Royal enthusiasts were all abuzz on Christmas morning as the three young royals took center stage, accompanying Kate Middleton and Prince William to their traditional church visit in Sandringham. However, it's Prince Louis who has captured everyone's attention with his uncanny resemblance to a certain family member. The six year old prince was brimming with excitement alongside brother Prince George, 11, and sister Princess Charlotte, 9, as he received gifts from well-wishers, including stuffed animals, after the service on December 25. Inside the royal home with tragic past where Sarah Ferguson spent Christmas Prince William's 'secret' sister to join royals' Christmas after terrible fights over 'broken homes' Social media was quickly flooded with comments about Louis's striking similarity to his maternal grandfather, Michael Middleton. One fan gushed, "This young man looks so much like his maternal grandfather! The resemblance is uncanny! " Among the treasures Prince Louis collected were a box of Cadbury's chocolates, Christmas crackers, bouquets, and an array of stuffed toys. With his arms laden with presents, he proudly showed his haul to his siblings and parents, at times struggling to manage the bounty. Echoing the sentiment, another fan posted, "All I see is Michael Middleton" while another exclaimed, "Prince Louis is the spitting image of Grandad Michael Middleton! " A further comment read: "Prince Louis is Michael Middleton's mini-me." At this year's Together at Christmas service, which was hosted by the Princess of Wales and brought together the royal family and special guests for the festive season, Kate's parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, were present to support their daughter, reports the Express . Kate's parents were spotted in the audience at Westminster Abbey, beaming with pride as their daughter led the evening with grace. The three royal children accompanied their parents on a short walk from Sandringham House to St Mary Magdalene Church for the special 11am service. The Princess of Wales, holding hands with her youngest, Louis, looked radiant in a festive green coat by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. This year, about 45 guests, including Camilla's children, celebrated Christmas at Sandringham. Among the guests were food writer Tom Parker Bowles, 50, and art curator Laura Lopes, 46, along with their families, marking their first time celebrating Christmas at Sandringham. DAILY NEWSLETTER: Sign up here to get the latest news and updates from the Mirror US straight to your inbox with our FREE newsletter.Hockey: Bucks Open Season With Sweep Of OaheIs he a hero? A killer? Both? About the same time the #FreeLuigi memes featuring the mustachioed plumber from “Super Mario Brothers” mushroomed online, commenters shared memes showing Tony Soprano pronouncing Luigi Mangione , the man charged with murdering the UnitedHealthcare CEO in Manhattan , a hero. There were posts lionizing Mangione’s physique and appearance, the ones speculating about who could play him on “Saturday Night Live,” and the ones denouncing and even threatening people at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s for spotting him and calling police. It was all too much for Pennsylvania’s governor, a rising Democrat who was nearly the vice presidential nominee this year. Josh Shapiro — dealing with a case somewhere else that happened to land in his lap — decried what he saw as growing support for “vigilante justice.” The curious case of Brian Thompson and Luigi Mangione captivated and polarized a media-saturated nation. It also offers a glimpse into how, in a connected world, so many different aspects of modern American life can be surreally linked — from public violence to politics, from health care to humor (or attempts at it) . It summons a question, too: How can so many people consider someone a hero when the rules that govern American society — the laws — are treating him as the complete opposite? Writings found in Mangione’s possession hinted at a vague hatred of corporate greed and an expression of anger toward “parasitic” health insurance companies. Bullets recovered from the crime scene had the words “deny,” “defend” and “depose,” reflecting words used by insurance industry critics, written on them. A number of online posts combine an apparent disdain for health insurers — with no mention of the loss of life. “He took action against private health insurance corporations is what he did. he was a brave italian martyr. in this house, luigi mangione is a hero, end of story!” one anonymous person said in a post on X that has nearly 2 million views. On Monday, Shapiro took issue with comments like those. It was an extraordinary moment that he tumbled into simply because Mangione was apprehended in Pennsylvania. Shapiro’s comments — pointed, impassioned and, inevitably, political — yanked the conversation unfolding on so many people’s phone screens into real life. “We do not kill people in cold blood to resolve policy differences or express a viewpoint,” the governor said. “In a civil society, we are all less safe when ideologues engage in vigilante justice.” But to hear some of his fellow citizens tell