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World Madam 2024 International Culture Week Ended in New York - Chan Laifong from MACAO Won World Madam 2024 Global Overall Champion 12-24-2024 07:02 PM CET | Leisure, Entertainment, Miscellaneous Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: PRChoices World Madam 2024 Champions Crowned in Prestigious Global Competition. December 12 marked a momentous occasion as Dr. Djibril Diallo, former United Nations General Assembly Press Secretary, chaired the World Madam 2024 Annual Review Committee, alongside a distinguished 13-member jury led by Daniel del Valle Blanco, Chairperson of the Youth Advisory Committee of UN-Habitat. Following an intense review of videos, live speeches, and talents, Chan Laifong of Macao and Liora Michelle Green of America emerged tied as the World Madam 2024 Global Overall Champions. Additionally, Rokhaya Niang of Senegal and three other influential women were awarded the title of World Madam 2024 Global Honorary Champions, while Shayana Rex of Canada claimed the World Miss 2024 Overall Champion title, and Helena Hou of New Zealand was named the World Junior 2024 Overall Champion. Participants from over 20 countries brought vibrancy and diversity to the event, celebrating global culture and the accomplishments of women worldwide. Image: https://www.globalnewslines.com/uploads/2024/12/ef9bbf9ec640cbc54aac3174306f25fb.jpg World Madam International Culture Week, hosted by World Madam Foundation and jointly presented by World Madam Group, took place from December 10th to 15th locally in New York. UN ambassadors, elites from all walks of life and candidates from all regions attended the event ceremoniously in batches. Image: https://www.globalnewslines.com/uploads/2024/12/fdb31b4ca866a82aad6f8255b28345cc.jpg The award ceremony took place at Oheka Castle, the largest private castle in New York, with over 200 distinguished attendees. Among them were Anni Huang, founder of the World Madam Foundation and World Madam Global Brand; Lisa Chen, Global Authentication Officer; Cici Zhang, Europe Authentication Officer; Fei Fang, U.S. Authentication Officer; Adem Erol, Turkey Chief Executive; Xuefen Mo, New Zealand Chief Executive; Alice Liao, Canada Chief Executive; Lily Yan, Northern California Chief Executive; Alan Yang, Director of World Madam Group; Zaozao Wang, 2021 World Madam Global Audience Choice Champion; Lili Han, 2022 World Madam Global Overall Champion; Sepideh Behboudi, 2023 World Madam Global Overall Champion; as well as representatives of the World Madam regional organizing committee and professionals from fields such as art, education, finance, diplomacy, and media. Image: https://www.globalnewslines.com/uploads/2024/12/4dfe5a98c27ec2522d668ecece414292.jpg At the award ceremony, the World Madam Global Organizing Committee presented the Star Organizing Committee Award to the New Zealand Organizing Committee and the World Madam Lifetime Achievement Award to Xuefen Mo. Peter Cheng, Director of the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC) Fushou Senior Center, which has been sponsored multiple times by the World Madam Foundation, expressed sincere gratitude and presented honorary medals. Image: https://www.globalnewslines.com/uploads/2024/12/b03095f642961e36390457c069650e6b.jpg On the afternoon of December 13, World Madam representatives attended the UNCA 2024 Annual Ceremony, supported by the World Madam Foundation. Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, along with ambassador representatives, had a cordial discussion with Anni Huang, a World Madam representative, and posed for a group photo. On December 14, some award winners, along with their friends and relatives, shared their experiences in New York at a reception party hosted by Anni Huang. The event concluded with the blessings of all representatives and award winners, bringing the World Madam 2024 International Culture Week to a successful close. "WORLD MADAM" is an international brand with global influence. The term "madam" in WORLD MADAM is derived from the French word "madame," a polite and formal form of address for women in both English and French, pronounced as "ma dame." Registered and initiated by Anni Huang in Canada, it now operates globally through a dual-headquarters model based in China and America under the World Madam Group, with support from the World Madam Foundation. The mission of WORLD MADAM is to establish female role models, promote the development of female talents, support social stability, and provide assistance to underprivileged women and children, thereby contributing to global peace and development. Guided by the concept of "One Small Step for Madams, One Giant Leap for the World," WORLD MADAM has evolved into a comprehensive service platform empowering women worldwide. Through cultural activities showcasing female charm and sharing their inspirational stories, WORLD MADAM aims to advance global female entrepreneurship and employment by driving commercial initiatives and opportunities. Image: https://www.globalnewslines.com/uploads/2024/12/4cf3959d17dd7400ecb8ef3a7b12af76.jpg Over the years, the brand has been regarded as a symbol of modern women's