jolibet php Tomas Hertl returns to San Jose wearing a Golden Knights uniformPM Modi leaves for home after concluding Kuwait visit

Games to snuggle up with this holiday seasonCoppin State wins 68-60 over Navy

Analysts predict that the current dips in Ethereum (ETH) and Dogecoin (DOGE) are only transient. Though these leading cryptocurrencies exhibit unfavourable trends, a new crypto named DTX Exchange (DTX) is making news with its amazing 440% ROI in a few months. Designed on a revolutionary blockchain technology, DTX is improving trading and giving investors a fresh chance for unexpectedly big profits. Could this rising star outperform Ethereum (ETH) and Dogecoin (DOGE) in the current bull cycle? Keep reading to find out why experts right now find DTX to be the most promising crypto investment. DTX Exchange (DTX) Enhances Trading with Speed and Security With its creative blockchain-powered platform that easily combines decentralized and centralized finance, DTX Exchange is transforming the trading scene and providing traders with a safe, transparent, and swift trading experience. Built on the advanced VulcanX blockchain, DTX provides traders with access to over 100,000 financial assets including cryptocurrencies, stocks, FX, and ETFs, enabling them to profit on prospects across several marketplaces. DTX is positioned to provide unmatched efficiency and speed with transaction rates surpassing 100,000 TPS and up to 1000x leverage. Forward-minded investors looking for financial growth will find the DTX platform appealing since its Real-World Applications (RWA) sector offers special trading possibilities and passive income sources. DTX has already seen great demand and promise with over $10.4 million raised in presale income and a vibrant community of about 300,000 users. With analysts projecting up to 70% instantaneous returns upon listing on key exchanges like Binance and Bybit, the current token price of around $0.12 in its sixth ICO round offers an investing opportunity. About 440% returns have already been witnessed by early investors; token holders additionally gain from trading discounts, platform earnings, and governance authority, therefore guaranteeing long-term value and involvement. Ethereum (ETH) Struggles Below $4K After ranging around the crucial $4,000 mark for several days, the Ethereum price has been under bearish pressure. Eventually, the Ethereum price broke out downward with a drop of more than 16%. Further driving the price drop and producing lower highs and lows on the Ethereum price chart was a breach below the $3,830 support level. This last decline also generated a bearish breakout from a bullish trendline on the monthly Ethereum price chart. Notwithstanding these losses, Ethereum's (ETH) optimistic community and little 4% rise last month suggest optimism for a comeback. Though Ethereum (ETH) is still more than 30% away from its all-time high of $4,891, it is one of the altcoins to watch as experts think the altcoin may retest this level early next year, therefore motivating long-term investors. But among Ethereum's (ETH) negative price behaviour, investors are looking toward alternative choices with better profit prospects. During its ongoing presale period, DTX, for instance, has already yielded an amazing 440% ROI in a few months for holders. Moreover, analysts predict further rallies once DTX debuts in Q1 2025, making it one of the best cryptos to invest in now. Dogecoin (DOGE) Faces Significant Declines Recently going through a phase of consolidation, the Dogecoin price ranged from $0.42 to $0.38 before declining below the $0.30 mark. The Dogecoin price dropped more than 33% during the past week. Meanwhile, the Dogecoin price chart shows lower highs and lower lows. Analysts remain optimistic that the bullish momentum will return before year-end, despite the present bearish trend. Already displaying a stunning 200% yearly price increase, Dogecoin (DOGE) is one of the promising altcoins to watch for anyone looking for long-term gains since many experts think it might hit its all-time high of $0.737 during this bull cycle. For investors seeking even more spectacular gains, DTX offers a promising opportunity for huge gains while the Dogecoin price chart is recording red days lately. DTX is becoming one of the best cryptos to invest in this quarter as it has already produced an amazing 440% ROI in just a few months during its presale phase. DTX Exchange Poised To Surpass Ethereum and Dogecoin While Ethereum (ETH) and Dogecoin (DOGE) struggle with transient losses, DTX Exchange (DTX) is attracting massive investor interest. Early DTX investors have already enjoyed a huge 440% ROI in just a few months. Moreover, the window to join the presale is closing rapidly as the limited token supply is quickly selling out. Meanwhile, analysts estimate up to 100x returns post-launch in Q1 2025. Buy Presale Visit DTX Website Join The DTX Community 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.

