CBC is restoring its live New Year’s Eve celebration. A year after the national broadcaster cancelled the 2024 countdown due to “financial pressures,” it says the special event is back on the TV schedule to mark the dawn of 2025. Festivities begin Dec. 31 with the one-hour “22 Minutes New Year’s Eve Pregame Special,” a satirical reflection on the events of 2024 with the cast of the political comedy series “This Hour Has 22 Minutes.” It will be followed by “Canada Live! Countdown 2025,” a special hosted by news anchor Adrienne Arsenault and singer Jann Arden broadcasting live from Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre, and anchor Ian Hanomansing and comedian Ali Hassan at Vancouver’s VanDusen Botanical Garden. A representative for the CBC says the coast-to-coast show will feature reporters at more than a dozen community events across the country while a countdown to the new year will take place in each of the six time zones. Throughout the seven-and-a-half-hour program, “many Canadian celebrity guests” will appear in live and pre-taped messages. “Canada Live! Countdown 2025” begins at 8 p.m. ET on CBC News Network and CBC Gem with CBC-TV and CBC Radio picking up the feed at 9 p.m. in local markets. Last year, the CBC replaced its live New Year’s Eve programming with a taped Just For Laughs special hosted by comedian Mae Martin. That left Canadians without a homegrown countdown on any of the major networks, which sparked blowback on social media from some viewers. The CBC began its annual specials in 2017 to mark Canada’s sesquicentennial year. Some of the more recent broadcasts were hosted by comedian Rick Mercer and featured fireworks and musical performances in key cities. But when CBC paused those plans last year, it said the show had become “increasingly expensive to produce.” The decision to sideline the program was made shortly after members of Parliament summoned outgoing CBC president Catherine Tait to testify about job cuts and her refusal to rule out bonuses for CBC executives.Gentherm Names Jonathan Douyard as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
No. 9 Kentucky, focused on getting better, welcomes Jackson St.Seoul, Dec 22 (IANS): South Korea and the United States are conducting joint research to strengthen protection against cryptocurrency heist attempts amid growing concerns of such attacks by North Korea-linked hackers, officials said on Sunday. Based on a recently signed technical annex between the South Korean government and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the two sides will jointly develop technologies to prevent cryptocurrency-targeted attacks and to track stolen assets, according to authorities and cybersecurity industry officials. The science ministry plans to support such research through the Institute of Information and Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation until 2026, reports Yonhap news agency. The move comes as the price of bitcoin recently surged to $100,000 after the U.S. presidential election last month, raising concerns of increased attempts by hackers to steal virtual assets. While the United States collaborates with other countries for cybersecurity research, it is known to have chosen South Korea for research on digital asset tracking technology as North Korea is seen as a key culprit behind cryptocurrency heists. Under the programme, South Korean and U.S. researchers, including those from Korea University and the RAND Corp. research institute, will focus on technologies to prevent and track hackers when they steal assets from a cryptocurrency exchange. They will also focus on understanding how they convert or launder other financial assets they obtain into virtual assets through illegal ransomeware or other methods. North Korea is known as a major player in cryptocurrency heists, with hackers linked to the country estimated to have stolen $1.34 billion worth of cryptocurrency across 47 incidents this year, according to Chainalysis, a leading blockchain analysis firm. Meanwhile, the Financial Services Commission (FSC) chief said last month that the government needs to closely monitor unfair transactions in the cryptocurrency market. "The price of virtual assets has recently been shooting up in a very short period of time, and with heavy volatility of the market itself, the government needs to closely monitor possible unfair transactions," FSC Chairman Kim Byoung-hwan told public broadcaster KBS.
Percentages: FG .396, FT .833. 3-Point Goals: 8-28, .286 (Bjerke 2-3, Lafferty 1-1, Nau 1-2, Oosterbaan 1-3, Dobbs 1-4, Blue 1-5, Barnstable 1-6, Byhre 0-2, Minessale 0-2). Team Rebounds: 2. Team Turnovers: 1. Blocked Shots: 2 (Bjerke, Blue). Turnovers: 14 (Dobbs 3, Dufault 3, Barnstable 2, Blue 2, Lafferty 2, Bjerke, Nau). Steals: 8 (Dufault 5, Barnstable 2, Minessale). Technical Fouls: None. Percentages: FG .463, FT .591. 3-Point Goals: 6-17, .353 (Stillwell 2-2, Franklin 2-5, Lovelace 1-2, Pullian 1-2, Davis 0-1, Fulks 0-1, Pippa-White 0-1, McKee 0-3). Team Rebounds: 4. Team Turnovers: None. Blocked Shots: 2 (Duffy, Pullian). Turnovers: 16 (Fulks 5, Franklin 2, Lovelace 2, McKee 2, Pippa-White 2, Stillwell 2, Pullian). Steals: 9 (Fulks 5, Stillwell 2, Lovelace, McKee). Technical Fouls: None. A_1,669 (10,783).By adopting a "moderately loose" monetary policy, the Chinese government aims to provide ample liquidity to support investment, consumption, and overall economic activity. This shift signals a willingness to tolerate a higher level of credit growth to spur economic expansion and mitigate the impact of external headwinds such as trade tensions and a global economic slowdown.
