esports hiring
Article content Cruising can be an ideal vacation, serving up something for everyone. The stunning sea. The fabulous food. And the exotic pleasures of a variety of ports of call. But when you add luxury to the itinerary, a cruising vacation sails to the next level. That was certainly our experience from the moment we boarded Silversea’s Silver Nova — and especially when we opened the door to our cabin for the first time. I and my best friend and travelling companion guffawed in awe. Having travelled on several cruise lines before, this was our first sailing in suite accommodations, and oh how sweet they were. But more on that shortly. First things first ... THE NOVA SHIPS Launched in 2023, Silver Nova, along with sister ship Silver Ray, which began sailing this past summer, belong to the ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line’s new Nova class of ships. The idea, Silversea touts, is to bring passengers closer to their destinations than ever before thanks to innovative designs and curated experiences. The Nova-class ships are asymmetrical, a first for Silversea and a construction that allows for most of the steel structure of the ship to be inside, giving way to larger window openings. How large? Well, the ships have more than 4,000 square metres of exterior glass — and that means plenty of incredible views from virtually every space. In fact, the Nova ships want to put the focus on the destinations so much that 100% of the elevators are water-facing, a first for a cruise ship, says Silversea. I’m usually a take-the-stairs gal (helps balance all the vacation calories!), and the ship isn’t massive so it’s very easy to get around. But I opted a few times to take the elevator just for the views (and take it from me, it doesn’t take much to miss your floor as you’re gazing at the blue ocean and sky outside!). The decor is “whispered luxury” — where the design disappears so that the guest can be at the centre — harkening to the cruise line’s Italian roots with soft and neutral tones complemented by ocean and earth-inspired accents. The spaces feel rich yet also bright and comfortable. SWEET SUITES The Nova ships are the largest yet for Silversea and have 364 suites — with 13 categories to choose from — each boasting private balconies with glass balustrades, walk-in closets, and the luxury of 24-hour butler service. What amazed us about our Medallion Suite was that it felt more like we were in a five-star hotel room than on a cruise ship. Open the cabin door and you enter into a hallway that accesses a powder room which links to a washroom with a large shower, separate deep tub and wide sink. Then there’s a central bedroom — that can be sealed off for privacy with sliding panels — with the walk-in closet that leads to the washroom, plus a desk area and also a sitting area with fridge, TV, couch, table and chair. All that PLUS the expansive balcony meant we never felt claustrophobic in our quarters. And that fridge? It is stocked daily with our favourite choices thanks to our butler — did we mention Silversea is all-inclusive with around-the-clock in-suite dining? The roomy suites are perfect for long voyages, which are part of Silversea’s diverse itinerary roster that hits more than 900 destinations on all seven continents (it wasn’t too bad for our too-short weekend cruise either!). POOL TIME Another bonus of asymmetrical ship design is that instead of having the outdoor pool in the centre on Deck 10, with lounge chairs surrounding it facing inward and blocking the view of the sea, the pool is built to the side so that you can look out at the ocean and the destinations while taking a swim. As a water fan, I love that because sea views, for me, are one of the best parts about cruising. Plus, the Nova pool deck seating mostly looks out to the horizon, which like the outfacing venues on board keep the destinations in focus, a key aspect of the ship design. Though my favourite place to be during warm sailing days, the pool deck is far from the only space to enjoy on the Nova ships. Tops for me also includes the Venetian Lounge (theatre with cabaret-style seating to take in live performances, movies and more), the Panorama Lounge (for late-night dancing), the Observation Lounge (from which you can access the super-cool Library), and the Otium Spa (modern fitness area and treatment rooms plus an indoor pool and relaxation area inspired by Roman baths). FOODIE FUN “The truest way to experience a destination is through the indigenous bounty and the food and drink the place is known for” ~ Chef Nina Compton, godmother of Silver Nova Spotlighting the spectacular ports of call continues with Silversea’s S.A.L.T. culinary program. Sea and Land Taste brings local food, wine and culinary expertise from every destination on board and offers shore excursions for passengers to delve deeper into the local cuisine. Part of the experience includes exclusive access to culinary experts, restaurateurs, food and drink producers, and authors. In addition to the S.A.L.T. Kitchen restaurant and S.A.L.T. Bar, passengers can try their hand at crafting dishes in the S.A.L.T. Lab during the day (I was better than I would have imagined at making Johnny cakes!), while at night, the space on the Nova ships offers Chef’s Table, an interactive dining experience of 11 courses for a small group. Chefs prepare the meal right in front of you while explaining its origins and telling stories, guiding you along the way so that you get so much more than just a delicious meal — you walk away with an understanding of the culture, history and gastronomy of the destination. And you know it’s legit because Silversea says it is the only cruise line to have a food anthropologist who checks all the menus and lab classes to make sure the details are right in what they talk about, where the ingredients are from or even how they are spelled. The ship dining options aren’t limited to S.A.L.T., either, with a total of nine restaurants on board along with 10 bars and lounges that range from cozy to elegant. Highlights for us included Marquee, an outdoor space with soaring slated shades and tiled floor near the pool offering a pizzeria and a grill, the Dusk Bar with its relaxed outdoor space perfect for watching sunsets, and the gourmet meals served three times a day at elegant Atlantide. RESPONSIBLE SAILING The Nova-class ships were built with sustainability in mind and have hybrid power systems that parent company Royal Caribbean Group — which also includes Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean lines — says are a significant step towards a net zero future. Liquified natural gas (LNG) is the main fuel source, backed up by a bank of batteries, helping the ships be 40% more energy efficient than required international standards. A heat waste recovery system harnesses excess heat to use elsewhere in the ship like the boilers, and a waste management system helps reduce air emissions and keep waste from landfill. Couple all that with increased use of LED lighting to lower power consumption and single-use plastics elimination, and Silversea says its Nova ships put safeguarding the oceans at the forefront. IF YOU GO Silversea has a dress code in indoor spaces after 6 p.m. (no jeans, shorts, sneakers or flip flops), with either elegant casual or formal wear as an option. Casual wear akin to five-star resorts is always OK in outdoor venues. If it sounds stuffy, it sure never felt that way. It’s relaxed luxury and we are here for it. Find out more about Silver Nova, Silver Ray and the rest of Silversea’s fleet and cruising options at silversea.com . cmcleod@postmedia.com
None'We need new leadership': Atlantic Liberal caucus calls for Trudeau's resignation
Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant declared for the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday after three seasons with the Wolverines. The 6-foot-3, 339-pound junior was a third-team All-American and a second-team All-Big Ten selection this season. He had three sacks among his 32 total tackles over 12 games in 2024. As a sophomore, Grant helped the Wolverines claim the national championship with 29 tackles and 3 1/2 sacks in 15 games. "I am very appreciative to Coach (Jim) Harbaugh and coach (Sherrone) Moore and the rest of the University of Michigan staff that I have crossed paths with," Grant posted on social media. "It has been an honor to be developed into a Michigan Man." Other Michigan players who intend to leave the program for the draft include defensive lineman Mason Graham, cornerback Will Johnson and tight end Colston Loveland. --Field Level MediaTottenham pair Rodrigo Bentancur and Dominic Solanke left fans in stitches after colliding in the box as they lined up to shoot during their 2-2 draw with Wolves. Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou came into his side’s clash with Wolves under huge pressure following back-to-back defeats against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, The Sun reports. They kicked off in the bottom half of the Premier League table with nine defeats from 18 games. And things got even bleaker for fans of the North London side when Hwang Hee-chan fired in to give the visitors the lead. You can watch the farcical scene in the video player above. Bentancur levelled with a header from a corner, before the calamitous incident occurred between the Uruguayan and Solanke. As the ball rolled across the box they both ran onto it and took each other out. Fortunately, the flag went up for offside in the build-up. But that did not stop fans from making fun of the hapless moment. One said: “Solanke shoving Bentancur off the ball (or was it the other way around?) is the most Spursy thing I’ve ever seen.” Another added: “That Bentancur-Solanke collision in the box sums up our whole season lmao.” The pair had a paddock of space. Photo: Twitter. A third replied: “If you could describe SPURS in a clip... Solanke and Bentancur going for the same ball.” While a fourth responded: “The way Solanke and Bentancur tackled each other best comedy show on earth.” Spurs went in front through Brennan Johnson but then conceded late on through Jorgen Strand Larsen. Postecoglou really needed a win here after a run of just one victory in six league games had left his injury-hit side languishing in mid-table. He looked like he might have it after goals from Bentancur and Johnson before half-time overturned Hwang’s opener. But Strand Larsen came to the rescue to preserve Vitor Pereira’s unbeaten record since taking over. And it left Postecoglou, whose side were booed at full-time, looking on shaky ground as chairman Daniel Levy watched from the stands. “I’m the person in charge, so of course it hurts,” said Postecoglou, whose team have won just one of their past seven Premier League matches. “When I see how hard they are trying, it hurts even more because you want them to get a reward and I think today they deserved a reward for their efforts.” Pereira has had such a quick impact at Wolves since succeeding Gary O’Neil just before Christmas that the away fans were singing his name before kick-off. They were belting it out after seven minutes though when Hwang broke the deadlock. The South Korean was starting his first league game since August as a reward for his killer strike against Manchester United on Boxing Day. Hello darkness my old friend. Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP. His strike showed no signs of rustiness though as Rayan Ait-Nouri rolled a free-kick off to the forward on the edge of the area and Hwang did the rest, curling beautifully in off the post. Spurs were trying to claim a foul on Johnson from Santiago Bueno in the build-up but it looked an optimistic claim at best. Matheus Cunha, who had won the set-piece in the first place, has been Wolves’ star man in a dreary campaign. And the Brazilian showed just why he is being coveted by the likes of Arsenal with some Champions League-quality tricks and flicks throughout the first half. Spurs hit back five minutes later though with a corner routine that had worked a charm against Ipswich last month, even if it was overlooked by Spurs losing that game. Just as they did against the Tractor Boys, Pedro Porro sent in the delivery to the near post where Rodrigo Bentancur rose highest to crash home a header. Spurs were not playing well and yet they were still creating chances. Radu Dragusin probably should have levelled with a header from another Porro corner that whistled the wrong side of the post. Yves Bissouma had a blast over the bar when Kulusevski neatly laid it off to him. While there was a farcical moment when Solanke and Bentancur clattered into each other trying to latch onto the same cutback from Kulusevski, who was offside anyway. Son Heung-min has looked out of sorts for some time now given the amazing service he has given Spurs over the last ten years. You can't make this stuff up. He was anonymous here until out of nowhere, he was presented with a golden chance to put Spurs ahead. Johnson had been needlessly tripped by Andre in the box as tried to latch onto Kulusevsi’s lock-picking pass. Son picked up the ball as the penalty-taker but just like Erling Haaland against Everton last week, the master goal-scorer looked so short of confidence that you feared a miss was coming. So it proved as his tame effort to Jose Sa’s right was repelled by the Wanderers stopper. Postecoglou must have felt this is just how things are going for him right now. But then Johnson offered him a reprieve in the third minute of first-half stoppage time. The Welshman played a one-two with the excellent Kulusevski - who at times seemed to be carrying Spurs - and then smartly converted the return pass for 2-1. Wolves were dealt a surprise blow when Cunha was part of a double-sub at half-time and was spotted soon after with ice under his left knee. While Postecoglou surely could not believe his luck when Destiny Udogie went down with a hamstring injury, given how decimated his defence already was. The Italian gingerly walked off to be replaced by the lesser-spotted Sergio Reguilon, who was making his first league appearance for Spurs since April 2022. Since then he has been out on loan at Atletico Madrid, Manchester United and Brentford. The smart money is on him being shipped out permanently next month too, although Spurs may have to assess the damage to Udogie first. Both sides looked tired and short of quality in a clunky second half. Spurs were desperately trying to see it out but then on 87 minutes, Rayan Ait-Nouri slipped in sub Strand Larsen who belted the ball past Fraser Forster high into the roof of the net. Spurs old-boy Matt Doherty almost nicked all three points too for the visitors but his header was repelled by Forster. — This story originally appeared on The Sun and has been republished with permission More Coverage ‘First since MJ’: Aussie’s absurd history Andrew Jackson with New York Post and AFP Ash Barty makes quiet return to tennis Tyson Otto Originally published as Ange Postecoglou left a laughing stock after Spurs comedy act EPL Don't miss out on the headlines from EPL. Followed categories will be added to My News. More related stories Sport Liverpool destroy Hammers, late goal heaps more pain on Ange’s Spurs Liverpool continued their romp towards the title with a 5-0 rout of West Ham, while Ange Postecoglou suffered the frustration of watching Tottenham concede a late goal to drop more points. EPL WRAP. Read more Tottenham Under-fire Ange clarifies PM joke as decimated Spurs lick wounds Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou was baffled he had to explain a comment he made about the job of the UK Prime Minister was a joke as the pressure to turn Spurs’ season around rises. Read moreLebawit Lily Girma | (TNS) Bloomberg News When winter rolls around, travelers predictably turn their attention to beaches. And this year, it’s the destination that comedian Tony Hinchcliffe called “a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean” that’s experiencing outsize demand from Americans planning a warm island vacation. Talk about trashing stereotypes. Related Articles Travel | Would you pay $700 a night to sleep under the stars at this Colorado resort? Travel | Thailand’s starring role in ‘The White Lotus’ is about to pay off Travel | 5 under-the-radar travel destinations the UN says you should visit Travel | Gift ideas for people planning their next trip Travel | Lights and decor, réveillon meals make Christmastime special in New Orleans Puerto Rico has recovered overseas visitors (excluding those from Canada and Mexico) faster than any U.S. state or territory — a staggering 85% increase over its 2019 overseas inbound visitor levels as of 2023, according to an October study from the U.S. National Travel and Tourism Office. There are now more daily flights from the U.S. West Coast, and hotel bookings are 6% higher so far in this last quarter of 2024 year-over-year. It’s a trifecta of tourism growth: more visitors, but also longer stays and a higher spend that reached a record $9.8 billion in 2023, boosting small businesses as well as major brands. “We don’t have a slow season in Puerto Rico anymore,” says Brad Dean, chief executive officer at Discover Puerto Rico. Even if they’re not booking, people are dreaming about “La Isla.” By tracking flight searches for trips between November 2024 and February 2025, a measure of “inspirational” demand, tourism intelligence company Mabrian Technologies reports Puerto Rico is up 9% compared with the same period last year and leads Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and the Bahamas in the Caribbean proper. Only Costa Rica ranked higher in the wider region. Dean attributes Puerto Rico’s ongoing tourism growth to a strategic effort to reposition the island’s brand as more than a sun-and-sea destination, starting back in 2018. That led to the Live Boricua campaign, which began in 2022 and leaned heavily on culture, history and cuisine and was, Dean says, “a pretty bold departure” in the way Puerto Rico was showcased to travelers. He adds that at least $2 billion in tourism spend is linked to this campaign. “We (also) haven’t shied away from actively embracing the LGBTQ+ community, and that has opened up Puerto Rico to audiences that may not have considered the Caribbean before,” Dean says. Hotels are preparing to meet this growing demand: A number of established boutique properties are undergoing upgrades valued between $4 million and more than $50 million, including Hotel El Convento; La Concha, which will join the Marriott Autograph Collection; Condado Vanderbilt Hotel; and the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar. That’s in addition to ultra-chic options that are coming online in 2025, including the adults-only Alma San Juan, with rooms overlooking Plaza Colón in the heart of Old San Juan, and the five-star Veranó boutique hotel in San Juan’s trendy Santurce neighborhood. The beachfront Ritz-Carlton San Juan in Isla Verde will also be reopening seven years after Hurricane Maria decimated the island. The travel industry’s success is helping boost employment on the island, to the tune of 101,000 leisure and hospitality jobs as of September 2024, a 26% increase over pre-pandemic levels, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Efforts to promote Puerto Rico’s provinces beyond the San Juan metro area — such as surfing hub Rincón on the west coast, historical Ponce on the south coast and Orocovis for nature and coffee haciendas in the central mountains —have spread the demand to small businesses previously ignored by the travel industry. Take Sheila Osorio, who leads workshops on Afro-Puerto Rican bomba music and dance at Taller Nzambi, in the town of Loíza, 15 miles east of San Juan; or Wanda Otero, founder of cheese-producing company Vaca Negra in Hatillo, an hour’s drive west of Old San Juan, where you can join a cheese-making workshop and indulge in artisanal cheese tastings. “The list of businesses involved in tourism has gone from 650 in 2018 to 6,100, many of which are artists and artisans,” Dean says. While New Yorkers and Miami residents have always been the largest visitor demographic, Dean says more mainland Americans now realize that going to Puerto Rico means passport-free travel to enjoy beaches, as well as opportunities to dine in Michelin-rated restaurants, hike the only rainforest in the U.S. and kayak in a bioluminescent bay. Visitors from Chicago and Dallas, for example, have increased by approximately 40% from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, compared with the same period in 2022-2023, and more travelers are expected from Denver now that United Airlines Holdings Inc. has kicked off its first nonstop service to San Juan, beginning on Oct. 29. Previously, beach destinations that were easy to reach on direct flights from Denver included Mexico, Belize and California, but now Puerto Rico joins that list with a 5.5-hour nonstop route that cuts more than two hours from the next-best option. Given United Airlines’ hub in San Francisco, it could mean more travelers from the Golden State in the near future, too. In December, U.S. airlines will have 3,000 more seats per day to the territory compared with the same period last year, for a total of 84,731 — surpassing even Mexico and the Dominican Republic in air capacity, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium. Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, the island’s primary gateway, is projecting a record volume of 13 million passengers by year’s end — far surpassing the 9.4 million it saw in 2019. As for Hinchcliffe’s “floating island of garbage” line, Dean says it was “a terribly insensitive attempt at humor” that transformed outrage into a marketing silver lining, with an outpouring of positive public sentiment and content on Puerto Rico all over social media. Success, as that old chestnut goes, may be the best revenge. “It was probably the most efficient influencer campaign we’ve ever had,” Dean says, “a groundswell of visitors who posted their photos and videos and said, ‘This is the Puerto Rico that I know.’” ©2024 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Dark Reactions to Murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Flood Social Media: 'Prior Authorization is Required for Thoughts and Prayers'
Japan Airlines has reported a cyberattack that caused delays to domestic and international flights but later said it had found and addressed the cause. Public broadcaster NHK said on Thursday that problems with the airline’s baggage check-in system delayed more than a dozen flights at several Japanese airports, but there were no mass cancellations or major disruptions. Japan Airlines (JAL) is the country’s second-biggest airline after All Nippon Airways (ANA). “We identified and addressed the cause of the issue. We are checking the system recovery status,” JAL said in a post on social media platform X. “Sales for both domestic and international flights departing today have been suspended. We apologise for any inconvenience caused,” the post said. Earlier Thursday, a JAL spokeswoman told AFP the company had been subjected to a cyberattack. Network disruption began at 2224 GMT Wednesday, JAL said in a statement. “Then we temporarily isolated the router, a device for exchanging data between networks that was causing the disruption”, it added. JAL shares fell as much as 2.5 percent in morning trade after the news emerged, before recovering slightly. (Al Jazeera)THOMAS TUCHEL'S first game as England manager has been revealed. The Three Lions' 2026 World Cup qualifying group sees them come up against Serbia, Albania, Latvia and Andorra. Tuchel was at today's draw but does not officially start as England boss until January. A date has been set for his first game in charge, with the German's reign kicking-off on Friday night at Wembley against Albania on March 21. Three days later, there is another home clash for him versus Latvia. Tuchel's third match in charge on June 7 is away to Andorra. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL They will then play a friendly afterwards in the same international window against an unnamed opponent. Three Lions chiefs then have a venue headache to deal with as Andorra come to England for the return fixture on September 6. Wembley Stadium is seemingly out of action that night due to Coldplay concerts on the days either side, meaning the match will have to be played elsewhere. England then take on Serbia on September 9. Most read in Football FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS Albania (H) - March 21 Latvia (H) - March 24 Andorra (A) - June 7 Andorra (H) - September 6 Serbia (A) - September 9 Latvia (A) - October 14 Serbia (H) - November 13 Albania (A) - November 16 Another friendly follows before Lavia away on October 14. Then the qualification campaign finally comes to an end with a double-header against Serbia at home on November 13 and Albania away on November 16. Tuchel's squad could be very different to the ones picked by Gareth Southgate and Lee Carsley as the ex-Chelsea boss has promised a fresh start to all players , including the self-exiled Ben White. The new manager said today: “It should be a clean start and a clear narrative. It starts from January. "I will be in the stadiums from January. The players should just know, 'okay, the boss is there from January'. “Then I will of course try to speak to them, but also be respectful to the schedule that they have, because the schedule is busy in January, especially in the Premier League." Asked about White, Tuchel said: “Yes. I will reach out to him." Group A : Winner GER/ITA, Slovakia, Northern Ireland, Luxembourg Group B : Switzerland, Sweden, Slovenia, Kosovo Group C : Loser POR/DEN, Greece, Scotland, Belarus Group D : Winner FRA/CRO, Ukraine, Iceland, Azerbaijan Group E : Winner SPA/NED, Turkey, Georgia, Bulgaria Group F : Winner POR/DEN, Hungary, Ireland, Armenia Group G : Loser SPA/NED, Poland, Finland, Lithuania, Malta Group H : Austria, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, San Marino Group I : Loser GER/ITA, Norway, Israel, Estonia, Moldova Group J : Belgium, Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, Liechenstein Group K : England, Serbia, Albania, Latvia, Andorra Group L : Loser FRA/CRO, Czechia, Montenegro, Faroe Islands, GibraltarA 7-year-old rivalry between tech leaders Elon Musk and Sam Altman over who should run OpenAI and prevent an artificial intelligence "dictatorship" is now heading to a federal judge as Musk seeks to halt the ChatGPT maker's ongoing shift into a for-profit company. Musk, an early OpenAI investor and board member, sued the artificial intelligence company earlier this year alleging it had betrayed its founding aims as a nonprofit research lab benefiting the public good rather than pursuing profits. Musk has since escalated the dispute, adding new claims and asking for a court order that would stop OpenAI’s plans to convert itself into a for-profit business more fully. The world's richest man, whose companies include Tesla, SpaceX and social media platform X, last year started his own rival AI company, xAI. Musk says it faces unfair competition from OpenAI and its close business partner Microsoft, which has supplied the huge computing resources needed to build AI systems such as ChatGPT. “OpenAI and Microsoft together exploiting Musk’s donations so they can build a for-profit monopoly, one now specifically targeting xAI, is just too much,” says Musk's filing that alleges the companies are violating the terms of Musk’s foundational contributions to the charity. OpenAI is filing a response Friday opposing Musk’s requested order, saying it would cripple OpenAI’s business and mission to the advantage of Musk and his own AI company. A hearing is set for January before U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland. At the heart of the dispute is a 2017 internal power struggle at the fledgling startup that led to Altman becoming OpenAI's CEO. Musk also wanted the job, according to emails revealed as part of the court case, but grew frustrated after two other OpenAI co-founders said he would hold too much power as a major shareholder and chief executive if the startup succeeded in its goal to achieve better-than-human AI known as artificial general intelligence , or AGI. Musk has long voiced concerns about how advanced forms of AI could threaten humanity. “The current structure provides you with a path where you end up with unilateral absolute control over the AGI," said a 2017 email to Musk from co-founders Ilya Sutskever and Greg Brockman. “You stated that you don't want to control the final AGI, but during this negotiation, you've shown to us that absolute control is extremely important to you.” In the same email, titled “Honest Thoughts,” Sutskever and Brockman also voiced concerns about Altman's desire to be CEO and whether he was motivated by “political goals.” Altman eventually succeeded in becoming CEO, and has remained so except for a period last year when he was fired and then reinstated days later after the board that ousted him was replaced. OpenAI published the messages Friday in a blog post meant to show its side of the story, particularly Musk's early support for the idea of making OpenAI a for-profit business so it could raise money for the hardware and computer power that AI needs. It was Musk, through his wealth manager Jared Birchall, who first registered “Open Artificial Technologies Technologies, Inc.”, a public benefit corporation, in September 2017. Then came the “Honest Thoughts” email that Musk described as the “final straw.” “Either go do something on your own or continue with OpenAI as a nonprofit,” Musk wrote back. OpenAI said Musk later proposed merging the startup into Tesla before resigning as the co-chair of OpenAI's board in early 2018. Musk didn't immediately respond to emailed requests for comment sent to his companies Friday. Asked about his frayed relationship with Musk at a New York Times conference last week, Altman said he felt “tremendously sad” but also characterized Musk’s legal fight as one about business competition. “He’s a competitor and we’re doing well,” Altman said. He also said at the conference that he is “not that worried” about the Tesla CEO’s influence with President-elect Donald Trump. OpenAI said Friday that Altman plans to make a $1 million personal donation to Trump’s inauguration fund, joining a number of tech companies and executives who are working to improve their relationships with the incoming administration. —————————— The Associated Press and OpenAI have a licensing and technology agreement allowing OpenAI access to part of the AP’s text archives.
SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 22, 2024-- Curi Bio, a leader in delivering human functional data to drug discoverers through advanced preclinical tissue models, is proud to announce its selection as one of Deloitte's Technology Fast 500TM companies in 2024, an annual ranking of the 500 fastest-growing technology companies in North America. Curi Bio achieved an overall rank of #123 and secured #18 out of the 70 life sciences companies recognized, highlighting its transformative contribution to enabling the development of next-generation medicines. Curi Bio’s innovative human stem cell platforms deliver functional data that enable biopharmaceutical researchers to make better informed, data-driven decisions during preclinical drug development. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241122635899/en/ Curi Bio Recognized as a 2024 Deloitte Technology Fast 500 Winner (Graphic: Business Wire) "We are honored to be recognized among North America’s most innovative and fastest-growing life sciences companies," said Dr. Nicholas A. Geisse, CEO at Curi Bio. "This recognition reflects the unyielding dedication of our team and the groundbreaking impact of our human-relevant platforms. By providing drug developers tools that more accurately replicate human physiology, our work has accelerated timelines and continues improving the safety and efficacy of new therapies for patients suffering from some of the world’s most devastating diseases." Top global pharmaceutical companies have rapidly adopted Curi Bio’s biological models, driving the company’s strong and steady revenue growth. By delivering predictive, clinically relevant insights, Curi Bio’s technology accelerates the development of safer and more effective drugs, addressing critical challenges in a rapidly evolving industry. The company’s portfolio of functional human disease models spans cardiac, skeletal muscle, and neuromuscular indications, offering researchers powerful tools to tackle some of the most complex diseases beyond the constraints of costly and risky clinical trials. This approach of empowering researchers with turnkey platforms has been a cornerstone of Curi Bio’s growth, earning recognition with this award and demonstrating its pivotal role in advancing medical science. About the 2024 Deloitte Technology Fast 500 Now in its 30th year, the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 provides a ranking of the fastest-growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences, fintech, and energy tech companies — both public and private — in North America. Technology Fast 500 award winners are selected based on percentage fiscal year revenue growth from 2020 to 2023. In order to be eligible for Technology Fast 500 recognition, companies must own proprietary intellectual property or technology that is sold to customers in products that contribute to a majority of the company’s operating revenues. Companies must have base-year operating revenues of at least US$50,000, and current-year operating revenues of at least US$5 million. Additionally, companies must be in business for a minimum of four years and be headquartered within North America. About Curi Bio Curi Bio unlocks novel workflows and delivers functional human data to inform biopharmaceutical R&D decision-making. Through an integrated platform featuring advanced 3D tissue models of disease, biosystems enabling clinically relevant functional analyses, and AI/ML-enabled insights, Curi Bio melds functional and analytical assessments for drug safety, efficacy, and potency. By offering leading global pharmaceutical end users an integrated preclinical platform along with highly predictive human stem cell tissue models to generate clinically relevant data, Curi Bio is bridging the gap between preclinical R&D and clinical outcomes, accelerating the discovery and development of safer, more effective medicines. For more information, please visit www.curibio.com . View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241122635899/en/ CONTACT: For media inquiries, please contact: Heejoon Choi Sr. Director of Sales & Marketing, Curi Bio heejoon@curibio.com KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA WASHINGTON INDUSTRY KEYWORD: BIOTECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONAL SERVICES HEALTH PHARMACEUTICAL OTHER SCIENCE RESEARCH DATA ANALYTICS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SCIENCE CLINICAL TRIALS SOURCE: Curi Bio Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 11/22/2024 01:57 PM/DISC: 11/22/2024 01:57 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241122635899/enBy Political Reporter- The state media released the title of Auxillia Mnangagwa, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Tourism and Hospitality Management thesis title, after pressure from the public. Auxilia got the PhD on Thursday at Midlands State University (MSU), which she was given by his husband, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who serves as the Chancellor of all state universities. The thesis, titled has ignited widespread criticism and comparisons to the notorious PhD scandal involving Grace Mugabe. Critics have questioned the legitimacy of Auxillia’s academic credentials, noting the absence of public records indicating her completion of a bachelor’s degree—a fundamental requirement for postgraduate studies. The episode evokes memories of 2014 when the University of Zimbabwe controversially awarded former First Lady Grace Mugabe a PhD in Sociology. That degree became synonymous with academic fraud after her dissertation was found missing from university archives. Many viewed the move as a ploy to bolster her political image. Similarly, Auxillia’s PhD has drawn sharp scrutiny. While state media claims she holds a degree from Switzerland and a master’s degree from MSU, critics dismiss these as a convenient cover for nepotism. The timing and circumstances of her academic achievement have fueled suspicions of political influence, with detractors labelling it a calculated propaganda stunt rather than a legitimate scholarly accomplishment. Observers have expressed concerns about the deep politicization of Zimbabwe’s academic institutions. Under Mnangagwa’s leadership, state universities have been accused of prioritizing loyalty over merit, using degrees as tools to reward political allies and enhance public profiles. Auxillia’s PhD overshadowed other significant achievements at the ceremony, including that of renowned artist Albert Nyathi, who earned a Master of Philosophy in Ethnomusicology. Instead of celebrating academic milestones, discussions were dominated by the First Lady’s controversial accolade. This latest scandal has further eroded confidence in Zimbabwe’s higher education system, with citizens questioning the integrity of academic processes. Critics argue that such blatant abuses of power undermine the value of genuine academic achievements, leaving the nation’s universities mired in controversy and distrust.Eyeing Trump, Los Angeles adopts ‘sanctuary city’ rules
It seems like Selena Gomez won't be "Single Soon," now that she's engaged to Benny Blanco. While announcing their engagement on social media Dec. 11, Gomez posted a close-up of her ring. The main diamond takes center stage, but the chunky yellow gold band also sparkles with smaller stones. "When I first saw the ring, all I could think about was how unique it was," jewelry content creator and gemstone wholesaler Julia Hackman Chafé told TODAY.com in an email statement. At first, Chafé was surprised by the ring choice. She expected Gomez to "go for a colored stone ring" since Blanco, whose real name is Benjamin Levin, "specifically wears a lot of colored gemstones." Blanco wore a necklace with a large red stone during his May 2024 TODAY with Hoda & Jenna appearance, for example. Instead, she went for a marquise cut diamond.... Georgina DiNardoThe long sports-filled Thanksgiving weekend is a time when many Americans enjoy gathering with friends and family for good food, good company and hopefully not too much political conversation. Also on the menu — all the NFL and college sports you can handle. Here's a roadmap to one of the biggest sports weekends of the year, with a look at marquee games over the holiday and how to watch. All times are in EST. All odds are by BetMGM Sportsbook. • NFL: There is a triple-header lined up for pro football fans. Chicago at Detroit, 12:30 p.m., CBS: Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and the Bears go against the Lions, who are one of the favorites to reach the Super Bowl in February. Lions favored by 10. New York at Dallas, 4:30 p.m., Fox: The Giants and Cowboys are both suffering through miserable seasons and are now using backup quarterbacks for different reasons. But if Dallas can figure out a way to win, it will still be on the fringe of the playoff race. Cowboys favored by 3 1/2. Miami at Green Bay, 8:20 p.m., NBC/Peacock: The Packers stumbled slightly out of the gate but have won six of their past seven games. They'll need a win against Miami to try to keep pace in the NFC North. Packers favored by 3. • College Football: Memphis at No. 18 Tulane, 7:30 p.m., ESPN. If college football is your jam, this is a good warmup for a big weekend. The Tigers try to ruin the Green Wave’s perfect record in the American Athletic Conference. Tulane is favored by 14. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes works in the pocket against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of Sunday's game in Charlotte, N.C. • NFL: A rare Friday showdown features the league-leading Chiefs. Las Vegas at Kansas City, 3 p.m. Prime Video: The Chiefs and quarterback Patrick Mahomes are 12-point favorites over the Raiders. • College Basketball: Some of the top programs meet in holiday tournaments around the country. Battle 4 Atlantis championship, 5:30 p.m., ESPN: One of the premier early season tournaments, the eight-team field includes No. 3 Gonzaga, No. 14 Indiana and No. 24 Arizona. Rady Children's Invitational, 6 p.m., Fox: It's the championship game for a four-team field that includes No. 13 Purdue and No. 23 Mississippi. • College Football: There is a full slate of college games to dig into. Oregon State at No. 11 Boise State, noon, Fox: The Broncos try to stay in the College Football Playoff hunt when they host the Beavers. Boise State favored by 19 1/2. Oklahoma State at No. 23 Colorado, noon, ABC: The Buffaloes and Coach Prime are still in the hunt for the Big 12 championship game when they host the Cowboys. Colorado favored by 16 1/2. Georgia Tech at No. 6 Georgia, 7:30 p.m., ABC: The Bulldogs are on pace for a spot in the CFP but host what could be a tricky game against rival Georgia Tech. Georgia favored by 19 1/2. • NBA. After taking Thanksgiving off, pro basketball returns. Oklahoma City at Los Angeles Lakers, 10 p.m., ESPN: The Thunder look like one of the best teams in the NBA's Western Conference. They'll host Anthony Davis, LeBron James and the Lakers. Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James dunks during the first half of a Nov. 23 game against the Denver Nuggets in Los Angeles. • College Football. There are more matchups with playoff implications. Michigan at No. 2 Ohio State, noon, Fox: The Wolverines are struggling one season after winning the national title. They could make their fan base a whole lot happier with an upset of the Buckeyes. Ohio State favored by 21. No. 7 Tennessee at Vanderbilt, noon, ABC: The Volunteers are a fairly big favorite and have dominated this series, but the Commodores have been a tough team this season and already have achieved a monumental upset over Alabama. Tennessee favored by 11. No. 16 South Carolina at No. 12 Clemson, noon, ESPN: The Palmetto State rivals are both hanging on the edge of the CFP playoff race. A win — particularly for Clemson — would go a long way toward clinching its spot in the field. Clemson favored by 2 1/2. No. 3 Texas at No. 20 Texas A&M, 7:30 p.m. ABC: The Aggies host their in-state rival for the first time since 2011 after the Longhorns joined the SEC. Texas favored by 5 1/2. Washington at No. 1 Oregon, 7:30 p.m., NBC: The top-ranked Ducks have been one of the nation’s best teams all season. They’ll face the Huskies, who would love a marquee win in coach Jedd Fisch’s first season. Oregon favored by 19 1/2. • NBA: A star-studded clash is part of the league's lineup. Golden State at Phoenix, 9 p.m., NBA TV: Steph Curry and the Warriors are set to face the Suns' Big Three of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. • NFL: It's Sunday, that says it all. Pittsburgh at Cincinnati, 1 p.m., CBS: Joe Burrow is having a great season for the Bengals, who are struggling in other areas. They need a win to stay in the playoff race, hosting a Steelers team that's 8-3 and won five of their past six. Bengals favored by 3. Arizona at Minnesota, 1 p.m., Fox: The Cardinals are tied for the top of the NFC West while the Vikings are 9-2 and have been one of the biggest surprises of the season with journeyman Sam Darnold under center. Vikings favored by 3 1/2. Philadelphia at Baltimore, 4:25 p.m., CBS: Two of the league's most electric players will be on the field when Saquon Barkley and the Eagles travel to face Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. Ravens favored by 3. San Francisco at Buffalo, 8:20 p.m. NBC/Peacock: The 49ers try to get back to .500 against the Bills, who have won six straight. Bills favored by 7. • NBA. The best teams in the Eastern Conference meet in a statement game. Boston at Cleveland, 6 p.m., NBA TV: The defending champion Celtics travel to face the Cavs, who won their first 15 games to start the season. • Premier League: English soccer fans have a marquee matchup. Manchester City at Liverpool, 11 a.m., USA Network/Telemundo. The two top teams meet with Manchester City trying to shake off recent struggles. • Auto Racing: The F1 season nears its conclusion. F1 Qatar Grand Prix, 11 a.m., ESPN2 – It's the penultimate race of the season. Max Verstappen already has clinched his fourth consecutive season championship. - Seasons coached: 23 - Years active: 1981-2003 - Record: 190-165-2 - Winning percentage: .535 - Championships: 0 Dan Reeves reached the Super Bowl four times—thrice with the Denver Broncos and once with the Atlanta Falcons—but never won the NFL's crown jewel. Still, he racked up nearly 200 wins across his 23-year career, including a stint in charge of the New York Giants, with whom he won Coach of the Year in 1993. In all his tenures, he quickly built contenders—the three clubs he coached were a combined 17-31 the year before Reeves joined and 28-20 in his first year. However, his career ended on a sour note as he was fired from a 3-10 Falcons team after Week 14 in 2003. - Seasons coached: 23 - Years active: 1969-91 - Record: 193-148-1 - Winning percentage: .566 - Championships: 4 Chuck Noll's Pittsburgh Steelers were synonymous with success in the 1970s. Behind his defense, known as the Steel Curtain, and offensive stars, including Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, and Lynn Swann, Noll led the squad to four Super Bowl victories from 1974 to 1979. Noll's Steelers remain the lone team to win four Super Bowls in six years, though Andy Reid and Kansas City could equal that mark if they win the Lombardi Trophy this season. Noll was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993, two years after retiring. His legacy of coaching success has carried on in Pittsburgh—the club has had only two coaches (Bill Cowher and Mike Tomlin) since Noll retired. - Seasons coached: 21 - Years active: 1984-98, 2001-06 - Record: 200-126-1 - Winning percentage: .613 - Championships: 0 As head coach of Cleveland, Kansas City, Washington, and San Diego, Marty Schottenheimer proved a successful leader during the regular season. Notably, he was named Coach of the Year after turning around his 4-12 Chargers team to a 12-4 record in 2004. His teams, however, struggled during the playoffs. Schottheimer went 5-13 in the postseason, and he never made it past the conference championship round. As such, the Pennsylvania-born skipper is the winningest NFL coach never to win a league championship. - Seasons coached: 25 - Years active: 1946-62, '68-75 - Record: 213-104-9 - Winning percentage: .672 - Championships: 7 The only coach on this list to pilot a college team, Paul Brown, reached the pro ranks after a three-year stint at Ohio State and two years with the Navy during World War II. He guided the Cleveland Browns—named after Brown, their first coach—to four straight titles in the fledgling All-America Football Conference. After the league folded, the ballclub moved to the NFL in 1950, and Cleveland continued its winning ways, with Brown leading the team to championships in '50, '54, and '55. He was fired in 1963 but returned in 1968 as the co-founder and coach of the Cincinnati Bengals. His other notable accomplishments include helping to invent the face mask and breaking pro football's color barrier . - Seasons coached: 33 - Years active: 1921-53 - Record: 226-132-22 - Winning percentage: .631 - Championships: 6 An early stalwart of the NFL, Curly Lambeau spent 29 years helming the Green Bay Packers before wrapping up his coaching career with two-year stints with the Chicago Cardinals and Washington. His Packers won titles across three decades, including the league's first three-peat from 1929-31. Notably, he experienced only one losing season during his first 27 years with Green Bay, cementing his legacy of consistent success. Born in Green Bay, Lambeau co-founded the Packers and played halfback on the team from 1919-29. He was elected to the Hall of Fame as a coach and owner in 1963, two years before his death. You may also like: Countries with the most active NFL players - Seasons coached: 29 - Years active: 1960-88 - Record: 250-162-6 - Winning percentage: .607 - Championships: 2 The first head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, Tom Landry held the position for his entire 29-year tenure as an NFL coach. The Cowboys were especially dominant in the 1970s when they made five Super Bowls and won the big game twice. Landry was known for coaching strong all-around squads and a unit that earned the nickname the "Doomsday Defense." Between 1966 and 1985, Landry and his Cowboys enjoyed 20 straight seasons with a winning record. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1990. - Seasons coached: 26 - Years active: 1999-present - Record: 267-145-1 - Winning percentage: .648 - Championships: 3 The only active coach in the top 10, Andy Reid has posted successful runs with both the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City. After reaching the Super Bowl once in 14 years with the Eagles, Reid ratcheted things up with K.C., winning three titles since 2019. As back-to-back defending champions, Reid and Co. are looking this season to become the first franchise to three-peat in the Super Bowl era and the third to do so in NFL history after the Packers of 1929-31 and '65-67. Time will tell if Reid and his offensive wizardry can lead Kansas City to that feat. - Seasons coached: 29 - Years active: 1991-95, 2000-23 - Record: 302-165 - Winning percentage: .647 - Championships: 6 The most successful head coach of the 21st century, Bill Belichick first coached the Cleveland Browns before taking over the New England Patriots in 2000. With the Pats, Belichick combined with quarterback Tom Brady to win six Super Bowls in 18 years. Belichick and New England split after last season when the Patriots went 4-13—the worst record of Belichick's career. His name has swirled around potential coaching openings , but nothing has come of it. Belichick has remained in the media spotlight with his regular slot on the "Monday Night Football" ManningCast. - Seasons coached: 40 - Years active: 1920-29, '33-42, '46-55, '58-67 - Record: 318-148-31 - Winning percentage: .682 - Championships: 6 George Halas was the founder and longtime owner of the Chicago Bears and coached the team across four separate stints. Nicknamed "Papa Bear," he built the ballclub into one of the NFL's premier franchises behind players such as Bronko Nagurski and Sid Luckman. Halas also played for the team, competing as a player-coach in the 1920s. The first coach to study opponents via game film, he was once a baseball player and even made 12 appearances as a member of the New York Yankees in 1919. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1963 as both a coach and owner. - Seasons coached: 33 - Years active: 1963-95 - Record: 328-156-6 - Winning percentage: .677 - Championships: 2 The winningest head coach in NFL history is Don Shula, who first coached the Baltimore Colts (losing Super Bowl III to Joe Namath and the New York Jets) for seven years before leading the Miami Dolphins for 26 seasons. With the Fins, Shula won back-to-back Super Bowls in 1972 and 1973, a run that included a 17-0 season—the only perfect campaign in NFL history. He also coached quarterback great Dan Marino in the 1980s and '90s, but the pair made it to a Super Bowl just once. Shula was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997. Story editing by Mike Taylor. Copy editing by Robert Wickwire. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick. You may also like: The 5 biggest upsets of the 2023-24 NFL regular season Get local news delivered to your inbox!
None
FACT FOCUS: Inspector general’s Jan. 6 report misrepresented as proof of FBI setupBy Nikita Mahato Sofia Vergara was unlike any other celebrity in new Instagram photos, wearing a cozy set of pajamas for a comfy-over-glam Christmas 2024 look. The actor dropped a new social media post, sharing glimpses of her festivities with her two adorable dogs. In the pictures, Vergara sat in front of a gorgeously decorated and lit-up tree snuggling with the canines. Additionally, she appeared to be wearing these chic holiday-themed, red pajamas for a casual celebration but looked as stunning as ever. Reportedly , the toty founder handed Bubbles’ custody to her former husband last year and brought Amore home not long after. A post shared by Sofia Vergara (@sofiavergara) As surprising as it may sound, Sofia Vergara ‘s Christmas photos on Instagram proved there was nothing basic about her comfy pajamas. She dropped two adorable snaps, celebrating with her dogs, Bubbles and Amore, in a warm and cozy setting. On top of that, Vergara wore a set of these snug-looking, red pajamas that captured the exact holiday spirit. In the stills, she sat on the carpet right in front of the splendid Christmas tree, wearing the satin outfit with a twist. The shirt was slightly unbuttoned barely offering a sneak peek while the sleeves and pants hemline comprised a fuzzy detailing. Page Six stated that the “Modern Family” star had also shared photos of more fashionable attire in a since-deleted Instagram Story. In the mirror selfie, she wore a stunning maroon pantsuit for a dinner with her son Manolo Gonzalez Vergara, whom she shares with her ex-husband Joe Gonzalez, and others. Later, Vergara posted photos from the outing in a separate Instagram post before dropping the Christmas post. Before that, she posted more photos of her dog, Amore, posing with Santa. Sofia Vergara then shared a third and more chaotic photo from the Christmas 2024 bunch on her Instagram Story. In the snap taken while in action, the actor tried to dress her dog, Bubbles, in a Christmas-themed checkered dog coat with all the colors of the season. In the meantime, Amore sported an almost similar bow belt. Nikita Mahato is a true-crime and news writer at ComingSoon and shows an aptitude for captivating storytelling, and extensive research, among other things. Her previous works can be seen on Sportskeeda. A proficient basketball player, Nikita has been involved with several non-profit organizations to be able to give back to the community. She also has a penchant for everything entertainment. Share article
South Korean authorities seek warrant to detain impeached presidenthttps://arab.news/ytdaf TORONTO: Canada is already examining possible retaliatory tariffs on certain items from the United States should President-elect Donald Trump follow through on his threat to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian products, a senior official said Wednesday. Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico if the countries don’t stop what he called the flow of drugs and migrants across southern and northern borders. He said he would impose a 25 percent tax on all products entering the US from Canada and Mexico as one of his first executive orders. A Canadian government official said Canada is preparing for every eventuality and has started thinking about what items to target with tariffs in retaliation. The official stressed no decision has been made. The person spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly. When Trump imposed higher tariffs during his first term in office, other countries responded with retaliatory tariffs of their own. Canada, for instance, announced billions of new duties in 2018 against the US in a tit-for-tat response to new taxes on Canadian steel and aluminum. Many of the US products were chosen for their political rather than economic impact. For example, Canada imports $3 million worth of yogurt from the US annually and most comes from one plant in Wisconsin, home state of then-House Speaker Paul Ryan. That product was hit with a 10 percent duty. Another product on the list was whiskey, which comes from Tennessee and Kentucky, the latter of which is the home state of then-Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell. Trump made the threat Monday while railing against an influx of illegal migrants, even though the numbers at Canadian border pale in comparison to the southern border. The US Border Patrol made 56,530 arrests at the Mexican border in October alone — and 23,721 arrests at the Canadian one between October 2023 and September 2024. Canadian officials say lumping Canada in with Mexico is unfair but say they are happy to work with the Trump administration to lower the numbers from Canada. The Canadians are also worried about a influx north of migrants if Trump follows through with his plan for mass deportations. Trump also railed about fentanyl from Mexico and Canada, even though seizures from the Canadian border pale in comparison to the Mexican border. US customs agents seized 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border last fiscal year, compared with 21,100 pounds at the Mexican border. Canadian officials argue their country is not the problem and that tariffs will have severe implications for both countries. Canada is the top export destination for 36 US states. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian ($2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. About 60 percent of US crude oil imports are from Canada, and 85 percent of US electricity imports are from Canada. Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium to the US and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing in for national security. “Canada is essential to the United States’ domestic energy supply,” Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said. Trump has pledged to cut American energy bills in half within 18 months, something that could be made harder if a 25 percent premium is added to Canadian oil imports. In 2023, Canadian oil accounted for almost two-thirds of total US oil imports and about one-fifth of the US oil supply. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is holding a emergency virtual meeting on Wednesday with the leaders of Canada’s provinces, who want Trudeau to negotiate a bilateral trade deal with the United States that excludes Mexico. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Wednesday that her administration is already working up a list of possible retaliatory tariffs “if the situation comes to that.”
