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ECU CB Shavon Revel Jr. declares for NFL draftBurt died over the weekend, the Crocosaurus Cove reptile aquarium in Darwin, Australia, said. He was at least 90 years old. “Known for his independent nature, Burt was a confirmed bachelor – an attitude he made clear during his earlier years at a crocodile farm,” Crocosaurus Cove wrote in social media posts. The aquarium added: “He wasn’t just a crocodile, he was a force of nature and a reminder of the power and majesty of these incredible creatures. While his personality could be challenging, it was also what made him so memorable and beloved by those who worked with him and the thousands who visited him over the years.” A saltwater crocodile, Burt was estimated to be more than 16 feet long. He was captured in the 1980s in the Reynolds River and became one of the most well-known crocodiles in the world, according to Crocosaurus Cove. The 1986 film stars Paul Hogan as the rugged crocodile hunter Mick Dundee. In the movie, American Sue Charlton, played by actress Linda Kozlowski, goes to fill her canteen in a watering hole when she is attacked by a crocodile before being saved by Dundee. Burt is briefly shown lunging out of the water. But the creature shown in more detail as Dundee saves the day is apparently something else. The Internet Movie Database says the film made a mistake by depicting an American alligator, which has a blunter snout. The Australian aquarium where Burt had lived since 2008 features a Cage of Death which it says is the nation’s only crocodile dive. It said it planned to honour Burt’s legacy with a commemorative sign “celebrating his extraordinary life and the stories and interactions he shared throughout his time at the park”.
SINGAPORE: She loves me. She loves me not. She loves me. She loves me not. Our beloved National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) must have recently felt like a teenager entering a sea of raging hormones and feeling overwhelmed. Upon receiving an internal circular signalling a broader policy shift to gradually move away from using NRIC numbers as a method of authentication, the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) misunderstood it as a green light to unmask the numbers in the roll-out of its new Bizfile portal. Once netizens discovered that the Bizfile portal’s people search function was turning up NRIC numbers as well, a furore ensued. ACRA has since withdrawn that feature and apologised for the confusion . A LEGACY SYSTEM MOVING INTO A DIGITAL WORLD The NRIC was introduced in a time when modes of identity verification were primarily physical. It was used to ascertain individuals’ identities for all types of actions and transactions - entry into buildings, opening and operating bank accounts, registration for government services. For many, it was associated with the ability to access or exercise one’s rights and privileges living in Singapore. However, its use quickly expanded over time to extend to other less formal purposes - announcing the winners of lucky draw prizes, for instance, and even as security for the renting of leisure bicycles, leading to worries that the NRIC had been “cheapened”. This (and similar) practices were legislated away with the introduction of the Personal Data Protection Act, which by its guidelines restricted the use of NRICs and mandated the masking of NRIC numbers where their use was needed or involved. The love had returned. Today, it has evolved into a multi-purpose identifier used across government agencies, private businesses, and digital platforms. Its ubiquitous use has made it indispensable - but this convergence has also made it a possible single point of failure. In the recent Bizfile portal fuss, there was a moment where it felt as if the NRIC was going to be abandoned - damaged beyond repair. However, assurances and explanations by the government suggest that it still has a role to play, albeit a different one than previously assumed. ACRA's mishap highlights the vulnerabilities of such centralised systems. If compromised, the fallout affects not just personal privacy but also national security and public trust. This incident also reignited a critical conversation about the role and security of the NRIC in Singapore. THE CASE FOR DECENTRALISED IDENTITY MANAGEMENT For decades, the NRIC has been a cornerstone of identity management, but in an era of rising cybersecurity threats and digital transformation, it is time to reconsider its function and safeguard its relevance. Singapore’s Smart Nation vision emphasises resilience and adaptability in an increasingly technologically advanced world. A logical next step is transitioning from a centralised identity model to a decentralised, blockchain-based framework. Decentralised identity (DID) systems allow individuals to retain control of their personal data while granting selective access to third parties. Imagine all your personal information collected in one place, much like a physical wallet or purse which contains your credit cards, bank cards, library card, name card, membership cards, discount cards and a smattering of cash. Continuing to use NRICs for all authentication processes is a bit like handing over the entire wallet to pay for an ice cream, rather than just retrieving the cash or bank card you need. A well-designed DID system would allow us to create similar digital “wallets” for our personal data, allowing us to control who can get what information. By adopting