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Lifeist Announces Reorganization of the Board of Directors
In the men's doubles category, the Chinese duo of Ma Long and Xu Xin claimed the number one ranking. Their strong chemistry, coordination, and teamwork have propelled them to the top of the rankings, showcasing their ability to outmaneuver and outplay their opponents on the doubles court.
HALIFAX — A Nova Scotia charity is serving at least 600 free traditional dinners over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to spread a little bit of holiday cheer. The Souls Harbour Rescue Mission is offering a sit-down turkey dinner with all the fixings for people who need "food or friends" at mission locations across the province. It's the first time the group is serving the meals over the holidays since it started providing community service in 2010. Michelle Porter, the CEO, says the charity has been raising funds for Christmas festivities since November and estimates the cost for events during the holiday season is around $1 million. Meals will differ slightly at mission locations across the province, but Porter says all plates will have turkey, potatoes, cranberry, gravy and some vegetables. People who attend will also get a Christmas stocking that includes a mini hygiene set and a few treats like chocolate, gloves and socks. About 400 people will eat today in Lower Sackville, Bridgewater, Truro and Sydney Mines, while Porter estimates 200 people will share a meal together in Halifax on Christmas Day. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 24, 2024. The Canadian PressBauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, on Thursday, said President Bola Tinubu’s tax policies is “anti-northern” Nigerian and threatened that the region would show its “true colours.” According to him, the Tax Reforms Bills are aimed at favouring just a section of the country and shortchanging northern Nigeria, threatening that “we would show our true colour, we will fight for it.” Mohammed, who is the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum, is known for his opposition to Tinubu’s economic reforms which he has been saying were against the interest of Nigerians. Speaking when he received the Christian Community in Bauchi State who visited him at the Government House on Wednesday for the annual Christmas homage, the Governor called on the President to listen to the people and change the “anti-people” policies. He stressed that no policy should be imposed on the people because Nigeria does not operate an oligarchy system of government or a military rule. “I call on you to pray for Nigeria and pray for all the leaders of Nigeria including my humble self because Nigeria needs prayers. We are facing difficulties. There is a lot of wahala, there is a lot of hunger and it is something that we have to pray for God to obliterate. We have to say it but certainly, we are not insulting anybody. “We are calling on the presidency and the Federal Government to change their style. Whenever a policy is not popular, they should listen to the people, they should not be arrogant and think that whatever we bring, must be. This is not an oligarchy, this is not a military rule, they must listen to the people and that is what makes a good leader. “And we pledge to be loyal to them but anything they are doing contrary to that, they are calling for anarchy, they are calling for intransigence and it is unacceptable. There are a lot of wahala, we must work together across the party lines, across the tiers of government to provide succour and solace to the Nigerian people.” Mohammed further said: “It is not about pride or ego, we must be able to do things that people will be assisted with because whatever it is, the situation was not like this before. If the situation was bad before I came, tell me! And I must change and that is why the presidency must listen to the cries about Tax Reform. “It is not a good policy for northern Nigeria because we are not going to get money to pay you salaries, to do roads. They must listen, otherwise, they are calling for anarchy. And that is not good. READ ALSO: Dogara’s attacks on Gov Bala desperate bid for Tinubu’s favour — Aide “We voted for the presidency in this State and other states, they must listen to us. They must not come up with policies that favour only one section of the country or even one state in the country. It is not about religion, it is not about tribe, it is about national unity, it is about national hegemony and this is what we are all about, good leadership. “We will continue to be loyal for the time being, if the situation persists, they will see our real colour, we are going to fight for it. “We are not afraid of them, even if it’s the President, we are not afraid of them, except that we only show respect. Whether it is a traditional institution, or it is the Federal Government or it is the President, honestly, we are not afraid of them but we can only show our obedience and respect to leadership. But we will not allow anyone to denigrate us. “People are suffering and are hungry. They need to look at their leadership style. Leadership is listening to the people and being sensitive