In 2024, China's economy continued its steadfast progress towards high-quality development, underpinned by a spirit of real efforts and practical actions. The year witnessed a series of significant milestones and achievements in various sectors that contributed to the overall growth and sustainable development of the Chinese economy.
In the NFL MVP race, the top three candidates — in alphabetical order — are: A) Josh Allen B) Lamar Jackson C) Patrick Mahomes. I’ll take the fourth choice: D) Any of the above. We’re in the ice cream shop. There’s no wrong choice here. With one game left for Jackson and Mahomes and two left for Allen, each AFC quarterback has built a winning case for MVP. They’ve all led their team to the Super Bowl tournament, none missing a contest. The three-star show wasn’t surprising. All three QBs occupy the sweet spot of vast experience and in-their-prime youth — Jackson being the youngest, at 27, followed by Allen, 28, and Mahomes, 29. Running backs don’t affect the game as much as QBs, denying Saquon Barkley a realistic shot at the MVP award, but he deserves NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors. And if the Bengals hadn’t failed him, QB Joe Burrow would be in the MVP hunt. Proceeding alphabetically, I’ll begin with why I wouldn’t vote against Allen. Above all, he’s scary in the red zone. That’s where most big games are decided, and it’s where greatness is needed because the game becomes faster and more compressed. Either in the pocket or on the move, Allen can make the right red-zone passes at a high rate. It’s his run dimension that affects defenses the most. He wins races to the pylon or up a seam; unlike most QBs of the Super Bowl era, he initiates and wins collisions with linebackers and safeties. This season, Allen has gone from bad to good at avoiding interceptions. The opportunities Allen creates for teammates stand out, and that’s a big factor in the Bills scoring 30-plus in eight consecutive games and leading the AFC in points scored. Khalil Shakir leads the team in receptions (73). His lateral agility is wicked. At Boise State, dropped passes were a problem for the short-armed receiver. Shakir, tough and resilient, now stands as a fifth-round steal. Assist, Allen. Gritty Mack Hollins leads the Bills with five touchdown catches, a career-high. Allen’s Bills are Hollins’ fifth NFL team. Allen’s run threat expands lanes for running back James Cook, sparing him collisions. Cook, who weighed just 199 pounds when he entered the NFL in 2022, has rushed for 14 TDs, tying him for NFL honors. Here, today, I won’t write much about Jackson and Mahomes — but there’s ample reason to not vote against either one. Jackson has toyed with several defenses as a passer and a rusher by leveraging his astounding explosiveness that now has opponents wishing he’d not lost weight last offseason in pursuit of yet more footspeed. Talk about two-way dominance. Jackson stands first in several passing statistics: passer rating, touchdown percentage, ESPN’s total quarterback rating (which also accounts for rushing) and, per Athlon Sports, passer rating from the pocket. Only Justin Herbert has thrown fewer interceptions per pass. Oh, yeah, Jackson also boasts the second-best passer rating outside the pocket. Rushing, Jackson sports a league-best 6.6 yards per carry and broke Michael Vick’s season record for rushing yards by a quarterback. Any football lover who attends a Ravens game for the first time will find Jackson’s speed dazzling, and see how it distorts the whole chess match. More so than telecasts convey, he dictates terms. Last month in a stunning display of speed even for him, Jackson blazed upfield to try to lend blocking support in pursuit of speedy teammate Zay Flowers, who’d run away from Chargers defenders after catching a short pass. Jackson, gliding without the ball, ran by Flowers and several defenders. At the 2023 NFL combine, Flowers was clocked at 4.32 seconds in the 40-yard dash. No QB has had a better season than Mahomes, although I doubt he will finish first or even second in MVP voting. He has led the Chiefs (15-1) to the AFC’s top seed despite poor blindside blocking in many games, losing his top two receivers and top running back for most of the season and suffering a high ankle sprain himself. Because they couldn’t keep up with the Chiefs, the Ravens and Bills may have to meet in the playoffs, improving Mahomes’ odds of winning a fourth Super Bowl title. “Mahomes controls the entire game with his IQ,” former NFL receiver Dez Bryant said this week on social media. Three great seasons. One MVP award. I don’t envy the voters, whose ballots are due before the playoffs begin.Montreal Canadiens: The Cayden Primeau Problem
Stock market today: Wall Street slips as the 'Magnificent 7' weighs down the marketOne of the standout features of "Gluttony Chronicles" is its stunning visual presentation and mouth-watering culinary scenes. From breathtaking dessert creations to sumptuous banquet displays, the series showcases the artistry and craftsmanship behind the world of gastronomy, inviting viewers to savor every delectable moment on screen.
