1 2 Kolkata: To help students avoid missing classes due to various reasons, several city schools are encouraging them to continue their education with live online classrooms . They are introducing apps for submitting classwork and taking online tests as well. South City International School is allowing children to attend live classes if they are not in the city or country, or if there is an emergency. Principal Satabdi Bhattacharjee said, "Earlier, if children had emergencies, including health and family-related matters, they had no other option choice but to miss classes. So, we decided to provide online support that allows them to attend classes along with other students. They can communicate during classes, ask questions to the teachers, and experience the classroom atmosphere while away from the school." From this year, South City International has introduced online admission tests for different classes. Conducting exams, interactions, and publishing results are all done online. "There are many students from outside the city who wanted to take exams but could not because they were unable to attend physically. So, we made it more flexible through our online platform, and several students from outside Bengal were able to participate," Bhattacharjee said. There are several other schools in and around the city are using digital platforms if a child misses classes. Ashok Hall Girls' Higher Secondary School, GD Birla Centre for Education, and Mahadevi Birla Shishu Vihar have introduced mobile applications to provide class assignments, homework, performance updates, and real-time attendance updates. GD Birla Centre for Education principal Craig Lucas said, "The new website is designed to be more informative, illustrative, and interactive, while our ERP will facilitate better communication, accurate information, and a closer connection between our parents and the school team of teachers and leaders. The changing times demand that we reimagine, reinvent, and redefine the way we transact education. Students will get all the class updates even if they are not in the classroom and will receive details of homework even if they miss attending classes for some reason. Everything will be uploaded immediately after classes are over. Parents can monitor their wards while they are in school through technological support." Ashok Hall Higher Secondary School's principal Atreyee Sengupta emphasised that these tools enhance collaboration and streamline communication for a brighter future.Australians reportedly among six hit when taxi veered into pedestrians in New York
Travis Kelce’s watch recovered in Rhode Island after international crime ring burglarized Kansas mansionWASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. prosecutors are accusing two senior Syrian officials of overseeing a notorious prison that tortured peaceful protesters and other political prisoners, including a 26-year-old American woman who was later believed to have been executed. The indictment was unsealed Monday, two days after a shock rebel offensive overthrew Syrian President Bashar Assad . The U.S., U.N. and others accuse him of widespread human rights abuses in a 13-year battle to crush opposition forces seeking his removal from power. The war, which began as a largely nonviolent popular uprising in 2011, has killed half a million people. The indictment, filed Nov. 18 in federal court in Chicago, is believed to be the U.S. government’s first against what officials say were networks of Assad intelligence services and military branches and other allied groups that detained, tortured and killed thousands of perceived enemies. It names Jamil Hassan, director of the Syrian air force’s intelligence branch, who prosecutors say oversaw a prison and torture center at the Mezzeh air force base in the capital, Damascus, and Abdul Salam Mahmoud, who prosecutors say ran the prison. RELATED COVERAGE Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s pick for intel chief, faces questions on Capitol Hill amid Syria fallout US says terror designation doesn’t bar talks with Syrian rebel group US hostage envoy in Beirut to seek information on missing journalist Austin Tice The indictment charges the two with conspiring to commit cruel and inhuman treatment of civilian detainees during the course of the Syrian civil war. Detainees at the prison were whipped, kicked, electrocuted, burned and subjected to other mental and physical abuse, including being housed in cells alongside corpses of dead detainees, prosecutors allege. Victims included Syrians, Americans and dual citizens, the indictment said. The U.S.-based Syrian Emergency Task Force has long pushed federal prosecutors for action on the cases, including that of 26-year-old American aid worker Layla Shweikani. The group presented witnesses who testified of Shweikani’s 2016 torture at the prison. Syrian rights groups believe she was later executed at the Saydnaya military prison in the Damascus suburbs. “Now it is our time to capture these criminals and bring them to the United States for trial,” the Syrian Emergency Task Force said in a statement Monday. The group’s leader, Mouaz Moustafa, said his relatives were among those tortured at the prison. Federal prosecutors said they had issued arrest warrants for the two officials, who remain at large. Prospects of bringing them to trial were unclear. Assad’s toppling by the rebels over the weekend has scattered his government and left citizens searching prison torture centers around the country for survivors and evidence.CRIME HUNTER: Irish eyes are dying in bitter mob war co-starring Conor McGregor
'Democracy and freedom': Jimmy Carter's human rights efforts in Latin AmericaSpirits lifted at Red Bluff event
Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) joins host Mike Slater to discuss the new Republican Senate Majority’s agenda and the upcoming fight to confirm President-elect Donald Trump’s nominees. The Breitbart News Daily Podcast runs Monday through Friday as a “Director’s Cut” of the SXM Patriot radio show hosted by Mike Slater. Cabinet Chaos as Gaetz Bows Out; Guest Nick Gilbertson SUBSCRIBE for free by clicking your preferred podcast platform below.Headed South for Winter? 5 Tips for Snowbirds About to Take FlightPublished 5:39 pm Thursday, November 21, 2024 By Data Skrive The New Orleans Pelicans (4-12) will be monitoring eight players on the injury report, including Brandon Ingram, ahead of a Friday, November 22 matchup with the Golden State Warriors (11-3) at Smoothie King Center. The Warriors have listed two injured players. The game begins at 7:30 PM ET. Watch the NBA, other live sports and more on Fubo. What is Fubo? Fubo is a streaming service that gives you access to your favorite live sports and shows on demand. Use our link to sign up for a free trial. In their last matchup on Wednesday, the Pelicans suffered a 128-100 loss to the Cavaliers. In the losing effort, Antonio Reeves paced the Pelicans with 34 points. The Warriors head into this contest after a 120-97 win over the Hawks on Wednesday. Andrew Wiggins scored 27 points in the Warriors’ victory, leading the team. Sign up for NBA League Pass to get live and on-demand access to NBA games. Get tickets for any NBA game this season at StubHub. Catch NBA action all season long on Fubo. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER .
Headed South for Winter? 5 Tips for Snowbirds About to Take FlightJoco almost died at launch. Now, it’s a lifeline for e-bike delivery riders — and a profitable businessSPLP Stock Hits 52-Week High at $42.98 Amid Market Optimism
Daily Post Nigeria Ogun trains automotive artisans on CNG conversion, maintenance Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport News Ogun trains automotive artisans on CNG conversion, maintenance Published on November 30, 2024 By Daily Post Staff The Ogun State government has embarked on the training of automotive craftsmen across the three senatorial districts of the state in new techniques and technology in automotive mechatronics. The training, which was in conjunction with the World Bank funded Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), involved no fewer than 40 automotive craftsmen in its first phase. The measure, according to the the Ogun State government, is to support and enhance the capacity of artisans in the automotive industry in the state. The training also includes conversion of vehicle engines from petrol to Compressed Natural Gas(CNG). The CNG training component involves the design and installation of CNG fuel systems in compliance with all applicable safety codes and standards. Speaking at one of the practical session, held at Abeokuta, the OGSTEP Skills Sector Project Manager, Mr. Fatai Osunsanya, said that the training program which started three months ago is aimed at upskilling the selected artisans with modern techniques and knowledge in auto maintenance as well as improve the relevance and access to the traditional apprentice training system. The Project Manager said that the training covered, auto-mechatronics, auto-electrical, CNG Conversion, digital literacy, adult literacy and health and safety. Mr Osunsanya further explained that the trainees were selected from all the mechanic clusters across the state to participate in the pilot training programme. The Lead Facilitator, Mr. Osokoya Babatunde, stated that the CNG training initiative was not meant to eradicate the use of petrol but to serve as alternative for vehicles. He advised the participants to put into practice all the new learnings and skills they have learnt during the training programme. Speaking on behalf of the trainees, Mr Haruna Akinfenwa from Abeokuta South Local Government and Mr Sulaimon Oyekanmi from Sagamu Local Government appreciated the organizers of the programme, promising to step down the training to others in their various clusters. Related Topics: CNG ogun Don't Miss NSCDC partners Navy to tackle oil theft on Abia waterways You may like Man allegedly hangs self in Ogun Prison decongestion: 14 inmates regain freedom in Ogun Ogun Chief Judge swears in members of LG election petition tribunal Tension in Ogun LG as inauguration, appointment of Leader of House turn violent Ogun commissioner urges herders to protect livestock with anthrax vaccine NNL: Ogun Government keen to select best players for Gateway United Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media Ltd
( MENAFN - GlobeNewsWire - Nasdaq) NEW YORK, Dec. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C., a nationally recognized stockholder rights law firm, announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against ASP Isotopes, Inc (“ASP Isotopes” or the“Company”) (NASDAQ: ASPI) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on behalf of all persons and entities who purchased or otherwise acquired ASP Isotopes securities between October 30, 2024 and November 26, 2024, both dates inclusive (the“Class Period”). Investors have until February 3, 2025 to apply to the Court to be appointed as lead plaintiff in the lawsuit. Click here to participate in the action. On November 26, 2024, Fuzzy Panda Research published a report which alleged that ASP Isotopes is“using old, disregarded laser enrichment technology to masquerade as a new, cutting-edge Uranium enrichment.” The report quoted a former employee of Klydon (the company ASP Isotopes purchased its“proprietary” technology from) as stating scientists“did not think it would work on Uranium.” The report revealed a series of experts interviewed stated the Company's reported cost estimates and timeline for building its HALEU uranium facilities was misleading to the point of being“delusional.” The report further alleged the Company had significantly overstated the significance of its agreement with TerraPower, which was only a“non-binding” memorandum of understanding entered into to“put pressure on [TerraPower's] real suppliers.” The report quoted a former TerraPower executives as stating that ASP Isotopes was“missing the manufacturing; They are missing the processes as well; They still have to develop the HALEU...the most important part.” Finally, the report revealed that the Company's subsidiary, Quantum Leap Energy, which operates its nuclear fuels segment and to which the Company assigned the TerraPower memoranda of understanding, was completely absent from its registered South African address. The report revealed there were“zero signs” of their presence and“security guards and neighboring business about them all told us they had never heard of