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As the year edges towards its close, there’s a peculiar stillness that often blankets our lives. For many, this isn’t the calm serenity of reflection, but a foggy weight of feeling lost and numb. It’s a sensation that creeps in uninvited, leaving one questioning their place and purpose. I’ve been feeling it too – that aching disconnection from myself and the world around me. If you’re in this space now, know that you’re not alone, and more importantly, there are ways to steer through it. The reasons behind this pervasive end-of-year malaise are multi-faceted. Modern life, with its relentless pace, often pushes us to our limits. We spend months racing through responsibilities, barely pausing to take stock of what we truly need. By December, the weight of unmet expectations, personal setbacks, and societal pressures can feel overwhelming. The holiday season – advertised as a time of joy and connection – can amplify feelings of inadequacy or loneliness when our lives don’t align with the festive images we’re bombarded with, especially with constantly watching friends and family on social media happily enjoying their vacation trips across borders. There’s also the undeniable pull of the calendar itself. The end of the year feels like a natural checkpoint, a moment when we unconsciously measure ourselves against past ambitions. Did I achieve enough? Did I grow? Or have I simply drifted? These questions, while important, can spiral into self-doubt and emotional paralysis if we’re not careful. When I find myself in this space, everything feels muted. The things that usually bring joy seem distant. Even simple tasks feel insurmountable. It’s as though life has shifted to a slower, greyer frame, leaving me stuck in limbo. PHOTO: ENVATO PHOTO: ENVATO PHOTO: ENVATO PHOTO: ENVATO In speaking with friends, I’ve realised how common this is. There’s comfort in knowing that this emotional lull isn’t a personal failing but a shared human experience. So, how do we begin to climb out of this? How can we find warmth and meaning in a time that feels so bleak? Over the years, I have discovered a few small but profound ways to break free from the grip of numbness. RECONNECT WITH THE BODY When we’re lost in our minds, returning to the physical self can be grounding. Go for a walk, even if it’s just around your street. Feel the crunch of leaves underfoot or the brisk air against your skin. Gentle stretches, a yoga session, or even lying on the floor and simply breathing deeply can remind you of your body’s presence. Movement is a language of its own, one that speaks to our emotions when words fall short. Praying definitely helps me. The body’s motion as you perform your prayers has a profound effect. Even though you may be stuck in your head, the quiet time while praying somehow helps realign all your thoughts better. SIMPLIFYING YOUR DAYS In times of emotional overwhelm, even ordinary tasks can feel Herculean. Strip back your to-do list and focus on one or two meaningful actions per day. Perhaps it’s calling a loved one, preparing a wholesome meal or tidying a small corner of your space. Success in these little tasks creates momentum, helping to lift you out of inertia. As someone who has always been into writing, journaling has been my anchor during moments of disorientation. There’s something profoundly liberating about spilling your thoughts onto paper, unfiltered and un-judged. Write about your fears, your questions, and your dreams, even if they feel distant. Over time, patterns emerge, clarity returns, and the act itself becomes a form of self-compassion. REFRAME THE SEASON Honestly, the end of the year doesn’t have to be a time of regret or pressure. Instead, view it as an opportunity for rest and renewal. Nature itself slows down in the cool season; trees shed their leaves, animals hibernate. Even in the Bruneian context, the rain may pour heavy, but leaves still emerge anew. Why shouldn’t we, too, embrace this period as one for introspection and gentle recovery? Release the idea of ticking boxes and allow yourself to simply be. The tendency to withdraw during difficult times is also natural, but isolation can deepen the sense of being lost. Reach out to a trusted friend, a family member, or a professional. Sharing your thoughts aloud – even imperfectly – can break the cycle of rumination and remind you that connection is still possible. Finally, remember that feeling lost isn’t permanent. It’s a passage, not a destination. Much like the ebb and flow of tides, this too shall shift. Trust in your resilience, even when it feels distant. Trust that your sense of self will return, stronger and more aligned than before. As we step into the new year, let’s carry this understanding: it’s okay to feel unmoored. It’s okay to admit that life sometimes feels heavy. In acknowledging these truths, we grant ourselves the grace to heal and move forward. And perhaps, when the fog finally lifts, we’ll find ourselves not lost, but in a place we’d never have reached otherwise. – Izah AzahariPep Guardiola: It’s my responsibility to solve Manchester