to their feelings, leadership is doing what the people want. But I appeal to you (Nigerians) that since we’ve endured to this point, we should continue to be more patient because living in peace is what we need. “We should continue to pray for the President and his government that God will make them listen, may God make them change their minds and policies in a way that will be beneficial to all Nigerians, in a way that will drive away hunger, the insults, insecurity and all the things they want to bring that will cause division among Nigerians,” he stated. Mohammed expressed appreciation to the Christian Community in Bauchi State for the support to him throughout his sojourn in politics, saying that whatever he does for them is only a reciprocation of what they’ve been doing to him for decades.Drop in Boxing Day footfall ‘signals return to declining pre-pandemic levels’
Pope Francis kicks off a yearlong Jubilee that will test his stamina and Rome's patience VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis has opened the great Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica. The ceremony kicks off the 2025 Holy Year. It's a celebration of the Catholic Church that is expected to draw some 32 million pilgrims to Rome. And it will test the pope’s stamina and the ability of the Eternal City to welcome them. This begins the Christmas Eve Mass. The ceremony inaugurates the once-every-25-year tradition of a Jubilee. Francis has dedicated the 2025 Jubilee to the theme of hope. Bethlehem marks a second subdued Christmas Eve during the war in Gaza BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) — Bethlehem is marking another somber Christmas Eve under the shadow of war in Gaza. Manger Square lacked its usual festive lights and crowds of tourists on Tuesday. Instead, the area outside the Nativity Church was quiet. The church was built atop the spot where Jesus is believed to have been born. The war, the violence in the occupied West Bank it has spurred and the lack of festivities has deeply hurt Bethlehem's economy. The town relies heavily on Christmas tourism. The economy in the West Bank was already reeling because of restrictions placed on laborers preventing them from entering Israel during the war. Heavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flights WASHINGTON (AP) — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne Tuesday about one hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop, which prevented planes from taking off. American said in an email that the problem was caused by an issue with a vendor technology that maintains its flight operating system. Aviation analytics company Cirium said flights were delayed across American’s major hubs, with only 37% leaving on time. Nineteen flights were cancelled. Middle East latest: Israeli raid and airstrikes in West Bank kill at least 8 Palestinians The Palestinian Health Ministry says at least eight people were killed by Israeli military operations in the northern West Bank. The ministry said three of the dead were killed by Israeli airstrikes. The attacks took place around the city of Tulkarem and nearby refugee camps. The Israeli military said it opened fire after militants attacked soldiers, and it was aware of some uninvolved civilians who were harmed in the raid. Elsewhere in the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian city of Bethlehem was marking a somber Christmas Eve under the shadow of the war in Gaza. Most festivities were cancelled and crowds of tourists were absent. Caitlin Clark honored as AP Female Athlete of the Year following her impact on women's sports Caitlin Clark has been named the AP Female Athlete of the Year after raising the profile of women’s basketball to unprecedented levels in both college and the WNBA. She led Iowa to the national championship game, was the top pick in the WNBA draft and captured rookie of the year honors in the league. Fans packed sold-out arenas and millions of television viewers followed her journey on and off the court. Clark's exploits also put other women's sports leagues in the spotlight. A group of 74 sports journalists from AP and its members voted on the award. Other athletes who received votes included Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles and boxer Imane Khelif. Clark’s only the fourth women’s basketball player to win the award since it was first given in 1931. NFL players who use platform to share their faith say it's their duty to spread their love of Jesus ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — Jake Bates was standing on the turf in his hometown of Houston when asked to reflect on an unlikely journey from learning how to sell bricks to making game-winning kicks for the Detroit Lions. Bates used his platform as an NFL player to spread his love of Jesus. A month later, Bates told The Associated Press it is a duty to share his faith. The NFL is filled with players and coaches who feel the same way, such as Houston's C.J. Stroud, Atlanta's Kirk Cousins, and Lamar Jackson and John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens. Major storm pounds California's central coast, blamed for man's death and partially collapsing pier SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (AP) — A major storm has pounded California’s central coast bringing flooding and high surf that was blamed for fatally trapping a man beneath debris on a beach and later partially collapsing a pier, tossing three people into the Pacific Ocean. The storm was expected to bring hurricane-force winds and waves up to 60 feet Monday as it gained strength from California to the Pacific Northwest. Some California cities have ordered beachfront homes and hotels to evacuate early Monday afternoon. Forecasters have warned that storm swells would continue to increase throughout the day. Medellin Cartel victims demand truth and justice as cartel boss Fabio Ochoa walks free in Colombia BOGOTÁ, Colombia (AP) — The return of the notorious drug trafficker Fabio Ochoa to Colombia, following his deportation from the United States, has reopened old wounds among the victims of the Medellin cartel, with some expressing their dismay at the decision of Colombian authorities to let the former mafia boss walk free.Some of the cartel victims said on Tuesday that they are hoping the former drug lord will at least cooperate with ongoing efforts by human rights groups to investigate one of the most violent periods of Colombia’s history, and demanded that Colombian prosecutors also take Ochoa in for questioning. Man arraigned on murder charges in NYC subway death fanned flames with a shirt, prosecutors say NEW YORK (AP) — Prosecutors say a man accused of burning a woman to death inside a New York City subway train used a shirt to fan the flames, causing her to become engulfed. The suspect, identified by police as Sebastian Zapeta, was arraigned in Brooklyn criminal court on Tuesday. He faces murder charges that could put him in prison for life. Federal immigration officials say 33-year-old Zapeta is a Guatemalan citizen who entered the U.S. illegally after being deported in 2018. The apparently random attack occurred Sunday morning on a stationary F train at the Coney Island station in Brooklyn. Amsterdam court sentences 5 men over violence linked to Ajax-Maccabi soccer game THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — An Amsterdam District Court has issued sentences of up to six months in jail against 5 men who were involved in violent disorder after a soccer match between the Dutch club Ajax and Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv in November. The riots caused an international outcry and accusations of deliberate anti-Semitic attacks. The violence following a UEFA Europa League match left 5 people in hospital. More than 60 suspects were detained. The court on Tuesday sentenced one man to 6 months in prison, another to 2 1/2 months, two to 1 month and one to 100 hours of community service.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Trudeau's unwavering response to President Trump's tariffs reflects Canada's commitment to defending its economic interests and standing up for its workers. By adopting a multi-faceted approach that includes retaliatory measures, diplomatic initiatives, diversification of trade relationships, and support for domestic industries, Canada is preparing to navigate the challenges posed by the current trade tensions. As the situation continues to evolve, Prime Minister Trudeau remains steadfast in his determination to protect Canada's prosperity and sovereignty in the face of external pressures.Tsunami warning lifted after magnitude 7.0 earthquake rocks California
Dana Hull | (TNS) Bloomberg News Jared Birchall, Elon Musk’s money manager and the head of his family office, is listed as the chief executive officer. Jehn Balajadia, a longtime Musk aide who has worked at SpaceX and the Boring Co., is named as an official contact. Related Articles National Politics | Biden will decide on US Steel acquisition after influential panel fails to reach consensus National Politics | Biden vetoes once-bipartisan effort to add 66 federal judgeships, citing ‘hurried’ House action National Politics | A history of the Panama Canal — and why Trump can’t take it back on his own National Politics | President-elect Trump wants to again rename North America’s tallest peak National Politics | Inside the Gaetz ethics report, a trove of new details alleging payments for sex and drug use But they’re not connected to Musk’s new technology venture, or the political operation that’s endeared him to Donald Trump. Instead, they’re tied to the billionaire’s new Montessori school outside Bastrop, Texas, called Ad Astra, according to documents filed with state authorities and obtained via a Texas Public Information Act request. The world’s richest person oversees an overlapping empire of six companies — or seven, if you include his political action committee. Alongside rockets, electric cars, brain implants, social media and the next Trump administration, he is increasingly focused on education, spanning preschool to college. One part of his endeavor was revealed last year, when Bloomberg News reported that his foundation had set aside roughly $100 million to create a technology-focused primary and secondary school in Austin, with eventual plans for a university. An additional $137 