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Cumnor Hill House celebrated the launch of the bar with an event attended by residents, staff, and local dignitaries on Thursday, November 21. They enjoyed live , champagne cocktails, and a selection of hors d'oeuvres. Councillor Kiera Bentley, chair of White Horse District Council, popped the first bottle of champagne to officially open the bar. She said: “When I was invited to a champagne bar at a care home, I wasn’t sure what to expect. "But after seeing it today, I’m blown away. The design is beautiful, and the atmosphere is so welcoming. "It’s a real honour to declare this bar officially open.” The new bar has quickly become a popular social hub within the home. Norah, 102, and her friend Gaynor, now spend their mornings by the fireplace. The home's general manager, Sherrie Hume, said: "This project took three months to complete, and it’s been a real team effort. "Seeing the finished bar today, and how much everyone is enjoying it, makes it all worthwhile." Laura Perry, CEO of Berkley Care Group, added: "I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved here. "This bar is a fantastic addition to Cumnor Hill House, and it really reflects the care and attention we put into every aspect of our homes. "I’m also incredibly proud of the team whose hard work and dedication made it all happen.”Golden Knights take on the Utah Hockey Club after Barbashev's 2-goal performanceTua Tagovailoa shoulders blame for Dolphins' 5-7 start and addresses criticisms of team's toughness
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 23 (ANI): Veteran director and screenwriter Shyam Benegal has passed away at the age of 90. He breathed his last today at 6:38 pm at Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central, where he was undergoing treatment for chronic kidney disease. From Chiranjeevi to Akshay Kumar, actors expressed their grief over the passing away of the legendary filmmaker. Taking to X, actor Chiranjeevi wrote, “Deeply saddened at the departure of Shri Shyam Benegal,one of the finest film makers and great intellectuals of our country. He discovered & nurtured some of the brightest film talents of India. His films, biographies and documentaries form part of India’s greatest cultural treasure!! A fellow Hyderabadi & former Rajya Sabha member, Benegal Sab’s masterful works will always be held in great esteem in Indian Cinema! Rest In Peace Sir!!” https://x.com/KChiruTweets/status/1871212658189541526 Bollywood star Akshay Kumar also mourned the demise of the veteran filmmaker and wrote, “Pained to know of Shyam Benegal ji’s demise. One of the finest filmmakers in our country, truly a legend. Om Shanti” https://x.com/akshaykumar/status/1871211401798426843 “He created ‘the new wave’ cinema. #shyambenegal will always be remembered as the man that changed the direction of Indian Cinema with films like Ankur, Manthan and countless others. He created stars out great actors like Shabama Azmi and Smita Patil. Farewell my friend and guide,” filmmaker Shekhar Kapur wrote on X. https://x.com/shekharkapur/status/1871202534871965704 Veteran actor Anupam Kher said he was deeply saddened to know about the sad demise of the legendary filmmaker. “He was the messiah for actors, writers and technicians of alternative cinema in #India. He told stories differently. When I went to meet him to ask for a role during the making of #Mandi, he looked at me and said, “I don’t have anything substantial for you in this film. And I don’t think you should do a smaller role! Why don’t you wait. May be something substantial will come your way!” And when #Saaransh happened he was extremely happy for me!! Goodbye #ShyamBabu. Thanks for your brilliance and generosity. Will miss you and your infectious smile.” https://www.instagram.com/p/DD7arlMCS3L/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link For Manoj Bajpayee, it is a “heartbreaking loss for Indian cinema.” “Shyam Benegal wasn’t just a legend, he was a visionary who redefined storytelling and inspired generations. Working with him in Zubeidaa was a transformative experience for me, exposing me to his unique style of storytelling & nuanced understanding of performances. I’ll forever be grateful for the lessons I learned under his direction. It was an absolute honor to have had the opportunity to work with him. His legacy will live on in the stories he told and the lives he touched. Rest in peace Shyam Babu, Om Shanti” https://x.com/BajpayeeManoj/status/1871216343724265863 Filmmaker Subhash Ghai remembered the late filmmaker and called him an inspiration for young generation. “The Pioneer master of indian parallel cinema shri # SHAM BENEGAL is no more with us but his teachings inspirations n definitions of cinema with social issues will always remain with us n younger generations of film makers – he has been our mentor n founder architect of all the courses in film making at #WHISTLINGWOODS since 2006 – specially to me in my growth as mainstream film maker.Sir you will always live with us as a master n guide both in the growth of indian cinema. Your contribution in indian cinema is invaluable for good. RIP. WE LOVE YOU ALWAYS. WITH GRATITUDE” https://www.instagram.com/p/DD7a9qeI1qJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Director Karan Johar wrote on his Instagram stories, “RIP Sir, Thank you for your Cinema... for stories that shaped incredible talent and for pushing boundaries and creating pride in Indian Cinema.” Kajol expressed grief over the demise of the filmmaker and wrote, “Deeply saddened by the loss of legendary Shyam Benegal. His contribution to Indian cinema are immeasurable and his legacy will live on through his incredible body of work”. “Much will be written about Shyam Benegal but for me not many talk about the fact that there was a lament in his films and a sadness about the fact we were not living in the best of all possible Worlds,” wrote filmmaker Sudhir Mishra. https://x.com/IAmSudhirMishra/status/1871210831024935020 Benegal’s films, including Ankur, Nishant, Manthan, and Bhumika, established him as a pioneer of the Indian parallel cinema movement in the 1970s and 1980s. Benegal was honoured with the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi seven times and received the V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018. Born on December 14, 1934, in a Konkani-speaking Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin family in Hyderabad, Benegal collaborated extensively with actors from FTII and NSD, including Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, Smita Patil, Shabana Azmi, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, and Amrish Puri. His films left an indelible impact on audiences, addressing relevant socio-political themes with remarkable depth. His most recent project, Mujib: The Making of a Nation (2023), was an India-Bangladesh co-production depicting the life of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh. Shot