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ST. LOUIS , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Graybar, a leading distributor of electrical, communications and data networking products and provider of related supply chain management and logistics services, has named Bryant L. Summers as District Vice President for the company's St. Louis District, effective January 1, 2025 . Summers joined Graybar in 1998 and has extensive experience across several functional areas, including sales, operations, finance, IT and management. He currently serves as President of Cape Electrical Supply, LLC – a subsidiary of Graybar. As St. Louis District Vice President, he will lead Graybar's business operations in a territory that includes Missouri , Arkansas , Oklahoma , Nebraska and Kansas as well as parts of Tennessee , Indiana and Illinois . "We congratulate Bryant on his promotion," said Graybar Regional Vice President David Bender . "Bryant is a seasoned leader with a proven track record of driving growth, service innovation and operational excellence. I look forward to working with him to expand our business and serve our customers in this region." Graybar, a Fortune 500 corporation and one of the largest employee-owned companies in North America , is a leader in the distribution of high quality electrical, communications and data networking products, and specializes in related supply chain management and logistics services. Through its network of more than 345 North American distribution facilities, it stocks and sells products from thousands of manufacturers, helping its customers power, network, automate and secure their facilities with speed, intelligence and efficiency. For more information, visit www.graybar.com or call 1-800-GRAYBAR. Media Contact: Tim Sommer (314) 578-7672 timothy.sommer@graybar.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/graybar-names-bryant-l-summers-district-vice-president-in-st-louis-302320131.html SOURCE GraybarThe Harbour Masters 64 Discord has announced the development of "Starship," a native PC Port of Star Fox 64 subsequently demoed on Twitch and YouTube by Star Fox speedrunner Rakanai. Harbour Masters 64 is the development community behind Ship of Harkinian , a 2022 native PC port of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. "Harbour Masters 64 is pleased to announce the development of Starship—a PC port of Star Fox 64 (aka "Lylat Wars")! Led by Sonic Dreamcaster and Samplywx," reads the announcement on the Harbour Masters 64 Discord. "Thanks to the hard work and dedication of many others over the course of several months, we have gotten the game to a state where we feel comfortable showcasing it for you." You've been able to play Star Fox 64 on your PC for many years now via emulation, but native ports represent a new threshold of quality. Emulation is a broad tool that will allow most, if not all, of a console's games to run on PC (or a powerful enough device like a Steam Deck or smartphone) to an acceptable standard. A native port, meanwhile, is a specific effort to make a game run on PC without a demanding emulation layer. Native ports require painstaking decompilation of a game's source code and a great deal of development effort, but result in a far superior experience. Some advantages include: High resolution support without stretching the UI or otherwise compromising the experience. Ultrawide support. Elimination of persistent glitches present in emulation. High framerate support without introducing speedup glitches. Lower system demands. Modding potential. All pretty desirable, exciting stuff, and the beta gameplay shown off by Rakanai is incredibly crisp—N64-era art still holds up remarkably well even at super-high resolutions and fast framerates. What's more, native ports are, like emulation, perfectly legal—you still have to supply your own ROM to run native ports like Starship. In the past, I've found the OpenGOAL native ports of the Jak and Daxter games to be absolutely essential compared to straight up emulation. Rakanai said on-stream that the Starship port of Star Fox 64 is planned to release sometime in December—just in time for everybody's time off for the holidays. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
Rocketinvest.com: Revolutionizing Online Trading with Privacy, Simplicity, and Innovation 12-11-2024 10:22 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: Stones_PR Rocketinvest.com has long been a trusted name in the world of online trading, with a legacy of adapting to the changing dynamics of the financial markets. Founded years ago as a platform focused primarily on the stock and fund markets, it has steadily expanded its offerings to include a wide array of financial products such as cryptocurrency, foreign exchange (Forex), and digital gold. This evolution has not only positioned Rocketinvest as a leader in online financial services but also transformed it into a one-stop platform for diverse investment options. From its humble beginnings to its current state as a comprehensive digital finance platform, Rocketinvest has built a reputation for providing privacy, simplicity, and security-three pillars that have guided its growth and attracted a global base of both retail and institutional investors. A Legacy of Innovation and Growth When Rocketinvest first entered the market, it focused solely on traditional asset classes like stocks and funds. The platform quickly gained popularity due to its user-friendly interface and transparent approach to trading. What set Rocketinvest apart from its competitors was its focus on simplifying complex investment strategies, allowing investors to easily navigate the world of stocks and mutual funds. Image: https://www.getnews.info/uploads/339ed7a9306e7f1287b97241f4360f4e.jpg However, as the financial world continued to evolve, so did Rocketinvest. The