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PORTSMOUTH, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 19, 2024-- Premier lifestyle brand and hospitality management company, Lark Hotels, announces today the formation of a joint venture with contextual hotel brand and operator, Life House. This joint venture will operate under Lark Hospitality LLC, doing business as Lark, encompassing all Lark Hotels and Life House-branded hotels, 33 restaurants and bars, and the groups’ combined portfolio of nearly 100 independent spirited properties, with locations throughout the continental United States, Hawaii, and Mexico. As part of the transaction, among the Life House stakeholders, both Inovia Capital and Thayer Investment Partners will continue to support this joint venture. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241219605760/en/ Blind Tiger, a Lark Hotels property in Burlington, Vermont (image by Matt Kisiday) Combining their assets and expertise to form Lark Hospitality, industry trailblazers Rob Blood (Founder, Lark Hotels), Peter Twachtman (CEO, Lark Hotels), and Marc Ghobriel (CEO, Life House) join forces with Blood as Chairman, Twachtman as CEO, and Ghobriel leading the Life House transition team. In addition to doubling Lark's footprint, the combined entity grows the company’s centralized team by bringing key positions over from Life House, allowing for continued best-in-class solutions for customized hotel management, day-to-day operations, hiring, technology, and marketing services to maximize owner cash flow. The new entity will have nearly $1 billion in assets under management, and represent accommodations in 27 states, more than 3,000 total keys, nearly 1,500 employees in peak season, and total annual revenue of more than $150 million under management. “There is no company that has made everyone at Lark Hotels sharpen their pencils more than Life House,” said Rob Blood, founder of Lark Hotels. “Over the last five years, they have made us think deeply about who we are as a company, what our value proposition is for our stakeholders, and who we want to be going forward. As we come together, we look forward to incorporating the best practices of both of our companies to deliver exceptional experiences for our guests, investors, hotel owners and teams.” "The complementary strengths of Life House and Lark, both geographically and operationally, create a leader in the independent and boutique hotel management market," said Marc Ghobriel, CEO of Life House. "We're eager to continue focusing on delivering a great experience, to guests at the properties we manage, as well as to their owners, and we plan on investing in building a strong portfolio of brands across North America." As one of the few remaining truly independent hospitality companies with a family of brands, including Lark Hotels, Bluebird by Lark, Blind Tiger, AWOL, and Lark Independent, Lark will focus on further developing its individual brands, as well as the Life House brand, by partnering with aspiring and existing hotel owners, family offices, private equity firms, and real estate developers. The company plans to continue to leverage its robust loyalty program to deliver exceptional experiences for guests and valuable direct revenue for hotel owners. Lark’s unique combination of best-in-class management, supported by a nimble tech stack and a choice of meaningful brands that deliver both the benefit of flexibility and the assurance of connection, gives real estate developers and hotel owners many paths to success with Lark. For more information or photography, please contact Mary DiLeo at mary@allheartpr.com or 978-998-0240. About Lark Hotels: Launched by Rob Blood in 2012, Lark Hotels operates lifestyle properties in high-profile destinations, embracing their communities in playful, unexpected ways. Each Lark Hotel invites guests to experience intimate getaways in the heart of an iconic destination, feel the pull of nostalgia, and find attentive service when they want it or privacy when they don’t. In 2020, Lark Hotels launched its third-party management division, focused on the management and marketing of independent hotels throughout the United States. In 2021, Lark Hotels introduced Bluebird by Lark, a sister collection of boutique roadside lodges, reimagined for the great American road trip. In 2024, seven Lark Hotels properties were awarded prestigious Michelin Keys from Michelin Guide, a coveted honor that recognizes the country’s most outstanding hotels. Most recently, Lark Hotels opened AWOL Stowe, the third iteration of its emerging AWOL brand in the heart of Stowe, Vermont, complete with an outdoor Nordic spa deck and free-standing A-frame cabins. In 2025, Lark Hotels will debut several new and noteworthy properties in sought-after destinations, including their first in a major metropolitan city. For more information about Lark Hotels and Bluebird by Lark, visit larkhotels.com and bluebirdhotels.com . Lark Hotels is always seeking growth opportunities through both third party management agreements and joint venture opportunities. To learn more, visit larkhospitality.com . To discuss Lark’s acquisition and management opportunities, please reach out to growth@larkhotels.com . About Life House: Led by CEO Marc Ghobriel, Life House is a vertically integrated hotel management and technology company focused on serving small and medium independent hotels with institutional-quality service. Life House uses advanced software and operating systems to increase profitability and reliability for independent hotels. The company was founded in 2017 by real estate, hospitality, and technology veterans and is backed by world-renowned private equity and venture investors. In 2023, Lodging Magazine recognized Life House as one of the top management companies for independent hoteliers to know. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241219605760/en/ CONTACT: Mary DiLeo All Heart PR 978.998.0240 mary@allheartpr.com KEYWORD: NEW HAMPSHIRE UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: LODGING TRAVEL SOURCE: Lark Hotels Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/19/2024 04:03 PM/DISC: 12/19/2024 04:01 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241219605760/enAmon-Ra St. Brown Headstand Ornament On Sale at 9ninecloth 11-23-2024 12:06 AM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: ABNewswire Image: https://www.abnewswire.com/uploads/6e56a619542b2aaa84e154859889cef8.jpg When Amon-Ra St. Brown, the talented wide receiver for the Detroit Lions, scored a touchdown and celebrated with an epic no-hands headstand, the internet couldn't stop talking about it. 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If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. It’s been a big year for Snoop Dogg — becoming America’s “ Ambassador of Happiness ” during the Paris Olympics, leading Team Snoop as a coach on The Voice , and not to mention becoming a high -style icon with multiple footwear collections for Skechers . While it’s clear that 2024 was the Year of the Dogg, the Skechers x Snoop Dogg collaborations began last year (Martha Stewart was the one who actually suggested he sign on with the brand) — but ever since, Snoop is rarely seen without his signature “S” logo on his feet. “My favorite piece from the most recent collection would be them shoes ,” Snoop Dogg told Complex Sneakers via Instagram , referring to the Snoop One Premium Leather Slip-ins which came out on 4/20 of this year. “Yeah, some peanut butter shoes with black smoke on the back.” The legendary rapper and entrepreneur’s footwear collections have ranged from fashion -forward styles to performance basketball shoes — all available in sizes for men and women. Snoop has been spotted supporting his mentor, Dr. Dre, on the walk of fame in his Skechers x Snoop Dogg: Snoop One – OG , sporting his signature suits with a pair of Skechers x Snoop Dogg: The Next Episode , and, most notably, donning a custom pair of Olympics gold-colored Snoop One high tops as Team USA’s unofficial mascot in Paris this year. They’ve even found their way onto the feet of certified Snoop fans, T-Pain and Howie Mandel . In anticipation of the D-O-Double-G closing out the year on a high note with the highly-anticipated release of his Dr. Dre-produced album, Missionary , we’ve rounded up our favorite drops of the year from Snoop’s on-going collaboration with Skechers. From hands-free Slip-ins, to sleek kicks with secure and comfortable padding, here’s every Snoop Dogg sneaker worth gifting (or wearing yourself) this season. Just make sure to get our orders in by Dec. 13 to have them arrive by Christmas! $90 For maximum comfort paired with Snoop Dogg’s signature swag, the Snoop One — Next Episode silhouette offers a modern take on the classic court-style midsole. These fashionable kicks also come in a variety of Snoop Dogg-favored colorways (Lakers purple, anyone?), and since Snoop won’t sacrifice easy wearability for style, he made sure this new take on a fan favorite integrated hands-free, slip-in tech so you can keep it moving and groving. $69.99 $100 30% off The exclusive Heel Pillow on these OG silhouette comfortably holds the foot in place, meaning no bending down to tie your shoes (especially if your eyes are a little glassy. The smooth, premium leather upper adds to the sleek design, along with stretch laces. Just slip in, Snoop style, you’ll feel like you’re high in the clouds with every comfortable step. $65 This is haute (Dogg) couture — get glammed up in comfort wearing these Skechers x Snoop Dogg: Arch Fit Footsteps in sparkling Rolling N Gold. This head-turning fashion clog features a rhinestone-embellished EVA upper with gold chain detailing and removable Snoop-themed charms, in case anyone forgot who you were repping. The Arch Fit footbed also contours to the shape of your feet, so you won’t feel like you’re stepping on rocks (even if you’ll be dripping in them). $100 These fresh court-style Snoop One — Double G sneakers are as unique as the rapper’s notable style, with a bandana-inspired allover paisley print. Made for everyone from “all walks of life”, the the marbled black and white outsole brings a bold pop of style, while the plush Skechers Air-Cooled Memory Foam insole ensures all-day comfort. Think of it as the ultimate fusion of West Coast flair and cutting-edge comfort, so you’ll be making a statement no matter where you step. $49.99 $90 44% off Can you handle this level of cool cat swagger? This collectors’ pair brings Snoop’s NFT alter ego, Dr. Bombay, to life in a fresh mid-top court style. With a durabuck premium leather upper, decked out in fierce hot pink and leopard print trim, there’s no way these kicks won’t turn heads. The translucent wrapped outsole adds a touch of mystery, while the oh-so-cushy Air-Cooled Memory Foam insole keeps your paws feeling cool and comfy. It’s a wild blend of digital art and street style that’ll have you feelin’ fine all day long. $62.99 $90 30% off Now in the building for 2024, Snoop’s OG canvas court style gets a fresh update with a simple pop of color to the midsoles . This low-top design brings the West Coast Snoop swag we all know and love, but without as much flashy bling as other pairs from previous Snoop collections. Oh, and it combines a clean design with Skechers Slip-ins technology, giving you the smoothest way to get your dip on.Qubetics’ 3-Day Window for 10% Discount, Cardano’s Bitcoin Integration, and Arbitrum’s Layer-2 Strength, Define the Best Cryptos to Watch This Week