City’s poor runThe Hall on Saturday announced the names of the 15 modern-era finalists who advanced from a group of 25 to the final stage of voting. Up to five modern-era players can be elected for the Class of 2025, which will be announced at the “NFL Honors” ceremony on Feb. 6. Manning is the lone quarterback on this year’s list of finalists. He is one of six first-time finalists, joining wide receiver Steve Smith Sr.; linebackers Kuechly and Suggs; offensive lineman Marshal Yanda; and kicker Adam Vinatieri. Among them, only Smith is not in his first year of eligibility. Rounding out the list of finalists announced Saturday are Gates; receivers Reggie Wayne and Torry Holt; offensive linemen Jahri Evans and Willie Anderson; defensive backs Eric Allen and Darren Woodson; defensive end Jared Allen; and running back Fred Taylor. Unretired Barrett signs with Bucs TAMPA, Fla. — Two-time Pro Bowl linebacker Shaquil Barrett is rejoining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs signed the two-time Super Bowl champion on Saturday, while also announcing safety Jordan Whitehead was activated from injured reserve ahead of Sunday’s home game against the Carolina Panthers. Barrett spent five seasons with Tampa Bay from 2019 to 2023. He led the NFL with a franchise-record 19 1-2 sacks in his first year with the Bucs, then helped the team win its second Super Bowl title the following season. In all, Barrett started 70 games with Tampa Bay, amassing 45 sacks, 15 forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and three interceptions. He was released last winter in a salary cap move, signed a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins in free agency, then abruptly announced his retirement on social media before the start of training camp in July. Tagovailoa doubtful Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was downgraded to doubtful for Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns due to a hip injury. Tagovailoa was limited in practice this week with the injury, which he initially suffered in a loss to Houston on Dec. 15. He finished that game and played in last weekend's win over San Francisco. If Tagovailoa is ruled out, Tyler Huntley will start. Richardson out for Colts EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Indianapolis quarterback Anthony Richardson has been ruled out for the Colts' big game at the New York Giants on Sunday. Richardson missed practice on Thursday and Friday because of back and foot injuries. He was listed as questionable before he was downgraded to out on Saturday. Indianapolis (7-8) has a slim chance of making the playoffs. The Colts need to win out and get some help.
The hardest movie ticket to get this weekend was for a film audiences have been able to watch at home for years: Christopher Nolan’s “Interstellar.” The science fiction epic starring Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway earned $4.5 million from only 166 screens in the U.S. and Canada. Its 70mm IMAX film presentations sold out in minutes, leaving theaters scrambling to add more and people paying up to $300 on the re-sale market. Those 10 film screens alone had a staggering $70,000 per theater average, one of the highest of the year and usually the bragging rights of acclaimed arthouse movies playing on only four screens. Ten years after “Interstellar” was given a film release as a special exception at time when its studio, Paramount, was committing to a digital future, film is not only back but driving audiences to theaters. “I was just so gratified by the response,” Nolan said in an exclusive interview with The Associated Press. “It’s really thrilling when people respond to your work at any point. But 10 years later, to have new audiences coming and experiencing it in the way that we’d originally intended it on the big IMAX screens and in particular on those IMAX film prints? It’s really rewarding to see that it continues to have a life.” “Interstellar” had been a labor of love, with Nolan fighting against the tides of a changing industry to use film, certain of its value. Like McConaughey’s Cooper, an astronaut clinging to skills that were all but obsolete in his dust bowl reality, “Interstellar” was made by a celluloid-loving filmmaker when the format was least valued. “Celluloid film was very threatened. Digital was taking over everything,” Nolan said. “We put an enormous amount of work and effort into the IMAX 70mm film format release at the time feeling like we didn’t know how much longer we’d be able to do that.” During its time, “Interstellar” was received warmly and an unambiguous success, but it also had its detractors. Its five Oscar nominations and win were all for crafts. And yet in the decade since, “Interstellar” has become beloved, a true classic. Nolan observed that it was the film that people kept wanting to talk about, telling him what it meant to them and asking if it was ever going to be re-released. Those grand emotions and sentimental themes of love, family and exploration that were a liability with some are now its most cherished qualities. “A lot of these people were younger