Amazon invests another $4 bn in AI firm AnthropicBeijing slams Pentagon’s new ‘China threat’ narrative

NEW YORK (AP) — In an angry outburst in a New York courtroom, Rudy Giuliani accused a judge Tuesday of making wrong assumptions about him as he tries to comply with an order requiring him to turn over most of his assets to two election poll workers who won a libel case against him. U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman responded by saying he’s not going to let the former New York City mayor and onetime presidential candidate blurt things out anymore in court unless he’s a sworn witness. The interruption to an otherwise routine pretrial hearing in Manhattan came as the judge questioned Giuliani's lawyer about why Giuliani has not yet provided the title to a car he has relinquished in his effort to satisfy a $148 million defamation judgment won by two former Georgia election workers. “Your client was the U.S. attorney for this district,” the judge said, referring to Giuliani's years in the 1980s as the head of the federal prosecutor's office in the Southern District of New York, as he suggested it was hard to believe that Giuliani was incapable of getting a duplicate title to the car. Giuliani learned forward and began speaking into a microphone, telling the judge he had applied for a duplicate copy of the car's title but that it had not yet arrived. “The implication I’ve been not diligent about it is totally incorrect,” Giuliani said in a scolding tone. “The implication you make is against me and every implication against me is wrong.” Giuliani went on: "I’m not impoverished. Everything I have is tied up. I don’t have a car. I don’t have a credit card. I don’t have cash. I can’t get to bank accounts that truly would be mine because they have put ... stop orders on, for example, my Social Security account, which they have no right to do.” Liman responded by warning defense lawyers that the next time Giuliani interrupts a hearing, “he's not going to be permitted to speak and the court will take action.” The judge said Giuliani could either choose to represent himself or let lawyers do so, but “you can't have hybrid representation.” If Giuliani wants to speak in court again, he can be put on the witness stand and be sworn as a witness, Liman added. The exchange came at a hearing in which the judge refused to delay a Jan. 16 trial over the disposition of Giuliani’s Florida residence and World Series rings. Those are two sets of assets that Giuliani is trying to shield from confiscation as part of Liman's order to turn over many prized possessions to the poll workers. Earlier in the proceeding, defense attorney Joseph M. Cammarata asked Liman to delay the trial, which will be heard without a jury, for a month because of Giuliani's “involvement" in inauguration planning for President-elect Donald Trump. “My client regularly consults and deals directly with President-elect Trump on issues that are taking place as the incoming administration is afoot as well as (the) inauguration," Cammarata said. "My client wants to exercise his political right to be there.” The judge turned down the request, saying Giuliani's “social calendar” was not a reason to postpone the trial. Giuliani, who once served as Trump's personal attorney, was found liable last year for defaming two Georgia poll workers by falsely accusing them of tampering with ballots during the 2020 presidential election. The women said they faced death threats after Giuliani falsely claimed they sneaked in ballots in suitcases, counted ballots multiple times and tampered with voting machines.( MENAFN - Daily News Egypt) Misr Real estate Asset Management has signed a cooperation protocol with the Belmazad platform to conduct public digital auctions, becoming the first real estate company in Egypt to adopt this approach. This partnership represents a significant step towards enhancing the services offered to clients and maximizing the value and returns of its real estate portfolio. Maha Abdel Razek, CEO of Misr Real Estate Asset Management, announced that the company will launch its first digital auction in early 2025. This move aligns with Egypt's Vision 2030, which prioritizes digital transformation as a key driver of economic growth. Digital auctions will increase efficiency, transparency, and speed, allowing a longer participation window to attract a broader range of clients, both domestically and internationally, thereby maximizing returns and improving customer service. Abdel Razek emphasized that the collaboration with Dazam, the owner of Belmazad - the first digital platform specializing in offering and selling real estate assets through digital auctions - will streamline auction management. This innovation will reduce costs, minimize paperwork, and ensure fair pricing in the auction process. She also highlighted Misr Real Estate Asset Management's commitment to continuously evolving its operations through digital systems and launching new electronic services to stay aligned with modern information technology. These initiatives are aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, reducing costs, and improving service quality. Misr Real Estate Asset Management is a subsidiary of Misr Insurance Holding Company, which is part of the Sovereign Fund of Egypt for Investment and Development. The company manages one of the largest real estate portfolios in Egypt, primarily located in prime areas across various governorates. This portfolio includes hundreds of properties, many of which feature exceptional architectural designs in the heart of Cairo and Alexandria, making them integral to Egypt's historical and cultural heritage. With a large client base of both tenants and property owners, the company recognizes the importance of continually improving its services and updating its operations through advanced technological solutions. MENAFN22122024000153011029ID1109021704 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.It looked like a recipe for disaster. So, when his country's swimmers were being accused of doping earlier this year, one Chinese official cooked up something fast. He blamed it on contaminated noodles. In fact, he argued, it could have been a culinary conspiracy concocted by criminals, whose actions led to the cooking wine used to prepare the noodles being laced with a banned heart drug that found its way into an athlete's system. This theory was spelled out to international anti-doping officials during a meeting and, after weeks of wrangling, finally made it into the thousands of pages of data handed over to the lawyer who investigated the case involving 23 Chinese swimmers who had tested positive for that same drug. The attorney, appointed by the World Anti-Doping Agency, refused to consider that scenario as he sifted through the evidence. In spelling out his reasoning, lawyer Eric Cottier paid heed to the half-baked nature of the theory. "The Investigator considers this scenario, which he has described in the conditional tense, to be possible, no less, no more," Cottier wrote. Even without