fashion culture and has even been referred to by experts in the field as the "Oscar" of the women's world. Since its foundation, hundreds of international events have taken place, attracting millions of women from various countries and regions. These women have not only showcased their personal talents and charm but have also embodied the core values of the World Madam brand, further enriching its depth and significance. In terms of brand activities, World Madam emphasizes innovative and diverse development. It has organized selection events and award ceremonies in non-traditional formats, along with hundreds of charity dinners. In 2024, through partnerships with international organizations such as the United Nations, it showcased cultural initiatives like the "EmpowerHER" series. To date, by collaborating with nearly 100 international and local agencies and brands from various countries and regions, World Madam has successfully completed its global brand expansion. It has garnered approval and support from local governments as well as praise and congratulations from multinational dignitaries and celebrities. As a result, World Madam has enhanced its social influence and solidified its position as a leading platform for women worldwide. According to De Wet, World Madam Group Global Secretary, as of December 2024, the World Madam brand has secured over 80 independent intellectual property rights worldwide, established more than 100 city meeting rooms and partner agencies, and hosted over 100 large-scale series events. It has also made charitable donations exceeding 100 instances. Nearly 1 million women have participated in its activities, either directly or indirectly, and it once set a record with over 2 million people watching its events online globally, attracting coverage from more than 700 mainstream media outlets. In 2024, World Madam launched the "Double 100" initiative, in which 100 madams endorsed 100 brands, fostering stronger connections with other international brands. Looking ahead, World Madam aims to continue creating a diversified, open, and inclusive career development platform for women worldwide. Through brand cooperation and connections, it seeks to spread positive energy and contribute further to society through continuous innovation and cross-cultural development strategies. After years of development, World Madam has established a framework centered on international cultural activities as its main axis, gradually expanding its cooperation with the global female and household consumer goods supply chain. It employs a modern operational model that integrates both online and offline platforms. Additionally, World Madam has introduced a salary incentive mechanism to support women worldwide in their entrepreneurial and employment endeavors, forming the Version 1.0 World Madam brand commercial closed-loop layout. In 2024, keynote speeches and a series of activities led by Anni Huang, the founder of World Madam, have consistently elevated the brand's influence to new heights. In 2025, World Madam Group plans to accelerate its brand upgrade to Version 2.0 and expand into the education and multimedia sectors. Looking ahead, the group aims to leverage its platform to establish a global live video streaming system, prioritizing support for unemployed women affected by family obligations or postpartum challenges. By helping these women return to work or start new businesses, World Madam seeks to empower them while further enhancing its global influence and appeal. These initiatives will not only solidify the brand's social responsibility but also underscore its global leadership in advocating for women's empowerment and development. WORLD MADAM List of Winners of the 2024 Global Annual Selection I. WORLD MADAM GROUP: 1. World Madam 2024 Global Honorary Champion - Rokhaya Niang | SENEGAL - Nonhlanhla Jiyane | SOUTH AFRICA - Saran Sompare | REPUBLIC OF GUINEA 2. World Madam 2024 Global Overall Champion - Chan Laifong | MACAO - Liora Michelle Green | AMERICA 3. World Madam 2024 Global Audience Choice Champion - Xiangling Huang | CANADA - Naomi Parisette | AMERICA 4. World Madam 2024 Global Wisdom Champion - Chen Yun | CANADA 5. World Madam 2024 Global Talent Champion - Cheng Zou | AMERICA 6. World Madam 2024 Global Elegance Champion - Yelin Liu | KOREA 7. World Madam 2024 Global Runner-up - Jocelyn Bullock | VIETNAM - Haixiang Wang | CHINA 8. World Madam 2024 Global Third Place - Xiaoying Wu | CHINA - Weiyan Huang | CANADA 9. World Madam 2024 Global Charity Ambassador - Xu Ling | CANADA 10. World Madam 2024 Global Best in Family Harmony - Chum Yee Yan | SINGAPORE 11. World Madam 2024 Global Most Inspirational - Sophia So | THAILAND II. WORLD MISS GROUP 1. World Miss 2024 Global Overall Champion - Shayana Rex | CANADA 2. World Miss 2024 Global Audience Choice Champion - Xiaojing Xu | CHINA 3. World Miss 2024 Global Elegance Champion - Aislinn Evans | AMERICA 4. World Miss 2024 Global Wisdom Champion - Haitong Huang | CHINA 5. World Miss 2024 Global Talent Champion - Desseri Dubhnath | GUYANA 6. World Miss 2024 Global Best in Vitality - Maria Belen Paz Soldan De Ugarte | BOLIVIA - Daniela Maria Vasquez Segovia | EL SALVADOR 7. World Miss 2024 