodologies, and contribute to education policy development. Graduates will be equipped to lead transformative changes in schools, vocational training centres, and educational organisations, shaping future-ready learners for a dynamic global workforce. Commenting on the announcement Dr Salem Al-Naemi, president of UDST, said: “The university is proud to introduce these new programmes, developed after extensive consultation with industry experts, academic leaders, and our strategic partners. Our goal is to equip students with not only the skills needed for today’s workforce but also the foresight to thrive in tomorrow’s ever-evolving job market. We are seeing an increasing recognition from both students and their families of the value of applied education. At UDST, our students engage in hands-on learning in real-world environments, benefiting from the vast network of professional connections that our partnerships provide. This approach ensures that our graduates are not just educated but prepared to succeed and make a meaningful impact in their chosen fields.” UDST has now more than 77 programmes that are under five different colleges which include: Engineering and Technology, Business , Computing and Information Technology, Health Sciences and General Education. Applicants can apply for admissions online through the website www.udst.edu.qa. These new programmes are aligned with UDST’s mission to provide innovative and high-quality education that meets the evolving needs of Qatar’s rapidly developing economy. By introducing these programmes, UDST is reinforcing its commitment to equipping students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in Qatar and the world’s most dynamic industries. The university continues to build on its strong relationships with global and local institutions, ensuring that its graduates are prepared to meet international standards while contributing to Qatar’s National Vision 2030. Copy 30/12/2024 10
Illegal border crossers sponsoring illegal border crossers? Biden admin takes heat
A Muslim man accused of shooting a Jewish man and firing at police officers in Chicago last month had researched the locations of synagogues and Jewish schools in the days leading up to the attack, prosecutors said during a detention hearing Friday. Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi, 22, an undocumented immigrant from Mauritania, allegedly used his phone to identify potential targets in the West Rogers Park neighborhood before the October 26 shooting. Among the addresses found on his phone was Ezrat Israel, a synagogue located one block from the shooting site. 1 View gallery Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi Jewish man shot en route to a synagogue in Chicago ( Video: Social Media ) “This was not anything but a planned attack ... an attempted assassination of these people,” Assistant State’s Attorney Anne McCord Rodgers according to The Yeshiva World. “This was a calculated plan, on a public street... and an attempted slaughter of that person and law enforcement officers.” Get the Ynetnews app on your smartphone: Google Play : https://bit.ly/4eJ37pE | Apple App Store : https://bit.ly/3ZL7iNv Abdallahi, who had been living in the U.S. for at least two years and working at an Amazon warehouse, appeared in court after recovering from gunshot wounds sustained in a shootout with police. Judge Susana Ortiz ordered him held without bail on charges of attempted murder, hate crimes and terrorism. Investigators said data recovered from Abdallahi’s phone revealed antisemitic motives and extensive planning. He had marked the locations of synagogues, conducted online searches for “Jewish community center” and “gun store,” and stored over 100 antisemitic and pro-Hamas images and videos. >
AP News Summary at 2:19 p.m. EST
Liverpool came close to swooping in for Kai Havertz in a dramatic transfer saga that had football fans on the edge of their seats. The Reds were rumored to have offered a staggering €100 million to Bayer Leverkusen for the talented German midfielder on the eve of the transfer window deadline. However, the deal fell through at the last minute, leaving Liverpool fans disappointed yet hopeful for the future.