the contaminated-noodles theory, Cottier found problems with the way WADA and the Chinese handled the case but ultimately determined WADA had acted reasonably in not appealing China's conclusion that its athletes had been inadvertently contaminated. Critics of the way the China case was handled can't help but wonder if a wider exploration of the noodle theory, details of which were discovered by The Associated Press via notes and emails from after the meeting where it was delivered, might have lent a different flavor to Cottier's conclusions. "There are more story twists to the ways the Chinese explain the TMZ case than a James Bond movie," said Rob Koehler, the director general of the advocacy group Global Athlete. "And all of it is complete fiction." Something in the kitchen was contaminated In April, reporting from the New York Times and the German broadcaster ARD revealed that the 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive for the banned heart medication trimetazidine, also known as TMZ. China's anti-doping agency determined the athletes had been contaminated, and so, did not sanction them. WADA accepted that explanation, did not press the case further, and China was never made to deliver a public notice about the "no-fault findings," as is often seen in similar cases. The stock explanation for the contamination was that traces of TMZ were found in the kitchen of a hotel where the swimmers were staying. In his 58-page report, Cottier relayed some suspicions about the feasibility of that chain of events — noting that WADA's chief scientist "saw no other solution than to accept it, even if he continued to have doubts about the reality of contamination as described by the Chinese authorities." But without evidence to support pursuing the case, and with the chance of winning an appeal at almost nil, Cottier determined WADA's "decision not to appeal appears indisputably reasonable." But how did the drugs get into the kitchen? A mystery remained: How did those traces of TMZ get into the kitchen? Shortly after the doping positives were revealed, the Institute of National Anti-Doping Organizations held a meeting on April 30 where it heard from the leader of China's agency, Li Zhiquan. Li's presentation was mostly filled with the same talking points that have been delivered throughout the saga — that the positive tests resulted from contamination from the kitchen. But he expanded on one way the kitchen might have become contaminated, harkening to another case in China involving a low-level TMZ positive. A pharmaceutical factory, he explained, had used industrial alcohol in the distillation process for producing TMZ. The industrial alcohol laced with the drug "then entered the market through illegal channels," he said. The alcohol "was re-used by the perpetrators to process and produce cooking wine, which is an important seasoning used locally to make beef noodles," Li said. "The contaminated beef noodles were consumed by that athlete, resulting in an extremely low concentration of TMZ in the positive sample. "The wrongdoers involved have been brought to justice." New information sent to WADA ... eventually This new information raised eyebrows among the anti-doping leaders listening to Li's report. So much so that over the next month, several emails ensued to make sure the details about the noodles and wine made their way to WADA lawyers, who could then pass it onto Cottier. Eventually, Li did pass on the information to WADA general counsel Ross Wenzel and, just to be sure, one of the anti-doping leaders forwarded it, as well, according to the emails seen by the AP. All this came with Li's request that the noodles story be kept confidential. Turns out, it made it into Cottier's report, though he took the information with a grain of salt. "Indeed, giving it more attention would have required it to be documented, then scientifically verified and validated," he wrote. Neither Wenzel nor officials at the Chinese anti-doping agency returned messages from AP asking about the noodles conspiracy and the other athlete who Li suggested had been contaminated by them. Meanwhile, 11 of the swimmers who originally tested positive competed at the Paris Games earlier this year in a meet held under the cloud of the Chinese doping case. Though WADA considers the case closed, Koehler and others point to situations like this as one of many reasons that an investigation by someone other than Cottier, who was hired by WADA, is still needed. "It gives the appearance that people are just making things up as they go along on this, and hoping the story just goes away," Koehler said. "Which clearly it has not."Emboldened by the view from the top of the NFC North, the Detroit Lions are out to eliminate nightmare holiday gatherings when the Chicago Bears come to town Thursday for a lunchtime division duel. The Lions (10-1) are streaking one direction, the Bears (4-7) the other in the first matchup of the season between teams on opposite ends of the division. Riding a nine-game winning streak, their longest since a 10-game streak during their first season in Detroit in 1934, the Lions are burdened by losses in their traditional Thanksgiving Day game the past seven seasons. Three of the defeats are courtesy of Chicago. The Bears and Lions get together for the 20th time on Thanksgiving -- the Bears have 11 wins -- this week in the first of two meetings between the teams in a 25-day span. Detroit goes to Soldier Field on Dec. 22. "I think there's two things," Campbell said of the Thanksgiving losing streak. "Number one -- Get a W. And it's a division win that's why this huge. Number two is because the players are going to get a couple of days off. So, they have family, friends in, it'd be nice to feel good about it when you're with everybody because it's just not real fun. It's not real fun to be around." Detroit (10-1) owns the best record in the NFC but the Lions aren't even assured of a division title. Minnesota sits one game behind them and Green Bay is two games back. The Bears (4-7) sit in last place and would likely need to run the table to have any chance of making the playoffs. The Lions have been dominant in all phases and haven't allowed a touchdown in the past 10 consecutive quarters. Detroit's offense ranks first in points per game (32.7) and second in total yardage (394.3) The Lions defense has not given up a touchdown in the last 10 quarters. Rookie placekicker Jake Bates has made all 16 of his field goal attempts, including four from 50-plus yards over the past three games. Chicago shows up in a foul mood. The Bears are saddled with a five-game losing streak and Chicago's defense has been destroyed for nearly 2,000 total yards in the last four games. The Bears failed to reach the 20-point mark four times in five outings since they last won a game. In their latest defeat, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and the offense perked up but they lost to Minnesota in overtime, 30-27. "We have to play complementary football for us to be able to win these games," coach Matt Eberflus