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By TRÂN NGUYỄN SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California, home to some of the largest technology companies in the world, would be the first U.S. state to require mental health warning labels on social media sites if lawmakers pass a bill introduced Monday. The legislation sponsored by state Attorney General Rob Bonta is necessary to bolster safety for children online, supporters say, but industry officials vow to fight the measure and others like it under the First Amendment. Warning labels for social media gained swift bipartisan support from dozens of attorneys general, including Bonta, after U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called on Congress to establish the requirements earlier this year, saying social media is a contributing factor in the mental health crisis among young people. “These companies know the harmful impact their products can have on our children, and they refuse to take meaningful steps to make them safer,” Bonta said at a news conference Monday. “Time is up. It’s time we stepped in and demanded change.” State officials haven’t provided details on the bill, but Bonta said the warning labels could pop up once weekly. Up to 95% of youth ages 13 to 17 say they use a social media platform, and more than a third say that they use social media “almost constantly,” according to 2022 data from the Pew Research Center. Parents’ concerns prompted Australia to pass the world’s first law banning social media for children under 16 in November. “The promise of social media, although real, has turned into a situation where they’re turning our children’s attention into a commodity,” Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, who authored the California bill, said Monday. “The attention economy is using our children and their well-being to make money for these California companies.” Lawmakers instead should focus on online safety education and mental health resources, not warning label bills that are “constitutionally unsound,” said Todd O’Boyle, a vice president of the tech industry policy group Chamber of Progress. “We strongly suspect that the courts will set them aside as compelled speech,” O’Boyle told The Associated Press. Victoria Hinks’ 16-year-old daughter, Alexandra, died by suicide four months ago after being “led down dark rabbit holes” on social media that glamorized eating disorders and self-harm. Hinks said the labels would help protect children from companies that turn a blind eye to the harm caused to children’s mental health when they become addicted to social media platforms. “There’s not a bone in my body that doubts social media played a role in leading her to that final, irreversible decision,” Hinks said. “This could be your story.” Common Sense Media, a sponsor of the bill, said it plans to lobby for similar proposals in other states. California in the past decade has positioned itself as a leader in regulating and fighting the tech industry to bolster online safety for children. The state was the first in 2022 to bar online platforms from using users’ personal information in ways that could harm children. It was one of the states that sued Meta in 2023 and TikTok in October for deliberately designing addictive features that keep kids hooked on their platforms. Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, also signed several bills in September to help curb the effects of social media on children, including one to prohibit social media platforms from knowingly providing addictive feeds to children without parental consent and one to limit or ban students from using smartphones on school campus. Federal lawmakers have held hearings on child online safety and legislation is in the works to force companies to take reasonable steps to prevent harm. The legislation has the support of X owner Elon Musk and the President-elect’s son, Donald Trump Jr . Still, the last federal law aimed at protecting children online was enacted in 1998, six years before Facebook’s founding.Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan is entering the 2025 NFL Draft , he announced via social media. McMillan, who is forgoing his final year of collegiate eligibility, is widely regarded as the top true wide receiver prospect in the draft process. "The University of Arizona has provided me with the platform to grow and chase my dreams," McMillan wrote in his announcement . "It has shaped me not just as a player, but as a person. I'll be forever grateful for the loyalty, the opportunities, and everything this University has given me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart." McMillan made a splash in 2022 when he committed Arizona as the No. 4 wide receiver and No. 37 prospect nationally in his class. He is still the highest-ranked high school player to ever sign with the Wildcats in the 247Sports era. It didn't take him long to live up to his lofty recruiting pedigree. He put up a team-leading 702 yards and eight touchdowns receiving as a freshman. A year later, he became the focal point of Arizona's offense with a career-high 90 catches for 1,402 yards and 10 touchdowns. McMillan earned first-team CBS Sports All-American honors in 2024 after hauling in 84 passes for 1,319 yards -- third in the FBS -- and eight touchdowns. McMillan's draft stock The 6-foot-5 McMillan projects as an outside