extensively in both countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, the biographical film added another feather to his illustrious cap. In addition to feature films, Benegal contributed significantly to documentaries and television. His iconic series Bharat Ek Khoj and Samvidhaan remain benchmarks in Indian television. He also served as the Director of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) from 1980 to 1986 and was a member of prestigious juries, including the 14th Moscow International Film Festival (1985) and the 35th National Film Awards (1988). (ANI) This report is auto-generated from ANI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content. var ytflag = 0;var myListener = function() {document.removeEventListener('mousemove', myListener, false);lazyloadmyframes();};document.addEventListener('mousemove', myListener, false);window.addEventListener('scroll', function() {if (ytflag == 0) {lazyloadmyframes();ytflag = 1;}});function lazyloadmyframes() {var ytv = document.getElementsByClassName("klazyiframe");for (var i = 0; i < ytv.length; i++) {ytv[i].src = ytv[i].getAttribute('data-src');}} Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );Tua Tagovailoa shoulders blame for Dolphins' 5-7 start and addresses criticisms of team's toughness
BlackRock Enhanced Capital and Income Fund, Inc. Approves Name and Investment Policy ChangesOver 40 years ago, in an era where the television was the cornerstone of every living room, there existed a now-iconic channel that served music videos around the clock (you guessed it — Music Video Television, or MTV). Fast forward to 2024, and the medium has evolved, but its power to captivate and provoke remains undiminished. Today, Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors reveal our curated list of the best Latin music videos in 2024. From evocative narratives that shine a light on family and personal cultural heritage ( Becky G’s “GOMEZX4′′) to audacious visual experiments that redefine our perceptions ( Anitta and The Weekend’s “São Paulo”); otherworldly depictions of horror and fantasy (Javiera Mena’s “Volver a Llorar”) to deep explorations of religious iconography (Judeline’s “INRI”); oh, and a beautiful illustration that captures feminine power (Elsa y Elmar’s “Entre las Piernas”), this year’s roundup is a vibrant showcase of great visuals we saw this year. The allure of music videos remains endlessly fascinating, bridging eras and styles. Jhayco’s ’90s-leaning “Vida Rockstar” captivates with its analog film approach, while the futuristic “El Polvo de Tu Vida” by J Balvin and Chencho Corleone dazzles with its sci-fi elements, showcasing how music videos continue to push the envelope of visual innovation. As emphasized by Mexican artist Jay de la Cueva’s video “Perdóname,” borrowing the words of Russian composer and conductor, Igor Stravinsky: “It’s not enough to hear music; you also have to see it.” So without further ado, here are 18 of our favorite music videos of 2024. Director: Ramón Kicking off our list of top 18 music videos, Jay de La Cueva dazzles in the stunning visual for “Perdóname.” The video evokes the dramatic essence of a Black Swan ballet, showcasing the Mexican artist playing a grand piano in an empty theater, and dazzling glam-rock sparkly boots. The video for the tender power ballad transitions to a mountainous landscape, where Jay’s cool charisma complements the dancers’ synchronized movements, creating a visually captivating experience. — ISABELA RAYGOZA Director: Freeka Tet Anitta not only brings Brazilian baile funk to the forefront in this collaboration with The Weeknd, but she also showcases just how unconventional she’s willing to be in every project she’s attached to. Shot in New York City and filmed with an iPhone, the music video is cryptic and jarring, opening with a very pregnant Anitta wearing a Jason Voorhees-like mask and dressed as Serleena from Men in Black II , as she walks down the streets at night. Then, the video takes a very dark turn as it seems like she’s about to give birth — but, instead, a singing face emerges in her belly. Anitta’s baby bump is an animatronic machine puppeteered remotely by the director. The video is twisted, but it was a perfect release that dropped just in time for Halloween this year. — GRISELDA FLORES Channeling a Lords of Dogtown vibe, “Vida Rockstar” captures Jhayco’s skater punk essence. Filmed with an analog camera, the video sees him lounging in a graffiti-covered skate park surrounded by a crew of skateboarders performing tricks and sipping from red cups. Decked out in classic Converse sneakers and box braids, the Puerto Rican artist embodies the quintessential rock star skateboarder, perfectly complementing the track’s rebellious spirit. — I.R. Director: Malu Boruchowicz This music video is almost a contradiction to what Tini is singing about in the euphoric “el cielo,” which in theory is a breakup song. “I wish I was still in love with you,” Tini sings. “It was nice while it lasted. And I don’t regret it, even though there’s nothing left.” But in the three-minute clip, Tini is as free as ever dancing under the rain surrounded by her friends, expressing an almost infectious joy. The visual perfectly captures that transition from heartbreak to self-liberation. In this music video, “Tini reflects her autonomy and the importance of achieving peace and acceptance for a fulfilling life,” according to a press release. — G.F. Director: Nono + Rodrigo Infused with religious symbolism, Spanish artist Judeline — born Lara Fernández — is depicted wearing a thorny crown reminiscent of Jesus Christ, while also donning a white Romani gown and later a stark black lace outfit. Filmed in Andalucía, Spain, the visual weaves in striking shots of historical landmarks such as the Mezquita, the Arab Baths and the Aljibe within the Alcázar walls, alongside the Arabic-style courtyard of Colegio Montaigne. These folkloric Andalusian elements with pop combine to enrich the video with a deep cultural heritage, making it a compelling narrative. — I.R. Director: Elias López Mexican artists Bruses and HUMBE immerse viewers in a realm that teeters between dark fantasy and surrealism. It opens in a mystic, rocky landscape shrouded in darkness and imbued with a brooding atmosphere. A costume change later shifts the scene to a fiery red vista, where unnerving branches protrude ominously around them. A standout moment occurs when the artists’ heads, captured in profile, mirror their own, somehow evoking Billy Idol’s “Eyes Without a Face” video. It culminates in a mesmerizing scene framed by heavenly, cloudy and rosy hues, leaving a lasting impression of ethereal beauty wrapped in mystery. — I.R. Two of Mexico’s most enigmatic singers, Porter’s Juan Son and Enjambre’s Luis Humberto Navejas, have collaborated to release a mystifying song and music video titled “Laberinto.” Set against a vintage red backdrop, the very DIY video portrays them as pied pipers donning feathered caps