Australia and much of the world is on the cusp of profound change. What happens next is up to us | Julianne SchultzChelsea legend’s daughter puts on busty display in little black dress days after dad ‘sent her warning’
No ruling by 9th Circuit in Ex-Councilmember Mark Ridley Thomas’ appealBondi is a longtime Trump ally and was one of his lawyers during his first impeachment trial when he was accused — but not convicted — of abusing his power as he tried to condition U.S. military assistance to Ukraine on that country investigating then-former Vice President Joe Biden. She has been a chair at the America First Policy Institute, a think tank set up by former Trump administration staffers. Bondi is from Tampa and spent more than 18 years as a prosecutor. She was Florida’s first female attorney general. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. WASHINGTON (AP) — Matt Gaetz withdrew Thursday as President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general amid continued fallout over a federal sex trafficking investigation that cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed as the nation's chief federal law enforcement officer. The announcement caps a turbulent eight-day period in which Trump sought to capitalize on his decisive election win to force Senate Republicans to accept provocative selections like Gaetz, who had been investigated by the Justice Department before being tapped last week to lead it. The decision could heighten scrutiny on other controversial Trump nominees, including Pentagon pick Pete Hegseth , who faces sexual assault allegations that he denies. “While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition,” Gaetz, a Florida Republican who one day earlier met with senators in an effort to win their support, said in a statement. “There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I’ll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General. Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1," he added. Hours later, Gaetz posted on social media that he looks “forward to continuing the fight to save our country,” adding, “Just maybe from a different post.” Trump, in a social media post, said: “I greatly appreciate the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General. He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect. Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!” He did not immediately announce a new selection. Last week, he named personal lawyers Todd Blanche, Emil Bove and D. John Sauer to senior roles in the department. Another possible contender, Matt Whitaker, was announced Wednesday as the U.S. ambassador to NATO. The withdrawal, just a week after the pick was announced, averts what was shaping up to be a pitched confirmation fight that would have tested how far Senate Republicans were willing to go to support Trump’s Cabinet picks. The selection of the fierce Trump ally over well-regarded veteran lawyers whose names had circulated as possible contenders stirred concern for the Justice Department's independence at a time when Trump has openly threatened to seek retribution against political adversaries. It underscored the premium Trump places on personal loyalty and reflected the president-elect's desire to have a disruptor lead a Justice Department that for years investigated and ultimately indicted him. In the Senate, deeply skeptical lawmakers sought more information about Justice Department and congressional investigations into sex trafficking allegations involving underage girls, which Gaetz has denied. Meanwhile, Justice Department lawyers were taken aback by the pick of a partisan lawmaker with limited legal experience who has echoed Trump's claims of a weaponized criminal justice system. As Gaetz sought to lock down Senate support, concern over the sex trafficking allegations showed no signs of abating. In recent days, an attorney for two women said his clients told House Ethics Committee investigators that Gaetz paid them for sex on multiple occasions beginning in 2017, when Gaetz was a Florida congressman. One of the women testified she saw Gaetz having sex with a 17-year-old at a party in Florida in 2017, according to the attorney, Joel Leppard. Leppard has said that his client testified she didn’t think Gaetz knew the girl was underage, stopped their relationship when he found out and did not resume it until after she turned 18. The age of consent in Florida is 18. "They’re grateful for the opportunity to move forward with their lives,” Leppard said Thursday of his clients. “They’re hoping that this brings final closure for all the parties involved.” Gaetz has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. The Justice Department’s investigation ended last year with no charges against him. Gaetz’s political future is uncertain. He had abruptly resigned his congressional seat upon being selected as attorney general, a move seen as a way to shut down the ethics investigation into sexual misconduct allegations. He did win reelection in November for the new Congress, which convenes Jan. 3, 2025, but he said in his resignation letter last week to House Speaker Mike Johnson that he did not intend to take the oath of office. He transmitted a similar letter to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as the state launched a special election process to fill the vacancy. Republicans on the House Ethics Committee declined this week to release the panel's findings, over objections from Democrats in a split vote. But the committee did agree to finish its work and is scheduled to meet again Dec. 5 to discuss the matter. As word of Gaetz's decision spread across the Capitol, Republican senators seemed divided. Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin, who served with Gaetz in the House, called it a “positive move." Maine Sen. Susan Collins said Gaetz “put country first and I am pleased with his decision.” Others said they had hoped Gaetz could have overhauled the department. Florida Sen. Rick Scott, a close ally of Trump, said he was “disappointed. I like Matt and I think he would have changed the way DOJ is run.” Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul said he hoped that Trump will pick someone “equally as tenacious and equally as committed to rooting out and eliminating bias and politicization at the DOJ.” Gaetz is not the only Trump pick facing congressional scrutiny over past allegations. A detailed investigative police report made public Wednesday shows that a woman told police that she was sexually assaulted in 2017 by Hegseth, the former Fox News host now tapped to lead the Pentagon, after he took her phone, blocked the door to a California hotel room and refused to let her leave. “The matter was fully investigated and I was completely cleared,” Hegseth told reporters Thursday at the Capitol, where he was meeting with senators to build support for his nomination. Associated Press writers Michelle L. Price, Lisa Mascaro, Mary Clare Jalonick and Adriana Gomez Licon contributed to this report.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau returned home Saturday after his meeting with Donald Trump without assurances the president-elect will back away from threatened tariffs on all products from the major American trading partner. Trump called the talks “productive” but signaled no retreat from a pledge that Canada says unfairly lumps it in with Mexico over the flow of drugs and migrants into the United States. After the leaders’ hastily arranged dinner Friday night at Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, Trudeau spoke of “an excellent conversation” but offered no details. Trump said in a Truth Social post later Saturday that they discussed “many important topics that will require both Countries to work together to address.” For issues in need of such cooperation, Trump cited fentanyl and the “Drug Crisis that has decimated so many lives as a result of Illegal Immigration," fair trade deals "that do not jeopardize American Workers” and the U.S. trade deficit with its ally to the north. Trump asserted that the prime minister had made “a commitment to work with us to end this terrible devastation” of American families from fentanyl from China reaching the United States through its neighbors. The U.S., he said, “will no longer sit idly by as our Citizens become victims to the scourge of this Drug Epidemic.” The Republican president-elect has threatened to impose a 25% tax on all products entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico as one of his first executive orders when he takes office in January. U.S. customs agents seized 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border last fiscal year, compared with 21,100 pounds at the Mexican border. On immigration, the U.S. Border Patrol made 56,530 arrests at the Mexican border in October alone and 23,721 arrests at the Canadian border between October 2023 and September 2024 — and Canadian officials say they are ready to make new investments in border security. Trudeau called Trump after the Republican's social media posts about the tariffs last Monday and they agreed to meet, according to a official familiar with the matter who was not authorized to publicly discuss detail of the private talks. The official said other countries are calling Canadian officials to hear how about how the meeting was arranged and to ask for advice. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, after speaking with Trump on the telephone, said Thursday she was confident a tariff war with Washington would be averted. At the dinner that was said to last three hours, Trump said he and Trudeau also discussed energy, trade and the Arctic. A second official cited defense, Ukraine, NATO, China, the Mideast, pipelines and the Group of Seven meeting in Canada next year as other issues that arose. Trump, during his first term as president, once called Trudeau “weak” and “dishonest,” but it was the prime minister who was the first G7 leader to visit Trump since the Nov. 5 election. "Tariffs are a crucial issue for Canada and a bold move was in order. Perhaps it was a risk, but a risk worth taking,” Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal. Trudeau had said before leaving from Friday that Trump was elected because he promised to bring down the cost of groceries but now was talking about adding 25% to the cost of all kinds of products, including potatoes from Prince Edward Island in Atlantic Canada. “It is important to understand that Donald Trump, when he makes statements like that, he plans on carrying them out. There’s no question about it,” Trudeau said. “Our responsibility is to point out that he would not just be harming Canadians, who work so well with the United States, but he would actually be raising prices for Americans citizens as well and hurting American industry and business,” he added. The threatened tariffs could essentially blow up the North American trade pact that Trump’s team negotiated during his first term. Trudeau noted they were able to successfully renegotiate the deal, which he calls a “win win” for both countries. When Trump imposed higher tariffs as president, other countries responded with retaliatory tariffs of their own. Canada, for instance, announced billions of new duties in 2018 against the U.S. in a response to new taxes on Canadian steel and aluminum. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US $2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, and 85% of U.S. electricity imports are from Canada. Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium to the U.S. and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing in for national security. Canada is one of the most trade-dependent countries in the world, and 77% of Canada’s exports go to the U.S. ___ Gillies reported from Toronto.