'Fight to the death': Taiwan faces unchartered pathThe 2025 Volkswagen ID Buzz 1st Edition 4Motion Microbus
NEW YORK — The brooding waltz was carefully composed on a sheet of music roughly the size of an index card. The brief, moody number also bore an intriguing name, written at the top in cursive: “Chopin.” A previously unknown work of music penned by the European master Frederic Chopin appears to have been found at the Morgan Library & Museum in Manhattan. The untitled and unsigned piece is on display this month at the opulently appointed institution, which had once been the private library of financier J.P. Morgan. A previously unknown musical manuscript, possibly by Frederic Chopin, is held in a display case after it was discovered at The Morgan Library & Museum on Nov. 13 in New York. John Minchillo, Associated Press Robinson McClellan, the museum curator who uncovered the manuscript, said it's the first new work associated with the Romantic era composer to be discovered in nearly a century. But McClellan concedes that it may never be known whether it is an original Chopin work or merely one written in his hand. People are also reading... The piece, set in the key of A minor, stands out for its “very stormy, brooding opening section” before transitioning to a melancholy melody more characteristic of Chopin, McClellan explained. “This is his style. This is his essence,” he said during a recent visit to the museum. “It really feels like him.” McClellan said he came across the work in May as he was going through a collection from the late Arthur Satz, a former president of the New York School of Interior Design. Satz acquired it from A. Sherrill Whiton Jr., an avid autograph collector who had been director of the school. McClellan then worked with experts to verify its authenticity. The paper was found to be consistent with what Chopin favored for manuscripts, and the ink matched a kind typical in the early 19th century when Chopin lived, according to the museum. But a handwriting analysis determined the name “Chopin” written at the top of the sheet was penned by someone else. Born in Poland, Chopin was considered a musical genius from an early age. He lived in Warsaw and Vienna before settling in Paris, where he died in 1849 at the age of 39, likely of tuberculosis. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack A previously unknown musical manuscript, possibly by Frederic Chopin, is seen in a display case after it was discovered at The Morgan Library & Museum, Nov. 13 in New York. John Minchillo, Associated Press He’s buried among a pantheon of artists at the city’s famed Père Lachaise Cemetery, but his heart, pickled in a jar of alcohol, is housed in a church in Warsaw, in keeping with his deathbed wish for the organ to return to his homeland. Artur Szklener, director of the Fryderyk Chopin Institute in Warsaw, the Polish capital city where the composer grew up, agreed that the document is consistent with the kinds of ink and paper Chopin used during his early years in Paris. Musically, the piece evokes the “brilliant style” that made Chopin a luminary in his time, but it also has features unusual for his compositions, Szklener said. “First of all, it is not a complete work, but rather a certain musical gesture, a theme laced with rather simple piano tricks alluding to a virtuoso style," Szklener explained in a lengthy statement released after the document was revealed last month. He and other experts conjecture the piece could have been a work in progress. It may have also been a copy of another's work, or even co-written with someone else, perhaps a student for a musical exercise. Jeffrey Kallberg, a University of Pennsylvania music professor and Chopin expert who helped authenticate the document, called the piece a “little gem” that Chopin likely intended as a gift for a friend or wealthy acquaintance. “Many of the pieces that he gave as gifts were short – kind of like ‘appetizers’ to a full-blown work,” Kallberg said in an email. “And we don’t know for sure whether he intended the piece to see the light of day because he often wrote out the same waltz more than once as a gift.” David Ludwig, dean of music at The Juilliard School, a performing arts conservatory in Manhattan, agreed the piece has many of the hallmarks of the composer’s style. “It has the Chopin character of something very lyrical and it has a little bit of darkness as well,” said Ludwig, who was not involved in authenticating the document. But Ludwig noted that, if it's authentic, the tightly composed score would be one of Chopin’s shortest known pieces. The waltz clocks in at under a minute long when played on piano, as many of Chopin’s works were intended. “In terms of the authenticity of it, in a way it doesn’t matter because it sparks our imaginations,” Ludwig said. “A discovery like this highlights the fact that classical music is very much a living art form.” The Chopin reveal comes after the Leipzig Municipal Libraries in Germany announced in September that it uncovered a previously unknown piece likely composed by a young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in its collections. Classic Christmas songs that are more than 100 years old Classic Christmas songs that are more than 100 years old Christmas music has a long and storied history beginning centuries ago with pagan rituals. Those traditions evolved with St. Francis of Assisi’s Nativity plays in the 13th century, and survived Puritan rule when many Christmas traditions and celebrations were banned during part of the 17th century. Traveling minstrels spread original songs before the invention of the printing press in 1440 ushered in an era of texts that served as the foundation for some of the