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In conclusion, the failure to award a penalty for Boly's foul on Traore has reignited the ongoing discussion about the effectiveness and fairness of VAR in football. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and controversies that come with using technology to assist referees in making crucial decisions. As the debate rages on, one thing is certain – incidents like these will only serve to further divide opinions and spark heated debates among football fans and stakeholders alike.In a stunning display of offensive firepower, the Denver Nuggets' Nikola Jokic recently put up an incredible 48-hour performance, scoring a total of 104 points across two games. While such a scoring outburst is undoubtedly impressive, it has sparked discussions and debates within the basketball community about the sustainability of such a high-scoring rate and its implications for Jokic and his teammates.
The soaring debut of Mao Geping demonstrates the growing market demand and recognition for high-quality Chinese beauty and cosmetics products. With a focus on integrating traditional Chinese medicine principles with modern skincare innovations, Mao Geping has quickly established itself as a leading player in the beauty industry, catering to the preferences of both domestic and international consumers.In conclusion, the French team is no longer Mbappé's "safe haven". The comfort zone that he once inhabited has disappeared, replaced by a more competitive and demanding environment. As the media narrative shifts to focus on the team as a whole, rather than any single individual, Mbappé must rise to the challenge and prove himself once again. Only time will tell if he can reclaim his status as the shining star of French football.
Romelu Lukaku, for instance, has become a goal-scoring machine at Inter Milan, helping the Italian club secure the Serie A title. Alexis Sanchez has rediscovered his form at Inter Milan as well, showcasing the skills that once made him a superstar at Barcelona. Even Chris Smalling, who struggled to find his footing at Manchester United, has excelled at AS Roma, becoming a reliable defender for the Italian outfit.None
NoneTehching Hsieh, the renowned performance artist from Taiwan, once famously declared that "regret becomes the truth of life." In his thought-provoking statement, Hsieh delves into the complex interplay between art and reality, offering a profound reflection on the essence of human existence. His words resonate deeply, prompting us to contemplate the significance of embracing regret as an integral part of our journey through life.
Wall Street’s holiday cheer ended abruptly today, with all three main benchmarks closing lower in a broad-based sell-off affecting even tech and growth stocks that had driven markets higher through much of the shortened trading week. The decline ended the Dow Jones Industrial Average’s five-session winning streak that had followed a 10-session decline, its worst losing stretch since 1974. The Dow fell 333.59 points, or 0.77%, to 42,992.21. The S&P 500 lost 66.75 points, or 1.11%, to finish at 5,970.84 points, while the Nasdaq Composite dropped 298.33 points, or 1.49%, to end at 19,722.03. “Today feels like there is quite a bit of profit-taking across the board,” said Michael Reynolds, vice president of investment strategy at Glenmede. “We are more than two years into a pretty strong bull market ... so it’s really not surprising to see some people taking their profits and rebalancing their portfolios ahead of the new year.” Highlighting the profit-taking theme, the 45 top performers year-to-date on the S&P 500 all finished lower today. The sell-off thwarted the seasonal Santa Claus rally, in which stocks traditionally rise during the last five sessions of December and the first two of January. Since 1969, the S&P 500 has climbed 1.3% on average, according to the Stock Trader’s Almanac. Thursday’s session hinted at momentum stalling, with both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq posting marginal losses to end multi-session winning runs. Rising U.S. Treasury yields had been catching investors’ attention, with the benchmark 10-year note hitting a more than seven-month high in the previous session. The yield hovered close to that mark today, at 4.63%. Higher yields are seen as hampering growth stocks, as they raise borrowing costs for business expansion. These stocks, especially the so-called Magnificent Seven technology megacaps which had been key drivers of the market’s 2024 rally, were also caught up in Friday’s sell-off. For the second successive day, Tesla led decliners among the group, dropping 5%. Among the other members, Nvidia shed 2.1% while Alphabet, Amazon.com and Microsoft all slipped more than 1.5%. “We have a higher cost of capital whenever rates go up like this, and they have gone up pretty significantly over the last month or so,” said Glenmede’s Reynolds. “Investors may just be reassessing the bets they are taking when the cost of capital is higher, perhaps looking at some of the valuations on the Mag 7 and wondering whether they can find better value