said. "The games we have won, we have done that. The games we have been close we've missed the mark a little bit. Over the course of the year, it's been one side or the other, this side or that side. In this league you have to be good on all sides to win. That's what we are searching for." Williams threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. The wide receiver trio of DJ Moore, Keenan Allen and Romeo Odunze combined for 21 receptions and two touchdowns while tight end Cole Kmet caught seven passes. "What I've been impressed with is just how he has grown," Campbell said. "He has grown every game but these last two I really feel like he's taken off and what they're doing with him has been really good for him and he just looks very composed. He doesn't get frazzled, plays pretty fast, and he's an accurate passer, big arm, and he's got some guys that can get open for him." Detroit's banged-up secondary could be susceptible against the Bears' veteran receivers in their bid to pull off an upset on Thursday. The Lions put two defensive backs on injured reserve in the past week and top cornerback Carlton Davis isn't expected to play due to knee and thumb injuries. Detroit offensive tackle Taylor Decker (knee) and top returner Kalif Raymond (foot) are also expected to miss the game, though Campbell expressed optimism that running back David Montgomery (shoulder), formerly of the Bears, would play. Bears safety Elijah Hicks was listed as a DNP for Tuesday's walkthrough. --Field Level Media

These board, video and card games will bring cozy vibes to your holiday gaming Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to share on X (Opens in new window) Most Popular Let it burn: Days-old underground fire at Williamsburg outlet mall could smolder for a week Let it burn: Days-old underground fire at Williamsburg outlet mall could smolder for a week Neighbors get into argument before fatal shooting, Hampton police say Neighbors get into argument before fatal shooting, Hampton police say Underground fire still burning at Williamsburg Premium Outlets; officials advise caution Underground fire still burning at Williamsburg Premium Outlets; officials advise caution Teel: Return as columnist at The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press is a privilege Teel: Return as columnist at The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press is a privilege One nation, under watch: Flock Safety cameras help the police solve crime. But how much should privacy matter? One nation, under watch: Flock Safety cameras help the police solve crime. But how much should privacy matter? Newport News council to consider banning guns from government buildings Newport News council to consider banning guns from government buildings Corey Hairston retires as Warwick football coach; defensive coordinator Thomas Sykes is named successor Corey Hairston retires as Warwick football coach; defensive coordinator Thomas Sykes is named successor Underground fire causes partial parking lot collapse at Williamsburg Premium Outlets Underground fire causes partial parking lot collapse at Williamsburg Premium Outlets Vinyl records comeback continues: 2 stores open in Newport News, Hampton Vinyl records comeback continues: 2 stores open in Newport News, Hampton Special counsel moves to abandon election interference, classified documents cases against Trump Special counsel moves to abandon election interference, classified documents cases against Trump Trending Nationally Parachute ‘D.B. Cooper’ hijacker used in 1971 may have been found Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths here in Florida. Here’s why Health providers dropping Medicare Advantage could affect coverage for 60,000 Minnesotans Transgender player on San Jose State women’s volleyball team can play at Mountain West tournament, judge rules Say hello to prison: Boston man convicted of attacking woman for not saying ‘good morning’‘I never thought we would become farmers,’ says F&N CEO

It was a Netflix documentary Michael Nantais watched during the early months of the pandemic that cemented his love of sustainable farming. Nantais, who grew up just outside of Montreal in Pointe-Claire, started experimenting in his mother’s backyard; growing kale, cucumbers, and zucchinis for the first time more than four years ago. “I didn’t really know much at that time,” the now 26-year-old said. “I was buying seedlings and planting them.” Then came the rush of changes to his life and career plans. Nantais switched from an economics degree at university to a biology program to learn more about plants. He focused on learning everything about farming, first from a plant soil lab, later at a vertical farm in Montreal. Vertical farming stacks crops vertically in layers, typically in an indoor setup, which allows farmers to control lighting, humidity, and temperature. It’s gaining popularity, especially in urban areas. “Was my mind set on vertical farming when I switched to biology? The answer is no,” Nantais recalled. “I was open-minded ... I just wanted to learn,” he said. Younger Canadians may not own the farmland or heavy machinery needed to launch traditional agriculture careers, but they are equipped with technology. That’s changing how they get their foot in the door even when they don’t come from farm families. Traditionally, many agriculture students came from rural areas and , said Jay Steeves, dean of Werklund School of Agriculture & Technology at Olds College in Alberta. Now, more are joining agricultural programs at schools, and graduates are finding niche areas of the field. “It’s not just that broad acre farming with large operations,” said Steeves. “We’re starting to see indoor agriculture, the idea of produce and food creation for a growing population.” Steeves recalled a school project a year ago when a student grew lettuce in their dorm room and was able to control different environments, moisture and light intensity remotely. “That idea of a student or an individual in a small, little dorm room with a growing operation the size of a mini-fridge is part of agriculture at this point in time,” Steeves said, “and is now producing food that can be used and consumed by anyone on the planet.” Innovation is key for aspiring farmers, said Craig Klemmer, principal economist at Farm Credit Canada. Starting small could be the first step. “With the changing face of the Canadian population, it’s creating new opportunities for markets,” he said. For instance, there’s been a growing demand for sheep and goat meat, which can be started small and scaled up. Others are looking into more niche areas of the sector, he said growing herbs or working in sustainable farming which need fewer capital investments and resources to get operations going. “When you look at the opportunities, it’s more on the smaller niche,” Klemmer said. “Finding a new and creative solution, making some partnerships would be good ways to start.” Nantais moved to Toronto last year to set up his own vertical farm business with an investment from his uncle but ran into a logistical