this approach, Singapore can reduce dependency on a single identifier such as the NRIC. Such a system could involve the use of digital wallets or tokens linked to an individual’s identity, encrypted and verifiable without exposing raw data. This method aligns with global trends, such as the European Union’s eIDAS 2.0 initiative, and offers better protection against data breaches. These newer systems compare against the US-based National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) which had in its June 2017 Digital Identity Guidelines set out a digital identity model, and the Russian government’s e-government system of trusted identities (ESIA) which use trusted intermediaries. ENHANCED SECURITY PROTOCOLS FOR NRIC DATA Until such a transition is feasible, certain steps can be taken to fortify the NRIC system. These include: A CULTURAL SHIFT IN IDENTITY AND DATA PROTECTION Beyond technological upgrades, we must shift the cultural mindset around identity. Singaporeans need to be educated on the importance of safeguarding their personal information, much like how the nation has emphasised financial literacy. Clear guidelines on when and where NRIC data can be shared should be communicated widely. In addition, this mishap has crystallised the importance of the data protection officer, especially in organisations that set data use policy or make significant decisions on personal data in their products and services. In this day and age, the role of the data protection officer and/or chief data officer is a critical and active one and not a passive side-show. For organisations dealing in personal data, they should be key players in decision-making processes. AN OPPORTUNITY TO SET A STANDARD The ACRA incident isn’t just a wake-up call - it’s an opportunity. Singapore has long been a regional and global leader in areas of governance and innovation. As countries all over the world face increasingly complex dilemmas amid political and economic uncertainty, how can we set a global standard for secure, forward-thinking identity management? In striving to develop and enhance our uses and processes around the NRIC in order to meet the challenges of the digital age, we can ensure that everyone in Singapore is afforded access to the efficiency of tech-enabled systems and services, but well-protected from the dangers of misuse and abuse. The NRIC is more than just a number - it represents the trust Singaporeans place in their institutions. Let’s not squander that trust. Instead, let’s reimagine the NRIC as a secure and modernised cornerstone of Singapore’s Smart Nation aspirations. Bryan Tan is a partner at Reed Smith Singapore and is a contributor to Data Protection Law in Singapore. The views expressed here are his own.
Trump threatens jail time for Jan. 6 committee members. How did Schiff respond?Back for another year, the Boots best of beauty Christmas showstopper beauty box (quite a mouthful, I know) has arrived. Full of wonder, and stuffed with 26 products, including 15 full-size heroes, I predict this limited edition box will fly off the shelves, dropping at the perfect time for Christmas shopping. Getting to try out new beauty products from brands that you love and trust, or have spotted on social media, is one of the best parts of this. Although I’m guilty of harbouring somewhat of a mountain of night creams , lipglosses and perfumes , I never turn down a chance to try new products, to see where they could fit into my routine. This Christmas edition box, which features a little of everything, and will look great under the Christmas tree, is worth £451.60 but can be yours for just £88 (so you are making a saving of 88 per cent), featuring cult brands like Elemis , Sol de Janeiro , r.e.m., Ren and Byoma . Read more: Best beauty gift sets that anyone will be pleased to receive Inside this Christmas box, you’ll find 26 products, spanning perfume, make-up, haircare and skincare, plus a Fenty voucher. Rather impressively, 15 of the products are full-size, with the comprising miniatures and deluxe-sized products. Skincare lovers, like me, will be delighted with the assortment inside. The full-size Liz Earle hot cloth cleanser works beautifully to deeply cleanse the skin, buff away dull and dead skin and offer a flush of hydration while doing so. When reviewing , beauty writer Olivia said that “it felt soft on my skin and there was no tingling or slickness like you get with some other types of cleansers”. There’s also a mini version of Lancôme’s loved génifique ultimate serum (7ml), which is known to accelerate skin repair. Perfect for travelling or keeping in your bag, the Floral Street wonderland peony EDP fragrance rollerball delivers a light, fruity and floral scent. Similarly, the r.e.m. beauty utmost importance plumping lip gloss is one of my handbag favourites, thanks to its ultra-glossy formula that gives a light plump, without leaving a sticky residue. There’s even a 75ml pot of bum bum cream from Sol de Janeiro, which needs no introduction. Although, in case you were wondering, it provides deep nourishment and locks in moisture. You’ll also find make-up, including Urban Decay’s all nighter setting spray, which I’ve dabbled with for quite some time and have found it’s great for keeping make-up in place, and perfect for upcoming Christmas parties. Another product I first found many moons ago is Benefit’s benetint lip and cheek stain , which is a best-seller for a reason. I’ll keep the rest as a surprise, but this box is well worth snapping up.