elsewhere.” All of the 11 major S&P sectors fell. Friday’s worst performers were the three indexes which have been 2024’s leading lights: consumer discretionary, information technology and communication services. The trio dropped between 1.1% and 1.9% on the day. Despite Friday’s declines, all three indexes recorded weekly gains. For the week, the S&P 500 advanced 0.7%, the Dow edged up 0.36% and the Nasdaq climbed 0.75%. News events helped some stocks to buck the market sell-off. Amedisys gained 4.7%, its best one-day advance since July 1, after the home health service provider and insurer UnitedHealth extended the deadline to close their $3.3 billion merger. Lamb Weston climbed 2.6% after a filing showed activist investor Jana Partners is working with a sixth executive to push for changes at the French fry maker, a move which could result in a majority of the company’s board being replaced. Trading volumes in this holiday-shortened week have been below the average of the last six months and are likely to remain subdued until Jan. 6. The next major focus for markets will be the December employment report due on Jan. 10.In conclusion, the case of the man who lost 20,000 yuan in the self-discipline challenge highlights the legal and ethical complexities surrounding such competitions. As self-discipline challenges continue to gain popularity, it is crucial for organizers to establish clear rules and procedures to prevent misunderstandings and disputes. Ultimately, promoting personal growth and well-being should be the primary goal of these challenges, rather than the pursuit of monetary rewards.Navi Mumbai: Maharashtra’s Largest Cuboid Anamorphic Screen has been launched at Nexus Seawoods Mall in Navi Mumbai. It is believed that this will revolutionize in-mall advertising for various brands. The cuboid anamorphic screen is named Aayam. “Aayam means dimensions, and Nexus Seawoods and Sand O Investments are ready to change the dimensions of in-mall advertising. The Mall becomes the first in Maharashtra to feature such a cutting-edge 3D screen, offering brands an unparalleled opportunity to create immersive, captivating content that leaves a lasting impact on consumers,” Sanjyot Vaidya, Founder of S and O Investments, said. S and O investments have partnered with Nexus Seawoods on the launch of Aayam. Strategically positioned at the heart of the mall's central atrium, the Aayam screen offers a 360-degree, distortion-free visual experience. This 15 feet wide, 9 feet high cuboid will elevate advertising to new heights, giving brands a powerful tool to showcase product launches, promotions, and interactive campaigns in a format that grabs attention and fosters deep brand recall. Suspended several feet above the ground, visible from all four sides, Aayam is engineered for stability and designed to create a mesmerizing experience for shoppers and brand partners alike, claimed the management of Nexus. “The 3D screen is suspended at a height where visitors can enjoy the visuals without any 3D glasses,” said Jayen Naik, Chief Operations Officer of Nexus Malls, said. Nishank Joshi, Chief Marketing Officer of Nexus Select Malls, believes, “Aayam represents the future of storytelling, enabling businesses to engage with their audience in a way that is truly unforgettable and unique. By combining state-of-the-art technology with creative possibilities, we’re setting a new benchmark in retail and ensuring that brands can leave an impeccable impression on their target consumers.” This dynamic anamorphic screen provides brands with a sustainable, interactive platform to connect with the growing and diverse population of Navi Mumbai. With Aayam, brands now have the chance to capture attention and deliver their message in a highly innovative format, ensuring that their presence resonates with today’s tech-savvy and experience-driven shoppers. Nexus Malls have tied up with content creators who would help make the ‘creatives’ compatible with the screen. Vaidya, said, “This pioneering collaboration marks a significant milestone in the world of in-mall advertising. With our specialized Mall Division dedicated to creating innovative out-of-home solutions, we are confident that AAYAM will redefine the advertising experience, by providing brands with an unmatched opportunity to engage with a dynamic audience in a groundbreaking and futuristic manner.” The biggest challenge Nexus faced was to suspend the cuboid as the mall had no pillers at the atrium to do so. Since a year’s brainstorming and surverys, the team came up with a design to have the cuboid in suspended form. “There were no pillars to hang and we could not keep on the floor as this not ground floor and we have a basement below. Finally, we came up with a solution of suspending it in an angle which is perfect for the public to view,” Rahill Nasir Ajjani, Regional Director- West, Nexus Malls, said.
In a shocking turn of events, Zhong Moyan, the principal of a primary school, has been found guilty of accepting bribes totaling 9.49 million yuan. This scandal has rocked the local community and raised serious questions about ethics and integrity in the education sector.
