29 House Republicans Ask Trump to End IRS Direct File via ‘Day-One Executive Order’None
38 Playful Pieces Of Holiday Decor To Get Your Kids Excited About ChristmasQuantumscape CFO Sells Over 50,000 Company Shares, Triggering Speculation
OpenAI whistleblower found dead in San Francisco apartment
Jarvis Moss, Jonas Sirtautas lead Radford past Bucknell 74-70 in OTBEIRUT — Israel's military launched airstrikes across Lebanon on Monday, unleashing explosions throughout the country and killing at least 31 while Israeli leaders appeared to be closing in on a negotiated ceasefire with the Hezbollah militant group. Israeli strikes hit commercial and residential buildings in Beirut as well as in the port city of Tyre. Military officials claimed they targeted areas known as Hezbollah strongholds. They issued evacuation orders for Beirut's southern suburbs, and strikes landed across the city, including meters from a Lebanese police base and the city's largest public park. The barrage came as officials indicated they were nearing agreement on a ceasefire, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Security Cabinet prepared to discuss an offer on the table. Bulldozers remove the rubble of a destroyed building Monday that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Dahiyeh, in the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon. Foreign ministers from the world’s leading industrialized nations also expressed cautious optimism Monday about possible progress on a ceasefire. “Knock on wood,” Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said as he opened the Group of Seven meeting outside Rome. “We are perhaps close to a ceasefire in Lebanon," he said. "Let's hope it's true and that there's no backing down at the last-minute.” A ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon was foremost on the agenda of the G7 meeting in Fiuggi, outside Rome, that gathered ministers from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, in the last G7 encounter of the Biden administration. For the first time, the G7 ministers were joined by their counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, as well as the Secretary General of the Arab League. Thick smoke, flames and debris erupt Monday from an Israeli airstrike that targeted a building in Tayouneh, Beirut, Lebanon. Meanwhile, massive explosions lit up Lebanon's skies with flashes of orange, sending towering plumes of smoke into the air as Israeli airstrikes pounded Beirut's southern suburbs Monday. The blasts damaged buildings and left shattered glass and debris scattered across nearby streets. Some of the strikes landed close to central Beirut and near Christian neighborhoods and other targets where Israel issued evacuation warnings, including in Tyre and Nabatiyeh province. Israeli airstrikes also hit the northeast Baalbek-Hermel region without warning. Lebanon's Health Ministry said Monday that 26 people were killed in southern Lebanon, four in the eastern Baalbek-Hermel province and one in Choueifat, a neighborhood in Beirut's southern suburbs that was not subjected to evacuation warnings on Monday. The deaths brought the total toll to 3,768 killed in Lebanon throughout 13 months of war between Israel and Hezbollah and nearly two months since Israel launched its ground invasion. Many of those killed since the start of the war between Israel and Hezbollah have been civilians, and health officials said some of the recovered bodies were so severely damaged that DNA testing would be required to confirm their identities. Israel claims to have killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah members. Lebanon's Health Ministry says the war has displaced 1.2 million people. Destroyed buildings stand Monday in the area of a village in southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel. Israeli ground forces invaded southern Lebanon in early October, meeting heavy resistance in a narrow strip of land along the border. The military previously exchanged attacks across the border with Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group that began firing rockets into Israel the day after the war in Gaza began last year. Lebanese politicians have decried the ongoing airstrikes and said they are impeding ceasefire negotiations. The country's deputy parliament speaker accused Israel of ramping up its bombardment to pressure Lebanon to make concessions in indirect ceasefire negotiations with Hezbollah. Elias Bousaab, an ally of the militant group, said Monday that the pressure has increased because "we are close to the hour that is decisive regarding reaching a ceasefire." Israeli officials voiced similar optimism Monday about prospects for a ceasefire. Mike Herzog, the country's ambassador to Washington, earlier in the day told Israeli Army Radio that several points had yet to be finalized. Though any deal would require agreement from the government, Herzog said Israel and Hezbollah were "close to a deal." "It can happen within days," he said. Israeli officials have said the sides are close to an agreement that would include withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and a pullback of Hezbollah fighters from the Israeli border. But several sticking points remain. A member of the Israeli security forces inspects an impact site Sunday after a rocket fired from Lebanon hit an area in Rinatya, outskirts of Tel Aviv, Israel. After previous hopes for a ceasefire were dashed, U.S. officials cautioned that negotiations were not yet complete and noted that there could be last-minute hitches that either delay or destroy an agreement. "Nothing is done until everything is done," White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Monday. The proposal under discussion to end the fighting calls for an initial two-month ceasefire during which Israeli forces would withdraw from Lebanon and Hezbollah would end its armed presence along the southern border south of the Litani River. The withdrawals would be accompanied by an influx of thousands more Lebanese army troops, who have been largely sidelined in the war, to patrol the border area along with an existing U.N. peacekeeping force. Western diplomats and Israeli officials said Israel demands the right to strike in Lebanon if it believes Hezbollah is violating the terms. The Lebanese government says such an arrangement would authorize violations of the country's sovereignty. There are many obstacles preventing shoppers from upholding eco-friendly habits as much as they may want to—but not all of these barriers are necessarily real, or accurately understood. Shopping sustainably simply isn't convenient or accessible for many. Those who live in apartment buildings are 50% less likely to recycle , according to Ipsos. Reasons for this can vary from lack of space to buildings being excluded altogether because of recycling contamination issues. Many believe that sustainable products are too expensive or of a lower quality. The former is often true, which does create a hurdle for many: The manufacturing processes and materials for sustainable products are pricey. For instance, organic cotton requires an intensive