
No. 24 Illinois stuns Rutgers on Bryant's 40-yard TD reception with 4 seconds leftHis neighbours have cats and dogs, but when 72-year-old Philippe Gillet settles down to watch television there is usually an alligator dozing beside him. His bungalow in western France is also home to a venomous Gabonese viper, a spitting cobra, a python, alligator turtles that can bite off a finger, tarantulas and scorpions. When someone unfamiliar enters Gillet’s living room, Gator, a two-metre (6ft 6-inch) alligator, growls from under a coffee table. “Calm down,” says Gillet, and Gator goes back to his snooze near Alli, another dozing alligator. “When there is a storm he comes to sleep in my bed,” said Gillet. “People think I am mad.”
"I didn't try to conceal anything. I tried to put down exactly how I felt." That's how former President Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday at age 100, described the White House diary he published at age 85. He told Lesley Stahl that he dictated into a tape recorder seven or eight times virtually every day he was in office, and later transcribed those notes, excerpts of which became the book. As he explained in 2010 (full story above), it offers an unusually candid take on the highest office in the land – and his own disappointments. Carter railed against the late Ted Kennedy, for instance, who ran against him for the Democratic nomination in 1980. He referred to members of Congress as "juvenile delinquents," and told Stahl he considered it "blackmail" when they sought his support for a political appointee in exchange for their votes on legislation. But Carter also turned a critical eye on himself, admitting to Stahl that he alienated too many Congress members, and that his folksy style offended some of his constituents. When he insisted, for instance, that "Hail to the Chief" no longer be played when he entered a room, a public outcry forced him to reverse himself. With the country facing long gasoline lines and double-digit inflation, even Carter's own loyalists began to question him. He described a brutal Cabinet meeting to Stahl. "I think they were telling me that the public image of me was that I was not a strong leader, that I should not only arouse support from affection, but also from fear," he told Stahl. Carter agreed to alter his strategy, but he still favored diplomacy over military might — even when 52 Americans were held hostage in Iran. After a failed rescue attempt by the U.S. military, some Americans called on the president to bomb Tehran, but he refused. "We went through four years. We never fired a bullet. We never dropped a bomb. We never launched a missile," he told Stahl. "There's no doubt that usually a president's public image is enhanced by going to war. That never did appeal to me." Carter knew his legacy might suffer. In a 1985 story, Mike Wallace visited the former president at home in Plains, Georgia and asked him about his lackluster reputation. If Ronald Reagan had an untouchable "Teflon presidency," Wallace proposed, surely Carter's was the "flypaper presidency" – with Carter himself shouldering the blame when anything went wrong. "I think that's true," Carter said. "When I was there, there was no doubt who was responsible." Stahl raised a similar point in her 2010 story. Despite victories like brokering a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt, normalizing relations with China, and vastly reducing our reliance on foreign oil, Carter was often remembered as a "failed" president. Yet, she noted, his image was transformed after he left office, as he committed himself to fighting disease in poor countries and helping to resolve conflicts abroad, for which he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. "A lot of critics of yours, when you were president, say that you've been a fantastic ex-president," Stahl told him. "You hear that all the time." "I don't mind that," Carter said, laughing at the thought.