company recognized the growing demand for alternative financial instruments and began expanding its product offerings to meet these needs. The introduction of **cryptocurrency** trading was one of the first major expansions, giving users access to digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and a wide range of altcoins. As the popularity of cryptocurrency soared, Rocketinvest's early adoption of these assets allowed it to capture a growing user base eager to enter the market. Next, Rocketinvest embraced foreign exchange (Forex) trading, offering users the ability to trade currencies from across the globe. Forex trading opened up new opportunities for both individual traders and institutional investors, and Rocketinvest provided the tools and resources needed to make these markets more accessible. In recent years, Rocketinvest has also ventured into digital gold, offering an innovative way for investors to gain exposure to gold without physically owning the metal. This addition, alongside the platform's diverse suite of financial instruments, has solidified Rocketinvest as a forward-thinking platform in the online trading space. Image: https://www.getnews.info/uploads/f96123001bc26b889875fcd784c17f06.jpg Privacy and Security: The Cornerstones of Rocketinvest's Success As the digital finance industry grows, privacy and security have become top concerns for users. Rocketinvest has long recognized the importance of protecting user data and ensuring that transactions remain secure. The platform employs advanced encryption technologies to protect all sensitive data, from login credentials to financial transactions. Whether users are trading stocks, cryptocurrencies, or currencies, their personal and financial information is safeguarded by industry-leading security protocols. "We understand that our users trust us with their financial assets, and it's our responsibility to protect that trust," said Jim reavis, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Rocketinvest. "Our security infrastructure is designed to offer the highest level of protection, and we continue to improve it to stay ahead of emerging threats." Simplicity: Making Complex Markets Accessible While Rocketinvest has expanded its offerings, it has remained committed to its core principle of simplicity. One of the platform's standout features is its intuitive interface, which makes it easy for both novice and experienced traders to navigate the world of financial markets. Whether you're trading stocks, forex, or cryptocurrency, the platform's clean design and user-friendly tools allow you to execute trades quickly and with confidence. "We believe in empowering our users by giving them the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in the markets," said Jay Farner, CEO of Rocketinvest. "By simplifying complex financial instruments, we help traders focus on what matters most - making smart investment choices." Expanding Horizons: A Global Platform for a Global Market Rocketinvest's evolution into a multi-asset platform has not only attracted investors from diverse sectors but has also expanded its international reach. With users in over 50 countries, Rocketinvest is increasingly recognized as a global leader in online trading. The platform's ability to offer cryptocurrency, forex, stocks, and digital gold under one roof has made it a go-to choice for both retail and institutional investors looking for flexibility and variety in their investment options. Rocketinvest's compliance with international regulatory standards, such as GDPR in Europe and SEC regulations in the United States, ensures that users can trade with confidence, knowing their data and investments are being handled in a transparent and secure manner. The platform's growing international status reflects its commitment to maintaining the highest levels of compliance and regulatory oversight. A Vision for the Future As Rocketinvest looks to the future, it remains committed to evolving with the times and introducing new products and services to meet the changing needs of investors. The platform is actively working on enhancing its mobile trading experience, introducing AI-powered trading tools, and exploring new asset classes, such as NFTs and sustainable investments. "Our mission has always been to democratize access to financial markets and provide a platform that offers both security and simplicity," said Reynolds. "As we continue to grow, we will remain focused on innovation and ensuring that our users can trade with confidence, no matter where they are in the world." Conclusion Rocketinvest.com has successfully transformed from a traditional stock and fund trading platform into a cutting-edge financial marketplace that meets the needs of today's global investor. With its diverse offerings in cryptocurrency, Forex, and digital gold, Rocketinvest provides users with the tools and security to thrive in today's fast-paced financial world. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced trader, Rocketinvest's focus on privacy, security, and simplicity ensures a smooth and secure trading experience for all. As the platform continues to innovate and expand, Rocketinvest is poised to remain a leader in the online trading industry, empowering investors with the resources they need to succeed in a rapidly changing financial landscape. Disclaimer: This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies (including product offerings, regulatory plans and business plans) and may change without notice. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Media Contact Company Name: Rocketinvest Contact Person: Jack Levin Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=rocketinvestcom-revolutionizing-online-trading-with-privacy-simplicity-and-innovation ] Country: United States Website: http://www.rocketinvest.com This release was published on openPR.