production process free of certain chemicals or pesticides; by definition, true eco-friendly products can't be mass-produced, further upping their price tag. Using recycled materials for packaging, or obtaining an eco certification, can also be expensive. However, although the narrative of eco-friendly products being more expensive is true, there is often more of an effort to use better quality materials that last longer than their noneco-friendly counterparts. This could end up saving consumers money in the long run: By paying more upfront, they can get more wear out of sustainable fashion, for instance. There is also undeniable political rhetoric surrounding eco-friendly products—however, despite many Conservative politicians decrying sustainable products, members of all generations are increasingly choosing to prioritize shopping sustainably regardless of their political affiliation, according to research from NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business . This finding shows a trend toward seeing sustainability as a nonpartisan subject everyone can benefit from, no matter where they lie on the political spectrum. Some might think eco-friendly clothing, in particular, is not fashion-forward; after all, many of the top clothing retailers in the world partake in fast fashion. However, brands are increasingly being recognized as 'cool' and 'trendy' for supporting environmentally ethical practices, particularly as younger generations prioritize sustainability, as noted before. Many increasingly popular online stores are taking advantage of this paradigm shift by offering secondhand shopping options that are not only fashionable, but also more affordable, like ThredUp or Poshmark. Additionally, many legacy large-name brands are hopping on the sustainability movement and are gaining appreciation from loyal customers. Amazon's Climate Pledge Friendly program partners with third-party certification bodies to make it easier for shoppers to identify eco-friendly products as they browse the website. H&M's newly launched H&M Rewear program debuts a resale platform that allows the resale of all clothing brands—not just their own. Similarly, Patagonia's Worn Wear program allows shoppers to trade in and buy used gear and clothing. The federal government is also working to close this gap. The Environmental Protection Agency's Safer Choice program is attempting to make sustainable shopping easier for consumers and companies alike. It includes a directory of certified products, a list of safer chemicals to look out for on labels, a "Safer Choice" label that products can earn to denote they are eco-friendly, and resources for manufacturers looking to adopt more sustainable practices. Most of all, though, the biggest way shoppers can shift toward sustainable shopping is through their behaviors and attitudes amongst their peers and communities. Studies show that humans largely care what others think of their actions; the more shoppers make environmentally conscious shopping the norm, the more others will follow suit. From an economic perspective, the more consumers shop eco-friendly, the more affordable and accessible these products will become, too: Sustainable products are currently more expensive because they are not in high demand. Once demand rises, production rates and prices can lower, making these products more accessible for all. Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn. This story originally appeared on The RealReal and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. On paper, being more sustainable and eco-friendly while shopping sounds great—so why don't more people do it? There is growing consumer consciousness about the environmental impact of where people choose to shop and the sustainability of the products they buy. According to McKinsey, over 60% of individuals surveyed in 2020 said they would be willing to pay more for a product that is packaged in an eco-friendly way. Since 2019, products marketed as being environmentally sustainable have seen a 28% growth in revenue compared to 20% for products with no such marketing, a 2023 McKinsey and NielsenIQ report found. Much of this is thanks to the preferences and attitudes of Gen Z, who, on average, care more than their older counterparts about being informed shoppers. The younger generation also has more social justice and environmental awareness altogether. Shoppers are willing to spend around 9.7% more on a product they know is sourced or manufactured sustainably, with 46% saying they would do so explicitly because they want to reduce their environmental footprint, according to a 2024 PwC report. Sustainable practices consumers look for from companies include production methods, packaging, and water conservation. But despite the growing consciousness around being more environmentally responsible, consumer actions don't always align with their values. In psychology, this is defined as the "say-do gap": the phenomenon wherein people openly express concern and intention around an issue, but fail to take tangible action to make a change. According to the Harvard Business Review in 2019, most consumers (65%) say they want to buy from brands that promote sustainability, but only 1 in 4 follow through. So why don't people actually shop sustainably, despite how much they express a preference for eco-friendly products—and how can we close the gap? The RealReal examined reports from the Harvard Business Review and other sources to explore why some shoppers want to buy sustainably but struggle to follow through. This lack of action isn't due to a lack of caring—in many cases, it's hard to know how to be a sustainable consumer and other factors are often outside of shoppers' control. But the more people shop sustainably, the easier and more accessible that market will be for everyone—making it much easier for folks to buy aligned with their values. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Hyderabad: People Fondly Recall Singh’s Initiatives( MENAFN - ABN Newswire) Cobalt Blue Holdings Limited (ASX:COB) (FRA:COH) (OTCMKTS:CBBHF) is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Mount Isa City Council (MICC) to assess solutions to the looming sulphuric acid supply shortage in North West Queensland. KEY POINTS - Cobalt Blue Holdings Limited (COB) and Mount Isa City Council (MICC) have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to assess solutions to the looming sulphuric acid supply shortage in North West Queensland. - This shortage, caused by the imminent closure of Mount Isa Mines' copper smelter, will create a significant deficit in the market and jeopardise a significant proportion of the region's industrial employment base. - COB has developed and patented a minerals processing technology for treating pyrite and demonstrated the potential economic recovery of elemental sulphur and metals from pyrite deposits. - This MOU sets out a partnership in which COB will provide advice to MICC on the requirements, challenges and barriers to a potential pyrite tailings re-processing operation to produce sulphuric acid. - COB has previously demonstrated its proprietary