Emerging Opportunities in the Electrical Service Market Huge Growth in Future Scope 2024-2031In the Federal Parliament this week, Labor and the Coalition - the Coles and Woolies of Australian politics - are in the process of and make it harder for new independent candidates and political parties to enter politics. or signup to continue reading Just as oligopolies like hurt consumers and the economy, if the only competitive options in an electorate are the two major parties that undermines democracy and limits Australian citizens' choices about who represents them. On the face of it, stricter donations and spending caps for elections sound like sensible ideas, but the duopoly is in the detail. Essentially, Labor and Coalition politicians are together rushing through more than 200 pages of legislation, without any proper public or parliamentary scrutiny, that will deliver tens of millions of dollars in additional public funding for the major parties, while tilting the playing field against independents and minor parties. New polling by The Australia Institute reveals more than four out of five voters believe proposed changes to Australian electoral laws should be reviewed before they are voted on by parliament. The changes are not due to start until the election after next, around 2028, so the unseemly haste to ram them through in the last sitting weeks of the year smacks of contempt for voters and contempt for the parliament. said the changes are designed to take big money out of Australian politics, but the reality is the changes will not only deliver big money to Labor and the Coalition, but the legislation does not include . This means that the major parties are stitching up a massive increase in public funding for political parties, while it will still be perfectly legal to lie in a political ad. Major party politicians voting together to give political parties more money will almost certainly reduce trust in government unless the public is included in the process. The Australia Institute estimates that the major parties could receive $30 million more to spend on election campaigns, and an extra $14 million for administrative expenses. If the bill passes, total public funding of parties and candidates would exceed $150 million per three-year election cycle. Nor do the changes prevent "cash-for-access" payments to ministers and shadow ministers and similar financial advantages exploited by the major parties. You could have dinner with the prime minister four times a year at the going rate of $5000 before hitting the $20,000 donation cap. Similar changes at the state level of politics have led to perverse outcomes allowing major parties to "pile in" to target seats in defiance of spending caps. Meanwhile, new entrants will struggle to compete under stricter donation caps and spending limits. No one wants billionaires like and to be able to unduly sway elections with money, but neither should the deck be stacked against new independents and minor parties. One of the greatest strengths of Australian democracy is our preferential voting system. Unlike the United States, where the only choice is between the Republicans and Democrats, Australian voters are electing more and more independents and minor parties to state and federal parliaments. There has been a steady decline in voters choosing the major parties over the past 40 years and it shows no signs of stopping. Senator Jacqui Lambie, first elected as part of the Palmer United Party, won re-election in her own right. Independent member Helen Haines succeeded Cathy McGowan in Indi, proving the community independents have real staying power. Pauline Hanson's One Nation experiences peaks and troughs. The Greens are well established in the Senate and last election won four seats in the lower house. It is clear that when Australian voters are given a real variety of democratic choices, many look beyond the major parties. And it's important to remember that money isn't everything, after all, and failed to net a single seat for his party in 2019. Labor and the Coalition are not proposing to get rid of preferential voting, but limiting the ability of new candidates and minor parties to compete on a level playing field will likely achieve a similar result. There are some worthwhile reforms in the legislation, for example lowering the donation disclosure threshold to $1000 and counting payments to attend fundraisers and functions as donations. That closes the outrageous loophole that meant a donation made in good faith for no consideration was treated more stringently than a payment to get access to a politician. The previous disclosure threshold of about $17,000 meant a lot of donations were never revealed, even when they came from powerful vested interests or wealthy backers. The bill also introduces real-time disclosure so we will no longer wait up to 18 months to find out who funded parties and politicians. One solution is for the government to carve off these non-controversial and already-tested reforms from the rest of the bill, and pass them now, while the more risky changes go through the proper process of scrutiny. Many Australians vote for Labor and the Coalition, just like many people shop at Coles and Woolies. Ahead of a federal election that is likely to deliver a minority government, with the Greens and independents in the balance of power, the parliament just got a reminder that Labor and the Coalition can and do vote together all the time. The crossbench only comes into play when the opposition decides to block legislation, as the Coalition says it will on the proposed international student cap. That's the way democracy works. But if Labor and the Coalition team up to pass these massive electoral changes before the parliament can properly scrutinise the details, they will be ripping off voters just as surely as has been gouging consumers. Ebony Bennett is deputy director for The Australia Institute and a former Greens media advisor and a regular columnist for The Canberra Times. Ebony Bennett is deputy director for The Australia Institute and a former Greens media advisor and a regular columnist for The Canberra Times. Advertisement Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date. We care about the protection of your data. Read our . AdvertisementBadshah and Hania Aamir: Dating or just friends?
