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It looked like a recipe for disaster. So, when his country’s swimmers were being accused of doping earlier this year, one Chinese official cooked up something fast. He blamed it on contaminated noodles. In fact, he argued, it could have been a culinary conspiracy concocted by criminals, whose actions led to the cooking wine used to prepare the noodles being laced with a banned heart drug that found its way into an athlete’s system. This theory was spelled out to international anti-doping officials during a meeting and, after weeks of wrangling, finally made it into the thousands of pages of data handed over to the lawyer who investigated the case involving 23 Chinese swimmers who had tested positive for that same drug. The attorney, appointed by the World Anti-Doping Agency, refused to consider that scenario as he sifted through the evidence. In spelling out his reasoning, lawyer Eric Cottier paid heed to the half-baked nature of the theory. “The Investigator considers this scenario, which he has described in the conditional tense, to be possible, no less, no more,” Cottier wrote. Even without the contaminated-noodles theory, Cottier found problems with the way WADA and the Chinese handled the case but ultimately determined WADA had acted reasonably in not appealing China’s conclusion that its athletes had been inadvertently contaminated. Critics of the way the China case was handled can’t help but wonder if a wider exploration of the noodle theory, details of which were discovered by The Associated Press via notes and emails from after the meeting where it was delivered, might have lent a different flavor to Cottier’s conclusions. “There are more story twists to the ways the Chinese explain the TMZ case than a James Bond movie,” said Rob Koehler, the director general of the advocacy group Global Athlete. “And all of it is complete fiction.” In April, reporting from the New York Times and the German broadcaster ARD revealed that the 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive for the banned heart medication trimetazidine, also known as TMZ. China’s anti-doping agency determined the athletes had been contaminated, and so, did not sanction them. WADA accepted that explanation, did not press the case further, and China was never made to deliver a public notice about the “no-fault findings,” as is often seen in similar cases. The stock explanation for the contamination was that traces of TMZ were found in the kitchen of a hotel where the swimmers were staying. In his 58-page report, Cottier relayed some suspicions about the feasibility of that chain of events — noting that WADA’s chief scientist “saw no other solution than to accept it, even if he continued to have doubts about the reality of contamination as described by the Chinese authorities.” But without evidence to support pursuing the case, and with the chance of winning an appeal at almost nil, Cottier determined WADA’s “decision not to appeal appears indisputably reasonable.” A mystery remained: How did those traces of TMZ get into the kitchen? Shortly after the doping positives were revealed, the Institute of National Anti-Doping Organizations held a meeting on April 30 where it heard from the leader of China’s agency, Li Zhiquan. Li’s presentation was mostly filled with the same talking points that have been delivered throughout the saga — that the positive tests resulted from contamination from the kitchen. But he expanded on one way the kitchen might have become contaminated, harkening to another case in China involving a low-level TMZ positive. A pharmaceutical factory, he explained, had used industrial alcohol in the distillation process for producing TMZ. The industrial alcohol laced with the drug “then entered the market through illegal channels,” he said. The alcohol “was re-used by the perpetrators to process and produce cooking wine, which is an important seasoning used locally to make beef noodles,” Li said. “The contaminated beef noodles were consumed by that athlete, resulting in an extremely low concentration of TMZ in the positive sample. “The wrongdoers involved have been brought to justice.” This new information raised eyebrows among the anti-doping leaders listening to Li’s report. So much so that over the next month, several emails ensued to make sure the details about the noodles and wine made their way to WADA lawyers, who could then pass it onto Cottier. Eventually, Li did pass on the information to WADA general counsel Ross Wenzel and, just to be sure, one of the anti-doping leaders forwarded it, as well, according to the emails seen by the AP. All this came with Li’s request that the noodles story be kept confidential. Turns out, it made it into Cottier’s report, though he took the information with a grain of salt. “Indeed, giving it more attention would have required it to be documented, then scientifically verified and validated,” he wrote. Neither Wenzel nor officials at the Chinese anti-doping agency returned messages from AP asking about the noodles conspiracy and the other athlete who Li suggested had been contaminated by them. Meanwhile, 11 of the swimmers who originally tested positive competed at the Paris Games earlier this year in a meet held under the cloud of the Chinese doping case. Though WADA considers the case closed, Koehler and others point to situations like this as one of many reasons that an investigation by someone other than Cottier, who was hired by WADA, is still needed. “It gives the appearance that people are just making things up as they go along on this, and hoping the story just goes away,” Koehler said. “Which clearly it has not.”Title: "Four Seas Brothers: A Fresh Take on Classic Gangster Films with Linear Narrative"
In addition to the creative aspects of the program, the AIGC Director Co-Creation Program also aims to foster collaboration and dialogue among industry professionals, academic experts, and emerging filmmakers. By creating a dynamic ecosystem of mentorship, networking, and knowledge exchange, the program seeks to bridge the gap between academia and industry, empowering the next generation of filmmakers to turn their creative visions into reality.The conflicting casualty figures presented by Ukraine and Russia highlight the challenges of obtaining accurate information in times of conflict. The fog of war, propaganda, and misinformation all contribute to the difficulty of determining the true number of casualties on both sides.