technology at its Broken Hill based demonstration facility with large scale operations over the last 5 years producing around 10 tonnes of high purity elemental sulphur from pyrite feedstocks. The looming sulphuric acid shortage The announced 2030 closure of the Glencore Mount Isa copper smelter will create a critical shortfall of sulphuric acid, a vital resource for numerous industries in the region, including the fertiliser, metallurgical, and chemical sectors. This shortage threatens to impact thousands of jobs and hinder economic growth. To mitigate this challenge, COB and MICC have agreed to collaborate on the assessment and feasibility of a potential Mt Isa-centred pyrite tailings re-processing operation to produce sulphuric acid. COB's ReMine+ technology is poised to play a crucial role in the collaboration. By reprocessing pyrite and other sulphide-rich mine tailings, ReMine+ can recover valuable metals (including gold, cobalt, nickel, and copper) while simultaneously generating either elemental sulphur or sulphuric acid. COB has successfully evaluated the application of ReMine+ to pyrite feedstocks from various regions, including in Queensland and Canada. A signing ceremony was held at Council Chambers in Mount Isa this morning, Monday, 9 December 2024. Peta MacRae, Mayor of Mount Isa, said: "This MOU with Cobalt Blue aligns with Council's commitment to a sustainable future for our industries, economy, environment, and communities. It demonstrates our commitment to developing a locally-made solution to the looming sulphuric acid shortage that will otherwise have a huge negative impact on many of our largest industries. Mount Isa already has expertise in the production of sulphuric acid and has existing air monitoring systems in place to ensure community safety. Cobalt Blue's technology solves the issue of dealing with old tailings as well as reinforcing the economics of the supply chain for the whole of Australia. It also reduces the sovereign risk of relying on international sulphuric acid supply." Joe Kaderavek, CEO of Cobalt Blue, added: "Queensland's North West Minerals Province offers a wealth of opportunity for sustainable mining and resource recovery. Our ReMine+ technology can unlock the value of these resources and produce essential commodities, like sulphuric acid, which is critical across several industries in the region. This MOU underscores the resilience and innovation that prevails in Australian mining communities." Next steps in the partnership The next steps include assessing the commercial and operational viability of different technologies, feedstocks, and outputs. COB will aim to complete proof of concept testwork within 16 weeks of receipt of sample, with MICC assisting, where possible, to source samples. COB will also advise MICC on the requirements, challenges, and barriers to a potential pyrite tailings reprocessing operation in the region to produce sulphuric acid. During the assessment process, MICC intends to set aside land upon which to build and operate a pilot-scale plant that would evaluate the amenability of technologies to process pyrite into sulphur and sulphuric acid and create associated business and community benefits. COB will provide advice and detailed information on the construction, power and other consumables required for the plant. By combining MICC's local knowledge and infrastructure with COB's advanced technology, this collaboration aims to deliver a sustainable and economically viable solution to the sulphuric acid supply challenge in North West Queensland. Developing a commercially viable, low impact solution to acid supply, whilst alleviating long term environmental liabilities and generating critical and other metal revenue through tailings re-processing is in the interest of all stakeholders. This video summarises COB's the patented process to extract valuable metals and sulphur from mine waste to minimise environmental risks: The MOU shall remain in force until 31 December 2029 unless terminated earlier by a party. A party has the right to terminate the MOU with written notice. Cobalt Blue expertise - high purity elemental sulphur COB has previously designed, built and operated a demonstration facility utilising its proprietary technology. Over the last five years a series of large scale testwork programs have been executed with around 10 tonnes of high purity elemental sulphur produced utilising available pyrite concentrate feedstock from the Broken Hill Cobalt Project. The sulphur was produced via a commercial rotary kiln typically operating at 150-300kg/hr throughput capacity. Samples from the testwork were then shared with potential customers to gauge the quality of the resulting elemental sulphur, with positive assessments underpinning the viability of the technology. Elemental sulphur is a clean, low hazardous product used as a precursor to manufacture sulphuric acid, providing industry with significant advantages in handling, storage and transport and allowing sulphuric acid to be produced directly at the customer site driven by local production requirements. COB's technology, focusing on elemental sulphur production, was included as a solution in the "Queensland Sulphuric Acid Study (August 2024)" (Core Resources Ltd) delivered to the Queensland Government for further assessment. COB's decision to focus on elemental sulphur production, rather than sulphuric acid, for the Broken Hill Cobalt Project was driven by the low local sulphuric acid demand profile. This demand profile is in sharp contrast to that of Queensland's North West Minerals Province, which the 2024 Sulphuric Acid Supply Study estimates to grown from 1.30Mt/year to 2.8-5.0Mt/year in the future. A focus for work under the MOU with MICC will be to demonstrate the flexibility of COB's process for direct production of sulphuric acid. The benefit of the COB process is that sulphur gas excess to acid requirements can be cooled and prilled as elemental sulphur for safe storage against future acid deficit, ensuring security of supply for the region. *To view tables and figures, please visit: Cobalt Blue Holdings Ltd (ASX:COB ) (FRA:COH) (OTCMKTS:CBBHF) has a strategic approach that positions us to be among the first wave of new entrants into the allied battery materials supply chain. We are committed to playing a leading role in securing a stable and sustainable future for critical minerals. MENAFN08122024000111011020ID1108969502 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Ustby, Donarski lead No. 16 North Carolina women over Villanova 53-36 in Battle 4 Atlantis semifinal
FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Wade Taylor IV scored 19 points, Zhuric Phelps hit a go-ahead 3-pointer during an 11-0 run and finished with 12 points, and 22nd-ranked Texas A&M beat Texas Tech 72-67 on Sunday in the first meeting of the former conference rivals since 2012. Phelps' 3 with 7 1/2 minutes left made it 54-52 and put the Aggies (8-2) ahead to stay. His step-back jumper after hard contact with Tech's Kevin Overton capped the game-turning spurt. Jace Carter scored 13 of his 16 points in the first half as Texas A&M won its fourth straight game. Chance McMillian had 23 points with five 3s for Tech (7-2). Overton scored 14 of his 17 points before halftime, when he hit four 3s. Texas Tech played its second game in a row without leading scorer and rebounder JT Toppin (18.6 ppg/11 rpg) because of what the school said is a lower-body injury for the 6-foot-9 forward. Texas A&M made all eight of its free throws in the final 27 seconds, four by Taylor, while Tech made three 3s in the final minute. Texas A&M led 23-12 in the first half on a 3-pointer by Carter, that opened a 45-second exchange of two 3s each by he and Overton. The second 3 by Overton started a 9-0 run that got the Red Raiders within 26-24. The Aggies and Red Raiders played at least twice annually between 1958-2012 while members of the old Southwest Conference and then the original Big 12 before Texas A&M went to the SEC. Their first non-conference meeting since 1953 was at Dickies Arena, a neutral site. Texas A&M plays No. 8 Purdue in Indianapolis on Sunday. Texas Tech hosts Oral Roberts on Dec. 16. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 all season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball
DALLAS , Dec. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2024, Daltile added new tile and stone collections into its industry-leading product line along with launches of extra-large porcelain and quartz slabs. Daltile is the nation's largest manufacturer and marketer of tile, stone, and countertop products for both residential and commercial use. "Our Daltile tile and stone products that were launched in 2024 exemplify many of today's most popular interior design trends," said Claudio Caselli , senior vice president of research and development, Dal-Tile LLC. "These gorgeous new assortments represent a variety of looks, including dramatic marble, unique desert touch, and tranquil stone visuals to name a few, featured in the finest quality stone, porcelain, and ceramic tiles and mosaics. In addition to exceptional visuals, these new Daltile products also feature sophisticated texture as well as value added features like 50% greater slip resistance than traditional tile and 24/7 protection against bacteria on the tile surface. Combining our cutting-edge technological advances in tile production with our fashion-based mindset, Daltile's newest products provide a myriad of highly sophisticated designs, colors, textures, shapes, and sizes to help bring residential and commercial design visions to life." "On the extra-large slab front, our new 2024 Panoramic designs joined a fleet of existing Daltile products that provide 'the visuals and style of natural stone slabs with the performance of porcelain tile.' Panoramic is a great solution for designs that require a high-end look but are limited by budget or performance constraints. Panoramic easily brings the scale and style of natural stone slabs to projects where stone might be cost or installation prohibitive. Thanks to Daltile's proprietary printing technologies, designs are so realistic that it's hard to tell the difference between Panoramic and natural stone. Because Panoramic is made of authentic porcelain, each product is heat, stain, scratch, and chemical resistant as well as durable and easy to maintain." "Regarding our 2024 quartz offerings, these new Daltile products are among the largest quartz slab products in the world. These new extra-large slabs exemplify how the beauty of marble and stone visuals nicely combine with the durability and low-maintenance of quartz — and at a price that easily fits into both residential and commercial budgets. With quartz, you can add gorgeous natural stone looks to your home's design in a material that stands up to real life activity, perfect for kitchens. These quartz slabs are non-porous, scratch resistant, and stain resistant, and can be used on walls, backsplashes, and countertops. Our quartz slabs are an excellent way to bring both glamour and durability to commercial spaces also." TILE & STONE Sovran Sovran epitomizes luxury and durability, marrying the opulence of three different natural marble visuals with the practicality of ColorBody porcelain. Each porcelain tile boasts a timeless elegance reminiscent of classic white and black marble, adorned with intricate veining that varies from piece to piece. Reinvent your space with Sovran's distinguished presence, also featuring eight bold art deco-inspired patterns that add a touch of grandeur to any setting. The expansive 24x48 size with rectified edges and a 3D satin polished finish creates seamless installations — designed with the discerning connoisseur in mind. Suitable for floor, wall, and countertop applications. Sovran Images Iridescent Isles A stunning tribute to reactive glaze use in ceramic tile and the time-honored Raku technique, this glazed porcelain wall tile series invites you to travel the isles of design excellence. Crafted in a linear 2x9 size and six sophisticated hues, the glossy finish and metallic lusters create a captivating allure, enhancing any space with shimmer. Whether you seek to infuse a sense of serenity or make a bold style statement, Iridescent Isles provides the perfect backdrop for your design aspirations. Suitable for wall and pool lining applications. Proudly Made In The USA . Iridescent Isles Images Calligo Inspired by travertine stone, Calligo embodies the natural essence of stone with the convenience and longevity of porcelain/ceramic tile. Build a dimensional environment with the 12x24 fluted wall tile, which introduces a play of light and shadow, or enjoy a relaxing space created with the 15x30 floor tile and 1x6 mosaic. Calligo also provides exceptional peace of mind by featuring Daltile's proprietary technology, DEFEND powered by Microban®, which continuously eliminates 99% of bacteria on the tile surface. Suitable for floor, wall, countertop, and shower floor applications. Proudly Made In The USA . Calligo Images Indoterra Transform your surroundings into a haven of tranquility with Indoterra porcelain tile. A concrete look canvas of neutral tones, Indoterra offers a minimalistic design with large formats, dimensional surfaces, and StepWise technology that provides 50% greater slip resistance, making this product ideal for an immersive experience indoors and outdoors. Choose the timeless allure of the 2x9 brick with the choice of a fluted or flat surface, or the subtle sophistication of the 12x24 woven wall tile and circle mosaic. Indoterra invites you to play with textures and shapes in a color palette that will stand the test of time. This new collection allows for creativity and vision to come to life in any setting. Suitable for floor, wall, countertop, exterior floor, and shower floor applications. Proudly Made In The USA . Indoterra Images Eclessia Marble Experience the refined luxury of Eclessia Marble. Rich variation and bold veining showcase the unique character of this natural marble stone series. Delve into a palette of four sumptuous shades, adorned with undertones of grey and hints of gold, available in 12x24 polished and honed surfaces. Embark on a journey of elegance with