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[Word Count: 446 words]The live stream commenced with Xiang Zuo sharing his excitement for the day's special event, teasing fans with hints of a surprise transformation. As the camera switched to Xiao Hua's delighted expression, it was evident that the couple's infectious energy and chemistry were set to make this live session an unforgettable one.
Adele became emotional as she told her fans she will miss them “terribly” during her final Las Vegas residency show. The British singer-songwriter, 36, launched Weekends With Adele at Caesars Palace in November 2022 and performed her 100th show on Saturday. Her run of sell-out shows at the venue, which seats around 4,000 people, has been a success but has also taken its toll. In July, she announced she would be taking a “big break” from music after her current run of shows. A post shared by Adele (@adele) Videos posted online from her concert on Saturday show the singer getting tearful as she bid farewell to Vegas. “It’s been wonderful and I will miss it terribly and I will miss you terribly”, she said. “I don’t know when I next want to perform again.” She also said she got “closure” when Canadian singer Celine Dion came to watch her perform, admitting that she cried for a “whole week” afterwards. “It was just such a full circle moment for me because that’s the only reason I ever even wanted to be in here”, she added. Adele shared an emotional embrace with Dion after she spotted the singer in the audience during her Las Vegas show last month. A post shared by Adele (@adele) In footage shared online, the British star can be seen breaking down in tears as they hug in The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, which was built for Dion’s residency. The Rolling In The Deep singer has been vocal about her love for Dion over the years, hailing her as “Queen Celine” after attending one of her performances in an Instagram post in 2018. Dion reciprocated the love at the time, sharing a photo to social media of her posing alongside Adele, who was wearing the singer’s merchandise. She wrote: “Wasn’t able to do all my shows, but was thrilled that @Adele came to one of them.... I love her so much!! – Celine xx”. After their encounter at the venue, Adele said in an Instagram post: “Words will never sum up what you mean to me, or what you coming to my show means, let alone how it felt seeing you back in your palace with your beautiful family.”The advancement in quantum computing technology represents a major leap forward in the field and demonstrates the immense potential of quantum processors to tackle complex problems that were previously deemed unsolvable within a reasonable timeframe. This milestone achievement opens up new possibilities for the future of computing and scientific research.
The summit offers a diverse range of programs and activities designed to help participants navigate the complexities of cross-border e-commerce. From workshops on international marketing strategies to panel discussions on logistics and compliance, attendees have the opportunity to learn from industry experts and gain valuable insights into the global marketplace. Moreover, the summit provides networking opportunities for participants to connect with potential partners, suppliers, and customers from around the world.
Las Vegas, NM December 12, 2024 --( PR.com )-- Derrick Solano has built a legacy that bridges the raw depths of human experience, creative innovation, and unflinching honesty. With six profound books, three groundbreaking music albums, and transformative psychic services, Derrick’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the boundless reach of human and technological collaboration. His name is synonymous with resilience, authenticity, and the art of turning life’s scars into stories that inspire. Derrick’s six-book series, Unbreakable Lives, chronicles his life’s most challenging and triumphant moments, offering a guide for readers to overcome their own obstacles. From I Won’t Break, his unfiltered memoir of survival, to F*ck Perfect, which empowers readers to embrace imperfection, each book carries a message of strength, transformation, and hope. The collection, available exclusively on Amazon , has been hailed as a lifeline for anyone seeking to rebuild after adversity. These books are more than stories — they are roadmaps for resilience, written with the honesty and clarity of someone who has walked through the fire and emerged unbreakable. Derrick’s music echoes the themes of his books, blending personal lyrics with the innovation of AI-powered vocals to deliver a deeply emotional experience. His albums — Unbreakable: The Complete Soundtrack, Fireproof, and Unbreakable Legacy — are immersive journeys through pain, recovery, and triumph. Each song resonates with listeners, carrying the unfiltered truth of Derrick’s experiences. The decision to use AI for vocals allowed him to overcome the limitations of his voice while staying true to his story. This innovative approach ensures that his music connects on a visceral level, making each track a powerful anthem for resilience and transformation. Beyond his books and music, Derrick is celebrated for his psychic readings and energy-cleansing services, offered exclusively on Fiverr . Known for their bold honesty and transformative clarity, his readings empower clients to navigate love, career, and life’s challenges with actionable insight. These sessions are entirely human-driven —crafted with Derrick’s innate intuitive abilities and delivered with the same authenticity that defines his entire body of work. His energy-cleansing services, designed to remove negativity and restore balance, have helped countless individuals find clarity and peace in chaotic times. Derrick is also a staunch advocate for the ethical use of AI in creative endeavors. His music demonstrates how technology can enhance human storytelling without compromising authenticity. Every lyric, melody, and idea originates from Derrick, with AI serving as a tool to amplify his vision. This fusion of human creativity and cutting-edge technology has made him a trailblazer in both the literary and music worlds, setting a standard for how AI can be used to bring deeply personal stories to life. At the core of Derrick’s legacy is his commitment to authenticity. From surviving a turbulent childhood in the foster system to overcoming addiction and reclaiming his life, Derrick’s story is one of relentless resilience. His journey, now based in Las Vegas, New Mexico, reflects a man who has found peace, fulfillment, and purpose in sharing his truth. Through his website, derricksolano.com , audiences worldwide can explore his books, music, and psychic services, diving into the heart of his remarkable life and legacy. Derrick Solano’s work is not just art — it’s a movement. It’s a call to action for anyone who has ever felt broken or silenced to rise, create, and live authentically. His story, immortalized through his books, music, and services, is a powerful reminder that life’s hardest battles can lead to the most profound transformations. Whether through his unflinching memoirs, innovative music, or empowering psychic guidance, Derrick Solano continues to inspire, connect, and leave an indelible mark on the world. Contact Information: Derrick Solano 1-575-781-0661 Contact via Email https://www.derricksolano.com Read the full story here: https://www.pr.com/press-release/927155 Press Release Distributed by PR.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
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NVIDIA Unveils Future AI Accelerator: Integrated Silicon Photonics I/O, 3D Vertical-Stacked DRAM MemoryAlex and Scott connect virtually to record this episode on a Wednesday. The OT win over the Jets was a stresser and the Dolphins D could do little against a QB that hasn’t had a 300 yard day in years, so they are concerned. Jonnu Smith is our hero again and Tua earned this one. Jet’s game talk is well mixed in with the challenge the Dolphins have next: The Texans. These two think it’s going to be a hard road to travel to earn a win in Houston, and explain why. One cool thing has an announcement from Alex and some meandering recommendation on another wine region on the opposite side of the country from Scott.MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (AP) — Uruguayans on Sunday voted in the second round of the country's presidential election , with the conservative governing party and a left-leaning coalition locked in a close runoff following level-headed campaigns widely seen as emblematic of the country's strong democracy. As polls closed Sunday evening, turnout stood at 89.4% — around the same as during the first round last month in which the two moderate coalitions both failed to win an outright majority. Voting in Uruguay is compulsory. Depending on how tight the vote turns out to be, electoral officials may not call the race for days — as happened in the contentious 2019 runoff that brought center-right President Luis Lacalle Pou to office and ended 15 years of rule by Uruguay’s left-leaning Broad Front by a razor-thin margin. Álvaro Delgado, the incumbent party’s candidate who won nearly 27% in the first round of voting on Oct. 27, has campaigned under the slogan “re-elect a good government." Other conservative parties that make up the government coalition — in particular, the Colorado Party that came in third place last month — notched 20% of the vote collectively, enough to give Delgado an edge over his challenger. Yamandú Orsi from the Broad Front, who took 44% of the vote in the general election, is promising to forge a “new left” in Uruguay that draws on the memory of stability and economic growth under his Broad Front coalition, which presided over pioneering social reforms that won widespread international acclaim from 2005-2020, including the legalization of abortion, same-sex marriage and sale of marijuana . With inflation easing and the economy expected to expand by some 3.2% this year, according to the International Monetary Fund, surveys show that Uruguayans remain largely satisfied with the administration of Lacalle Pou, who constitutionally cannot run for a second consecutive term. But persistent complaints about sluggish growth, stagnant wages and an upsurge in violent crime could just as easily add the small South American nation to a long list of places this year where frustrated voters have punished incumbents in elections around the world. With most polls showing a virtual tie between Delgado and Orsi, analysts say