Many players have also expressed their appreciation for the effort and creativity that went into designing the "Marvel Showdown" mode, highlighting the innovative approach taken by the Overwatch team in integrating popular culture and entertainment into the game experience. The mode has been praised for its immersive storytelling, engaging gameplay mechanics, and attention to detail in capturing the essence of the Marvel universe.
Luigi Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, appeared in a Manhattan court on Monday, December 23. He pleaded not guilty to eleven charges, including first-degree murder as an act of terrorism. The stakes are high for Mangione, as a conviction could result in life imprisonment without parole. Alongside state charges, he faces federal accusations of murder and stalking, which carry the possibility of the death penalty. His lawyer, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, did not hold back, sharply criticizing the treatment of her client and the highly publicized nature of the case. In court, Agnifilo described the proceedings as deeply flawed, emphasizing her concerns about Mangione's right to a fair trial. She stated that her client's presumption of innocence has been ignored, accusing authorities of treating him as a pawn in a political battle. "He's a young man, yet he's being treated like a human ping-pong ball between warring jurisdictions. There's a wealth of case law guaranteeing his right to a fair trial, but none of the necessary safeguards have been implemented," Agnifilo argued. Her frustration was particularly directed at the highly staged perp walk when Mangione was extradited from Pennsylvania to New York. She called it "the biggest staged perp walk I've ever seen in my career." Agnifilo emphasized that Mangione had cooperated fully with law enforcement, waived extradition, and remained in custody for over a week. Despite this, the NYPD paraded him before the media, accompanied by officers wielding assault rifles. She labeled the event unnecessary and theatrical, questioning its true purpose. Mayor Eric Adams' involvement also drew Agnifilo's ire. She criticized his public remarks during a press conference on the case, noting that he referred to Mangione as a murderer without using the word "alleged." "What was the mayor doing at that press conference? He should know better than anyone about the presumption of innocence, yet he disregarded it completely," she said. Agnifilo accused Adams of using the case to distract from his own political challenges, turning Mangione into "political fodder." Outside the courthouse, a small but vocal group of spectators gathered. Among them were protesters highlighting issues with the American healthcare system. Some carried signs with messages like "United States Healthcare Stole My Livelihood" and "Murder for Profit is Terrorism." Others referenced the bullets used in the murder of Brian Thompson, with slogans such as "Deny, Defend, Depose." The signs underscored public frustrations with the healthcare industry, a potential motive in the case that has fueled significant public interest. Mangione's legal troubles extend beyond state charges. He also faces federal charges of murder and stalking, both of which could result in the death penalty. During the hearing, Agnifilo demanded immediate access to evidence from federal and state authorities, including documents from the FBI and NYPD. She argued that the overlapping prosecutions have conflicting theories and are coordinated in a way that undermines her client's defense. "These prosecutors are working together, but it's my client who suffers. His rights are being trampled in the process," she said. The courtroom drama is just one element of this high-profile case. Mangione's state trial is expected to proceed first, with the federal case likely to follow. Legal analysts predict a long and contentious legal battle, given the severity of the charges and the intense media scrutiny surrounding the case. Mangione's trial has sparked broader discussions about the justice system and the healthcare industry in the United States. Critics argue that the spectacle surrounding his case reflects systemic issues, including the politicization of high-profile cases and inequities in healthcare access. As the legal process unfolds, the trial will likely continue to captivate public attention, raising questions about fairness, motives, and the broader implications for American society. With the stakes as high as life imprisonment or the death penalty, Luigi Mangione's case could become one of the most closely watched trials in recent history.