eight coordinating mosaics per color, each designed to inspire limitless creativity and sophistication. Mosaic shapes include arch, wave, feather, double herringbone, elongated fan, 6" circle, and 2" hexagon. Embrace the enduring beauty of Eclessia Marble — your path to luxury begins here. Suitable for floor, wall, countertop, and shower floor applications. Eclessia Marble Images Marble Attaché (Size Extension) This new 32x32 size has joined one of Daltile's most popular existing porcelain tile collections, Marble Attaché. Marble Attaché offers elegant, yet relaxing, marble visuals. With five colors and several large-format sizes, Marble Attaché emulates the finest and most unique marble colors found in nature. This product is available in multiple large format sizes including 32x32, 24x48 as well as a linear hex mosaic and offers matte, satin, and polished finishes. The Marble Attaché collection is suitable for floor, wall, countertop, and shower floor applications. Proudly Made In The USA . Marble Attaché Images Organic Keystones Daltile's existing Keystones porcelain tile collection has expanded into uncharted territory with its new Organic Keystones sub-collection that features ten nature-inspired colors, two new shapes, and five exclusive color blends. The new Organic Hex and Organic Penny mosaics pay homage to the unique, asymmetrical shapes found in nature. Curating ten biophilic hues from the original Keystones collection, the new Organic Keystones assortment offers a palette that encompasses nature's grandeur. Select the perfect hues to match your vision, from vibrant and energetic to calm and serene. These mosaics inspire a connection to the world outside, bridging the gap between the indoors and outdoors to experience the artistry of nature every day. Suitable for floor, wall, countertop, shower floor, exterior floor, and pool lining applications. Proudly Made In The USA . Organic Keystones Images Color Wheel Splash Take a dive into Color Wheel Splash, a curated assortment from the beloved Color Wheel collection, featuring eight gorgeous Mediterranean blue hues. The offering includes four glossy and four abrasive finishes, in 6x6 glazed ceramic tiles, complemented by two bullnose sizes. Whether enhancing the pool edge or accentuating pool steps, Color Wheel Splash brings a vibrant color accent into the water. Elevate your poolside experience with both style and functionality. Suitable for interior and exterior wall applications. Color Wheel Splash Images Color Wheel Borders Effortlessly enhance your space with Color Wheel Borders, designed to be the perfect finishing touch for any room. This brand new 96" (8 foot) cast stone wall trim is the first jolly of its size in the entire Daltile product line. In addition, the material is flexible making this trim piece easier to install and transport. Available in select colors from Daltile's existing Color Wheel tile collection, this jolly provides installation convenience and style, offering a seamless transition between wall and tile. Available in matte and glossy. Suitable for wall application. Proudly Made In The USA . Color Wheel Borders Images PANORAMIC PORCELAIN SLABS Elestial A true design element for any space, Panoramic's Elestial porcelain slabs flawlessly replicate one of nature's most rare stones, Silver Root Marble, quarried from the Turkish landscape. Offering a warm, silver-grey backdrop accented with gold and dark charcoal veining, Elestial brings luxury and soothing elegance to any bathroom, kitchen, or outdoor kitchen. This 64"x127" ultra large slab provides the artistry of a natural marble with the durability, cleanability, and affordability of porcelain. Suitable for floor, wall, and countertop applications. Panoramic, Elestial Images Lemurian Introducing a seamless design of contemporary opulence, Panoramic's Lemurian porcelain slab collection radiates luxurious charm. A breathtaking marble slab visual, Lemurian captivates and illuminates a room with its warm white backdrop and delicate gold veining. The subtle detailing woven throughout the glossy 48"x96" porcelain slab adds an eye-catching luster that redefines sophistication and elegance. Suitable for wall and floor applications. Panoramic, Lemurian Images Selenite Illuminating a room with clean serenity, Panoramic's Selenite porcelain slab captures the delicate power of a marble look that sooths the soul. A cloudy white palette with soft gray veining mirrors the feel of water drizzling down a window, grounding and peaceful. Bringing in a natural element, Selenite's monochromatic detailing emulates a fluidity perfect for an oasis. The subtle dimension of this porcelain design elevates the composition of wall and floor applications. Available in 48"x96" slabs. Panoramic, Selenite Images ONE QUARTZ SLABS Black Canyon This exotic marble design immediately adds intrigue to a space. Atop the rich onyx black background, several high-contrast thick white veins seem to dramatically cut through the darkness, complemented and tamed by additional thin gold, grey veining. The result is a deep, rich statement design. The 136"x79" Super Jumbo sized quartz slab is available in both 2 and 3 cm thicknesses, with a polished surface. Suitable for wall, backsplash, and countertop applications. Made in the USA with imported materials. Black Canyon Images Calacatta Bolt The artistic flow of the rich marble-look of Calacatta Bolt is striking in any space. The depth of the contrast between the off-white slab and the thick black marble-like veining creates a unique and dramatic statement. This 136" x 79" Super Jumbo polished quartz slab comes in 2 cm and 3 cm thickness, making it an excellent selection for any wall, backsplash, or countertop application. Made in the USA with imported materials. Calacatta Bolt Images Outer Banks Outer Banks combines the richness of delicate golds and sandy-colored veining with a polished, off-white background. The soft, intricate pattern adds dimension to this simple yet elegant stone-look visual. Outer Banks is available in both 2 cm and 3 cm thickness in the 136" x 79" Super Jumbo slab sizing, perfect for any countertop, backsplash, or wallcovering applications. Made in the USA with imported materials. Outer Banks Images Telluride The subtle, pencil-like details of Telluride effortlessly establish a unique visual that boasts purity of design. The understated simplicity of the polished off-white background combined with soft grey veining adds both modernity and serenity to a space. This marble-look design is available in 2 cm and 3 cm thickness and 136" x 79" Super Jumbo quartz slab dimensions. Suitable for wall, backsplash, and countertop applications. Made in the USA with imported materials. Telluride Images Valor Gold Daltile's Valor Gold melds beauty with understated luxury through the use of a clean, white background infused with warmer golden tones. The resulting cream palette is accented with slightly feathered veining for a marble design that provides depth and realism. Valor Gold is versatile, perfect for either a modern or traditional setting. The 136"x79" Super Jumbo sized quartz slab is available in both 