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Workspace solutions provider IndiQube Spaces has filed the draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with capital markets regulator Sebi to raise Rs 850 crore through an initial public offering ( IPO ). IndiQube, backed by the prominent venture capital firm WestBridge Capital, is planning an IPO that includes a fresh equity sale of Rs 750 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of Rs 100 crore. The company proposes to utilise the net proceeds of the fresh issue to fund capital expenditure for the establishment of new centres, repayment of debt and general corporate purposes. IndiQube Spaces, incorporated in 2015, manages a portfolio of 103 centres across 13 cities, covering 7.76 million square feet of area under management (AUM) in the super built-up area with a total seating capacity of 172,451 as of June 2024. It has a balanced portfolio of global capability centres (GCCs) and Indian enterprises as part of its clientele. IndiQube’s clients include GCCs, Indian corporates, unicorns as well as startups across sectors like Myntra, upGrad, Zerodha, No Broker, Redbus, Juspay, Perfios, Moglix, Ninjacart, Siemens, Narayana Health to name a few. Stock Trading Algo Trading Made Easy By - Vivek Gadodia, Partner at Dravyaniti Consulting and RBT Algo Systems View Program Stock Trading Stock Investing Made Easy: Beginner's Stock Market Investment Course By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Stock Trading Market 103: Mastering Trends with RMI and Techno-Funda Insights By - Rohit Srivastava, Founder- Indiacharts.com View Program Stock Trading ROC Made Easy: Master Course for ROC Stock Indicator By - Souradeep Dey, Equity and Commodity Trader, Trainer View Program Stock Trading Renko Chart Patterns Made Easy By - Kaushik Akiwatkar, Derivative Trader and Investor View Program Stock Trading Candlesticks Made Easy: Candlestick Pattern Course By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Stock Trading Derivative Analytics Made Easy By - Vivek Bajaj, Co Founder- Stockedge and Elearnmarkets View Program Stock Trading Futures Trading Made Easy: Future & Options Trading Course By - Anirudh Saraf, Founder- Saraf A & Associates, Chartered Accountant View Program Stock Trading A2Z of Stock Trading - Online Stock Trading Course By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program IndiQube Grow is the company’s core offering, representing a comprehensive workplace solution, for plug-and-play workspaces incorporating interiors, technology, facility management and value-added services. It has also developed four additional verticals, namely IndiQube Bespoke, IndiQube One, MiQube and IndiQube Cornerstone to service specialised client requirements. The company reported a total income of Rs 868 crore in FY24 as against Rs 601 crore in the previous fiscal. Flexible workspaces are becoming an integral part of the commercial office market. The rise of hybrid work models, prudence in the use of capital, the need for flexibility, workspace planning, and a shift in work culture are among the factors fuelling the demand for flexible workspaces. According to a CBRE report, the flexible workspace stock in India currently stands over 79 million sq.ft. of which Tier 1 cities account for over 72 million sq.ft. The Tier 1 stock is estimated to grow to approximately 124 Mn sq. ft. by the end of CY2027. ICICI Securities and JM Financial are the book-running lead managers to the offer. (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel )
NoneThis past week, not one but two former Columbus Blue Jackets shared a funny exchange on social media. Jakub Voracek and Mike Commodore went back and forth on X after Voracek posted his thoughts on the Pittsburgh Penguins. As a flyer I definitely think that if Pens make it to the play offs,you gotta respect Crosby Malkin and Letang so much more.first ballot trio IMO — Jakub Voracek (@jachobe) Voracek initially posted that he believes that you have to respect Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang if the Penguins can get into the playoffs. However, it was Commodore's comments that caught attention on social media. No shit Jake. Playoffs this year makes no difference. Stupid fuck. — Mike Commodore (@commie22) This caught some by surprise, however, if you know Commodore's sense of humor. You know it was more of a joke than anything. In fact, Commodore alluded to it being a joke in a reply from another X user. Good call Petr. I was Jake roomie on the road his rookie year. That was fun. 😂😂 — Mike Commodore (@commie22) The exchange went on to them both wishing each other a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. I hope my favorite Czech Jake Voracek has a Merry Xmas!!! — Mike Commodore (@commie22) All in all, it was just two former teammates having fun with each other and engaging in a funny social media exchange. - The Blue Jackets welcome the oston Bruins into Nationwide Arena on Friday night. What do you think?
From an electric ice cream scooper to a dipstick cleaner, the newest gadgets on holiday shopping lists in 1983 looked a lot different from what's available today. Sister station KCRA's John Gibson traveled to San Francisco, exploring toys and tools for what he called "the first Yuppie Christmas." Young urban professionals, or yuppies, might have shopped at the store InGear, where you could buy a fancy, cast-iron egg timer or stainless steel garden shovel. The items were touted as "fashionably practical." For kids, the store at the Exploratorium held innovative marvels, including a mess-free bubble blower or plasma globe. As technology continued to evolve, holiday shopping has changed and progressed throughout the decades.
