super ace 2022
How Chicago’s zoo animals stay warm during cold, snowy winters
Sir Keir Starmer has led a host of tributes to former US president Jimmy Carter, saying he “redefined the post-presidency with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad”. The Prime Minister said Mr Carter, who died aged 100, will be remembered for the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, as well as his “decades of selfless public service”. He added that it was the Democrat’s “lifelong dedication to peace” that led to him receiving the Nobel Peace prize in 2002. Very sorry to hear of President Carter’s passing. I pay tribute to his decades of selfless public service. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. pic.twitter.com/IaKmZcteb1 — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) December 29, 2024 Sir Keir was joined in paying tribute to the 39th president by other leaders including the King, current President Joe Biden, Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey and former PM Tony Blair. The King remembered former US president Jimmy Carter’s 1977 visit to the UK with “great fondness” and praised his “dedication and humility”. In a message to Mr Biden and the American people, Charles said: “It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of President Carter. “He was a committed public servant, and devoted his life to promoting peace and human rights. “His dedication and humility served as an inspiration to many, and I remember with great fondness his visit to the United Kingdom in 1977. “My thoughts and prayers are with President Carter’s family and the American people at this time.” Mr Biden said that Mr Carter was an “extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian”. He said his fellow Democrat was a “dear friend”, as he announced that he will order a state funeral to be held for him in Washington DC. “Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian,” he said. “Over six decades, we had the honour of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter though is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well. “With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us. He saved, lifted and changed the lives of people all across the globe. “He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism.” Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said Mr Carter “will be remembered for generations”. “Jimmy Carter was an inspiration,” Mr Davey wrote on X. “He led a truly remarkable life dedicated to public service with a genuine care for people. “My thoughts are with his family, friends and all those who loved him. He will be remembered for generations.” Mr Blair said: “Jimmy Carter’s life was a testament to public service; from his time in office, and the Camp David Accords, to his remarkable commitment to the cause of people and peace round the world over the past 40 years,” he said. “I always had the greatest respect for him, his spirit and his dedication. He fundamentally cared and consistently toiled to help those in need.”
Jimmy Carter dies at 100: Peanut farmer, president, Nobel Peace Prize winner, humanitarianTORONTO — Bruce Brown intercepted a pass and streaked down the court, driving past some token defence from Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson for a one-handed slam dunk. Brown's Toronto Raptors teammates burst off the home team's bench, cheering for the veteran forward. "It's just because they didn't think I can jump, because I haven't jumped really, or they haven't seen it, and then they didn't see it the last year," Brown said, adding he knew he would dunk as soon as he crossed half-court. "I told them I could do it and I was like, ‘if I get the chance to, I'mma dunk it.'" It was Brown's first dunk in eight months as he scored 12 points and had three rebounds off the bench in his season debut on Sunday as Toronto lost to Atlanta 136-107. He'd missed the first 31 games of the Raptors season as he recovered from arthroscopic knee surgery on Sept. 20, a process that took longer than he expected. "I thought I was gonna be out like six to eight weeks but some things didn't go my way," said Brown. "There was a lot of swelling in there for a while. "Things happened, and then I was supposed to come back, like, three, four weeks ago, but there was still swelling there, so they told me to take my time." Brown averaged 9.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.3 blocks over 34 games with the Raptors last season. He was traded from the Indiana Pacers to Toronto on Jan. 18 as part of a package for all-star forward Pascal Siakam. He's averaged 8.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists over his career in 416 games with the Detroit Pistons, Brooklyn Nets, Denver Nuggets, Indiana and Toronto. Brown's return doesn't just add depth to the Raptors' lineup, but brings some much-needed energy to a struggling team that has lost 10 in a row. "You see him get out there and put his body on the line after being out for so long," said Scottie Barnes, who led Toronto with 19 points, eight rebounds, and five assists but eight turnovers in the loss. "He's making himself so tired out there just guarding, pushing himself. That's what the team needs. "We've all got to match that energy every single night. That's the effort we're going to need in order to win games." Head coach Darko Rajakovic said that fatigue is a major factor in the NBA's longest active losing skid. He said that a lack of focus played a role in Toronto's season-high 31 turnovers on Sunday. "We hit a wall. We look tired. We look drained," said Rajakovic. "Guys are not in a rhythm. That's the reality that we're in right now. We've got to find a way to get out of it." It was the third consecutive game where the Raptors had given up over 130 points, and second 29-point blowout in a row. "Getting beat by 30, man, at home — that's unacceptable," said Barnes. "We can't be doing that. We got to go out there and play harder, be smarter. "We had a lot of turnovers today. We can't allow this to happen." Brown was more optimistic. "We just need some rest, and we'll push through it," he said, noting that a stomach flu had spread through Toronto's locker room. "I mean, all teams have this at some point, even championship teams, so we'll push through it. We'll be fine." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 29, 2024. John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian PressEngadget has been testing and reviewing consumer tech since 2004. Our stories may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission. Read more about how we evaluate products . There are numerous options for concert earplugs nowadays, so you don't have to settle for the bargain bin foam bits that completely seal off your ears anymore. The PPE-grade products vary in design and performance, with some offering different levels of noise reduction. That hearing protection always comes with the promise that the earplugs won't completely muffle the band, which is a real problem when you have to settle for the generic foam versions from the bartender. Loop has been in the concert earplug game since its founding in 2016. In that time, its product roster has grown to encompass nine different models, including dedicated options for sleep, travel, commuting and social events in addition to concerts, festivals and sporting events. The Switch 2 ($59.95) is Loop's latest, an improved version of the original Switch that debuted the ability to change sound filter levels while the earplugs were still in your ears. To put the audio quality to the test, I took them to a 100dB rock show in a small venue last month. Loop/Engadget 88 100 Expert Score Loop Switch 2 The Switch 2 delivers on Loop's promise to safely filter loud noise without overly muffling the sound for social gatherings, concerts, commuting and more. Pros Easy to adjust while wearing Very comfortable Cons Priciest model from Loop Noise levels on vary by 3dB $60 at Loop Loop has maintained mostly the same design from its first model. There's a silicone ear tip, similar to those on wireless earbuds, that's attached to a circular loop where all the protective bits reside. In the case of the Switch 2, the outer half of that loop rotates to allow you to select between three levels of sound filtration: Engage, Experience and Quiet. These settings reduce noise by 20dB, 23dB and 26dB... Billy Steele
Kingsport, Dec. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kingsport, Tennessee - Pink Duck Plumbing , a new and dynamic plumbing company, is making waves in the Tri-Cities region with its fresh approach to customer service and plumbing excellence. Locally owned and operated by co-owners Derek and Brian, Pink Duck Plumbing has quickly gained recognition as one of the leading plumbing companies in the Kingsport and Johnson City areas. From drain cleaning to water heater repairs, the company's comprehensive suite of plumbing solutions is backed by a commitment to reliability, customer satisfaction, and community impact. At Pink Duck Plumbing, the mission goes far beyond fixing pipes. The company is built on offering extraordinary customer experiences, fostering a life-giving work culture, and delivering top-tier plumbing solutions. This ethos is deeply rooted in the values of co-owners Derek and Brian, who are dedicated to setting new standards for the plumbing industry. "We started Pink Duck Plumbing because we saw an opportunity to do things differently," said Derek and Brian in a joint statement. "Our goal is to combine expert plumbing services with an unwavering commitment to customer care. We believe in treating every customer like family and ensuring that every service call is handled with professionalism, respect, and excellence. The support we've received from the Kingsport and Johnson City communities since launching this business has been overwhelming, and we are truly grateful. It inspires us to keep striving for better every day." Pink Duck Plumbing specializes in a wide range of plumbing services, including: Drain Cleaning: Efficient solutions to clear blockages and restore proper flow. Water Line Repairs and Replacements: Expert handling of critical water supply infrastructure. Water Heater Repairs and Replacements: Keeping homes warm and comfortable with reliable hot water solutions. Plumbing Installations and Repairs: Comprehensive services for new installations or maintenance of existing systems. The company's team of skilled and experienced plumbers ensures that each job, no matter how big or small, is completed to the highest standards. Their dedication to quality workmanship and prompt service has earned them a reputation as a trusted name in the region. Pink Duck Plumbing is more than just a business-it's a community partner. Derek and Brian's passion for giving back is evident in their commitment to creating a positive impact not only for their customers but also for their team. The company fosters a life-giving work culture that prioritizes the well-being of its employees, empowering them to deliver