Known for her stunning beauty and glamorous lifestyle, Liu Dabeili was a rising star in the world of online influencers. Her social media accounts were filled with pictures of luxurious vacations, high-end fashion, and perfectly curated moments with her young son. However, all that glitters is not gold, and the recent events have revealed the darker side of fame and beauty.
In conclusion, Natural Garden Group's participation in the Horizon Data Intelligence Decision Summit was a testament to their commitment to continuous innovation and excellence. By sharing their insights on omni-channel digital innovation and AI practices, the company has further solidified its position as a leader in the beauty and skincare industry.Resolution to Arrest President Yoon Suk-yeol Passes, Investigation into Civil Unrest Commences
The fire reportedly started in a non-critical area of the data center and was swiftly contained by the emergency response team. While the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, Alibaba stated that all necessary safety protocols were followed and that no servers containing sensitive information were affected. This rapid response and transparency from Alibaba helped to alleviate concerns about the potential impact on their cloud services.
Imperial Security: Setting the Gold Standard for Security Guard Services in CanadaSANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 23, 2024-- Last Wednesday, attorneys from Susman Godfrey LLP and Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff, LLP filed an antitrust lawsuit on behalf of CDS Litigation, LLC, against Align Technology, Inc. (“Align”), the American Dental Association (“ADA”), and the American Association of Orthodontists (“AAO”). The lawsuit, filed in the Superior Court of California, alleges that the Defendants engaged in a multi-year coordinated and illegal conspiracy to eliminate their most serious market competitor to protect their industry dominance at the expense of consumers’ ability to access effective, affordable, and proven orthodontic care. This lawsuit arises from evidence described in the complaint that the Defendants colluded to drive SmileDirectClub, a leading provider of affordable and effective telehealth-based orthodontic solutions, out of business. Align initially invested tens of millions of dollars in SmileDirectClub and supported its business model as an investor, board member, lender, and manufacturer. All that changed, however, after SmileDirectClub rejected Align’s proposed buyout bid and an arbitrator later forced Align out of the company entirely for improperly using its access to confidential and proprietary SmileDirectClub information to try to copy SmileDirectClub’s business. The complaint explains how Align, no longer able to profit off of SmileDirectClub’s growth, turned to colluding with the ADA and AAO on a years-long campaign to destroy SmileDirectClub. Despite SmileDirectClub’s high customer satisfaction ratings and proven track record of offering effective care, the Defendants’ coordinated actions described in the complaint ultimately required the company to cease operations, resulting in fewer choices and higher costs for consumers. Evidence Of Anti-Competitive Behavior SmileDirectClub’s innovative model disrupted the orthodontic industry and threatened the financial interests of the Defendants by offering affordable, effective, and accessible clear aligner treatment, with clinical supervision and approval by state-licensed dentists and orthodontists on a fully remote basis, thereby doing away with the need for in-office visits and eliminating key barriers of cost and geography for millions of consumers. As detailed in the complaint, Align was initially attracted to this new model, investing $59.5 million for a 19% ownership stake in SmileDirectClub and becoming the company’s exclusive third-party supplier of clear aligners. This partnership granted Align extensive access to SmileDirectClub’s confidential business information, as well as a seat on its board of directors. But as the lawsuit explains, after SmileDirectClub rejected Align’s $1.5 billion buyout offer, Align instead used the confidential information it had learned from SmileDirectClub and opened a series of copycat “Scan Shops” modeled directly on SmileDirectClub’s innovative SmileShops. SmileDirectClub brought an arbitration against Align because of Align’s violation of the restrictive covenants it had previously agreed to, and the arbitrator ruled in SmileDirectClub’s favor in early 2019. The ruling ordered Align to divest its stake in SmileDirectClub at a steep discount, costing Align hundreds of millions of dollars. The arbitrator also enjoined Align from opening competing stores until August 2022. At this point, the complaint alleges that Align pivoted and launched its new strategy to eliminate SmileDirectClub as a competitor and secure a monopoly in the clear aligner market. The complaint details allegations as to how Align worked in concert with the ADA and AAO to spread false and misleading claims