it, that’s not the case at all. Like Bonnie and Clyde, John Dillinger, D.B. Cooper and other notorious names from the American past, Mangione is being cast as someone to admire. Regina Bateson, an assistant political science professor at the University of Colorado at Boulder, has studied vigilantism, the term to which Shapiro alluded. She doesn’t see this case as a good fit for the word, she says, because the victim wasn’t linked to any specific crime or offense. As she sees it, it’s more akin to domestic terrorism.But Bateson views the threats , and ticking up — plus the against President-elect Donald Trump this past summer — as possible signs that personal grievances or political agendas could erupt. “Americans are voicing more support for — or at least understanding of — political violence,” she said. Shapiro praised the police and the people of Blair County, who abided by a 9/11-era dictum of seeing something and saying something. The commenters have Mangione wrong, the governor said: “Hear me on this: He is no hero. The real hero in this story is the person who called 911 at McDonald’s this morning.” Even shy of supporting violence, there are many instances of people who vent over how health insurers deny claims. Tim Anderson’s wife, Mary, dealt with UnitedHealthcare coverage denials before she died from Lou Gehrig’s disease in 2022. “The business model for insurance is don’t pay,” Anderson, 67, of Centerville, Ohio, told The Associated Press . The discourse around the killing and Mangione is more than just memes. Conversations about the interconnectedness of various parts of American life are unfolding online as well. One Reddit user said he was banned for three days for supporting Kyle Rittenhouse, who was acquitted after testifying he acted in self-defense when he fatally shot two people in 2020 during protests. “Do you think people are getting banned for supporting Luigi?” the poster wondered. The comments cover a lot of ground. They include people saying the UnitedHealthcare slaying isn’t a “right or left issue” and wondering what it would take to get knocked off the platform. “You probably just have to cross the line over into promoting violence,” one commenter wrote. “Not just laughing about how you don’t care about this guy.”
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By JESSICA DAMIANO Some homeowners gaze out their windows and see lush and beautiful gardens . Others would like to see lush and beautiful gardens but instead are greeted by overgrown, dead or otherwise messy landscapes. Related Articles Things To Do | Exhausted by political news? TV ratings and new poll say you’re not alone Things To Do | Horoscopes Dec. 26, 2024: Jared Leto, focus on what excites and bring you joy Things To Do | A preview of some stunning hotels and resorts opening in 2025 Things To Do | 12 sexy Christmas movies to stream this ho-ho-holiday season Things To Do | This condiment is the only sauce you’ll need to hack the holidays Whether you’ve inherited a neglected garden from a previous homeowner or have been too busy to keep on top of maintenance, don’t despair: Devising a game plan now can set you up for a much better view by next winter. As with most seemingly hopeless tasks, breaking the process down into small steps performed over time will help make the project manageable. First, grab a notepad and take a walk around the garden. Assess each section, determining which plants can be saved, which need to go and which require attention. Make a list now. Dead and invasive plants , as well as weeds , should be first on the chopping block. If the weather allows, dig them out, removing as much of their root systems as possible. Otherwise, tackle this first in spring. Next, remove and give away otherwise-healthy plants that you don’t want. Online buy-nothing groups and neighborhood pages are great places to find takers . Many will even be willing to do the digging if it means getting a free plant. If the property has been overrun with a thicket of plants, shrubs, trees and vines that have grown wild, a chainsaw, brush mower or brush grubber may be in order. If you’re dealing with a lot of weeds or want to create new garden beds in a lawn, you can smother the existing vegetation rather than dig it up. Determine the shape and size of the bed or border, and cover that area with cardboard or thick layers of newspaper. This can be done now, topped with 3 inches of compost and 2 inches of mulch, and left to sit over winter. It can also wait until planting time. When you’re ready to plant, you’ll be cutting root-size holes in the cardboard for your plants. Most weeds will be suppressed, but some may sneak through and require pulling or more cardboard. Healthy but overgrown or unproductive deciduous shrubs (the types that lose their leaves) can be rejuvenated by pruning . Do this when branches are bare in late winter. Choosing a method will require weighing aesthetics against rebound time and deciding which is right for you. The fastest (but most severe) method would be to cut the whole plant down just above ground level. It’s scary, but most shrubs can handle this and will bounce back stronger. If retaining height in the garden is important, you can