the vote may hinge on a small group of undecided voters — roughly 10% of registered voters in the nation of 3.4 million people. “Neither candidate convinced me and I feel that there are many in my same situation,” said Vanesa Gelezoglo, 31, in the capital, Montevideo, adding she would make up her mind at “the last minute.” Analysts say the candidates’ lackluster campaigns and broad consensus on key issues have generated extraordinary indecision and apathy in an election dominated by discussions about social spending and concerns over income inequality but largely free of the anti-establishment rage that has vaulted populist outsiders to power in neighboring Argentina and the United States. “The question of whether Frente Amplio (the Broad Front) raises taxes is not an existential question, unlike what we saw in the U.S. with Trump and Kamala framing each other as threats to democracy," said Nicolás Saldías, a Latin America and Caribbean senior analyst for the London-based Economist Intelligence Unit. “That doesn't exist in Uruguay.” Both candidates are also appealing to voter angst over the current government's struggle to stem the rise in violent crime that has shaken a nation long regarded as one of the region’s safest, with Delgado promising tough-on-crime policies and Orsi advocating a more community-oriented approach. Delgado, 55, a rural veterinarian with a long career in the National Party, served most recently as Secretary of the Presidency for Lacalle Pou and promises to pursue his predecessor’s pro-business policies. He would continue pushing for a trade deal with China that has raised hackles in Mercosur, an alliance of South American countries promoting regional commerce. "We have to give the government coalition a chance to consolidate its proposals,” said Ramiro Pérez, a street vendor voting for Delgado on Sunday. Orsi, 57, a former history teacher and two-time mayor from a working-class background, is widely seen as the political heir to former President José “Pepe” Mujica , an ex-Marxist guerilla who became a global icon for helping transform Uruguay into one of the region's most socially liberal and environmentally sustainable nations. “He's my candidate, not only for my sake but also for my children's,” Yeny Varone, a nurse at a polling station, said of Orsi. “In the future they'll have better working conditions, health and salaries.” Mujica, now 89 and recovering from esophageal cancer , turned up at his local polling station before balloting even began, praising Orsi's humility and Uruguay’s famous stability. “This is no small feat,” he said of Uruguay's “citizenry that respects formal institutions.” Orsi planned no dramatic changes, and, despite his call for a revitalized left-wing, his platform continues the Broad Front's traditional mix of market-friendly policies and welfare programs. He proposes tax incentives to lure investment and social security reforms that would lower the retirement age but fall short of a radical overhaul sought by Uruguay's unions. The contentious plebiscite on whether to boost pension payouts failed to pass in October, with Uruguayans rejecting generous pensions in favor of fiscal constraint. Both candidates pledged full cooperation with each other if elected. “I want (Orsi) to know that my idea is to form a government of national unity,” Delgado told reporters after casting his vote in the capital's upscale Pocitos neighborhood. He said that if he won, he and Orsi would chat on Monday over some yerba mate, the traditional herbal drink beloved by Uruguayans. Orsi described Sunday's democratic exercise as “an incredible experience" as he voted in Canelones, the sprawling town of beaches and cattle ranches just north of Montevideo where he served as mayor for a decade. “The essence of politics is agreements,” he said. “You never end up completely satisfied.” Associated Press writer Isabel DeBre in Villa Tunari, Bolivia, contributed to this report.
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Kingsview Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in Reddit, Inc. ( NYSE:RDDT – Free Report ) in the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm acquired 3,815 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $251,000. Several other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the business. VY Capital Management Co. Ltd. acquired a new stake in Reddit in the 3rd quarter valued at $474,403,000. Vanguard Group Inc. purchased a new position in Reddit during the first quarter valued at $82,167,000. Marshall Wace LLP lifted its holdings in Reddit by 117.2% during the second quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 847,929 shares of the company’s stock valued at $54,174,000 after purchasing an additional 457,588 shares in the last quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. grew its position in shares of Reddit by 903.8% in the third quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 504,116 shares of the company’s stock valued at $33,231,000 after purchasing an additional 453,894 shares during the period. Finally, Maverick Capital Ltd. increased its stake in shares of Reddit by 147.4% during the second quarter. Maverick Capital Ltd. now owns 742,145 shares of the company’s stock worth $47,416,000 after purchasing an additional 442,145 shares in the last quarter. Insider Buying and Selling at Reddit In related news, CFO Andrew Vollero sold 11,287 shares of Reddit stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, September 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $64.00, for a total value of $722,368.