and embodying a playful demeanor. The whimsical video features portraits of brick castles and horses, and as it progresses, the scene shifts to them jubilantly sipping coconut water and wine beneath the moonlight before the visuals turn kaleidoscopic. It’s weird and psychedelic, both visually and audibly, but wildly intriguing. — I.R. Director: Hermann Neudert This trippy video serves as a preview to a short film, and it’s effective because it leaves you wanting more. In “Esta Noche,” you’re introduced to two people (one played by Kaarl) who are really hurting after what seems to be a messy breakup. It’s unclear how they got to this moment where both are so broken they are almost wandering aimlessly. Here’s to hoping the other two music videos that make up this trilogy of visuals give us more context to this relationship. According to a press release, “Each video will serve as a piece of a cinematic puzzle, with interconnected storylines that invite audiences to discover hidden connections throughout each release.” — G.F. Director: Facundo Ballve Emilia’s music video commemorates the Y2K era, merging her modern pop flair with retro elements. Filmed against a setting that evokes a Blockbuster store, this Argentine pop sensation — who in a scene wears Gwen Stafani’s iconic starry eyebrows look — is enveloped by quintessential late-‘90s artifacts, including a fuzzy pink notebook, teen magazines, a lime green iMac and an iPod stocked with her favored “playlists.” This release spearheads her “MPEG” phase following her “MP3” themed tracks, while she “taps into a shared cultural nostalgia, suggesting that love and sensuality transcend time,” according to the press release. — I.R. Director: Patricia Alfonso J Balvin and Chencho Corleone join forces on the sensual perreo “Polvo de tu Vida,” produced by Jeremy Ayala. While the lyrics refer to being the “best sex” anyone has had, the sci-fi music video — directed by Patricia Alfonso — immediately grabs your attention, with its eccentric tones and the futuristic visuals that allude to a dystopian theme. Filmed at Dubai’s Museum of The Future, Balvin and Chencho are seen exploring different rooms, where robots are being constructed and tested — but they have their eyes set on one special one. The Colombian and Puerto Rican urban stars became the first artists to shoot a music video at the coveted museum. — JESSICA ROIZ Director: Daniel Eguren More often than not, music videos for regional Mexican songs can feel trite and raunchy, portraying the typical lavish lifestyle that includes luxurious cars and women seemingly at their disposal. So Peso Pluma and Tito Double P’s “Los Cuadros” was striking (and stood out immediately) for its cinematography, aside from its deep storytelling. The music video captures the innocence of two young boys — who could easily represent real-life cousins Peso and Tito — who run free in the woods, letting their imaginations run wild. The black-and-white video, which adds to the element of nostalgia, follows the boys, who embark on an adventurous journey, sharing laughs and stories along the way. While the story takes an unexpected turn at the end of the video, it does a great job of underscoring the song’s theme of trust, creating an emotional experience. — G.F. Director: Pedro Artola Karol G traveled to the Dominican Republic to capture the perfect background to her summer-friendly merengue smash “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido.” In the music video, directed by Pedro Artola and produced by WeOwnTheCity, the Colombian artist works at a local beach bar, where the crowd is unimpressed with the town’s karaoke singers. She then saves the day by performing her feel-good tropical bop, starting a party at the tiki bar that has people of all ages on their feet. The clip then transitions from the beach to the town, where Karol is surrounded by the island’s colorful houses and people. — J.R. Director: Joseph Ros In this stunning black-and-white visual, Chilean singer/songwriter Javiera Mena injects vampiric allure into the timeless Nosferatu narrative. As the film’s fanged protagonist, Mena weaves a dark romance with a striking tattooed woman, framed by evocative symbols like crosses, roses, coffins and the looming walls of a medieval castle. The chilling scenery contrasts with Mena’s melodious voice as she sings, “ Renacer y morir es volver a vivir ” (Rebirth and death is to live again), capturing the cycle of existence and reincarnation. The narrative deepens as the woman inks a teardrop of blood onto Mena’s cheekbone, enriching the gothic theme with a modern twist. This cinematically rich video revives the otherworldly charm of classic horror while beautifully melding it with contemporary visuals. — I.R. Director: Ricky Alvarez This song alone is quite emotional. Becky G sings about the deep love she has for her three siblings, with heartfelt lyrics like “We are the true meaning of real love” and “for you, I would do things I wouldn’t dare to do.” So watching the song’s official video just adds another layer to the emotional aspect. Tugging at your heartstrings, Becky’s “GOMEZX4′′ displays homemade videos that capture the four siblings as kids, just how close they are, and how much they care for each other. From dance parties to car rides, Becky G showcases the unique bond she has with her brothers and sister in this beautiful tribute. She ends the video with a poignant message: “Our parents leave us too early, and our kids and partners come later, but our siblings are forever.” — G.F. Director: Felipe Mejía In the heat of the 2024 Copa América, where Colombia and Argentina went to finals, Ryan Castro released “El Ritmo Que Nos Une” with the special participation of two of the national team’s players: Luis Díaz and Juan Fernando Quintero, who rap some verses. Directed by Felipe Mejía, the vibrant music video perfectly embodies Colombian culture, love for soccer, and its passionate community as Castro and soccer star James Rodriguez play a friendly tournament at a block party. — J.R. Director: Frederick Venet Elsa y Elmar’s video illustration is a potent narrative about femininity and the societal stigmas surrounding menstruation. With Colombian art decor throughout the video, it boldly challenges taboos associated with womanhood, while simultaneously celebrating cultural heritage with vivid colors. It further addresses themes of insecurity through its portrayal of a woman who grapples with the idealized images on Instagram. It’s somewhat reminiscent of the surreal imagery of Pink Floyd’s 1979 “What Shall We Do Now” visual (notably the scene of a lotus flower and tulip in a sexual encounter). Overall, Elsa y Elmar’s video entertains and ignites meaningful discourse on feminine power and self-perception. — I.R. Director: Stillz With thumping house beats blended with traditional Afro-Puerto Rican plena, “EL CLúB” encapsulates “the longing for a life chapter that still holds a special place in memory,” according to a