receiver at the next level. He's a strong route runner that can use his sizable frame to win more often than not on jump balls. He also has great hands and after-the-catch ability. McMillan is projected to be a top-10 pick in the NFL Draft. There have only been four wide receivers that are 6-5 or taller selected in the top 10 in the past 60 years. In his most recent mock draft, CBS Sports' Chris Trapasso projected McMillan to the Carolina Panthers with the No. 4 overall pick. "McMillan would be the ideal boundary, back-shoulder, rebounder type with plus YAC skills to provide to Bryce Young at the start of his third professional season." Trapasso wrote . What it means for Arizona McMillan has been a mainstay in Arizona's offense since he stepped foot on campus, so it's going to be difficult for the Wildcats to replace him. He was also the only player on Arizona's roster with at least 500 yards receiving in 2024. Redshirt sophomore Chris Hunter , who emerged as a strong No. 2 option and flashed his versatility down the stretch, can come back if he wants to. He finished the 2024 season with 323 yards and three touchdowns. The Wildcats also have former junior college prospect Jeremiah Patterson to lean on moving forward. Incoming freshman Isaiah Mizell, a three-star prospect and the highest-ranked recruit to sign with Arizona during the 2025 early signing period, will have every opportunity to earn early playing time. The Wildcats will almost certainly turn to the transfer portal for help, as well.
The J. M. Smucker Company Announces Cash Tender Offers
Zomato said last week that it received a notice from the goods and services tax authorities demanding Rs 803 crore in unpaid tax including penalty and interest for the period between 2019 and 2022. This issue pertains to a contention between food delivery platforms and the government, on whether the aggregators are liable to pay tax on the delivery fees collected by them. ET explains: What is the latest development? The tax demand came after the GST authorities sent a show cause notice to Zomato in December last year , seeking reasons on why it should not be taxed the amount. The authorities decided to raise the demand after taking into consideration the company’s response. Why is Zomato being asked to pay such a large amount in tax? 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The GST authorities are of the view that delivery is classified as a service and so the fees collected by Zomato during this period is liable to be taxed. Discover the stories of your interest Blockchain 5 Stories Cyber-safety 7 Stories Fintech 9 Stories E-comm 9 Stories ML 8 Stories Edtech 6 Stories At the heart of this issue is Section 9 (5) of the Central GST Act, which stipulates that platforms across sectors such as food delivery, ride hailing and ecommerce that aggregate businesses are responsible for collection and payment of the indirect tax on behalf of the suppliers of goods or services. Under GST laws, delivery of food is a service liable to be taxed at 18%, and the government is of the view that since the platforms have been collecting a service fee, they must pay the tax. What is the point of contention? Aggregators say that while they collect delivery fees from customers, it is passed on to the gig workers fulfilling those deliveries. “In a large number of cases, customers are charged no delivery fees or discounted fees...but the delivery partners are still paid as per a standard per km fee basis. That’s the burden the platform takes to drive growth,” a food delivery executive said. How long has this issue been in the making? Starting January 1, 2022 , online food ordering platforms that aggregate restaurants and arrange for food deliveries have been liable to collect and deposit GST on behalf of restaurants for sales made through them. However, at the time, no clarity was provided on the delivery fee component. Companies and industry bodies have been seeking clarity from the GST Council on the delivery fee component, on whether it is covered under the tax ambit. But nothing has emerged so far. How does this tax demand impact Zomato? The company said it will contest the tax demand. It will first appeal in the GST Appellate Tribunal, following which the matter could end up going to the courts. “This will be a long-drawn battle before any material outcome emerges,” a tax expert said. To put things into perspective, the tax demand of Rs 803.7 crore is more than the total profit made by Zomato since it became profitable in the April-June 2023 quarter. In the fiscal year 2024, Zomato posted a net profit of Rs 351 crore . For the first six months of the ongoing fiscal year, it posted a profit of Rs 429 crore. What could be the broader implications? While the final outcome of this matter could take time as the company as well the authorities undergo a likely appeals process, a legal precedence on paying tax for delivery fees collected on behalf of gig workers could open the gates for other services that employ gig workers for deliveries, such as online groceries, e-pharmacies, and hyperlocal logistics to be taxed. Is it just Zomato that has come under the tax scanner on this issue? Zomato’s Bengaluru-based rival Swiggy was also served a show cause notice last December on the same matter amounting to unpaid tax of Rs 326.8 crore. Swiggy is understood to have not received a demand notice yet.