Natchez native Ollie Reed Jr. dies at 76 after a half-century of journalism excellenceIn the aftermath of the Flame and Bottle incident, local authorities have stepped up efforts to educate the public on the proper disposal of waste and the dangers of open burning. They have also launched initiatives to promote recycling and provide alternative sources of income for those in need.
Editor’s note: The views expressed in this commentary are solely those of the writer. CNN is showcasing the work of The Conversation , a collaboration between journalists and academics to provide news analysis and commentary. The content is produced solely by The Conversation. The Ebola virus devastated west Africa in 2014, claiming over 11,000 lives in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea. It was the largest Ebola outbreak since the virus had first been discovered in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1976 . Ebola is a terrifying virus which, if left untreated, causes bleeding inside the body and through the eyes, nose, mouth and rectum. Case fatality rates have varied from 25% to 90% in past outbreaks , depending on circumstances and the response. The 2014 outbreak in west Africa exposed a critical gap in global preparedness for infectious diseases: the absence of effective vaccines. There were no drugs or vaccines approved to treat or prevent Ebola or ready to enter into clinical trials at the outset of the epidemic. Therefore, many felt it was ethically necessary to conduct such research as quickly and safely as possible. As a biologist and epidemiologist, I travelled to Guinea amid the chaos to coordinate the laboratory activities of the rVSV-ZEBOV Ebola vaccine trials . Almost 10,000 participants were enrolled in trials to make sure the drug was safe and effective to use. The trials would last two years and involved more than 500 scientists and healthcare workers. My five-year-old daughter, Ashanti, spoke words that strengthened my resolve: “People need you to support them. If you don’t go, who will?” READ MORE: Mpox vaccines: where they come from and what stands in the way of distributing them in Africa Her encouragement fuelled me as I led the trial’s laboratory operations, navigating immense logistical and emotional challenges. We had to set up a full laboratory in a week, to process thousands of samples. Delivering the vaccine required ultra cold freezers (minus 80°C) ; none were available in the country. We had to address vaccine hesitancy among the population of Guinea, including the medical and academic community. Of course there was also fear of getting infected by a disease that was a virtual death sentence. First line workers and individuals in close contact with confirmed Ebola cases were vaccinated with rVSV-ZEBOV. This created a protective “ring” around the infected. As a field coordinator, I witnessed firsthand the challenges of conducting research into the safety of the vaccine in the middle of an outbreak. Collaboration between the World Health Organization , Médecins Sans Frontières , the medical research centre Epicentre and local health authorities proved pivotal. These efforts also underscored the importance of adaptable, rapid-response research during health crises. READ MORE: 154 million lives saved in 50 years: 5 charts on the global success of vaccines On 18 August 2015 the preliminary results of the trial were announced. They marked a turning point in the fight against Ebola. The vaccine’s near-perfect efficacy offered a rare moment of hope. Today Sierra Leone is embarking on a nationwide campaign with the rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine, trademarked as Ervebo . The campaign will target 20,000 frontline workers in 16 districts. These include healthcare workers, traditional healers, community health and social workers, laboratory personnel, motorcycle taxi drivers and security forces. Anybody who will be involved in any response to future outbreaks. How does Ervebo work? The Ervebo vaccine, developed by Merck , is a single-dose vaccine. It works by using a modified virus to produce antibodies against Ebola, equipping the immune system to recognise and neutralise the virus upon exposure. Clinical trials have shown its efficacy exceeds 95% in preventing infection from the Zaire Ebola virus strain , the deadliest variant. The vaccine was deployed during the 2018-2020 Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo under emergency use authorisation . This allows a medical product to be used without being authorised by the relevant drug agencies, such the Food and Drug Administration in the United States, the European Medicines Agency and the African Medicines Agency . It was also used in Burundi , Uganda, South Sudan and Rwanda in preventive vaccination campaigns to protect healthcare and frontline workers. Ervebo is now a cornerstone in the fight against Ebola, particularly in controlling outbreaks caused by the Zaire strain. However, its success depends on ensuring equitable access and strengthening healthcare systems. What are the challenges? Challenges do persist, including limited vaccine supply, logistical hurdles in remote regions, and vaccine hesitancy fuelled by misinformation. READ MORE: Vaccine misinformation distorts science – a biochemist explains how RFK Jr. and his lawyer’s claims threaten public health Addressing these obstacles requires coordinated efforts between governments, health organisations and communities. Additionally, establishing local vaccine manufacturing in Africa should be a long-term goal, giving affected countries greater control over supply and distribution. Could the vaccine bring an end to Ebola? While Ervebo is a monumental achievement, it cannot end Ebola on its own. The virus’s ability to persist in animal reservoirs such as bats and to then be transmitted to humans means that vaccination must be part of a broader strategy. Integrating vaccination, surveillance, outbreak response and community engagement is essential for achieving long-term control. Ervebo’s success provides a model for addressing other infectious disease outbreaks, like mpox. Clinical trials during the mpox outbreak could potentially lead to new and effective vaccines.None
Over half of Canadian businesses regret recent software purchases according to a new survey. Yet a significant 69 percent still plan to increase their software spending in 2025, highlighting a growing reliance on technology to drive growth and efficiency. This is according to a survey from the firm Capterra . Technological advancements, particularly in areas like generative AI, have emerged as the most influential external factor shaping business goals, with 59 percent of Canadian companies citing it as a key driver. This influence surpasses even the pressures of competition and labour market challenges, highlighting a clear shift in strategic priorities (by 53 percent and 40 percent of Canadian professionals, respectively). The survey indicates that businesses anticipate growth, with 82 percent of decision-makers expecting increased revenue, there’s a noticeable alignment between business expansion and tech investments. Companies are focusing on software that supports scalability and operational performance, with learning management, business intelligence, and IT support tools leading the charge. Over the past 12 months, Canadian businesses have invested heavily in software that supports employee development, collaboration, and learning—all essential capabilities for a growing company. The most widely adopted software type was learning management (55 percent), followed by business intelligence (BI) software (54 percent), and help desk and IT support (53 percent). The journey has potential hurdles. For example, a significant 56 percent of decision-makers report regretting at least one tech purchase in the past 18 months. Security concerns, data management, and compatibility issues are among the primary challenges they face. Many of these issues can be avoided by being mindful of key challenges associated with purchasing software. Canadian businesses say the top three challenges they face in buying software include security concerns (48 percent), data management (35 percent), and compatibility with existing systems (35 percent). Among software buyers who expressed dissatisfaction with a purchase, 36 percent report that this stems from the software being more expensive than expected. Beyond the subscription cost, businesses should consider the total cost of ownership, which may include fees for implementation, customization, data migration, user training, or customer support. Another 34 percent of regretful buyers cited difficulties with training and onboarding, and 31% cited poor technical support. This demonstrates the need for businesses to set clear expectations for customer support requirements with potential vendors early on in the evaluation process. Additionally, the importance of vendor reputation and comprehensive customer support has become increasingly evident, as businesses strive to avoid buyer’s regret. Dr. Tim Sandle is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for science news.Tim specializes in science, technology, environmental, business, and health journalism. He is additionally a practising microbiologist; and an author. He is also interested in history, politics and current affairs.Fans of the critically acclaimed puzzle game "The Talos Principle" are in for a treat as a remake of this masterpiece has been officially announced for release next year. Originally developed by Croteam and released in 2014, "The Talos Principle" received high praise for its challenging puzzles, philosophical narrative, and stunning visuals. Now, with the upcoming remake, players can look forward to experiencing this beloved title in a whole new light.