Global Most Fashionable - Jasmine Metivier | FRANCE III. WORLD JUNIOR GROUP 1. World Junior 2024 Global Overall Champion - Helena Hou | NEW ZEALAND 2. World Junior 2024 Global Best Wisdom Award - Helena Hou | NEW ZEALAND 3. World Junior 2024 Global Audience Choice Champion - Tiffany Chen | AMERICA 4. World Junior 2024 Global Most Talent Award - Tiffany Chen | AMERICA MEDIA CONTACTS: Dr. Jeannie Yi Author, CEO IYAC International Young Artist Corporation 917-933-4222 jeannieyi@icloud.com [mailto:jeannieyi@icloud.com] https://mainstfilm.com [ https://mainstfilm.com/ ] Aaron Paul CEO AP Music & Productions 347-526-8178 apmusicandproductions@gmail.com [mailto:apmusicandproductions@gmail.com] www.aaronpaulmusic.com [ http://www.aaronpaulmusic.com/ ] Media Contact Company Name: AP Music & Productions Contact Person: Aaron Paul, CEO Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=world-madam-2024-international-culture-week-ended-in-new-york-chan-laifong-from-macao-won-world-madam-2024-global-overall-champion ] Phone: 347-526-8178 Country: United States Website: http://www.aaronpaulmusic.com This release was published on openPR.ADC Therapeutics: Continues To Make Strides With ZYNLONTA Targeting DLBCL
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Global Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service Market Size, Share and Forecast By Key Players-Altoros, Avenga, BairesDev, BlastAsia, ByteAnt 12-24-2024 06:20 PM CET | Advertising, Media Consulting, Marketing Research Press release from: Market Research Intellect Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service Market USA, New Jersey- According to the Market Research Intellect, the global Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service market is projected to grow at a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.77% from 2024 to 2031. Starting with a valuation of 6.84 Billion in 2024, the market is expected to reach approximately 16.47 Billion by 2031, driven by factors such as Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service and Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service. This significant growth underscores the expanding demand for Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service across various sectors. The Software Quality Assurance (QA) and Testing Service market has experienced significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for high-quality software in industries such as IT, healthcare, finance, and e-commerce. As organizations face the complexity of developing robust applications, the need for comprehensive QA and testing solutions has intensified. The growing adoption of agile methodologies, along with the rise of automation testing tools, has further fueled market expansion. Additionally, the increasing focus on reducing operational risks and improving user experience has heightened the demand for effective QA processes. As businesses increasingly prioritize seamless, error-free software, the market for software testing services is expected to continue its upward trajectory, with innovations like AI-driven testing playing a crucial role in shaping the future. The dynamics of the Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service market are shaped by various factors, such as technological advancements, market competition, and evolving customer expectations. The integration of automation, artificial intelligence, and machine learning into testing processes has revolutionized the industry, offering faster and more accurate results. Additionally, the shift toward cloud-based platforms allows for scalable and cost-effective testing solutions. However, challenges such as the growing complexity of software systems, the need for skilled professionals, and budget constraints continue to impact the market. Despite these challenges, the growing reliance on software for business-critical applications and the demand for faster time-to-market solutions are driving innovation and competitive pressure in the QA and testing services market. Request PDF Sample Copy of Report: (Including Full TOC, List of Tables & Figures, Chart) @ https://www.marketresearchintellect.com/download-sample/?rid=10777400&utm_source=OpenPr&utm_medium=047 Key Drivers: The growth of the Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service market is driven by several key factors. Technological advancements in Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service have enabled greater efficiency and enhanced capabilities, spurring adoption across industries. Additionally, the rising demand for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions is pushing companies to innovate and adopt greener practices. Expanding applications in sectors like Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service and Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service are further contributing to market demand, as these industries seek advanced solutions to streamline operations and enhance product quality. Favorable government policies and incentives in regions such as North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific support investment and growth. Moreover, an increasing focus on Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service for improving operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness is encouraging businesses to embrace new technologies, fostering sustained market expansion. Mergers and Acquisitions Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) play a pivotal role in the Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service market, as companies look to expand their capabilities, access new technologies, and strengthen market presence. Leading players engage in strategic acquisitions to consolidate their position and gain a competitive edge. These transactions often facilitate the integration of advanced Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service solutions, helping firms broaden their product portfolios and meet growing customer demands. Additionally, M&A activities support companies in achieving economies of scale and penetrating new regional markets, particularly in high-growth areas like Asia-Pacific. Through such strategic alliances, businesses aim to accelerate innovation, enhance operational efficiency, and address evolving market challenges, ultimately driving the overall growth of the Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service market. Get a Discount On The Purchase Of This Report @ https://www.marketresearchintellect.com/ask-for-discount/?rid=10777400&utm_source=OpenPr&utm_medium=047 The following Key Segments Are Covered in Our Report By Type Security Testing Usability Testing Functional Testing Localization Testing Compatibility Testing Others By Application SaaS Testing Web Application Testing Mobile Application Testing Desktop Application Testing Others Major companies in Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service Market are: Altoros, Avenga, BairesDev, BlastAsia, ByteAnt, Capgemini, Elinext, Evoke Technologies, FortySeven, Globant (Belatrix), Hidden Brains Infotech, Intertek, Itransition, Kanda Software, Litslink, Net Solutions, nResult, NTT (NTT Data), Orient Software, Oxagile, QASource, QAT Global, Romexsoft, ScienceSoft, ScriptSmart, SDLC Partners, Softtek, TatvaSoft, TietoEVRY, Vilmate Global Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service Market -Regional Analysis North America: North America is expected to hold a significant share of the Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service market due to advanced technological infrastructure and the presence of major market players. High demand across sectors like Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service and Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service is driving growth, with the U.S. being a key contributor. Additionally, ongoing investments in R&D and innovation reinforce the region's strong market position. Europe: Europe is projected to experience steady growth, driven by stringent regulatory standards and a rising focus on sustainability in Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service practices. Countries like Germany, France, and the UK are leading due to their advanced industrial base and supportive government policies. The demand for eco-friendly and efficient Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service solutions is expected to continue fostering market expansion. Asia-Pacific: Asia-Pacific is anticipated to be the fastest-growing region, fueled by rapid industrialization and urbanization. Countries such as China, India, and Japan are driving demand due to expanding consumer bases and increasing investments in infrastructure. The region's robust manufacturing sector and favorable economic policies further enhance growth opportunities in the Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service market. Latin America: Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are expected to show moderate growth in the Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service market. In Latin America, growth is supported by rising industrial activities in countries like Brazil and Mexico. Meanwhile, in the Middle East & Africa, infrastructure development and an increasing focus on innovation in sectors like Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service are key drivers of market expansion. Middle East and Africa: The Middle East and Africa represent emerging markets in the global Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service market, with countries like UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Nigeria showing promising growth potential. Economic diversification efforts, urbanization, and a young population are driving demand for Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service products and services in the region. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 1. What is the current size of the Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service market? Answer: The Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service market was valued at approximately 6.84 Billion in 2024, with projections suggesting it will reach 16.47 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 15.77%. 