A new research snapshot from McLean & Company, one of the world's leading HR research and advisory firms, spotlights that HR will play a critical and strategic role in the ever-changing future of work. The firm's research notes that a well-aligned HR strategy improves overall performance and the ability to adapt to future challenges. TORONTO, Dec. 18, 2024 /CNW/ - As the pace and volume of change in today's business environment continues to accelerate, HR is increasingly tasked with enabling and driving organizational success as a strategic partner. Findings from McLean & Company's HR Trends Report 2025 Preview indicate that economic uncertainty puts immense pressure on the workforce, with legislative and political shifts adding complexities to supporting employee wellbeing and, by extension, overall organizational performance. Since research indicates that HR's effectiveness drives organizational performance , the global HR research and advisory firm advises that it is increasingly critical to have a well-aligned HR strategy in place to enhance departmental performance and adaptability to future changes, such as sociopolitical, economic, technological, and environmental shifts. To support HR leaders in developing an effective HR strategy for 2025 and beyond, McLean & Company has released its new Create an HR Strategy research snapshot, an easily consumable summary of the firm's full HR strategy resource. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Get the latest need-to-know information delivered to your inbox as it happens. Our flagship newsletter. Get our front page stories each morning as well as the latest updates each afternoon during the week + more in-depth weekend editions on Saturdays & Sundays.— Act to bring uncertainties to bilateral ties next year: expert BEIJING: The US determined to sign into law the “National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025” containing negative content on China, playing up the “China threat” narrative year after year, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a routine press conference on Tuesday. The development comes following US President Joe Biden signed into law the “National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025.” China strongly deplores and firmly opposes this and has lodged serious protests to the US, said Mao, while urging the US not to implement these negative articles concerning China. It [the US] has kept trumpeting for military support to Taiwan, abusing state power to go after Chinese sci-tech and economic development, limiting trade, economic and people-to-people exchanges between China and the US, undermining China’s sovereignty, security and development interests and disrupting efforts of the two sides in stabilizing bilateral relations. China strongly deplores and firmly opposes this and has lodged serious protests to the US, said the spokesperson. We urge the US to get rid of its Cold War mentality and ideological bias, view China’s development and China-US relationship objectively and rationally, earnestly observe the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués, stop arming Taiwan, stop politicizing and weaponizing sci-tech, economic and trade issues, stop finding pretext for increasing military expenditure and maintaining hegemony, and not to implement these negative articles concerning China, said Mao, noting that otherwise, China will take strong and resolute measures to safeguard our sovereignty, security and development interests. According to Reuters on December 18, the act steers resources toward countering China. Among other things, the bill authorizes $300 million to help the Taiwan island acquire capabilities from “anti-ship missiles and radars to coastal and missile defense, and measures to enhance diplomatic and economic backing” for the island. It also includes new restrictions on China and Chinese businesses, including requiring reports on China’s economic outlook, biotechnology industry and synthetic opioids. The bill also extends bans on the military purchasing Chinese products, adding bans on drone technology as well as garlic in military commissaries, Reuters reported. Li Haidong, a professor at China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Tuesday that “the US National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 will bring a negative impact and uncertainties to China-US relations next year, because it is an act aimed at meeting the demands of hawkish and anti-China forces to hype the ‘China threat’ rhetoric worldwide and provide pretexts for the US military industrial complex to earn more money.” Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );Published 21:31 IST, December 24th 2024 In a country where many social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube are blocked, Iranians often bypass these restrictions using VPNs. Iranian authorities have taken a significant step in easing the country’s strict internet controls by lifting the ban on Meta’s WhatsApp and Google Play, according to reports from Iranian state media on Tuesday. This move marks the first stage in scaling back restrictions on foreign platforms in the Islamic Republic, which is known for having some of the most stringent controls on internet access globally. The decision was made after a meeting headed by President Masoud Pezeshkian, where a “positive majority vote” was reached to remove limitations on several popular foreign platforms, including WhatsApp and Google Play. Iran's Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Sattar Hashemi, confirmed the development, calling it “the first step in removing internet limitations.” Here is what you need to know In a country where many social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube are blocked, Iranians often bypass these restrictions using virtual private networks (VPNs). Social media was widely used during anti-government protests in September, leading to increased attention on Iran's internet censorship policies. The U.S. government has previously called on tech companies to assist in helping users in countries like Iran evade online censorship. The lifting of these bans signals a potential shift in Iran's approach to online restrictions, though further changes to the country's internet policies remain uncertain. The move is seen as a positive development, but questions remain about whether Iran will extend these relaxations to other popular platforms and if it will lead to more substantial internet freedoms in the future. Updated 21:31 IST, December 24th 2024
Armed Forces Bowl, Navy’s postseason destination, finds success with name changeThe market is seeing diverse developments this week as the BNB Chain news highlights rising vulnerabilities, while the Sui ecosystem strengthens its scalability with new partnerships. A surge in sandwich attacks has caused concerns for BNB Chain investors, prompting many to diversify their strategies. Meanwhile, Sui’s collaboration with Backpack Exchange boosts speed, security, and developer opportunities, solidifying its role in multichain development. Yet, BlockDAG (BDAG) is becoming the real star, quickly gaining momentum with its next highly anticipated AMA, following the viral success of its last session. Having raised over $168.5 million, sold 17.37 billion coins, and achieved daily inflows exceeding $5 million, BlockDAG’s advanced DAG technology and robust roadmap are driving significant trader enthusiasm. As 2025 approaches, BlockDAG is one of the top crypto coins to watch. BNB Chain News: Rising Challenges & Investor Diversification The BNB Chain news highlights a sharp rise in sandwich attacks, leading investors to rethink their strategies. In November alone, a staggering 35% of transactions on the BNB Chain were reportedly impacted by sandwich attacks, causing higher transaction costs for genuine users. This BNB Chain news has significantly affected BNB’s growth, as the price recorded only a 15% gain while the broader market surged close to 40%. These vulnerabilities pushed many holders to explore fully decentralized alternatives such as BlockDAG. Despite BNB’s attempt to approach the $800 milestone, it fell into a 10% decline this week, sparking concerns over network efficiency. Sui Ecosystem Gets a Scalability Boost With Backpack Integration The Sui (SUI) ecosystem is gaining traction as its integration with Backpack Exchange and Wallet enhances speed and scalability for global users. Backpack, a platform known for its seamless trading and secure storage, now links Sui ecosyste m participants via its regulated exchange and non-custodial wallet. This partnership opens new doors for Sui developers and projects, offering intuitive solutions for asset management. According to Jameel Khalfan from the Sui Foundation, this move strengthens the network’s commitment to user experience, further establishing Sui’s ecosystem as a key player in multichain development. BlockDAG’s Presale Smashes $168.5M as New AMA Approaches BlockDAG’s upcoming AMA is already generating excitement, following the overwhelming community response to the previous session. During the last AMA, Maurice Herlihy—a Harvard alumna, distributed computing icon, and BlockDAG advisory board member—shared insights on how the network’s Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) chain smashes traditional blockchain bottlenecks. Now, with over $168.5 million raised and 17.37 billion coins sold across 26 presale batches, BlockDAG’s community eagerly anticipates what the next AMA session will reveal. BlockDAG’s newly launched Whitepaper V3 has brought even more clarity to its robust DAG technology and sustainable distribution model. Designed for long-term growth, BlockDAG’s 150 billion supply cap ensures a balanced, gradual reduction of issuance, encouraging rising demand and ecosystem participation. Unlike short-term speculative projects, BlockDAG focuses on creating lasting value for miners, developers, and community members. Priced at $0.0234 in the ongoing presale batch 26, BlockDAG has become a magnet for traders, as the project is seeing daily inflows of up to $5 million. Analysts speculate that BlockDAG’s rapid progress and transparent roadmap are key drivers behind its growth. As the excitement continues to build, BlockDAG is quickly becoming one of the top crypto coins to watch. The next AMA promises even deeper insights, reinforcing BlockDAG’s ambitious roadmap heading into 2025. Key Takeaways on 2025’s Top Crypto Coins While the BNB Chain news highlights growing concerns over network vulnerabilities and the Sui ecosystem enhances its position through improved scalability and strategic partnerships, BlockDAG is taking charge with undeniable momentum. This presale crypto giant has already raised over $168.5 million, sold more than 17.37 billion coins, and continues to attract traders with daily inflows of up to $5 million. BlockDAG’s success is further amplified by its advanced DAG technology, sustainable tokenomics, and a clear roadmap, capturing the attention of both retail and institutional traders. As excitement builds following the overwhelming response to its last AMA and anticipation grows for the upcoming session, BlockDAG stands out as one of the top crypto coins to watch . Traders are seizing this rare opportunity to secure their stake in a project destined to reshape the blockchain space in 2025 and beyond. Presale: https://purchase.blockdag.network Website: https://blockdag.network Telegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetworkOfficial Discord: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp _____________ Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more here.