We live on a lake and love hosting our great-nieces and nephews on school breaks and the entire family on vacations. My husband and I have no children. Our niece’s families are dear to us. Our 11-year-old great-nephew has been gaming now for about a year. When he comes to visit, instead of reading, playing cards or board games with us, like in the past, he wants to disappear with his video games. We feel vacated. How do we navigate this with his parents who think his being on a video gaming team at school is awesome and I think it is a bad omen? What is a fair place of compromise and balance? Let his parents parent their child. The other night I re-watched the movie “Network” from 1977 (stay with me here; it relates). In it, a character in his 60s dismisses a character played by a young Faye Dunaway by saying “she’s the television generation. She learned life from Bugs Bunny. The only reality she knows is what comes to her over her TV set.” Every generation has anxieties about the ways that technology is changing social interactions or altering the minds of the generations below. While some of those concerns are valid, those of Faye Dunaway’s generation (now in their 70s and 80s) would argue that they’ve managed to stay quite well-rounded, despite (and often with the aid of) TV. In moderation, video games have been shown to improve a child’s cognitive function and working memory. While your great-nephew’s gaming might not be your choice, it’s important that you not seek to undermine the research and thinking that his parents have done about it. What you’re really yearning for is a sense of togetherness as a family, so try talking to your niece and her spouse about group activities you can plan to meet your great-nephew where he is. And don’t be afraid to pick up a controller and ask him to show you the ropes. I eat at a local restaurant a couple times a week and tend to get one of three meals. This one waitress asks me what I want to eat, but then interrupts me to make guesses or tell me my choice. I just put my head down and nod yes or no to the guesses. It’s frustrating, but not life-threatening. She enjoys it. I hate it. However, if I were to say something, it would force her to make the choice of being herself, doing something she likes doing, or appeasing me so I can order the way I want to order. I don’t know if this is a big enough problem to have a “high road.” The answer will not change my life. She can easily change, and I can easily suffer. The question is who gets to be themselves? I worked in the service industry for more than a decade. I loved it. I loved seeing regulars, meeting new people and carrying a lot of beverages in my hands at one time. The whole bit. I also loved knowing what people wanted, but I would always ask and confirm. That’s part of the job. She may think you’re a regular who likes to be known in this way. So, informing her that that’s not the case won’t be keeping her from being herself. It will be helping her to do her job better. You may not have the kind of temperament that easily or comfortably course-corrects in social situations. That’s just fine. But know you won’t be causing her suffering by saying something like “I’ve already decided on my meal. Let’s skip the guessing today and I’ll just tell you.” This also clears the path for the two of you to talk about something else, if you want. Ideally, it’s a conversation that you’ll both enjoy. I’m not sure if the letter from “Invisible Dad” about his wife buying trinkets for their adult kids and having more close conversations with them is related to my better half and myself. I think it could be but I can’t be sure so don’t want to ask him. I never really thought about it all the time, but assumed kids knew that gifts were from both of us. If this question does relate to us, and even if it doesn’t, I will be mindful of what I haven’t been mindful of. My heart is melting if he does really care that much about the kids. Thank you for listening. Thanks for your thoughtful note and your openness. Please also reconsider talking to your husband about the ways you interact with your kids. It could be really healing and productive.