press statement. The music video, directed by Bad Bunny’s longtime director Stillz, vividly captures the sentiment, showing the Puerto Rican artist as he enters an elevator en route to “the club,” surrounded by psychedelic imagery amid a large crowd. It culminates with him carrying a box that appears to contain the ashes of a burned house, which he solemnly buries and marks with the Puerto Rican flag, echoing the theme of his previous single “Una Velita.” — J.R. Director: René Pérez Joglar An introspective journey through mourning and reflection, “313” is an orchestral tribute to the importance of living in the present — it’s also a personal ode to his late friend and close collaborator, Valentina Gasparini. The meaningful, deeply cinematographic music video, directed by the Puerto Rican artist himself (real name: René Pérez Joglar) and produced by Carolina Wold, stars Penélope Cruz and features Catalan artist, Silvia Cruz. Set in an enchanting autumn garden in Spain, the clip also showcases a mesmerizing group of lyrical dancers floating in the air. “I started to make the music and I was writing the ideas, adjusting to the weather conditions,” Residente previously said to Billboard Español. “It was quite difficult to shoot in November in Madrid, there was not much light. It snowed, it rained, everything happened during the shoot.” “313” won best short-form music video at the 2024 Latin Grammys. — J.R.
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Mother shares story of daughter's murder to save others from traumaBryce Thompson scored 17 points and achieved a milestone as Oklahoma State defeated Miami 80-74 on Friday afternoon in a Charleston Classic consolation game in Charleston, S.C. Thompson made 6-of-14 shots from the floor, surpassing 1,000 points for his career at Oklahoma State (4-1), which also got 15 points from Marchelus Avery. The Cowboys won in large part thanks to their impressive 3-point shooting (10-for-22, 45.5 percent). Oklahoma State backup guard Arturo Dean, a Miami native, posted eight points and one steal. He led the nation in steals last season while playing for Florida International. Miami (3-2) has lost two straight games in Charleston, failing to take a lead at any point. They will play on Sunday against either Nevada or VCU. The Hurricanes on Friday were led by Nijel Pack, who had a game-high 20 points. Brandon Johnson had a double-double for Miami with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Matthew Cleveland scored 11 points and Lynn Kidd and Paul Djobet added 10 points apiece for Miami. Miami, which fell behind 7-0 in Thursday's loss to Drake, got behind 9-0 on Friday as Abou Ousmane scored six of his eight points. Oklahoma State stretched its lead to 18 before settling for a 43-27 advantage at the break. Pack led all first-half scorers with 10 points, but Miami shot just 29.6 percent from the floor, including 3-of-13 on 3-pointers (23.1). Oklahoma State shot 48.4 percent, including 8-for-15 on 3-pointers (53.3 percent) before intermission. The Cowboys also had a 14-8 edge in paint points. In the second half, Miami closed its 20-point deficit to 55-42 with 12:12 left. Miami got a bit closer as two straight short jumpers by Kidd, trimming the deficit to 73-62 with 3:25 to play. The Hurricanes cut it to 77-70 on Pack's 3-pointer with 34 seconds remaining, but the Cowboys hit their free throws to close out the win. --Field Level Media
How to Watch Top 25 Women’s College Basketball Games – Tuesday, December 3
TORONTO, Dec. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blockmate Ventures Inc. (TSX.V: MATE) (OTCQB: MATEF) (FSE: 8MH1) (“ Blockmate ” or the “ Company ”) is pleased to announce that it has closed its strategic investment (the “ Offering ”) involving a group of strategic investors led by Antanas Guoga (Tony G) for gross proceeds of $1,400,000. This strategic funding supports Blockmate’s pursuit of industry leadership in blockchain innovation and underscores our commitment to sustainable and transformative technology. In connection with completion of the Offering, the Company has issued 14,000,000 units (each, a “ Unit ”) at a price of $0.10 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one common share, and one common share purchase warrant exercisable to acquire a further common share at a price of $0.50 until December 23, 2027. All securities issued in connection with the Offering are subject to statutory restrictions on resale until April 24, 2025, in accordance with applicable securities laws. In addition, Tony G has voluntarily agreed to restrict resale of the 10,000,000 Units he acquired in the Offering until December 23, 2025. No finders’ fees or commissions were paid by the Company in connection with completion of the Offering. Incentive Grant The Company also announces that it has granted 5,275,000 incentive stock options (the “ Options ”), 1,200,000 restricted share units (the “ RSUs ”) and 5,000,000 deferred share units (the “ DSUs ”) in accordance with its omnibus incentive plan (the “ Incentive Plan ”) adopted by shareholders at the annual general and special meeting held on November 23, 2023. 625,000 of the Options vest immediately and are exercisable at a price of $0.21 for a period of thirty-six months. The remaining 5,000,000 Options vest quarterly over a twenty-four month period, and are exercisable at a price of $0.21 for a period of forty-eight months. The RSUs vest and will be settled in common shares of the Company after twelve months. The DSUs vest after twelve months but will only be settled in common shares of the Company upon the departure of the holder from the Company. 2,725,000 of the Options and all of the DSUs exceed the available room under the Incentive Plan. The Company intends to seek approval of shareholders to increase the size of the Incentive Plan at the next annual general meeting and will at that time seek ratification from shareholders for the additional Options and the DSUs. Until such time as shareholder ratification has been received, the additional Options and DSUs will not vest and will not be eligible for exercise or settlement. In the event shareholders elect not to ratify the grant, and room within the Incentive Plan is not available at the time, the additional Options and DSUs will be cancelled. Early Warning Disclosure In connection with the incentive grant, Domenic Carosa, a director of the Company, has been issued 5,000,000 Options and 5,000,000 DSUs. Prior to the grant, Mr. Carosa controlled 17,252,400 common shares, 1,500,000 incentive stock options, and 3,000,000 common share purchase warrants, of the Company, all of which are held by Carosa Corporation B.V., a holding company controlled by Domenic Carosa. The common shares controlled by Mr. Carosa prior to the grant represent approximately 15.1% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company. Following the grant, Mr. Carosa has control and direction over 17,252,400 common shares, 6,500,000 Options, 3,000,000 common