President Bola Tinubu has said that he does not regret putting a stop to the payment of fuel subsidy. Tinubu stated this on Monday night during the first presidential chat with the media since he assumed office. “I don’t regret removing the fuel subsidy at all. That was the only option we had to stop the smugglers from continuing their illegal trade,” he said. “Nigeria had become Father Christmas to some other West African countries due to the payment of fuel subsidy. “We had to put a stop to it so that we can safeguard the future of our children and the unborn generations. I don’t regret removing the fuel subsidy at all.” The president, during his inauguration on May 29, 2023, had said that the era of fuel subsidy was gone. The price of a litre of fuel thereafter increased from N200 to N600 before it rose to N1,200 earlier this year. The increase in the price of a litre of fuel has caused the prices of food items to soar to an unbearable level for common Nigerians, who have been barely managing to feed.Commentator Stephen A. Smith suggested that having already issued a sweeping pardon for son Hunter Biden, President Biden should even the scales by doing the same for President-elect Donald Trump. The outspoken sports and sometimes-politics journalist suggested that the bipartisan pairing would help a bitterly divided country “move forward.” In an appearance on NewsNation, host Chris Cuomo told Mr. Smith that he would follow on the Hunter Biden move by also pardoning Mr. Trump, causing Mr. Smith to add “that’s exactly what I would do.” “Enough’s enough,” Mr. Smith said. “You know what? You’re the Democrats. You lost the election. You got your butt whipped. You could’ve prevented him from going back to the White House. More than a dozen cases have been dropped against him, the cases that have been ruled against him, he’s going to appeal and he’ll probably get off from having to deal with all of that. It’s time to move forward.” He added that the Democratic desire to “get at Trump” now means working on the 2026 midterm elections and judging “every single act” in his new four-year term rather than dredging up past acts and engaging in lawfare against him — a strategy that clearly just failed. Mr. Smith cited the precedent of President Ford, who issued the last pardon as sweeping as Hunter Biden’s, pardoning former President Richard Nixon for “all offenses against the United States” during his presidency. Ford was acting to de-escalate a vicious fight “for the good of the country,” despite the obvious personal political risk, Mr. Smith said, adding that this is a virtue in short supply now. “A lot of times, these folks speak about this stuff, but they don’t do what they say they’re going to do and what they implore others to do,” he said, an account in the Washington Examiner. Mr. Biden’s sweeping pardon of his son was issued Sunday night and absolves all “offenses against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in” over an 11-year period. It was a clear reversal from months of public statements on the matter that Mr. Biden had made, and caused others to make on his behalf. The president claimed his son was the victim of selective prosecution by his own Justice Department. Any presidential pardon for Mr. Trump would be only partial though regarding his legal cases. Two of the four clusters of charges are in state courts, over which a president has no power. New York already has convicted him of falsifying business records to cover up hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels and Georgia is accusing him of a racketeering conspiracy to overturn the 2020 presidential election in that state. Both cases are on hold or appeal for varying reasons, though. Copyright © 2024 The Washington Times, LLC. . Click to Read More and View Comments Click to Hide
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 23, 2024-- Almonty Industries Inc. (“Almonty” or the “Company”) (TSX: AII / ASX: AII / OTCQX: ALMTF / Frankfurt: ALI) is pleased to announce that the Company has received firm commitments to raise gross proceeds of the equivalent of A$5.95 million via the issuance of 2.0 million Canadian units and 4.56 million Placement Chess Depository Interests Units (“ CDIs ”) at C$0.82 per Canadian unit and A$0.90 per CDI Unit (“ Placement ”), respectively. Each Canadian unit and CDI Placement Unit participant will be issued with one warrant for every common share issued and one free unlisted option for every one CDI issued, exercisable at C$1.14 and A$1.25, respectively, with an expiry date of three years from the date of closing (“ Options ”). Proceeds from the Placement will be applied towards restructuring the Company’s balance sheet and towards offer costs. The Canadian units and Placement CDI units are expected to settle on or about 30 December 2024. The Canadian Units and CDI Placement Units issued will rank equally with existing CDIs and Common Shares on issue. The closing of the Placement is subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the acceptance by the TSX and ASX. RM Corporate Finance Pty Ltd will act as Lead Manager to the Placement and will be paid a total fee of A$85,500. About Almonty The principal business of Toronto, Canada-based Almonty Industries Inc. is the mining, processing and shipping of tungsten concentrate from its Los Santos Mine in western Spain and its Panasqueira mine in Portugal as well as the development of its Sangdong tungsten mine in Gangwon Province, South Korea and the development of the Valtreixal tin/tungsten project in northwestern Spain. The Los Santos Mine was acquired by Almonty in September 2011 and is located approximately 50 kilometres from Salamanca in western Spain and produces tungsten concentrate. The Panasqueira mine, which has been in production since 1896, is located approximately 260 kilometres northeast of Lisbon, Portugal, was acquired in January 2016 and produces tungsten concentrate. The Sangdong mine, which was historically one of the largest tungsten mines in the world and one of the few long-life, high-grade tungsten deposits outside of China, was acquired in September 2015 through the acquisition of a 100% interest in Woulfe Mining Corp. Almonty owns 100% of the Valtreixal tin-tungsten project in north- western Spain. Further information about Almonty’s activities may be found at www.almonty.com and under Almonty’s profile at www.sedar.com. Legal Notice The release, publication, or distribution of this announcement in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law and therefore persons in such jurisdictions into which this announcement is released, published, or distributed should inform themselves about and observe such restrictions. Neither the TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information When used in this press release, the words “estimate”, “project”, “belief”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “expect”, “plan”, “predict”, “may” or “should” and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. These statements and information are based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and reflect Almonty’s current expectations. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Almonty to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: any specific risks relating to fluctuations in the price of ammonium para tungstate (“APT”) from which the sale price of Almonty’s tungsten concentrate is derived, actual results of mining and exploration activities, environmental, economic and political risks of the jurisdictions in which Almonty’s operations are located and changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, forecasts and assessments relating to Almonty’s business, credit and liquidity risks, hedging risk, competition in the mining industry, risks related to the market price of Almonty’s shares, the ability of Almonty to retain key management employees or procure the services of skilled and experienced personnel, risks related to claims and legal proceedings against Almonty and any of its operating mines, risks relating to unknown defects and impairments, risks related to the adequacy of internal control over financial reporting, risks related to governmental regulations, including environmental regulations, risks related to international operations of Almonty, risks relating to exploration, development and operations at Almonty’s tungsten mines, the ability of Almonty to obtain and maintain necessary permits, the ability of Almonty to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permitting requirements, lack of suitable infrastructure and employees to support Almonty’s mining operations, uncertainty in the accuracy of mineral reserves and mineral resources estimates, production estimates from Almonty’s mining operations, inability to replace and expand mineral reserves, uncertainties related to title and indigenous rights with respect to mineral properties owned directly or indirectly by Almonty, the ability of Almonty to obtain adequate financing, the ability of Almonty to complete permitting, construction, development and expansion, challenges related to global financial conditions, risks related to future sales or issuance of equity securities, differences in the interpretation or application of tax laws and regulations or accounting policies and rules and acceptance of the TSX of the listing of Almonty shares on the TSX. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to, no material adverse change in the market price of ammonium para tungstate (APT), the continuing ability to fund or obtain funding for outstanding commitments, expectations regarding the resolution of legal and tax matters, no negative change to applicable laws, the ability to secure local contractors, employees and assistance as and when required and on reasonable terms, and such other assumptions and factors as are set out herein. Although Almonty has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results, level of activity, performance or achievements not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and even if events or results described in the forward-looking statements are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, Almonty. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and are cautioned that actual outcomes may vary. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. Almonty cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. When relying on Almonty’s forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Almonty has also assumed that material factors will not cause any forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF ALMONTY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PRESS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD- LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE ALMONTY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241223203144/en/ CONTACT: For further information, please contact:Lewis Black Chairman, President and CEO Telephone: +1 647 438-9766 Email:info@almonty.com KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA CANADA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: MINING/MINERALS NATURAL RESOURCES SOURCE: Almonty Industries Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/23/2024 04:05 PM/DISC: 12/23/2024 04:06 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241223203144/en
As the situation between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate, it is imperative for both sides to exercise restraint and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The international community must also play a role in de-escalating tensions and promoting dialogue between the two countries to prevent further violence and loss of life.2. **BMW iX3**: BMW's iX3 is a fully electric SUV that combines BMW's renowned driving dynamics with efficient electric power. Featuring a spacious interior, advanced tech features, and a long driving range, the iX3 is set to compete in the growing electric SUV segment. BMW's electrification efforts are further solidified with the introduction of the iX3.
The Bank of Japan, known for its cautious approach to monetary policy and its tendency to avoid sudden shifts, has historically kept interest rates at ultra-low levels in order to stimulate economic growth and combat deflation. However, with the global economy showing signs of recovery and inflation on the rise, there has been growing pressure on the central bank to start normalizing its monetary policy.
Autonomous Emergency Braking System Market Detailed In New Research Report 2024Former Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Declares World War III 'Has Begun'
MILWAUKEE , Nov. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG ) Board of Directors has approved a cash dividend of $0.1725 per share for the fourth quarter of 2024. The dividend is payable December 23, 2024 to the shareholders of record of the Company's common stock as of December 10, 2024 . Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. ### (HOG-DIVIDEND) SOURCE Harley-Davidson, Inc.
This unfortunate incident quickly drew widespread attention and raised concerns about the safety and quality standards of the bathhouse. Many netizens questioned whether the low ticket price was a reflection of cut corners in terms of maintenance and amenities, leading to potential health risks for visitors.Huang Yaqiong's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, positive thinking, and gratitude. Her unwavering commitment to excellence serves as a model for all of us to follow in our own pursuits, whether they be in sports, academics, career, or personal life.
Wang's remarkable achievement is a testament to his sheer talent and unyielding determination. With his precision shots, lightning-fast reflexes, and unmatched court awareness, Wang has become a force to be reckoned with on the international stage. His innovative playing style and ability to adapt to any situation have earned him admiration and respect from players and fans alike.As the anticipation builds and the excitement mounts, fans and industry insiders alike are eagerly awaiting the awards ceremony to see who will emerge victorious. With so many deserving nominees and exceptional works competing for recognition, the 82nd Golden Globe Awards promise to be a night to remember.
Arcadium Lithium Announces Shareholder Approval of Proposed Rio Tinto Transaction and Provides Regulatory UpdateIn conclusion, the recent statements from Chen Kailin and Kevin Cheng have put to rest any doubts about the status of their relationship. They have shown that open communication and a united front are key to overcoming adversity and maintaining a strong and healthy partnership. As they continue to navigate the ups and downs of life in the public eye, one thing is certain: Chen Kailin and Kevin Cheng are in it together for the long haul.Harris Dickinson was nervous to approach Nicole Kidman . This would not necessarily be notable under normal circumstances, but the English actor had already been cast to star opposite her in the erotic drama “Babygirl,” as the intern who initiates an affair with Kidman's buttoned-up CEO. They’d had a zoom with the writer-director Halina Reijn, who was excited by their playful banter and sure that Dickinson would hold his own. And yet when he found himself at the same event as Kidman, shyness took over. He admitted as much to Margaret Qualley, who took things into her own hands and introduced them. “She helped me break the ice a bit,” Dickinson said in a recent interview with The Associated Press. On set would be an entirely different story. Dickinson might not be nearly as “puckishly audacious” as his character Samuel but in the making of “Babygirl,” he, Kidman and Reijn had no choice but to dive fearlessly into this exploration of sexual power dynamics, going to intimate, awkward, exhilarating and meme-able places. It’s made the film, in theaters Christmas Day, one of the year’s must-sees. “There was an unspoken thing that we adhered to,” Dickinson said. “We weren’t getting to know each other’s personal lives. When we were working and we were the characters, we didn’t veer away from the material. I never tried to attach all of the history of Nicole Kidman. Otherwise it probably would have been a bit of a mess.” His is a performance that reconfirms what many in the film world have suspected since his debut seven years ago as a Brooklyn tough questioning his sexuality in Eliza Hittman’s “Beach Rats” : Dickinson is one of the most exciting young talents around. Dickinson, 28, grew up in Leytonstone, in East London — the same neck of the woods as Alfred Hitchcock. Cinema was in his life, whether it was Christopher Nolan’s “Batman” films at the local multiplex or venturing into town to see the more social realist films of Mike Leigh