BROOMFIELD, Colo. , Dec. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN) today reported results for the first quarter of fiscal 2025 ended October 31, 2024 , provided season pass sales results for the 2024/2025 season, updated fiscal 2025 net income attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc. guidance and reaffirmed fiscal 2025 Resort Reported EBITDA guidance, announced capital investment plans for calendar year 2025, declared a dividend payable in January 2025 , and announced first quarter share repurchases. Highlights Commenting on the Company's fiscal 2025 first quarter results, Kirsten Lynch , Chief Executive Officer, said, "Our first fiscal quarter historically operates at a loss, given that our North American and European mountain resorts are generally not open for ski season. The quarter's results were driven by winter operations in Australia and summer activities in North America , including sightseeing, dining, retail, lodging, and administrative expenses. "Resort Reported EBITDA was consistent with the prior year, driven by growth in our North American summer business from increased activities spending and lodging results. This growth was offset by a decline in Resort Reported EBITDA of $9 million compared to the prior year from our Australian resorts due to record low snowfall and lower demand, cost inflation, the inclusion of Crans-Montana, and approximately $2.7 million of one-time costs related to the two-year resource efficiency transformation plan and $0.9 million of acquisition and integration related expenses." Regarding the Company's resource efficiency transformation plan, Lynch said, "Vail Resorts continues to make progress on its two-year resource efficiency transformation plan, which was announced in our September 2024 earnings. The two-year Resource Efficiency Transformation Plan is designed to improve organizational effectiveness and scale for operating leverage as the Company grows globally. Through scaled operations, global shared services, and expanded workforce management, the Company expects $100 million in annualized cost efficiencies by the end of its 2026 fiscal year. We will provide updates as significant milestones are achieved." Turning to season pass results, Lynch said, "Our season pass sales highlight the compelling value proposition of our pass products and our commitment to continually investing in the guest experience at our resorts. Over the last four years, pass product sales for the 2024/2025 North American ski season have grown 59% in units and 47% in sales dollars. For the upcoming 2024/2025 North American ski season, pass product sales through December 3, 2024 decreased approximately 2% in units and increased approximately 4% in sales dollars as compared to the period in the prior year through December 4, 2023 . This year's results benefited from an 8% price increase, partially offset by unit growth among lower priced Epic Day Pass products. Pass product sales are adjusted to eliminate the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates by applying an exchange rate of $0.71 between the Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar in both periods for Whistler Blackcomb pass sales. For the period between September 21, 2024 and December 3, 2024 , pass product sales trends improved relative to pass product sales through September 20, 2024 , with unit growth of approximately 1% and sales dollars growth of approximately 7% as compared to the period in the prior year from September 23, 2023 through December 4, 2023 , due to expected renewal strength, which we believe reflects delayed decision making. "Our North American pass sales highlight strong loyalty with growth among renewing pass holders across all geographies. For the full selling season, the Company acquired a substantial number of new pass holders, however the absolute number of new guests was smaller compared to the prior year, driving the overall unit decline for the full selling season. New pass holders come from lapsed guests, prior year lift ticket guests, and new guests to our database. The Company achieved growth from lapsed guests, who previously purchased a pass or lift ticket but did not buy a pass or lift ticket in the previous season. The decline in new pass holders compared to the prior year was driven by fewer guests who purchased lift tickets in the past season and from guests who are completely new to our database, which we believe was impacted by last season's challenging weather and industry normalization. Epic Day Pass products achieved unit growth driven by the strength in renewing pass holders. We expect to have approximately 2.3 million guests committed to our 42 North American, Australian, and European resorts in advance of the season in non-refundable advance commitment products this year, which are expected to generate over $975 million of revenue and account for approximately 75% of all skier visits (excluding complimentary visits)." Lynch continued, "Heading into the 2024/2025 ski season, we are encouraged by our strong base of committed guests, providing meaningful stability for our Company. Additionally, early season conditions have allowed us to open some resorts earlier than anticipated, including Whistler Blackcomb, Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood, and Stevens Pass. Early season conditions have also enabled our Rockies resorts to open with significantly improved terrain relative to the prior year, including the opening of the legendary back bowls at Vail Mountain opening the earliest since 2018. Our resorts in the East are experiencing typical seasonal variability for this point in the year, with all resorts planned to open ahead of the holidays. We are continuing to hire for the winter season, and are on track with our staffing plans and have achieved a strong return rate of our frontline employees from the prior season. Lodging bookings at our U.S. resorts for the upcoming season are consistent with last year. At Whistler Blackcomb, lodging bookings for the full season are lagging prior year levels, which may reflect delayed decision making following challenging conditions in the prior year." Operating Results A more complete discussion of our operating results can be found within the Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section of the Company's Form 10-Q for the first fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2024 , which was filed today with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The following are segment highlights: Mountain Segment Lodging Segment Resort - Combination of Mountain and Lodging Segments Real Estate Segment Total Performance Outlook The Company's Resort Reported EBITDA guidance for the year ending July 31, 2025 is unchanged from the prior guidance provided on September 26, 2024 . The Company is updating its guidance for net income attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc., which it now expects to be between $240 million and $316 million , up from the prior guidance range of $224 million to $300 million . The primary difference is due to a $17 million increase from the gain on sale of real property related to the resolution of the October 2023 Eagle County District Court final ruling and valuation regarding the Town of Vail's condemnation of the Company's East Vail property that was planned for Vail Resorts' incremental affordable workforce housing project, a transaction that has been recorded as Real Estate Reported EBITDA. Additionally, the guidance is updated to include a decrease in expected interest expense of approximately $2 million which assumes that interest rates remain at current levels for the remainder of fiscal 2025. These changes have no impact on expected Resort Reported EBITDA. The Company continues to expect Resort Reported EBITDA for fiscal 2025 to be between $838 million and $894 million , including approximately $27 million of cost efficiencies and an estimated $15 million in one-time costs related to the multi-year resource efficiency transformation plan, and an estimated $1 million of acquisition and integration related expenses specific to Crans-Montana. As compared to fiscal 2024, the fiscal 2025 guidance includes the assumed benefit of a return to normal weather conditions after the challenging conditions in fiscal 2024, more than offset by a return to normal operating costs and the impact of the continued industry normalization, impacting demand. Additionally, the guidance reflects the negative impact from the record low snowfall and related shortened season in Australia in the first quarter of fiscal 2025, which negatively impacted demand and resulted in a $9 million decline of Resort Reported EBITDA compared to the prior year period. After considering these items, we expect Resort Reported EBITDA to grow from price increases and