Jarrod Bowen held Antonio’s number nine shirt aloft after scoring the winner in support of the Hammers striker, who is recovering after a horror car crash on Saturday. Boss Julen Lopetegui said: “He is not in his best moment but he kept his humour. It was a special moment for us. “I think we have a lot of reason to win matches but this was one reason more. He’s alive so we are happy.” MA9 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/fXwtdSQWYE — West Ham United (@WestHam) December 9, 2024 West Ham players wore ‘Antonio 9′ shirts while warming up and walking out before kick-off. The shirts will be signed by the players, including Antonio, and auctioned off with the proceeds going to the NHS and Air Ambulances UK. Tomas Soucek headed West Ham into the lead and held up nine fingers to a TV camera. The Czech midfielder told Sky Sports: “He’s been here since I came here. He is really my favourite. I said it would be tough for me to play without him. "He was here since I came and he's really my favourite" Tomáš Souček on dedicating his goal to Michail Antonio ❤️ pic.twitter.com/smNy26wmuX — Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 9, 2024 “I was so scared what was going to happen. It was a really tough week for him, his family and us.” Matt Doherty equalised for Wolves, and boss Gary O’Neil felt they should have had two penalties for fouls on Goncalo Guedes and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, both of which were checked by VAR. But Bowen’s winner – O’Neil believed there was a foul in the build-up – condemned Wolves to a 10th defeat of the season and a third in a row. While under-pressure Lopetegui may have earned a stay of execution, O’Neil’s future as Wolves manager is now in serious doubt. “A lot of things went against us but ultimately we have not found a way to turn the game in our favour,” he said. “But the players showed they are still fighting for me, for the fans and the group. “Where does this leave me? In the same place I was. I’m aware of the noise. But if anyone expected this to be easy – I’m happy to be judged on results but it should be done in context. “Whenever this journey ends with Wolves I’ll be proud of it.” There was an acrimonious end to the match as captains Bowen and Mario Lemina scuffled after the final whistle, with the Wolves midfielder angrily shoving people including one of his own coaches, Shaun Derry. “I just went to shake his hand after the game,” Bowen said. “He didn’t want to shake my hand, two captains together just to say ‘well done’ after the game. “I know it’s difficult when you lose. I’ve been on the end of that situation.” O’Neil added: “Mario is calm now. He’s a passionate guy and something was said that upset him. “The instinct of the staff was to make sure he didn’t get into trouble, but he took some calming down.”Israeli leaders back Trump’s pledge on hostages
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has assured People Living with Disabilities (PWD) in the state that his administration does not see them as burdens to society but as responsible and determined people who can reshape the narratives in their respective communities. The Governor also supported the PWDs with over 200 assisting devices, including wheelchairs, and white canes, among others as they marked the 2024 International Day of People Living with Disabilities at the Jibowu Hall, Government House Ground, Ado Ekiti on Tuesday. Speaking at the event, Governor Oyebanji said the action, attitude, and determination of the PWDs are potent tools, hence the need for them to embrace the responsibility of being active participants in community development. Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro, at the event, Governor Oyebanji said his administration remained strongly committed to promoting acceptance and support among all citizens. He urged the PWDs to lead by demonstrating the change they would like to see in their communities. The Governor challenged them to relentlessly pursue their dreams and aspirations and contribute meaningfully to the development of society. While assuring them that his administration would continue to be intentional about implementing policies and programmes that promote inclusion, acceptability, and opportunities for everyone, the Governor urged them to challenge stereotypes, break barriers, advocate for their rights, and seek collaboration with others in the community to foster love, acceptance, and an understanding that diversity strengthens society. “it is an honour to stand before you today as we celebrate the International Day of People with Disabilities. This year’s theme, “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,” resonates deeply with our vision for Ekiti State. In this vision, everyone, regardless of their abilities, can contribute to our society and thrive. “As your government, we are committed to creating an environment that values and supports you. We are intentional about implementing policies that promote inclusion, accessibility, and opportunities for