Daily Post Nigeria Naira weakens against dollar to end week on negative note Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport Business Naira weakens against dollar to end week on negative note Published on December 13, 2024 By Ogaga Ariemu The naira weakened against the dollar on Friday at the foreign exchange market, closing the week on a negative note. Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s FX rate showed that the naira fell to N1,540.00 per dollar on Friday, compared to N1,532.00 on Thursday. This represents a slight depreciation of N8 against the dollar at the official market. Similarly, the naira closed at N1,660.00 per dollar on Friday in the black market, up from N1,640.00 recorded on Thursday. On a week-on-week basis, the naira recorded losses in both FX markets. DAILY POST recalls that the naira closed at N1,535.00 and N1,600.00 per dollar at the official and parallel FX markets, respectively, last Friday. This development comes as the nation’s FX markets continue to adapt to the recently introduced Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching System, EFEMS, designed to promote transparency in FX transactions. Related Topics: dollar naira Don't Miss FAAC shares N1.827trn revenue with federal, state, local governments in November You may like Naira appreciates against dollar on official, black markets Naira depreciates against dollar on official, black markets CBN denies selling FX to BDCs at N1,300 per dollar Naira appreciates against dollar 24-hours after fall Naira appreciation may force price reduction, inflation decline – Economists Naira depreciates against dollar after days of gains Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media LtdArticle content Cruising can be an ideal vacation, serving up something for everyone. The stunning sea. The fabulous food. And the exotic pleasures of a variety of ports of call. But when you add luxury to the itinerary, a cruising vacation sails to the next level. That was certainly our experience from the moment we boarded Silversea’s Silver Nova — and especially when we opened the door to our cabin for the first time. I and my best friend and travelling companion guffawed in awe. Having travelled on several cruise lines before, this was our first sailing in suite accommodations, and oh how sweet they were. But more on that shortly. First things first ... THE NOVA SHIPS Launched in 2023, Silver Nova, along with sister ship Silver Ray, which began sailing this past summer, belong to the ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line’s new Nova class of ships. The idea, Silversea touts, is to bring passengers closer to their destinations than ever before thanks to innovative designs and curated experiences. The Nova-class ships are asymmetrical, a first for Silversea and a construction that allows for most of the steel structure of the ship to be inside, giving way to larger window openings. How large? Well, the ships have more than 4,000 square metres of exterior glass — and that means plenty of incredible views from virtually every space. In fact, the Nova ships want to put the focus on the destinations so much that 100% of the elevators are water-facing, a first for a cruise ship, says Silversea. I’m usually a take-the-stairs gal (helps balance all the vacation calories!), and the ship isn’t massive so it’s very easy to get around. But I opted a few times to take the elevator just for the views (and take it from me, it doesn’t take much to miss your floor as you’re gazing at the blue ocean and sky outside!). The decor is “whispered luxury” — where the design disappears so that the guest can be at the centre — harkening to the cruise line’s Italian roots with soft and neutral tones complemented by ocean and earth-inspired accents. The spaces feel rich yet also bright and comfortable. SWEET SUITES The Nova ships are the largest yet for Silversea and have 364 suites — with 13 categories to choose from — each boasting private balconies with glass balustrades, walk-in closets, and the luxury of 24-hour butler service. What amazed us about our Medallion Suite was that it felt more like we were in a five-star hotel room than on a cruise ship. Open the cabin door and you enter into a hallway that accesses a powder room which links to a washroom with a large shower, separate deep tub and wide sink. Then there’s a central bedroom — that can be sealed off for privacy with sliding panels — with the walk-in closet that leads to the washroom, plus a desk area and also a sitting area with fridge, TV, couch, table and chair. All that PLUS the expansive balcony meant we never felt claustrophobic in our quarters. And that fridge? It is stocked daily with our favourite choices thanks to our butler — did we mention Silversea is all-inclusive with around-the-clock in-suite dining? The roomy suites are perfect for long voyages, which are part of Silversea’s diverse itinerary roster that hits more than 900 destinations on all seven continents (it wasn’t too bad for our too-short weekend cruise either!). POOL TIME Another bonus of asymmetrical ship design is that instead of having the outdoor pool in the centre on Deck 10, with lounge chairs surrounding it facing inward and blocking the view of the sea, the pool is built to the side so that you can look out at the ocean and the destinations while taking a swim. As a water fan, I love that because sea views, for me, are one of the best parts about cruising. Plus, the Nova pool deck seating mostly looks out to the horizon, which like the outfacing venues on board keep the destinations in focus, a key aspect of the ship design. Though my favourite place to be during warm sailing days, the pool deck is far from the only space to enjoy on the Nova ships. Tops for me also includes the Venetian Lounge (theatre with cabaret-style seating to take in live performances, movies and more), the Panorama Lounge (for late-night dancing), the Observation Lounge (from which you can access the super-cool Library), and the Otium Spa (modern fitness area and treatment rooms plus an indoor pool and relaxation area inspired by Roman baths). FOODIE FUN “The truest way to experience a destination is through the indigenous bounty and the food and drink the place is known for” ~ Chef Nina Compton, godmother of Silver Nova Spotlighting the spectacular ports of call continues with Silversea’s S.A.L.T. culinary program. Sea and Land Taste brings local food, wine and culinary expertise from every destination on board and offers shore excursions for passengers to delve deeper into the local cuisine. Part of the experience includes exclusive access to culinary experts, restaurateurs, food and drink producers, and authors. In addition to the S.A.L.T. Kitchen restaurant and S.A.L.T. Bar, passengers can try their hand at crafting dishes in the S.A.L.T. Lab during the day (I was better than I would have imagined at making Johnny cakes!), while at night, the space on the Nova ships offers Chef’s Table, an interactive dining experience of 11 courses for a small group. Chefs prepare the meal right in front of you while explaining its origins and telling stories, guiding you along the way so that you get so much more than just a delicious meal — you walk away with an understanding of the culture, history and gastronomy of the destination. And you know it’s legit because Silversea says it is the only cruise line to have a food anthropologist who checks all the menus and lab classes to make sure the details are right in what they talk about, where the ingredients are from or even how they are spelled. The ship dining options aren’t limited to S.A.L.T., either, with a total of nine restaurants on board along with 10 bars and lounges that range from cozy to elegant. Highlights for us included Marquee, an outdoor space with soaring slated shades and tiled floor near the pool offering a pizzeria and a grill, the Dusk Bar with its relaxed outdoor space perfect for watching sunsets, and the gourmet meals served three times a day at elegant Atlantide. RESPONSIBLE SAILING The Nova-class ships were built with sustainability in mind and have hybrid power systems that parent company Royal Caribbean Group — which also includes Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean lines — says are a significant step towards a net zero future. Liquified natural gas (LNG) is the main fuel source, backed up by a bank of batteries, helping the ships be 40% more energy efficient than required international standards. A heat waste recovery system harnesses excess heat to use elsewhere in the ship like the boilers, and a waste management system helps reduce air emissions and keep waste from landfill. Couple all that with increased use of LED lighting to lower power consumption and single-use plastics elimination, and Silversea says its Nova ships put safeguarding the oceans at the forefront. IF YOU GO Silversea has a dress code in indoor spaces after 6 p.m. (no jeans, shorts, sneakers or flip flops), with either elegant casual or formal wear as an option. Casual wear akin to five-star resorts is always OK in outdoor venues. If it sounds stuffy, it sure never felt that way. It’s relaxed luxury and we are here for it. Find out more about Silver Nova, Silver Ray and the rest of Silversea’s fleet and cruising options at silversea.com . cmcleod@postmedia.com