Parliament to meet on Tuesday, WednesdayNEW ORLEANS (AP) — A scruffy little fugitive is on the lam again in New Orleans, gaining fame as he outwits a tenacious band of citizens armed with night-vision binoculars, nets and a tranquilizer rifle. Scrim, a 17-pound mutt that's mostly terrier, has become a folk hero, inspiring tattoos, T-shirts and even a ballad as he eludes capture from the posse of volunteers. And like any antihero, Scrim has a backstory: Rescued from semi-feral life at a trailer park and adopted from a shelter, the dog broke loose in April and scurried around the city until he was cornered in October and brought to a new home. Weeks later, he'd had enough. Scrim leaped out of a second-story window, a desperate act recorded in a now-viral video. Since then, despite a stream of daily sightings, he's roamed free. The dog’s fans include Myra and Steve Foster, who wrote “Ode to Scrim” to the tune of Ricky Nelson’s 1961 hit, “I’m a Travelin’ Man.” Leading the recapture effort is Michelle Cheramie, a 55-year-old former information technology professional. She lost everything — home, car, possessions — in Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and in the aftermath, found her calling rescuing pets. “I was like, ‘This is what I should be doing,’” Cheramie said. “I was born to rescue.” She launched Zeus’ Rescues, a nonprofit shelter that now averages 600 cat and dog adoptions a year and offers free pet food to anyone who needs it. She helped Scrim find the home he first escaped from. It was Cheramie's window Scrim leaped from in November. She's resumed her relentless mission since then, posting flyers on telephone poles and logging social media updates on his reported whereabouts. She's invested thousands of dollars on wildlife cameras, thermal sensors and other gear. She took a course offered by the San Diego Zoo on the finer points of tranquilizing animals. And she's developed a network of volunteers — the kind of neighbors who are willing to grid-search a city at 3 a.m. People like writer David W. Brown, who manages a crowd-sourced Google Map of all known Scrim sightings. He says the search has galvanized residents from all walks of life to come together. As they search for Scrim, they hand out supplies to people in need. “Being a member of the community is seeing problems and doing what you can to make life a little better for the people around here and the animals around you,” Brown said. And neighbors like Tammy Murray, who had to close her furniture store and lost her father to Parkinson's disease. This search, she says, got her mojo back. “Literally, for months, I’ve done nothing but hunt this dog,” said Murray, 53. “I feel like Wile E. Coyote on a daily basis with him.” Murray drives the Zeus' Rescues' van towards reported Scrim sightings. She also handles a tactical net launcher, which looks like an oversized flashlight and once misfired, shattering the van's window as Scrim sped away. Story continues below video After realizing Scrim had come to recognize the sound of the van's diesel engine, Murray switched to a Vespa scooter, for stealth. Near-misses have been tantalizing. The search party spotted Scrim napping beneath an elevated house, and wrapped construction netting around the perimeter, but an over-eager volunteer broke ranks and dashed forward, leaving an opening Scrim slipped through. Scrim's repeated escapades have prompted near-daily local media coverage and a devoted online following. Cheramie can relate. “We’re all running from something or to something. He's doing that too,” she said. Cheramie's team dreams of placing the pooch in a safe and loving environment. But a social media chorus growing under the hashtag #FreeScrim has other ideas — they say the runaway should be allowed a life of self-determination. The animal rescue volunteers consider that misguided. “The streets of New Orleans are not the place for a dog to be free,” Cheramie said. “It’s too dangerous.” Scrim was a mess when Cheramie briefly recaptured him in October, with matted fur, missing teeth and a tattered ear. His trembling body was scraped and bruised, and punctured by multiple projectiles. A vet removed one, but decided against operating to take out a possible bullet. The dog initially appeared content indoors, sitting in Cheramie's lap or napping beside her bed. Then while she was out one day, Scrim chewed through a mesh screen, dropped 13 feet to the ground and squeezed through a gap in the fence, trotting away. Murray said Cheramie's four cats probably spooked him. “I wholeheartedly believe the gangster-ass cats were messing with him,” Murray said. Cheramie thinks they may have gotten territorial. Devastated but undeterred, the pair is reassessing where Scrim might fit best — maybe a secure animal sanctuary with big outdoor spaces where other dogs can keep him company. Somewhere, Murray says, “where he can just breathe and be.” Brook is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Brook on the social platform X: @jack_brook96Republic Welcomes James Newman as General Partner - Fund Manager & VP of Operations
NATO and Ukraine to hold emergency talks after Russian attack with hypersonic missileA fugitive gains fame in New Orleans eluding dart guns and nets