million in cash and stock was allotted last year, according to the most recent tax filing for the Musk Foundation. Ad Astra is closer to fruition. The state documents show Texas authorities issued an initial permit last month, clearing the way for the center to operate with as many as 21 pupils. Ad Astra’s website says it’s “currently open to all children ages 3 to 9.” The school’s account on X includes job postings for an assistant teacher for preschool and kindergarten and an assistant teacher for students ages 6 to 9. To run the school, Ad Astra is partnering with a company that has experience with billionaires: Xplor Education, which developed Hala Kahiki Montessori school in Lanai, Hawaii, the island 98% owned by Oracle Corp. founder Larry Ellison. Ad Astra sits on a highway outside Bastrop, a bedroom community about 30 miles from Austin and part of a region that’s home to several of Musk’s businesses. On a visit during a recent weekday morning, there was a single Toyota Prius in the parking lot and no one answered the door at the white building with a gray metal roof. The school’s main entrance was blocked by a gate, and there was no sign of any children on the grounds. But what information there is about Ad Astra makes it sound like a fairly typical, if high-end, Montessori preschool. The proposed schedule includes “thematic, STEM-based activities and projects” as well as outdoor play and nap time. A sample snack calendar features carrots and hummus. While Birchall’s and Balajadia’s names appear in the application, it isn’t clear that they’ll have substantive roles at the school once it’s operational. Musk, Birchall and Balajadia didn’t respond to emailed questions. A phone call and email to the school went unanswered. Access to high quality, affordable childcare is a huge issue for working parents across the country, and tends to be an especially vexing problem in rural areas like Bastrop. Many families live in “childcare deserts” where there is either not a facility or there isn’t an available slot. Opening Ad Astra gives Musk a chance to showcase his vision for education, and his support for the hands-on learning and problem solving that are a hallmark of his industrial companies. His public comments about learning frequently overlap with cultural concerns popular among conservatives and the Make America Great Again crowd, often focusing on what he sees as young minds being indoctrinated by teachers spewing left-wing propaganda. He has railed against diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, and in August posted that “a lot of schools are teaching white boys to hate themselves.” Musk’s educational interests dovetail with his new role as Trump’s “first buddy.” The billionaire has pitched a role for himself that he — and now the incoming Trump administration — call “DOGE,” or the Department of Government Efficiency. Though it’s not an actual department, DOGE now posts on X, the social media platform that Musk owns. “The Department of Education spent over $1 billion promoting DEI in America’s schools,” the account posted Dec. 12. Back in Texas, Bastrop is quickly becoming a key Musk point of interest. The Boring Co., his tunneling venture, is based in an unincorporated area there. Across the road, SpaceX produces Starlink satellites at a 500,000-square-foot (46,000-square-meter) facility. Nearby, X is constructing a building for trust and safety workers. Musk employees, as well as the general public, can grab snacks at the Boring Bodega, a convenience store housed within Musk’s Hyperloop Plaza, which also contains a bar, candy shop and hair salon. Ad Astra is just a five-minute drive away. It seems to have been designed with the children of Musk’s employees — if not Musk’s own offspring — in mind. Musk has fathered at least 12 children, six of them in the last five years. “Ad Astra’s mission is to foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in the next generation of problem solvers and builders,” reads the school’s website. A job posting on the website of the Montessori Institute of North Texas says “While their parents support the breakthroughs that expand the realm of human possibility, their children will grow into the next generation of innovators in a way that only authentic Montessori can provide.” The school has hired an executive director, according to documents Bloomberg obtained from Texas Health and Human Services. Ad Astra is located on 40 acres of land, according to the documents, which said a 4,000-square-foot house would be remodeled for the preschool. It isn’t uncommon for entrepreneurs to take an interest in education, according to Bill Gormley, a professor emeritus at the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University who studies early childhood education. Charles Butt, the chairman of the Texas-based H-E-B grocery chain, has made public education a focus of his philanthropy. Along with other business and community leaders, Butt founded “Raise Your Hand Texas,” which advocates on school funding, teacher workforce and retention issues and fully funding pre-kindergarten. “Musk is not the only entrepreneur to recognize the value of preschool for Texas workers,” Gormley