share purchase warrants and 5,000,000 DSUs of the Company. Assuming the exercise and conversion of all of the Options, share purchase warrants and DSUs controlled by Mr. Carosa, he would have control and direction over 31,752,400 common shares of the Company representing approximately 19.8% of the then outstanding common shares of the Company. Mr. Carosa has acquired the securities for investment purposes and in connection with his compensation as a director of the Company and, as disclosed in the accompanying Early Warning Report, may in the future acquire or dispose of securities of the Company, through the market, privately or otherwise, as circumstances or market conditions warrant. A copy of the Early Warning Report filed with the applicable securities regulators regarding the above acquisition will be available under the profile for the Company on SEDAR+ ( www.sedarplus.ca ). About Blockmate Ventures Inc. Blockmate is a venture creator focussing on building fast-growing technology businesses relating to cutting edge sectors such as blockchain and renewable energy. Working with prospective founders, projects in incubation can benefit from the Blockmate ecosystem that offers tech, services, integrations and advice to accelerate the incubation of projects towards monetization. Recent projects include Hivello (download our free passive income app at www.hivello.com ) and Sunified, digitising solar energy. The leadership team at Blockmate have successfully founded successful tech companies from the Dotcom era through to the social media era. Learn more about being a Blockmate at: www.blockmate.com/ . Blockmate welcomes investors to join the Company’s mailing list for the latest updates and industry research by subscribing at https://www.blockmate.com/subscribe . ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Justin Rosenberg, Chief Executive Officer Blockmate Ventures Inc. justin@blockmate.com (+1-580-262-6130) Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release Forward-Looking Information This news release contains “forward-looking statements” or “forward-looking information” (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on the assumptions, expectations, estimates and projections as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements contained herein. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Raindrop disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa led the NFL in passing yards in 2023, and he has been just as sharp for much of this season. But on Wednesday, Tagovailoa shouldered a share of the blame for what he called a surprising 5-7 start, saying his month-long stint on injured reserve with a concussion played a huge part in the way this season has unfolded. “I don’t think that (record) shows the character of who we are as a team,” Tagovailoa said. "It doesn’t show the work that we’ve put in this offseason together. “Nobody else will say it but me, and I feel like this has a lot to do with myself, obviously putting myself in harm’s way in the second game, going down and basically leaving my guys out to dry ... I do take heart to that as well and don’t want to do that to my guys again.” The Dolphins looked like they were returning to last season's form during a recent three-game winning streak, but questions about Miami's toughness resurfaced after a poor performance at frigid Lambeau Field last Thursday, when the temperature at kickoff was around 27 degrees. Miami missed 20 tackles, per Next Gen Stats, and allowed 114 yards on the ground while only rushing for 39 yards. Tagovailoa was sacked five times. The Dolphins have lost their past 12 regular-season or postseason games in which the temperature at kickoff was 40 degrees or lower, with more potential cold weather games coming up at Houston, Cleveland and the New York Jets later this season. Miami was 4-10 in games played in December or later in the past two seasons. “Collectively you’ve got to all have that same mindset,” Tagovailoa said of Miami's toughness. “That’s why we have team football, that’s why you’re in team sports. I think you’ve got to look at it as, are you mentally tough and are you physically tough? They have to go hand in hand. If one of those things has a kink in it, it could go one way or the other.” A few weeks after former Dolphins safety DeShon Elliott said the Dolphins were “soft” when he played there, linebacker Jordyn Brooks criticized his team's toughness after losing to Green Bay. “I feel like we let the elements control the way we played,” Brooks said after the 30-17 loss. “As a group, I thought we were soft. Simple as that.” Coach Mike McDaniel said he expects all kinds of criticisms to come when the team fails to reach expectations, but added that he uses the game tape to measure toughness. “If I have an example of weak-mindedness or situations where a guy is turning something down or how he’s loafing because of a result, those are things I can coach,” McDaniel said. McDaniel added he didn't see anything on the tape to suggest players weren't giving full effort, but he did see many instances of missed tackles because of straining and poor technique — not bringing their feet through the tackle — which got worse as the game went on. He also said players would have insisted he bench teammates if they were “loafing” or turning down assignments, which he indicated didn't happen. “I'm very aware that the narrative exists," McDaniel said, "and with absolute certainty, I know that the narrative will exist unless it changes. There’s one way to change it. And that’s winning a game against the New York Jets. "And you know what? People still might not call you tough. Cool. I take it very serious as a head coach to be responsible for things that can help to be accountable and to bring forth information that’s actually helpful, not finger pointing." Some Dolphins players disagreed with the notion the team isn't tough enough. “I guess we’ve got to prove it wrong," said defensive tackle Zach Sieler. “If people think that, we’ve got to go out there and beat it. I don’t think that’s the case. I think we play physically up front. I think we play physically all around. I think we’ve got to make sure we’re showing that on Sunday.” Miami placed backup cornerback Cam Smith on injured reserve after he dislocated his shoulder against Green Bay. The Dolphins also signed tackle Jackson Carman off the practice squad and signed cornerback Jason Maitre to the practice squad. ... Edge rushers Bradley Chubb and Cameron Goode practiced Wednesday for the first time this season, and McDaniel didn't rule out the possibility of one or both of them playing on Sunday. Chubb tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in Week 17 last season, and Goode ruptured a patella tendon in the season finale. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Police hunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO's masked killer after 'brazen, targeted' attack on NYC street NEW YORK (AP) — UnitedHealthcare’s CEO has been shot and killed in what police say is a “brazen, targeted attack” outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding its investor conference. The shooting rattled the city and set off a massive dragnet hours before the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting. Police say 50-year-old Brian Thompson was shot around 6:45 a.m. Wednesday as he walked alone to the New York Hilton Midtown from a nearby hotel. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch says the shooter appeared to be “lying in wait for several minutes” before approaching Thompson from behind and opening fire. Police have not yet established a motive. UnitedHealthcare CEO kept a low public profile. Then he was shot to death in New York NEW YORK (AP) — Brian Thompson led one of the biggest health insurers in the US but was unknown to millions of people his decisions affected. The fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare's chief executive on a midtown Manhattan sidewalk Wednesday became a mystery that riveted the nation. Police say it was a targeted killing. Thompson was 50. He had worked at the company for 20 years and had run health care giant UnitedHealth Group Inc.'s insurance business since 2021. It provides health coverage for more than 49 million Americans and brought in $281 billion in revenue last year. Thompson's $10.2 million annual compensation made him one of the company’s highest-paid executives. Hegseth fights to save Pentagon nomination as sources say Trump considers DeSantis WASHINGTON (AP) — Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s Pentagon pick, is fighting to hold on to his Cabinet nomination amid growing questions about his personal conduct as the president-elect’s team considers alternatives, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. But Hegseth says, “We’re not backing down one bit." The Trump transition team is concerned about Hegseth’s path to Senate confirmation and is actively looking at potential replacements, according to a person familiar with the matter. Hegseth is under pressure as senators weigh a series of allegations that have surfaced against him. Beyond DeSantis, there have been discussions about shifting Michael Waltz, who was named by Trump as his national security adviser, to the Defense Department Supreme Court seems likely to uphold Tennessee's ban on medical treatments for transgender minors WASHINGTON (AP) — Hearing a high-profile culture-war clash, the Supreme Court on Wednesday seemed likely to uphold Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors. The justices’ decision, not expected for several months, could affect similar laws enacted by another 25 states and a range of other efforts to regulate the lives of transgender people, including which sports competitions they can join and which bathrooms they can use. The case is being weighed by a conservative-dominated court after a presidential election in which Donald Trump and his allies promised to roll back protections for transgender people. The Biden administration’s top Supreme Court lawyer warned a decision favorable to Tennessee also could be used to justify nationwide restrictions on transgender healthcare for minors. Peter Navarro served prison time related to Jan. 6. Now Trump is bringing him back as an adviser WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is bringing Peter Navarro back to the White House for his second administration. Trump announced Wednesday on Truth Social that Navarro will serve as a senior counselor for trade and manufacturing. He was a trade adviser in Trump's first term. Navarro served four months in prison after being held in contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena from the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Trump also chose Daniel Driscoll as Army secretary, Jared Isaacman as NASA administrator and Adam Boehler as special presidential envoy for hostage affairs. Israeli strikes on a Gaza tent camp kill at least 21 people, hospital says KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — A Palestinian health official said Wednesday that at least 21 people were killed in Israeli strikes on a camp housing displaced people in Gaza. The Israeli military said it struck senior Hamas militants. The strikes hit in the Muwasi area, a sprawling coastal camp housing hundreds of thousands of displaced people. It came after Israeli forces struck targets in other areas of Gaza. According to Palestinian medics, strikes in central Gaza killed eight people, including four children. The war in Gaza is nearly 14 months old and showing no end in sight, despite international efforts to revive negotiations toward a ceasefire. South Korean President Yoon's martial law declaration raises questions over his political future SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — President Yoon Suk Yeol’s stunning martial law declaration lasted just hours, but experts say it raised serious questions about his ability to govern for the remaining 2 1/2 years of his term. The opposition-controlled parliament overturned the edict, and his rivals on Wednesday took steps to impeach him. Yoon's move baffled many experts. One analyst called his action “political suicide.” Yoon’s political fate may depend on whether a large number of people in coming days take to the streets to push for his ouster. Yoon hasn't commented on the impeachment bid. But the political instability he unleashed could make it more difficult for his government to nurse a decaying economy. French lawmakers vote to oust prime minister in the first successful no-confidence vote since 1962 PARIS (AP) — France’s far-right and left-wing lawmakers have joined together to vote on a no-confidence motion prompted by budget disputes that forces Prime Minister Michel Barnier and his Cabinet to resign. The National Assembly approved the motion by 331 votes. A minimum of 288 were needed. President Emmanuel Macron insisted he will serve the rest of his term until 2027. However, he will need to appoint a new prime minister for the second time after July’s legislative elections led to a deeply divided parliament. Macron will address the French on Thursday evening, his office said, without providing details. Barnier is expected to formally resign by then. White House says at least 8 US telecom firms, dozens of nations impacted by China hacking campaign WASHINGTON (AP) — A top White House official says at least eight U.S. telecom firms and dozens of nations have been impacted by a Chinese hacking campaign. Deputy national security adviser Anne Neuberger offered the new details Wednesday about the breadth of the sprawling Chinese hacking campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. Neuberger divulged the scope of the hack a day after the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued guidance intended to help root out the hackers and prevent similar cyberespionage in the future. White House officials cautioned that a number of telecommunication firms and countries impacted could still grow. Harris found success with women who have cats, but Trump got the dog owner vote: AP VoteCast WASHINGTON (AP) — The lead-up to the 2024 election was all about cat owners. But in the end, the dogs had their day. Donald Trump won more than half of voters who own either cats or dogs, and he had with a big assist from dog owners. That's according to AP VoteCast, a survey of more than 120,000 voters. Dog owners were much more likely to support Trump over Kamala Harris. Cat owners were evenly split between the two candidates. Harris did end up decisively winning support from women who own a cat but no dog. Past comments by Trump's running mate, JD Vance, about “childless cat ladies” briefly became a campaign issue.Ten decidedly out-there Taylor Swift accommodation listings as The Eras Tour descends on Vancouver