ancillary spending, the resource efficiency transformation plan, and the addition of Crans-Montana for the full year. The guidance also assumes (1) a continuation of the current economic environment, (2) normal weather conditions for the 2024/2025 North American and European ski season and the 2025 Australian ski season, and (3) the foreign currency exchange rates as of our original fiscal 2025 guidance issued September 26, 2024 . Foreign currency exchange rates have experienced recent volatility. Relative to the current guidance, if the currency exchange rates as of yesterday, December 8, 2024 of $0.71 between the Canadian Dollar and U.S. Dollar related to the operations of Whistler Blackcomb in Canada , $0.64 between the Australian Dollar and U.S. Dollar related to the operations of Perisher, Falls Creek and Hotham in Australia , and $1.14 between the Swiss Franc and U.S. Dollar related to the operations of Andermatt-Sedrun and Crans-Montana in Switzerland were to continue for the remainder of the fiscal year, the Company expects this would have an impact on fiscal 2025 guidance of approximately negative $5 million for Resort Reported EBITDA. The following table reflects the forecasted guidance range for the Company's fiscal year ending July 31, 2025 for Total Reported EBITDA (after stock-based compensation expense) and reconciles net income attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc. guidance to such Total Reported EBITDA guidance. Fiscal 2025 Guidance (In thousands) For the Year Ending July 31, 2025 (6) Low End High End Range Range Net income attributable to Vail Resorts, Inc. $ 240,000 $ 316,000 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 23,000 17,000 Net income 263,000 333,000 Provision for income taxes (1) 91,000 115,000 Income before income taxes 354,000 448,000 Depreciation and amortization 295,000 279,000 Interest expense, net 174,000 166,000 Other (2) 21,000 13,000 Total Reported EBITDA $ 844,000 $ 906,000 Mountain Reported EBITDA (3) $ 818,000 $ 872,000 Lodging Reported EBITDA (4) 16,000 26,000 Resort Reported EBITDA (5) 838,000 894,000 Real Estate Reported EBITDA 6,000 12,000 Total Reported EBITDA $ 844,000 $ 906,000 (1) The provision for income taxes may be impacted by excess tax benefits primarily resulting from vesting and exercises of equity awards. Our estimated provision for income taxes does not include the impact, if any, of unknown future exercises of employee equity awards, which could have a material impact given that a significant portion of our awards may be in-the-money depending on the current value of the stock price. (2) Our guidance includes certain forward looking known changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration based solely on the passage of time and resulting impact on present value. Guidance excludes any forward looking change based upon, among other things, financial projections including long-term growth rates for Park City, which such change may be material. Separately, the intercompany loan associated with the Whistler Blackcomb transaction requires foreign currency remeasurement to Canadian dollars, the functional currency of Whistler Blackcomb. Our guidance excludes any forward looking change related to foreign currency gains or losses on the intercompany loans, which such change may be material. Additionally, our guidance excludes the impact of any future sales or disposals of land or other assets which are contingent upon future approvals or other outcomes. (3) Mountain Reported EBITDA also includes approximately $25 million of stock-based compensation. (4) Lodging Reported EBITDA also includes approximately $4 million of stock-based compensation. (5) The Company provides Reported EBITDA ranges for the Mountain and Lodging segments, as well as for the two combined. The low and high of the expected ranges provided for the Mountain and Lodging segments, while possible, do not sum to the high or low end of the Resort Reported EBITDA range provided because we do not expect or assume that we will hit the low or high end of both ranges. (6) Guidance estimates are predicated on an exchange rate of $0.74 between the Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar, related to the operations of Whistler Blackcomb in Canada; an exchange rate of $0.67 between the Australian dollar and U.S. dollar, related to the operations of our Australian ski areas; and an exchange rate of $1.18 between the Swiss franc and U.S. dollar, related to the operations of Andermatt-Sedrun and Crans-Montana in Switzerland. Liquidity and Return of Capital As of October 31, 2024 , the Company's total liquidity as measured by total cash plus revolver availability was approximately $1,024 million . This includes $404 million of cash on hand, $407 million of U.S. revolver availability under the Vail Holdings Credit Agreement, and $213 million of revolver availability under the Whistler Credit Agreement. As of October 31, 2024 , the Company's Net Debt was 2.8 times its trailing twelve months Total Reported EBITDA. Regarding the return of capital to shareholders, the Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $2.22 per share of Vail Resorts' common stock payable on January 9, 2025 to shareholders of record as of December 26 , 2024. In addition, the Company repurchased approximately 0.1 million shares during the quarter at an average price of approximately $174 for a total of $20 million . The Company has 1.6 million shares remaining under its authorization for share repurchases. Commenting on capital allocation, Lynch said, "We will continue to be disciplined stewards of our shareholders' capital, prioritizing investments in our guest and employee experience, high-return capital projects, strategic acquisition opportunities, and returning capital to our shareholders. The Company has a strong balance sheet and remains focused on returning capital to shareholders while always prioritizing the long-term value of our shares." Capital Investments Vail Resorts is committed to enhancing the guest experience and supporting the Company's growth strategies through significant capital investments. For calendar year 2025, the Company plans to invest approximately $198 million to $203 million in core capital, before $45 million of growth capital investments at its European resorts, including $41 million at Andermatt-Sedrun and $4 million at Crans-Montana, and $6 million of real estate related capital projects to complete multi-year transformational investments at the key base area portals of Breckenridge Peak 8 and Keystone River Run, and planning investments to support the development of the West Lionshead area into a fourth base village at Vail Mountain. Including European growth capital investments, and real estate related capital, the Company plans to invest approximately $249 million to $254 million in calendar year 2025. Projects in the calendar year 2025 capital plan described herein remain subject to approvals. In calendar year 2025, the Company will embark on two multi-year transformational investment plans at Park City Mountain and Vail Mountain. In addition to embarking on two multi-year transformational investment plans, the Company is planning significant investments across the guest experience in calendar year 2025, including: In addition to the investments planned for calendar year 2025, the Company is completing significant investments that will enhance the guest experience for the upcoming 2024/2025 North American and European ski season. As previously announced, the Company expects its capital plan for calendar year 2024 to be approximately $189 million to $194 million , excluding $13 million of incremental capital investments in premium fleet and fulfillment infrastructure to support the official launch of My Epic Gear for the 2024/2025 winter season at 12 destination and regional resorts across North America , $7 million of growth capital investments at Andermatt-Sedrun, $2 million of maintenance and $2 million of integration investments at Crans-Montana, and $3 million of reimbursable capital. Including these one-time investments, the Company's total capital plan for calendar year 2024 is now expected to be approximately $216 million to $221 million . Earnings Conference Call The Company will conduct a conference call today at 5:00 p.m. eastern time to discuss the financial results. The call will be webcast and can be accessed at www.vailresorts.com in the Investor Relations section, or dial (800) 579-2543 (U.S. and Canada ) or +1 (785) 424-1789 (international). The conference ID is MTNQ125. A replay of the conference call will be available two hours following the conclusion of the conference call through December 16, 2024 , at 11:59 p.m. eastern time . To access the replay, dial (800) 753-9146 (U.S. and Canada ) or +1 (402) 220-2705 (international). The conference call will also be archived at www.vailresorts.com . About Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN) Vail Resorts is a network of the best destination and close-to-home ski resorts in the world including Vail Mountain, Breckenridge , Park City Mountain, Whistler Blackcomb, Stowe, and 32 additional resorts across North America ; Andermatt-Sedrun and Crans-Montana Mountain Resort in Switzerland ; and Perisher, Hotham, and Falls Creek in Australia . We are passionate about providing an Experience of a Lifetime to our team members and guests, and our EpicPromise is to reach a zero net operating footprint by 2030, support our employees and communities, and broaden engagement in our sport. Our company owns and/or manages a collection of elegant hotels under the RockResorts brand, a portfolio of vacation rentals, condominiums and branded hotels located in close proximity to our mountain destinations, as well as the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Vail Resorts Retail operates more than 250 retail and rental locations across North America . Learn more about our company at www.VailResorts.com , or discover our resorts and pass options at www.EpicPass.com . Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements discussed in this press release and on the conference call, other than statements of historical information, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including the statements regarding fiscal 2025 performance and the assumptions related thereto, including, but not limited to, our expected net income and Resort Reported EBITDA; our expectations regarding our liquidity; expectations related to our season pass products; our expectations regarding our ancillary lines of business; capital investment projects; our calendar year 2025 capital plan; our expectations regarding our resource efficiency transformation plan; and the payment of dividends. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to risks related to a prolonged weakness in general economic conditions, including adverse effects on the overall travel and leisure related industries and our business and results of operations; risks associated with the effects of high or prolonged inflation, elevated interest rates and financial institution disruptions; unfavorable weather conditions or the impact of natural disasters or other unexpected events; the ultimate amount of refunds that we could be required to refund to our pass product holders for qualifying circumstances under our Epic Coverage program; the willingness or ability of our guests to travel due to terrorism, the uncertainty of military conflicts or public health emergencies, and the cost and availability of travel options and changing consumer preferences, discretionary spending habits; risks related to travel and airline disruptions, and other adverse impacts on the ability of our guests to travel; risks related to interruptions or disruptions of our information technology systems, data security or cyberattacks; risks related to our reliance on information technology, including our failure to maintain the integrity of our customer or employee data and our ability to adapt to technological developments or industry trends; our ability to acquire, develop and implement relevant technology offerings for customers and partners; the seasonality of our business combined with adverse events that may occur during our peak operating periods; competition in our mountain and lodging businesses or with other recreational and leisure activities; risks related to the high fixed cost structure of our business; our ability to fund resort capital expenditures, or accurately identify the need for, or anticipate the timing of certain capital expenditures; risks related to a disruption in our water supply that would impact our snowmaking capabilities and operations; our reliance on government permits or approvals for our use of public land or to make operational and capital improvements; risks related to resource efficiency transformation initiatives; risks related to federal, state, local and foreign government laws, rules and regulations, including environmental and health and safety laws and regulations; risks related to changes in security and privacy laws and regulations which could increase our operating costs and adversely affect our ability to market our products, properties and services effectively; potential failure to adapt to technological developments or industry trends regarding information technology; our ability to successfully launch and promote adoption of new products, technology, services and programs; risks related to our workforce, including increased labor costs, loss of key personnel and our ability to maintain adequate staffing, including hiring and retaining a sufficient seasonal workforce; our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses, including their integration into our internal controls and infrastructure; our ability to successfully navigate new markets, including Europe , or that acquired businesses may fail to perform in accordance with expectations; a deterioration in the quality or reputation of our brands, including our ability to protect our intellectual property and the risk of accidents at our mountain resorts; risks related to scrutiny and changing expectations regarding our environmental, social and governance practices and reporting; risks associated with international operations, including fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates where the Company has foreign currency exposure, primarily the Canadian and Australian dollars and the Swiss franc, as compared to the U.S. dollar; changes in tax laws, regulations or interpretations, or adverse determinations by taxing authorities; risks related to our indebtedness and our ability to satisfy our debt service requirements under our outstanding debt including our unsecured senior notes, which could reduce our ability to use our cash flow to fund our operations, capital expenditures, future business opportunities and other purposes; a materially adverse change in our financial condition; adverse consequences of current or future litigation and legal claims; changes in accounting judgments and estimates, accounting principles, policies or guidelines; and other risks detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2024 , which was filed on September 26, 2024 . All forward-looking statements attributable to us or any persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. All guidance and forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date hereof and we do not undertake any obligation to update any forecast or forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. Statement Concerning Non-GAAP Financial Measures When reporting financial results, we use the terms Resort Reported EBITDA, Total Reported EBITDA, Resort EBITDA Margin, Net Debt and Net Real Estate Cash Flow, which are not financial measures under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). Resort Reported EBITDA, Total Reported EBITDA, Resort EBITDA Margin, Net Debt and Net Real Estate Cash Flow should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to, or substitute for, measures of financial performance or liquidity prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, we report segment Reported EBITDA (i.e. Mountain, Lodging and Real Estate), the measure of segment profit or loss required to be disclosed in accordance with GAAP. Accordingly, these measures may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures of other companies. Additionally, with respect to discussion of impacts from currency, the Company calculates the impact by applying current period foreign exchange rates to the prior period results, as the Company believes that comparing financial information using comparable foreign exchange rates is a more objective and useful measure of changes in operating performance. Reported EBITDA (and its counterpart for each of our segments) has been presented herein as a measure of the Company's performance. The Company believes that Reported EBITDA is an indicative measurement of the Company's operating performance, and is similar to performance metrics generally used by investors to evaluate other companies in the resort and lodging industries. The Company defines Resort EBITDA Margin as Resort Reported EBITDA divided by Resort net revenue. The Company believes Resort EBITDA Margin is an important measurement of operating performance. The Company believes that Net Debt is an important measurement of liquidity as it is an indicator of the Company's ability to obtain additional capital resources for its future cash needs. Additionally, the Company believes Net Real Estate Cash Flow is important as a cash flow indicator for its Real Estate segment. See the tables provided in this release for reconciliations of our measures of segment profitability and non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. Vail Resorts, Inc. Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations (In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 Net revenue: Mountain and Lodging services and other $ 187,050 $ 182,834 Mountain and Lodging retail and dining 73,162 71,442 Resort net revenue 260,212 254,276 Real Estate 63 4,289 Total net revenue 260,275 258,565 Segment operating expense: Mountain and Lodging operating expense 266,264 255,576 Mountain and Lodging retail and dining cost of products sold 28,947 31,295 General and administrative 106,857 108,025 Resort operating expense 402,068 394,896 Real Estate operating expense 1,491 5,181 Total segment operating expense 403,559 400,077 Other operating (expense) income: Depreciation and amortization (71,633) (66,728) Gain on sale of real property 16,506 6,285 Change in estimated fair value of contingent consideration (2,079) (3,057) Loss on disposal of fixed assets and other, net (1,529) (2,043) Loss from operations (202,019) (207,055) Mountain equity investment income, net 2,151