said. “A lot of politicians and business people get enthusiastic about education in general — and preschool in particular — because they salivate at the prospect of a better workforce.” Political Moves Musk spent much of October actively campaigning for Trump’s presidential effort, becoming the most prolific donor of the election cycle. He poured at least $274 million into political groups in 2024, including $238 million to America PAC, the political action committee he founded. While the vast majority of money raised by America PAC came from Musk himself, it also had support from other donors. Betsy DeVos, who served as education secretary in Trump’s first term, donated $250,000, federal filings show. The Department of Education is already in the new administration’s cross hairs. Trump campaigned on the idea of disbanding the department and dismantling diversity initiatives, and he has also taken aim at transgender rights. “Rather than indoctrinating young people with inappropriate racial, sexual, and political material, which is what we’re doing now, our schools must be totally refocused to prepare our children to succeed in the world of work,” Trump wrote in Agenda 47, his campaign platform. Musk has three children with the musician Grimes and three with Shivon Zilis, who in the past was actively involved at Neuralink, his brain machine interface company. All are under the age of five. Musk took X, his son with Grimes, with him on a recent trip to Capitol Hill. After his visit, he shared a graphic that showed the growth of administrators in America’s public schools since 2000. Tuition Costs Musk is a fan of hands-on education. During a Tesla earnings call in 2018, he talked about the need for more electricians as the electric-car maker scaled up the energy side of its business. On the Joe Rogan podcast in 2020, Musk said that “too many smart people go into finance and law.” “I have a lot of respect for people who work with their hands and we need electricians and plumbers and carpenters,” Musk said while campaigning for Trump in Pennsylvania in October. “That’s a lot more important than having incremental political science majors.” Ad Astra’s website says the cost of tuition will be initially subsidized, but in future years “tuition will be in line with local private schools that include an extended day program.” “I do think we need significant reform in education,” Musk said at a separate Trump campaign event. “The priority should be to teach kids skills that they will find useful later in life, and to leave any sort of social propaganda out of the classroom.” With assistance from Sophie Alexander and Kara Carlson. ©2024 Bloomberg News. Visit at bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Title: Reversing the Talent Drain? Pharma Giant Eyes Real Madrid Prodigy in Winter Transfer Window as Galacticos Set Sights on Team Core
Title: Decoding the Signals of Jack Ma's 3-Minute Speech
The international community has also expressed alarm at the escalating situation, with the United Nations calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the resumption of diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict peacefully. Several countries, including the United States and Russia, have urged both Israel and Syria to exercise restraint and refrain from further military escalation.Bilawal resolves to carry forward Benazir’s legacy Bilawal says Benazir's life was embodiment of courage, resilience, and hope for millions of Pakistanis PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari addressing an event at the CM House in Karachi on October 14, 2024. — Facebook/@Bilawalhouse ISLAMABAD: Paying glowing tributes to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, Chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Thursday commemorated her unparalleled sacrifices, unwavering leadership and enduring legacy for Pakistan and reaffirmed his resolve to carry forward the legacy of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); In his message on the eve 17th martyrdom of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, Bialwal said her life was an embodiment of courage, resilience, and hope for millions of Pakistanis, rooted deeply in the vision of her father, Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Benazir was not just a political figure but a beacon of hope for the marginalized, the oppressed, and the forgotten. “Her unwavering commitment to her father’s vision of an egalitarian and prosperous Pakistan remains an inspiration for all of us,” he said. He said that like Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto believed in the power of the people and the importance of empowering workers, farmers, and the underprivileged as cornerstones for national progress. “Her philosophy of reconciliation, consultation, and understanding diverse perspectives laid the foundation for a forward-looking Pakistan,” he said. Bilawal reaffirmed his resolve to carry forward his mother’s legacy. “We are determined to follow her philosophy of human liberty and democratic norms, continuing our fight against terrorism, extremism, and any forces that threaten Pakistan’s stability,” he stated. In his