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AP News Summary at 3:47 p.m. EST
Golden Knights take on the Utah Hockey Club after Barbashev's 2-goal performanceIt is an ambitious social experiment of our moment in history — one that experts say could accomplish something that parents, schools and other governments have attempted with varying degrees of success: keeping kids off social media until they turn 16. Australia’s new law, approved by its Parliament last week, is an attempt to swim against many tides of modern life — formidable forces like technology, marketing, globalization and, of course, the iron will of a teenager. And like efforts of the past to protect kids from things that parents believe they’re not ready for, the nation’s move is both ambitious and not exactly simple, particularly in a world where young people are often shaped, defined and judged by the online company they keep. The ban won’t go into effect for another year. But how will Australia be able to enforce it? That’s not clear, nor will it be easy. TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram have become so ingrained in young people’s lives that going cold turkey will be difficult. Other questions loom. Does the ban limit kids’ free expression and — especially for those in vulnerable groups — isolate them and curtail their opportunity to connect with members of their community? And how will social sites verify people’s ages, anyway? Can’t kids just get around such technicalities, as they so often do? Related Story: Platforms Will Be Held Liable The law will make platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram liable for fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million) for systemic failures to prevent children younger than 16 from holding accounts. “It’s clear that social media companies have to be held accountable, which is what Australia is trying to do,” said Jim Steyer, president and CEO of the nonprofit Common Sense Media. Leaders and parents in countries around the world are watching Australia’s policy closely as many seek to protect young kids from the internet’s dangerous corners — and, not incidentally, from each other. Most nations have taken different routes, from parental consent requirements to minimum age limits. Many child safety experts, parents and even teens who have waited to get on social media consider Australia’s move a positive step. They say there’s ample reason to ensure that children wait. “What’s most important for kids, just like adults, is real human connection. Less time alone on the screen means more time to connect, not less,” said Julie Scelfo, the founder of Mothers Against Media Addiction, or MAMA, a grassroots group of parents aimed at combatting the harms of social media to children. “I’m confident we can support our kids in interacting in any number of ways aside from sharing the latest meme.” The harms to children from social media have been well documented in the two decades since Facebook’s launch ushered in a new era in how the world communicates. Kids who spend more time on social media, especially as tweens or young teenagers, are more likely to experience depression and anxiety, according to multiple studies — though it is not yet clear if there is a causal relationship. What’s more, many are exposed to content that is not appropriate for their age, including pornography and violence, as well as social pressures about body image and makeup. They also face bullying, sexual harassment and unwanted advances from their peers as well as adult strangers. Because their brains are not fully developed, teenagers, especially younger ones the law is focused on, are also more affected by social comparisons than adults, so even happy posts from friends can send them into a negative spiral. What Unintended Harms Could Be Caused? Many major initiatives, particularly those aimed at social engineering, can produce side effects — often unintended. Could that happen here? What, if anything, do kids stand to lose by separating kids and the networks in which they participate? Paul Taske, associate director of litigation at the tech lobbying group NetChoice, says he considers the ban “one of the most extreme violations of free speech on the world stage today” even as he expressed relief that the First Amendment prevents such law in the United States “These restrictions would create a massive cultural shift,” Taske said. “Not only is the Australian government preventing young people from engaging with issues they’re passionate about, but they’re also doing so even if their parents are ok with them using digital services,” he said. “Parents know their children and their needs the best, and they should be making these decisions for their families — not big government. That kind of forcible control over families inevitably will have downstream cultural impacts.” David Inserra, a fellow for Free Expression and Technology, Cato Institute, called the bill “about as useful as an ashtray on a motorbike” in a recent blog post. While Australia’s law doesn’t require “hard verification” such as an uploaded ID, he said, it calls for effective “age assurance.” He said no verification system can ensure accuracy while also protecting privacy and not impacting adults in the process. Privacy advocates have also raised concerns about the law’s effect on online anonymity, a cornerstone of online communications — and something that can protect teens on social platforms. “Whether it be religious minorities and dissidents, LGBTQ youth, those in abusive situations, whistleblowers, or countless other speakers in tricky situations, anonymous speech is a critical tool to safely challenge authority and express controversial opinions,” Inserra said. A spot check of kids at one mall in the Australian city of Brisbane on Wednesday didn’t turn up a great deal of worry, though. “Social media is still important because you get to talk to people, but I think it’s still good that they’re like limiting it,” said Swan Son, a 13-year-old student at Brisbane State High School. She said she has had limited