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NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Yankees acquired All-Star closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers for left-hander Nestor Cortes and infield prospect Caleb Durbin on Friday. The Yankees also will send more than $1 million to the Brewers as part of the trade. A 30-year-old right-hander, Williams is eligible for free agency after the 2025 season. He was diagnosed during spring training with two stress fractures in his back and didn't make his season debut until July 28 . Williams was 14 for 15 in save chances with a 1.25 ERA, striking out 38 and walking 11 in 21 2/3 innings. His fastball averaged 94.7 mph and he threw it on 53.5% of his pitches, mixing in 45% changeups — known as the “Airbender” — around 1.5% cutters. An All-Star in 2022 and 2023, Williams was a second-round pick in the 2013 amateur draft and is 27-10 with a 1.83 ERA and 68 saves in 78 chances over six seasons, striking out 375 and walking 112 in 235 2/3 innings over 241 games. Milwaukee declined a $10.5 million club option in favor of a $250,000 buyout last month, making Williams eligible for arbitration. Cortes, who turned 30 on Tuesday, was an All-Star in 2022 when he went 12-4 with a career-best 2.44 ERA in 28 starts. He made just one start after May 30 in 2023 because of a strained left rotator cuff and was sidelined late in the 2024 season by a flexor strain in his left elbow. He returned for the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers and entered in the 10th inning of the opener, retiring Shohei Ohtani on a foulout with his first pitch and giving up a walk-off grand slam to Freddie Freeman on his second. Cortes, know for his many deliveries, is 33-21 with a 3.80 ERA in 86 starts and 49 relief appearances over seven seasons. He is eligible for arbitration and also can become a free agent after next season. New York had an excess of starters after reaching a $218 million, eight-year agreement with left-hander Max Fried that is pending. The rotation also is projected to include ace Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt, with Marcus Stroman also available. Durbin, who turns 25 in February, hit .287 with 10 homers, 60 RBIs and 29 stolen bases this year at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He was with the big league team last spring training and hit .312 with five homers, 21 RBIs and 29 steals in 24 games at the Arizona Fall League. “I think he’s a stud," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said last month. "Great bat-to-ball, elite ability on the bases as a base stealer, good defender in the middle of the diamond, second base. He’s really started over the last year-plus to create some position flexibility, too. He's played some short, he's played some third. We introduced him to some outfield this year.” This story has been corrected to note New York is sending cash to Milwaukee, not the other way around. AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
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Beep boop barf. On Tuesday, Kim Kardashian proved her thirst trap skills are getting rusty when she took to Instagram to post images from a sexy photo shoot with a new robot toy — a Tesla Optimus. In a grand display of clearly having her wires crossed on what human beings find appealing, the Skims founder donned lingerie and posed suggestively beside the gold robot, which sat in the driver’s seat of a matching gold Tesla Cybercab. The two Tesla products are still under development, but CEO Elon Musk has suggested that they could become available in the years ahead. Kardashian already owns a customized Tesla Cybertruck. In some of her photos, Kardashian squats beside the Cybercab, showing off her butt to the bot. In one memorable pic, she intertwines her fingers with the robot’s metallic ones. There are other photos in her Instagram slideshow, but honestly, we’re done describing them because they’re R2-D-too much. Many social media users felt the post was a downgrade for the reality TV star. “Sorry Kim, you’re not gonna normalise this weird behaviour for us we don’t want this!” one Instagram commenter said. “Kim this is a lot weird,” echoed another. “When you’ve gone through all of humanity’s dating pool...” a third commenter joked. Over on X, formerly Twitter, users were similarly grossed out. I speak on behalf of all the internet... We don't want to see this pic.twitter.com/DY1jIQ0lHe Kardashian has kept busy being a human advertisement for Musk recently. In September, she made headlines for customizing her Cybertruck , which was painted a specific shade of matte gray to match other cars in her fleet. And earlier this week, she posted video footage of herself playing around with a white Tesla Optimus. Other news outlets have retreated behind paywalls. At HuffPost, we believe journalism should be free for everyone. Would you help us provide essential information to our readers during this critical time? We can't do it without you. Can't afford to contribute? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you. Whether you give once or many more times, we appreciate your contribution to keeping our journalism free for all. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you. Whether you give just one more time or sign up again to contribute regularly, we appreciate you playing a part in keeping our journalism free for all. Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages. In one clip , Kardashian asks the bot: “Can you do this? I love you?” as she forms half of a heart shape with her hand. When the robot makes the other half, she gasps and says, “You know how to do that?” meet my new friend 🦾🤖 @Tesla pic.twitter.com/C34OvPA2dY But despite Kardashian’s apparent fondness for her new humanoid buddies, the consensus on her sexy robot photo shoot is that it megabytes. Related From Our PartnerNew figures have revealed people were scammed out of £612m through investment fraud last year, with criminals now using famous faces to gain trust. Ann Jensen, from Salisbury in Wiltshire, fell victim to a fake investment opportunity she thought was being promoted by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Once the fraudsters had persuaded Ms Jensen to take out a £20,000 loan to prove her financial fluidity, she never heard from them again. She described the realisation she had been scammed as having a "physical reaction" as though her "body had gone to liquid". Investment scammers trick people into thinking they are putting their money into a financial scheme that will grow, such as cryptocurrency, when they are just taking off with their cash. Ms Jensen told BBC Morning Live how she got hooked on one of these fraudulent schemes after scammers used deepfake technology to mimic the Prime Minister. “It was Keir Starmer talking about the benefit of this wonderful investment opportunity," she said. "That if you put in £200 you could start to make money on crypto trading. I clicked on it.” The fraudsters convinced Ms Jensen her initial investment had grown to more than £2,500 and persuaded her to take out a loan to prove she had enough funds to make more cryptocurrency, assuring her she would get this money back. But once the cooling-off period for the loan had passed Ms Jensen could no longer get in contact with the fraudsters. “[The shock] was a physical sensation," she said. "It felt as though my whole body had gone to liquid or air." Ms Jensen's bank said that she is liable for the loans and she owes them £23,000. She has agreed to pay it back in instalments for the next 27 years. “I never actually admitted to feeling stupid, because I don’t believe I am," she said. "But I do believe I was a victim of a crime, and I hadn’t actually processed that until afterwards. It’s tainted me for life.” Dr Jan Collie, an expert in cybersecurity at The Open University, explained how the criminals are hooking people in with artificial intelligence (AI). "When it’s someone as well-known as Keir Starmer, there’s lots of video that exists of him," she said. "They throw it into the AI engine and it learns his mannerisms, facial expressions and then it can clone the voice. "People are more inclined to believe personalities, it feels more comfortable and seems more real.” Dr Collie advised there are certain things to look for when spotting one of these cons, such as pixelation and unrealistic or mismatched movements. Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook , X and Instagram . Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630 .
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NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A scruffy little fugitive is on the lam again in New Orleans, gaining fame as he outwits a tenacious band of citizens armed with night-vision binoculars, nets and a tranquilizer rifle. Scrim, a 17-pound mutt that's mostly terrier, has become a folk hero, inspiring tattoos, T-shirts and even a ballad as he eludes capture from the posse of volunteers. And like any antihero, Scrim has a backstory: Rescued from semi-feral life at a trailer park and adopted from a shelter, the dog broke loose in April and scurried around the city until he was cornered in October and brought to a new home. Weeks later, he'd had enough. Scrim leaped out of a second-story window, a desperate act recorded in a now-viral video. Since then, despite a stream of daily sightings, he's roamed free. The dog’s fans include Myra and Steve Foster, who wrote “Ode to Scrim” to the tune of Ricky Nelson’s 1961 hit, “I’m a Travelin’ Man.” Leading the recapture effort is Michelle Cheramie, a 55-year-old former information technology professional. She lost everything — home, car, possessions — in Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and in the aftermath, found her calling rescuing pets. “I was like, ‘This is what I should be doing,’” Cheramie said. “I was born to rescue.” She launched Zeus’ Rescues, a nonprofit shelter that now averages 600 cat and dog adoptions a year and offers free pet food to anyone who needs it. She helped Scrim find the home he first escaped from. It was Cheramie's window Scrim leaped from in November. She's resumed her relentless mission since then, posting flyers on telephone poles and logging social media updates on his reported whereabouts. She's invested thousands of dollars on wildlife cameras, thermal sensors and other gear. She took a course offered by the San Diego Zoo on the finer points of tranquilizing animals. And she's developed a network of volunteers — the kind of neighbors who are willing to grid-search a city at 3 a.m. People like writer David W. Brown, who manages a crowd-sourced Google Map of all known Scrim sightings. He says the search has galvanized residents from all walks of life to come together. As they search for Scrim, they hand out supplies to people in need. “Being a member of the community is seeing problems and doing what you can to make life a little better for the people around here and the animals around you,” Brown said. And neighbors like Tammy Murray, who had to close her furniture store and lost her father to Parkinson's disease. This search, she says, got her mojo back. “Literally, for months, I’ve done nothing but hunt this dog,” said Murray, 53. “I feel like Wile E. Coyote on a daily basis with him.” Murray drives the Zeus' Rescues' van towards reported Scrim sightings. She also handles a tactical net launcher, which looks like an oversized flashlight and once misfired, shattering the van's window as Scrim sped away. Story continues below video After realizing Scrim had come to recognize the sound of the van's diesel engine, Murray switched to a Vespa scooter, for stealth. Near-misses have been tantalizing. The search party spotted Scrim napping beneath an elevated house, and wrapped construction netting around the perimeter, but an