the best possible service. "Our philosophy is simple: happy team members make happy customers," said Derek. "By creating an environment where our team feels valued and supported, we can focus on providing the extraordinary experiences our customers deserve." This community-driven approach has resonated with the people of Kingsport and Johnson City, who have embraced Pink Duck Plumbing with enthusiasm. Derek and Brian attribute their early success to this outpouring of local support. With a strong foundation in place, Pink Duck Plumbing has ambitious plans for the future. The company aims to continue raising the bar for plumbing services in the Tri-Cities area by investing in innovative technology, expanding its service offerings, and deepening its community involvement. "Every day is an opportunity to make a difference," said Brian. "Whether it's through solving a plumbing problem or supporting a local cause, we're here to leave a positive mark on this community. The Tri-Cities region has been so good to us, and we are committed to giving back in every way we can." For reliable, top-quality plumbing services in Kingsport, Johnson City, and beyond, trust Pink Duck Plumbing to deliver extraordinary results. To learn more about their services or schedule an appointment, visit their website at https://www.pinkduckplumbing.com or call (423) 732-3825. About Pink Duck Plumbing Pink Duck Plumbing is a locally owned and operated plumbing company serving the Tri-Cities region, including Kingsport and Johnson City, Tennessee. Founded with a mission to transform the plumbing experience, the company offers expert services ranging from drain cleaning to water heater replacements. Guided by a vision of extraordinary customer service and community impact, Pink Duck Plumbing is setting a new standard in the industry. ### For more information about Pink Duck Plumbing, contact the company here: Pink Duck Plumbing Brian Fitzgerald (423) 732-3825 [email protected] 104 Dillow Cir Kingsport, TN 37663 CONTACT: Brian Fitzgerald
The military's tradition of tracking Santa Claus on his gravity-defying sweep across the globe will carry on this Christmas Eve, even if the U.S. government shuts down , officials said Friday. Each year, at least 100,000 kids call into the North American Aerospace Defense Command to inquire about Santa’s location. Millions more follow online — in nine languages — as St. Nick swoops along the earth's meridians. “We fully expect for Santa to take flight on Dec. 24 and NORAD will track him," the U.S.-Canadian agency said in a statement. On any other night, NORAD is scanning the heavens for potential threats , such as last year's Chinese spy balloon . But on Christmas Eve, volunteers in Colorado Springs, Colorado, are fielding questions like, “When is Santa coming to my house?” and, “Am I on the naughty or nice list?” The endeavor is supported by local and corporate sponsors, who also help shield the tradition from Washington dysfunction. Bob Sommers, 63, a civilian contractor and NORAD volunteer, told The Associated Press that there are "screams and giggles and laughter” when families call in, usually on speakerphone. Sommers often says on the call that everyone must be asleep before Santa arrives, prompting parents to say, "Do you hear what he said? We got to go to bed early." NORAD's annual tracking of Santa has endured since the Cold War , predating ugly sweater parties and Mariah Carey classics . Here's how it began and why the phones keep ringing. It started with a child's accidental phone call in 1955. The Colorado Springs newspaper printed a Sears advertisement that encouraged children to call Santa, listing a phone number. A boy called. But he reached the Continental Air Defense Command, now NORAD, a joint U.S. and Canadian effort to spot potential enemy attacks. Tensions were growing with the Soviet Union, along with anxieties about nuclear war. Air Force Col. Harry W. Shoup picked up an emergency-only “red phone” and was greeted by a tiny voice that began to recite a Christmas wish list. “He went on a little bit, and he takes a breath, then says, ‘Hey, you’re not Santa,’” Shoup told The Associated Press in 1999. Realizing an explanation would be lost on the youngster, Shoup summoned a deep, jolly voice and replied, “Ho, ho, ho! Yes, I am Santa Claus. Have you been a good boy?” Shoup said he learned from the boy's mother that Sears mistakenly printed the top-secret number. He hung up, but the phone soon rang again with a young girl reciting her Christmas list. Fifty calls a day followed, he said. In the pre-digital age, the agency used a 60-by-80-foot (18-by-24-meter) plexiglass map of North America to track unidentified objects. A staff member jokingly drew Santa and his sleigh over the North Pole. The tradition was born. “Note to the kiddies,” began an AP story from Colorado Springs on Dec. 23, 1955. “Santa Claus Friday was assured safe passage into the United States by the Continental Air Defense Command.” In a likely reference to the Soviets, the article noted that Santa was guarded against possible attack from "those who do not believe in Christmas.” Some grinchy journalists have nitpicked Shoup's story, questioning whether a misprint or a misdial prompted the boy's call. In 2014, tech news site Gizmodo cited an International News Service story from Dec. 1, 1955, about a child's call to Shoup. Published in the Pasadena Independent, the article said the child reversed two digits in the Sears number. "When a childish voice asked COC commander Col. Harry Shoup, if