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 840,379 shares in the company, valued at approximately $53,784,256. This trade represents a 1.33 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link . Also, COO Jennifer L. Wong sold 50,000 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, September 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $65.01, for a total value of $3,250,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer now directly owns 1,542,457 shares in the company, valued at approximately $100,275,129.57. The trade was a 3.14 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders sold a total of 311,644 shares of company stock worth $29,210,730 over the last three months. Reddit Trading Up 0.5 % Reddit ( NYSE:RDDT – Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 29th. The company reported $0.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of ($0.07) by $0.23. The firm had revenue of $348.40 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $313.61 million. Reddit had a negative return on equity of 40.54% and a negative net margin of 47.83%. The firm’s revenue was up 67.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts predict that Reddit, Inc. will post -3.63 earnings per share for the current year. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research analysts recently weighed in on RDDT shares. Raymond James raised their price target on shares of Reddit from $70.00 to $80.00 and gave the company a “strong-buy” rating in a research note on Thursday, October 10th. Loop Capital lifted their price target on Reddit from $80.00 to $90.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Friday, October 25th. Citigroup boosted their price target on Reddit from $70.00 to $120.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 30th. Piper Sandler restated an “overweight” rating and issued a $150.00 price objective (up previously from $115.00) on shares of Reddit in a report on Tuesday, November 19th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group upped their target price on shares of Reddit from $120.00 to $175.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Monday, November 25th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating, eleven have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Reddit currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $98.17. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Reddit About Reddit ( Free Report ) Reddit, Inc operates a website that organizes digital communities. It organizes communities based on specific interests that enable users to engage in conversations by sharing experiences, submitting links, uploading images and videos, and replying to one another. The company was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RDDT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Reddit, Inc. ( NYSE:RDDT – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Reddit Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Reddit and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
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STOCKHOLM (AP) — Two-time defending champion Barcelona clinched the last quarterfinal spot in the Women’s Champions League by beating Hammarby 3-0 in Stockholm on Thursday. Ewa Pajor fired Barcelona ahead with two first-half goals from close range and Aitana Bonmatí finished it off 10 minutes before the final whistle. Following a 2-0 loss to Manchester City in the opening group stage game, Barcelona scored 23 goals in the following four games and conceded one. Man City defeated St. Pölten 2-0 to keep a perfect record and lead Group D with 15 points. Barcelona is three points behind and will host City next Wednesday in the final group game. In Group C, Alessia Russo scored twice and Arsenal beat last-place Vålerenga 3-1 to keep pressure on group leader Bayern Munich. Arsenal produced another dominant display under interim coach Renée Slegers. Frida Maanum also scored for Arsenal and set up Russo's opener. Vålerenga, which retained its domestic league title and just claimed the Norwegian Cup to complete a double, got a consolation goal from substitute Tilde Lindwall. Bayern routed Juventus 4-0 to lead the group with 13 points, one ahead of Arsenal. The two will clash over the top spot in London next week. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccerThe launch of Sora represents a significant milestone in the evolution of AI-powered video generation and marks a new chapter in the history of digital content creation. As we look to the future, it is clear that Sora will play a pivotal role in shaping the way we interact with videos and unlocking a world of creative possibilities for generations to come.To navigate these complexities, the BOJ will need to carefully assess the timing and pace of any potential interest rate adjustments. Communication with market participants and forward guidance will be crucial in managing expectations and minimizing disruptions to financial markets.