opt to prune each branch or stem individually at uneven heights. Or cut back one-third of the plant’s branches each year for three years. The latter would have the least drastic effect but require the most patience. Evergreen trees and shrubs should only undergo selective pruning (the shortening of individual branches). Take care to avoid over-shearing or creating holes in needled evergreen plants and trees; with the exception of yews, they won’t fill back in . Now that you have a clean canvas, turn your attention to the soil. Test the soil’s pH to ensure it’s within range for the plants you plan to add. Test kits are available at local and online garden retailers. Your local cooperative extension service may provide testing and soil-amendment advice for a nominal fee. If indicated, incorporate lime or elemental sulfur into the soil to raise or lower its pH, following package instructions. If the soil is hard and compacted, use a core aerator or long-handled garden fork to create 2-3-inch holes through which air and water can enter. Finally, spread a 2-to-3-inch layer of compost or well-rotted manure over the area. As it decomposes, nutrients will work their way into the soil. After completing the above steps, it will be time to plant your new garden. If by summer you’re not yet ready to plant, apply mulch or use annuals to protect the bare soil. When you’re ready to plant new trees , shrubs and/or perennials, carefully select varieties that will not run rampant. Dig holes just as deep as their roots but twice as wide and space them appropriately to allow for their mature sizes. For the lowest maintenance going forward, consider hardy, pollinator-friendly , drought-tolerant native plants. Incorporate non-invasive groundcovers into beds to serve as a natural mulch and discourage weeds – remember, if you don’t plant something in bare spots, God will. While you wait for groundcovers to fill in, apply 2-to-3 inches of mulch between and around plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, keep soil temperatures even and protect tender roots. It might take a year or two — or longer, depending on your schedule and ability, but a step-by-step approach will avoid overwhelm and provide a steady stream of small wins as you approach your goal. Jessica Damiano writes weekly gardening columns for the AP and publishes the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter. You can sign up here for weekly gardening tips and advice. For her favorite tools and gear of the past year, see her 2024 gardening gift guide. For more AP gardening stories, go to https://apnews.com/hub/gardening .The Police Service Commission (PSC) Thursday promoted Hauwa Ibrahim Jibrin to the rank of Commissioner of Police (CP). Her promotion was part of the recent advancement of 27 senior officers, including 11 Commissioners of Police elevated to AIG and 16 Deputy Commissioners of Police promoted to substantive Commissioner of Police. Hauwa Ibrahim Jibrin, born on October 28, 1972, in Fagge local government area of Kano state, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science, a Postgraduate Diploma in Security and Strategic Studies, and a Master’s degree in the same field. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. She is the first female northerner to be appointed as a Commissioner of Police. Before her promotion, Jibrin served as the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of administration at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command. The PSC, led by Hashimu Argungu, has introduced written and oral examinations as part of its promotion process to ensure competence and preparedness. Argungu stated the need for continuous improvement and ICT proficiency among officers. Jibrin’s promotion highlights her exemplary service record and reflects the PSC’s focus on professionalism in police advancement.
Indium Phosphide Polycrystalline Market Outlook and Future Projections for 2030 12-15-2024 03:21 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Dhirtek Business Research and Consulting Indium Phosphide Polycrystalline Market The indium phosphide polycrystalline market represents a dynamic and continually evolving landscape, shaped by changing consumer demands and technological advancements. In this comprehensive report, we provide an in-depth exploration of the market, designed for a wide range of stakeholders including manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and investors. Our goal is to equip industry participants with essential insights that enable informed decision-making in an ever-changing market environment. This analysis not only examines the current state of the indium phosphide polycrystalline market but also forecasts its future trends. Scope and Purpose This report serves as an extensive resource, thoughtfully curated to deliver actionable intelligence to industry stakeholders. It covers critical elements such as market dynamics, competitive environments, growth opportunities, challenges, and regional differences. The insights provided go beyond mere descriptions, offering a valuable tool for stakeholders to refine their strategies and make informed choices in a competitive market. Request