over-eager volunteer broke ranks and dashed forward, leaving an opening Scrim slipped through. Scrim's repeated escapades have prompted near-daily local media coverage and a devoted online following. Cheramie can relate. “We’re all running from something or to something. He's doing that too,” she said. Cheramie's team dreams of placing the pooch in a safe and loving environment. But a social media chorus growing under the hashtag #FreeScrim has other ideas — they say the runaway should be allowed a life of self-determination. The animal rescue volunteers consider that misguided. “The streets of New Orleans are not the place for a dog to be free,” Cheramie said. “It’s too dangerous.” Scrim was a mess when Cheramie briefly recaptured him in October, with matted fur, missing teeth and a tattered ear. His trembling body was scraped and bruised, and punctured by multiple projectiles. A vet removed one, but decided against operating to take out a possible bullet. The dog initially appeared content indoors, sitting in Cheramie's lap or napping beside her bed. Then while she was out one day, Scrim chewed through a mesh screen, dropped 13 feet to the ground and squeezed through a gap in the fence, trotting away. Murray said Cheramie's four cats probably spooked him. “I wholeheartedly believe the gangster-ass cats were messing with him,” Murray said. Cheramie thinks they may have gotten territorial. Devastated but undeterred, the pair is reassessing where Scrim might fit best — maybe a secure animal sanctuary with big outdoor spaces where other dogs can keep him company. Somewhere, Murray says, “where he can just breathe and be.” Brook is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Brook on the social platform X: @jack_brook96Larson Financial Group LLC Has $75,000 Holdings in MetLife, Inc. (NYSE:MET)
In 2024, a range of terms made the headlines, reflecting the year's social, cultural, and environmental shifts. From scientific phenomena to global movements, these keywords resonated with diverse audiences, including UPSC aspirants. Brain-Rot: Oxford's Word of the Year Oxford University Press crowned "Brain-rot" as its 2024 Word of the Year. It describes the cognitive decline attributed to excessive consumption of trivial online content, reflecting concerns over digital Black Coat Syndrome: Legal Alienation This term highlights the fear marginalised communities feel when navigating the judicial system, fearing the financial and mental toll of protracted cases. It draws parallels to "White Coat Hypertension" in medical settings. 3ZERO Club: A Vision for Change Inspired by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, the 3ZERO Club promotes a world with zero carbon emissions, zero wealth concentration, and zero unemployment through entrepreneurship. This initiative aims to empower youth to tackle pressing social and environmental challenges. Crypto: Beyond Currency While the word often brings cryptocurrency to mind, in 2024, "Crypto" referred to Cryptosporidium, a protozoan parasite linked to cryptosporidiosis, a waterborne disease. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported 22 cases caused by contaminated food or water, highlighting its public health relevance. Keffiyeh: A Symbol of Resistance The traditional Middle Eastern keffiyeh became a cultural flashpoint when author Jhumpa Lahiri rejected an award after employees at a New York museum were dismissed for wearing it. The keffiyeh remains a potent symbol of Palestinian identity and resistance. 4B Movement: Redefining Choices Originating in South Korea, the 4B Movement advocates rejecting marriage, childbirth, romance, and sexual relationships. It gained traction globally, reflecting evolving societal norms and personal autonomy. Peak Oil: Revisiting Predictions Once synonymous with fears of depleting oil reserves, "peak oil" evolved into a symbol of environmental consciousness. Despite its initial prediction by geoscientist M. King Hubbert for the 2000s, technological advancements have kept production steady. Operation Indravati: Haiti Evacuation India's Operation Indravati showcased its commitment to citizen safety, evacuating nationals from gang-occupied Haiti to the Dominican Republic amidst escalating violence. Cyber Slavery: A Digital Crime Emerging as a grave form of modern trafficking, cyber slavery involves victims forced into online scams under duress. Authorities worldwide have called for urgent measures to tackle this exploitation. Greenwashing: False Environmental Claims Greenwashing, the practice of making misleading claims about environmental responsibility, drew criticism for hindering real progress on climate action while rewarding unsustainable behaviour. These keywords underline the complexities of 2024, from digital threats to cultural symbolism, making them crucial for aspirants seeking to understand contemporary trends. Track Education News , Exam updates , Campus , Study Abroad related news live on NDTV.comABU DHABI , UAE , Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ADGM, the leading international financial centre of Abu Dhabi and a globally recognised hub for asset and wealth management unveiled nineteen major announcements from global financial institutions during the third edition of ADFW. These represent almost USD 635 billion in assets under management (AUM) and follow other Q4 announcements from the world's largest asset managers, BlackRock, PGIM, and Nuveen, which have also been set up in ADGM. This remarkable increase, from USD 450 billion to USD 635 billion , within a year has reinforced the centre's reputation as the region's fastest-growing and one of the world's most dynamic jurisdictions for asset management. This growth has been further bolstered by the