Plant Extract Market Growth to USD 106.6 Billion by 2034, Driven by Eco-Friendly and Innovative Trends | TMRKey Bread And Bakery Products Market Trend 2024-2033: Slicing Through The Digital CrustTech companies led a broad rally for U.S. stocks Tuesday, a boost for the market in a holiday-shortened trading session. The S&P 500 rose 0.7%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 177 points, or 0.4%, as of 11:20 a.m. Eastern time. The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite was up 1%. Chip company Broadcom rose 2.6%, while semiconductor giant Nvidia, whose enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes, rose 1.1%. Super Micro Computer jumped 4.6%. Tesla climbed 5.2% for the biggest gain among S&P 500 stocks. Amazon.com rose 1.5% American Airlines slipped 0.4% after the airline briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical issue. U.S. Steel edged up 0.1% a day after an influential government panel failed to reach consensus on the possible national security risks of the nearly $15 billion proposed sale to Nippon Steel of Japan. NeueHealth surged 70.1% after the health care company agreed to be taken private in a deal valued at roughly $1.3 billion. Treasury yields rose in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.62% from 4.59% late Monday. European markets were mostly higher. Markets in Asia mostly gained ground. U.S. markets will close at 1 p.m. Eastern and stay closed Wednesday for Christmas. Wall Street has several economic reports to look forward to this week, including a weekly update on unemployment benefits on Thursday. Tuesday’s rally comes as the stock market enters what’s historically been a very cheerful season. The last five trading days of each year, plus the first two in the new year, have brought an average gain of 1.3% since 1950. The so-called “Santa rally” also correlates closely with positive returns in January and the upcoming year. So far this month, the U.S. stock market has lost some of its gains since President-elect Donald Trump’s win on Election Day, which raised hopes for faster economic growth and more lax regulations that would boost corporate profits. Worries have risen that Trump’s preference for tariffs and other policies could lead to higher inflation , a bigger U.S. government debt and difficulties for global trade. Even so, the stock market remains on pace to deliver strong returns for 2024. The benchmark S&P 500 is up about 26% so far this year and remains within roughly 1.3% of the all-time high it set earlier this month — its latest of 57 record highs this year.
Adam Schiff Sworn in as California’s Newest U.S. Senator to Fill Late Feinstein’s Seat
The rollout of ultra-high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi is well underway at the national airline, Qatar Airways, with the carrier exceeding its own previously planned timeline of 14 jets by the end of the year. Starlink can now be found on 16 aircraft, with more joining over the coming weeks as new Starlink kits arrive from SpaceX in the US. Qatar Airways Group CEO Badr Mohammed al-Meer last week explained the rollout would have been even faster if the carrier could receive more Starlink kits at a faster rate. The integration of Starlink Wi-Fi represents a key component of Qatar Airways' "2.0 Vision", spearheaded by al-Meer, which prioritises innovation and digitisation. In terms of connectivity onboard, and the entertainment options it can provide, the move to champion Starlink puts Qatar Airways ahead of the competition in the region, which is one of the most fiercely competitive markets in the world. The first aircraft to be equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi was a Boeing 777-300ER. The airline is intending to roll out Starlink across all of its modern fleet by the end of next year. Qatar Airways’ Starlink Wi-Fi is free to all passengers, regardless of their class of travel, and will remain free. There are no packages or price plans, no data caps or other limitations. It’s free, ultra-high-speed, reliable Wi-Fi. This is a significant departure from the traditional model, where in-flight Wi-Fi is often a premium service, especially on international long-haul flights. Historically, airlines around the world have charged passengers varying rates depending on the class of service, flight duration, and data usage, with costs sometimes exceeding $30 for just a few hours of patchy, unstable internet access. Traditional in-flight Wi-Fi systems typically rely on two types of technologies: air-to-ground and satellite-based connectivity. Air-to-ground networks operate by connecting to cell towers on the ground, with airplanes switching from tower to tower as they fly. However, this type of system is often limited to certain regions and becomes less effective over oceans and remote areas. Satellite-based systems, which have been more commonly used on long-haul international flights, offer wider coverage but have historically been constrained by the capacity and speed of traditional geostationary satellites, resulting in frustratingly slow speeds. Unlike traditional satellites, Starlink utilises a constellation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites that are positioned much closer to the Earth's surface. This allows for faster data transfer, lower latency, and a more stable connection. The key advantages of LEO satellites lie in their ability to provide a broader and more consistent coverage compared to the geostationary satellites typically used for inflight Wi-Fi. Because they orbit closer to Earth, they can relay data more quickly, reducing the time it takes for information to travel back and forth. For passengers, this means less buffering, faster page loads, and the ability to engage in bandwidth-heavy activities such as the streaming of live sports, gaming, or even video calls while in the air. Starlink's technology also enables airlines to offer a higher capacity network, which is particularly important for modern travellers who often board flights with multiple connected devices. Whether it's watching Netflix, or gaming, passengers can expect the onboard internet experience to mirror what they would get on the ground, in some cases, even better—an achievement that has, until now, remained elusive. Starlink is installed directly at the airline’s technical facility in Doha, and does not require the aircraft to be out of service for more than a couple of days, speeding up the rollout. Qatar Airways may be the first major international airline to begin rolling out Starlink, but they are not alone in recognising the potential of this SpaceX technology for passengers. In North America, Hawaiian Airlines has made headlines by becoming one of the first US carriers to announce a partnership with Starlink. The airline also offers the service for free to passengers on both its inter-island and transpacific routes. Hawaiian Airlines has stated that Starlink Wi-Fi will allow it to offer a seamless experience for passengers, from streaming video to conducting business while in the air. Another operator is JSX, the semi-private jet service based in the US, which has already started offering Starlink Wi-Fi on select routes. The airline, which operates small jets primarily on shorter routes, was one of the first to showcase Starlink’s capabilities. JSX has highlighted the fact that the low-latency, high-speed internet from Starlink offers a competitive edge, allowing them to appeal to business travelers looking for a more connected, premium experience. From 2025 onwards, Air France will progressively roll out Starlink Wi-Fi connectivity service for a “ground-like” experience. Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines has been exploring the potential of integrating Starlink Wi-Fi into its fleet. While no formal roll-out plan has been announced yet, the airline has been testing the system to evaluate its feasibility for wider deployment. If successful, Delta would join the growing list of global carriers eager to enhance their onboard experience through SpaceX’s revolutionary satellite technology. Airlines are now recognising that offering a robust internet experience is no longer an optional luxury but a core component of the passenger experience. With its global network of LEO satellites, Starlink is positioned to become the go-to provider for airlines that want to offer this premium service. The author is an aviation analyst. X handle @AlexInAir. Related Story QND celebrates national unity, honours rich cultural heritage: Russian envoy GU-Q alumnus honoured with Sandhurst Medal, King Hussein AwardChinese electronics maker Xiaomi said on Monday it expects to launch its first SUV, the YU7, next June or July as it ventures deeper into China's competitive car market. The company announced the launch on China's social media platform Weibo alongside an image of the YU7 parked beside its first electric vehicle, the SU7 sedan, with the two cars sporting similar designs. Information posted by China's ministry of industry and information technology showed the YU7 is a pure electric SUV boasting a top speed of 253km/h. The car will be powered by batteries produced by a unit of China's CATL. Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun said on his Weibo account the key specifications for the YU7 were disclosed early to allow “more comprehensive and extensive large-scale testing” over an extended period. Last month, Xiaomi raised its EV delivery target for the third time to 130,000 units this year to meet surging demand. The smartphone and electronic device maker entered China's crowded EV market in March with the launch of the SU7 series, a Porsche lookalike with a starting price of less than $30,000 (about R533,416). In October, the company unveiled a luxury variant of the SU7, priced to rival Tesla's Model S Plaid, while touting its performance with a record lap time at Germany's gruelling Nurburgring track. Xiaomi reported a 30.5% jump in its third-quarter revenue this year, surpassing analysts' estimate. China's car sales grew at its fastest pace since January last month, boosted by government-subsidised car trade-ins.
RIYADH: From heritage to long-standing traditions, the deep connections between Iraq and Saudi Arabia span thousands of years to the pre-Islamic era. The second Common Ground festival, an initiative by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, is an immersion in the bonds of the two nations through art, cuisine and performance. Alataf Ebrahim, the head of the festival department at the Iraqi Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities, told Arab News: “Baghdad and all the Iraqi governorates are passionate about embracing Saudi culture. While the event is called Common Ground, with pride, we say that we are all one culture, one society and one message. “This is a big and very important event, and the project is bold for planning and drawing joint cultural events now, and in the future. As the Ministry of Culture, this venture has been initiated for two years and we plan on having Saudi cultural nights in Baghdad as well as in 2025.” One of the main festival attractions is Al-Mutanabbi Street, which is recreated based on the historical road in Baghdad along with its iconic main gate. The renowned hub for intellectual life hosts various bookstores, clothing stores, live painting and oud performances, and panel discussions around various cultural crossovers. In the heart of the bookshop district is one of Baghdad’s oldest coffee shops, Shabandar cafe, which opened its doors over a century ago and has since become a landmark in the city. The establishment has born witness to the twists and tragedies of Iraq’s tumultuous history. “Shabandar cafe is an open corner for poets and intellectuals, and visitors as well, as they read about the latest cultural news through physical newspapers that are always on each table. This area is where the most prominent cultural activities in the capital (take place),” Ebrahim explained. Al-Mutanabbi’s poems are also honored through 10, 3-meter-high scrolls. The works are written in a font that has the characteristics of the 4th century in the style of Ibn Al-Bawwab, the famous calligrapher who was born about a year after Al-Mutanabbi’s death. “We’re presenting a mini cultural week that encompasses many experiences, not just books and literature, but also extends to musical performances; and an absorption between the two cultures and deepening that relationship,” he added. Visitors can also indulge in local delicacies from both countries while enjoying the live folk music and dance performances that take place twice daily on the main stage. The festival’s concert series featured an iconic performance by Iraqi singer Kadim Alsahir on the opening day, and a joint oud performance by Saudi singer and songwriter Abadi Al-Johar and Iraqi artist Naseer Shamma on Dec. 21. The last show of the series will be on Dec. 25, featuring Aseel Hameem and Nawaf Al-Jabarti. Over 100 artworks are on display at the “Beneath the Gaze of the Palms” exhibition, which examines questions of identity and heritage in Iraq and Saudi Arabia. The showcase includes Islamic, Mesopotamian and contemporary art. At the entrance of the exhibition is a large structure known as the Mudhif, which is a traditional reed house, particularly in the Al-Ahwar region of southern Iraq. It is a type of communal guesthouse or gathering space that plays a central role in the social and hospitality traditions of the region. A large part of the exhibition highlights Darb Zubaida, one of the historical pilgrimage routes from the city of Kufa to Makkah that not only facilitated the movement of people, goods, and ideas but also played a crucial role in the cultural and religious life of the Islamic world. “This road became a place for exchanging ideas with our communities in the Kingdom. Saudi poetry and handicrafts were transferred to Iraq while Iraqi literary and cultural heritage was transferred to Saudi Arabia. “This is an important aspect of the exhibition, alongside the many artworks that spotlight the traditional, modern, and contemporary art and the traditional tales that are embodied by the contributions of the participating artists.” The festival also features an exhibition dedicated to the history of traditional clothing, musical instruments, songs, and significant cultural figures of Saudi Arabia and Iraq. The festival, which runs until Dec. 31, is being held at Mega Studio in Riyadh’s Boulevard City.Myth of meritocracy, caste-based disparities in IT sector
Dec. 24—Dick Hoak, whose playing and coaching career with the Steelers spanned 45 years, is among three former assistant coaches who have been selected for the Awards of Excellence program by the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Hoak, a Jeannette native who played at Penn State, played 10 seasons with the Steelers before he was hired by Chuck Noll in 1972 to be the team's running backs coach. He was the only assistant from Noll's staff who was retained when Bill Cowher took over as head coach in 1992. All told, Hoak was involved in 742 games with the Steelers as a player and coach. He is a member of the team's Hall of Honor. Hoak was a seventh-round draft choice in 1971 who rushed for 1,132 yards and 25 touchdowns and caught 146 passes for 1,452 yards and eight touchdowns in his career. He was the team's second all-time leading rusher when he retired after the 1970 season. In addition to Hoak, Elijah Pitts of the Buffalo Bills and Jim McNally of the Cincinnati Bengals were the other assistant coaches selected for the Awards of Excellence program. They will be honored in Canton, Ohio, during an awards ceremony June 25-26. (c)2024 the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Visit the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette at www.post-gazette.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
WASHINGTON (AP) — In the history of American politics, there's no shortage of presidents who promised to shake up Washington once they got to the White House. But Donald Trump may prove to be in a class of his own, and he appears more interested in beating the federal government into submission than recalibrating it. In staffing his administration, Trump has shown an inclination to select people who distrust or even disdain the agencies that they've been chosen to lead, setting up a potential war of attrition between the incoming Republican president and American institutions.