everyone. “I urge you to strive to be active participants in community building. You are not burdened; you are assets. By engaging proactively, you enhance your own lives and enrich the lives of those around you. “Your voices matter, and your actions can transform perceptions. You have the power to challenge stereotypes and break down barriers. Every time you showcase your skills, intelligence, and resilience, you shape how others see you and, by extension, all people with disabilities”. The Governor asserted Earlier in her opening remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Mrs Adetoun Agboola, expressed her deep appreciation to the Governor for his commitment to supporting the PWD community by creating inclusive environments which have brought about the implementation of various programmes aimed at enhancing accessibility. Highlighting the government’s significant contribution to the PWD community, Mrs Agboola noted that the administration has established inclusive environments, facilitated skills training, and introduced programs to enhance accessibility and promote equal opportunities for PWDs. She added that the state government’s positive attitude to the welfare and well-being of the PWDs as well as the huge investment in their education and human capital development have impacted positively on the PWD community in the state. The Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in the State, Mr Sesan Aina, commended the Governor for creating an enabling environment for PWDs and also highlighted various welfare initiatives provided by the state government to improve the lives of persons with disabilities. He highlighted various interventions of the government, including scholarship payments for Persons with Disabilities in higher institutions, payment of WAEC and NECO registration fees for students with Disabilities, renovation of special schools, transforming them into model institutions, provision of modern infrastructure for special schools and the Office of Disabilities Affairs, recruitment of additional teaching and non-teaching staff in special schools, the establishment of a therapy centre for children with disabilities, among others. Highlights of the colourful event include drama sketches, cultural dance, and diverse presentations by students of the three Special Schools in the state and various PWD clusters. Also, awards were presented to members of the public who are supportive of the PWDs community as well as the best teachers and administrators in the special schools. Present at the event were members of the state executive council, top government functionaries, traditional rulers, council chairmen and the general public.
NoneST JAMES, Jamaica — Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett says the Caribbean region must not be left behind in taking advantage of artificial intelligence (AI) to propel the tourism sector forward. He said that as the global tourism landscape becomes increasingly competitive, more countries are recognising the potential of AI, and Jamaica and the wider Caribbean must utilise the technology to maintain the region’s competitive edge. Minister Bartlett, who was addressing a forum at the Sandals Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios, St Ann on Friday, noted that AI can become a pivotal tool in enhancing operational processes and creating more personalised experiences for travellers. “We are now seeing where many countries are not just using AI to streamline operations but also to enhance customer service. They have also been using the tool to analyse vast amounts of data to identify trends, preferences, and behaviours, enabling businesses to tailor their offerings to meet the specific needs of travellers. We can’t afford to be left behind,” he said. “We are at an exciting time in tourism history where, if leveraged correctly, we will be able to improve our processes and ultimately make more targeted and strategic decisions,” he added. Bartlett said the potential applications of AI in tourism are vast, ranging from automated customer service systems to advanced data analytics that inform marketing strategies. He said AI-powered chatbots can provide 24/7 assistance to travellers, answering queries and offering personalised recommendations. In addition, he noted that predictive analytics can help businesses anticipate traveller demand, allowing them to adjust pricing and availability accordingly. “The key lies in understanding the needs of the new landscape, which is increasingly driven by technology,” the minister pointed out. “From smart hotel rooms equipped with voice-activated controls to mobile apps that facilitate seamless check-ins, technology is fundamentally changing the way travellers interact with their destinations. In this context, Jamaica and the Caribbean must not only keep pace but also lead in the adoption of innovative solutions,” he said. The minister underscored the importance of training tourism workers to adapt to this new technological frontier. “This proactive approach to workforce training is crucial, as it empowers employees to utilise AI tools effectively, fostering an environment of innovation and adaptability,” he said. Noting that the integration of AI in tourism is not without its challenges, Bartlett said that concerns about job displacement and the digital divide must be addressed to ensure that the benefits of technology are equitably distributed. “While there is the relative fear of the unknown as it relates to technology, the world has been a better place, and mankind has benefited as a result of the advancement of technology,” he added. — JIS