Stock market today: Nvidia drags Wall Street from its records as oil and gold risePenguins goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic scheduled to face Flames
Big Banks Stunned as Harbour FX Clinches AA-Rated Bond LeadershipOnline Black Friday shopping shattered records in 2024, with spending up 10.2% this year compared to 2023, according to data provided by Adobe Analytics. Consumers spent a record $10.8 billion online on Friday, which is nearly double what was spent just seven years ago on Black Friday. How does Black Friday shopping compare to a typical day? Spending on toys was over seven times higher than a typical day, jewelry had over six times the spending, and electronics had more than four times the spending. RELATED STORY | Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday: When are the better deals? Adobe Analytics said popular toys helped drive a massive increase in toy spending. Top toys sold on Friday include Harry Potter LEGO sets, Wicked toys, card and board games, Disney Princess toys and dolls, and Cookeez Makery oven playset, Adobe Analytics said. “Crossing the $10 billion mark is a big e-commerce milestone for Black Friday, for a day that in the past was more anchored towards in-store shopping”, said Vivek Pandya, lead analyst, Adobe Digital Insights .“And with consumers getting more comfortable with everything from mobile shopping to chat bots, we have tailwinds that can prop up online growth for Black Friday moving forward.” Adobe Analytics expects Thanksgiving weekend spending to remain robust. An estimated $5.2 billion is expected to be spent by Americans on Saturday, and $5.6 billion is expected to be spent at online retailers on Sunday. Cyber Monday is expected to generate $13.2 billion, a 6.1% increase from last year. RELATED STORY | Best apps to manage your money as the holiday shopping season ramps up The National Retail Federation expects that 200 million Americans will shop this weekend, nearly 4 million more than a year ago. Online shopping is projected to generate more revenue than in-person. “The five-day period between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday represents some of the busiest shopping days of the year and reflects the continued resilience of consumers and strength of the economy,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “Shoppers exceeded our expectations with a robust turnout. Retailers large and small were prepared to deliver safe, convenient and affordable shopping experiences with the products and services consumers needed, and at great prices.”
Panama Canal: Troubled watersDETROIT (AP) — Starting in September of 2027, all new passenger vehicles in the U.S. will have to sound a warning if rear-seat passengers don't buckle up. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Monday that it finalized the rule, which also requires enhanced warnings when front seat belts aren't fastened. The agency estimates that the new rule will save 50 lives per year and prevent 500 injuries when fully in effect, according to a statement. The new rule will apply to passenger cars, trucks, buses except for school buses, and multipurpose vehicles weighing up to 10,000 pounds. Before the rule, seat belt warnings were required only for the driver's seat. Under the new rule, outboard front-seat passengers also must get a warning if they don't fasten their belts. Front-center seats will not get a warning because NHTSA found that it wouldn't be cost effective. The agency said most vehicles already have warnings for the outboard passenger seats. The rule also lengthens the duration of audio and visual warnings for the driver's seat. The front-seat rules are effective starting Sept. 1 of 2026. Rear passengers consistently use seat belts at a lower rate than front passengers, the agency says. In 2022, front belt use was just under 92%, while rear use dropped to about 82%. About half of automobile passengers who died in crashes two years ago weren’t wearing belts, according to NHTSA data. The seat belt rule is the second significant regulation to come from NHTSA in the past two months. In November the agency bolstered its five-star auto safety ratings to include driver assistance technologies and pedestrian protection. Safety advocates want the Department of Transportation, which includes NHTSA, to finish several more rules before the end of the Biden administration, because President-elect Donald Trump has said he’s against new government regulations. Cathy Chase, president of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, urged the department to approve automatic emergency braking for heavy trucks and technology to prevent impaired driving.