people who, it was clear to me, had seen the film in the home and hadn’t had the chance to see it on the big screen,” Nolan said. While there have been “Interstellar” rereleases internationally, in China and at the Science Museum in London, Nolan saw an opportunity and spoke to IMAX and Paramount, now under a new regime, about a proper North American re-release for its 10th anniversary. The prints, Nolan said, hadn't aged a day. IMAX hardly needed convincing: They’ve had the anniversary date circled on the calendar. For years, “Interstellar” was by far the biggest request on their social channels. “We saw this coming from the beginning,” IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond said. “It reminded us in a small way of the frenzy around ‘Oppenheimer.’ But the result is far beyond our expectations." “Interstellar” is now the ninth highest-grossing IMAX release of all time and is closing in on eight (currently occupied by “The Last Jedi.”) The company is currently exploring options for re-releases in different territories. The “Oppenheimer" effect was real in redeeming film's value for the business. IMAX screens accounted for some 20% of the nearly $1 billion this year's Oscar best picture winner made globally (it ranks at No. 5 for IMAX). While filmmakers have long cherished film stock, “Oppenheimer” had studios, distributors and theaters taking note of the demand. Earlier this year the film showings of “Dune: Part Two” were sold out for four weeks. And there's more to come: Ryan Coogler's new film “Sinners," opening in March 2025, was shot with IMAX cameras. The “Interstellar” release was fairly “low key" when it came to promotion, but it also didn’t need much — fans made sure of that. Before IMAX had even announced that tickets were on sale, some noticed that AMC had made them available. News spread on socials and overnight every 70mm IMAX showing at the Lincoln Square location in New York had sold out. It wasn’t just the “primetime” slots either: The 1 AM showtimes were at capacity too. After the weekend's turnout surpassed expectations, they added more 70mm IMAX screenings through the week which also filled up quickly. While Nolan is in some ways an anomaly, as the rare filmmaker whose name alone can draw crowds for original fare, there are lessons to be learned from the weekend. “It just shows our industry once again that audiences truly understand the difference between a communal, big screen theatrical experience that they crave even on films that they’ve had the opportunities to see in the home,” Nolan said. “That theatrical experience that we all know and love is so powerful and so exciting. It’s a very clear demonstration of it, especially coming amidst all the great successes right now, “Wicked,” “Gladiator II,” “Moana 2.” "Audiences are coming out in droves for that experience that we all love so much.” Before the weekend, Nolan was able to see the film again on the big screen for the first time since the original release, accompanied by his Oscar-winning “Oppenheimer” cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema . “Interstellar” was their first collaboration and Hoytema’s introduction to IMAX cameras (where he proved that they could be handheld if you tried hard enough). “It was really, really fun," Nolan said. He also approved the new 4K UHD “Interstellar" set that's now available. Since “Oppenheimer's" big night at the Oscars and Nolan's best director win , there's been much speculation about his next film with near daily rumors circulating about casting and genre, none of which have been officially confirmed. It's not something he's speaking publicly about yet. One thing he will say, however, is that he’s in the throes of intensive testing for a new film technology with IMAX to use in the next production. “They have an incredible engineering staff, really brilliant minds doing extraordinary work,” he said. “It’s wonderful to see innovation in the celluloid film arena still happening and happening at the highest level possible.” And he’s still making time to go to the movies. Over the weekend, Nolan went to see “Wicked” at a theater in Burbank where he also peeked into one of the IMAX presentations of his film. “It was pretty magical to see a full house on that film,” he said. “It was a very special thing to see, 10 years later.”
Ferguson is already one of the FTC’s five commissioners, which is currently made up of three Democrats and two Republicans. Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed? To login in, click here.Understanding Your Account Suspension If you’ve been puzzled by a sudden suspension of your TipRanks account, you’re not alone. The platform is vigilant about maintaining its integrity and has mechanisms to flag unusual activity that breaches their Terms of Use. Recognizing Unusual Activity One of the primary triggers for account suspension is an excessive number of page views. Specifically, if you view a certain page type over 80 times in a 24-hour span, your account might be temporarily shelved. Additionally, the use of automation tools such as bots, crawlers, or other data scraping methods is strictly monitored and can result in similar measures. What to Expect and Next Steps For most users, the suspension is a temporary hiccup. Typically, accounts are restored automatically within the next day. However, if your account remains inactive after this period, a proactive step is needed. Reaching out to TipRanks directly is the best course of action to expedite the reactivation process. TipRanks’ stringent policies highlight their commitment to a fair and secure user environment. Understanding these guidelines can ensure a seamless and uninterrupted experience. Unlocking the Secrets Behind TipRanks Account Management: What You Need to Know Exploring the Pros and Cons of TipRanks’ Security Measures Understanding the stringent account management policies of TipRanks can offer insights into the advantages and disadvantages of their security approach. On the positive side, such measures ensure user information and platform data remain protected, fostering a trustworthy environment. However, some users might find the policies limiting, especially if they inadvertently trigger a suspension due to benign activities. TipRanks Security Aspects: Safeguarding User Data TipRanks is committed to maintaining a secure digital environment. This commitment is evident in how they handle potential threats. By monitoring and flagging anomalies such as excessive page views or the usage of automated tools, they significantly minimize risks associated with data breaches or misuse. Their proactive approach serves to protect sensitive investment information, crucial for users relying on accurate and timely data. How-to Guide: Reactivating a Suspended TipRanks Account Dealing with an account suspension can be frustrating, but following a few simple steps can expedite the process. Initially, it’s essential to understand that suspensions are often temporary. If your account remains suspended beyond a day, contact TipRanks’ support team directly for assistance. Being polite and providing relevant details about your account activity can help in resolving issues swiftly. Exploring Use Cases: Who Benefits the Most from TipRanks? TipRanks is invaluable for investors who require in-depth analysis and data-driven insights. From amateur investors looking to expand their portfolio to seasoned traders seeking robust analytical tools, TipRanks caters to a wide audience. Their comprehensive data analytics help users make informed investment decisions, thereby enhancing financial planning and trading strategies. Innovations in Data Monitoring: How TipRanks is Evolving In an ever-evolving digital landscape, TipRanks continues to innovate its data monitoring systems to ensure optimal security and user experience. Their commitment is reflected in ongoing enhancements to detect and manage suspicious activities more effectively. This innovation not only secures user accounts but also ensures the platform’s accuracy and reliability remain uncompromised. Market Analysis: Understanding the Impact of Security on User Trust Maintaining a secure platform is crucial for sustaining user trust, particularly in finance-focused platforms like TipRanks. As digital tools become integral to investing, users increasingly prioritize security, making TipRanks’ robust policies a significant advantage in their market strategy. For more information on TipRanks and their services, visit the TipRanks website . By understanding these facets of TipRanks, users can better navigate and utilize the platform effectively while appreciating the security measures in place that protect their data and investment decisions.Mr Trump made the announcement in a Truth Social post, calling Charles Kushner “a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker”. Mr Kushner is the founder of Kushner Companies, a real estate firm. Jared Kushner is a former senior Trump adviser who is married to Trump’s eldest daughter, Ivanka. The elder Mr Kushner was pardoned by Trump in December 2020 after pleading guilty years earlier to tax evasion and making illegal campaign donations. Prosecutors alleged that after Charles Kushner discovered his brother-in-law was co-operating with federal authorities in an investigation, he hatched a scheme for revenge and intimidation. Mr Kushner hired a prostitute to lure his brother-in-law, then arranged to have the encounter in a New Jersey motel room recorded with a hidden camera and the recording sent to his own sister, the man’s wife, prosecutors said. Mr Kushner eventually pleaded guilty to 18 counts including tax evasion and witness tampering. He was sentenced in 2005 to two years in prison – the most he could receive under a plea deal, but less than what Chris Christie, the US attorney for New Jersey at the time and later governor and Republican presidential candidate, had sought. Mr Christie has blamed Jared Kushner for his firing from Mr Trump’s transition team in 2016, and has called Charles Kushner’s offences “one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes that I prosecuted when I was US attorney”. Mr Trump and the elder Mr Kushner knew each other from real estate circles and their children were married in 2009.