the companies.” On this news, the Company's stock price fell $1.80 or 23.53%, to close at $5.85 per share on November 26, 2024, on unusually heavy trading volume. The stock continued to fall on the subsequent trading date, falling $0.83 or 14.19%, to close at $5.02 per share on November 27, 2024, on unusually heavy trading volume. The complaint filed in this class action alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors: (1) the Company overstated the potential effectiveness of its enrichment technology; (2) the Company overstated the development potential of its high assay low-enriched uranium facility; (3) the Company overstated the Company's nuclear fuels operating segment results; and (4) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. If you purchased or otherwise acquired ASP Isotopes shares and suffered a loss, are a long-term stockholder, have information, would like to learn more about these claims, or have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Brandon Walker or Marion Passmore by email at ... , telephone at (212) 355-4648, or by filling out this contact form . There is no cost or obligation to you. About Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C.: Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. is a nationally recognized law firm with offices in New York, California, and South Carolina. The firm represents individual and institutional investors in commercial, securities, derivative, and other complex litigation in state and federal courts across the country. For more information about the firm, please visit . Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Contact Information: Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. Brandon Walker, Esq. Marion Passmore, Esq. (212) 355-4648 ... MENAFN26122024004107003653ID1109033704 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Is this Christmas a time of fragile hope for the war-torn Middle East? Or could the abrupt end to Syria's brutal civil war, raging since 2011, be paving the way for fresh tensions and new divisions? Mixed messages are coming out of Damascus. Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, Islamist fighters from across the country streamed into the capital, each carving out their own territories in the city. At the centre of this seismic power shift stands Ahmed al-Sharaa, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the dominant force in the rebel alliance. Syria's triumphant guerrilla general has been keen to distance himself from his militant past with the Islamic State. Swapping his jihadi fatigues for a suit, he now presents himself as a leader seeking to govern as a civilian rather than as a perpetual warrior. On Tuesday, al-Shaara's fledgling government announced a landmark agreement: anti-Assad rebel forces will disband, their fighters merging into a single unified Syrian army under a newly formed ministry of defence. A glimmer of hope for the region's future? Perhaps. Still, for many Syrian Christians – who make up some 2 per cent of the country's population – this festive period brings more anxiety than celebration. Yesterday was the first Christmas day in 50 years without Assad's tyrannical rule and, although the new government made it a public holiday along with Muslim festivals, not all the signs are encouraging. Earlier this week, a video spread on social media showing hooded fighters setting fire to a Christmas tree in the Christian-majority town of Suqaylabiyah, near Hama. Earlier this week, a video spread on social media showing hooded fighters setting fire to a Christmas tree in the Christian-majority town of... Mark Almond
Disability payment update – SSDI checks will arrive in bank accounts within hours – It’s official
Delhi’s next election’s a hot potato, but what really counts will barely be discussed Political twins Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia have staked their political futures on Delhi assembly election 2025 – both out on bail and both back to earnestly campaigning on their 2013 ‘honest neta’ plank. In the aftermath of money laundering allegations that played out through the year, both proclaimed when they quit, separately, that they’d return to office only if voters gave them a clean chit. It was hitting two birds with one stone: making the election a trial by voter, and reiterating the alleged unfairness of law enforcement. Jail stint clearly served another CM, Hemant Soren, well in Jharkhand, who went on to win handsomely on a tribal identity plank. Unlike Soren, Kejriwal had refused to resign when arrested, opting to play a king-in-exile card. AAP’s constant Hindu-hum continued when Atishi, a rare first-time legislator to assume the post, had posed next to an empty chair to symbolise Kejriwal as the ‘real’ Ram. Another CM, Omar Abdullah in newest UT J&K, just days ago, said “dual power system should end”, while his party talked of certain issues as “job of an elected govt, not a nominated person”. Kejriwal knows this tune well – he’s had dealings, to put it mildly, with three LGs. Powers of Delhi’s elected govt stand considerably whittled. AAP govt’s been on a collision course with its bureaucracy. It bickers with its