By Tobias Alando Trade has been a cornerstone of human civilization, beginning with the ancient barter system and evolving into today’s complex international agreements. In the earliest days, barter trade, a system where people directly exchanged goods without a standard currency, was essential for survival, yet it had limitations. Disparities in value, seasonal shortages, and the challenge of matching each other’s needs fairly, often led to conflicts and stalled exchanges. Such misalignments in wants and resources made transactions cumbersome and hindered economic growth. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Over time, these inefficiencies drove societies to adopt currency, which streamlined trade and gave value a more universal measure. However, as trade grew beyond local communities and regions, new challenges arose, demanding structure and predictability in cross-border exchanges. This paved the way for trade agreements, which have become the foundation of international commerce today. Designed to reduce barriers like tariffs and quotas, these agreements enable smoother, fairer exchanges between nations, fostering both bilateral and multilateral relationships. Where barter was once limited to immediate needs and resources, modern trade agreements now support an interconnected global economy, encouraging growth, innovation, and mutual prosperity. One such agreement that has been pivotal in shaping trade dynamics is the Kenya-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) that is designed to create a free trade area between the EU and Kenya. Its primary objectives include promoting sustainable development, ensuring economic stability, and enhancing trade between EU and Kenya. By eliminating tariffs and quotas on goods, the EPA seeks to provide Kenyan products with greater access to EU markets by enhancing export opportunities. The goals of the EPA extend beyond mere tariff reductions; they also aim to enhance economic cooperation and address various trade-related issues such as supply-side constraints including compliance with Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) standards and enhancing capacity to implement trade facilitation measures. For Kenya, this means not only the potential for increased exports but also the ability to attract foreign investment, which is crucial for economic growth. Local manufacturers can plug into this framework by leveraging the advantages offered through the EPA, such as accessing European markets without facing prohibitive tariffs. Trade between Kenya and the EU has not been entirely balanced. According to International Trade Centre (ITC), Kenya Exported products worth $1.1 billion to the EU while importing $1.7 billion, representing a slight trade imbalance of $0.6 billion in favor of EU in 2022. To scale up trade and bridge this imbalance, Kenyan industries must focus on manufacturing high-quality value – added products, moving beyond the agriculturally based products and raw materials. The EU market, with its diverse consumer base, presents opportunities for Kenyan products, including textiles, processed foods, and manufactured goods. By investing in capacity building and technology, local manufacturers can create high-quality products that meet EU standards. As Kenya awaits the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) by United States of America, there is an opportunity to further enhance our trade relations with the EU. By aligning its manufacturing strategies with the requirements of EU, Kenya can ensure that its products meet the necessary quality and regulatory standards, thus enhancing its competitiveness on the global stage. However, the journey towards seamless trading between Kenya and the EU is not without its challenges. A myriad of issues continue to hinder trade at national level, including competitiveness, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of access to finance for local manufacturers. To foster a conducive trading environment, both governments must engage in dialogue to address these barriers. Initiatives that simplify customs procedures, enhance transport networks, and financial support to local manufacturers will be crucial in bolstering trade for both parties. Furthermore, creating awareness and providing training for local businesses on how to navigate international trade can empower them to tap into opportunities offered by the Kenya EU – EPA agreement. Kenya must also protect its market from an influx of low-quality imports that could undercut local industries. By enforcing quality standards, the government can prevent the local market from becoming a dumping ground, ensuring that domestic products remain competitive both at home and abroad. Kenya possesses the resources and ambition to make export-led growth a reality. Tackling logistical hurdles, enhancing industry skills, and promoting a robust national brand will position Kenya as a global trade leader. The Made in Kenya label, symbolizing quality, innovation, and dependability can become a hallmark of Kenya’s competitive economy. For Kenyan industries to excel internationally, they must be agile, resilient, and competitive. Stable and predictable tax policies, affordable access to credit, and targeted skill development initiatives can also provide local industries with the boost they need to perform well internationally. By investing in these areas, Kenya can create a business environment that enables its products to compete with those from other emerging and established economies. The result is not just an increase in exports, but a strengthening of Kenya’s global brand – a shift from traditional exports like tea and coffee to a more diversified export portfolio. Now is the time for Kenya to expand its export portfolio and elevate the ‘Made in Kenya’ label as a symbol of innovation and quality. By embracing this vision, Kenya can transform