establishment of billionaire-led family offices, including those of British businessman Asif Aziz , prominent philanthropist and financial strategist Wafic Said , and Singaporean entrepreneur and real estate leader Kishin RK, underscoring the centre's growing appeal as a global wealth management hub. Commenting on Abu Dhabi and ADGM's continued momentum, H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi , Member of Abu Dhabi's Executive Council & Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and ADGM said, "These milestones reflect the heart of what makes Abu Dhabi so special—a shared vision of progress, partnership, and possibility. The growing number of global financial leaders and innovators choosing ADGM is a testament to the trust they place in our infrastructure, robust regulations, commitment to excellence and Abu Dhabi's reputation as the world's safest and most dynamic jurisdiction for asset and wealth management. As we welcome these new partnerships, we remain dedicated to driving the growth and diversification of the 'Falcon Economy' and creating opportunities that resonate across industries and borders. It's an exciting moment for ADGM, Abu Dhabi , and all those who are part of this remarkable journey." Larry Fink , Chairman and CEO of Blackrock praised Abu Dhabi commenting, "It's been a long journey watching how Abu Dhabi has matured as an economy. The constant innovation that I'm seeing from the economy and from the leadership. And Abu Dhabi has really positioned itself to become a leader over the next 20 years. Its psychology was different, and now it's blossoming into this magnet of opportunity. With that strength, it is now becoming a foundation for innovation." "We see a real burgeoning of entrepreneurship happening in the region and believe that the Middle East is the next big entrepreneurial hot spot. We've watched this happen before and always had our eye out on areas emerging in terms of entrepreneurship," said Bill Ford , Chairman & CEO of General Atlantic , during the second day of ADFW. Sir Paul Marshall , Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of Marshall Wace said, " Abu Dhabi is such a great place. Abu Dhabi is absolutely nailing it. It's a very attractive place." Confirming their establishment in ADGM during ADFW were leading private equity firms General Atlantic, Lone Star Funds, and Investindustrial along with private credit giants Golub Capital and Polen Capital, insurance manager – Eldridge as well as leading global equity management company, Carta and hedge fund Marshall Wace . This recent wave of commitments from global financial institutions signifies ADGM's leadership in attracting the world's foremost investment firms. Reflecting this confidence and growth, billionaire-led family offices have also been drawn to ADGM, recognising it as a trusted hub for managing and growing wealth. Asif Aziz , Founder and CEO of Criterion Capital commented, " Abu Dhabi's transformation into a global financial powerhouse makes it an ideal base for our operations. ADGM's world-class infrastructure and strategic location provide unparalleled opportunities to forge partnerships that align with our growth ambitions across the UAE and beyond." Building on its role as a leading destination for global investors and asset managers, ADGM is also redefining financial innovation by advancing its digital ecosystem. A cornerstone of this effort was the launch of Finstreet, a first-of-its-kind international securities market and an ecosystem for private securities, which exemplifies ADGM's commitment to integrating cutting-edge digital solutions with its robust financial infrastructure. The week also saw a new funding round for Themis and the entry of international digital pioneers Zodia Markets, Polygon Labs, FJ Labs, Aptos Digital, Chainlinks, Astra Tech and Themis, further solidifying the Emirate's reputation as a global innovation hub. Meanwhile, FinTech Astra Tech's Quantix announcement of a landmark USD 500 million financing from Citigroup, among the largest provided to a UAE FinTech company to date, to expand its CashNow consumer lending platform. Additionally, Themis—renowned for its advanced financial crime prevention technologies—is further reinforcing ADGM's position as a hub for the next generation of financial technologies, secured over USD 9.75 million in scale-up funding, building on its success in partnerships with global leaders, including ADGM underscoring its role in advancing financial crime prevention in innovative regulatory environments. The market announcements were released during the third edition of ADFW held under the theme "Welcome to the Capital of Capital," which gathered more than 20,000 leaders and executives from across the financial services industry, which collectively represented more than USD 42 trillion in assets under management. This wave of newcomers ADFW underscores Abu Dhabi's position as a global financial powerhouse and ADGM's role as a catalyst for economic diversification, attracting top-tier talent, cutting-edge technologies, and transformative investments that are shaping the emirate's future. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2550581/5010772/ADGM_Logo.jpg