allies. Having won 62 of 70 seats in 2020, this time’s poll strategy hangs entirely on Kejriwal’s political acumen – his netagiri sharper than his anti-corruption crusader role. In a smart move, Sisodia, who won by just a little over 3,000 votes in 2020, has been shifted, his traditional middle-class east Delhi seat clearly not safe anymore. AAP became a national party last Sep after winning 5 seats in Gujarat state polls – alongside govts in Delhi and Punjab, where it made electoral capital from farmers’ protests, and 2 MLAs in Goa. In home turf Delhi, it’s AAP’s toughest battle yet. Delhi’s 2020 election was held at the height of anti-CAA protests – with its epicentre the women’s resistance at Shaheen Bagh, even as Covid crept up rapidly while the Centre prepared for Trump’s visit, followed by communal clashes in Delhi. Yesterday, the former CM worried over law and order in Delhi. Kejriwal’s spoilt for political issues to campaign on – sadly, none of it will likely be about the decay of India’s richest city, its toxic air, or mismanaged waste, appalling urban transport system, its traffic woes or the desperation of its lower middle classes, where mid-day meal cooks are paid 1,000 a month.Posted: Thursday, December 26, 2024. 2:48 pm CST. The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Breaking Belize News. (Note: This TIME COME post features a guest piece by Mr. Grinch – or at least inspired by him. And Happy Holidays to all my readers.) By ‘Di Grinch’, TIME COME #18, 20 December 2024. I live on hill where it blows and it snows. So, I crave a place with no need for ploughs. Perhaps a warm isthmus with a nice quiet Christmas. To catch some warm breeze and escape the deep freeze. My mutt Max says, ‘let’s do Belize’. Hmmmm? But is it just what he heard from that migratory bird? That Belize now has tons of free turkeys and hams. Free turkeys and hams! Is it but a scam? The Grinch knows what to do! Trusting Max nor A.I., I will employ a good spy. Christmas in Belize? Do I go, or abort? Well, let me first read my intel report. Dear Mr. Grinch, Greetings from Belize and much thanks for the commission – though please note that I am a ‘consultant’, not ‘spy’. But straight to the point as your deadline is tight. The rumour Max heard is no rumour at all. At Christmas in Belize there are free turkeys and hams! There are also loud parties with free food and free drinks, with free gifts for the kids, and with free raffles of fridges. And some get free cash, if cards are played right. Who can argue with all this free giving in a season of joy? Perhaps you, Mr. Grinch? But I rudely digress. So yes, Max was right about free turkeys and hams. It’s important you know that some free ‘givings’ at Christmas are well above board. Several kind people and charity groups give food (including turkeys and hams) and gifts to some most in need. But these are not the free turkeys and hams that have Max excited. Those ones are doled out by politicos painted deep blue or deep red. (No green as yet, I am afraid, Mr. Grinch). The Blues – the People’s United Party (PUP) – and the Reds – the United Democratic Party (UDP) – have made such free ‘givings’ quite a fine art. How did it come to this you ask Mr. Grinch? The explanation does require some contextualization. From Informal to Normal It began quite innocently you see, Mr. Grinch. By 1981, when Belize became free, some politicians of both colours hosted wee parties for constituents at Christmas. It was mostly informal and the ‘givings’ were small. They used their own funds or donations from family and friends. Some used part of their constituency ‘vote’ they got from the state, or small contributions from companies like Belize Estate. Over the next three decades, the practice of ‘free givings’ expanded each Christmas. And so, the Blues and the Reds needed more and more funds for more and more free turkeys and hams. Reds Up the Game Voila! In December 2011, the then Red Government had an epiphany: Let’s just officially use public money! All in plain sight. If it is all formalised there is no need to hide giving out turkeys and hams. So, $1.4 million was allocated to a scheme with a name shrewdly innocuous: Christmas Cheer. Who can argue with that? And the money did flow. Red politicians in 31 divisions, elected or not, got $40,000 each for Christmas goodies for their constituents. But the Blue Opposition was quite vexed that its politicians received zero. They did, indeed, moan – and accused the Reds of vote-buying, gross bribery and abusing public funds. Well, the Reds won again in 2012, and by 2013, Christmas Cheer reached a new record of $2.3 million. This time, the 17 Red elected representatives got $90,000 each. The 14 Reds who were just standard bearers (not in the House) got $25,000 each. But guess what, Mr Grinch? The 14 Blue representatives got $25,000 each! Though they complained about the ‘inequity in distribution’, the Blues, took their smaller Cheer with little contrition – and continued to do so except for one year. Did the Blues just forget their vote-buying concerns? Well, they used the excuse that they too needed state money to meet the growing demand for turkeys and hams. By 