2 and 3 cm thicknesses, with a polished or lava surface. Suitable for wall, backsplash, and countertop applications. Made in the USA with imported materials. Valor Gold Images Monument White Daltile's Monument White is a warm marble look background showcasing flowing veins that almost appear to be nature's version of kintsugi. Thin grey and gold veining is accented by tiny flecks of mirrored material to add a reflective quality to the surface. The 136"x79" Super Jumbo sized quartz slab is available in both 2 and 3 cm thicknesses, with a polished or matte surface. Suitable for wall, backsplash, and countertop applications. Made in the USA with imported materials. Monument White Images Coronado White With Coronado White's overall soft appealing stone visual, the delight is in the details. Viewing from afar, the surface will appear a monochromatic white, but viewed more closely, a swirling pattern appears across the entire quartz slab. This enchanting movement offers further interest by blending in gentle streaks of off-white, sprinkled with flecks of glass, mirror, and cool grey colored shards. The 136"x79" Super Jumbo sized quartz slab is available in both 2 and 3 cm thicknesses, with a polished surface. Suitable for wall, backsplash, and countertop applications. Made in the USA with imported materials. Coronado White Images Acadia Black Daltile's Acadia Black is a deep, pure black background swirled with a chalky black fusion that brings additional depth to the surface. Upon this backdrop, mirrored and dark flecks appear throughout, creating an elevated granite visual. The 136"x79" Super Jumbo sized quartz slab is available in both 2 and 3 cm thicknesses, with a polished surface. Suitable for wall, backsplash, and countertop applications. Made in the USA with imported materials. Acadia Black Images About Daltile Daltile is the industry-leading brand of ceramic, porcelain, glass, metal, and stone tile as well as mosaics, extra-large slabs, countertops, exteriors, and roofing tile. Daltile products are distributed through over 250 company-owned sales service centers, stone slab yards, and gallery design centers that service a robust network of trade customers. Daltile products are also sold through independent flooring retailers. Dedicated to innovative product development and distinguished style, Daltile provides a rich palette of quality products created to inspire residential and commercial designs. For more information, visit daltile.com and follow Daltile on Instagram , Pinterest , LinkedIn , Facebook , X , and YouTube . Media Contact: Michelle Corley michelle.corley@daltile.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/daltile-highlights-2024-new-product-launches--end-of-year-recap-302339674.html SOURCE DaltileThe creative economy in the Sultanate is bursting with potential. From podcasts and theatre festivals to comedy shows, a growing wave of talented Bruneians is stepping into the spotlight, sharing their stories and showcasing their craft like never before. The post-COVID surge in social media has unlocked new platforms for expression, attracting a diverse range of creators. Many of these individuals weave the Sultanate’s unique tales and heritage into their work, resonating with audiences both locally and globally. As the creative scene continues to thrive, the need for clear standards becomes increasingly evident. Establishing these benchmarks is crucial to building a unified creative economy while preserving Brunei’s cultural identity and adapting it to today’s globalised world. Part of this effort, according to CEO and co-founder of Kitani Kreatif Nuur Aqilah Ali – a creative laboratory and think tank dedicated to advancing the Sultanate’s creative economy – lies in recognising the broader value of cultural assets beyond their economic contributions. “To focus solely on the economic value of the cultural and creative industries (CCI) is to devalue their true impact,” she explained, noting that the growth of local CCIs can align with Brunei Vision 2035, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Maqasid Syariah. In this context, Aqilah urged local producers to acknowledge the social, cultural, spiritual, and environmental contributions of Brunei’s CCIs. CEO and co-founder of Kitani Kreatif Nuur Aqilah Ali explaining the seven crafts under the jurisdiction of the Brunei Art and Heritage Training Centre. PHOTO: KITANI KREATIF The attendees during the event. PHOTO: KITANI KREATIF She made these remarks during Kitani Berkongsi, a creative economy insight series aimed at fostering dialogue among cultural and creative practitioners, exchanging ideas, and building collaborations. The event, held earlier this month, also featured the organisation’s presentation ‘Where Are Brunei’s Cultural and Creative Industries Going?’ – an analysis of Brunei’s CCI, charting the sector’s development so far and exploring its future possibilities. Reflecting on her own experiences, Aqilah noted how her journey towards growing the country’s CCI stemmed from the distance she initially felt from her own culture. “I grew up feeling like I wasn’t ‘Bruneian enough’. I spoke English and was immersed in global media,” she recalled. “I’ve worked on global pieces, but what truly shifted my perspective were eye-opening experiences in localised creative industries.” She mentioned of a local play adapted from Dusun lore – this is an example of ‘cultural regeneration’, breathing new life into heritage while adapting it for modern audiences. “Creativity thrives in such environments, forcing you to think differently and innovate.” With 14 years of experience in the creative industry, spanning both formal and informal roles, Aqilah acknowledged that while Brunei’s CCIs remain underdeveloped, they have evolved over the years as perceptions begin to shift. “One shift I’ve noticed is that creatives are gravitating toward functional creativity, like advertising and architecture, because these fields have clearly defined purposes,” she observed. These forms of CCI, she added are more accepted compared to the creative arts, which are still often overlooked due to the lack of stability in the field, especially in Brunei. “In developed markets, you can charge GBP70 for a theatre show, or GBP15 for a comedy show, for example. But here, the prices are largely the same – BND15 to 50. “It’s incredibly difficult to make money from creativity, and that’s a challenge.” With the creative industry in Brunei still in its early stages, the think tank aims to bring global best practices to the Sultanate while uncovering a global value within local heritage. The focus is on creating works and products that reflect Bruneian heritage, ensuring its cultural significance is showcased on the world stage. “With globalisation on the rise, it’s essential to strike a balance between embracing modern influences and preserving our cultural assets,” Aqilah explained. “Through these efforts, we hope to connect with Bruneians and demonstrate to the world that Brunei’s heritage is truly one of a kind.” Fortunately, Aqilah continued, creatives and consumers in Brunei have a strong interest in