there was a Santa Claus at the North Pole, he answered much more roughly than he should — considering the season: ‘There may be a guy called Santa Claus at the North Pole, but he’s not the one I worry about coming from that direction,'" Shoup said in the brief piece. In 2015, The Atlantic magazine doubted the flood of calls to the secret line, while noting that Shoup had a flair for public relations. Phone calls aside, Shoup was indeed media savvy. In 1986, he told the Scripps Howard News Service that he recognized an opportunity when a staff member drew Santa on the glass map in 1955. A lieutenant colonel promised to have it erased. But Shoup said, “You leave it right there,” and summoned public affairs. Shoup wanted to boost morale for the troops and public alike. “Why, it made the military look good — like we’re not all a bunch of snobs who don’t care about Santa Claus,” he said. Shoup died in 2009. His children told the StoryCorps podcast in 2014 that it was a misprinted Sears ad that prompted the phone calls. “And later in life he got letters from all over the world,” said Terri Van Keuren, a daughter. "People saying ‘Thank you, Colonel, for having, you know, this sense of humor.’” NORAD's tradition is one of the few modern additions to the centuries-old Santa story that have endured, according to Gerry Bowler, a Canadian historian who spoke to the AP in 2010. Ad campaigns or movies try to “kidnap” Santa for commercial purposes, said Bowler, who wrote “Santa Claus: A Biography.” NORAD, by contrast, takes an essential element of Santa's story and views it through a technological lens. In a recent interview with the AP, Air Force Lt. Gen. Case Cunningham explained that NORAD radars in Alaska and Canada — known as the northern warning system — are the first to detect Santa. He leaves the North Pole and typically heads for the international dateline in the Pacific Ocean. From there he moves west, following the night. “That's when the satellite systems we use to track and identify targets of interest every single day start to kick in,” Cunningham said. “A probably little-known fact is that Rudolph’s nose that glows red emanates a lot of heat. And so those satellites track (Santa) through that heat source.” NORAD has an app and website, www.noradsanta.org , that will track Santa on Christmas Eve from 4 a.m. to midnight, mountain standard time. People can call 1-877-HI-NORAD to ask live operators about Santa’s location from 6 a.m. to midnight, mountain time.
AP Business SummaryBrief at 1:14 p.m. EST
ROSEN, A LEADING LAW FIRM, Encourages ASP Isotopes Inc. Investors to Secure Counsel Before ...Oncology Advancements Accelerate Amid Rising Early-Onset Cancer Diagnoses
WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (AP) — Keller Boothby's 16 points helped William & Mary defeat Navy 82-76 on Sunday. Boothby went 6 of 8 from the field (4 for 6 from 3-point range) for the Tribe (6-7). Gabe Dorsey scored 16 points and added three steals. Noah Collier went 7 of 9 from the field to finish with 14 points, while adding seven rebounds. Austin Benigni finished with 16 points for the Midshipmen (3-10). Jinwoo Kim added 15 points for Navy. Donovan Draper had 14 points and seven rebounds. The loss was the Midshipmen's sixth in a row. Collier scored 10 points in the first half for William & Mary, who led 41-33 at the break. William & Mary took the lead for good with 3:03 left in the second half on a layup from Dorsey to make it a 73-71 game. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Jimmy Carter was respectively known as St Jimmy - universally revered for his good deeds in the poorest countries in the world and for the impeccable moral probity of his character, writes JONATHAN AITKEN
BEAVERTON, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 20, 2024-- After gaining momentum throughout the year, last month spot truckload freight volumes retreated to their lowest point since January, said DAT Freight & Analytics, which operates the DAT One freight marketplace and DAT iQ data analytics service. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241220897542/en/ DAT: November truckload volumes lagged robust October (Photo: DAT Freight & Analytics) The DAT Truckload Volume Index (TVI) declined for all three equipment categories compared to October: Van TVI: 246, down 18% Refrigerated TVI: 204, down 11% Flatbed TVI: 242, down 23% The TVI was higher year over year only for reefer freight, up 7% compared to November 2023. The van and flatbed TVI were down 1% and 5%, respectively. “Shippers moved so much freight into the U.S. earlier this year, ahead of potential tariffs and port strikes, that we didn’t see the volumes we might expect in November,” said Ken Adamo, DAT Chief of Analytics. “The exception was reefer freight. The late Thanksgiving gave grocers a few extra shipping days for fresh and frozen goods.” Spot reefer rate strengthened ahead of the holiday The national average spot rate for reefer freight increased 6 cents to $2.45 a mile, the most since January. The van rate was unchanged at $2.02 and the flatbed rate fell 5 cents to $2.37. The van linehaul rate averaged $1.64 a mile, up 1 cent compared to October. The reefer rate was $2.04, up 7 cents, and the flatbed rate slipped 3 cents to $1.93. Rates are about 5% higher year over year. Contract rates dipped but show signs of strength National average contract rates were changed little last month: Contract van rate: $2.40 per mile, down 1 cents but 11 cents lower year over year Contract reefer rate: $2.74 a