issue: Finding an appropriate rental space for the operation. He decided instead to partner with an existing vertical farm, Living Earth Farm, which grows sunflowers, peas, radishes, basil, cilantro and arugula, among other microgreens. He operates the farm as a partner and plans to be there for a while. “Hopefully, we can expand, increase our supply and start selling more of it.” Exploring niche areas of farming comes at a time when the costs of farmland and farm machines have gone up exponentially over the years. The price of farmland in southern Ontario has gone up from an average of $2,616 per hectare in 1996 to approximately $23,100 per hectare in 2023, according to Farm Credit Canada’s historical farmland values report. Other provinces have seen similar price jumps. “The reality, if we look at traditional crop production in Canada at large scale, they are very high barriers to entry,” Klemmer said. “It would require quite a bit of capital to make those investments.” That means not everyone is in a position to own a facility or run farmland, no matter the size. Steeves said many young graduates from the agricultural college are pivoting to areas such as crop science and working with larger producers to help them become more efficient. “A farmer isn’t your classic picture (of a) person standing in the field, getting their hands dirty working with animals,” Steeves said. Field work including drone assessments, pest management and soil testing are jobs increasingly finding a place among modern agriculture workers who want to be a part of the food system but can’t own their own operations. “It’s not so much operating and owning but doing more of the consulting for production,” Steeves said. can go a long way for a young farmer. Just like any other job, Steeves said, aspiring farmers need soft skills such as networking and the ability to move around for jobs. Despite rising interest in farming and a growing culture of grow-your-own-food, there remains a shortage in labour supply in the farming sector. As a large number of Canadian farmers head into retirement, fewer young people are stepping up to take on those roles. About 61 per cent of Canadian farm operators were 55 and older, according to a 2021 Statistics Canada report. Meanwhile, the number of farmers under 35 fell to 8.6 per cent as of 2021, compared with 11.5 per cent in 2001. “I think we still need more people,” Steeves said. He said there’s a place for everyone to be a part of agriculture if not at the farmer or producer level and still feel connected to the industry. “We’re still trying to get rid of that myth that you have to come from this background in order to be involved,” Steeves said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 21, 2024.ICMR develops AI tool to predict IVF outcomes in men with infertilityPreview: Huddersfield Town vs. Charlton Athletic - prediction, team news, lineups

Dawakin-Tofa explains Governor Yusuf’s cabinet reshuffleWhether you're planning on working hard or hardly working in 2025, this refurbished iPad Air could be your perfect partner. Here's the deal: It's a few years old and pre-owned, so you save $274, even though it's still an excellent tablet for working on the go or entertainment at home. The only catch? Since you only have to pay $325 instead of $599, this iPad Air deal is expected to sell out fast—order yours as soon as possible. Working hard? Here's why it's great. If you're lugging around your laptop everywhere you go, having an iPad for work can be a real back-saver. Maybe you'd use it to take notes or work on presentations—this model is compatible with the Apple Pencil and Bluetooth keyboards (sold separately). Business owners might also love downloading point-of-sale apps or using a larger screen for social media marketing. You'll have 64GB of storage to add whatever you need and a roomy 10.9-inch display with vivid colors to make work just a little less painful. Hardly working? This iPad is a dream. We can't blame you if you want an iPad for reading , streaming in bed, or just playing apps. We all have a little bit of a kid in us. This model's lightweight build of less than a pound makes it a great device for pretty much whatever you want, especially if you're a traveler. If you're the type of person always on FaceTime chats, you'll love having an iPad instead of your tiny phone. The tablet has 7MP front and 12MP rear cameras for high-def friends and family calls. Don't miss out on this refurbished iPad deal : $325 for a 2020 iPad Air in grade "A" condition (reg. $599). Limited quantities are available. Apple iPad Air 4th Gen (2020) 64GB WiFi Sky Blue (Refurbished) - $324.97 See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.These board, video and card games will bring cozy vibes to your holiday gaming

In his address at the launch of INDIA’S WORLD — a magazine focused on India’s foreign policy — on December 15, external affairs minister S Jaishankar made an unconventional argument. He urged members of the strategic community assembled at the India International Centre to “listen to the street” when reflecting on and writing about India’s foreign policy. The subtext of Jaishankar’s comments was that, despite major domestic transformations like economic reforms, the discussions and debates among India’s strategic elite fail to reflect the domestic political pulse and the sentiments of the general public. In his opinion, one important way to think about foreign policy is to observe how society in general thinks about the world around it and makes its own choices, which have implications for the country’s foreign policy. Put differently, he appeared to argue that there is a growing gulf between the core belief systems of the country’s strategic elite, primarily based in New Delhi, and how the public views India’s engagement with the world. The conventional view about “listening to the street” on foreign policy matters is deeply conservative. The consensus among pundits is that thinking about foreign policy is an esoteric business confined to elite chambers of experts and former officials — also called the strategic community. At the level of practice, foreign policy becomes more exclusive, keeping out even the strategic community from the act of policymaking. Let us unpack this point a bit more. It is useful to think about foreign policy at three levels. The first level, or Track One, as Jaishankar called it, operates primarily at the official level that is largely closed to outsiders and primarily functions as a bureaucratic exercise, with final decisions made by politicians elected to office. The second level is the strategic community, which contributes to foreign policy through research, debates, lessons from history, and long-term scenarios. The strategic community is expected to produce innovative solutions to foreign policy challenges and provide critical long-term analyses of the country’s foreign policy trajectory. This is, however, not often the case, or as Jaishankar argued, Track Two routinely lags Track One. Put differently, what use of a strategic