cultural and heritage pieces, with the organisation being approached with several projects, most of which are tied to culture and heritage. However, a common challenge is that many do not know where to learn about these aspects or how to respectfully incorporate them into their work. “Our role is to bridge that gap – not just by providing information, but by fostering a sense of shared responsibility,” she said. She then emphasised the distinction between culture with a small ‘c’ and Culture with a capital ‘C’, highlighting how both shape creativity in Brunei, its commercialisation, and the potential future definitions and classifications of CCIs. “These aren’t just my or your stories; they’re our stories, ones we should collectively care for. The real question is: how do we ensure respect for our heritage in creative work? And how do we make information accessible in the first place?” Aqilah remained optimistic about the future of the creative industries in Brunei Darussalam, though she noted that the current market conditions require creatives to focus on the more functional aspects of their talents, securing opportunities both locally and abroad. “The concept of creative industries, and by extension, the creative economy, is gaining significant traction in the region due to regional efforts,” she explained. “In Brunei, however, progress has often been fragmented and inconsistent. What I hope for is a more unified and consistent approach across all levels, one that helps people learn to truly value this sector.” – Wardi Wasil
Warren Buffett, the legendary US investor and chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, has made further preparations for giving away his fortune after his death. Buffett, 94, plans to donate 99.5 per cent of his remaining wealth, valued on Friday at $US149.7 billion ($A229.5 billion) according to Forbes magazine, to a charitable trust overseen by his daughter and two sons when he dies. In a letter to Berkshire shareholders on Monday, Buffett said three potential successor trustees have been designated if his daughter Susie, 71, and sons Howard, 69, and Peter, 66, cannot serve. He said each is somewhat younger than his children, well known to them and "makes sense" to all of them. "I've never wished to create a dynasty or pursue any plan that extended beyond the children," Buffett wrote. "But these successors are on the wait list. I hope Susie, Howie and Peter themselves disburse all of my assets." Buffett also said he is donating another $US1.14 billion of Berkshire stock to four family foundations. That boosts his giving to more than $US58 billion since 2006, when Buffett pledged most of his fortune to the foundations and to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which has received more than $US43 billion. He has donated 56.6 per cent of his Berkshire shares. Buffett has led Omaha, Nebraska-based Berkshire since 1965. He still owns 14.4 per cent of its stock and plans to continue donating shares to the five foundations during his lifetime. After his death, his children will have about 10 years to give away his remaining wealth, and must decide unanimously which philanthropic purposes it should serve. Susie Buffett leads the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, which funds reproductive health and is named for Buffett's first wife, and the Sherwood Foundation, which supports Nebraska non-profits and early childhood education. Howard Buffett heads the Howard G Buffett Foundation, which works to address global hunger, combat human trafficking and mitigate conflicts. Peter Buffett leads the NoVo Foundation, which has initiatives focused on marginalised girls and women as well as indigenous communities. Berkshire is a $US1 trillion conglomerate, owning businesses such as the BNSF railway and Geico car insurance, and stocks such as Apple and American Express. In his letter, Buffett acknowledged his advancing age but signalled no intention to step aside. "Father time always wins," he said. "To date, I've been very lucky but - before long - he will get around to me."
L'UNIQUE PIÈCE DE 10 KG EN OR PUR À 99,99 % - THE DANCE SCREEN (THE SCREAM TOO) DE LA MONNAIE ROYALE CANADIENNE VENDUE À PLUS DE 1,5 MILLION DE DOLLARS AUX ENCHÈRES DE LA MAISON HEFFELVikings staying on track and in control behind Sam Darnold's composure and confidence
Dating Don't miss out on the headlines from Dating. Followed categories will be added to My News. Creating a thumb-stopping dating profile can be hard enough, but what happens when you actually get a match? You then have to craft the perfect opening line and be charming enough to secure a date, which can often lead to overthinking, decision paralysis, and inevitably sending screenshots of messages to your friends in your group chat. This desire to stand out among countless matches has led people to take a rather creative approach as of late and turn to AI to help them in their dating lives. It’s something which is proving popular, yet naturally controversial. Singles have been using it for everything from crafting clever bios to analysing message exchanges – turning technology into a modern-day Cupid, albeit a digital one. For Sydney local Caitlin Morris, who has been single for a year, AI has become an unexpected ally in the often draining experience of dating apps. “I’ve used it in a few ways — from crafting an engaging profile that appeals to the type of person I want to attract, to asking ChatGPT to give feedback on my photos and whether they show me in the way I want to be seen online,” she said. A Sydney woman, Caitlin Morris, says she uses AI to improve her dating profile. Picture: Supplied Ms Morris’ decision to turn to AI wasn’t random, as she already used it at work. “I use it all the time for tasks like customer service and improving communication, so it seemed natural to use it for something similar in my dating life,” she explained. “Creating a dating profile can feel hard since you want to come across as funny, engaging, and attractive, without being too serious or too vague.” By giving ChatGPT prompts like, “Write a funny and punchy dating app bio about me to attract men, including that I work in sales, love the gym, am a foodie, love the ocean and travelling, enjoy a good glass of wine, and love my cat,” Ms Morris manages to save time and sidestep the self-critiquing spiral that often comes with designing a profile. But even with its help, she still makes sure to finetune the responses if it emphasises one aspect too much. “One first draft overly focused on my love of wine!” she laughed. When it comes to helping her in conversations, Ms Morris said she’s used it “once or twice.” “I used it to help break up with a guy and, when another guy was being really boring, I asked if AI could help me joke around without being insulting. But for the most part, it’s the real me talking.” Yet for all the help AI provides, Ms Morris has still been left disappointed by the apps. “Unless ChatGPT can make the guys’ responses more engaging, the experience is pretty similar after I hit ‘save’,” she admitted. Ms Morris’ ChatGPT-assisted bio. Picture: Supplied The AI