Quantum computing is advancing quickly, raising concerns about the security of cryptocurrencies like Ethereum (ETH) and Litecoin (LTC). These systems could potentially break the encryption protection of digital assets. Meanwhile, IntelMarkets is stepping up with RouteX21, a solution designed to handle these challenges. By focusing on quantum security, INTL aims to protect cryptocurrencies and ensure they remain safe in the face of new technological threats. Ethereum (ETH)’s Bearish Trend: Sell or Hold for a Bullish Future? The bearish forces have dominated Ethereum ’s market and holders are uncertain whether to sell now or hang on for a potential bullish trend by 2025. Ethereum dropped by 10% to about $3,290 over the last twenty-four hours and its weekly performance also dropped 15% from a high of $3,689. Despite the dip, Ethereum spot ETFs have consistently grown, gaining $2.45 million on December 18. BlackRock’s ETHA ETF has also attracted $81.9 million in inflows, highlighting steady investor interest. Analysts believe if Ethereum’s price falls further, a drop to $3,035 could bring in buyers looking for a chance at getting ETH at a discount. However, others advise holders to sell if Ethereum prices slip below $3,000 to avoid significant losses. Litecoin (LTC) Struggles Amid Bearish Trend but Hints of a Bullish Future Litecoin has lost 8% of its value within the last twenty-four hours and it is trading at $93.4. Daily trading volume likewise has fallen by 18% to $1.4 billion. On the weekly charts, Litecoin has slipped 17% from a $119 high to its current price. Litecoin continues to innovate despite the downturn with the recently added MimbleWimble privacy protocol offering extra scalability and confidentiality. These upgrades and talk about a potential Litecoin ETF in 2025 could make LTC more appealing and fuel future bullish momentum. Market analysts remain optimistic, suggesting Litecoin might revert to its all-time high of $420 in Q2 2025 in case it kickstarts an upward trend. IntelMarkets (INTL): Revolutionizing DeFi with AI and Quantum-Resistant Security IntelMarkets (INTL) is drawing attention from Litecoin and Ethereum investors with its AI/blockchain hybrid DeFi platform. The platform's AI-powered trading bots analyze real-time market information and execute fast trades. A distinctive characteristic of IntelMarkets is its AI marketplace, where traders can use pre-made trading strategies and algorithms for particular asset classes. This innovation gives retail traders tools previously exclusive to institutional investors, leveling the playing field. IntelMarkets’ proprietary trading bots, built on a dual-chain architecture, adapt to market changes in real time, offering unmatched flexibility and exposure with up to 1,000x leverage. This advanced design has fueled the platform's growing popularity. The recent unveiling of the Route X21 protocol has further boosted IntelMarkets’ appeal. This quantum-resistant innovation promises enhanced security for DeFi assets, addressing future risks posed by quantum computing. The announcement has sparked excitement across the crypto market. With $4.9 million raised during its presale, IntelMarkets has proven to be a favorite among forward-thinking investors. Now in presale stage 8, the $INTL token is priced at $0.073273, with forecasts predicting a staggering 1,900% growth from its initial price. To learn more about the IntelMarkets platform, visit the presale or Join the INTL community on Telegram . Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp _____________ Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more here.NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump used his image as a successful New York businessman to become a celebrity, a reality television star and eventually the president. Now he will get to revel in one of the most visible symbols of success in the city when he rings the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday as he's also named Time Magazine's Person of the Year. Trump is expected to be on Wall Street to mark the ceremonial start of the day's trading, according to four people with knowledge of his plans. He will also be announced Thursday as Time's 2024 Person of the Year , according to a person familiar with the selection. The people who confirmed the stock exchange appearance and Time award were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. It will be a notable moment of twin recognitions for Trump, a born-and-bred New Yorker who at times has treated the stock market as a measure of public approval and has long-prized signifiers of his success in New York's business world and his appearances on the covers of magazines — especially Time. Trump was named the magazine's Person of the Year in 2016, when he was first elected to the White House. He had already been listed as a finalist for this year's award alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, X owner Elon Musk, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Kate, the Princess of Wales. Time declined to confirm the selection ahead of Thursday morning's announcement. “Time does not comment on its annual choice for Person of the Year prior to publication,” a spokesperson for the magazine said Wednesday. The ringing of the bell is a powerful symbol of U.S. capitalism — and a good New York photo opportunity at that. Despite his decades as a New York businessman, Trump has never done it before. It was unclear whether Trump, a Republican, would meet with New York's embattled mayor, Democrat Eric Adams , who has warmed to Trump and has not ruled out changing his political party. Adams has been charged with federal corruption crimes and accused of selling influence to foreign nationals; he has denied wrongdoing. Trump himself was once a symbol of New York, but he gave up living full-time in his namesake Trump Tower in Manhattan and moved to Florida after leaving the White House. CNN first reported Wednesday Trump’s visit to the stock exchange and Politico reported that Trump was expected to be unveiled as Time's Person of the Year. The stock exchange