Why Christmas is the most diverse, equitable and inclusive time of the yearBeyond Investment: How Corporates Can Benefit from CryptocurrenciesLOS ANGELES — Mina Kimes has a lot going on this week. Like so many other people this time of the year, the analyst for ESPN's "NFL Live" has been busy wrapping presents and preparing for the arrival of out-of-town guests for the holidays. In addition to those typical holiday activities, however, Kimes also has to break down film and attend a Christmas Eve rehearsal ahead of her one-off gig as a studio analyst for the Kansas City Chiefs-Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens-Houston Texans games streaming live Christmas Day on Netflix . "Yeah it's been pretty crazy," Kimes said Monday during a phone interview. "I'm just excited. I usually just do a studio show during the week that I absolutely love, but there's a level of energy that comes with doing television right before kickoff and also during the game and after. ... Like, in real time, let's see how Joey Porter Jr. or George Pickens or any of the injured players look, and their availability and that kind of thing. "And that adds a different element to it that I'm really personally super excited about. But I just love talking ball on television and just to have the opportunity to do this in front of this many people is quite a Christmas gift." The last sporting event streamed live on Netflix was a massive success — an estimated 108 million live viewers in around 65 million households worldwide tuned in Nov. 15 to watch the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight — but also a huge headache for many consumers, who complained on social media about buffering issues and losing the feed altogether. Netflix told The Times on Monday that it learned from the struggles it faced during the Tyson-Paul live stream and has optimized its systems to better handle live events since then. Kimes is hopeful that all such issues have been resolved ahead of the two NFL games, both of which will be key to AFC playoff seedings and one of which (Ravens-Texans) will feature a halftime show by Beyoncé . "The technological aspect of this is above my pay grade, but everybody seems pretty confident about it," she said. "Obviously it's gonna be a bajillion eyeballs on these games, so my hope is that on our end when we're on everything's seamless, not just from a tech and streaming standpoint but from a production standpoint. And so far it seems like it will be, just a lot of experienced folks working on this." Netflix's first foray into NFL games will feature a slew of talent from various other platforms. Kimes will be on the Los Angeles studio show, along with anchor Kay Adams (FanDuel TV) and fellow analysts Manti Te'o (NFL Network), Robert Griffin III (formerly of ESPN) and Drew Brees (formerly of NBC Sports). A studio show from Pittsburgh will feature Laura Rutledge (ESPN) as anchor and Devin McCourty (NBC Sports) and Jason McCourty (CBS Sports and ESPN) as analysts. "It's kind of like a Pro Bowl of sorts," Kimes said. "That sounds self aggrandizing, but I guess I mean so far as I get to work with a lot of people who I don't usually get to work with, which is kind of cool. It's a lot of folks from a lot of different networks and that is also something that is kind of like unique about this." Here's more from Kimes' conversation with The Times. (The questions and answers have been edited for length and clarity) Q: How did this all come about for you? A: I can't remember when I first heard about the possibility – a few months ago or something? But whenever my agent told me about it I was really excited for a litany of reasons, one of which was just the opportunity to work on such massively significant games and obviously ones that are gonna have a lot of eyeballs. Really good games, too, by the way — which, I mean, good for Netflix but also great for me because it's a lot more fun to talk about games like the ones we're gonna be discussing on Christmas. Q: Was there any hesitation to do this during the holidays? I know you have a little one at home ... A: Well, here's the good news — he's 14 months old, so I can just tell him Christmas is the next day and he won't know the difference. I have family coming in actually today and even if I wasn't on the show they would be watching it. They're huge football fans. They would have Netflix on all day anyways, so I think they're almost as excited by the idea of just sitting all day and watching me, probably more so than if I was spending time with them because they see a lot of me in person. Q: So your studio show is going to be on all day, before, during and after both games? A: Yeah, that's why everybody's watching halftime, right? To watch our show. Like, 'Come on, enough Beyonce. One song, let's get back. I really gotta hear this analysis.' Q: This has been a busy month for you, after serving as a color commentator for " The Simpsons Funday Football " alternative broadcast of the Cincinnati Bengals-Dallas Cowboys game Dec. 9. How was that experience? A: It was awesome. It was an absolute dream. I'm a crazy "Simpsons" fan and I think we realized early on — me, Drew [Carter] and Dan [Orlovsky] — just to lean all the way into all the "Simpsons" jokes and references. It seems like fans of the show really enjoyed that. Q: You have made numerous appearances on ESPN's " Around the Horn ." What was your reaction to learning that the show will be coming to an end next year? A: That show has meant so much to my career. That's how I really got my start in television at ESPN. I don't think I'd be doing what I'm doing now if not for 'Around the Horn.' ... So it really kind of made me reflect on I guess the role that the show has played [in] my career. I'm gonna miss doing it a lot because I'm an NFL analyst now, but for me it was one of those platforms [where] you could talk about other sports and topics and I always really, really enjoyed it. It's a special show. Q: What are your predictions for the Christmas games? A: It's boring — I got both of the favorites winning, the Ravens and Chiefs. The Steelers' defensive injuries are very concerning. Q: What about a Beyonce prediction? Any special guests you think might join her? A: I think you might see a special guest from Houston. Don't know who that's gonna be, but I predict that whatever it is, people will wish it was twice as long instead of having to listen to me talk. ©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit latimes.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.