assistants changing the dating game She’s not alone in her embrace of AI for dating. Apps like RIZZ, dubbed an “AI wingman,” have skyrocketed in popularity, with 7.5 million users globally, including 400,000 Aussies. Co-founders Roman Khaves and Josh Miller created the app after recognising the common problem of people sharing screenshots of awkward chats with friends, desperate for advice. RIZZ, which is now the fifth most downloaded dating app in the United States, promises to do everything Ms Morris described, but with a fun and gamified interface. It can generate everything from playful openers to NSFW, sexting-esque messages. Similar platforms, like PlugAI and WingGPT, also promise to help daters “up their game” by drafting responses. However, the growing trend of people using AI in the dating world has not been without criticism. Apps like PlugAI use the power of AI to help people in dating app conversations. Picture: Reddit RIZZ is another app that crafts witty responses using AI. Picture: Reddit Users on Reddit have slammed the trend as a sign of someone having “no personality,” with one commenter branding it “a new low.” Others worry that AI-generated charm could fall flat in real life. One Sydney dater told news.com.au, “It’s kind of scary that people could be using ChatGPT for their profiles and responses. It could feel quite disconnected in real life because their intelligence and conversation wouldn’t match in person.” Another argued that AI detracts from the authenticity of forming genuine connections and said, “Connection can’t be sustained since when AI gets stripped away, we still need to talk and promote ourselves.” People can choose the tone of the responses. Picture: Supplied Relationship expert weighs in on AI in dating Relationship and intimacy coach Susie Kim recognises the challenges many face on dating apps, from lacklustre conversations to people “ghosting” their matches. “A lot of clients come to me feeling sick of the dating app experience as a whole - boring, repetitive conversations, not getting replies, and feeling like they’re not meeting the right people,” she said. “Essentially, they feel like there is a whole lot of effort that is not translating to positive dating experiences in real life. Having said that, what I see is that a lot of people don’t have a practical dating strategy in place that makes the apps experience a more easeful, enjoyable one.” For some of her male clients, AI offers a helping hand. “They know women get flooded with likes and messages, so they want to improve their chat game,” Ms Kim, who is a relationship coach for high achievers, explained. “Personally, I think that anything that makes the dating experience easier is worth it, because one of the biggest problems I see is that people are on and off with dating itself. If you can find ways to make dating more sustainable, fun or easy for you, do it!” Ms Kim suggests her clients use it as a “source of inspiration” on fun ways to respond or ask interesting questions. “It’s never about being disingenuous, it’s about being yourself, amplified,” she explained. Relationship expert Susie Kim is in favour of her clients using AI while on dating apps and says that “anything that makes the dating experience easier is worth it”. Picture: Supplied For those looking to level up their dating profiles, with or without AI, Ms Kim encouraged people to be “authentic, not generic.” “Dial into some specific things about yourself, and dial it up a few touches,” she advised. “This means being specific about what you’re wanting and highlighting your interests but going beyond things that are obvious. If you can zero in on deeper interests or experiences that genuinely reflect your values and quirks, it will turn some people off, but also attract better-quality matches. People who want solid relationships are looking for authenticity and cut-through these days, and there is a big soup of same-same on the apps.” Critics have warned that there could be downsides to using AI while dating. Picture: iStock The future of AI in dating Despite mixed opinions, the use of AI in dating apps is just another way people are using technology to optimise their lives. For some like Ms Morris, it’s a harmless tool that helps make her dating life just that little bit easier. “To me, AI is the perfect assistant. It proofreads and organises my initial thoughts, turning them into something cohesive and engaging,” she said. “Those who look down on it might be missing out on the benefits of using it.” Whether you think it’s genius or a red flag, it’s clear the “AI wingman” has arrived and is here to stay. More Coverage Australia’s number one biscuit revealed Claudia Poposki Popular drink that’s worse than a Big Mac Originally published as The ‘sneaky’ dating app hack 400,000 Aussies have tried More related stories Dating If you’re guilty of this, you’ll never find love New data has revealed single Aussies are sick of a bad dating habit, spawning a new trend that proves “daters are no longer willing to settle”. Read more Dating ‘Inevitable’: Shock relationship truth exposed It happens in all relationships and is one of the main reasons couples struggle, but this is what you can do to turn things around. Read moreGlobal Liveness Detection Software Market Size, Share and Forecast By Key Players-TECH5,Amazon(AWS),BioID Web,FaceTec,IDEMIA
Global Generative AI In Retail Market Set For 39.7% Growth, Reaching $3.01 Billion By 2028TEN Ltd., a leading diversified crude, product and LNG tanker operator, announced that it has published its third annual 2023 Environmental, Social, and Governance (‘ESG’) Report. The report emphasizes TEN’s robust sustainability platform, industry expertise, and strategic initiatives designed to achieve measurable results. Key aspects of the 2023 ESG report include: The inaugural application of the double materiality methodology, which assesses both the company’s impact on the environment and society and the influence of external factors on the company’s financial performance. The integration of information that form the basis for our Company’s participation in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA), a widely recognized framework untiled by over 13,000 Companies worldwide, that enables organizations to benchmark and evaluate their performance across a broad spectrum of industry-specific economic, environmental and social criteria. Independent assurance for a second consecutive year in collaboration with the Center for Sustainability and Excellence (CSE) North America. The preparation of the report in line with the frameworks of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Notable achievements reflecting significant progress made over the year towards the Company’s ESG goals, include: Mr. George Saroglou, President and COO of TEN commented: “Sustainability and energy efficiency are at the helm of our operations, and we remain committed to integrating innovative solutions and advanced energy management strategies to further optimize our fleet’s operational efficiency while significantly reducing our carbon footprint.” Source: Tsakos Energy Navigation