regularly invites celebrities and business leaders to participate in the ceremonial opening and closing of trading. During Trump’s first term, his wife, Melania Trump, rang the bell to promote her “Be Best” initiative on children’s well-being. Last year, Time CEO Jessica Sibley rang the opening bell to unveil the magazine's 2023 Person of the Year: Taylor Swift . After the Nov. 5 election, the S&P 500 rallied 2.5% for its best day in nearly two years. The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 1,508 points, or 3.6%, while the Nasdaq composite jumped 3%. All three indexes topped records they had set in recent weeks. The U.S. stock market has historically tended to rise regardless of which party wins the White House, with Democrats scoring bigger average gains since 1945. But Republican control could mean big shifts in the winning and losing industries underneath the surface, and investors are adding to bets built earlier on what the higher tariffs, lower tax rates and lighter regulation that Trump favors will mean. Trump has long courted the business community based on his own status as a wealthy real estate developer who gained additional fame as the star of the TV show “The Apprentice” in which competitors tried to impress him with their business skills. He won the election in part by tapping into Americans' deep anxieties about an economy that seemed unable to meet the needs of the middle class. The larger business community has applauded his promises to reduce corporate taxes and cut regulations. But there are also concerns about his stated plans to impose broad tariffs and possibly target companies that he sees as not aligning with his own political interests. Trump spends the bulk of his time at his Florida home but was in New York for weeks this spring during his hush money trial there. He was convicted, but his lawyers are pushing for the case to be thrown out in light of his election. While he spent hours in a Manhattan courthouse every day during his criminal trial, Trump took his presidential campaign to the streets of the heavily Democratic city, holding a rally in the Bronx and popping up at settings for working-class New Yorkers: a bodega, a construction site and a firehouse. Trump returned to the city in September to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Manhattan tower and again in the final stretch of the presidential campaign when he held a rally at Madison Square Garden that drew immediate blowback as speakers made rude and racist insults and incendiary remarks . At the stock exchange, the ringing of the bell has been a tradition since the 1800s. The first guest to do it was a 10-year-old boy named Leonard Ross, in 1956, who won a quiz show answering questions about the stock market. Many times, companies listing on the exchange would ring the bell at 9:30 a.m. to commemorate their initial offerings as trading began. But the appearances have become an important marker of culture and politics -- something that Trump hopes to seize as he’s promised historic levels of economic growth. The anti-apartheid advocate and South African President Nelson Mandela rang the bell, as has Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone with his castmates from the film “The Expendables.” So, too, have the actors Robert Downey Jr. and Jeremy Renner for an “Avengers” movie and the Olympians Michael Phelps and Natalie Coughlin. In 1985, Ronald Reagan became the first sitting U.S. president to ring the bell. “With tax reform and budget control, our economy will be free to expand to its full potential, driving the bears back into permanent hibernation,” Reagan said at the time. “We’re going to turn the bull loose.” The crowd of traders on the floor chanted, “Ronnie! Ronnie! Ronnie!” The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed in 1985 and 1986, but it suffered a decline in October 1987 in an event known as “Black Monday.” Long reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Josh Boak in Washington contributed to this report.
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-- Reduces total emissions by approximately 14 percent since base year -- -- Decreases water withdrawal by approximately 17 percent since base year -- -- Achieves lost-time injury rate of 0.28, representing an approximate 32 percent reduction from prior year -- MORRISVILLE, N.C. , Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pyxus International, Inc. (OTC Pink: PYYX), a global value-added agricultural company, today published its Fiscal Year 2024 Sustainability Report detailing the measurable impacts of the Company's sustainability initiatives as it progresses toward achieving its global targets. "Fiscal year 2024 was an exceptional year for Pyxus and this report highlights the positive impacts of our environmental and social initiatives, including collaboration with our contracted growers to reduce scope 3 emissions, improvement of our employee health and safety practices, and providing support to those in need," said Pyxus President and CEO Pieter Sikkel . "We remain committed to viewing all aspects of our business through a sustainable lens, helping us progress against our targets while delivering value to our stakeholders, the environment and the communities in which we operate." Notable fiscal year 2024 sustainability achievements include: Minimal Environmental Impact Support for People and Communities Ethical and Responsible Business In preparation of this year's report, Pyxus externally verified 11 global key performance indicators (KPIs) associated with its targets, up from three KPIs in the prior year. The report was prepared with reference to Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards, aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and discloses the Company's sustainability performance from April 1, 2023 , to March 31, 2024 . About Pyxus International, Inc. Pyxus International, Inc. is a global agricultural company with more than 150 years of experience delivering value-added products and services to businesses and customers. Driven by a united purpose—to transform people's lives, so that together we can grow a better world—Pyxus International, its subsidiaries and affiliates, are trusted providers of responsibly sourced, independently verified, sustainable, and traceable products and ingredients. For more information, visit www.pyxus.com . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pyxus-releases-fiscal-year-2024-sustainability-report-302329534.html SOURCE Pyxus International, Inc.Rams' offense is struggling, but the defense has put LA on the brink of an NFC West title