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ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey gambling regulators have handed out $40,000 in fines to two sportsbooks and a tech company for violations that included taking bets on unauthorized events, and on games that had already ended. In information made public Monday, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement fined DraftKings $20,000. It also levied $10,000 fines on Rush Street Interactive NJ and the sports betting technology company Kambi. According to documents released by the state, Rush Street accepted 16 bets worth $1,523 in Nov. 2021 on a college basketball game between the University of North Carolina-Asheville and Tennessee Tech University after the game had already concluded with a UNC victory. Kambi told the enforcement division that a trader had failed to manually remove that game from its betting markets, saying it had stopped receiving messages from its own sports data provider due to a network connectivity error. Kambi said it has updated its guidelines and retrained its traders to prevent a recurrence. Kambi, which is based in Malta, did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment Monday. Rush Street declined comment, and DraftKings had no immediate comment Monday. DraftKings stopped using Kambi in 2021. In March 2022 Rush Street took seven bets totaling just under $2,900 on three Magic City Jai Alai games after the results were already known. Kambi told the division it experienced a connectivity issue that allowed the bets to be accepted after the games were over. An explanation of what Kambi did to address the situation was blacked out in documents released by the division. A month earlier Rush Street took 13 wagers worth $8,150 with pre-match odds on a Professional Golf Association match after the event had already begun. In this case, Kambi told the division a newly hired trader failed to enter the correct closing time time for bets on the event. The trader and a supervisor underwent retraining. DraftKings was fined for taking bets on unapproved events including Russian basketball for nine months in 2020 and 2021. It eventually voided over $61,000 in bets and returned the money to customers after being directed to do so by the state. In this case, Kambi told the division it misidentified this particular Russian basketball league as one that was approved for wagering in New Jersey. DraftKings told the state it did not catch the error, either. In 2020, DraftKings accepted 484 wagers on unapproved table tennis matches. Kambi incorrectly enabled the events for wagering without conditions required by the state, the division said. In Feb. 2022, the division said DraftKings took pre-season NFL bets involving specific players but did not give the state specific information on what information was to be included in the bets, drawing 182 wagers worth nearly $7,000 that were later voided and refunded to customers. Follow Wayne Parry on X at www.twitter.com/WayneParryACThe champions crashed to a fifth straight defeat in all competitions – something not experienced by the club in more than 18 years – as they were thrashed 4-0 by Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. The loss, which was also a third in succession in the Premier League and shattered a 52-game unbeaten home run, damaged the club’s hopes of winning an unprecedented fifth title in a row. It is the worst run of Guardiola’s glittering managerial career and the City boss, who extended his contract until 2027 last week, is determined to turn the situation around. The Catalan said: “When we start to lose I say to the people I have to find a way, I have to. It’s my duty, my responsibility, to find a way to be more consistent, that our game will be better and win games. “This is what we have to do.” City have been hampered by injuries to key players in recent weeks, particularly by the absence of Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder Rodri, who has been sidelined for the remainder of the season. Problems have emerged at both ends of the field with a lack of clean sheets – just five in 19 outings this term – and a shortage of goals being scored on occasions, like Saturday, when the prolific Erling Haaland has an off-day. Guardiola said: “We don’t expect to lose important players but it’s happened and you have to find a way. We have to find other abilities. “I don’t think we didn’t create enough chances. We created a lot of chances, clear ones at 0-0, 0-1, 0-2. “Of course we want a lot of players to score but it’s happened now. “I know at the Etihad when we are there and we score goals our momentum is there, but now we are not solid enough. That is the truth. “In both sides normally we are solid but we concede the goals. Now in both sides we are not good enough. “In these situations, what do you have do to? Keep going my friends, keep going. “We have done it in the past – not in terms of results being as bad as now – but we have done it and we face the situation and move forward.”Power Solutions International Uplists to Nasdaq Stock MarketDec. 27, 2024,