Reform UK chief blasts Tories as 'architects of mass immigration'
Burt died over the weekend, the Crocosaurus Cove reptile aquarium in Darwin, Australia, said. He was at least 90 years old. “Known for his independent nature, Burt was a confirmed bachelor – an attitude he made clear during his earlier years at a crocodile farm,” Crocosaurus Cove wrote in social media posts. The aquarium added: “He wasn’t just a crocodile, he was a force of nature and a reminder of the power and majesty of these incredible creatures. While his personality could be challenging, it was also what made him so memorable and beloved by those who worked with him and the thousands who visited him over the years.” A saltwater crocodile, Burt was estimated to be more than 16 feet long. He was captured in the 1980s in the Reynolds River and became one of the most well-known crocodiles in the world, according to Crocosaurus Cove. The 1986 film stars Paul Hogan as the rugged crocodile hunter Mick Dundee. In the movie, American Sue Charlton, played by actress Linda Kozlowski, goes to fill her canteen in a watering hole when she is attacked by a crocodile before being saved by Dundee. Burt is briefly shown lunging out of the water. But the creature shown in more detail as Dundee saves the day is apparently something else. The Internet Movie Database says the film made a mistake by depicting an American alligator, which has a blunter snout. The Australian aquarium where Burt had lived since 2008 features a Cage of Death which it says is the nation’s only crocodile dive. It said it planned to honour Burt’s legacy with a commemorative sign “celebrating his extraordinary life and the stories and interactions he shared throughout his time at the park”.Hoops star Nurse joins Athletes Unlimited aiming to rebound from ‘rocky’ two years
Kirk Herbstreit Reacts to ESPN's Decision Amid 'Big Noon Kickoff' Controversy( MENAFN - Caribbean News Global) ST JOHN'S, Antigua – cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the appointment of Chris Dehring as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). A visionary leader with an extraordinary track record in finance, sports management, media, and telecommunications, Dehring is uniquely positioned to steer CWI into a bold new chapter of growth and development. Selected from a competitive pool of over 50 applicants representing Europe, Australia, Afghanistan, India, and the Caribbean, Dehring's appointment is the culmination of a meticulous, meritocratic process which included independent experts. His selection reflects CWI's steadfast commitment to attracting top-tier talent to lead West Indies cricket. Dr Kishore Shallow, president of CWI, praised the appointment, saying: “Consistent with the priority to recruit exceptional leadership to drive our mission forward, Chris Dehring represents the best of the best – an innovator, strategist, business magnate and passionate advocate for West Indies cricket. His return as an executive at West Indies cricket signals the dawn of an exciting new era as we work to reclaim our position as a dominant force in world cricket.” Dehring is no stranger to pioneering achievements. As the founder of SportsMax, the Caribbean's first sports television broadcaster, he revolutionized the region's media landscape by showcasing global events such as the FIFA World Cup and the NBA. He also co-founded Jamaica's first investment bank, Dehring, Bunting & Golding, which grew into a financial powerhouse and was eventually acquired by Scotiabank. His entrepreneurial portfolio further includes ReadyTV, Jamaica's first digital broadcast television service, and ReadyNET, the country's first satellite internet provider. In telecommunications, Dehring's leadership at Cable & Wireless Communications was transformative. He served as a member of the senior executive Global Leadership Team responsible for US$3.5 billion in annual revenues while spearheading innovative digital content delivery and expanded access to advanced telecommunications services across the Caribbean and Latin America. His ability to seamlessly integrate commercial strategy with technological advancement has earned him international respect. Dehring's earlier tenure with CWI cemented his legacy as a game-changer for West Indies cricket. As managing director and CEO of ICC Cricket World Cup 2007, he delivered one of the most complex and successful multi-nation sporting events in the Caribbean's history. His leadership resulted in the construction of ten state-of-the-art stadiums, the introduction of groundbreaking fan experiences such as The Mound party stand at Sabina Park, and the implementation of development programs like the Shell Cricket Academy and Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket. Under his guidance, the tournament achieved record-breaking revenues and global viewership, enhancing the Caribbean's reputation as a world-class cricketing destination. Expressing his enthusiasm for the role, Dehring said: “West Indies cricket has always held a special place in my heart. As a unifying force and a symbol of pride for our region, I am honored to return to an organization that holds great significance to our people. Together with the CWI team and stakeholders, I am committed to driving innovation, fostering talent, and reigniting the passion for West Indies cricket, both at home and globally.” Dehring will officially begin his tenure on February 1, 2025. He will be based at Cricket West Indies' headquarters at the Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG) in Antigua, where he will lead the organization's strategic vision and operational objectives. The post Chris Dehring appointed CEO, Cricket West Indies appeared first on Caribbean News Global . MENAFN16122024000232011072ID1108999968 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.