Adams has 19 as CSU Northridge defeats Denver 89-60AP Business SummaryBrief at 2:56 p.m. EST
SHAREHOLDER ALERT: Pomerantz Law Firm Announces the Filing of a Class Action Against Visa Inc. - VLawyers for a voting machine company that’s suing Fox News want to question founder Rupert Murdoch about his contentious efforts to change his family trust , the attorneys told a court Monday. Election-tech company Smartmatic's $2.7 billion defamation suit regards Fox's reporting on 2020 voting fraud claims. But Smartmatic’s attorneys suggest the separate succession fight over Murdoch's media empire might shed light on any Fox Corp. involvement in editorial matters. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Several Installation Methods of PC Sheets for Maximum Performance 12-26-2024 07:58 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: ABNewswire Polycarbonate panels [ https://www.gwxpcsheet.com/products/ ] have quickly become the go-to material for modern construction projects, thanks to their strength, durability, and energy efficiency. Whether you're designing a sleek sunroom, building a greenhouse [ https://www.gwxpcsheet.com/news/guidelines-for-choosing-the-polycarbonate-thickness-for-your-greenhouse/ ], or upgrading your commercial roof, choosing the right installation method can make all the difference in ensuring long-lasting, high-performance results. But with so many installation techniques to choose from, how do you know which one is right for your project? In this article, we'll explore the top installation methods for PC panels, offering you expert tips to help you make the most of your investment. 1. Screw-Down Installation (For Single-Layer PC Panels) The most common and easiest installation method for single-layer polycarbonate panels is the screw-down system. This method is simple, cost-effective, and can be used for both roofing and wall cladding. Here's how it works: * Preparation: Ensure the structure is clean and level. Begin by placing the polycarbonate panels in position, ensuring proper alignment and overlap. * Drilling: Drill pilot holes through the panel at regular intervals, taking care not to damage the material. The holes should be slightly larger than the screw diameter to allow for thermal expansion. * Securing: Use stainless steel screws with rubber washers to prevent leaks and ensure a tight seal. Tighten the screws evenly to avoid damaging the panels. This method is quick and easy, ideal for projects where speed and simplicity are essential. It works best for light-duty applications like greenhouses and residential sunrooms. Image: https://ecdn6.globalso.com/upload/p/317/image_other/2024-12/wechat-picture_20241224152418.jpg 2. Snap-Fit or Lock-In Installation (For Multi-Layer PC Panels) For multi-wall polycarbonate Sheets, such as those used in skylights or curved roofs, the snap-fit or lock-in system is a popular choice. This method involves connecting panels using a built-in interlocking design that doesn't require screws or fasteners. * Preparation: Lay out the panels and align the grooves of each panel with the corresponding sections of the frame. * Locking Panels in Place: Snap the panels into place by pressing the interlocking edges together. Depending on the system, you may need special tools to secure the panels into the frame. * Sealing: Ensure the joints are sealed properly to prevent water ingress, especially around the edges. This system minimizes the need for fasteners, which reduces the risk of leaks and damage over time. It's ideal for skylights or architectural features where aesthetics and air-tight performance are essential. 3. Frame-Mounted Installation (For Heavy-Duty Applications) For projects requiring heavy-duty support, such as large roofs or commercial buildings, the frame-mounted installation method is the most secure and robust option. This technique uses a custom frame system that supports the panels, ensuring proper alignment and structural integrity. * Preparation: Build a frame that will support the polycarbonate panels. Ensure the frame is sturdy and meets the load requirements of your project. * Panel Positioning: Place the polycarbonate panels within the frame, making sure they are aligned properly with the support beams. * Securing the Panels: Use specialized fasteners to attach the panels to the frame. Be sure to leave space for thermal expansion and contraction of the panels. * Sealing: Apply weather-resistant sealant around the edges to prevent water leakage and ensure a tight, durable seal. Frame-mounted systems provide maximum stability and are ideal for large-scale applications like industrial roofing or commercial facades where the polycarbonate plastic roofing sheets are exposed to higher loads or weather conditions. Image: https://ecdn6.globalso.com/upload/p/317/image_other/2024-12/wechat-picture_20241224152422.jpg 4. Glued Installation (For Architectural or Decorative Applications) In situations where aesthetics and minimal hardware are critical, glued installation is an effective solution. This method involves using industrial-grade adhesives to bond the polycarbonate panels directly to the surface without visible fasteners. * Preparation: Clean the surfaces thoroughly to ensure optimal adhesion. * Application: Apply a polyurethane adhesive or silicone sealant to the back of the panels and press them firmly onto the mounting surface. * Curing: Allow the adhesive to cure for the recommended period before subjecting the installation to any stress. This technique is perfect for decorative applications or areas where you want to avoid the appearance of fasteners, such as glass-like facades or modern architectural designs. 