Almost three quarters of Scottish businesses are confident about their prospects next year, a survey has suggested. The Bank of Scotland’s business barometer poll showed 73% of Scottish businesses expect to see turnover increase in 2025, up from 60% polled in 2023. Almost a quarter (23%) of businesses expect to see their revenue rise by between six and 10% over the next 12 months, with just over a fifth (21%) expecting it to grow by even more. The poll found that 70% of businesses were confident they would become more profitable in 2025, a two per cent increase when compared with the previous year. Revenue and profitability growth was firms’ top priority at 52%, though 40% said they will be targeting improved productivity, and the same proportion said they will be aiming to enhance their technology – such as automation or AI – or upskill their staff (both 29%). More than one in five (22%) want to improve their environmental sustainability. Other areas businesses are hoping to build upon AI-assisted technology (19%), and 24% will be investing in expanding into new UK markets and 23% plan to invest in staff training. The business barometer has surveyed 1,200 businesses every month since 2002, providing early signals about UK economic trends. Martyn Kendrick, Scotland director at Bank of Scotland commercial banking, said: “Scottish businesses are looking ahead to 2025 with stronger growth expectations, and setting out clear plans to drive this expansion through investments in new technology, new markets and their own teams. “As we enter the new year, we’ll continue to by their side to help them pursue their ambitions and seize all opportunities that lie ahead.”The Omniverse Africa, a leading platform for innovation, digitalization and technology in Africa, is excited to announce its continued partnership with GIZ/Digital Transformation Center Nigeria (DTC Nigeria), which is co-funded by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, for the 2025 Omniverse Summit. The Commission Manager, GIZ, Digital Transformation Center Nigeria, Dr. Thuweba Diwani, in a statement made available to journalists at the weekend, said that the renewed collaboration solidifies the commitment of both organizations to empowering Nigerian entrepreneurs, particularly MSMEs, through digital transformation and innovation. Diwani said that “GIZ/DTC Nigeria is committed to driving digital innovation and nurturing entrepreneurial spirit across Africa. “By joining forces with the Omniverse Africa, GIZ/DTC Nigeria aims to significantly accelerate the digital transformation journey of Nigerian MSMEs. “This strategic partnership will provide Nigerian MSMEs with the essential tools, resources, and expertise needed to thrive in the global market.” Dwani said that through the partnership, “MSMEs will gain access to cutting-edge digital solutions, mentorship programmes, and networking opportunities that will enable them to overcome challenges and seize new opportunities. “By fostering a vibrant digital ecosystem, GIZ/DTC Nigeria and Omniverse Africa are working together to create a sustainable future for Nigerian MSMEs, contributing to the overall economic growth and development of the country.'” The Omniverse Summit 2025, scheduled for February 25th to 28th at Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, promises to be a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and innovation. Over the course of four days, attendees will engage with industry experts, investors, and fellow innovators to explore emerging trends and opportunities across various sectors. This partnership continues to advance the mission of supporting MSMEs in leveraging digital technology to achieve sustainable growth and success.
( MENAFN - Live Mint) In a stern warning to Hamas, US President-elect Donald trump has made it clear that if the hostages are not released prior to the date he assumes Office as President of the United States, there will be 'ALL HELL TO PAY' in the Middle East. In a social media post on Truth Social, the Republican leader vowed that those who perpetrated atrocities against 'Humanity' will be hit harder“than anybody has been hit in the history of the US”. Donald Trump's recent warning gives a hint towards America's changing stance on Israel-Hamas war. Donald Trump is known to have close ties with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While warning the Palestinian militant group, Trump criticised the previous negotiations in the matter and called them just“all talks” but“no actions”. “Everybody is talking about the hostages who are being held so violently, inhumanely, and against the will of the entire World, in the Middle East - But it's all talk, and no action!” Donald Trump wrote in a post. All hell broke loose after Hamas launched a terror attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The attack killed over 1,200 people and around 250 people were taken as hostages. Israel retaliated to Hamas's attack with a ground operation in Gaza, resulting in the death of more than 45,000 Palestinians, reported AP. Israel is continuing its attack on Hamas in Gaza, as around 100 of hostages are still in captivity, and many are feared dead. MENAFN02122024007365015876ID1108948919 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.Fijiana 7s needs shake-up The performance of the Fijiana 7s needs a shake-up. When Saiasi Fuli was in charge, the Fijiana 7s showed some brilliance, but then the girls faltered as the season progressed. I remember vividly the Fijiana 7s beating Australia 14-12 