most beloved Christmas songs. These tunes would be shared in the form of poetry and hymns printed on broadsides . Today, Christmas music runs the gamut from silly to revolutionary. Songs range from grandmothers getting trampled by reindeer to those based on the work of a Romantic-period poet. Who knew that the catchy tune of Wenceslas, the king with the funny name, is a reverent song about the patron saint of the Czech Republic? Or perhaps it would surprise readers to discover that “Silent Night” was designated as an item of Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. These songs we know by heart and hear so often have rich histories rooted in things like war, religion, social reform, and slavery. Stacker compiled a list of Christmas songs released before 1920 and explored the origins of these pieces. This list includes Christmas carols, famous instrumentals, popular hymns, and spirituals from countries around the world. Many of these songs were created out of a chance collaboration between artists spanning time and space; a clergyman pens a hymn, and years later, a composer resurrects those words and sets them to a melody. It may come as no surprise, then, that what people consider to be Christmas classics are among the most-covered Christmas songs of all time . “Silent Night,” for example, had 137,315 recordings according to a 2017 Billboard report. Read on to learn about the rich histories of some of the most beloved Christmas songs that are more than a century old. You may also like: 71 years of Emmy history Plum Leaves // Flickr 'Jingle Bells' (1885) Written by James Lord Pierpont in 1857 and originally titled “One Horse Open Sleigh,” “Jingle Bells” is one of the most beloved and ubiquitous Christmas carols in existence. In 1965, astronauts Wally Schirra and Thomas Stafford made “Jingle Bells,” the first song heard from space as they orbited Earth aboard the Gemini 6. It may be surprising that this Christmas classic was written as a Thanksgiving song. Public Domain 'Here We Come A-wassailing' (c. 1850) This traditional English Christmas carol refers to the practice of wassailing, the definition of which has evolved over the years . In the song, wassailing is the practice of traveling door-to-door, wishing good health, and asking for a bit of hospitality and Christmas tidings in return, including a drink from a communal bowl filled with mulled cider or ale called wassail. Other familiar variants of the song include “Here We Come A-Caroling,” and “Here We Come A Christmasing.” Hulton Archive // Getty Images 'Good King Wenceslas' (1853) Published by hymn writer John Mason Neale in 1853, this carol was based on the life of the virtuous ruler Wenceslaus I, Duke of Bohemia . Wenceslaus I was revered for his piety, morality, and virtue. After his assassination, he was posthumously conferred as a king by Holy Roman Emperor Otto I, which is why people don’t sing of good Duke Wenceslaus. Wenceslaus was elevated to sainthood immediately after his death, and he's considered the patron saint of the Czech Republic. Public Domain // Wikimedia Commons 'O Tannenbaum' (1824) The version of “O Tannenbaum” most of us are familiar with today was written in 1824 by Ernst Anschütz, a well-known organist and composer from Leipzig, Germany. Anschütz’s version was one of many based on a 16th-century German folk song that pays homage to the steadfast nature of the "Tannenbaum," the German word for a fir tree. The song’s association with Christmas began with Anschütz even though no explicit mention of Christmas was made in his original lyrics. Furthermore, most Christmas trees are spruce, not fir. Readers may be more familiar with the song’s English title, “O Christmas Tree.” Hulton Archive // Getty Images 'God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen' (1760) If you’ve ever wondered what “God rest you merry” means, you’re not alone. This carol’s title is often misinterpreted, mispunctuated, and widely debated. The phrase “rest you merry” is used in the same way we use “rest assured.” It is not an address to merry gentlemen but rather an imperative statement to all gentlemen to be happy, citing the birth of Christ. It’s even referenced in Charles Dickens' classic “A Christmas Carol.” The earliest known print edition of the carol dates back to 1760, but its author is unknown. You may also like: 30 celebrities you might not know are LGBTQ Pixaby 'We Three Kings' (1863) Originally titled “Three Kings of Orient,” this carol was written by journalist-turned-clergyman John Henry Hopkins in 1857 for a Christmas pageant and published six years later. The carol chronicles the Christian gospel of Matthew in which three biblical magi, commonly known as the three wise men, bring gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to honor the birth of Jesus. Leopold Kupelwieser // Wikimedia Commons 'It Came Upon the Midnight Clear' (1850) Edmund Sears—a Unitarian pastor in Wayland, Mass.