message, President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed his commitment as the president to advance the vision of Shaheed Benazir of a peaceful, progressive and democratic Pakistan. “Her ideas live on, urging us to rise above differences and build a Pakistan that is united, inclusive, and just. So, let us not merely mourn her loss but commit to follow her enduring legacy.” He said Shaheed Benazir Bhutto was a trailblazer who dreamt of a Pakistan where the rights of all citizens, irrespective of colour, class and creed, would be protected, and the power of the people would reign supreme. Quoting Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, the president said Shaheed Benazir Bhutto once said, “Democracy is the best revenge” and these words were not just a defiant response to tyranny and dictatorship but reflected her profound belief in the transformative power of the people. He said Shaheed Benazir envisioned a Pakistan where every child could access education, where women could progress as equals, and where justice was not a privilege but a right. “Throughout her life, she raised her voice and worked for the uplift of the downtrodden segments of society and women’s empowerment,” he said. “Her legacy is eternal, her courage unmatched, and her vision our guiding star. Pakistan Khappay!,” he concluded. In her message on the occasion, PPP Vice-President and party’s parliamentary leader in the Senate Sherry Rehman paid a heartfelt tribute to the legacy of the trailblazing leader. She said: “Her loss was not just a devastating blow to the PPP; it was an unparalleled tragedy for the nation. The void left by her absence continues to be felt deeply across Pakistan.” She underscored the historical significance of December 27, describing it as one of the darkest days in Pakistan’s history. Sherry Rehman applauded Shaheed Benazir’s transformative contributions to the country’s socio-economic fabric. “Among her many achievements, the Lady Health Worker Programme stands as a testament to her commitment to public health,” Senator Rehman noted. “Lauded as a ‘gold standard’ by the World Bank, this initiative brought healthcare to the doorsteps of millions in rural and underserved areas.” She also underscored the pivotal role of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) in uplifting the marginalised, which continues to uplift millions of impoverished families. From the Benazir Kafalat programme offering direct cash transfers, to Benazir Nashonuma, which promotes maternal and child health, and the Benazir Taleemi Wazaif initiative that invests in education, BISP has become a beacon of hope for millions. In a related development, President Asif Ali Zardari arrived in Sukkur on a three-day visit to attend the anniversary of his late wife and former prime minister Benazir Bhutto. Zardari will address the 17th death anniversary of Benazir Bhutto at Gharhi Khuda Bux Bhutto on Friday (today). On his arrival, the president was received by Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, governors of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and PPP senior leadership. Earlier, talking to the media at the Sukkur Airport, CM Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah said PPP and PPPP activists and leaders from all over the country will pay tribute to martyred Benazir Bhutto on her death anniversary tomorrow. He said PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto will be the next prime minister by getting a clear majority in the next general elections. Shah demanded Sindh’s rightful share from the federal government saying the process of releasing provincial funds has been very slow. Talking about PTI’s Imran Khan, Murad Ali Shah said the US has no authority to interfere in the affairs of Pakistan by demanding his release. Imran is involved in cases and courts alone will decide his fate. The PTI founder’s call for civil disobedience will be ignored and will have no effect anywhere in the country. Speaking next, KP’s Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said that the PPP handed over a peaceful Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2013. However, after several years of PTI rule, there is severe unrest in the province. He said the Kurram situation has been mishandled by the provincial government. Kundi said the decision about the governor’s rule has to be taken by the federal government. Such a disposition is allowed under the Constitution. Member PPP CEC Qamar Zaman Kaira said party cadres from all over the country will attend BB’s death anniversary today. Meanwhile, all is set for the death anniversary of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto here. A 60-foot-wide main stage has been decorated with party flags, and portraits of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto, Governor KP and Governor Punjab, Chief Minister Sindh and several other leaders will address the death anniversary. To boost security and surveillance, CCTV cameras have been installed around Garhi Khuda Bakhsh Bhutto and other places by Larkana Police, and 8,500 police officers and personnel will also perform their duties, including SSU commandos and traffic police personnel.
Khanchit Khirisutchalual In a very competitive enterprise software space, monday.com Ltd. ( NASDAQ: MNDY ) has been one of the more compelling investment stories over the last couple of years. The company has terrific gross margins, strong customer growth, and a bulletproof balance sheet. One Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. I'm not an investment advisor. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.By BEN FINLEY The Christmas tradition has become nearly global in scope: Children from around the world track Santa Claus as he sweeps across the earth, delivering presents and defying time. Related Articles National News | Today in History: December 24, former defense secretary pardoned in Iran-Contra scandal National News | Bill Clinton is hospitalized with a fever but in good spirits, spokesperson says National News | President-elect Trump wants to again rename North America’s tallest peak National News | The internet is rife with fake reviews. Will AI make it worse? National News | Mega Millions jackpot nears $1 billion ahead of Christmas Eve drawing Each year, at least 100,000 kids call into the North American Aerospace Defense Command to inquire about Santa’s location. Millions more follow online in nine languages , from English to Japanese. On any other night, NORAD is scanning the heavens for potential threats , such as last year’s Chinese spy balloon . But on Christmas Eve, volunteers in Colorado Springs are fielding questions like, “When is Santa coming to my house?” and, “Am I on the naughty or nice list?” “There are screams and giggles and laughter,” said Bob Sommers, 63, a civilian contractor and NORAD volunteer. Sommers often says on the call that everyone must be asleep before Santa arrives, prompting parents to say, “Do you hear what he said? We got to go to bed early.” NORAD’s annual tracking of Santa has endured since the Cold War , predating ugly sweater parties and Mariah Carey classics . The tradition continues regardless of government shutdowns, such as the one in 2018 , and this year . Here’s how it began and why the phones keep ringing. It started with a child’s accidental phone call in 1955. The Colorado Springs newspaper printed a Sears advertisement that encouraged children to call Santa, listing a phone number. A boy called. But he reached the Continental Air Defense Command, now NORAD, a joint U.S. and Canadian effort to spot potential enemy attacks. Tensions were growing with the Soviet Union, along with anxieties about nuclear war. Air Force Col. Harry W. Shoup picked up an emergency-only “red phone” and was greeted by a tiny voice that began to recite a Christmas wish list. “He went on a little bit, and he takes a breath, then says, ‘Hey, you’re not Santa,’” Shoup told The Associated Press in 1999. Realizing an explanation would be lost on the youngster, Shoup summoned a deep, jolly voice and replied, “Ho, ho, ho! Yes, I am Santa Claus. Have you been a good boy?” Shoup said he learned from the boy’s mother that Sears mistakenly printed the top-secret number. He hung up, but the phone soon rang again with a young girl reciting her Christmas list. Fifty calls a day followed, he said. In the pre-digital age, the agency used a 60-by-80 foot (18-by-24 meter) plexiglass map of North America to track unidentified objects. A staff member jokingly drew Santa and his sleigh over the North Pole. The tradition was born. “Note to the kiddies,” began an AP story from Colorado Springs on Dec. 23, 1955. “Santa Claus Friday was assured safe passage into the United States by the Continental Air Defense Command.” In a likely reference to the Soviets, the article noted that Santa was guarded against possible attack from “those who do not believe in Christmas.” Some grinchy journalists have nitpicked Shoup’s story, questioning whether a misprint or a misdial prompted the boy’s call. In 2014, tech news site Gizmodo cited an International News Service story from Dec. 1, 1955, about a child’s call to Shoup. Published in the Pasadena Independent, the article said the child reversed two digits in the Sears number. “When a childish voice asked COC commander Col. Harry Shoup, if there was a Santa Claus at the North Pole, he answered much more roughly than he should — considering the season: ‘There may be a guy called Santa Claus at the North Pole, but he’s not the one I worry about coming from that direction,’” Shoup said in the brief piece. In 2015, The Atlantic magazine doubted the flood of calls to the secret line, while noting that Shoup had a flair for public relations. Phone calls aside, Shoup was indeed media savvy. In 1986, he told the Scripps Howard News Service that he recognized an opportunity when a staff member drew Santa on the glass map in 1955. A lieutenant colonel promised to have it erased. But Shoup said, “You leave it right there,” and summoned public affairs. Shoup wanted to boost morale for the troops and public alike. “Why, it made the military look good — like we’re not all a bunch of snobs who don’t care about Santa Claus,” he said. Shoup died in 2009. His children told the StoryCorps podcast in 2014 that it was a misprinted Sears ad that prompted the phone calls. “And later in life he got letters