exposure to social media and wouldn’t really miss it for a couple of years. Her parents already enforce a daily one-hour limit. And as for her friends? “I see them at school every day, so I think I’ll be fine.” Conor Negric, 16, said he felt he’d dodged a bullet because of his age. Still, he considers the law reasonable. “I think 16 is fine. Some kids, I know some kids like 10 who’re on Instagram, Snapchat. I only got Instagram when I was 14.” His mom, Sive Negric, who has two teenage sons, said she was happy for her boys to avoid exposure to social media too early: “That aspect of the internet, it’s a bit `meanland.'” Related Story: Other Countries Are Trying to Figure It Out, Too Parents in Britain and across Europe earlier this year organized on platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram to promise not to buy smartphones for children younger than 12 or 13. This approach costs almost no money and requires no government enforcement. In the United States, some parents are keeping kids off social media either informally or as part of an organized campaign such as Wait Until 8th, a group that helps parents delay kids’ access to social media and phones. This fall, Norway announced plans to ban kids under 15 from using social media, while France is testing a smartphone ban for kids under 15 in a limited number of schools — a policy that could be rolled out nationwide if successful. U.S. lawmakers have held multiple congressional hearings — most recently in January — on child online safety. Still, the last federal law aimed at protecting children online was enacted in 1998, six years before Facebook’s founding. In July, the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passed legislation designed to protect children from dangerous online content, pushing forward with what would be the first major effort by Congress in decades to hold tech companies more accountable. But the Kids Online Safety Act has since stalled in the House. Related Story: While several states have passed laws requiring age verification, those are stuck in court. Utah became the first state to pass laws regulating children’s social media use in 2023. In September, a judge issued the preliminary injunction against the law, which would have required social media companies to verify the ages of users, apply privacy settings and limit some features. NetChoice has also obtained injunctions temporarily halting similar laws in several other states. And last May, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said there is insufficient evidence to show social media is safe for kids. He urged policymakers to treat social media like car seats, baby formula, medication and other products children use. “Why should social media products be any different? Scelfo said. “Parents cannot possibly bear the entire responsibility of keeping children safe online, because the problems are baked into the design of the products.”Lane Kiffin torches ACC, CFP selection committee in epic rankings rantBy JIM VERTUNO | Associated Press AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued the NCAA to block the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports, arguing that it tricks and misleads fans. The lawsuit filed in state district court in Lubbock and announced Sunday, argues the NCAA violates the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act by promoting women’s sports that may include a transgender athlete. The law is designed to protect consumers from being misled or tricked into buying products or services that are not as advertised, the lawsuit said. The Texas lawsuit is the latest attempt by conservative politicians to target transgender athletes and push the NCAA into banning them from competition. President-elect Donald Trump has said he wants to stop trans athletes from competing . The lawsuit seeks an injunction to stop the NCAA from allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports in Texas, or in sports that involve Texas programs. Or it wants the court to require the NCAA to stop marketing events as “women’s” sports if transgender athletes are allowed. In a statement, Paxton appeared to reference the recent controversy involving San Jose State women’s volleyball , where several opponents forfeited matches this season on grounds the Spartans had a transgender player. A federal court last month refused to block the school from playing in the Mountain West Conference championship. “When people watch a women’s volleyball game, for example, they expect to see women playing against other women, not biological males pretending to be something they are not,” Paxton said. “Radical ‘gender theory’ has no place in college sports.” The Associated Press is withholding the player’s name because she has not publicly commented on her gender identity and through school officials has declined an interview request. Paxton accused the NCAA of “intentionally and knowingly jeopardizing the safety and wellbeing of women” and turning women’s sports into “co-ed competitions.” The NCAA does not track data on transgender athletes among the 544,000 currently competing on 19,000 teams at various levels across the country. NCAA President Charlie Baker testified in Congress earlier this month that he was aware of fewer than 10 active NCAA athletes who identified as transgender. “College sports are the premier stage for women’s sports in America, and while the NCAA does not comment on pending litigation, the Association and its members will continue to promote Title IX, make unprecedented investments in women’s sports and ensure fair competition in all NCAA championships,” the NCAA said in a statement Monday. Brooke Slusser, the San Jose State volleyball co-captain who was among the group of players who sued the Mountain West Conference over her teammate’s participation, praised the Texas lawsuit on social media. “Hey NCAA, just in case you haven’t realized yet this fight will just keep getting harder for you until you make a change!,” Slusser posted on X . The NCAA established a policy in 2010 that requires trans athletes who were assigned male at birth to complete at least one year of testosterone suppression therapy before being eligible to compete on a women’s team. Trans athletes who were assigned female at birth and transitioned to male can compete on a men’s team but if they have received testosterone treatment are ineligible to compete on a women’s team. The athletes are required to meet their chosen sport’s standard for documented testosterone levels at various points during a season. In 2022, the NCAA revised the policy in what the organization called an attempt to be aligned with national sports governing bodies. If a governing body does not have a trans athlete policy, then it scales up to the international federation that oversees the sport. If there is no international federation policy, previously established Olympic policy criteria would be followed.
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