NoneFCSCA refutes claim of cancellation of BPL ration cards Srinagar: The Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs has strongly refuted reports from certain quarters on social media, particularly a video, wherein it is being alleged that “...the Government has issued an order cancelling around 1.5 lakh Below Poverty Line ration cards affecting a huge number of beneficiaries and putting their families in distress ...” while terming the assertion totally fabricated and based on false assumptions. As per the statement issued by the Department, no such order has been issued. Besides, it has rebutted the claims that the figure being quoted in the said video does not even match the actual deletion figure of 1.27 lakh cited in media reports for having been reported to the parliament recently with regard to fake and duplicate ration card deletions in Jammu and Kashmir since 2013. These are in fact the deletions carried out in the past, over 10 years in J&K as a part of reforms pursued by the Government of India across the country. The document added that elimination of bogus/duplicate ration cards and beneficiaries is an essential requirement under Targeted PDS Control Order of Government of India, which is now being established through technology interventions like Aadhaar seeding, eKYC and through field verification. As a result of accelerated Aadhaar seeding, pursued by the Department, huge duplication of ration cards and beneficiaries was established leading to deletion of such ration cards and beneficiaries over the years. At the same time, bringing the left out eligible beneficiaries under the PDS cover has also been seriously pursued by the Department, and this effort has also led to the addition of 8.6 lakh eligible beneficiaries to PDS in J&K since shifting to a dependable Ration Card Management System in September, 2022. Further, it is clarified that only order issued by the Department in recent past in the context of PDS seeks inclusion of children born during years 2011 to 2016 in their family ration cards so that additional benefits flow to these beneficiaries and households as per eligibility under PDS. The Department has also issued explicit orders for prompt inclusion of any eligible beneficiary still left out under PDS, wherever reported. As a result of these efforts the number of beneficiaries under NFSA, who are provided free food grains every month, has gone up from 66.37 lakh to 66.59 lakh during last three months. Additionally, the Department has also pursued, in a mission mode, the inclusion of left out JK registrants on e-Shram Portal so that none such registrant who is eligible under PDS for free or subsidised food grains, remains uncovered. A mammoth exercise for matching of nearly 34.80 lakh such registrants in J&K was carried out in coordination with NIC and every registrant who remained unmatched with PDS data base, was approached by the Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs and Labour & Employment Department for securing their inclusion. Of these, nearly 34.40 lakh registrants are presently availing benefits under PDS or other schemes, and remaining forty thousand, could not either be traced by the Department or they refused to share their details and documents, despite making efforts in coordination with respective district administrations. Expressing firm resolve of the Department, a spokesman of the Department said the Department is making arrangements for providing free food grains every month to 66.59 lakh beneficiaries under NFSA and for providing highly subsidised food grains to another group of 31.81 lakh beneficiaries in the Non Priority Households category, which implies that 98.40 lakh people are presently benefitted under PDS every month in J&K. The spokesman further said that the technological interventions like aadhar seeding, e-PDS etcetera are aimed at securing the marginalised communities their due share in ration distribution and this would remain a priority of the Department so that eligible beneficiaries are benefitted under Targeted Public Distribution System and undeserving are weeded out.
Twins tender contracts to all arbitration-eligible players; reach terms with three
Atlanta Probate Attorney Trace Brooks Releases Article Explaining the Probate Process in Atlanta, GeorgiaHere we have brought you a rundown of the top 10 upcoming cars in 2025 that have already been caught testing from brands like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Tata, Mahindra, Kia, MG, Honda and Renault In this article, we have brought you a roundup of the top 10 upcoming cars in 2025 that have already been spotted testing. These models, from brands like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Tata, Mahindra, Kia, MG, Honda, and Renault, vow to bring new advancements to the Indian automotive market. Stay tuned for more updates as these cars get closer to their official launches. 