for Sample Report: https://www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com/market-report/Indium-Phosphide-Polycrystalline-Market/request-for-sample-report Comprehensive Market Analysis We are committed to providing a thorough analysis that explores every aspect of market growth, including shifts in consumer preferences and technological innovations driving demand for indium phosphide polycrystalline products. We also address the challenges faced by the industry, such as economic uncertainties and intense competition, offering insights to help stakeholders navigate these complexities. Key Players in the Indium Phosphide Polycrystalline Market: Sumitomo Corporation AXT Inc InPACT TSMC Washington Thermo Fisher Weimeike Metal Mingjia Semiconductor Jinmei Gallium PlutoSemi Injie Semiconductor Strategic Guidance for the Future This report invites stakeholders to delve into a detailed examination of the competitive landscape. By profiling key players in the indium phosphide polycrystalline market and analyzing their strategies, we offer crucial insights to help industry participants make informed strategic decisions. Whether it's about outpacing competitors or learning from successful approaches, our analysis is designed to guide stakeholders toward success. Anticipated Insights Understanding the diverse segments within the indium phosphide polycrystalline market is critical to success. Our report breaks down segment sizes, potential growth trajectories, and key trends, offering actionable insights that allow stakeholders to develop targeted strategies and optimize resource allocation. The knowledge provided empowers stakeholders to navigate the complexities of the indium phosphide polycrystalline market with clarity and confidence. Balancing Market Forces and Strategic Impact This report delivers a comprehensive analysis of the factors shaping the indium phosphide polycrystalline market. By evaluating both the drivers of market growth and the obstacles that could impede it, stakeholders gain a holistic understanding of the market's dynamics. For manufacturers, this analysis helps align innovation efforts with consumer demands and regulatory trends, while investors and decision-makers gain a deeper understanding of economic risks and supply chain vulnerabilities, allowing them to make more informed strategic choices. Our goal is to provide stakeholders with the knowledge needed to confidently and successfully navigate the indium phosphide polycrystalline market. Competitive Landscape Our in-depth examination of the indium phosphide polycrystalline market's competitive landscape highlights key players, scrutinizing their strategies and impacts on the industry. By analyzing the approaches of major companies, stakeholders gain a valuable understanding of market dynamics and can leverage these insights to identify growth opportunities, innovate, and make informed strategic decisions. Market Segmentation The report begins with a detailed analysis of the unique characteristics defining each segment within the indium phosphide polycrystalline market. Segmentation can occur across various dimensions, including product types, customer demographics, or specific use cases. Understanding these differences allows stakeholders to tailor their strategies, products, and marketing efforts to meet the specific needs of each segment, enhancing competitive positioning and maximizing opportunities for success. Market Segments: Product Type: Purity Greater than 99.9% Purity Greater than 99.99% Others Application: Communication Equipment Integrated Circuit Millimeter Wave Devices Others Market Size and Segment Growth Potential A crucial part of the report focuses on understanding the size and significance of each market segment. We provide quantitative data that illustrates the market share and contribution of each segment, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding resource allocation, strategic prioritization, and investment. This section offers insights into the growth potential of each segment, including factors driving future expansion, evolving consumer preferences, and technological adoption. Conclusion This report serves as a strategic guide for stakeholders in the indium phosphide polycrystalline market, offering comprehensive insights into market segmentation, competitive dynamics, and growth potential. By understanding the market's complexities and emerging opportunities, industry participants can make well-informed decisions that drive success and innovation in this rapidly evolving market. Other Reports Aerospace Ultrasonic Cleaners Market https://www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com/market-report/Aerospace-Ultrasonic-Cleaners-Market IC Substrate Material Market https://www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com/market-report/IC-Substrate-Material-Market Beryllium Oxide (BeO) Powder Market https://www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com/market-report/Beryllium-Oxide-BeO-Powder-Market Thiamine Disulfide Market https://www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com/market-report/Thiamine-Disulfide-Market "Contact Us Dhirtek Business Research and Consulting Private