mile, unchanged and down 18 cents year over year Contract flatbed rate: $3.03 a mile, down 1 cent and 11 cents lower than last year At 0.3%, the DAT iQ New Rate Differential (NRD) for van freight was above zero for the third month in a row for the first time since Spring 2022. The NRD measures changes in the contract market by comparing rates entering the market to those exiting; a positive NRD signals a tightening market and higher rates for shippers. “The NRD suggests that truckload pricing for contract freight is moving higher,” Adamo said. “We don’t expect bold changes quickly, but all indications point to steady rate growth into the first half of 2025.” About the DAT Truckload Volume Index The DAT Truckload Volume Index reflects the change in the number of loads with a pickup date during that month. A baseline of 100 equals the number of loads moved in January 2015, as recorded in DAT RateView, a truckload pricing database and analysis tool with rates paid on an average of 3 million monthly loads. DAT benchmark spot rates are derived from invoice data for hauls of 250 miles or more with a pickup date during the month reported. Linehaul rates subtract an amount equal to an average fuel surcharge. About DAT Freight & Analytics DAT Freight & Analytics operates both the largest truckload freight marketplace and truckload freight data analytics service in North America. Shippers, transportation brokers, carriers, news organizations, and industry analysts rely on DAT for market trends and data insights based on more than 400 million annual freight matches, and a database of $150 billion in annual freight market transactions. Founded in 1978, DAT is a business unit of Roper Technologies (Nasdaq: ROP), a constituent of the Nasdaq 100, S&P 500, and Fortune 1000. DAT is headquartered in Beaverton, Ore. Visit dat.com for more information. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241220897542/en/ CONTACT: DAT Contact Georgia Jablon PR@dat.com /georgia.jablon@dat.com KEYWORD: OREGON UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: SOFTWARE SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT NETWORKS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DATA MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY RETAIL TRUCKING DATA ANALYTICS TRANSPORT FINANCE LOGISTICS/SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT SOURCE: DAT Freight & Analytics Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/20/2024 12:46 PM/DISC: 12/20/2024 12:47 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241220897542/enUND men's basketball team rolls in final tune-up before Summit League play
Clippers leading scorer Norman Powell to miss third gameIs the NORAD Santa tracker safe from a government shutdown?Protest against remark on Ambedkar: 32 booked for burning Shah’s effigies
Is the NORAD Santa tracker safe from a government shutdown?
Low melting point fiber technology innovation changes the textile industry 12-20-2024 06:50 PM CET | Associations & Organizations Press release from: ABNewswire In recent years, the textile industry [ https://www.xmdxlfiber.com/ ] has witnessed a major shift towards the adoption of low melting point fibers (LMPF), a development that promises to revolutionize fabric manufacturing and sustainability. These specialty fibers, which melt at relatively low temperatures, are being incorporated into applications ranging from fashion to industrial textiles, offering unique advantages that traditional fibers cannot match. Typically made from polymers such as polycaprolactone or certain types of polyester, LMPFs [ https://www.xmdxlfiber.com/]are particularly valuable because they can be bonded to other materials without the use of additional adhesives. This feature not only simplifies the production process, but also improves the durability and performance of the final product. As manufacturers seek to reduce waste and increase efficiency, the use of LMPFs has become increasingly attractive. One of the most exciting applications for low-melt point fibers is in the field of sustainable fashion. Designers are using these fibers to create innovative garments that are not only fashionable but also environmentally friendly. By using LMPF, brands can reduce the water and energy consumed in the production process to meet the growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly products. In addition, the ability to bond fabrics at lower temperatures minimizes the risk of damaging delicate materials, allowing for more creative designs. The automotive and aerospace industries are also exploring the potential of LMPF. These fibers can be used in composites to provide lightweight yet strong solutions for improved fuel efficiency and performance. As companies strive to meet stringent emissions and sustainability regulations, LMPF offers a promising avenue for innovation. As research in this field continues to advance, the future of low-melt point fibers looks bright. With their versatility and environmentally friendly properties, low-melt point fibers will play a key role in shaping the future of textiles, paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient industry. Media Contact Company Name: Xiamen Dongxinlong Chemical Textile Co., Ltd. Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=low-melting-point-fiber-technology-innovation-changes-the-textile-industry ] Country: China Website: https://www.xmdxlfiber.com/ This release was published on openPR.Innovative AI Law service to assist the less fortunate in civil rights cases: VRN News