community for the government that merely endorses official policies? There are several reasons why Track Two lags Track One, two of which are key to the argument here. For one, a surprisingly large number of members of the strategic community often find themselves caught between the necessity of independent and creative thinking and the constraints of institutional legacy, as many of them are former officials. The second reason is that members of the Indian strategic community with little government experience — due to the limited interaction between serving officials and researchers in India — tend to fail in producing policy-relevant research and studies. The result is obvious: Foreign policy innovations or out-of-the-box solutions are hardly produced by the strategic community. The third level of foreign policy thinking takes place at the level of the general public, or as Jaishankar described it, “the street”. Clearly, the public does not engage with foreign policy in a traditional sense, but their views may provide valuable insights to shape the broader directions of India’s foreign policy. Consider the following examples. The general sentiments of the Indian society toward another country, such as towards European countries, Canada or the United States (US), can reveal important insights into societal preferences, and how the beliefs of the strategic community may differ from those of the general public. Remnants of anti-Americanism or India’s problems with Canada, for example, are not something that we would find reflected in the attitudes or choices of Indians at large. In fact, it is often the case that members of our strategic community hold conflicting strategic and personal beliefs. Major business houses and even small-scale traders in the country, with little direct interest in foreign policy or strategic issues, may be pursuing activities — such as the fact that domestic private defence manufacturers primarily selling to the US or the growing interactions between Indian industries and the global tech services sector — which have foreign policy/strategic implications. Delhi’s strategic elite often overlooks such phenomena. The significance of the street does not diminish the fact that foreign policy cannot be shaped solely by public sentiment or opinion surveys (remember the Brexit shocker in the United Kingdom?), as the general public is often not fully informed of the nuances involved in policymaking. However, Jaishankar’s larger point that foreign policy cannot be formulated without considering societal preferences and trends is still valid. A society’s broader directions — such as technological developments, patterns of migration, and economic and cultural choices — will eventually influence foreign policy. Therefore, while governments may not base their policies solely on the changing mood of the street, this indeed serves as an important indicator of societal preferences that should be taken into account during policy deliberations. Jaishankar’s argument offers important lessons for the country’s strategic elite, two of which, in my opinion, are particularly crucial. First, the Indian strategic community cannot operate in a self-created epistemic vacuum, detached from both the government and the general public. That is a sure path to irrelevance. Second, the definition of what constitutes foreign policy or strategic issues must be reconsidered. To be sure, these matters are no longer esoteric or to be treated as a special class of issues but should be continuously informed by insights from “the street”. The more elite our strategic community becomes, the more irrelevant it may become. Happymon Jacob teaches India’s foreign policy at JNU, and is the editor of INDIA’S WORLD. The views expressed are personal

CHICAGO — With a wave of her bangled brown fingertips to the melody of flutes and chimes, artist, theologian and academic Tricia Hersey enchanted a crowd into a dreamlike state of rest at Semicolon Books on North Michigan Avenue. “The systems can’t have you,” Hersey said into the microphone, reading mantras while leading the crowd in a group daydreaming exercise on a recent Tuesday night. The South Side native tackles many of society’s ills — racism, patriarchy, aggressive capitalism and ableism — through an undervalued yet impactful action: rest. Hersey, the founder of a movement called the Nap Ministry, dubs herself the Nap Bishop and spreads her message to over half a million followers on her Instagram account, @thenapministry . Her first book, “Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto,” became a New York Times bestseller in 2022, but Hersey has been talking about rest online and through her art for nearly a decade. Hersey, who has degrees in public health and divinity, originated the “rest as resistance” and “rest as reparations” frameworks after experimenting with rest as an exhausted graduate student in seminary. Once she started napping, she felt happier and her grades improved. But she also felt more connected to her ancestors; her work was informed by the cultural trauma of slavery that she was studying as an archivist. Hersey described the transformation as “life-changing.” The Nap Ministry began as performance art in 2017, with a small installation where 40 people joined Hersey in a collective nap. Since then, her message has morphed into multiple mediums and forms. Hersey, who now lives in Atlanta, has hosted over 100 collective naps, given lectures and facilitated meditations across the country. She’s even led a rest ritual in the bedroom of Jane Addams , and encourages her followers to dial in at her “Rest Hotline.” At Semicolon, some of those followers and newcomers came out to see Hersey in discussion with journalist Natalie Moore on Hersey’s latest book, “We Will Rest! The Art of Escape,” released this month, and to learn what it means to take a moment to rest in community. Moore recalled a time when she was trying to get ahead of chores on a weeknight. “I was like, ‘If I do this, then I’ll have less to do tomorrow.’ But then I was really tired,” Moore said. “I thought, ‘What would my Nap Bishop say? She would say go lay down.’ Tricia is in my head a lot.” At the event, Al Kelly, 33, of Rogers Park, said some of those seated in the crowd of mostly Black women woke up in tears — possibly because, for the first time, someone permitted them to rest. “It was so emotional and allowed me to think creatively about things that I want to work on and achieve,” Kelly said. Shortly after the program, Juliette Viassy, 33, a program manager who lives in the South Loop and is new to Hersey’s work, said this was her first time meditating after never being able to do it on her own. Therapist Lyndsei Howze, 33, of Printers Row, who was also seated at the book talk, said she recommends Hersey’s work “to everybody who will listen” — from her clients to her own friends. “A lot of mental health conditions come from lack of rest,” she said. “They come from exhaustion.” Before discovering Hersey’s work this spring, Howze said she and her friends sporadically napped together in one friend’s apartment after an exhausting workweek. “It felt so good just to rest in community,” she said. On Hersey’s book tour, she is leading exercises like this across the country. “I think we need to collectively do this,” Hersey explained. “We need to learn again how to daydream because we’ve been told not to do it. I don’t think most people even have a daydreaming practice.” Daydreaming, Hersey said, allows people to imagine a new world. Hersey tells her followers that yes, you can rest, even when your agenda is packed, even between caregiving, commuting, jobs, bills, emails and other daily demands. And you don’t have to do it alone. There is a community of escape artists, she said of the people who opt out of grind and hustle culture, waiting to embrace you. The book is part pocket prayer book, part instruction manual, with art and handmade typography by San Francisco-based artist George McCalman inspired by 19th-century abolitionist pamphlets, urging readers to reclaim their divine right to rest. Hersey directs her readers like an operative with instructions for a classified mission. “Let grind culture know you are not playing around,” she wrote in her book. “This is not a game or time to shrink. Your thriving depends on the art of escape.” The reluctance to rest can be rooted in capitalist culture presenting rest as a reward for productivity instead of a physical and mental necessity. Hersey deconstructs this idea of grind culture, which she says is rooted in the combined effects of white supremacy, patriarchy and capitalism that “look at the body as not human.” American culture encourages grind culture, Hersey said, but slowing down and building a ritual of rest can offset its toxicity. The author eschews the ballooning billion-dollar self-care industry that encourages people to “save enough money and time off from work to fly away to an expensive retreat,” she wrote. Instead, she says rest can happen anywhere you have a place to be comfortable: in nature, on a yoga mat, in the car between shifts, on a cozy couch after work. Resting isn’t just napping either. She praises long showers, sipping warm tea, playing music, praying or numerous other relaxing activities that slow down the body. “We’re in a crisis mode of deep sleep deprivation, deep lack of self-worth, (and) mental health,” said Hersey. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data from 2022 , in Illinois about 37% of adults aren’t getting the rest they need at night. If ignored, the effects of sleep deprivation can have bigger implications later, Hersey said. In October, she lectured at a sleep conference at Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota, where her humanities work was featured alongside research from the world’s top neuroscientists. Jennifer Mundt, a Northwestern clinician and professor of sleep medicine, psychiatry and behavioral sciences, praises Hersey for bringing the issue of sleep and rest to the public. In a Tribune op-ed last year, Mundt argued that our culture focuses too heavily on sleep as something that must be earned rather than a vital aspect of health and that linking sleep to productivity is harmful and stigmatizing. “Linking sleep and productivity is harmful because it overshadows the bevy of other reasons to prioritize sleep as an essential component of health,” Mundt wrote. “It also stigmatizes groups that are affected by sleep disparities and certain chronic sleep disorders.” In a 30-year longitudinal study released in the spring by the New York University School of Social Work, people who worked long hours and late shifts reported the lowest sleep quality and lowest physical and mental functions, and the highest likelihood of reporting poor health and depression at age 50. The study also showed that Black men and women with limited education “were more likely than others to shoulder the harmful links between nonstandard work schedules and sleep and health, worsening their probability of maintaining and nurturing their health as they approach middle adulthood.” The CDC links sleeping fewer than seven hours a day to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and more. Although the Nap Ministry movement is new for her followers, Hersey’s written about her family’s practice of prioritizing rest, which informs her work. Her dad was a community organizer, a yardmaster for the Union Pacific Railroad Co. and an assistant pastor. Before long hours of work, he would dedicate hours each day to self-care. Hersey also grew up observing her grandma meditate for 30 minutes daily. Through rest, Hersey said she honors her ancestors who were enslaved and confronts generational trauma. When “Rest Is Resistance” was released in 2022, Americans were navigating a pandemic and conversations on glaring racial disparities. “We Will Rest!” comes on the heels of a historic presidential election where Black women fundraised for Vice President Kamala Harris and registered voters in a dizzying three-month campaign. Following Harris’ defeat, many of those women are finding self-care and preservation even more important. “There are a lot of Black women announcing how exhausted they are,” Moore said. “This could be their entry point to get to know (Hersey’s) work, which is bigger than whatever political wind is blowing right now.” Hersey said Chicagoans can meet kindred spirits in her environment of rest. Haji Healing Salon, a wellness center, and the social justice-focused Free Street Theater are sites where Hersey honed her craft and found community. In the fall, the theater put on “Rest/Reposo,” a performance featuring a community naptime outdoors in McKinley Park and in its Back of the Yards space. Haji is also an apothecary and hosts community healing activities, sound meditations and yoga classes. “It is in Bronzeville; it’s a beautiful space owned by my friend Aya,” Hersey said, explaining how her community has helped her build the Nap Ministry. “When I first started the Nap Ministry, before I was even understanding what it was, she was like, come do your work here.” “We Will Rest!” is a collection of poems, drawings and short passages. In contrast to her first book, Hersey said she leaned more into her artistic background; the art process alone took 18 months to complete. After a tough year for many, she considers it medicine for a “sick and exhausted” world. “It’s its own sacred document,” Hersey said. “It’s something that, if you have it in your library and you have it with you, you may feel more human.” lazu@chicagotribune.comBALTIMORE (AP) — Wayne Bristol Jr. scored 21 points as Hampton beat Loyola (MD) 76-68 on Saturday. Bristol added 10 rebounds for the Pirates (7-5, 1-0 Coastal Athletic Association). Etienne Strothers shot 4 for 10 (1 for 3 from 3-point range) and 5 of 6 from the free-throw line to add 14 points. Richard Goods had 13 points and shot 2 of 3 from the field and 9 for 10 from the line. The Greyhounds (5-5) were led in scoring by Milos Ilic, who finished with 22 points and eight rebounds. Jordan Stiemke added 12 points for Loyola. Jacob Theodosiou also had nine points. Hampton took the lead with 7:30 to go in the first half and did not relinquish it. The score was 32-26 at halftime, with Goods racking up nine points. Hampton outscored Loyola (MD) in the second half by two points, with Bristol scoring a team-high 13 points after the break. These two teams both play Saturday. Hampton hosts Howard and Loyola visits DePaul. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