Limited Contact No: +91 7580990088 Email Id: sales@dhirtekbusinessresearch.com" "About Us Dhirtek Business Research & Consulting Pvt Ltd is a global market research and consulting services provider headquartered in India. We offer our customers syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. Our objective is to enable our clientele to achieve transformational progress and help them to make better strategic business decisions and enhance their global presence. We serve numerous companies worldwide, mobilizing our seasoned workforce to help companies shape their development through proper channeling and execution. We offer our services to large enterprises, start-ups, non-profit organizations, universities, and government agencies. The renowned institutions of various countries and Fortune 500 businesses use our market research services to understand the business environment at the global, regional, and country levels. Our market research reports offer thousands of statistical information and analysis of various industries at a granular level." This release was published on openPR.Teamwork in Marvel Rivals is essential. Coordinating with your teammates to devise a strategy for the perfect Ace kill is a great way to play, and both voice and text chat make that easier. Of course, sometimes you don’t want to listen to the occasional toxic jerk or someone unaware their microphone is on. Muting players can be a satisfying solution for improving your experience. Read More: Marvel Rivals ’ Confusing Use Of The Term ‘Ace,’ Explained Marvel Rivals makes this process unfortunately a little cumbersome though, especially if you’ve never played a similar game before. Thankfully, we know how to mute players in Marvel Rivals so you don’t have to listen to the white noise of someone’s oscillating fan if you don’t want to. How to mute players on PS5 and Xbox Marvel Rivals makes great use of the many keys on a keyboard, but quite a few functions aren’t included as part of the default controls on PlayStation or Xbox. This won’t take too long once you get used to it, but it can still be an awkward thing to do during a match unless you’re waiting to respawn. Fortunately, there’s a shortcut. You’ll then be able to immediately go to the Match Settings Screen by pressing that button while playing. If you’re unsure of what to get rid of for it, I recommend remapping it over the Chrono Vision button. Developing a general knowledge and familiarity with the maps will make that ability redundant anyway. Chrono Vision is set to the right Directional Pad/Button by default. How to mute players on PC Muting a toxic player is a lot faster on the PC version of Marvel Rivals . For starters, you can do it the longer way console players use. That means navigating to Settings, Match Settings, and then choosing who to mute. Who has time for all that though? Any time spent on a menu is time you could be making use of your Team-Up abilities . Luckily, the PC version already has a default key that leads right where you need to go. Press the P key and you’ll find yourself at the Match Settings screen. Look for the player(s) who are disrupting your play, and click on the message or speaker icons next to their usernames to mute text and voice chat from them. How to disable text chat Any form of chat is important for Competitive matches, but I won’t judge you for preferring to rely on the Ping system in Quick matches. If you just want to avoid seeing particular types of messages in general, you can filter out what goes through the chat. Simply go to the Settings menu and move over to the Social tab. The Chat submenu allows you to enable or disable the following message types: Curiously, there doesn’t seem to be a way to automatically disable chat from the enemy’s team. The only way to stop seeing trash talk from the opposing side is to individually mute them as we covered above. Muting players might feel like a mean thing to do, but it’s worth it if you don’t think it will be a major detriment to the team. And it’s certainly the right thing to do if someone’s being toxic. There is nothing wrong with zoning out during some quick matches and just having fun with your free skins . Either way, the option to mute players is present for multiple reasons, so don’t feel bad about using it. .
Percentages: FG .440, FT .926. 3-Point Goals: 10-27, .370 (Byrd 4-5, Gonsalves 3-9, Berrett 2-7, Bieker 1-4, Riley 0-2). Team Rebounds: 5. Team Turnovers: None. Blocked Shots: 4 (Ariyibi 3, Rainwater). Turnovers: 14 (Ariyibi 3, Rainwater 3, Byrd 2, Gonsalves 2, Riley 2, Bieker, Misic). Steals: 5 (Bieker 2, Ariyibi, Byrd, Riley). Technical Fouls: None. Percentages: FG .556, FT .550. 3-Point Goals: 8-17, .471 (Washington 3-6, Jones 2-2, Barbee 1-1, Martindale 1-2, Adams 1-3, Beard 0-1, Brinson 0-1, Cain 0-1). Team Rebounds: 4. Team Turnovers: None. Blocked Shots: 5 (Jones 3, Fofana 2). Turnovers: 11 (Jones 3, Adams 2, Beard, Brinson, Fofana, Fuller, Martindale, Washington). Steals: 7 (Barbee 2, Jones 2, Washington 2, Adams). Technical Fouls: None. A_138 (7,321).
Michael Croley | (TNS) Bloomberg News In the old days of 2016, when golfers visited the Dormie Club in West End, North Carolina — 15 minutes from the hotbed of American golf, Pinehurst — they were greeted by a small, single-wide trailer and a rugged pine straw parking lot. Related Articles Travel | A preview of some stunning hotels and resorts opening in 2025 Travel | Travel scams that can hurt your credit or finances Travel | Travel Troubleshooter: KLM owes money for a refundable flight. So, where’s the refund? Travel | 7 family-friendly ski resorts in the US that won’t break the bank Travel | It’s beginning to look like another record for holiday travel That trailer is now long gone. A gate has been installed at the club’s entrance and a long driveway leads to a grand turnaround that sweeps you past a new modern clubhouse that’s all right angles, with floor-to-ceiling glass. Seconds after you exit your car, valets are zipping up in golf carts, taking your name, then your bags, handing you keys to your own golf cart, and then zipping off to drop your luggage in the four-bedroom cottage where you’ll stay. A short walk past an expansive putting green you’ll find the pro shop — and then you’ll see the club’s most elegant feature: its golf course. The changes have all come about because Dormie Club was acquired in 2017 by the Dormie Network, a national group that owns seven private golf facilities from Nebraska to New Jersey. (“Dormie” is a word for being ahead in golf — the names were coincidences.) A key to the network’s success has been its ability to find clubs ripe for acquisition, with outstanding golf courses and existing on-site lodging or the room to build it, says Zach Peed, president of the company and its driving force. After investing in Arbor Links Golf Club in Nebraska City, Nebraska, in late 2015, Peed believed he saw an opening in the golf market: a new model of hospitality for traveling professionals who wanted a pure golf experience that eschewed the pools and pickleball courts of their home clubs. His clubs would become dream golf-only getaways for avid players and their pals. “Dormie Network’s concept was sparked by having played competitive golf in college, combined with an element of experiencing and understanding hospitality,” says Peed. “It made sense to blend the two to create golf trips that had more value than just playing golf. We want genuine hospitality to help create unforgettable memories and new friendships.” Part of that formula has been in the lodging strategy; in North Carolina, 15 four-bedroom cottages now are a short golf cart ride from the main clubhouse. In each, golfers all have their own king-size bed and en suite bathroom. A large common room is dominated by a flatscreen television along with a well-stocked bar and snacks. That ability to be both social, or tucked away in your room, extends to the expansive new clubhouse, where a high-ceilinged bar area with blond wood creates an inviting space for dining and drinking, and several hideaway rooms allow for more private diners with just your group. So far, their commitment to hospitality has been helping them expand in both membership and club usage in the increasingly competitive market for traveling golfers. Major players such as Bandon Dunes, Pinehurst Resort, and the Cabot Collection have created — or renovated — a new paradigm where golfers get dining and lodging that’s as showcase-worthy as the courses they play. Comfortable sheets and options beyond pub food aren’t luxuries anymore, but staples for many group trips. Dormie has answered that call by focusing on both the big details and the small ones, like having the dew wiped off each golf cart at dawn outside guest cottages before the day begins or having a tray of cocktails delivered to golfers as their final putt falls on the 18th green. These touches may seem over-the-top, but they stand out in a world where golf travel is increasingly popular — and expensive — after the pandemic lockdowns. Since 2020 there has been an explosion in participation in the sport, with new golfers picking up the game and avid golfers playing more: According to the National Golf Foundation, a record 531 million rounds were played in 2023, surpassing the high of 529 million set in 2021. Supreme Golf, a public golf booking website, reports in its latest analysis that the average cost of a tee time has increased to $49 in 2024 from $38 in 2019, a 30% increase. Those cost increases are also on par (pun intended) with the costs of private clubs and initiation fees during that same period, where membership rosters that were dwindling pre-COVID now have waitlists 50 to 60 people deep, according to Jason Becker, co-founder and chief executive officer of Golf Life Navigators, which matches homebuyers with golf course communities. “There’s been an absolute run on private golf. If we use southwest Florida as an example, where there are 158 golf communities, this time last November, only five had memberships available,” he said. That inability to find a club close to home has pushed avid golfers to look farther afield, choosing national memberships at clubs that require traveling, usually via plane, to play. Dormie has capitalized on this growing segment, offering two types of memberships: First, a national membership, where members pay an initiation fee and monthly