—wrote a five-stanza poem titled “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” in 1849. It was adapted by American composer Richard Storrs Willis in 1850 and set to a melody called “Carol.” The words of this poem-turned-carol are regarded as an account of the issues at the time. Topics referred to in the song include the end of the Mexican-American war and a call for peace among men. Public Domain // Wikimedia Commons 'Go Tell It on the Mountain' (1907) Proudly rejoicing the nativity of Jesus, “Go Tell It on the Mountain” was an African-American spiritual dating back to 1865. John Wesley Work Jr. was a composer and ethnomusicologist who compiled hundreds of spirituals and even composed a few, including “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” in his work: “American Negro Songs and Spirituals; A Comprehensive Collection of 230 Folk Songs, Religious and Secular.” Public Domain // Wikimedia Commons 'What Child is This?' (1871) Written by William Chatterton Dix in 1865 and published in 1871, this carol explores what the shepherds present at the birth of Jesus must have been thinking when they encountered him. In gospel, hymns, and art, shepherds are central characters in the Nativity of Jesus. The song is set to the familiar melody of “Greensleeves,” a 16th-century English folk song. Hulton Archive // Getty Images 'O Come, All Ye Faithful' (1751) The exact origins of this popular carol are unknown, but it is most often credited to John Francis Wade. Originally written and printed in Latin as “Adeste Fideles,” it first appeared in Wade’s 1751 collection “Cantus Diversi.” You may also like: Exploring minority representation in the biggest box office winners ever Plum Leaves // Flickr 'Silent Night' (1818) What began in 1818 as a modest performance outside of St. Nicholas parish in Oberndorf, Austria, has become one of the most popular Christmas songs of all time. Translated into over 300 languages, “Stille Nacht” was written by a priest named Joseph Mohr and composed by Franz Xaver Gruber in 1818. The song became popular among traveling folk singers, and before long, it could be heard around the world. The English version we know today called “Silent Night” was not written until 1863. “Stille Nacht” was named an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2011 . JOE KLAMAR // AFP via Getty Images 'Carol of the Bells' (1919) “Carol of the Bells” is no doubt familiar to you, if not by name, then by melody. The carol was based on an Ukranian folk chant called "Shchedryk,” which was traditionally sung on New Year’s Eve as it spoke of good fortune for the upcoming year. American composer Peter J. Wilhousky adapted the lyrics "Shchedryk” into a Christmas song in 1919 using the original musical arrangement by Ukranian composer Mykola Leontovych. Many artists have covered the carol over the last century, and one of its more popular variants is “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo” by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Public Domain // Wikimedia Commons 'In the Bleak Midwinter' (1906) “In the Bleak Midwinter” was based on a poem of the same name written by English poet Christina Georgina Rossetti in 1872. English composer Gustav Holst first set the poem to music in 1906. Public Domain 'The Holly and the Ivy' (1911) This particular carol was published by Cecil Sharp, a famous conservator of English folk tradition, in 1911. The song is packed with symbolism that dates back to pagan rituals. Holly, representing males, and ivy, representing females, used to be burned together during the pagan festival of Beltane to encourage a fruitful spring. In Christianity, holly is symbolic of the crown of thorns Jesus wore during his crucifixion. With this rich history, evergreens like holly and ivy are viewed as symbols of rebirth and renewal, which are common themes celebrated at Christmas time. AEWD // Shutterstock 'I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day' (1872) This carol was based on the poem "Christmas Bells," written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow on Christmas Day in 1863. With an injured wife and a son who joined the union army against his father’s wishes, Longfellow lamented hearing bells on Christmas Day during the American Civil War. The lyrics convey a sense of hopelessness when goodwill and peace on Earth seemed impossible. The poem was set to music in 1872 by English composer John Baptiste Calkin. You may also like: Mistakes from the 50 best movies of all time GoodFreePhotos 'O Holy Night' (1847) “O Holy Night” is based on a French poem titled "Minuit, Chrétiens," written by Placide Cappeau at the behest of a parish priest. Composer Adolphe Adam set the poem to music that same year, and it quickly gained popularity throughout France. When Cappeau denounced the Catholic Church to join the socialist movement, the church responded by denouncing his beloved carol. The song made a resurgence after it was translated into English and introduced in America by John Sullivan Dwight. Public Domain // Wikimedia Commons 'O Little Town of Bethlehem' (1868) After visiting Bethlehem in the Mutasarrifate of Jerusalem , Phillips Brooks was inspired to write about his experiences. Brooks, an Episcopal priest, shared the poem he had written with Lewis Redner, his church’s organist, and asked him to create a melody for it so they could perform it at an upcoming Sunday school service. In a single evening, Redner composed the tune that we know today. Reflecting on the success of the carol, Redner stated : “Neither Mr. Brooks nor I ever thought the carol or the music to it would live beyond that Christmas of 1868.” Rawpixel Ltd // Flickr 'Away in a Manger' (1885) Mistakenly attributed, for many years, to Martin Luther—the seminal figure of Europe’s Protestant Reformation in the 16th century—and even titling early versions of this piece “Luther’s Cradle Song,” “Away in a Manger” is a relatively simple carol with unknown origins. The first record of the text being set to music with the title “Away in a Manger” is found in the 1885 publication “Little Children's Book for Schools and Families.” Public Domain // Wikimedia Commons 'Hark! The Herald Angels Sing' (1855) The carol we know as “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” was originally titled "Hymn for Christmas-Day,” published in 1739 by Charles Wesley, leader of the Methodist movement and brother to John Wesley, the movement’s founder. But it was George Whitefield who adapted the text in 1753 to give us that familiar opener “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” The melody was composed by Felix Mendelssohn and later adapted by William H. Cummings in 1855 to create the song that's popular today. Pixabay 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' (1780) This numeric carol was originally published in England in 1780 in a children’s book called “Mirth Without Mischief.” It is believed to be a type of children's memory-and-forfeit game in which the singer must remember every verse or forfeit something if they make a mistake. You may also like: Best and worst Al Pacino movies spatuletail // Shutterstock 'Angels We Have Heard on High' (1862) Citing the gospel of Luke, this English carol is based on a French song called “Les Anges dans nos campagnes.” The lyrics were written by James Chadwick, a bishop in 1862. His words were set to the tune "Gloria," which was arranged by Edward Shippen Barnes. Public Domain // Wikimedia Commons 'The Cherry Tree Carol' (c. 1500) This Christmas ballad is believed to date back to the 15th century. Unlike many other carols that reference the gospels of Luke or Matthew, this story takes place sometime in between as Mary and Joseph journey to Bethlehem. It is one of the few depictions of Joseph struggling to accept Mary’s pregnancy, evidenced through lyrics such as “O then bespoke Joseph/ With words so unkind,/ Let him pluck thee a cherry/That brought thee with child.” The song was made popular again by Joan Baez’s rendition in 1961. Public Domain // Wikimedia Commons 'The Friendly Beasts' (12th century) The exact origins of this carol are unknown, but it is believed to be one of the oldest carols still sung today. Dating back to the 12th century, “The Friendly Beasts” is a traditional French carol about the animals present at the birth of Jesus and the gifts they bestowed on him. bob // Flickr 'Joy to the World' (1719) “Joy to the World” was originally written as a hymn by Isaac Watts. Watt’s adaptation of Psalm 98 interprets Christ as the king of the church and as the king of the world. “Joy to the World” is one of the most recorded Christmas songs of all time . Public Domain // Wikimedia Commons 'Coventry Carol' (c.1591) Perhaps the darkest song on this list, “Coventry Carol,” depicts the biblical event “The Massacre of the Innocents” in which King Herod ordered the killing of all male babies under the age of two in Bethlehem. The song takes the form of a lullaby recited to the persecuted children. In Christianity, “The Massacre of the Innocents” is an important part of the broader Nativity story and thus a relevant story in the Christmas narrative. “Coventry Carol” was originally part of a medieval mystery play performed in England called “The Pageant of the Shearmen and Tailors.” You may also like: Best Grateful Dead albums of all time José Luiz Bernardes Ribeiro // Wikimedia Commons Stay up-to-date on what's happening
How you can cash in on DEAL MANIA By ANNE ASHWORTH Updated: 21:50, 6 December 2024 e-mail View comments An astonishing £52billion worth of UK-listed businesses have succumbed to bids or mergers in 2024, in a feeding frenzy of deals that provokes concern – but also indicates an opportunity. The shrinking of our stock market is bad news for the economy – the pace of departures is the fastest for a decade. But the payback for investors from takeover mania can be gratifying, suggesting that British shares are worth a bet now. So, enough of Black Friday and its often-so-so bargains. Is this the area where you could make a mint, especially given this week's forecast from the Swiss fund management group Pictet that the UK market could be less adversely affected than the rest of Europe by the Trump administration's tariffs policy? Trade buyers and US private equity groups are eager to indulge their appetite for businesses that appear irresistibly cheap and may not stay that way. The 45 companies that have been swallowed up include the packaging company DS Smith, cybersecurity group Darktrace, the financial platform Hargreaves Lansdown and the bank Virgin Money. Done deal: An astonishing £52billion worth of UK-listed businesses have succumbed to bids or mergers in 2024 Carlsberg's £3.3billion purchase of Britvic is being investigated by the Competition and Markets Authority watchdog. But the year's most controversial transaction is Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky's campaign to seize control of the Royal Mail owner IDS in a £3.6billion deal. Why is UK plc so alluring to predators? Ian Lance and Nick Purves, managers of the Temple Bar investment trust, say that shares have been ground down by short-term pessimism – and by UK pension funds preferring to put money into the US and other markets. So enticing are the bargains that have been produced that would-be bidders are not putting their plans on hold for Christmas. The 'takeover juggernaut keeps on trucking', in the words of Dan Coatsworth, analyst at broker AJ Bell, with a spate of offers for household names and more obscure firms in past days. Yesterday, the insurer Aviva moved closer to winning control of embattled rival Direct Line with a £3.6billion offer. The combined group will control one-fifth of the motor insurance market. The rumoured interest from several parties in ITV could turn into a tense drama, amid the perception that there is 'trapped value' in its studios arm which delivers shows as diverse as Love Island and Coronation Street. Also, the success of ITV X, its streaming service, has confounded expectations. The belief that the takeover talk could now be credible has led one analyst to speculate that ITV could be worth £4.5billion, against its current market capitalisation of £2.7billion. Suitors are also lining up for smaller enterprises. The Australian asset manager Macquarie has offered £700m offer for Renewi, the London-listed Belgian waste disposal business. RELATED ARTICLES Previous 1 Next Wealth preservation trusts can protect you and turn a profit... Can fund managers bounce back from a bad run, or is your... Share this article Share HOW THIS IS MONEY CAN HELP How to choose the best (and cheapest) stocks and shares Isa and the right DIY investing account Meanwhile, the FTSE 250 engineering firm TI Fluid Systems is to be acquired for £1billion by a Canadian competitor ABC Technologies, which is owned by the £250billion US private equity giant Apollo Global Management. It has also been revealed that the AIM-listed gold mining company Metals Exploration is snapping up Condor Gold for about £67.5m. Metals Exploration is backed by the investment vehicle of Nick Candy, the property developer famous for the One Hyde Park super-luxe apartment scheme in Knightsbridge, and his marriage to actress and singer Holly Valance. If you are checking your portfolio for exposure to this spending spree through individual stocks, funds and trusts, be aware that a bid approach may not culminate in an investor bounty. Lance and Purves point out that two holdings in their trust's portfolio – Anglo American and Currys – have fended off attempts to curtail their independence. Currys argued that a £757m offer from US activist investor Elliott Partners was far too low. A fair contention, it seems, since the share price of the electrical retailer is now 73 per cent higher than a year ago. There is also mounting disquiet among fund managers over what they see as the paltry sums being paid by predators – which should also raise the ire of private investors. There is particular dismay over one business. The cafe bar company Loungers is to be bought for £338m by New York private equity player Fortress, whose past UK acquisitions include Curzon Cinemas, Majestic Wines, Poundstretcher stores and Punch pubs. Axa Investment Managers is just one of the shareholders who are unhappy. Nick Hawthorn, manager of the Downing Strategic Multi-cap fund, argues that the 310p-a-share being paid by Fortress represents a 'derisory 30 per cent premium' on the Loungers share price, which was hard hit by the Budget's employer National Insurance raid and other measures. Loungers disputes these claims. Yet they should serve as an alert to anyone who wants to make the most of bid and merger mania but who does not want to be short-changed. This is our guide: Where to invest Cashing in: Nick Candy and wife Holly Valance So attractive are the valuations of UK shares at present that some analysts argue that 'everything is for sale'. This assessment may be an exaggeration. Yet it will heighten the focus on names whose shares have fallen in past months such as the convenience store chain B&M, the drinks group Diageo and the bank Schroders – its price is down by 27 per cent this year. US buyout company Advent is, reportedly, poised to pounce on Tate & Lyle, the flavourings group. Since it is difficult to tell whether such reports are speculation or fact, it may be wise to put some cash into a UK trust or fund gives you a stake in the action – and a chance for future appreciation. Suitable choices include Fidelity Special Situations, Fidelity Special Values, Jupiter UK Dynamic and Temple Bar – which is my pick. Trusts that could pay dividends There has already been a large amount of consolidation in the investment trust sector. The Alliance and Witan trusts got together to form Alliance Witan which joined the FTSE 100 this week. If you are ready for adventure, James Carthew of QuotedData suggests renewable energy trusts, such as Bluefield Solar, Greencoat Renewables or NextEnergy Solar. Some of their share prices are at a discount of 30 per cent to the net asset value (NAV), making them a possibly enticing target. Greencoat also provides a 7.8 per cent dividend yield – some consolation if a predator fails to appear on the scene. Have your cake and eat it, too Ben Yearsley of Fairview Investing is not a fan of investing in a share simply because a bid could appear. He says: 'I tell my clients that you should buy what you normally buy, based on the company's credentials and prospects.' If a bid materialises, this is the icing on the cake. He continues: 'Standard Chartered has been the subject of takeover rumours for about three years. None has materialised. 'If you invested three years ago, believing this to be a bank that could make a comeback, you would have been rewarded with a share price rise of 126 per cent and enjoyed dividends along the way. What's more, the share price could advance by a further 20-30 per cent.' Don't rely on a bid The luxury goods industry is set for consolidation, its Asian clientele having become reluctant to spend. But companies seeking to make acquisitions in this sector can prefer a brand that is on its way to revival, rather than starting on the journey. This means holders of the iconic British fashion house Burberry (like me) may need to be forbearing as it tries to retain its style credentials through ads featuring Oscar-winning actress Olivia Colman, Chelsea and England footballer Cole Palmer, and Alex Hassell and David Tennant, stars of Disney+ series Rivals. For the moment, the handbag maker Mulberry has evaded the clutches of Fraser founder Mike Ashley. Yet close attention will be paid to the success of boss Andrea Baldo's drive to remodel the business. 'Watch and wait' should be your motto. What to do in the case of a bid It is tempting to be dazzled by an offer for a company in which you hold shares, especially if it is pitched at 20-30 per cent above the share price. But the offer may not necessarily reflect the company's prospects. Most bids are cash only. But if there is a mix of cash and shares, you have to weigh up whether you consider the bidder worth backing. If you hold your shares through a platform, you will receive information about the bid and be able to sell your shares without a fee if the offer is approved by the company's board and so become official. If the shares trade at about the level of the bid, it may be worth selling before this time in case the deal is derailed. DIY INVESTING PLATFORMS AJ Bell AJ Bell Easy investing and ready-made portfolios Learn More Learn More Hargreaves Lansdown Hargreaves Lansdown Free fund dealing and investment ideas Learn More Learn More interactive investor interactive investor Flat-fee investing from £4.99 per month Learn More Learn More Saxo Saxo Get £200 back in trading fees Learn More Learn More Trading 212 Trading 212 Free dealing and no account fee Learn More Learn More Affiliate links: If you take out a product This is Money may earn a commission. These deals are chosen by our editorial team, as we think they are worth highlighting. This does not affect our editorial independence. Compare the best investing account for you Share or comment on this article: How you can cash in on DEAL MANIA e-mail Add comment Some links in this article may be affiliate links. If you click on them we may earn a small commission. That helps us fund This Is Money, and keep it free to use. We do not write articles to promote products. We do not allow any commercial relationship to affect our editorial independence. More top storiesNorth Dakota regulators OK underground storage for proposed Midwest carbon dioxide pipeline
CONWAY, Ark. (AP) — Elias Cato scored 23 points as Central Arkansas beat UNC Asheville 92-83 in double overtime on Sunday. Jordan Morris made two free throws with one second left for UNC Asheville (2-3) to force overtime tied at 71. Fletcher Abee's 3-pointer with 33 seconds left in the first overtime tied the game at 79 and led to the second extra period. Michael Evbagharu's layup gave Central Arkansas (2-4) the lead in the second OT and Cato followed with a 3-pointer as the Bears outscored the Bulldogs 21-12 to pull out the victory. Cato added nine rebounds for the Bears. Layne Taylor totaled 19 points, seven assists, six rebounds and five steals. Brayden Fagbemi pitched in with 19 points, seven assists and five steals. The Bulldogs (2-3) were led by Fletcher Abee, who recorded 27 points. UNC Asheville also got 17 points from Josh Banks. Toyaz Solomon finished with 15 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Dade Phelan, the two-time Republican speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, announced Friday he will not seek a third term, stepping aside amid criticism from within his own party. The speaker faced significant backlash after initiating a failed impeachment of Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton . During a May runoff race, Phelan’s opponent, Dave Covey, received endorsements from Paxton, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and President-elect Donald Trump. “By stepping aside, I believe we create the best opportunity for our members to rally around a new candidate who will uphold the principles that make our House one of the most exceptional, deliberative legislative bodies in the country—a place where honor, integrity, and the right of every member to vote their district takes utmost precedent,” Phelan wrote in a statement . STATEMENT: Dade Phelan’s withdrawal from the Speaker’s race. #TxLege pic.twitter.com/a3nfKWtGQD — Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) Paxton celebrated his decision, calling his legacy “one of betrayal.” “Phelan’s legacy is one of betrayal: prioritizing Democrat interests over his own caucus, leaving Republican members exposed, attempting a shameful impeachment stunt and consistently failing to deliver for the voters who sent him to Austin,” Paxton wrote in an official statement . “His so-called ‘leadership’ disqualified him long before this moment.” “Any Republican backing Phelan is a fool, and should be disassociated from the Republican Party,” Trump posted to Truth Social in February. Republican State Reps. Dustin Burrows and David Cook are now the leading contenders for the speakership. Burrows has faced his own criticism, particularly regarding transgender medical treatments for minors. Paxton attacked Burrows as Phelan’s handpicked candidate and a representative of the “Austin establishment.” (RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: Prominent Police Organization Throws Support Behind Kristi Noem In Confirmation Process) During his tenure as the Calendars Committee chairman in the 87th Legislature, Burrows was accused of allowing bills that would have banned certain “gender-affirming” medical procedures for minors to die in committee. One such bill, House Bill 1399 , which would have prohibited such procedures for individuals under 18, remained on the General State Calendar until the legislative session’s end. Jeff Younger, a Texas resident and independent writer whose ex-wife is raising his son as a girl , criticized Burrows, arguing that the state was delayed in preventing children from undergoing sex change surgeries. As leader of the Calendar Committee, Dustin Burrows killed the bill outlawing sex change surgeries on kids. It took us another two years to get it passed. Hundreds of children were harmed. Dustin Borrows supports transing kids. He must not lead the House. — Jeff Younger (@JeffYoungerShow) December 5, 2024 The race for Texas House speaker continues to be a contentious issue within the state’s Republican Party.
As we reflect on this tragic event, it is important to consider the complex factors that may have contributed to the woman's death. The pressures of academic excellence, cultural adjustment, and the social isolation exacerbated by the pandemic can take a toll on even the most resilient individuals.
In conclusion, the Alibaba Cloud computing data center fire incident, while causing a momentary panic, has ultimately served as a testament to the resilience and preparedness of the tech giant. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, prioritizing data center security and disaster response capabilities remains vital to ensuring the seamless operation of cloud services and safeguarding critical digital assets.
’s middling form continued with a scrappy 1-1 draw with Rangers in the . Dejan Kulusevski came off the bench at half-time and scored a 75th-minute equaliser to rescue a point for ’s depleted Spurs on the former Celtic boss’ return to Glasgow. Hamza Igamane gave Rangers a deserved lead at the start of the second half and they looked set to heap the pressure on Postecoglou before Kulusevski’s cool finish. Spurs need strong finish in the Europa League An uninspiring draw at Ibrox stopped the rot but did little to lift the mood at Tottenham, extending their rough patch of form to one win in eight matches. This did not, admittedly, feel like a must-win game for Spurs – at least not in the same way as Sunday’s visit to rock-bottom Southampton and the Carabao Cup quarter-final at home to Manchester United next Thursday – and Postecoglou can probably be relieved to have escaped from enemy territory with a point and no (obvious) fresh injuries. Spurs’ limp performance, especially for the first hour, will be a concern to the head coach, however, while a third straight European match without a win leaves Spurs in a slightly precarious position in the Europa League. They remain outside the top eight and probably need to win their final two matches against Hoffenheim and IF Elfsborg to definitely avoid a hugely unwanted two-legged play-off in February. As Spurs stutter in the league, the cups grow in importance and, if Postecoglou's side remain in mid-table, it will be much easier to feel positive about their season if they continue to progress in the domestic cups and are safely through to the Europa League knockouts. Spurs too reliant on Kulusevski and Solanke Postecoglou described Spurs’ current injury crisis as the worst he has faced in a 30-year coaching career, with the Australian without six injured players for his return to Glasgow. But Spurs still had more than enough quality in the XI to see off Rangers, particularly with Philippe Clement’s side preparing for a cup final on Sunday. The visitors, though, were abject for the first hour of the game and had Fraser Forster to thank (again) for keeping them in the match. The goalkeeper made a string of fine saves before Kulusevski’s equaliser, and denied Rangers what would surely have been a late winner with a brilliant stop from Cyriel Dessers. At the other end, Brennan Johnson, Timo Werner and were desperately ineffective as a front three, offering nothing in the way of fight and thrust. The introduction of Dominic Solanke on the hour helped to give Spurs a focal point up front and a foothold in the game, and it was the England striker who squared for fellow substitute Kulusevski to level the game with a cool first-time finish. It is, though, concerning how reliant Spurs are on the pair, leaving Postecoglou effectively unable to rest Kulusevski and Solanke without an alarming drop-off in his side. With Wilson Odobert, Richarlison and Mikey Moore not expected to be available until the New Year, Spurs need some of their other players to start stepping up. The absence of Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Ben Davies left the Spurs manager to rely on Radu Dragusin and teenager Archie Gray at centre-back – for the first of what is likely to be a mini run in the team for the pair. Gray, who hails from a Celtic-supporting family, has caught the eye in this competition this season although this was an occasionally difficult night for the 18-year-old. While he did not look out of place, Gray was skinned by Dessers late on, with Forster’s outstretched foot sparing Spurs’ blushes. Dragusin, meanwhile, was shaky again, more than once inviting pressure with loose passes out from the back and lucky to avoid a second yellow card for a clumsy late challenge. No one for Spurs was at their best, to be fair, and Gray and Dragusin are capable of raising their levels – but much sterner tests lie ahead, starting on Sunday.The lack of a clear tactical identity and a porous defense have been the Achilles' heel of Inzaghi's Benevento side. Too often, they have been outplayed and outclassed by more established and organized opponents, leading to a string of disappointing results. The once-promising attacking duo of Roberto Insigne and Gianluca Lapadula has struggled to find the back of the net consistently, further exacerbating the team's woes.
South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol and seven others have been placed on a list for potential arrest, shaking the political landscape of the country. The move comes as a result of a corruption scandal that has embroiled top government officials and business leaders. This development has sparked widespread outrage and concern among the South Korean public, with many calling for transparency and accountability in governance.