After months of anticipation, the highly awaited return of Solo Leveling is finally in sight. Fans of the anime can look forward to the premiere of Solo Leveling: Arise from the Shadow in January 2025. With a new trailer now available, the excitement surrounding the second season of this hit anime series has only intensified. The trailer brings the protagonist, Jinwoo, back into the spotlight, preparing to face all-new challenges as his powers reach new heights. New Trailer Brings Jinwoo Center Stage Solo Leveling fans were treated to a fresh glimpse of the upcoming season with a brand-new trailer from Aniplex. The trailer focuses on Jinwoo, now a force to be reckoned with, as he embarks on his next set of trials, as mentioned in a report by Screenrant. Artificial Intelligence(AI) Java Programming with ChatGPT: Learn using Generative AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy for Non-Finance Executives By - CA Raja, Chartered Accountant | Financial Management Educator | Former AVP - Credit, SBI View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By - Neil Patel, Co-Founder and Author at Neil Patel Digital Digital Marketing Guru View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI-Powered Python Mastery with Tabnine: Boost Your Coding Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Entrepreneurship Building Your Winning Startup Team: Key Strategies for Success By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Web Development Intermediate C++ Skills: Master Pointers, Structures and File Stream By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) ChatGPT Mastery from Zero to Hero: The Complete AI Course By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Finance AI and Generative AI for Finance By - Hariom Tatsat, Vice President- Quantitative Analytics at Barclays View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Learn InVideo AI: Create Videos from Text Easily By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Marketing Performance Marketing for eCommerce Brands By - Zafer Mukeri, Founder- Inara Marketers View Program Leadership Business Storytelling Masterclass By - Ameen Haque, Founder of Storywallahs View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Generative AI for Dynamic Java Web Applications with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Legal Complete Guide to AI Governance and Compliance By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Office Productivity Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By - Study At Home, Quality Education Anytime, Anywhere View Program Office Productivity Microsoft Word Mastery: From Beginner to Expert By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Master in Python Language Quickly Using the ChatGPT Open AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Design Canva Magic Write: Ideas to Stunning Slides in No Time By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass By - CA Himanshu Jain, Ex McKinsey, Moody's, and PwC, Co - founder, The WallStreet School View Program Known for his extraordinary abilities, Jinwoo has earned the title of Shadow Monarch, a power that allows him to raise the dead and command them as his own. As seen in the trailer, Jinwoo is about to face even more formidable enemies, and the stakes are higher than ever. This new footage promises a thrilling continuation of the anime’s story, showcasing Jinwoo’s growth and the evolving dynamics of his battles, as per the report by Screenrant. Also Read : Fire Country Season 3 Episode 9: Date and time | When will new episodes be available? His journey is far from over, and viewers can expect his powers to be put to the test in ways never seen before. A New Chapter in the Solo Leveling Saga Solo Leveling season two, titled Arise from the Shadow, will pick up right where season one left off. After Jinwoo becomes the Shadow Monarch, he gains the ability to bring back the dead, a development that will play a critical role in the unfolding story. As the series progresses, Jinwoo will find himself facing even more powerful adversaries, with Jeju Island's monsters becoming a major focus for S-Rank hunters. The new season will explore the consequences of Jinwoo's increased powers, exploring how they impact both his allies and enemies. His role in maintaining balance and peace among the most dangerous monsters will be crucial, making him an indispensable figure in the ongoing battle against chaos. When Does Solo Leveling Season 2 Premiere? For those eagerly awaiting the next chapter of Solo Leveling, the wait is almost over. Arise from the Shadow will officially launch on January 4, 2025. This announcement has been met with widespread excitement, as fans mark their calendars for the next big installment. Also Read : Tragic Party City CEO cries on video call as he announces layoffs and nationwide store closures after 40 years in business In addition to the official release date, it was revealed that Solo Leveling: Arise from the Shadow will be available for streaming on Crunchyroll. FAQs Has Solo Leveling season 2 been released? The official website and channels for Solo Leveling Season 2 have dropped a new trailer, revealing that the highly anticipated season will premiere on January 4. Who is animating Solo Leveling season 2? Following the conclusion of Season 1, Season 2 of the series was swiftly greenlit, with animation studio A-1 Pictures returning for the sophomore season. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )

The injury report for the New Orleans Pelicans (5-25) heading into their matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies (20-10) currently has six players. The Grizzlies have four injured players listed on the report. The matchup is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET on Friday, December 27. Watch the NBA, other live sports and more on Fubo. What is Fubo? Fubo is a streaming service that gives you access to your favorite live sports and shows on demand. Use our link to sign up. In their last game on Sunday, the Pelicans suffered a 132-129 OT loss to the Nuggets. Jordan Hawkins’ team-leading 25 points paced the Pelicans in the losing effort. The Grizzlies’ last outing on Monday ended in a 114-110 loss to the Clippers. The Grizzlies got a team-high 24 points from Jaren Jackson Jr. in the loss. Sign up for NBA League Pass to get live and on-demand access to NBA games. Get tickets for any NBA game this season at StubHub. Catch NBA action all season long on Fubo. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER .

Detroit-area library says Chicago man can keep overdue baseball book — 50 years later