trade into a pathway to prosperity for all its citizens, fostering a future where exports are not merely transactions, but reflections of a thriving, globally respected economy. The writer is the Ag. Chief Executive of Kenya Association of Manufacturers and can be reached at ceo@kam.co.ke . See author's postsP olitics in Romania can be a bloody business, especially on the right. The excesses of the Iron Guard, an insurrectionary, violently antisemitic, ultranationalist 1930s political-religious militia, stood out even at a time when fascist parties were wreaking havoc in Germany, Italy and Spain. Given what is happening in Europe today, the events of that period are instructive. Iron Guard founder Corneliu Codreanu, a ruthless assassin who was himself assassinated in 1938, and his ally turned enemy, the pro-Nazi general Ion Antonescu, who was executed for war crimes in 1946, are back in the news of late. That’s because both men have been lauded as national heroes by Călin Georgescu, shock winner of last weekend’s first round of Romania’s presidential election. No mere throwback, Georgescu is very much a man of our times – a radical, hard-right, pro-Russia populist-nationalist who wants to make Romania great again. His anti-globalisation, anti-Nato, Eurosceptic platform, entitled “Food, Water, Energy”, stresses self-sufficiency, and aims to return the country to its rural roots. He does not belong to a conventional political party. Instead he uses TikTok to reach millions of followers. A sustainable development specialist described, appropriately, as a “toxic waste expert”, Georgescu claims to speak “for those who feel they do not matter and actually matter the most”, as he puts it. Inflation, debt, corruption and security are the big issues as the country heads into parliamentary elections this weekend, followed by a presidential runoff due on 8 December. Georgescu’s first round winning margin was narrow: 22.9%, against 19.17% for the centrist candidate, Elena Lasconi – and Romania’s constitutional court has ordered a recount , throwing the result and the timing of the runoff into doubt. If and when it goes ahead, the Liberal party and voters on the left are expected to switch support to Lasconi in a concerted bid to block Georgescu. This unprecedented turmoil is dramatising another pan-European worry: Russian hybrid warfare and, specifically, election interference and disinformation campaigns via social media. Georgescu’s feat in coming from nowhere to win raised red flags about “preferential treatment” and under-the-radar influence operations. An inquiry has been launched amid calls for TikTok to be suspended. Yet even if Georgescu is ultimately thwarted, the evident appeal of his hard-right, sovereigntist agenda could shift the next parliament to the right and profoundly affect Romania’s future direction. Nato has particular reason to worry. Earlier this year the alliance announced a $2.7bn expansion at its Mihail Kogalniceanu base in Constanta, on the Black Sea coast. When complete, it will be the largest Nato military base in Europe. Its presence underscores Romania’s vital role in maintaining supply routes to Ukraine, facilitating Kyiv’s grain exports, and holding the frontline in the west’s deepening confrontation with Vladimir Putin’s Russia. Yet if he has his way, Georgescu would cut aid to Ukraine and limit Romania’s collaboration with Nato, which he believes makes the country a target. He is critical of the deployment of US anti-missile batteries at Deveselu, in southern Romania, which he deems unnecessarily provocative of Moscow. All this is sending shivers across a Europe that already feels itself under siege, internally from extremist political parties, and externally from a subversive Russia and its anti-democratic allies . Instability along the EU’s south-eastern frontline, exacerbated by economic discontents, is increasing. Fear of what Russia might do next, after Ukraine, is driving support for Kremlin appeasers and conciliators. Elections in Moldova, Romania’s neighbour, in November provided additional chilling insights into these shared challenges. Maia Sandu, the country’s pro-western president, narrowly won re-election in the teeth of a covert, Russian-inspired and funded campaign to oust her. Sandu defeated Moldova’s version of Georgescu, the Kremlin-friendly outsider Alexandr Stoianoglo. A referendum on EU integration in October was also illicitly targeted by Moscow. ] Across the Black Sea, Georgia’s voters are embroiled in a political nightmare after the ruling party, Georgian Dream, stole October’s parliamentary elections. The EU has rejected the outcome, highlighting “significant irregularities”, bribery, impersonation and violence. Adding insult to injury time, a former Manchester City footballer, Mikheil Kavelashvili , looks set to be installed as president. Sign up to Observed Analysis and opinion on the week's news and culture brought to you by the best Observer writers after newsletter promotion Georgian Dream’s authoritarian drift is blamed for a breakdown in EU accession talks. The party is viewed as increasingly influenced by Russia, which was once again reportedly at work behind the election scenes. Passionate opposition street protests , continuing last week, and a boycott of parliament have failed to overturn the result. Brussels has expressed dismay. US president Joe Biden said he was “ deeply alarmed by the country’s democratic backsliding” – but little has been done to help. Score that one to Moscow, too. The story is not so very different elsewhere in south-eastern and central Europe. In Serbia, Bosnia, Hungary and Slovakia, right-leaning political leaders pay court to Putin and challenge the EU values they profess to uphold. Even in France and Germany, heartlands of the European project, the rightist Russian-incited rot has set in. Where Angela Merkel once ruled, Marine