Welcome back to Kotaku ’s Weekend Guide, the post-Game Awards edition! If you missed out on last night’s pretty-darn-good awards show , we have a wrap- up of everything cool we saw, and a summary of all the awards won . But if you’re also looking for some great game recommendations to fill your weekend with, we most certainly have you covered here. This weekend we’ve got a GOTY nominee, some wild fun multiplayer shenanigans, and a super-fun 2D platformer. Let’s dig in! Play it on: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Windows (Steam Deck YMMV) Current goal: Reach the Mad Mall The first time I saw Antonblast I thought it was Pizza Tower . The second time I saw Antonblast I thought it was Pizza Tower . And the third time I saw Antonblast I thought it was Pizza Tower , too. I have now played Antonblast and can confirm that while it shares similar Wario Land vibes and ‘90s DNA with last year’s crowd-pleasing, lightning-quick 2D platformer , Antonblast is definitely its own thing. It’s more challenging, even faster, and shares some familiar tropes from the slippy-slidy obstacle course racing of Crash Bandicoot , including stampeding through boxes, hitting a cache of explosives, and dying. The idea is to breeze through levels as quickly as possible, smashing through all kinds of colorful junk littering each stage, and survive the gauntlet of hazards and boss fights placed in your path. It’s loud, chunky, and occasionally gives me a headache with all of the screenshake. It’s also a firehose of satisfying arcade action and chaotic animations. I keep going back for more. — Ethan Gach Play it on: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows (Steam Deck YMMV) Current goal: Start over! Back in 2015, I had worked my way pretty far into The Witcher 3 , only to find that I was capital-L Lost. I didn’t know what was going on. Barely understood the universe, and that’s to say nothing of my sloppy knowledge of the mechanics. So I restarted the game from the beginning with the intention of going through it nice and slow and, look at that, it became one of my favorite games of the 2010s. Now, on the cusp of 2025, I find myself in a similar situation with GOTY-nominated RPG Metaphor: ReFantazio . Whether it was my diving in while in a, um...high state of mind or simply that the game is so heavy—a little too heavy, in my opinion—on the fantasy political lore, I’m a bit too lost at this point to grasp what’s going on. But I do know that this game has had me intrigued since I decided to temporarily shelve it in favor of Forbidden West and I knew I was going to have to revisit it. So my goal for this weekend is to get a fresh start! I’m really excited to start unpacking Metaphor’s themes of, well, metaphors. I’m particularly intrigued by how the game plays with the ways fiction serves as important inspiration, offering a way to envision a better world. And I’m a sucker for anything with turn-based combat. The game is also visually delightful, so if I still struggle to keep up with the plot, well at least I’ve got something pretty to look at. — Claire Jackson Play it on: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows (Steam Deck YMMV) Current goal: Turn my brain off I don’t know if it’s just the state of the world or if it’s seasonal depression or what, but I have been feeling really out of it lately. It didn’t feel great to be stuck at home while a lot of folks I know were gathered in Los Angeles for The Game Awards, and with my usual Marvel Rivals teammates MIA, I didn’t even play the games I’d normally play because it just felt bad to solo queue. This weekend, I’m gonna try to fight my inclination to avoid the game and instead play the Not- Overwatch until I pass out. I have to travel next week for the holidays, so getting started on something really involved right now wouldn’t be the best play. Instead, I’m gonna flank randos with Star-Lord’s ultimate until I get a clip. — Kenneth Shepard Play it on: Current goal: Level up my battle pass some more! And so, another weekend in which I’m planning to play more Fortnite is upon us. I’m starting to worry that people reading these every week might assume it’s the only game I play. It’s not! At this point in my life, though, I have to admit that Epic’s free-to-play battle royale is one of my most played games, likely beating out Skyrim, Half-Life 2, and even Halo . The number of hours I’ve put into Fortnite is probably starting to get close to surpassing the time I’ve spent with GTA Online . Scary to think about. Anyway, every few months Fortnite gets some new mode or event and I spend a few bucks to buy a skin or whatever and have a ton of fun playing it with my wife. Yeah, I know gamers playing the same four games and nothing else are slowly eroding the industry and destroying everything, but it’s not my fault that no other game lets me kill Goku while dressed as Spider-Man with Grogu on my back. Come on Ca ll of Duty , are you even trying? — Zack Zwiezen And that wraps our picks for this week! Happy gaming!General Atlantic sells $119.25 million in Alkami Technology sharesIn conclusion, Huang Renxun's ability to manage the world's most valuable company with a flat organizational structure is a testament to his visionary leadership and innovative management style. By empowering employees, fostering innovation, and promoting transparency, he has created a workplace culture that thrives on collaboration and continuous improvement. As the global business landscape continues to evolve, Huang Renxun's approach to management serves as a shining example of how a flat organizational structure can drive success and innovation in a rapidly changing world.The addition of Yin Ziwei to the cast of "Mistaken Identity 3" only serves to further elevate the film's already impressive lineup of talent. His ability to immerse himself in a character and bring depth and nuance to his performances makes him a perfect fit for the intricate and suspenseful world of the "Mistaken Identity" series.