Update: Portion of Santa Cruz pier collapses in winter storm, 3 rescued. See the videoAs the AI revolution accelerates, Nvidia and Alphabet emerge as dominant forces reshaping the tech landscape. While Nvidia has captured investors’ attention with spectacular growth, some suggest it might be wiser to consider Alphabet for your portfolio. Here’s why. Nvidia’s Impressive Surge Nvidia has experienced unprecedented growth, with revenues climbing to $113.3 billion over the past year, more than doubling its sales from two years ago. As a vital player in AI, particularly through its contributions to platforms like ChatGPT, Nvidia remains a favored choice for tech enthusiasts. Despite the stock trading at high ratios—54 times earnings—it has cooled since the summer of 2023, offering potentially better entry points for long-term investors. Alphabet: An Undervalued Contender In the shadow of Nvidia’s growth, Alphabet quietly demonstrates its strength. With revenue reaching $340 billion and a free cash flow of $55.8 billion in the past year, the company remains a powerhouse, even during the downturn in the online advertising sector. Investment in infrastructural expansion positions Alphabet for future success, and its stock currently offers more attractive valuation metrics: 26 times earnings and 7.1 times sales. Choosing Your Champion While Nvidia’s explosive growth appeals, it’s important to consider whether its stock price already reflects this success. On the other hand, Alphabet provides a balanced combination of robust performance and affordability, especially as the digital ad market recovers. For those seeking long-term stability and untapped growth potential, Alphabet presents a compelling investment case. Aim for diversified strength, and make your portfolio shine with the proven resilience of Alphabet. Why Investors Should Consider Alphabet Over Nvidia Amidst the AI Boom As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the technology sector, Nvidia and Alphabet (Google’s parent company) stand out as powerful contenders. While Nvidia draws significant attention with its remarkable growth trajectory, savvy investors might find a hidden gem in Alphabet. Here’s a deeper dive into why Alphabet deserves a closer look as part of a diversified investment strategy. Nvidia has undeniably positioned itself as a leader in the AI landscape, thanks to its cutting-edge contributions to platforms such as ChatGPT. This influence has propelled Nvidia to an astounding revenue of $113.3 billion over the last year, showcasing its impressive growth by more than doubling its sales from just two years prior. Investors should note, however, that Nvidia’s stocks have been trading at high valuations—54 times earnings. Despite cooling slightly since mid-2023, these high figures might suggest that the stock already mirrors its explosive progress, signaling investors to consider alternative options or rethink entry timings for long-term returns. Amidst Nvidia’s dazzling growth, Alphabet steadily fortifies its market stature with robust financial metrics. Its revenue of $340 billion and a free cash flow of $55.8 billion in the latest fiscal year underscores its persistent vigor. Notably, Alphabet’s revenue model proved resilient even amid a slump in the online advertising market. Alphabet’s strategic emphasis on infrastructure expansion poises it for future opportunities, potentially elevating its market footprint further. Contrary to Nvidia, Alphabet offers more alluring valuation metrics: trading at 26 times earnings and 7.1 times sales, suggesting an undervalued stock with significant room for appreciation as market conditions improve. Pros of Alphabet: – Superior Valuation Metrics: Provides investors with value-investing opportunities at 26 times earnings. – Strong Cash Flow: Enables reinvestment into fruitful ventures like AI and cloud infrastructure. – Potential Market Recovery: Positioned to capitalize on a rebound in digital ad spending. Cons of Alphabet: – Market Dependence: A heavy reliance on advertising revenue could affect stability during sector downturns. Pros of Nvidia: – AI Leadership: Prized for its pivotal role in AI technology deployment. – Revenue Growth: Demonstrated explosive topline growth, enticing growth-oriented investors. Cons of Nvidia: – High Valuation: Trading at lofty multiples could limit upside potential in the short term. – Volatility Concerns: Rapid growth and sector dependency might introduce market volatility. Navigating the tech-stock landscape requires evaluating both explosive growth opportunities and steady, reliable options within your portfolio. Nvidia’s allure is driven by its rapid progression in AI, yet its current market valuation might present stability risks. Meanwhile, Alphabet offers a solid blend of strong performance, attractive valuations, and positioned readiness to capture renewed ad market gains. For discerning investors in search of a balance between innovation and financial prudence, Alphabet stands out as a compelling choice. Prioritizing diverse strengths could lead to a portfolio fortified by the proven resilience and undervalued growth potential encapsulated in Alphabet. To explore Alphabet’s comprehensive suite of products and services, visit the Alphabet official website .