dues just as they would at a local club, but instead of one club they have access to seven. The second option is a signature membership for companies, “which allows businesses to use our properties for entertainment needs and requires a multiyear commitment,” Peed says. The network also offers a limited number of regional memberships for those living within a certain distance of one of its clubs. Dormie Network declined to provide the cost of memberships or monthly dues and wouldn’t give membership numbers, but the clubs are structured to lodge roughly 60 golfers, max, on-site at any given property at any time. The total number of beds across the network’s portfolio of properties has increased from 84 in 2019 to 432 today. It saw a jump from 10,000 room nights in 2019 to 48,000 in 2023. This September, Dormie opened GrayBull in Maxwell, in Nebraska’s, Sandhills region. Dormie Network tabbed David McLay Kidd to build the course, who also built the original course at Oregon’s famed Bandon Dunes. Kidd says of the property GrayBull sits on, “It’s like the Goldilocks thing: not too flat, not too steep. It’s kind of in a bowl that looks inwards, and there are no bad views.” That kind of remote destination, where the long-range views are only Mother Nature or other golf holes, is what drives many traveling golfers these days. Peed says his team leaned on years of knowledge from Dormie’s acquisitions as they built GrayBull, which started construction in 2022. “We had an understanding of how our members and guests use the clubs that allowed us to take a blank canvas in the Sandhills of Nebraska and combine all of the greatest aspects of each Dormie property into one.” ©2024 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.The Quebec government says they’re meeting with provincial business leaders to talk about the possible 25 per cent tariffs U.S. President-elect Trump has threatened to impose. Economy Minister Christine Fréchette held roundtable discussions this week with some 30 Quebec companies and business associations on this, and there will be more talks coming. “There is a lot at stake. Should any tariff be imposed because many of our businesses export in the U.S. Some of them export only in the U.S. and so one of the recommendations we are making to all businesses is to consider exporting in other countries and the rest of Canada also – it’s important to be there and develop our commercial links with that region,” explained Fréchette. Friday morning, Fréchette was at Investissement Québec’s head office in Montreal with the CEOs of major companies for another roundtable. Quebec is looking to see how to protect jobs, and how businesses can develop in other markets. One of the recommendations we are making to all businesses is to consider exporting in other countries and the rest of Canada also – it’s important to be there and develop our commercial links with that region,” Fréchette explained. “But of course, our plan A remains not to have any tariffs and we want to make sure Americans understand what would be the impact should they go ahead with tariffs. The clear impact would be that Americans would pay more for the goods they are importing from Quebec and Canada. We have to make sure that Americans understand that, that the administration understands that, and that American partners diffuse that message to their leaders.” According to the province, the United States is a leading destination for many Québec exports. In 2023, around 73.6 per cent of Quebec’s merchandise exports — which is worth around $83.7 billion — went to the U.S. Additionally, 96 per cent or $9.8 billion of Quebec’s aluminum exports, 69 per cent or $11.1 billion in Quebec’s aerospace exports, 83 per cent or $8.2 billion of forestry exports, and 68.5% or $8.1 billion of agri-food exports all were destined for the U.S. “In fact we have made important progress this week because we have been discussing with more than 30 important businesses or business associations, and my administration is currently having phone calls with more than 100 businesses that could be impacted by the imposition of tariffs so we are getting a clearer idea of what could happen should tariffs be imposed at the border by the American administration,” said Fréchette. “But our plan is to have no tariff at all of course, so we are asking the federal government to put more resources at the border, we need more people there, more technology, to make sure there are no more illegal people that go from Canada to the US by unofficial ways. This is our plan A and we are focusing on that but we are preparing for different impacts should the administration, the Trump administration go ahead.” These roundtable discussions follow the recent creation of the Quebec-United States ministerial working group last month, in which Fréchette is a part of. The committee also includes ministers Christopher Skeete, Martine Biron, Eric Girard, Maïté Blanchette Vezina, André Lamontagne, François Bonnardel and Jean-François Roberge. They are set to meet regularly and consult with businesses, associations, and experts to provide advice on the various issues related to the province’s trade relationship with the United States.