1. Hyundai Creta EV: The electrified Hyundai Creta is up for launch in January 2025 and it will likely boast a range of over 450 km on a single charge. The five-seater is underpinned by the modified K2 platform of the IC-engined Creta and it shares the features list with it. The exterior will get EV-specific changes. 2. Maruti Suzuki e Vitara: Expected to launch in early 2025, the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara will take on the Creta EV and it was recently introduced in Milan. The e Vitara will be produced at SMC’s Gujarat plant for India and abroad and it will be offered in two battery packs. It is the production version of the eVX concept. Also Read: Maruti Suzuki e Vitara To Arrive In Just 2 Months – All Key Info 3&4. Kia Syros & Carens Facelift: In the coming months, Kia will launch the Syros compact SUV which will be positioned between the Sonet and Seltos. The five-seater takes inspiration from the latest crop of Kia SUVs including the EV9 and Soul and it will likely be powered by a 1.2L petrol, a 1.0L turbo petrol and a 1.5L diesel engine option with manual and automatic transmission choices. Kia will bring in the updated version of the Carens next year in India. 5. Tata Harrier EV: In the final quarter of this FY, Tata Motors will introduce the Harrier EV and it will be available in single and dual electric motor setups. The near-production version was showcased earlier this year at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo and it could offer a range of over 500 km. Also Read: Tata Harrier EV, Sierra EV & Sierra ICE To Arrive In 2025 In India 6&7. Mahindra BE 6e & XEV 9e: On November 26, Mahindra will reveal the BE 6e and XEV 9e electric SUVs and they will be positioned as the brand’s flagship models upon arrival. Both will be packed with modern features and technologies to the brim and they incorporate a brand new design philosophy for the brand. They will be equipped with large battery packs and are based on the INGLO platform. 8. New Honda Amaze: On December 4, 2024 Honda will debut the third generation Amaze in India. It will get an assortment of revisions inside and out and will be powered by the same petrol engine found in the outgoing model. The cabin will also gain a number of new additions including ADAS. 9. MG Gloster Facelift: The mid-life update for the MG Gloster is on its way and it will also arrive next year. It will feature cosmetic updates and interior changes but no major mechanical changes are likely. 10. New Renault Duster: In the second half of next year, Renault will revive the Duster nameplate in India. Based on the latest global model, it will be underpinned by the heavily localised CMF-B platform and will be powered by turbocharged petrol engines.PITTSBURGH (AP) — Penguins captain Sidney Crosby is alone at the top. Crosby broke Mario Lemieux's franchise record for most assists in team history during a 3-2 win against the New York Islanders on Sunday. “I want to congratulate Sid on setting the team's assist record,” Lemieux said in a statement released by the team. “He's an amazing player and we're so fortunate to have him in Pittsburgh. I look forward to even more great things from him.” Crosby was behind the net in the second period when he sent a backhand feed to Michael Bunting, who buried a power-play goal behind Marcus Hogberg at 1:36, putting the Penguins ahead 2-0. After the goal was announced, play briefly stopped as Crosby received a standing ovation and waved his glove to acknowledge the hometown crowd. “As the years go on, I think you appreciate those kinds of things a little bit more,” said Crosby, who said he plans to give the puck to his father. “It's not why you play by any means, but to get (the record) and to get that kind of reception, it means a lot.” Crosby now has 1,034 assists, good for 12th in NHL history. Only three players — Ray Bourque, Wayne Gretzky and Steve Yzerman — have more assists with a single team. The 37-year-old Crosby has played 1,310 regular-season games. Lemieux played 915. “I have a lot of appreciation for what the guys have done on that list, especially Mario and what he means to the city and the organization,” Crosby said. “All the guys who have played prior to me, it's just really nice to be part of that company.” Crosby scored a goal and added three assists to tie the record during a 7-3 home win Monday against Philadelphia. Crosby thought he broke the mark during a road loss on Saturday against the Islanders, but the assist was taken away. “It was a little weird the way it went down,” Crosby admitted. Lemieux, who finished his Hall of Fame career with 1,723 points, led Pittsburgh to its first two Stanley Cups in 1991 and 1992 as a player. Lemieux owned the team when Crosby captioned the Penguins to championships in 2009, 2016 and 2017. “The accomplishment, the milestone he's reached, this is just one more,” Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said. “It's more evidence of an amazing career. He's one of the best players to ever play.” AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl
First Trust Materials AlphaDEX Fund (NYSEARCA:FXZ) Trading Down 0.7% – Time to Sell?