at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in what was the biggest upset of the Games. The Fijiana 7s lost to the Black Ferns 22-17 in extra time and went on to beat Great Britain 21-12 to finish third in the Olympics meet. However, in the last Olympic Games in Paris, the Fijiana 7s lost all their games. They lost 17-14 to Canada, 40-12 to China and 38-7 to the Black Ferns. Brazil added salt to our wounds with a 28-22 win. We finished 12th in Paris after losing 21-15 to South Africa. Fuli stepped down and in came Ratu Timoci Volavola, but the performance has worsened. In Dubai, the Fijiana 7s lost to Ireland 30-12, Australia 42-7 and China 15-14. The side lost again to China 24-7 in the nineth place semi-final and then to Spain 22-5, finishing last in Dubai. In Cape Town, the Fijiana 7s got thrashed by the USA 31-0. In their second pool match, the Fijiana 7s got beaten by Great Britain 22-5. The team managed to win their match against Brazil 22-19 but lost to China again 14-12. I urge FRU to carry out a SWOT analysis on the dismal performance of the Fijiana 7s. We need to get things right! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM, Nadawa, Nasinu. Respect for Fiji The British Lions, Italy, Scotland, Japan and many others have all played international rugby test matches against Fiji in Fiji. And it is heartening to note that Scotland will be playing Fiji in Fiji in July, 2025. However, it is sad and disappointing that two of the world’s rugby superpowers and our closest neighbours in New Zealand and Australia who normally consider ourselves as members of their Pacific family have never considered Fiji as good enough to agree to play test rugby against us in Fiji. This is despite the fact that they have been playing against Fiji for over 100 years and some of these matches played in their own countries. The most recent is the Fiji/New Zealand rugby match played in the US last June supposedly to improve the sport in the biggest economy in the world. What a joke! And Fiji and the interest of Fijians? They obviously were considered even with Fijian Government’s involvement but not considered to be that important to have the test match in Fiji. As always with world rugby involved, we in Fiji are kept in the dark and we should accept whatever they decide supposedly for our interest without any question. Now that we’re in the 21st century, we in Fiji demand that New Zealand and Australia in particular should give Fiji the recognition and respect that it deserves by playing rugby test matches against Fiji in Fiji. The Fiji Government should include this as an agenda item in their next high level dealings with their Governments. Fiji should also as a matter of priority directly approach the South African Government to request rugby test matches between the two countries in their respective countries. I believe Fiji can expect a greater appreciation and respect from them compared to the type of treatment we have been getting from our immediate neighbours. SAVERIO BALEIKANACEA, Delainavesi, Lami Newfound freedom It would appear to me that since the last election when Fijians found their freedoms after 16 long years of “oppression”, personal prejudice and personal opinions by those in power is the basis of all new laws. I believe the elite and those who are in positions of influence have taken this newfound freedom to mean they can make laws based on their personal prejudices and opinions. We are already seeing this not just by what politicians are saying but by village chiefs as well. We are seeing this arrogance almost daily at the highest levels. Isn’t this new found freedom just great? I have always maintained; the people of Fiji are truly blessed. May I add, no one else in the world is as blessed as Fijians. JAN NISSAR, Hiroshima, Japan Nothing has changed! During the FFP’s governing era, most of the current government ministers and senior government officials including some prominent legal eagles, vehemently decried the hosting of conferences, seminars, symposiums, conventions, meetings, etc, at lavish resorts and hotels. However, nothing seems to have changed over the past two years. Recently, the 26th Attorney-General’s Conference was held at the 5-Star Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort at Denarau. Was it a necessity to have it at such a venue? A school hall somewhere in Suva or Nadi could’ve been pre-arranged/organised as it’s the school holidays or even a tent erected at the Albert Park precinct and pay for your own meals and drinks. Imagine the thousands of dollars that could be saved and better utilised elsewhere. Sa sega tu mada mehn ! We have four-legged banded iguanas living in the forests on some of our maritime islands including the invasive iguana on Taveuni.Subsequently, we do have 2-legged chameleons (a lizard which has the ability to change colours to suit the environment) walking the corridors of power. Shame. ANTHONY SAHAI, Levuka, Ovalau Diabetes issue Diabetes has been the subject of the Government and NGOs’ attention in awareness programs to curb the current trend which has put Fiji as one of the highest recorded populations in the world which suffer from this disease. Other than awareness, one sure way to convince people to change their lifestyle is to compel them to become aware of the level of sugar in their blood and this can only be achieved through regular blood tests with glucometers. If Government assists registered diabetes patients and makes these glucometers and its test strips more affordable then this would be a step in the right direction to compel sufferers to change their lifestyle to avoid the extreme results of amputations and untimely demise. Food for thought for Government. EMOSI BALEI, Suva Stop it! The FICAC Commissioner has stressed that it is illegal for civil servants and government entities to ask for Christmas donations and food. Despite her stern warning, I believe one organisation here in the West has sent out an email to various clients requesting for contributions to fund their Christmas festivities. Did they not get the memo? Or did this organisation in question simply chose to disregard FICAC’s firm directive? I strongly urge FICAC to follow up on this specific instance and possibly take action for their lack of adherence and to ensure compliance with the rule. This shameful practice of begging the public for funding must stop. Go source your own dalo, chicken and vuaka. NISHANT SINGH, Lautoka . Ultimate thievery With an unbelievable quizzical state of theft in the country, one of my mates has shared the ultimate thievery act. Upon returning home from a busy Saturday CBD, one realises that his underwear is gone. Not from the clothes line. The one which he had worn to town. MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF, Natabua, Lautoka Mice will play! This week, LTA enforcement officers and police were out around Lautoka City advocating the road safety message with their pens. However, they were not seen around in the evening and late hours of the night. Habitual mindset of illegal drivers, drive around any how. A truck driver double parked on the road to buy booze saying who are you? Meanwhile, a private car loaded seven passengers and made a U-turn before driving off. By the looks of it, when the cat is away, the mice have the field. Thank you LTA and police, don’t give up. Old habits die hard, eh Nishant Singh! NAVNEET RAM (TD), Lautoka Arriving on time Colin Deoki wants the PM to ask his parliamentary colleagues why they arrive late at official speaking engagements (FT 11/12). I can tell him why. It’s a lack of respect for ordinary people and an arrogance of power and an inflated sense of self-importance. I remember the same thing used to happen routinely at Fiji Football organised soccer tournaments. And it was for the same reason. RAJEND NAIDU, Sydney, Australia Rip off! I received an envelope from our friends from abroad with some contents worth $36 together with freight costs. I paid $10.95 to customs and $5.80 to the post office to retrieve the envelope. Being an unemployed senior citizen, the total charge was a rip off in accordance with the envelope. The relevant ministry should seriously consider such costs which vulnerable citizens have to bear. DAVID SUSHIL LAL, Malolo St, Lautoka Multiple coups? Violence against children costs $460m — study (FT 11/12). Is there any study on the cost of the violence and setbacks of our multiple coups? That would make an interesting and illuminating study and warn us not to go down that path ever again if we want our country and its people to progress. RAJEND NAIDU, Sydney, Australia Harmful scenario! I thank Conan Hatch for joining the club, so to speak! And a very special thank you to The Fiji Times for giving his letter the headline — Discipline crisis — for that is exactly what we have on our hands; and it should be on our consciences, too. I received a letter the other day which made the salient point concerning this issue, that today, in the main, the world’s governments mostly comprise younger people — young men and women who have little or no experience — whereas, in days gone by the people we voted into office on our behalf were older: people with experience who had no need to make a mark on society. Today’s authority has been passed to young people who have yet to make their mark and so come up with harebrained schemes without giving thought to the consequences. I recently read Descartes’ Error – Emotion, Reason and the Human Brain, by Antonio R. Damasio: Professor of Psychology, Philosophy and Neurology at the USC — adjunct professor at the Salk Institute — winner of many awards. I confess it is not an easy read, but well worth the effort. He has this to say . . . Early in development, punishment and reward are delivered by parents and other elders and peers, who actually embody the social conventions and ethics of the culture to which (they) belong. In Germany and the Soviet Union during the 1930s and 1940s . . .in Cambodia during the Pol Pot regime . . . a sick culture prevailed upon a presumably normal machinery of reason, with disastrous consequences. Adding that he fears sizeable sectors of society are gradually becoming tragically similar. He states further . . . If the proposed solution to individual and social suffering bypasses the causes of individual and social conflict, it is not likely to work for very long. It may treat a symptom, but it does nothing to the roots of the disease. Damasio stresses: One of the most distinctive human traits is the ability to learn to be guided by future prospects rather than by immediate outcomes, something we begin to acquire in childhood. If we are permitted to acquire it, that is! Most pertinently he claims . . . Lack of reward can constitute punishment and be unpleasant, just as lack of punishment can constitute reward and be quite pleasurable. I have written many times on the loss of a parent’s right to discipline their child and I commend all of those who, few though they may be, have the sense to see the harm we are doing to our children. SUE CAUTY, Pacific Harbour Blood shortage Recently, an elderly relative was admitted to the Acute Surgical Ward at the CWM Hospital in Suva due to a sickness which required her needing a blood transfusion. My concern here is when a patient needs blood, the blood bank will not release blood to the patient until donors are found and donate to the patient due to the existing low levels of blood at the blood bank. To my knowledge, this has been an ongoing problem for many years. A possible solution is if the Army, Navy and Police, etc., were able to donate a pint of blood each. That would lead to a significant boost to the blood bank at the hospitals around the country. Is there sufficient storage space at the major hospitals? In saying that I would like to say a big vinaka vakalevu to the donors who came forward and donated upon our request. Not forgetting the hard-working doctors, nurses and auxiliary staff at the Acute Surgical Ward and the hospital in general. Much respect to you all. Lastly, could the Health Minister please look into this matter which will benefit our people who are in dire need. DEREK FONG TOY, Navua.