VICTORIA — British Columbia Premier David Eby says 25-per-cent U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods would be "devastating" for the province's lumber and forestry industries. He made the comment ahead of a meeting with fellow first ministers and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Eby was scheduled to participate in the virtual meeting on Wednesday to discuss U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's threat to impose the tariffs unless Canada and Mexico stop illegal border crossings and prevent illicit drugs from entering the United States. Eby said the lumber and forestry sectors are already strained by a recent increase in duties amid the ongoing U.S.-Canada dispute over softwood lumber. He said after the first meeting of his new cabinet in Victoria that the tariffs are "unjustified," and they would hurt Americans as much as they would Canadians. The premier said B.C. is a source of natural gas, wood products, minerals and other products that U.S. businesses depend on, and the tariff would hinder jobs and opportunities in the province while making "life more expensive for Americans." Eby and Ottawa have called for a united front dealing with Trump's tariff plan, which he announced on social media on Monday. Eby said B.C. officials had repeatedly raised concerns with Ottawa over organized crime and illicit drugs, such as fentanyl, in relation to border security. "It's a priority for us. It has been for a while, we've written to Ottawa about it. Doesn't justify the tariffs, but it does mean that we can talk about those issues as well." Eby said Trump's proposed tariff "doesn't make economic sense," and the measure is not necessary to address issues at the border. The premier said he believes B.C. has a strong case to make for the tariff being "badly placed" if Trump's priority is to reduce costs for Americans. "I think the premiers are unified," Eby said. "There are 13 of us plus the prime minister. It's a big group of people with different political perspectives, but on this issue of ensuring that we're protecting the people in our country from these unjustified tariffs, I believe we're completely in line on that question." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 27, 2024. The Canadian Press
As the blockchain landscape continues to evolve, investors are searching for projects that offer groundbreaking innovation and high growth potential. The right altcoins can provide access to transformative technology, real-world use cases, and substantial returns. In this article, we explore ten of the most promising altcoins — Qubetics , Cardano, Avalanche, Polkadot, Near Protocol, XRP, Binance, Tron, Toncoin, and Bitcoin — that are poised for explosive growth in the near future. 1. Qubetics ($TICS): Pioneering the Tokenized Assets Revolution Qubetics is redefining how we view and interact with assets by introducing a transformative tokenised asset marketplace . Leveraging cutting-edge blockchain technology, Qubetics enables the seamless conversion of physical and digital assets into fractionalised, tradable digital tokens. This process democratises ownership, allowing investors to easily access high-value assets like real estate, commodities, equity, and intellectual property. The platform eliminates long-standing issues like liquidity and lack of transparency in traditional asset markets. By creating a robust secondary market for tokenised assets, Qubetics facilitates effortless trading, empowering investors to buy, sell, and manage their holdings efficiently. This increased liquidity accelerates asset value appreciation and opens up new opportunities for investors to realise gains. In Presale Phase 12, $TICS tokens are priced at $0.031, with over $5.9 million raised, 8700+ holders, and 313 million tokens sold. With weekly 10% price hikes and a post-presale target of $0.25 per token, analysts predict extraordinary ROI potential. The innovative marketplace and strategic vision make Qubetics one of the top altcoins predicted to explode, offering investors access to a transformative blockchain ecosystem. 2. Cardano (ADA): The Sustainable Blockchain Pioneer Cardano has earned its reputation as a blockchain designed with sustainability and scalability at its core. Using a rigorous, research-driven approach, Cardano offers a secure and energy-efficient proof-of-stake consensus mechanism. The platform supports smart contracts and DApps, making it a favourite for developers and enterprises. Cardano’s commitment to scientific rigour and innovation as its ecosystem expands positions it as a major player in the blockchain space. 3. Avalanche (AVAX): Blazing Fast Smart Contract Platform Avalanche is a highly scalable blockchain platform known for its blazing-fast transaction speeds and low fees. By employing a unique consensus mechanism and subnet architecture, Avalanche provides developers unparalleled flexibility and efficiency for building decentralised applications (DApps) and enterprise solutions. Its growing ecosystem of DeFi platforms and NFT projects makes Avalanche a top contender for explosive growth. 4. Polkadot (DOT): The Interoperability Champion Polkadot is revolutionising blockchain interoperability by enabling multiple blockchains to work together seamlessly. Its relay chain architecture allows different blockchains to share information and assets, fostering innovation and collaboration across ecosystems. With its parachain auctions and rapidly growing network of projects, Polkadot is a cornerstone of the Web3 movement and a prime candidate for long-term growth. 5. Near Protocol (NEAR): Scalable and Developer-Friendly Near Protocol is a high-performance blockchain that emphasises scalability, user-friendliness, and developer accessibility. With its unique sharding technology, Near achieves fast transaction speeds and low costs, making it ideal for powering DApps and DeFi platforms. Its focus on seamless user experiences and developer tools positions it as a strong contender for widespread adoption and growth. 6. XRP: Revolutionizing Cross-Border Payments XRP is designed to transform global payments by offering a fast, cost-effective, and scalable solution for cross-border transactions. As the native token of Ripple’s blockchain network, XRP facilitates instant settlement of international payments, eliminating the inefficiencies of traditional systems. Despite regulatory challenges, XRP’s strong utility and partnerships with financial institutions make it a standout project with significant growth potential. 7. Binance (BNB): The Backbone of a Crypto Empire Binance Coin (BNB) powers the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange and expansive ecosystem. Beyond reducing transaction fees on Binance, BNB plays a critical role in Binance Smart Chain (BSC), enabling the development of scalable, low-cost DApps. Its integration across the Binance ecosystem and rising adoption in DeFi and NFTs make BNB a cornerstone of the blockchain economy. 8. Tron (TRX): Empowering Content Creators Tron focuses on revolutionising the entertainment and content-sharing industries by offering a decentralised platform for content creators. Tron enables creators to retain full control over their work and earnings by removing intermediaries. With its growing ecosystem of decentralised applications and partnerships with global media companies, Tron has positioned itself as a leader in blockchain-based content delivery. 9. Toncoin (TON): Scaling Communication and Decentralization Originally conceived by Telegram, Toncoin is now a community-driven blockchain project to scale decentralised applications and services. Its high-speed transactions and low costs make it an attractive choice for developers and users. As blockchain technology integrates further into communication platforms, Toncoin’s vision for decentralised and secure communication systems becomes increasingly relevant. 10. Bitcoin (BTC): The Gold Standard of Cryptocurrency Bitcoin remains the king of cryptocurrencies and a cornerstone of the blockchain industry. As a store of value, Bitcoin is viewed as digital gold, offering stability and long-term growth potential. Its decentralised, secure network and widespread adoption continue to solidify its position as the backbone of the cryptocurrency market. Despite its maturity, Bitcoin’s utility and influence ensure it remains a critical investment in any crypto portfolio. Conclusion The blockchain industry is entering an era of rapid innovation, and these ten altcoins are leading the charge. Qubetics stands out with its revolutionary tokenised assets marketplace, creating new opportunities for investors and solving critical challenges in asset markets. Meanwhile, established players like Cardano, Avalanche, Polkadot, and Binance continue to drive blockchain adoption across various sectors. Emerging projects like Tron, Toncoin, and Near Protocol bring fresh perspectives and solutions, while XRP and Bitcoin remain industry stalwarts. For investors seeking transformative growth, these top 10 altcoins predicted to explode offer diverse opportunities to participate in the blockchain revolution and capitalise on the future of decentralised finance and technology. For More Information: Qubetics: https://qubetics.com Telegram: https://t.me/qubetics Twitter: https://x.com/qubetics
True Anomaly achieves milestone with Jackal satellite deployment