Le Pen and Alice Weidel now strut. Nationalist-populist parties feeding off anger over cost of living, migration and cultural tensions, and encouraged and funded by a hostile Russia waging hybrid and cognitive warfare – these are the twinned foes disrupting , dividing and weakening European democracies. None is immune. None has yet worked out how to turn the tide. And now a third negative force is at work. Romania’s are the first national elections to be held in a western democracy since Donald Trump triumphed in America. Is there a Trump effect? His cynical populism, me-first economics, pro-Russia stance and disdain for democratic norms and values exemplify – and spuriously validate – all that is going wrong across Europe today. Recalling the 1930s, some say Codreanu’s Iron Guard-style fascism is returning. Maybe, maybe not. Whatever name you give it, it’s frightening. Simon Tisdall is the Observer’s Foreign Affairs Commentator
In a surprising turn of events, reports have emerged suggesting that Manchester United defender Erik Eriksson is set to leave the club on a free transfer next summer. According to famous transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Swedish center-back is not expected to renew his contract with the Red Devils, which expires at the end of the current season.According to authorities, the two main operators of Manson Market, whose identities have not been disclosed, were apprehended in a coordinated raid that took place simultaneously in different locations. In addition to the arrests, law enforcement officers were able to seize a substantial amount of digital evidence, including servers, computers, and cryptocurrency accounts used in the operation of the marketplace.Gary Neville has apologised to Ruben Amorim in the face of his Marcus Rashford criticism. The Manchester United icon has been a harsh critic of Rashford and his Red Devils teammate Casemiro . The pair travelled to the US over the international break, a decision that Neville thought was “unprofessional”. In an interview with incoming United boss Ruben Amorim , the former defender decided to apologise for his comments. But he did not backtrack on his opinion, merely apologising for picking the wrong city that the pair visited. Speaking on Sky Sports, Neville said: "I made a comment this week about Casemiro and Marcus Rashford travelling to America in their few days off. It was just me thinking as a Manchester United player when I played here. "You've got a few days off, the club are 13th in the league, the manager has just been sacked, it's a challenging part of the season and the new manager is about to come in. "And that focus and preparation and every single little detail is really important, and I said I don't think I'd have chosen that trip to go to America with the time difference. “I did get it wrong - they went to New York rather than Portland so I apologise for that. But there's still a 5-6 hour time difference, they're on planes, Casemiro's 30 years of age." Amorim has already responded to Neville’s comments. And while he recognised that players have to take responsibility for their own actions, club chiefs also have to take some share of the blame for their players. Will Man United beat Ipswich this weekend? Share your predictions in the comments below Asked if he would have approached the situation differently, the new United boss said: “Yes, for sure. But you cannot put this on the players. They told them they have five days off so they can fly anywhere. "Nobody in the club said they cannot fly. They have to live their lives because they are grown men and they have to decide these things. Us as a club have to change in these standards. “In your time you had a great leadership at the club, very strong and the culture was already here when you start. So it was a long time with the same identity, the same way of seeing things and you felt that even if you do that, your team-mates will talk to you. “Now it's a different point, you have to acknowledge that. This must be started in the club, with us. We are responsible in that area. We cannot in this time put that of Rash or Casa. They receive the information five days off, do what you like. We as a club have to set better standards and we will try to do that.” Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £240 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
It is also worth noting the impact that these types of sensationalist performances can have on viewers, especially young and impressionable audiences. When internet celebrities prioritize shock value over genuine talent and creativity, they set a dangerous precedent for aspiring content creators who may feel pressured to engage in similar behavior to gain recognition. This can lead to a cycle of ever-increasing vulgarity and depravity in online content, ultimately normalizing harmful and inappropriate behavior.‘Antiquated’ base load power more relevant than Steggall would have us believe
What a difference a few percentage points can make. With just days before voters go to the polls, it feels like Sinn Féin is very much back in the game. It was all blue skies as Mary Lou McDonald gathered with her frontbench to finalise plans for the remainder of the campaign as Sinn Féin digested the latest poll results, which puts it tied with Fianna Fáil on 20% — closely behind Fine Gael on 22%. "I think the weather reflects our mood. This might be a winter election, but we have sunshine today," McDonald said. "I know talking to people, particularly over the last week, this sense of purpose now, this sense of energy has come back very, very strongly." She added that the the mood is now "very reminiscent" of the last general election, during which Sinn Féin enjoyed a surge in support. Whether Sinn Féin can repeat the outcome of the 2020 election, which saw the party return with 37 seats with many candidates