Air Canada plans to bar carry-on bags and impose a seat selection fee for its lowest-fare customers in the new year, as discount carrier tactics increasingly enter the mainstream. Starting Jan. 3, basic fare passengers on trips within North America and to sun destinations will have to check duffel bags, rolling suitcases and large backpacks for a fee — $35 for the first, $50 for the second. A small personal item such as a purse or laptop bag will be allowed on board for free, as will strollers, mobility aids and medical devices. The country’s largest airline also said that as of Jan. 21, lower-tier customers will have to pay if they want to change the seat assigned to them at check-in — a policy it had suspended just two days after implementation earlier this year amid backlash from travellers. The moves mark a shift toward a budget airline-style offering from Canada’s flag carrier, which along with rivals has relied increasingly on ancillary fees for formerly bundled services that range from checked bags to on-board snacks and Wi-Fi access. Air Canada says the changes align its fare structure with similar ticket options from other Canadian carriers and “better distinguish its fare brands.” In June, WestJet rolled out its “UltraBasic” fare. The ticket tier allows no more than a personal item on board — stored under the seat — and charges a fee for seat selection, including after check-in, whether online or in-person. Discount carrier Flair Airlines always charges for a carry-on, which costs between $29 and $74 depending on its size. No-frills fares carry growing appeal for big airlines seeking to capture cost-conscious travellers as budgets tighten after inflation and interest rate hikes. “They’re competing with these low-cost carriers on various routes,” said Richard Vanderlubbe, founder of Hamilton, Ont.-based travel agency Tripcentral.ca. “This is what wins in the price-sensitive area of the market.” Criticism of bare-bones ticket offerings is “easy,” Vanderlubbe said, but the fare tiers — up to seven at Air Canada — give travellers choice. U.S. carriers such as United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines have similar categories, though American and Delta still allow basic economy travellers to bring a bag onto the plane at no cost. “It’s a market solution to kind of an ugly problem,” Vanderlubbe said. “If you’re paying the lowest of the low, then who should get the middle seat at the back?” He added that customers need to be aware that what they see as the lowest fare on a price comparison search may not wind up being the cheapest option once the fees are tallied. “It’s not transparent until you’ve gotten a certain depth into the booking: ‘Oh, here’s the seat selection fee. Oh, here’s the baggage fee. Oh, here’s the carry-on fee.’ And watch out if you don’t check in online, there’s a massive penalty if you don’t,” Vanderlubbe said. “It’s kind of drip, drip, drip, drip. And it works,” he said, calling the trend “troublesome.” Transport Minister Anita Anand agreed. “I was just made aware of a decision by Air Canada to introduce new carry-on baggage fees. I am extremely concerned. Canadians work hard and save up to travel. They rightly expect excellent service, not extra fees,” she said Wednesday in a social media post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Some competitors sought to seize on Air Canada’s announcement to highlight their own offerings. “Now the choice should be clear,” Flair said in a post on X. “The products are the same, one just costs way less.” That’s not always true. Some Toronto-Vancouver tickets in March start at $129 for Flair and $135 for Air Canada and WestJet. Other routes see a bigger difference, with Calgary-Toronto priced at $139 for Flair, $209 for Air Canada, $175 for WestJet and $198 for Porter. Air Canada noted that basic fare passengers who arrive at the boarding gate with ineligible bags will be charged $65 per item to check them. It also announced that customers on its “comfort economy” fare — the middle of the seven tiers — can check two bags for free starting Jan. 3, rather than one. Air Canada took in nearly US$2 billion in so-called ancillary revenue in 2022, up by nearly 50 per cent from five years earlier, according to airline consulting firm IdeaWorksCompany. The category’s share of total revenue for the company grew to more than 15 per cent from below 11 per cent in the same five-year period.
The Falcons are sticking with Kirk Cousins and may get a break thanks to a soft scheduleUnited Airlines travelers with lost luggage have a new tool to track their bags. If the lost bag has an Apple AirTag in it, that information can now be passed directly to United, the airline announced Thursday. The new feature, called Share Item Location, allows travelers with an AirTag or other Find My network accessory to share the location with the airline’s customer service team to help locate their luggage in the event it’s misplaced. United says more than 99% of its customers pick up their luggage without a hitch. The feature is now available with iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2 or macOS 15.2. “Apple’s new Share Item Location feature will help customers travel with even more confidence, knowing they have another way to access their bag’s precise location with AirTag or their Find My accessory of choice,” said David Kinzelman, United’s chief customer officer. Travelers on United whose bags do not arrive at their destination can file a delayed baggage report with United and share the link to the item’s location either through the United app or via text message. After the report has been submitted, customer service agents will be able to locate the item on an interactive map alongside a timestamp of a recent update. The shared location will be disabled after a customer has the bag, and customers can also stop sharing the location of the item at any time on their own. The location link will also automatically expire after seven days. Using AirTags or other tracking devices on luggage is increasingly popular among frequent travelers, with a significant boom following the 2022 Southwest Airlines holiday meltdown , which displaced thousands of travelers over Christmas and into 2023, alongside much of their belongings. United says lost bags are rare, with more than 99% of its customers arriving with their bags. It says the new technology will help those with lost bags to recover them more quickly because the airline will have more information about them. Apple previously announced the new service will also be integrated at other air carriers, including Delta Air Lines. Others include Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, Iberia, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Swiss International Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Vueling. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!TARGET has come under fire from a holiday shopper after they were forced to use another line instead of self-checkout. They claimed it wasn't the first time they found themselves in a similar situation and criticized the retailer for its checkout decision. "@Target, why is self check out always closed now?" the customer, Bobby, fumed in a post on X earlier this month. "It's a frustrating experience to wait in long lines that self checkout could eliminate." Bobby said the self-checkout closures at his local Target were also made worse by an anti-theft feature commonly seen at select locations. "It's bad enough that half the stuff I need to shop for is behind a locked cabinet," he added. Read More on Target Target responded quickly, apologizing for the incident and noting that it was increasing the amount of cashiered lanes for customers recently. "Thank you for sharing your feedback," Target replied on X. "We're prioritizing full-service check lanes, so our skilled team members can support our guests' experience and provide a quick and easy checkout." "We'll be sure to share your feedback," the retail giant added. Most read in Money POLICIES MAY VARY While all of Target's 1,963 locations have many policies and operations that are the same, a lot can change on a store-to-store basis. For example, the amount of self-checkout kiosks available and whether or not they're open or closed during certain portions of the day is determined by individual stores. That also goes for the anti-theft glass cabinets , which have select merchandise locked behind them for security and require assistance from a Target employee with a key to open them. The glass cabinets are implemented only at Target stores with higher-than-average retail theft rates. Target was forced to close nine stores last September for that reason and began ramping up the locked cabinets. A self-checkout policy that is now consistent across all Target locations after a short test period at 200 stores is the 10-item limit . In April, Target launched its first-ever paid membership program, Target Circle 360. For $99 a year, members get access to the following perks: Unlimited, free same-day delivery on orders over $35 An extra 30 days to return your items Free two-day shipping on 100,000s of items 5% off in-store and online Automatic deals and exclusive partner perks It was officially implemented earlier this spring. HAD ENOUGH Several Target shoppers have stood vehemently against the rule and argued that it only causes longer lines more than anything. Self-checkout and the locked cabinets, in general, have been a sore point for customers with the retailer for some time. Someone recently claimed they had to wait 15 minutes for assistance with a basic grocery essential during a trip to their local Target due to the anti-theft cabinets. Another echoed similar grievances, going as far as to claim the measure has "destroyed" the shopping experience. For self-checkout, it's sometimes a no-win situation for Target. Either there are too many kiosks open and not enough cashiered lanes, or vice versa. Read More on The US Sun A shopper recently threatened to boycott Target over the self-checkout 10-item limit and limited cashiered lanes, the opposite issue to Bobby. Someone else also said they "dread" going to the self-checkout area at Target because of allegedly long waits.
Alex Ovechkin is a true force of nature. At 39, he scored 15 goals in his first 18 games of the season... before suffering an injury. But there may be a reason for his impressive offensive output this season. In an article by Responsable Gambler , we read that Ovi began his summer by going on vacation to Turkey. He didn’t necessarily pay attention to what he ate... So much so that at one point, he weighed 258 pounds. That’s a lot of weight. But the Capitals captain is back at work getting ready for the season, and that’s where it gets interesting. Again according to the Responsable Gambler article, Ovi has lost 33 pounds (!!!) and entered the campaign weighing 225 pounds. That’s impressive: Alex Ovechkin shed 33 lbs over the summer, then scored 15 goals in 18 games!!!! Read more on @Capitals star forward incredible summer transformation (via @smdemidov )https://t.co/fH24v4sDUR – RG (@TheRGMedia) December 3, 2024 It’s crazy too. Losing that much weight in just a few months is (really) not easy... But Ovechkin did what he had to do to get back in shape and perform well on the ice. And it worked. But at a certain point, Ovi had no choice but to start training extra hard, because if he didn’t, his body just wasn’t going to keep up at his age. If guys like Sidney Crosby and LeBron James are able to be this good as they approach forty, it’s because they take care of their bodies and it’s because they make the effort to stay at the top of their game. And if Alex Ovechkin wants to continue to have the chance to break Wayne Gretzky’s record for most goals scored in the NHL, he has no choice but to work to make it happen. Overtime – Bromance. Truds and Josh missed each other Truds and Josh missed each other pic.twitter.com/9S2cJgyvby – Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) December 3, 2024 – Can’t wait! Patrik Laine is set to become the latest Finnish-born player to skate for the @CanadiensMTL when he makes his team debut against the Islanders tonight. Tune in at 7 p.m. ET on RDS, TSN2 and MSGSN. #NHLStats: https://t.co/grakkgfXHH pic.twitter.com/24g0ba1eqB – NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) December 3, 2024 – Please note: Our game on Saturday will be live on @TheAHL and @FloHockey social networks #GoRocket https://t.co/SsoppF6Q8m pic.twitter.com/Nos3ljWBcp – Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) December 3, 2024 – This is going to be good. Aaron Rodgers: Enigma premieres December 17. Follow the NFL quarterback’s rebound from his achilles injury, and get an inside look at the defining and controversial moments of his life and career. pic.twitter.com/fAITgqj13N – Netflix (@netflix) December 3, 2024 This article first appeared on Dose.ca and was syndicated with permission.