4. Glued Installation (For Architectural or Decorative Applications) The installation method you choose will depend on several factors, including the type of polycarbonate sheet, application, location, and desired aesthetics. Whether you're looking for a simple, cost-effective solution or want to go for aesthetics, there's a method that will fit your needs. At GWX [ https://www.gwxpcsheet.com/ ], we offer a wide variety of high-quality polycarbonate clear roofing panels and provide expert guidance on how to install them for optimal performance and longevity. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you with your next polycarbonate project! A New Material Granting Distinctive Charm to Architecture Polycarbonate roofing sheet stands as a star material in the field of architecture, bringing outstanding and high quality and elegance to your projects with their unique design and exceptional performance. Polycarbonate sheets ovel building material, imbue architecture with unique allure through their exquisite appearance and exceptional performance. Not only do these materials possess an elegant aesthetic, but they also exhibit durability and versatility, making them a sought-after choice in architectural design. Crafted from polycarbonate sheet feature a distinctive design that enhances the visual appeal of buildings while offering excellent waterproofing and UV resistance. Resilient against weather elements, they withstand sun, rain, and climate variations, maintaining long-lasting color and appearance, imparting enduring decorative effects to structures. Image: https://ecdn6.globalso.com/upload/p/317/image_other/2024-08/polycarbonate-solid-sheet-4.pngImage: https://ecdn6.globalso.com/upload/p/317/image_other/2024-09/wechat-picture_20240902110348-1.png "The introduction of polycarbonate sheet has brought forth more creativity and choices in architectural design," expressed an architectural designer. "Their outstanding aesthetics and performance inject new vitality into the construction industry, make the smooth progress of your projects." Their lightweight nature and easy installation make polycarbonate sheet an ideal choice for roof coverings in residential properties and suitable for embellishing landscape architecture and commercial buildings. Pc sheet find extensive use in roofs, sunlight rooms, carports, and so on. Their wide adaptability caters to diverse styles and design requirements, offering personalized and elegant appearances to structures. Polycarbonate sheet, as a premium architectural material, are introducing fresh design concepts and decorative styles to the architectural realm. As pc sheet, choosing it means choosing a blend of fashion, practicality, and environmental consciousness. Let your architecture showcase unique personality in design and exemplify exceptional quality in texture.Their unique aesthetic value and excellent performance will continue to play a pivotal role in architectural embellishments, imparting distinctive charm to various types of buildings. Image: https://ecdn6.globalso.com/upload/p/317/image_other/2024-02/65d318369348b67914.jpgImage: https://ecdn6.globalso.com/upload/p/317/image_other/2024-02/65d318425a83061073.jpg Media Contact Company Name: Guangdong Guoweixing Plastic Technology Co., Ltd. Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=several-installation-methods-of-pc-sheets-for-maximum-performance ] Country: China Website: https://www.gwxpcsheet.com/ This release was published on openPR.
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Leader of the peopleSeasoned Blockchain Expert to Lead Intelagen's Expanded Web3 Practice Saint Petersburg, Florida, Dec. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Intelagen , a leading Web3 & AI digital engineering consultancy and portfolio company of Alpha Transform Holdings, today announced the expansion of its Web3 practice with the appointment of a new practice leader. This strategic move comes in response to the growing demand for Intelagen's expertise in developing and integrating decentralized and AI-powered solutions for blockchain-based products and platforms. Nick "Bucky” Buchanan joins as the Head of the Web3 practice brings over a decade of experience in blockchain innovation and venture building to this role, coupled with an extensive background in Big Four consulting, including IBM Global Services, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Taos Mountain. Buchanan has a proven track record of leading high-impact teams and delivering transformative solutions in both traditional and decentralized finance (DeFi). An early blockchain adopter, he co-founded Armor Scientific, where he developed groundbreaking blockchain-based identity solutions that garnered top honors from RSAC and CRN magazine. "We're excited to welcome Nick to Intelagen," says CEO Tom Richer. "His blockchain expertise will be invaluable as we expand our Web3 practice and deliver cutting-edge solutions to our clients. This strategic addition reinforces our commitment to providing exceptional value in the rapidly evolving world of decentralized technologies." During his tenure at PwC, Buchanan served as a Portfolio Manager, spearheading the restructuring of Secure Development Services, which supported the IT security apparatus for member firms in 138 countries. He later returned to the blockchain space as Director of Engineering for Blockperfect, a venture studio supporting protocols on Cosmos and Ethereum. Buchanan is also a published author, having contributed to two IBM RedBooks on reference architectures for meeting regulatory requirements in the banking and financial services industry. Buchanan added, "I'm honored and excited to pave the roads intersecting blockchain and artificial intelligence, with the talent roaming the halls of Intelagen. These technologies are the foundation of a new Internet economy, and I look forward to reshaping industries and creating unprecedented opportunities for innovation in the inevitable transition from Web2 to Web3." Intelagen's Web3 practice offers a comprehensive suite of services, including: Web3 Strategy and Consulting: Helping clients define their Web3 vision, identify opportunities, and develop go-to-market strategies. Decentralized Application (dApp) Development: Building custom dApps on various blockchain platforms, such as Ethereum, Cosmos, and Solana. AI Integration: Integrating AI and machine learning capabilities into Web3 solutions to enhance functionality and user experience. Smart Contract Development and Auditing: Designing, developing, and auditing secure and reliable smart contracts. Tokenization and NFT Solutions: Creating and implementing tokenization strategies and developing non-fungible token (NFT) solutions. About Intelagen Intelagen is a leading Web3 & AI digital engineering consultancy that empowers organizations to build innovative and transformative solutions. As a portfolio company of Alpha Transform Holdings, Intelagen leverages its deep expertise in blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, data engineering, and cloud computing to help clients navigate the evolving digital landscape. Learn more at https://intelagen.ai/ . Contact: Intelagen Investor Relations [email protected] CONTACT: Intelagen Investor Relations Intelagen investorrelations (at) intelagen.ai
Botafogo won the Copa Libertadores for the first time in their history with a 3-1 victory over fellow Brazilians Atletico Mineiro on Saturday. Botafogo played almost the entire match with ten men after Gregore was sent off in the first minute but they showed impressive spirit and resilience to secure victory at River Plate's Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. Midfielder Gregore was shown a red card after a wild, high challenge on Fauto Vera, forcing Botafogo to adjust their game plan, but Atletico failed to press home their numerical advantage. Veteran forward Hulk had an effort from outside the box saved by John but the team from Belo Horizonte created little pressure. Sensing the game might not be the rearguard action they might have expected, Botafogo began to show more attacking intent and they were rewarded in the 35th minute. Marlon Freitas's shot from the edge of the box ricocheted around a crowded box before the ball fell to Luiz Henrique, who fired home from close range. To their credit, Botafogo didn't retreat to defend their slim advantage and they were able to double their lead in the 44th minute. Atletico defender Guilherme Arana attempted to shepherd the ball back to goalkeeper Everson but Luiz Henrique snuck between the pair and went down under challenge from the keeper. After a VAR review, a penalty was awarded and Alex Telles confidently smashed home the spot kick to give Botafogo an unlikely 2-0 lead at the break. Atletico, who won the Libertadores in 2013, made a triple substitution at the interval and it paid off swiftly with Eduardo Vargas heading in from a corner. Inevitably, there was late pressure from Atletico, but Botafogo made sure of the victory when Junior Santos finished off a counter-attack deep in stoppage time. With the win, Botafogo earns the final of 32 places in next year's FIFA Club World Cup to be held in the United States. sev/jsTaylor Swift’s beef with Kanye West’s ex-wife Kim Kardashian blew up in 2016, but this year, the ‘Midnights’ artist hit back (again) at the Skims founder – and theirs wasn’t the only reignited star feud Taylor Swift’s devoted fan base of Swifties was shocked this year when Sabrina Carpenter, a guest performer on the artist’s highly acclaimed Eras Tour, appeared in a campaign for Skims, the shapewear brand owned by Kim Kardashian. This collaboration raised eyebrows given the long-standing feud between Swift and Kardashian and her now ex-husband, Kanye West. {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"ImageObject","caption":"Sabrina Carpenter in her Skims campaign. Photo: @sabrinacarpenter/Instagram","url":"https://img.i-scmp.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=contain,width=1024,format=auto/sites/default/files/d8/images/canvas/2024/12/19/928fe248-a4fc-4ccb-9eb0-60d30cc060dd_7e5cf80d.jpg"} Sabrina Carpenter in her Skims campaign. Photo: @sabrinacarpenter/Instagram Carpenter later clarified in an interview with Rolling Stone that she was “very, very communicative” with Swift about the situation and that the superstar artist was hugely supportive of her career. That’s not to say the Midnights singer’s feud with the reality TV star is over. We look at their history of being frenemies, as well as four other continuing celebrity battles that have made the news this year. 1. Taylor Swift and Kim Kardashian {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"ImageObject","caption":"Kanye West snatches the microphone from Best Female Video Award winner Taylor Swift at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. Photo: Reuters","url":"https://img.i-scmp.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=contain,width=1024,format=auto/sites/default/files/d8/images/canvas/2024/12/19/3c86b2f1-e0af-4022-bbe8-6afa3f9f5975_d292fe2d.jpg"} Kanye West snatches the microphone from Best Female Video Award winner Taylor Swift at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. Photo: Reuters Advertisement The feud between Swift and Kardashian traces its roots to an infamous incident at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2009, where Swift won Best Female Video honours, triumphing over Beyoncé. West stormed the stage, interrupting Swift’s acceptance speech to show his support for Beyoncé . In the following years, the pair seemed to make up, but friction emerged again in 2016 when West dropped the song “Famous”, with derogatory lyrics about Swift including, “I made that b**** famous”. Swift was swift to condemn the lyrics publicly; and while West said the “Bad Blood” singer had approved them, Swift’s spokesperson refuted this, telling GQ, “Kanye West and Taylor only spoke once on the phone while she was on vacation with her family in January of 2016 and they have never spoken since.” Kardashian sided with West at the time and retaliated by releasing a purported recording of the phone call between West and Swift, which seemingly proved that Swift had indeed heard – and even approved of – the lyrics. Swift promptly responded to the emergence of the recording, stating, “While I wanted to be supportive of Kanye on the phone call, you cannot ‘approve’ a song you haven’t heard. Being falsely painted as a liar when I was never given the full story or played any part of the song is character assassination.” But it was too late to prevent the fallout: social media users quickly turned on the pop star, flooding her Instagram feed with comments and emojis accusing her of being a snake. Swift managed to reclaim the narrative: snakes have played a major role in her imagery since she released her Reputation album in 2017. But it seems she isn’t quite done with her retaliation: on her 11th studio album, The Tortured Poets Department , released this year, the song “Thank You Aimee”, styled “thanK you aIMee” or “thank You aimEe” (notice the capital letters), appears to be a thinly veiled diss track aimed at Kardashian and West. 2. Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"ImageObject","caption":"Former friends Nicki Minaj (left) and Megan Thee Stallion. Photo: @nickiminaj, @theestallion/Instagram","url":"https://img.i-scmp.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=contain,width=1024,format=auto/sites/default/files/d8/images/canvas/2024/12/19/70279298-65f8-4785-941c-62da50b9597a_a18f5966.jpg"} Former friends Nicki Minaj (left) and Megan Thee Stallion. Photo: @nickiminaj, @theestallion/Instagram Former friends rapper Megan Thee Stallion and “Super Bass” singer Nicki Minaj – they collaborated on 2019 anthem “Hot Girl Summer” – took their rivalry to the next level this year by releasing scorching diss tracks. The clash started on January 26, when the former dropped “Hiss”, a song containing a veiled reference to Minaj’s husband Kenneth Petty , a registered sex offender. The lyrics include, “These hos don’t be mad at Megan, these hos mad at Megan’s Law”. Megan’s Law refers to a piece of federal legislation aimed at protecting communities from convicted sex offenders by requiring them to register and making that information public. Petty is a registered sex offender in New York state, having been convicted of rape when he was 15.
Troy scores 21 points in less than 2 minutes in the fourth quarter to beat Southern Miss 52-20Congress is looking to ban Chinese drones that are widely used in US
Canada's Trudeau returns home after Trump meeting without assurances that tariffs are off the tableGlobal stocks end mostly up with DAX crossing 20,000 for 1st timeJury spares Qualcomm's AI PC ambitions, but Arm eyes a retrial
Brazil's ten-man Botafogo win Copa LibertadoresHENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Aidan O'Connell might not be Mr. Right for the Raiders, but he is Mr. Right Now. He did enough in Friday's 19-17 loss at Kansas City to show that Las Vegas' quarterback job will be his for the rest of the season — barring, that is, another injury. O'Connell didn't look like a quarterback who hadn't played in nearly six weeks because of a broken thumb . Plus, the Raiders had a short week to prepare for the Chiefs, meaning O'Connell only went through a series of walk-through practices. Even so, he completed 23 of 35 passes for 340 yards, including touchdown passes of 33 yards to tight end Brock Bowers and 58 yards to wide receiver Tre Tucker. He didn't throw any interceptions. “Thought he competed,” coach Antonio Pierce said Saturday morning. “I thought for what we knew we were getting with Spags (Kansas City defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) and that defense, that he stood in the pocket, made some tough throws, took some hits, took the shots down the field like we wanted. We had some opportunities to take shots down the field, he threw them. And I thought our skill guys did a hell of a job competing and making some really good plays for us.” O'Connell's performance would've shined even more if not for the Raiders' final offensive play. He led the Raiders from their 8-yard line to the Chiefs 32 with 15 seconds left. The plan was for O'Connell to take the snap and throw the ball away to run off a few more seconds, then send Daniel Carlson out for the potential winning field goal without giving Patrick Mahomes enough time to mount one of his signature comebacks. But rookie center Jackson Powers-Johnson snapped the ball before O'Connell was expecting it, and the Chiefs recovered to secure another close, last-minute victory. The Raiders were called for illegal shift, which Kansas City declined. But there was some question about whether officials intended to call a false start instead. Though that infraction would have cost Las Vegas 5 yards, the pre-snap penalty still would've given Carlson a shot at the field goal. Pierce said his team heard an official's whistle before the snap, and that will be included in the Raiders' report to the NFL. “We do that every game,” Pierce said. “Typically, anywhere from three to five questions, and then we’ll get a letter within 24 to 36 hours, and we’ll read it and learn from it.” What’s working Bowers had another sensational game. He was targeted 14 times, catching 10 passes for 140 yards. For the season, he has 84 receptions for 884 yards and four TDs, making him a strong contender for Offensive Rookie of the Year. “We’re seeing double-teams and them really shifting their zone to him, and I don’t really think it matters,” Pierce said. “I think we've got a really special player on our hand.” What needs help The Raiders need to do better on first and second downs to set up more favorable third-down conversions. They have faced 47 third downs from 7 to 10 yards, tied with the Dallas Cowboys for fifth most. Las Vegas' conversion rate on those plays is 36.2%, which actually is favorable compared to the rest of the league, but the Raiders are still creating too many of those situations. Stock up Las Vegas made life difficult for Mahomes, sacking him five times. And it wasn't just Maxx Crosby bringing the heat. Four players had at least one-half sack, including K’Lavon Chaisson, who had 1 1/2. It was a season-high total for the Raiders, and they have taken down the opposing quarterback in 30 consecutive games, the third-longest active streak. Stock down Carlson is usually money, but he missed field goals from 56, 55 and 58 yards. Hardly chip shots, but he is capable of converting from those distances. He had made 30 of 38 field goals from 50-plus yards entering the game, with a career long of 57 yards. Injuries WR DJ Turner injured his knee in the second half. Key number 12 — The Raiders are one of three teams to fall behind double digits in each of their first 12 games of a season. The others were the 1986 Indianapolis Colts and 1972 New England Patriots. Next steps The Raiders visit Tampa Bay on Dec. 8. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Mark Anderson, The Associated Press
Canada's Trudeau returns home after Trump meeting without assurances that tariffs are off the tableIn the 1970s I visited Chicago for the first time and was surprised to find a 38-story office building called the Pittsfield Building. I was even more surprised to learn that the building had a connection to my hometown. It was erected by the family of a successful businessman as a tribute to where he got his first job. The man was Marshall Field, founder of Chicago’s major department store, Marshall Field’s. Marshall Field, one of the first and most successful employees of Holden and Stone Co. in Pittsfield, went on to build the largest department store in Chicago. practicing those lessons from his Pittsfield experience He was nicknamed “the merchant king of Chicago” and was also well known for his philanthropy as well as his business acumen. It turns out Field got his first job as a teenager in a Pittsfield dry goods store that became one of the country’s oldest department stores by the 1960s. Baby boomers will recall this store which was the Holden & Stone Co. Holden & Stone began in 1844 as H.G. Davis’s, a small dry good store at 24 North St. (before the Berkshire Loan and Trust was built at that location). It was owned by Henry Gilbert Davis, a deacon in the First Church. In 1851 at the age of 17, Marshall Field came from Conway to work for Davis as a stock boy and salesman. He also roomed over the store and was responsible for keeping the fires burning for heat in the winter and shoveling snow from the sidewalk in front of the store. Marshall worked in the store for four years and was very close to Henry Davis and his family. He was a sharp, motivated young man and learned quickly about merchandising and good customer service. Although he was offered a quarter ownership of the Davis business, the young man chose to pursue career opportunities in the Windy City. He quickly worked his way up to management in large department stores, then becoming owner of his own where he focused on customer service. He was said to come up with the expression, “the customer is always right.” Frank Stone When Field died at age 71 in 1906, his estate was worth $125 million, which would be equivalent today to over $3.3 billion. The entrepreneur never forgot his Pittsfield connection and would often visit the city. In his will he also included a gift for one of the children of Davis, his former employer. After the H.G. Davis store, the business operated under several different names. However, it always was a continuous operation owned by different partners and never sold to outsiders until 1959. Some of the store’s names were Wood & Garlick, Sturtevant & Johnson, Johnson & Bailey, and G.W. Bailey & Co. In early 1882, when the store was Johnson & Bailey, the partners relocated from the original location at 26 North St. across the street to the Central Block Building at 65 North St. In 1894 the store’s sole owner, George W. Bailey, brought in Harry Holden and Frank Stone as managers and partners of the business. The new partners bought out the interest of Bailey when he decided to retire in 1903. Harry and Frank renamed the store Holden & Stone and did a remodeling. They created a houseware department with merchandise such as carpets, linens, blankets and dining and kitchenware. Another department had clothing lines for women including jackets, gowns, dresses, blouses, sweaters, undergarments and hosiery. A men’s department stocked pants, shirts, underwear, hosiery and more. The department store had a full line of apparel for children. Harry Holden When Harry Holden passed away in 1929, his son, Edwin “Bud” Holden, joined the business to partner with Frank Stone. The next year the men relocated the business to the basement and first floor of the Onota Building at 60-64 North St. (right near where the original store opened 86 years earlier). The new store would deal principally with women’s wear, e.g., suits, and dresses, gloves and hosiery and other apparel that made up the modern woman’s wardrobe. The store did maintain a smaller home goods section and both men’s and children’s departments. Frank Stone died in 1931, but Edwin retained the Holden & Stone name. Under Edwin’s leadership he continued to dedicate the store’s long-standing reputation for the high ideals of fair dealing, honest merchandise and courteous service. Edwin recognized the importance of how staff could make a business and strove to maintain the loyalty and satisfaction of his workforce. Holden & Stone was one of the city’s first businesses to adopt group life insurance for its employees, and was the first local institution to pay the complete cost of Blue Cross and Blue Shield for all employees. Edwin Holden operated Holden & Stone for nearly 30 years, continuing the excellent customer service with a dedicated staff. He also was an advocate of bringing people to downtown without worrying of competition. In fact, his granddaughter, Stacey Lyons, shared with me that Edwin was friends with the operators of competing businesses, Besse Clark and England Brothers. Edwin Holden, son of Harry Holden, the co-founder of Holden & Stone department store, took over management of the store in 1930 and operated it for nearly 30 years. In one of their friendly promotional schemes each week all three stores would have a sandwich board sign in front telling customers to shop at their own store and not one of the other two. Holden & Stone would alternate their sign weekly from “Shop at Holden & Stone and NOT England Brothers” with “Shop Holden & Stone and NOT Besse Clark.” The stores loved the humorous comments from customers about the signs. In the late 1950s, facing serious health problems, Edwin Stone. decided he had to sell the business and relocate to Florida. With only one daughter raising three children at home, he really had no family member to take over Holden & Stone. In 1959, the store that had passed down through members of partnerships for 115 years was sold to an “outside” party. William Davidson from New Jersey bought the store for $140,000. Previously Mr. Davidson had 19 years of merchandising experience having worked for the W.T. Grant Co. and for 10 years as a department store proprietor in Pennsylvania. The family of Marshall Field built the tallest office building in Chicago in 1927 as a tribute to their patriarch. They named the 38-story skyscraper the Pittsfield Building to recognize the city where Field began his career. Maintaining Holden & Stone’s excellent reputation, Davidson kept the name, but remodeled and modernized the long time North Street store. In 1962 he further expanded the business by acquiring Ye Men’s Shop in Great Barrington and the Loft store in Williamstown. Both operations became branches of Holden & Stone. In 1968 Davidson established a real estate division in his company and invested in buildings in Vero Beach, Fla. With success with the real estate holdings, Davidson decided to close the Pittsfield Holden & Stone store and relocate to Florida. The Williamstown branch had already closed in 1963. The store at 288 Main St. in Great Barrington was sold to three employees in 1970. However, by 1977 this last Holden & Stone store closed as it was unable to compete with new discount stores that entered the local market. Recollecting Holden & Stone’s 125 year reputation of good customer service, I wonder if Marshall Field first learned from his Pittsfield experience that “the customer is always right!”
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