topping polls and comfortably exceeding quotas, remains to be seen. However, the latest poll — coupled with Fine Gael's multiple missteps during this campaign — means Sinn Féin can no longer be ruled out, as many were doing just a few weeks ago. It could also put Fianna Fáil, which has repeatedly ruled out speaking to the opposition... Elaine Loughlin Political EditorTitle: The Assad Dynasty's 53-Year Rule in Syria Crumbles in 12 Days: "The Key Lay in Losing the Hearts of the People"GENEVA (AP) — Netflix has secured the U.S. broadcasting rights to the Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031 as the streaming giant continues its push into live sports. The deal announced Friday is the most significant FIFA has signed with a streaming service for a major tournament. The value was not given, though international competitions in women’s soccer have struggled to draw high-value offers. “Bringing this iconic tournament to Netflix isn’t just about streaming matches,” its chief content officer Bela Bajaria said in a statement. “It’s also about celebrating the players, the culture and the passion driving the global rise of women’s sport.” Netflix dipped into live sports last month with more than 60 million households watching a heavily hyped boxing match between retired heavyweight legend Mike Tyson and social media personality Jake Paul. Some viewers reported streaming problems , however. Netflix also will broadcast two NFL games on Christmas Day: the Kansas City Chiefs at the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens at the Houston Texans. That’s part of a three-year deal announced in May. World Cups are typically broadcast on free-to-air public networks to reach the biggest audiences, and the last women's edition in 2023 earned FIFA less than 10% of the men's 2022 World Cup. FIFA president Gianni Infantino had publicly criticized public broadcasters , especially in Europe, for undervaluing offers to broadcast the 2023 tournament that was played in Australia and New Zealand. That tournament was broadcast by Fox in the U.S. “This agreement sends a strong message about the real value of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the global women’s game,” Infantino said. The World Cup rights mark another major step in Netflix’s push into live programming. It’s recipe that Netflix has cooked up to help sell more advertising, a top priority for the company since it introduced a low-priced version of its streaming service that includes commercials two years ago. The ad-supported version is now the fastest growing part of Netflix’s service, although most of its 283 million worldwide subscribers till pay for higher-priced options without commercial. But Netflix is still trying to sell more ads to boost its revenue, which is expected to be about $30 billion. Netflix executives have predicted it might take two or three years before its ad sales become a major part of its revenue. Netflix expects to spend about $17 billion on programming this year — a budget that the Los Gatos, California, company once funneled almost entirely into scripted TV series and movies. But Netflix is now allocating a significant chunk of that money to sports and live events, a shift that has made it a formidable competitor to traditional media bidding for the same rights. FIFA will likely use the Netflix deal to drive talks with European broadcasters that likely will be hardball negotiations. Soccer finance expert Kieran Maguire, a co-host of The Price of Football podcast, suggested the deal was “a bit of a gamble" for FIFA and “saber-rattling” by Infantino. “(Netflix) get experience of football broadcasting, FIFA can say, ‘we are now partnering with a blue chip organization, so watch out you nasty Europeans,’” Maguire, an academic at the University of Liverpool, said in a telephone interview. FIFA and Infantino also want to raise the price of broadcast deals to help fund increased prize money and close the gender pay gap on the men’s World Cup. At the men’s 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the 32 team federations shared $440 million in prize money. For the women’s 2023 tournament , FIFA had a $152 million total fund for prize money, contributions to teams’ preparation costs and payments to players’ clubs. In FIFA’s financial accounts for 2023 , the soccer body reported total broadcasting revenue of $244 million. In the year of the men’s 2022 World Cup it was almost $2.9 billion. The next Women's World Cup will be a 32-team, 64-game tournament in 2027, played in Brazil from June 24-July 25. The U.S. originally bid jointly with Mexico. The 2031 host has not been decided, though the U.S. likely will bid for a tournament which FIFA is expected to try to expand to 48 teams. That would match the size of the 104-game format of the men's World Cup that debuts in 2026 in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Spain won the 2023 Women's World Cup after the U.S. won the two previous titles — in France in 2019 and Canada in 2015. More than 25 million viewers in the U.S. watched the 2015 World Cup final, a 5-2 win over Japan, played in Vancouver, Canada, in a time zone similarly favorable to Brazil. FIFA tried to sign Apple+ to an exclusive global deal to broadcast the inaugural 32-team Club World Cup which is being played in 11 U.S. cities next June and July. Broadcast networks showed little interest in the FIFA club event that will now be broadcast for free on streaming service DAZN, which is building closer business ties to Saudi Arabia. Ahead of the next Women's World Cup, Netflix will "produce exclusive documentary series in the lead-up to both tournaments, spotlighting the world’s top players, their journeys and the global growth of women’s football,” FIFA said. AP Technology Writer Michael Liedtke in San Francisco contributed to this report. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer