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LAHAINA, Hawaii – Andrej Jakimovski converted an off-balance layup with 8 seconds left, and Colorado handed No. 2 UConn its second loss in two days at the Maui Invitational, beating the two-time defending national champion 73-72 on Tuesday. A day after a 99-97 overtime loss to Memphis that left Huskies coach Dan Hurley livid about the officiating, UConn (4-2) couldn't shake the unranked Buffaloes (5-1), who shot 62.5% in the second half. Recommended Videos With Colorado trailing 72-71 in the closing seconds, Jakimovski drove to his right and absorbed contact from UConn’s Liam McNeeley. He tossed the ball toward the glass and the shot was good as he fell to the floor. Hassan Diarra missed a 3-pointer just ahead of the buzzer for UConn. Elijah Malone and Julian Hammond III scored 16 points each for Colorado, and Jakimovski had 12 points and 10 rebounds. The Huskies led 40-32 at halftime and by nine points early in the second half, but Colorado quickly closed that gap. McNeeley led UConn with 20 points. Takeaways UConn: Hurley's squad is facing its first adversity in quite a while. The Huskies arrived on Maui with a 17-game winning streak that dated to February. Colorado: The Buffaloes were held to season lows in points (56) and field goal percentage (37%) in a 16-point loss to Michigan State on Monday but shot 51.1% overall and 56.3% (9 of 16) from 3-point range against the Huskies. Key moment Hurley called timeout to set up the Huskies' final possession, but the Buffs forced them to take a contested 3. Key stat Colorado had a 28-26 rebounding advantage after being out-rebounded 42-29 by Michigan State. Up next Colorado will play the Iowa-Dayton winner in the fifth-place game on Wednesday. UConn will play the loser of that matchup in the seventh-place game. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball .

As John Stonehouse's web of deceit unravelled, he faked his death in MiamiTARLETON STATE 61, HOFSTRA 59

As Christmas is soon approaching and festive adverts dominate our screens, there’s an additional process shaping the holiday magic: artificial intelligence. AI is altering how brands connect with audiences, from crafting personalized stories to powerful visuals. Ben Clayton, CEO of Media Medic and an expert in forensic audio and video analysis, has been analysing how AI has infiltrated Christmas this year, and what this means for consumers and brands alike. He outlines the main themes to Digital Journal. AI and Christmas, it’s a mixed bag “AI is everywhere right now, and the holiday season is no exception. AI makes things slicker, more engaging, and, let’s be honest, a bit magical. Whether it’s creating picture-perfect turkey dinners for food brands or those super cute CGI characters in adverts, it’s impressive stuff. It’s a massive win for creativity and efficiency,” Clayton explains. Clayton continues: “But, there’s always a but, there’s something to be said for the human touch. AI can create incredible visuals and heartwarming stories, but it doesn’t always capture the true essence of the holidays. AI is great at spreading festive vibes far and wide, but what happens when everything starts to feel algorithm-driven? Will people still feel the magic if they know their favourite ad was written by a machine? Or if that heartfelt message came from a data set?’’ Clayton’s research identifies the industries that are exploiting AI most greatly: Top 10 Industries during Christmas and Holiday season with the highest AI adoption rates E-commerce Leads the Pack : With 81 percent AI adoption, this sector dominates holiday sales, driven by personalized ads, product recommendations, and optimized logistics. In second place is Electronics and Retail . Both industries heavily rely on AI for product showcases, inventory management, and tailored promotions, ensuring customer engagement during the holiday rush. Third spot is occupied by Entertainment and Toys . While these sectors utilize AI for content curation and marketing, their adoption rates are slightly lower due to traditional creative processes and manufacturing timelines. Clayton has also tracked which forms of marketing and advertising have been most greatly influenced by artificial intelligence. Top 20 Christmas Campaigns Ranked by AI Use The top 20 advertising campaigns with the highest AI uses: The darker side of AI during the holidays Clayton also warns of how AI can be abused: “You know, it’s easy to get caught up in the magic of what AI can do, especially at Christmas, but there’s a flip side we can’t ignore. If someone wanted to use AI or deepfakes to spread misinformation or stir up trouble, it could seriously mess with the trust and joy that define this time of year.’’ As an example, Clayton draws on: “Imagine a fake ad circulating online showing a beloved brand saying or doing something controversial, it could tank their reputation in hours. The problem is, deepfakes are getting scarily convincing. AI-generated voices and videos can look and sound so real that even a savvy viewer might struggle to tell the difference. And when it’s done maliciously, it’s not just about ruining holiday cheer, it can undermine trust in media altogether.’’ 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.AP News Summary at 3:17 p.m. EST

Meo, Battle net 13 to help Coastal Carolina down South Carolina Upstate 73-51Meo shot 4 for 7 (2 for 3 from 3-point range) and 3 of 6 from the free-throw line for the Chanticleers (3-4). Battle went 6 of 10 from the field (1 for 3 from 3-point range). Noah Amenhauser shot 5 of 7 from the field and 2 for 3 from the line to finish with 12 points. The Spartans (2-8) were led in scoring by Brit Harris, who finished with 12 points and two steals. Karmani Gregory added 11 points and two steals for South Carolina Upstate. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Ottawa's Mission serves thousands at annual holiday meal

AP News Summary at 2:05 p.m. ESTShare Tweet Share Share Email Armed security guards play a critical role in protecting assets, individuals, and businesses in high-risk situations. Their responsibilities require extensive training to ensure they can handle firearms safely, de-escalate conflicts, and respond effectively to emergencies. Unlike unarmed guards, armed security professionals must develop specialized skills to address potential threats with precision and confidence. This comprehensive training prepares them to manage firearms responsibly, detect suspicious behavior, and protect public safety under intense pressure. From tactical shooting exercises to situational awareness courses, the knowledge and expertise they gain are essential for navigating high-stakes scenarios. This article explores the multifaceted training programs that ensure armed security guard services remain effective, compliant, and adaptable in diverse environments. Core Firearms and Tactical Training Firearms Safety and Handling Training The foundation of any armed security guard’s training begins with mastering firearms safety. Guards undergo mandatory courses that cover essential practices such as safe handling, proper storage, and routine maintenance of firearms. These programs reduce the risk of accidents while ensuring guards are comfortable managing their weapons in high-pressure situations. Certifications like the NRA Basic Pistol Certification or equivalent programs ensure guards meet safety standards. For instance, guards assigned to a high-value warehouse in Los Angeles completed rigorous firearms safety training to prevent accidents while safeguarding expensive inventory. Live-Fire and Tactical Shooting Training To prepare for real-world scenarios, armed guards participate in live-fire exercises that enhance their accuracy and confidence. Tactical shooting drills further refine their ability to react in high-stakes situations, such as defending a client during an armed robbery or neutralizing a threat in an active shooter incident. These drills simulate various conditions, including low visibility and moving targets, ensuring guards are ready to handle diverse challenges. By developing these skills, guards can respond swiftly and decisively to protect lives and assets. Situational Awareness and Conflict Resolution Training in Situational Awareness Armed security guards are trained to identify potential threats through situational awareness courses. This training emphasizes observing body language, detecting suspicious behavior, and assessing risks before they escalate. Guards learn to evaluate their surroundings and remain alert to subtle warning signs, ensuring they can act proactively. These skills are particularly valuable in environments like retail stores or corporate offices, where early detection of unusual behavior can prevent theft or violence. De-Escalation Techniques for Armed Guards Using force is always a last resort for armed guards, making de-escalation training essential. Guards are taught techniques such as active listening, non-verbal communication, and strategic positioning to calm tense situations without escalating conflicts. This training ensures guards can manage confrontations while prioritizing safety and maintaining professionalism. By applying these techniques, they can resolve disputes effectively while preserving the safety of all parties involved. Specialized Training for High-Risk Scenarios Active Shooter Response Training Armed security guards must be prepared for the rare but critical scenario of an active shooter event. Specialized training, such as ALERRT (Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training), equips guards with the skills to neutralize threats, protect civilians, and coordinate with law enforcement. These programs focus on rapid threat assessment, safe evacuation procedures, and ensuring public safety under extreme stress. For example, guards assigned to a corporate campus in Dallas underwent active shooter response training, enabling them to protect employees and visitors during a simulated high-stress scenario. Such preparedness ensures guards can act swiftly to minimize harm during real-life emergencies. Crowd Control and Event Security Training Managing large crowds at high-profile events or protests requires a distinct skill set. Armed guards receive training in crowd dynamics, panic prevention, and effective communication to maintain order and safety. They also learn how to de-escalate tense situations in large groups, ensuring events proceed smoothly. At a concert in Los Angeles, guards trained in crowd control techniques successfully prevented stampedes by strategically managing exits and maintaining clear communication during a sudden power outage. This training ensures guards can protect attendees and event organizers from security breaches or logistical chaos. Legal and Ethical Training Legal Compliance and Use of Force Training Understanding the legal boundaries of their roles is crucial for armed security guards. Training programs emphasize state and federal laws governing the use of firearms, appropriate levels of force, and liability. Guards learn the legal implications of their actions to ensure compliance and prevent unnecessary risks to themselves or their employers. State-required armed guard training often includes mock scenarios that test guards’ judgment in applying force appropriately. This ensures they are prepared to act responsibly while upholding the law. Cultural Competency and Bias Awareness Training In today’s diverse environments, cultural competency is essential for effective security services. Armed guards undergo training to recognize and respect cultural differences, avoiding actions that could escalate tensions or alienate communities. Bias awareness training helps guards identify and address unconscious biases, ensuring their interactions are fair and professional. By fostering trust and demonstrating cultural sensitivity, guards enhance the perception of security services among clients and the public. Emergency Response and Real-World Applications First Aid and Medical Emergency Training Armed security guards are often the first responders during emergencies, making first aid and CPR certifications essential. Programs like the American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Certification equip guards to stabilize individuals in medical crises, such as cardiac arrests or injuries, until professional medical responders arrive. For instance, guards at a high-rise office in Los Angeles were able to provide immediate first aid to an injured worker after a fall, preventing further complications before paramedics arrived. This critical training ensures guards can manage medical emergencies efficiently while safeguarding lives. Scenario-Based Training and Simulations Practical, scenario-based training is invaluable in preparing guards for real-world situations. Exercises simulate high _ stress scenarios such as armed robberies, VIP protection, or coordinated evacuations. These simulations allow guards to practice decision-making, teamwork, and crisis management in a controlled environment. A Dallas-based security firm conducted scenario drills for their guards, simulating a high-stakes armed robbery at a retail store. The training honed their ability to neutralize threats, protect civilians, and collaborate with local law enforcement. Such preparation ensures guards can perform effectively during actual emergencies. Armed security guards undergo extensive training to handle diverse challenges with professionalism and precision. From mastering firearms safety to honing de-escalation techniques and responding to medical emergencies, their skillset ensures they are prepared for any situation. Training programs that focus on situational awareness, legal compliance, and cultural competency further enhance their ability to safeguard lives, assets, and businesses. The inclusion of scenario-based exercises ensures guards are equipped to adapt to evolving threats and high-pressure situations. For businesses and organizations, hiring well-trained, certified armed guards is a proactive step toward comprehensive safety and peace of mind. Partnering with security companies that prioritize continuous education and high standards ensures top-tier protection for every need . Related Items: The Comprehensive Training Armed Security Guards Undergo to Ensure Effectiveness , Training Armed Security Guards Undergo to Ensure Effectiveness Share Tweet Share Share Email Comments

Pop icon Madonna has found herself in the middle of a heated controversy after sharing AI-generated images of herself with Pope Francis. The provocative photos, created using artificial intelligence, show Madonna in a series of poses with the religious leader, leading to intense backlash on social media. The images have triggered widespread debate about the ethical implications of using AI to blend sacred symbols with modern art and personal branding. Fans and critics have slammed the pop star of crossing boundaries and others debating the intersection of technology, creativity, and faith. Social media reactions: Fans and followers share outrage Following Madonna’s recent social media post featuring AI-generated images of herself with Pope Francis, fans and followers have flooded the internet with sharp reactions. The provocative image has ignited widespread debate, and social media users are not holding back their opinions. Here’s what people are saying: One user remarked, "That is very creepy!" expressing how unsettling they found the image. Another added, "So inappropriate," highlighting the perceived disrespect in the post. A confused user questioned, "What the hell is this?" showing their shock at the unexpected post. One response was blunt: "Seriously? She's too old," criticizing the use of AI-generated images for attention-seeking behavior. Another plea came through: "Stop AI please," reflecting concerns about the overreach of artificial intelligence in blending sacred imagery with modern trends. A user labeled it as "a mockery," emphasizing how the image has triggered feelings of offense among many viewers. One said, "She now has to stoop to that level for attention," accusing the singer of desperation for publicity. Another comment read, "Madonna is desperate for attention," suggesting that the move was calculated and unnecessary. One viewer remarked in disbelief, "What is wrong with this old lady?" questioning her intentions behind sharing the image. Many are now grappling with the ethics of technology meeting tradition, as reflected by a comment that said, "Madonna's AI-generated images of Pope Francis are causing a stir. Are we crossing a line when tech meets tradition? Ethics in AI just got a whole lot messier." This has prompted an ongoing conversation about the ethical boundaries of artificial intelligence in social media and art.

Warning : This story contains distressing content about residential schools. Northwest B.C. First Nation Nadleh Whut’en has confirmed the identification of potential unmarked graves at the site of the former Lejac Indian Residential School, located at Tseyaz Bunk’ut near Fraser Lake. Earlier in May, the First Nation had said it would search the residential school site using both ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and magnetometry to detect irregularities underground. Lejac Indian Residential School operated from 1922 to 1976, impacting children from over 70 Nations. Nadleh Whut’en's announcement on November 30 follows nearly two years of geophysical surveys that began after Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation revealed in 2021 that they had identified around 200 potential burial sites at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. Nadleh Whut’en said the preliminary findings from GPR and magnetometry surveys at Lejac uncovered geophysical signatures consistent with burials. These results are part of ongoing efforts to locate and honour the children who died while attending residential schools in Canada, the First Nation said. The survey, conducted by the guiding team of the Nez Keh Hubuk’uznootah project, which translates to "Let's Look for our Children" in Dakelh, covers a 142,500 square-meter area (about 27 football fields). The research is a response to survivor testimony and archival records that suggest numerous children may have been buried in unmarked graves at Lejac. During its operation, at least 7,850 Indigenous children, including day scholars, attended the residential school, which subjected students to harsh conditions, including forced labor, abuse, and the loss of cultural identity. The school’s cemetery, where some graves are marked, has long been known to survivors. However, the recent surveys suggest there are additional unmarked graves that have not been accounted for. “The work is hard and it takes a long time – and we are bringing information forward as we receive it because survivors have a right to know,” Nadleh Whut’en Chief Beverly Ketlo said about the importance of these findings. The Lejac Indian Residential School has had an active cemetery on the grounds since it was founded in 1922. "We have always known that there were children buried at Lejac because many of their graves are marked in a cemetery. I want you to ask yourself if your elementary school had a cemetery,” Ketlo added. Ketlo said this is not just a thing of the past but the horrors experienced at Lejac are still very real for the survivors who lived through this "genocide.” “Lejac relentlessly taught the children that they were inferior. They were forcibly taken from their families, lands, and cultures, leading them to believe that everything about their identity was wrong,” she said. The geophysical surveys, which were conducted in winter 2023 and spring/summer 2024, used advanced technologies to detect disturbances beneath the surface that could indicate burial sites. GPR sends radar pulses into the ground, revealing underground conditions, while magnetometry detects metal objects and magnetic changes. This data is being analyzed by two independent teams of experts and will guide future steps in the search for missing children. Former Chief Archie Patrick of Stellat’en First Nation, a survivor of Lejac, expressed hope that these efforts would help bring justice to those affected. “Lejac is still with me. I continue to deal with the upheaval of being taken from my parents, and the daily trauma of living at that place. But I am so pleased that the stories of survivors are finally being brought to light.” The findings are part of ongoing work, and no immediate plans for excavation or exhumation have been made. The guiding team, made up of survivors and inter-generational survivors, is overseeing the research and will determine the next steps. The federal government has committed to funding these efforts, and an estimated 20 years of work remain to uncover the full truth about the missing children from residential schools across Canada. If you are an Indian residential school survivor or have been affected by the residential school system and need help, you can contact the 24-hour Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419.

Maximus contract with CMS for Medicare services cancelled; shares drop

NYT ‘Connections’ Hints And Answers For Wednesday, December 25Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. W e know what you’ll be thinking as soon as your eyes finish glazing across this list in its entirely: not one Taylor Swift album made the cut. Not a one! Let us explain: this is the problem with asking people to select their top 10 albums from across 25 years. It’s a lengthy period and everyone had a different favourite Taylor Swift era, thus splitting the vote and meaning she missed out. It’s a travesty, but that’s how the cookie crumbles. More importantly, the albums on this list – chosen by our critics with an eye to quality, influence and legacy – offer an interesting snapshot of this millennium’s pop developments to date: the death of rock, the ever-increasing influence of dance and electronic music, and the, um, cult of Lin-Manuel Miranda. Leave your furious comments below. Since I Left You, The Avalanches (2000) Since I Left You is pure joy. The debut of Melbourne electronica savants The Avalanches is a sparkling celebration of music itself – a sonic saturnalia dedicated to music’s endless delights. The Avalanches began as obsessive music fans, spending countless hours raiding op-shop record bins and chopping up thousands of sounds, storing them on a clutter of floppy disks. They stitched together the raggedly beautiful quilt that became Since I Left You on the fly, mad geniuses reinventing music with reckless, casual abandon. They sampled ’80s pop, old-school hip-hop, spaghetti westerns, forgotten comedy skits, wildlife recordings and even Sesame Street , and somehow transformed them into a coherent piece of manic surrealism. The wonderfully bizarre Frontier Psychiatrist and dreamy title track became unlikely hits, but the album is best consumed as a long, wandering journey – a fantastical odyssey to nowhere in particular. Impossibly layered but eminently accessible, complex but freewheeling and a little unhinged. It’s made by fanatics, but it’s for everyone. Tom W Clarke Is This It, The Strokes (2001) New York was about to change in 2001. Two planes flew into the twin towers, forever altering the city’s skyline and psyche. And The Strokes released their debut album, igniting the city’s music scene in a way that hadn’t happened since the heady days of CBGBs in the ’70s. They looked drop-dead cool, all stick-figure limbs in tight jeans, leather jackets and sneakers, like the Ramones before them. The duelling, intertwined guitars of Nick Valensi and Albert Hammond Jr. provided the bedrock for Julian Casablancas’ distorted, sinewy vocals, telling bleary-eyed tales of the city that never sleeps. These clarion calls from the streets of downtown Manhattan reverberated around the world, announcing that rock was back. Drugs, alcohol and musical drift would soon change The Strokes, but on Is This It they are forever preserved as the band that put the spotlight back on New York City and kicked down the door for other guitar-wielding groups to burst through in the Noughties. Barry Divola Discovery, Daft Punk (2001) Gun to head, Homework (1997) is a better album than Discovery , but Daft Punk still made a mockery of the “second album syndrome” with their disco-inspired record that spawned enormous hits One More Time and Harder Better Faster Stronger , and a couple of their loveliest downtempo moments in Something About Us and Veridis Quo . Even Daft Punk’s so-called album tracks are peerless examples of their dazzling artistry, from the energy rush of Superheroes to the infectious dance-funk of High Life to the soulful disco house of Too Long , featuring Romanthony’s indelible vocals (he sung on One More Time , too). On Discovery , Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo changed the electronic music landscape for the second time in four years, incorporating samples in ingeniously inventive ways and trading raw and gritty Chicago-inspired house for euphoric disco-pop that at once evoked the nostalgic wonder of childhood and romantic adventures in outer space. Annabel Ross Fever, K ylie Minogue (2001) Fever is our greatest pop artefact and the epitome of Kylie as queen of reinvention. After the misunderstood swing that was Impossible Princess (1997), an alt-pop pivot so disastrously received that she was dropped from her record label, Kylie had already dipped her toe into Euro-inflected dance-pop on Light Years (2000), producing the improbable comeback hits Spinning Around and On a Night Like This . But Fever upped the sophistication, eschewing the campy winks (we still love you sometimes, Light Years ′ Your Disco Needs You ) and delivering a masterpiece of sultry, slinky, romantic dancefloor euphoria. Beyond the no-skips tracklist – including Love At First Sight , Can’t Get You Out of My Head and Come Into My World - it’s ridiculous how well the album holds up almost 25 years on: with Fever , Kylie took the temperature of the next two decades of pop music, preempting a wave of club-centric stars from Robyn to Carly Rae Jepsen to Dua Lipa. I think this is what people actually mean when they call their favourite pop star mother . Robert Moran Back to Black, Amy Winehouse (2006) Amy Winehouse’s second and final album is a true time capsule, and a potent reminder of a talent and a life gone too soon. Hers was a once-in-a-generation voice that recalled the smoky jazz clubs of the 1960s, belied by her young age – 22 when this album was released – and the tumultuous personal life that the press preyed upon until (and beyond) her tragic death in 2011. Produced by Mark Ronson, Back to Black has some of Winehouse’s finest songs, such as the triumphant Tears Dry On Their Own and the sadly ironic Rehab . It’s all buoyed by bright, colourful musical backing that takes its cues and influences from across genres and eras – everything from doo-wop and ’60s girl groups to soul and R&B. But it’s the title track that’s the defining sound of this particular moment in 2000s history – a heart-wrenching, heartbroken performance that’s simultaneously infused with a quiet strength and fury. Giselle Au-Nhien Nguyen My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Kanye West (2010) Made during a period of exile imposed on (the artist formerly known as) Kanye West following his stage-bombing of a young Taylor Swift at the VMAs, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy captures a celebrity at war with fame, a genius tortured by his singular vision, believing he’d never be truly understood or appreciated. This album changed everything. It is populist maximalism, totally unrelatable and deeply human. The keys on Runaway , the Chris Rock skits and Bon Iver sample, Nicki Minaj’s barn-storming turn on Monster . And the closer, the voice of Gil Scott-Heron asking, from 1970, “Who will survive in America?” Ye no longer has the answers or even the hypothesis. His relationship to fame and reality has become more protracted and upsetting in recent years. But for a moment in 2010, he went to hell and back, found bravery in his bravado, stole fire from the gods and handed it over to the world. Brodie Lancaster Emotion, Carly Rae Jepsen (2015) In a 2019 interview with Time , Carly Rae Jepsen shrugged her shoulders and said, “I think it’s very cool to be uncool and just shamelessly feel it all”. Shamelessly feeling it all has been the Canadian popstar’s MO, right from her 2012 breakthrough hit Call Me Maybe . The single was so impossibly huge that many people (not unfairly) slotted her into the file of “one-hit wonders.” But Jepsen returned in 2015 with EMOTION , an album that boiled over with yearning and lust and love and confusion and every other human feeling that Jepsen could conjure. Its lush, pristine ’80s synthpop production underscored Jepsen’s exceptional songwriting, with rushing, full-throated verses and choruses that lifted like an A380. Run Away With Me , with its now-iconic saxophone riff and screamable “take me to the feeling” refrain, and the aching title track, are high points in an album with no low ones. One of the most acclaimed pop records of the decade, it was an album that helped usher in the era of “poptimism” and unexpectedly cemented Jepsen as a cult pop hero. Jules LeFevre Hamilton, Original Broadway Cast Recording (2015) Having launched his hip-hop revolution of musical theatre with In the Heights , Lin-Manuel Miranda dared to dream higher still. What better subject for a transformational musical than that key revolutionary, Alexander Hamilton? Miranda uses rap to solve a problem faced since recitative faded from operatic fashion: communicating swathes of story rapidly, without resorting to dialogue (given that songs more efficiently communicate emotion). Rapping doesn’t just accelerate the dissemination, it lends the whole show momentum, and with Miranda brilliantly playing Hamilton, the performing matches the writing. His songs shame much new-century composing for musicals. My Shot has the anthemic “Rise up!” refrain, Helpless is an R&B classic, The Duel Commandments is frighteningly visceral, and The Room Where it Happens is wickedly catchy. High art meets thrilling music as the rhymes, among the most dazzling since Byron, fly at you with the velocity of grapeshot from a cannon. John Shand Lemonade, Beyonce (2016) Watching Beyoncé‘s visual album Lemonade for the first time felt like witnessing a pivotal shift in the singer-songwriter’s career. Beyoncè’s music often depicted female empowerment, but with Lemonade she got personal and political, tapping into darker emotions fuelled by betrayal and survival and explored themes of womanhood, blackness in America and her southern roots. It showcased her ability to transcend genres, incorporating gospel intro Freedom , a tribute to the Black Lives Matter movement; bringing country tones into Daddy Lessons , a song about her relationship with her father; and integrating electro beats into Sorry , which detailed an incident of infidelity and brought the phrase “Becky with the good hair” into popular use. Unsurprisingly, it was a commercial and critical success, earning nine Grammy nominations (famously missing out on album of the year to Adele) and becoming the best-selling album globally in 2016. Fans even co-opted the lemon emoji to showcase their appreciation. Vyshnavee Wijekumar Brat, Charli XCX (2024) Charli XCX’s sixth studio album, Brat , is the high point for an artist whose underdog refusal to quit has made her the most consistently risk-taking pop star of her generation. Unlike her revisionist contemporaries, Charli XCX’s discography is entirely rooted in the 21st Century. Brat reflects our third millennium club-cultural zeitgeist, with executive producer A.G. Cook mischievously blitzing this century’s dominant dance music styles (electro house, techno and EDM) into three-minute bangers. Unlike most pop stars, who wrap themselves in an untouchable aura, Charli makes her ridiculous life feel relatable, like you’ve been invited into her stretch Hummer to pop bottles with Lorde, Billie Eilish and Troye Sivan (whose definitive remix appearances have supplanted the album versions). The Brat ethos says that simply by existing you’re worthy of having some fun in this life – and it doesn’t make you any less of a thoughtful, caring, intelligent person for doing so. Nick Buckley Honourable mentions Stankonia , Outkast (2000) 1989 , Taylor Swift (2014) To Pimp a Butterfly , Kendrick Lamar (2015) Melodrama , Lorde (2017) Norman F—ing Rockwell! , Lana Del Rey (2019) What albums do you think deserve a place on the list? Tell us in the comments.

Flag football scours nation with talent camps to uncover next wave of starsKaapo Kakko scored the tiebreaking goal during a four-minute power play with 23 seconds left as the New York Rangers ended their first five-game losing streak in over three years with a 4-3 victory over the visiting Montreal Canadiens on Saturday afternoon. The Rangers, who had squandered a two-goal lead early in the third period, had the lengthy power play after the Canadiens' Kirby Dach high-sticked Mika Zibanejad behind the New York net. The Rangers cashed in after Montreal could not clear the defensive zone. Zac Jones made a backhand pass to the middle of the slot to Will Cuylle, who did the same to Kakko. Parked at the right side of the crease, Kakko lifted a one-timer over goalie Sam Montembeault's shoulder for his fourth goal of the season. Kakko's game-winner ended New York's longest losing streak since the final week of the 56-game 2021 pandemic-shortened season. The goal came after the Canadiens' Cole Caulfield and Nick Suzuki scored about 10 minutes apart for a temporary 3-3 tie. New York's Artemi Panarin and Zibanejad scored power-play goals in the opening 40 minutes while Vincent Trocheck also scored in the waning seconds of the first period before the Rangers recovered from blowing the lead. Rangers goalie Jonathan Quick made 25 saves a week after allowing six goals in a 6-2 loss at Edmonton. Mike Matheson also scored for the Canadiens. Montembeault made 24 saves. The Rangers went ahead 9:02 into the contest when Panarin lifted a shot from above the left circle over Montreal defenseman David Savard into the upper corner of the net. Montreal tied with 8:13 left when Matheson entered the offensive zone, stepped into a shot above the right hash marks and ripped a shot over Quick's right shoulder. After surviving Montreal's attempts at going ahead, the Rangers cycled the puck around the offensive zones in the final seconds of the first and took a 2-1 lead when Trocheck tipped in Alexis Lafreniere's shot from the right point with 4 seconds left. New York expanded its lead when Zibanejad faked a one-timer, waited for Chris Kreider to get in front of the net and sent a shot from between the circles by Montembeault. Caufield put a shot from the right circle by Quick at 4:16 into the third, and Suzuki slid the puck into the open net to forge a 3-3 tie nearly 10 minutes later. --Field Level MediaQINGDAO, China, Dec. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SOS Limited ("SOS" or the "Company") (NYSE: SOS) today announced that on May 15, 2024, the Company filed its annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023 (the “Form 20-F”) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). In compliance with the New York Stock Exchange rules, the Form 20-F is available on the Company’s website at http://www.sosyun.com/ . In addition, all shareholders of the Company may request, free of charge, a hard copy of the Company’s complete audited financial statements filed with the SEC. To request a hard copy of the Company’s audited financial statements, or for any other inquiry in respect of this press release, please contact the Investor Relations Department of the Company, whose contact information is as follows: ir@sosyun.com Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements made under the "safe harbor" provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "confident" and similar statements. SOS may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Any statements that are not historical facts, including statements about SOS’ beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements that involve factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Further information regarding risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release is current as of the date of the press release, and SOS does not undertake any obligation to update such information, except as required under applicable law. About SOS Limited SOS is an emerging blockchain-based and big data-driven marketing solution provider. SOS is also engaged in blockchain and cryptocurrency operations, which currently include cryptocurrency mining and may expand into cryptocurrency security and insurance in the future. Since April 2021, we launched commodity trading via our subsidiary SOS International Trading Co. Ltd and Weigou International Trading Co Ltd. Major trading commodity includes mineral resin, soybean, wheat, sesame, liquid sulfur, petrol coke and latex etc. For more information, please visit: http://www.sosyun.com/ . Contact: Investor Relations ir@sosyun.com SOURCE - SOS Limited

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All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. Cyber Weekend: a time for relaxing and discount shopping. With Black Friday officially behind us and Cyber Monday on the way, the holiday weekend is perfect for scoring last-chance deals on holiday gifts , stocking stuffers and other things that might be on your list, such as Christmas decorations, cookware, bakeware, and winter essentials like cozy sweaters, coats , hats and scarves . See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news For music lovers, Cyber Weekend is a chance to save as much as 50% off tech essentials such as headphones, record players, speakers and other electronics to upgrade your sound system for holiday parties, streaming Christmas movies or enjoying your favorite Christmas playlist. Shopping for new shoes? You can save 30% off at Skechers , up to 90% off at Nike and up to 70% off at Adidas . For winter clothes and other fashion essentials, the sales at ASOS , Nordstrom , Bloomingdale’s , Kohl’s and Macy’s offer up to 60% off select items. Electronics reign among the most-shopped-for items during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but frugal shoppers can find doorbuster deals on everything from clothes and makeup to furniture. Most retailers have extended their Black Friday sales into the weekend, including Urban Outfitters , Ulta B e auty , Dyson , Coach , Carhartt , The North Face , QVC and the big three: Amazon , Target and Walmart . If you’re the type of shopper who loves a bargain, Cyber Weekend is your time to shine. See below for a collection of 20 deals to shop over Cyber Weekend. For more Cyber Week deals, check out the best sales on earbuds , gaming chairs , makeup and skincare products . And for gift options, read our Shop 100 gift guide .Its stock is up 50 percent. Billion-dollar deals for breakfast. How did Boston Scientific get its mojo back?