about SmileDirectClub’s safety and efficacy to damage its reputation with consumers and industry professionals, filed baseless complaints with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and leveraged exclusive agreements with dental support organizations - while also interfering with other third-party relationships - to block SmileDirectClub from accessing vital market opportunities. According to the lawsuit, these actions represented a calculated and coordinated effort by the Defendants to stifle competition and innovation in orthodontic care as part of their conspiracy to monopolize the industry and prevent consumers from accessing additional proven treatment options at more affordable prices. The lawsuit also shows how these actions directly contradicted the positions two of the conspirators—Align and the ADA—had taken up until the point when Align’s efforts to buy or copy SmileDirectClub failed. As the lawsuit explains, prior to embarking on the conspiracy, Align’s own CEO had forcefully debunked the exact same false assertions about SmileDirectClub’s services that Align and its coconspirators would repeatedly promote once Align shifted from trying to copy or buy SmileDirectClub to trying to destroy it. Similarly, as the lawsuit shows, the ADA expressly supported and endorsed “asynchronous” teledentistry (i.e., dentists treating patients without having to meet with them live) for years, only to reverse course right when it began conspiring with Align to falsely denigrate SmileDirectClub’s business model. Consumer Impact The alleged actions of Align, the ADA, and the AAO significantly reduced competition, requiring consumers to pay higher prices for orthodontic treatment while limiting their access to proven and less expensive alternative solutions. Before its bankruptcy, SmileDirectClub provided millions of consumers with an affordable and effective telehealth solution for clear aligner treatment, receiving high customer satisfaction ratings and helping those who used the company’s products achieve successful outcomes. Despite its effectiveness and proven product quality, the filing explains that SmileDirectClub was forced into bankruptcy and ceased operations in 2023 as a result of the Defendants’ systematic anticompetitive actions. The Plaintiff in this case, CDS Litigation, LLC, has the right to pursue litigation claims held by SmileDirectClub against the Defendants. ADA/AAO Involvement The filing describes the pivotal roles the ADA and the AAO played in the conspiracy to destroy SmileDirectClub, leveraging their positions as influential trade associations and active market participants to shield giant sponsors - like Align - and block disruption in the industry. The complaint alleges that the ADA and AAO participated in this monopolistic conspiracy by using their position as both market participants and powerful trade associations to preserve the profits and dominance of entrenched industry leaders and ensure that disruptive innovations – like SmileDirectClub’s affordable and accessible care model – could not succeed. About Susman Godfrey The lawsuit is being led by the team at Susman Godfrey that secured a $787.5 million settlement on behalf of Dominion Voting Systems in its defamation case against Fox News. “The filing alleges that Align Technology abused its market dominance to systematically crush competition and protect its monopoly at the expense of consumers,” said Stephen Shackelford, Partner at Susman Godfrey LLP . “According to the complaint, after Align was forced to give up its ownership interest in SmileDirectClub, it suddenly changed its tune as to SmileDirectClub’s model and conspired with the ADA and AAO to spread falsehoods, disrupt SmileDirectClub’s business relationships, and block its access to essential equipment and partnerships. Align’s conduct alleged in the complaint was anticompetitive, calculated, and illegal. The allegations in the complaint show how the entrenched and powerful incumbents in Big Dentistry manipulated the system to collude against a revolutionary and otherwise successful competitor, restrict affordable and effective options for consumers, and inflict lasting reputational damage through their dissemination of demonstrably false claims.” “As explained in the complaint, the Defendants didn’t just target their main competitor - they targeted the millions of consumers who stood to benefit from the affordable and accessible orthodontic care the competitor offered. The effectiveness of SmileDirectClub’s model and products threatened the Defendants’ market and financial interests, who, according to the filing, conspired to destroy the company rather than compete with them fairly,” said Davida Brook, Partner at Susman Godfrey LLP . “This complaint presents a textbook example of how dominant players collude to maintain market power, stifle competition, and harm consumers.” Susman Godfrey LLP is a leading national trial firm with an unmatched track record in high-stakes litigation. The firm has earned recognition as a fearless advocate for fairness, representing clients seeking justice against entrenched industry leaders. About Benesch Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff joins Susman Godfrey as co-counsel and is being led by a team that has extensive experience representing SmileDirectClub. “Having previously litigated and won against Align, we are all too familiar with the sort of abusive anticompetitive acts alleged in the Complaint against Align and other dominant players in the traditional dental market. SmileDirectClub pioneered the use of teledentistry to advance oral care with over 2 million satisfied customers, and the Complaint details the astonishing tactics the Defendants devised to run SmileDirectClub out of business,” said David Rammelt, a Partner at Benesch and Co-Chair of its Litigation Group. Benesch’s award-winning Litigation Practice Group has secured multibillion-dollar wins for plaintiffs and defendants in precedent-setting cases. An Am Law 200 firm, Benesch is nationally recognized by Chambers USA, Benchmark Litigation, and Best Law Firms “Best Lawyers” for earning a place of distinction representing mid-size to Fortune 100 companies in high-stakes litigation and jury trials across the country. Founded in 1938, Benesch has grown to more than 400 attorneys across six U.S. offices. Over the last five years, Benesch’s Litigation Practice Group has expanded by 40% to more than 170 attorneys, making it among the fastest-growing practices in the country. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241223208613/en/ Jeremy Adler,jeremy@uplandworkshop.com KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: LEGAL PROFESSIONAL SERVICES HEALTH DENTAL SOURCE: Susman Godfrey LLP Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/23/2024 02:30 PM/DISC: 12/23/2024 02:30 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241223208613/en* Altus shares surge as much as 23% on TPG Rise deal talks * Altus has been exploring sale since Oct * Private capital wants power assets amid AI, data center boom (Adds background and details on Altus, stock reaction) By David French NEW YORK, Dec 23 (Reuters) - Buyout firm TPG's climate investment arm is in talks to acquire Altus Power , a provider of solar power to commercial property owners and residential homes, people familiar with the matter told Reuters on Monday. If the talks between TPG Rise Climate and Altus are successful, a deal could be signed in the coming weeks, said the sources, who requested anonymity as the discussions are confidential. The transaction has yet to be finalized, the sources cautioned, adding that another suitor could also approach Altus and that it was possible that no deal with any party would be reached. Shares of Altus surged more than 23% on the news on Monday before paring some gains, giving the company a market value of nearly $650 million. Altus also had debt net of cash of about $1.1 billion as of the end of September. Stamford, Connecticut-based Altus, one of the largest owners of commercial-scale solar plants in the United States, had said in October it was working with advisers to explore options including a potential sale. Altus and TPG declined to comment. A boom in artificial intelligence and data centers has been driving power demand higher, making clean energy providers increasingly attractive to infrastructure investors. Founded in 2009, Altus operates commercial-scale solar power installations and provides energy storage and vehicle charging facilities. The company's portfolio currently produces about 1 gigawatt of power, according to its website. As of Friday's close, Altus shares had lost nearly two-thirds of their value since the company went public in 2021 through a $1.6 billion merger with a blank-check acquisition firm backed by commercial real estate giant CBRE Group, as it faced increased competition from other clean energy providers. CBRE remains the biggest shareholder in Altus with a 15.38% stake, according to LSEG data. Blackstone's energy arm, which provided $350 million in debt financing and committed $300 million in preferred equity as part of the SPAC deal in 2021, holds a 13.2% stake in Altus. In recent quarters, Altus has witnessed an uptick in fortunes as it has signed new commercial property customers, amid a surge in demand for renewable energy. For the quarter ended September, Altus posted a 30% jump in revenue to $58.7 million, with net profit up more than 26% to $8.6 million. TPG through its Rise Funds, including TPG Rise Climate, manages $19 billion of assets focused on backing companies that aim to drive social and environmental impact, according to its website. (Reporting by David French in New York; Editing by Anirban Sen and Matthew Lewis)
And then, the moment arrived. Enzo blasted the ball into the back of the net, the roar of the crowd echoing in his ears. His first instinct was to rip off his jersey in a wild display of triumph, fueled by adrenaline and the sweet taste of victory. But just as he started to peel off the fabric, a hand on his shoulder stopped him in his tracks.