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Subscribe to our newsletter Privacy Policy Success! Your account was created and you’re signed in. Please visit My Account to verify and manage your account. An account was already registered with this email. Please check your inbox for an authentication link. Support Hyperallergic We’re funded by readers like you! If you value our reviews and news reporting, we need your support more than ever. Please join us as a member today. Already a member? Sign in here. Support Hyperallergic’s independent arts journalism for as little as $8 per month. Become a Member “How do you teach the reader racial literacy through visual literacy?” asked the late cultural historian, writer, and curator Maurice Berger in a 2018 interview . A research professor and chief curator at the Center for Art, Design, and Visual Culture (CADVC) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), he posed this query in reference to the mission of his monthly “Race Stories” column for the New York Times ’s photojournalism blog Lens, which ran from 2012 to 2019. Berger, who died in 2020 at the age of 63, was a lifelong advocate for social justice and trailblazing art historian whose influence continues to resonate. This Thursday, December 5, UMBC will commemorate Berger’s life with the official launch of the Maurice Berger CADVC Program Fund, which will continue his work of investigating and researching histories of race and visual culture by supporting relevant publicly accessible projects. Throughout his work, Berger aimed to lay bare the realities of race through the powerful language of photography and visual culture, dissecting images like those that emerged from the 2017 “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville or Gordon Parks’s documentary photographs of Jim Crow segregation and the civil rights era . This week’s event at UMBC’s Fine Arts Recital Hall will also celebrate the forthcoming book Race Stories: Essays on the Power of Images , copublished by Aperture and the New York Times , which revisits approximately 70 of Berger’s acutely perceptive essays for the Lens blog along with the photographs that inspired them. Get the latest art news, reviews and opinions from Hyperallergic. Daily Weekly Opportunities Edited by curator and writer Marvin Heiferman, Berger’s spouse, the book is divided into five thematic chapters that revolve around reexamining the past, strategies of representation, understanding the present, effecting change, and visualizing communal connections. “The idea of self representation is hugely important to him, and to get White people to understand their own biases, to work against the idea that racism was a southern phenomenon,” Heiferman told Hyperallergic . Race Stories includes Berger’s essays engaging with all types of visual language, from 19th-century daguerrotypes to images circulated on social media. The cover features one of Maurice’s favorite photographs taken by Gordon Parks, depicting Joann Thornton Wilson and her niece Shirley Anne Kirksey outside an Alabama movie theater in 1965. The first project supported by the Maurice Berger CADVC Program Fund, the publication of the print booklet Cockeysville to Baltimore by UMBC’s current artist-in-residence Levester Williams, will be recognized at Thursday’s ceremony as well. In accompaniment with the ongoing exhibition Levester Williams: all matters aside , on view at CADVC through December 14, it investigates the racial history of the marble sourced from a quarry about 20 miles north of Baltimore that can be found throughout the city and other sites in the Northeast region. CADVC Executive Director and Chief Curator Rebecca Uchill, who stepped into the dual role in 2022, explained that the fund was conceived in collaboration with Heiferman and Berger’s friends and colleagues. Uchill told Hyperallergic that a book by multimedia artist Tomashi Jackson, who has been participating in a research residency with CADVC since 2022, will be the next publication sponsored by the Maurice Berger CADVC Program Fund. It will be edited by her offtime collaborator Nia K. Evans. More details about the December 5 launch event, which will include the debut of a Williams’s semi-permanent public art projection series affiliated with the all matters aside exhibition, and addresses from Heiferman, Uchill, and art historians, curators, and researchers can be found here . We hope you enjoyed this article! Before you keep reading, please consider supporting Hyperallergic ’s journalism during a time when independent, critical reporting is increasingly scarce. Unlike many in the art world, we are not beholden to large corporations or billionaires. Our journalism is funded by readers like you , ensuring integrity and independence in our coverage. We strive to offer trustworthy perspectives on everything from art history to contemporary art. We spotlight artist-led social movements, uncover overlooked stories, and challenge established norms to make art more inclusive and accessible. With your support, we can continue to provide global coverage without the elitism often found in art journalism. If you can, please join us as a member today . Millions rely on Hyperallergic for free, reliable information. By becoming a member, you help keep our journalism free, independent, and accessible to all. Thank you for reading. Share Copied to clipboard Mail Bluesky Threads LinkedIn FacebookWhy some brewing companies are producing more hop-forward ales and light-bodied lagers
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