and Ken Loach. “Working class cinema interested me,” he said. “People around me that represented my world.” Appropriately, his entry into making art started behind the camera, with a comedy web series he made as a kid, which he now describes as “really bad spoofs” of films and shows of the time. But things started to really click when he began acting in the local theater. “I remember feeling invigorated by it and accepted,” he said. “I felt myself for the first time and felt able to express myself in a way where I didn’t feel vulnerable and I felt alive and ignited by something.” At around 17, someone suggested that he should give acting a try professionally. He hadn’t even fully understood that it was a career possibility, but he started auditioning. At 20, he was cast in “Beach Rats” and, he said, just “kept going.” Since then, he’s gotten a wide range of opportunities in films both big, including “The King’s Man,” and small. He’s captivated as a male model in Ruben Östlund’s Cannes-winning “Triangle of Sadness,” an estranged father to a 12-year-old in Charlotte Regan’s “Scrapper,” an actor bringing an ex-boyfriend to life in Joanna Hogg’s “The Souvenir Part II,” the charismatic, tragic wrestler David Von Erich in Sean Durkin’s “The Iron Claw” and a soldier in Steve McQueen’s “Blitz.” But “Babygirl” would present new challenges and opportunities with a character who’s almost impossible to define. “He was confusing in a really interesting way. There wasn’t loads of specificity to it, which I enjoyed because it was a bit of a challenge to sort of pinpoint exactly what it was that drove him and made him tick,” Dickinson said. “There was a directness that unlocked a lot for me, like a fearlessness with the way he spoke, or a social unawareness in a way — like not fully realizing what he’s saying is affecting someone in a certain way. But I didn’t make too many rules for him.” Part of the allure of the film is the ever-shifting power dynamics between the two characters, which could change over the course of a scene. As Reijn said, “It’s a cautionary tale about what happens when you suppress your own desires.” She was especially in awe of Dickinson's ability to make everything feel improvised and the fact that he could look like a 12-year-old boy in one shot and a confident 45-year-old man in the next. Since its premiere at the Venice Film Festival earlier this year, the film has led to some surprisingly direct conversations with audiences spanning generations. But that, Dickinson understood, was what Reijn wanted. “She really wanted to show the ugliness and the awkwardness of these things, of these relationships and sex,” he said. “That sort of fumbly version and the performative version of it is way more interesting, to me at least, than the kind of fantasized, romanticized, sexy thing that we’ve seen a lot.” Dickinson recently stepped behind the camera again, directing his first feature film under the banner of his newly formed production company. Set against the backdrop of homelessness in London, “Dream Space” is about a drifter trying to assimilate and understand his cyclical behavior. The film, which wrapped earlier this year, has given him a heightened appreciation for just how many people are indispensable in the making of a film. He’s also started to understand that “acting is just being able to relax.” “When you’re relaxed, you can do stuff that is truthful,” he said. “That only happens if you’ve got good people around you: The director that creates the good environment. The intimacy coordinator facilitating a safe space. A coworker in Nicole encouraging that kind of bravery and performance with what she’s doing.” Dickinson did eventually get to the point where he managed to ask Kidman questions about working with Stanley Kubrick and Lars Von Trier. But he also kept one shattering possibility between himself and his director. “There is a world in which Samuel doesn’t even exist. He’s just a sort of a device or a figment for her own story. And I like that because it kind of means you can take the character into a very unrealistic realm at times and be almost like a deity in the story,” Dickinson said. “We didn’t talk about it with Nicole.” Lindsey Bahr, The Associated Press
Syracuse basketball at No. 3 Tennessee: Live score, updates
In a heart-stopping race against time, a pregnant woman on the verge of giving birth was swiftly escorted by highway police officers, ensuring a life-saving rescue at high speed. The dramatic events unfolded on a busy highway, where the expectant mother suddenly went into labor with contractions intensifying rapidly. The clock was ticking, and the situation demanded immediate action to ensure the safety of both the mother and her unborn child.