2020, when the long-reigning Reds got the voters’ boot, Christmas Cheer was its own institution – a national programme much anticipated every December. So, would the new Blue Government, that came to power with the promise to clean up corruption, disband or clean up Christmas Cheer? Alas no, Mr Grinch. Blues Up the Game Instead, the Blues embraced the Reds’ Christmas Cheer tactics, it seems without question. In the Christmas of 2020 (that annus horribilis) the Blues called its programme ‘December COVID-19 Relief Fund’ with an allocation of $930,000. Although very much needed in that dark December, it very much resembled a Christmas Cheer. Since 2021, with the Blues in control, Christmas Cheer has both thrived and solidified. And so embedded was the name that the Blues could not lose it. In 2022, all 31 elected representatives got $75,000 each in Christmas Cheer. The total that year of $2.3 million matched or exceeded the Reds’ 2013 record. Some Belizeans lining up for Christmas Cheer But the Blues did initiate two noteworthy ‘Cheer’ changes. First, elected representatives of both the Blues and the Reds now receive equal amounts of Christmas Cheer funds. Then, in a change more recent, Cheer is allocated based roughly on the number of voters in a constituency. For example, this year, in 2024, all elected representatives of larger constituencies got $90,000 each and those of smaller constituencies got $60,000 each. Does it not all sound so fair? Well, at least until you realise that by adding some rules to the partisan game, it becomes further normalised with more official permission to splurge. An informal bi-partisan agreement perhaps? So, when next in power, the Reds will maintain equity in distribution? In 2024, 43 years after independence, Christmas Cheer and Santa Claus politicians are now deeply embedded in Belize’s political and Christmas culture. Christmas Cheer is now institutional policy, eagerly supported by the Blues and the Reds – and awaited each December by more and more people. But I know Mr. Grinch, you also did ask, “Is it but a scam?” Is it but a Scam? Before I respond, you should know, Mr. Grinch, that Christmas Cheer is but one piece of the broader practice of handout politics in Belize. This is where Red and Blue politicians hand out money, resources and services to voters in return for political support – usually their votes. Besides Christmas Cheer, there are also ‘Cheers’ for Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and such other big periods – like when the school year begins. And every week the politicians of the Reds and the Blues hold ‘clinics’ where constituents can go to personally ask them for bills to be paid, or for cash or for land or for some government favour. Then there are the big Christmas gimmicks like writing off mortgages (2011 by the Reds) and waiving GST (2024 by the Blues). And all this is before it is election day once again. But it’s time to talk scam. Scam 1: Tek di Turkey, Tek di Ham, Vote PUDP The Blues and the Reds all say they are just ‘helping’ the needy and bringing good cheer. But most everyone knows that it’s part of the partisan game where the prize is winning the next election. It’s best seen as ‘transaction’: from my hand to yours – and you owe me something. For you see Mr. Grinch, no matter what accountability measures they boast, each politician ensures that each voter knows that it is, he or she, the individual politician, who is giving. From my own hand to yours. That’s why politicians say insane things like, “I gave Miss Gertrude a turkey and ham.” Or “I gave all the kids in my constituency free gifts.” Or “I gave your daughter a scholarship?” So, Scam 1 is that politicians of the Blues and the Reds personally give voters ‘free’ Christmas goodies but expect their votes in return. But is free really free? Scam 2: Use the People’s Own Money Scam 2 is about where the money comes from for tens of thousands of turkeys and hams. You will recall, Mr. Grinch, that Christmas Cheer money comes from the public treasury. So, the funds for Christmas Cheer can come from things like taxes, duties, fees, returns on investments, grants or loans. In other words, from the people’s money or the people’s debt. Few people know that the $1.4 million for the 2011 Christmas Cheers came from proceeds received by the Red Government from shares it held for the people in the then newly nationalised Belize Telemedia Limited. Then between 2013 and 2019 the Reds funded most of their Christmas Cheers from the PetroCaribe loan provided by Venezuela. One credible estimate is that the total expended just on Christmas Cheer in this period was some $9,000,000.00. In this term of office, the Blues do not say much about the exact public source of the funds for their Christmas Cheers. It is just another line in an annual or supplementary budget. And whereas the Blues used to boastfully announce the monetary amounts for Christmas Cheers in the House, none was made for the over $2 million in 2024. So, Mr. Grinch, the scam here is deceitfully simple: for their personal electoral gain, the Blues and the Reds give people back their own money and make it seem free. But is free really free? I know time is short, but two more things you must know. One is that local governments (like city and town councils) and statutory bodies (like the Belize Tourism Board) also dole out Christmas Cheer, funded largely by the people’s money. The second is that both the Blues and the Reds also get private funds from some big wigs to supplement their Christmas Cheers. The funds or goods or discounts that they get, allow them, in theory, to have more goodies to barter with. There are no records kept here, for Belize has no laws that require political parties and politicians to disclose their donations. Scam 3: Immediate Relief but Core Problems Remain I suggest, Mr. Grinch, that Scam 3 is the most disillusioning of all. Who can blame needy people for accepting free turkeys and hams and free gifts for kids at this time of year? On top of high poverty and much inequality, inflation is rough, making times harder for many. But however much festive joy they bring and however many bellies they full, are most Christmas Cheer givings not just immediate gratifications? So, Mr. Grinch, even as some in need surely do benefit, these seasonal givings are like opiate-laced band-aids. The Blues and the Reds – and some of the people – ignore key questions like: “Why can’t more people afford their own turkeys and hams? And if there is to be a state programme, why must it be implemented by the Blues and the Reds? In short, Mr. Grinch, handout programmes like Christmas Cheer do not address why so many people are poor. Or why a few have so much and most have so little. In fact, such programmes may just foster even more socio-economic dependency on the Blues and the Reds. The more deeply we look, the more evidence we see that the short-term benefits of such things as ‘free’ turkeys and hams are outweighed by their long-lasting damaging effects. For sure programmes like these are wide open to corruption, to waste. How do we know that no public funds end up in private hands or that no deals are made with suppliers for kickbacks? And one often hears of double dipping – where more cunning constituents get again and again, while others get none. What promises are made to big private donors and how much public revenue is lost in this game? How much funds are wasted that could have gone to under-funded social programmes ran by the state? No time to explore such questions right now Mr. Grinch. Your deadline is today, and I must wrap up. The Grinch and Max in Belize? So, Mr. Grinch, by now you know that Belize’s turkeys and hams are not really free – they just seem to be. You may agree that, in principle, there is nothing wrong with people really in need getting social and economic assistance from the state. The issue is how it is done. We have seen that when programmes such as Christmas Cheer, go ‘through’ the hands of Blues and the Reds, their politicians use partisan discretion to decide who gets what and how much. It not only bad for democracy and people’s development, but, as you may suspect, it is not sustainable. But let’s dream for a bit, Mr. Grinch, that most Belizeans agree the needy should receive things like turkeys and hams from public funds each December. Then a sound social welfare programme, based on merit and transparency, is designed and established in a department of government. Then trained public officers implement the programme with full accountability and provide audited records for all to see. Politicians will be banned from any involvement – apart from informing their constituents that the programme exists. Wake up, Mr. Grinch! While your key query was about scams around hams, please do not assume that all is bad in Belize. Of course they are problems, but good things do happen. Belize has great natural beauty with warm beaches, blue seas, a long barrier reef, hundreds of birds, majestic Maya temples and lush forests that are greener than you. And yes, most Belizeans are really welcoming and nice – though I fear this could be a put off knowing you. The economy is growing, and unemployment is low. Minimum wage has been raised, and a National Health Insurance scheme is expanding. And more good things can happen – if Belize can fix things like free turkeys and hams. Mr. Grinch, I hope that this brief will help you decide whether you and Max will do Belize this Christmas. I am sure if you do, that Max can ‘arrange’ to eat dozens of ‘free’ turkeys and hams. As for you, Mr Grinch, you now know that Christmas in Belize comes with big noisy parties, lots of bright lights, much feasting on hams, and sleek politicians. All things that you say make you more and more grumpy. Perhaps you stay home and just send Max to Belize? Happy Holidays Mr. Grinch. Do extend my greetings to Max and the Whos. ******************** Dear Dr. Vernon, I appreciate your wee brief, though it has but increased my grief. I deduce that if we go to Belize, we may never leave – at least not in one piece. So, Max and I will stay put and just travel to nearby places by foot. Bah Hambug! Mr. Grinch But I want to go. Please Mr. Grinch...free turkeys and hams! Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315. © 2024, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.
Cowboys set to host Bengals under open roof after falling debris thwarted that plan against Texans
The Big Central Conference released its All-Division football teams for the 2024 season. You can find the selections for the Freedom Gold Division below. NOTE : The selections were made by coaches from the conference and not reporters from NJ.com . If an athlete’s name is misspelled, please let us know and we will make the correction.. FIRST TEAM Stephen Henits, Spotswood, WR/DE, Sr. John Wallace, Spotswood. OL/DT, Sr. Douglas Tumundo, Spotswood, OL/DT, Sr. Se’mir Tolbert-Brimage, Spotswood, QB/P, Jr. Gavin Pereira, Spotswood, K, Jr. Sebastian Saracino, Spotswood, RB/S, Jr. Julian Sanchez, Spotswood, LB, Jr. Ryan Foster, Spotswood, WR/CB, Fr. Markos Hantsoulis, Highland Park, QB, Sr. Brian Mahoney, Highland Park, OL, Sr. Jaylin Adams, Highland Park, DB, Sr. Kostatinos Hantsoulis, Highland Park, WR, Jr. Jacob Quiros Porras, Highland Park, LB, So. John John DeSarno, Dayton, QB, Sr. Chidiogo Iherobiem, Dayton, WR/DB, Jr. Adrian Berknopf, Dayton, WR, So. Michael Marchesi, South River, TE/DE, Sr. Aiden Velez, South River, RB/LB, Sr. Ryker Stewart, South River, OL/LB, Sr. Matthew Drada, Roselle Park, OL/DL, Sr. Alfris Garcia, Roselle Park, RB/DB, Sr. Carter Stein, Brearley, Util., Jr. Matt Resende, Brearley, RB/LB, Jr. SECOND TEAM Jayson Tejada, Spotswood, LB, Sr. Dan Keelen, Spotswood, OL/DE, Jr. Vinny Young, Spotswood, WR/CB, So. Jared Matos, Highland Park, DL, Jr. Quantray Sadler, Highland Park, DL, Jr. Zyaire Holland, Highland Park, LB, Sr. James Walker, Dayton, RB/LB, Sr. Jordan Gonzalez, Dayton, WR/DB, Sr. Karl Nielsen, South River, OL/NT, Sr. Anthony Cianfracca, Roselle Park, RB/LB, Jr. Alex Hernandez, Roselle Park, OL/DL, Sr. Joe Squillaro, Brearley, Jr. Mike Kinney can be reached at mkinney@njadvancemedia.com The N.J. High School Sports newsletter is now appearing in mailboxes 5 days a week. Sign up now! Follow us on social: Facebook | Instagram | X (formerly Twitter)BlockDAG Leads the Charge: How Its $152M Presale Elevates It Above Notcoin's Breakout & ENS’s Web3 InfluenceAs Hambantota International Port (HIP) gears up to enhance its container operations with the introduction of advanced crane technology in early February 2025, Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) CEO Wilson Qu emphasised the port’s commitment to exploring untapped markets to expand its portfolio. This strategic initiative aims to significantly boost container volumes and solidify Sri Lanka’s position as a competitive force in global maritime trade. To achieve this, the port is implementing a comprehensive seaside and landside strategy designed to position HIP’s container division strategically for future growth. The port’s landside strategy is progressing actively to attract investors to its industrial zone. Recently, an agreement was signed to establish a sponge-mattress factory within the zone. This business, targeting export markets in the USA, Europe, and Canada, marks a significant milestone as the first agreement finalised since the port launched container operations. Currently, the port is handling an increasing number of inquiries and anticipates finalising several additional agreements in 2025. The industrial zone is poised to create substantial employment opportunities while fostering a collaborative environment where Sri Lankan entrepreneurs can either partner with international companies or invest independently to meet rising international demand. HIPG’s industrial zone will also generate more gateway cargo, drawing liners to the port and significantly enhancing connectivity. This initiative provides a considerable logistical advantage for cargo originating in the region, further solidifying the port’s role as a strategic hub in global trade. “Hambantota Port’s strategic location on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, combined with the island’s central position along key maritime routes, offers a unique opportunity to attract customers who may not have previously considered Sri Lanka a viable option,” the CEO explained, emphasising that HIPG’s strategy goes beyond geopolitical influences and traditional market segmentation. “Instead, our focus is on delivering competitive commercial rates and exceptional service with investment in infrastructure and superstructure, because we are well aware that the port cannot rely solely on its location.” As part of its seaside strategy, the port is entering the relay cargo market, representing a new opportunity for the country, which has a set goal to handle 10 million TEUs between 2025 and 2026. HIPG is also targeting the region’s container market, particularly transhipment. Currently, more than 70% of containerised cargo from the BIMSTEC countries bypasses Sri Lankan ports, presenting a substantial opportunity for HIP to capture a significant portion of this untapped market. Through aggressive and strategic marketing to this segment, HIP aims to position itself as a key hub and unlock untapped potential in the region. Relay cargo refers to the transfer of cargo between two ships at an intermediate port, which involves vessels from the same carrier. It is a strategic move aimed at improving operational efficiency and connecting services across different regions. By utilising an intermediate port, shipping lines can optimise their routes, streamline operations, and reduce overall transit times. In contrast, transhipment involves the movement of cargo between ships — often from different carriers, at an intermediate hub port when there is no direct route between the origin and the destination. By leveraging Sri Lanka’s strategic location and offering tailored landside and seaside solutions for container operations, the Hambantota International Port is poised to redefine regional shipping dynamics and establish itself as a major player in the global logistics sector.
India’s former PM Manmohan Singh dies aged 92Commentary: Burnt out young travellers are driving the rise of all-inclusive resorts
NoneBy TIM REYNOLDS When LeBron James broke another NBA record earlier this month, the one for most regular-season minutes played in a career, his Los Angeles Lakers teammates handled the moment in typical locker-room fashion. They made fun of him. “They told me I’m old as hell,” James quipped. By NBA standards, they’re not wrong. He was dubbed “The Kid from Akron” when the Ohio native entered the league with a limitless future nearly 22 years ago. He’s now the 40-year-old from Los Angeles with wisps of gray in his beard. His milestone birthday comes Dec. 30, one that will make him the first player in NBA history to play in his teens, 20s, 30s and 40s. Such a feat has happened a couple of dozen times in baseball before. It has happened in hockey — Gordie Howe was a five-decade player, appearing in the NHL from his teens to his 50s — but never in the NFL or the NBA. Until now. James is making more basketball history and creating a club all of his own. “In some ways he’s a freak of nature,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. “I’ve been around a lot of great players and he’s one of the hardest-working players I’ve been around. I mean, he doesn’t take a day off. He seems to not take an afternoon off. He’s always working on some part of his body. You meet with him and he’s always soaking something or eating something with some contraption attached to him.” A 40th birthday, in NBA terms, means the on-court end is near. James will become the 30th player to appear in a regular-season game with a “4” as the first digit of his age; only nine logged more than 51 games after that birthday. He’ll be the 32nd player to play after turning 40 overall; Tim Duncan and Danny Schayes both turned 40 during playoff runs in what became their final seasons. And for the most part, big numbers are largely nonexistent at that age. Only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (who did it three times), John Stockton (twice), Michael Jordan, Robert Parish and Karl Malone have averaged more than 10 points in a season after turning 40. Jordan averaged 22.4 points in 30 games after turning 40 in his final season with Washington; Malone is the most recent to do it, averaging 13.2 points in 42 games after turning 40 while with the Lakers in 2003-04. James, meanwhile, is still putting up All-Star level numbers: 23.5 points, 9 assists and 7.5 rebounds per game. Forget how doing that at 40 is unheard of. Doing that at 30 is practically unheard of. The only players to have those numbers in all three categories in a season after turning 30 are James (who did it at 33 and 35) and James Harden (who did it at 31). “The size, the strength and the IQ ... with his frame and the way he takes care of himself, he doesn’t have to be the best athlete on the planet. At one time he was,” Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “We’re not talking about the best athlete in the association. He was the best athlete on the planet arguably, just size, strength, agility, explosiveness combined. But at this size and if he just wants to slow the game down and just play off his brain and IQ, he could do that for another decade. I doubt he’ll find interest in that. But he could.” Nobody knows when James will stop playing. And it surely isn’t going to get any easier: James wanted to play all 82 games this season and couldn’t, was widely criticized when the Lakers went through a slump earlier this season and took tons of backlash when his team drafted his son Bronny in the second round last summer in what many thought was simple nepotism. He has always been a lightning rod. If his play declines at 40, his naysayers will be lined up to revel in that. “It’s a lot harder, physically and emotionally, to face what those guys face night after night after night,” Golden State coach Steve Kerr said of top NBA stars getting up in years, like James and the Warriors’ Stephen Curry — who’ll turn 37 in March. “There’s a reason players have to retire. You know, they can’t do it forever.” James won’t either. But even while playing alongside elite 30-year-olds like Giannis Antetokounmpo, James — who reportedly spends more than $1.5 million annually on his fitness and has an on-site mechanic of sorts at all times for anything his body needs in personal athletic training guru in Mike Mancias — has shown how to play long past what used to be considered an NBA player’s peak years. “What he’s done is incredible, never been done, especially at the level he’s playing,” Antetokounmpo said. “For me, I always look at the other players that kind of set the blueprint for us, and this is something that’s never been done before. I definitely want to play late into my career, like 37, 38, 39, as much as my body can allow me to play. But I have to do a good job of taking care of my body, which I believe I do, but he kind of set the path for us, set the blueprint for us. We’ve just got to follow.” The accolades are countless: James is the NBA’s all-time scoring leader, has a place in the GOAT conversation, most minutes played, four NBA championships, three Olympic gold medals, 20 and likely soon to be 21 All-Star selections, oldest to do this, oldest to do that, generational wealth with a net worth exceeding $1 billion, and on and on and on. It begs the question: What does one get a 40-year-old who has everything? “I don’t even know,” lamented Bronny James — another example of how James is one of one, becoming the first dad in NBA history to have his son as a teammate. James has hinted that the end is near. “Don’t make me feel old right now,” he said, only half-kiddingly, when asked earlier this month about the looming 40th birthday. He is under contract for next season but hasn’t offered any guarantees about how long he will play, saying he isn’t “going to play that much longer, to be completely honest” and insisting that he won’t be “playing till the wheels fall off” because he doesn’t want to disrespect the game. No player scored more points in his teens than James did. Same goes for his 20s. Only Malone and Abdul-Jabbar scored more points in their 30s than James. And now, here comes his 40s, with James still going strong. It’s the final decade of a basketball career like none other. “Fans pay attention every time he steps on the court because they’re watching one of the greatest ever and still playing an incredibly high level, despite turning 40 this month,” Silver said. “I marvel at him.”