ARLINGTON, Va. , Dec. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES) approved an increase of 2% in the Company's quarterly common stock dividend, from $0.1725 per share to $0.17595 per share, beginning in the first quarter of 2025. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
Florida Surgeon General Ladapo urges communities to stop fluoridating their water
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested two people on Sunday, including a suspected human trafficker, for allegedly smuggling Pakistani nationals onto a migrant vessel, which capsized off the coast of Greece on December 14. At least five migrants drowned after their wooden boat, carrying many Pakistanis, capsized off Greece’s southern island of Gavdos, the coastguard said, with witnesses saying many were still missing as search operations continued. The number of Pakistanis killed in a Greek shipwreck rose to four on December 16, the Foreign Office said, additionally confirming that there were 47 Pakistani survivors . Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed authorities to take solid action against human trafficking and ordered the immediate implementation of the Integrated Border Management System (IBMS) to monitor international travellers. “The recurrence of such incidents is due to the sluggish actions against the people involved,” he added. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the FIA booked four alleged human traffickers and reportedly detained two suspects from Sialkot and Gujrat. According to an FIA press release issued today, FIA Director General Ahmed Ishaq Jahangir ordered a crackdown against elements involved in the Greece boat accident. The release stated that two suspects had been arrested and were identified as Saeed Ahmed and alleged human trafficker Mohammad Aslam. “The suspect (Aslam) is an operative of an international gang involved in human smuggling,” the FIA alleged in the press release. “The suspect extorted Rs8.5 million from the victims.” According to the release, Aslam allegedly sent people to Libya with the help of accomplices, before attempting to send them from Libya to Greece by boat. “The suspect was arrested from Gujranwala using modern technology,” the FIA said in the release. In a separate operation, another alleged trafficker was arrested in Gujrat, according to the FIA. This suspect would allegedly produce false travel documents in exchange for “large sums of money”, the agency said. Director of the FIA’s Gujranwala Zone Abdul Qadir Qamar said in the press release that the crackdown against those involved in the Greek shipwreck remains ongoing and that “all resources are being utilized to arrest the accused”. He added that if there is strong evidence, the accused will receive the death penalty.Hyderabad: It was a moment of pride for the transgender community of Telangana as 39 transgenders recruited as traffic police assistants in the police department recently, performed the “traffic drill” before Hyderabad police commissioner CV Anand at the Integrated Command Control Centre (ICCC) of Hyderabad police department on Sunday, December 22. The newly recruited traffic police assistants from the transgender community performing the traffic drill at the Integrated Command Control Centre (ICCC) in Hyderabad on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/1EX2dypE6v These new traffic police assistants who have received training for 15 days will begin their duties starting Monday, December 23. The transgender traffic police assistants have been posted with the same status as Home Guards. A post shared by The Siasat Daily (@siasatdaily) Addressing them, CV Anand said that their performance in their new duties was crucial as the state government was contemplating inducting the transgenders into various other government departments based on this pilot project. He also said that the entire country was looking at the initiative in Telangana which would set a new precedent for social acceptance of the community which has suffered social stigma for ages. Terming the government’s initiative as “innovative and revolutionary,” CV Anand said that it was a great opportunity for the transgenders to integrate with society and that stationing them at traffic signals was one of the most suitable jobs for them, as they were all well acquainted with such locations., /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES) approved an increase of 2% in the Company's quarterly common stock dividend, from per share to per share, beginning in the first quarter of 2025. The Company's first quarter 2025 common stock dividend of per share is payable on to shareholders of record at the close of business on , 2025. Additional information regarding dividends paid by AES, including tax treatment, can be found on by selecting "Investors" then "Stock Information" and then "Dividend History." The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES) is a Fortune 500 global energy company accelerating the future of energy. Together with our many stakeholders, we're improving lives by delivering the greener, smarter energy solutions the world needs. Our diverse workforce is committed to continuous innovation and operational excellence, while partnering with our customers on their strategic energy transitions and continuing to meet their energy needs today. For more information, visit . This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those related to future earnings, growth and financial and operating performance. Forward-looking statements are not intended to be a guarantee of future results, but instead constitute AES' current expectations based on reasonable assumptions. Forecasted financial information is based on certain material assumptions. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, our expectations regarding accurate projections of future interest rates, commodity price and foreign currency pricing, continued normal levels of operating performance and electricity volume at our distribution companies and operational performance at our generation businesses consistent with historical levels, as well as the execution of PPAs, conversion of our backlog and growth investments at normalized investment levels, and rates of return consistent with prior experience. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in our forward-looking statements due to risks, uncertainties and other factors. Important factors that could affect actual results are discussed in AES' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including, but not limited to, the risks discussed under Item 1A: "Risk Factors" and Item 7: "Management's Discussion & Analysis" in AES' 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K and in subsequent reports filed with the SEC. Readers are encouraged to read AES' filings to learn more about the risk factors associated with AES' business. AES undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except where required by law. Any Stockholder who desires a copy of the Company's 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC may obtain a copy (excluding the exhibits thereto) without charge by addressing a request to the Office of the Corporate Secretary, The AES Corporation, 4300 Wilson Boulevard, 22203. Exhibits also may be requested, but a charge equal to the reproduction cost thereof will be made. A copy of the Annual Report on Form 10-K may be obtained by visiting the Company's website at . AES uses its website, including its quarterly updates, as channels of distribution of Company information. The information AES posts through these channels may be deemed material. Accordingly, investors should monitor our website, in addition to following AES' press releases, quarterly SEC filings and public conference calls and webcasts. In addition, you may automatically receive e-mail alerts and other information about AES when you enroll your e-mail address by visiting the " " page of AES' Investors website. The contents of AES' website, including its quarterly updates, are not, however, incorporated by reference into this release. Investor Contact: Susan Harcourt 703-682-1204, Media Contact: Amy Ackerman 703-682-6399, View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE The AES Corporation