from all over the world,” said Terri Van Keuren, a daughter. “People saying ‘Thank you, Colonel, for having, you know, this sense of humor.’” NORAD’s tradition is one of the few modern additions to the centuries-old Santa story that have endured, according to Gerry Bowler, a Canadian historian who spoke to the AP in 2010. Ad campaigns or movies try to “kidnap” Santa for commercial purposes, said Bowler, who wrote “Santa Claus: A Biography.” NORAD, by contrast, takes an essential element of Santa’s story and views it through a technological lens. In a recent interview with the AP, Air Force Lt. Gen. Case Cunningham explained that NORAD radars in Alaska and Canada —- known as the northern warning system — are the first to detect Santa. He leaves the North Pole and typically heads for the international dateline in the Pacific Ocean. From there he moves west, following the night. “That’s when the satellite systems we use to track and identify targets of interest every single day start to kick in,” Cunningham said. “A probably little-known fact is that Rudolph’s nose that glows red emanates a lot of heat. And so those satellites track (Santa) through that heat source.” NORAD has an app and website, www.noradsanta.org , that will track Santa on Christmas Eve from 4 a.m. to midnight, mountain standard time. People can call 1-877-HI-NORAD to ask live operators about Santa’s location from 6 a.m. to midnight, mountain time.
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday eulogized Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s political legacy and courage as unmatched and eternal vision a guiding light for the nation. In his message on the 17th martyrdom anniversary of former prime minister, issued from the President’s Office, Asif Ali Zardari said, “Today, we are observing the 17th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. On this day, we honour a leader who embodied the very spirit of hope, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the ideals of democracy and justice.” He added that she was a trailblazer who dreamt of a Pakistan where the rights of all citizens, irrespective of colour, class and creed, would be protected, and the power of the people would reign supreme. Benazir Bhutto once said, “Democracy is the best revenge”, the President mentioned and added that these words were not just a defiant response to tyranny and dictatorship but reflected her profound belief in the transformative power of the people. She envisioned a Pakistan, he said where every child could access education, where women could progress as equals, and where justice was not a privilege but a right. Throughout her life, she raised her voice and worked for the uplift of the downtrodden segments of society and women’s empowerment, he added. President Zardari underlined that her life was a journey of immense courage and a source of inspiration and strength for the nation. Facing adversity and persecution, he said she remained steadfast in her struggle against dictatorships for the restoration and strengthening of democracy and the protection of people’s political, economic and social rights. He added that Benazir famously declared, “The fight against injustice and cruelty is the fight of my life.” She lived and died fighting for this cause, and is still alive in the hearts of millions of people. She firmly believed: “You can imprison a man, but not an idea. You can exile a man, but not an idea. You can kill a man, but not an idea.” “As President of Pakistan, I reaffirm my commitment to advancing her vision of a peaceful, progressive and democratic Pakistan. Her ideas live on, urging us to rise above differences and build a Pakistan that is united, inclusive, and just. So, let us not merely mourn her loss but commit to follow her enduring legacy. “Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and our family sacrificed their lives for the cause of democracy and Pakistan. It is my firm belief that we, as a nation, need to draw inspiration from her vision to steer the country out of its current challenges. Let us work together to ensure that her dream of a peaceful, progressive, and democratic Pakistan becomes a reality,” he urged. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );Investors are capitalizing on the momentum and riding the wave of optimism, as they seek to maximize their gains in a market that is clearly on the upswing. The enthusiasm is palpable, with traders eagerly watching the market movements and speculating on potential opportunities for further growth.
5. Paul Pogba (Manchester United): The French midfielder's future has been a topic of discussion for some time now. Will he commit his future to Manchester United or explore other options in Europe?The mysterious case of a female postgraduate being taken in by villagers for 13 years has sparked mixed reactions and garnered widespread attention. The situation took place in a remote village located 40 kilometers away from the county town, surrounded by mountains on all sides. The postgraduate, who reportedly got lost and ended up living in the village, has left many questioning the truth behind her current circumstances.
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