( MENAFN - Jordan Times) LONDON - Earlier this month, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave a speech in Coventry about what seems to have become his signature policy initiative:“Levelling up” the local and regional economies that have increasingly fallen behind that of London and the United Kingdom's southeast. Having previously chaired the independent commission that gave rise to Prime Minister David Cameron's Northern Powerhouse plan, I remain heavily focused on the same goal. The original commission had looked into the disjointed pattern of urban growth across the UK. After we released our recommendations, I was invited by Cameron and then-Chancellor George Osborne to serve as the Northern Powerhouse minister in the Treasury; and since leaving government in 2016, I have been a vice chair of the independent Northern Powerhouse Partnership. Moreover, I recently became the chair of Northern Gritstone, a new private“patient capital” firm that will invest in start-ups emerging from northern English universities, primarily (but not limited to) those of Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield. While these institutions regularly rank among the top 200 in the world, they are located in low-productivity areas that suffer from a scarcity of fast-growing, high-earning businesses. That means there are ample opportunities for investment. In his speech, Johnson alluded to a forthcoming white paper on his government's plans for levelling up. If and when that document comes, one hopes that it will offer a clear definition of success and a coherent strategy for achieving it. As Johnson noted in his speech, the gap between the UK's most and least prosperous areas has been growing.“It is an astonishing fact,” he observed,“that 31 years after German unification, the per capita GDP of the North East of our country, Yorkshire, the East Midlands, Wales and Northern Ireland is now lower than in what was formerly East Germany”. Though Johnson can reel off many powerful examples to illustrate the UK's shocking inequalities, his proposals for solving the problem are less impressive. Based on what we have seen, it is hardly surprising that so many commentators are skeptical. Obviously, nobody opposes the basic idea of“levelling up” the UK economy. The question is how it will be done, and how progress will be measured. Is Johnson's government focusing merely on per capita GDP, with victory to be declared when people in the northeast are earning as much on average as people in London? This would not do, because, as Johnson notes, large parts of Greater London have also fallen dramatically behind the capital's more successful areas. If levelling up is to be achieved without levelling down anyone else, boosting per capita GDP across Greater London would create an even larger gap between London and the northeast. Further complicating matters is the issue of living standards. There are massive differences in house prices depending on where one looks. Residents of the southeast, notably of places like Cambridge, may pay so much for housing that their real disposable incomes are below those of others who earn less elsewhere. Instead of targeting only per capita GDP, perhaps the government could focus on life expectancy. Some of Johnson's most vivid anecdotes highlight the shocking geographical differences in how long people typically live. But it is unclear how, precisely, this public policy would target this metric. In any case, given that the same party that controlled the previous two governments, including the one that introduced the Northern Powerhouse plan, is still in power, allow me to share what I think the forthcoming white paper should spell out. First, the government needs to explain how it will measure progress and success. In my view, a better choice than per capita GDP would be regional productivity, because this both correlates strongly with per capita GDP and captures a range of other desirable social objectives. I would also like to see the Johnson government link its goals to those of its predecessors and offer a foundation upon which future governments can build. In one of Johnson's earliest speeches as prime minister, he announced a plan to introduce a“Northern Powerhouse Growth Board”. But this ambition has apparently vanished; in fact, the words“northern powerhouse” did not appear even once in his latest speech. Similarly, while Johnson and his ministers have previously spoken with gusto about introducing Northern Powerhouse Rail, that project was not mentioned, either, even when the speech touched directly on infrastructure and trains. That omission would seem to confirm rumors that the government is abandoning the NPR project, just as it did the growth board. Johnson also appears suddenly to be favoring small towns rather than big urban areas. This might be politically expedient, but it will not necessarily help to improve national performance. If levelling up the UK economy is the objective, the government will need to bring all regions' productivity up to the same level as London's. Here, it could consult the recommendations of the 2013-14 RSA City Growth Commission, which examined urban areas with at least 500,000 inhabitants. A final crucial factor is education. Johnson listed many failures in this domain, and it is the area that most economists would put first in a strategy to achieve sustained productivity growth and socioeconomic fairness. But the government's ambitions seem to be limited to advocating academies, government-funded independent schools and recruitment of better teachers. It is blatantly obvious to everyone who works in, or relies on, the education sector that much more is needed to help left-behind areas. Let us hope that the coming white paper offers a proper policy framework, with targets for which the government can be held to account. To level up the UK economy, Johnson must first level up rhetoric and substance. Jim O'Neill, a former chairman of Goldman Sachs Asset Management and a former UK treasury minister, is chair of Chatham House and a member of the Pan-European Commission on Health and Sustainable Development. Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2021. 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