2. What factors are driving the growth of the Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service market? Answer: The market's expansion is attributed to several factors, including increased demand for Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service, advancements in Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service technology, and the adoption of Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service across various sectors. 3. Which regions are expected to dominate the Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service market? Answer: Regions such as North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific are anticipated to lead due to the presence of major industry players and growing investments in Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service. 4. Who are the key players in the Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service market? Answer: Prominent companies in the Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service market include Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service, Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service, and Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service, each contributing to market growth through innovations and strategic partnerships. 5. What challenges does the Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service market face? Answer: The market faces challenges such as Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service, regulatory compliance, and competition from alternative solutions. However, ongoing advancements aim to address these issues. 6. What are the future trends in the Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service market? Emerging trends include the integration of Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service technology, sustainability practices, and digital transformation in processes, all expected to shape the market's future. 7. How can businesses benefit from the Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service market? Answer: Businesses can leverage growth opportunities in the Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service market by adopting new solutions, enhancing operational efficiency, and expanding their offerings to meet evolving consumer demands. 8. Why invest in a Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service market report from MRI? Answer: MRI's report provides in-depth analysis, future projections, and key insights to support strategic decision-making, enabling businesses to stay competitive and capitalize on growth trends in the Software Quality Assurance and Testing Service market. For More Information or Query, Visit @ https://www.marketresearchintellect.com/product/software-quality-assurance-and-testing-service-market/?utm_source=OpenPr&utm_medium=047 About Us: Market Research Intellect Market Research Intellect is a leading Global Research and Consulting firm servicing over 5000+ global clients. We provide advanced analytical research solutions while offering information-enriched research studies. We also offer insights into strategic and growth analyses and data necessary to achieve corporate goals and critical revenue decisions. Our 250 Analysts and SMEs offer a high level of expertise in data collection and governance using industrial techniques to collect and analyze data on more than 25,000 high-impact and niche markets. Our analysts are trained to combine modern data collection techniques, superior research methodology, expertise, and years of collective experience to produce informative and accurate research. Our research spans a multitude of industries including Energy, Technology, Manufacturing and Construction, Chemicals and Materials, Food and Beverages, etc. Having serviced many Fortune 2000 organizations, we bring a rich and reliable experience that covers all kinds of research needs. For inquiries, Contact Us at: Mr. Edwyne Fernandes Market Research Intellect APAC: +61 485 860 968 EU: +44 788 886 6344 US: +1 743 222 5439 This release was published on openPR.
Next-Level Gaming Power! Discover AMD’s Radeon 780MIn a bygone era, two of the authoritarian Middle Eastern leaders —Saddam Hussein of Iraq and Muammar el-Gaddafi—were hunted down before being executed. Saddam was sentenced to death by hanging after being convicted of crimes against humanity by an Iraqi Special Tribunal while Gaddafi was severely beaten up by rebel forces before being shot to death. Still, some Arab rulers who were deposed but survived included Zine El Abidine Ben Ali of Tunisia in 2011, Hosni Mubarak of Egypt in 2011, and Ali Abdullah Saleh of Yemen in 2012. But there was one rare exception—in Asia. Sri Lanka's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was driven into exile—first, seeking refuge in the Maldives, then in Singapore and finally in Thailand. When he ran out of safe havens, or so the story goes, he returned to his home country –but not to his lost presidency. In Asia, there were several other political leaders who were ousted from power and went into exile, including Nawaz Sharif, Pervez Musharraf and Benazir Bhutto of Pakistan, Ashraf Ghani of Afghanistan, Yingluck Shinawatra of Thailand and most recently Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh. When the Taliban captured power back in 1996, one of its first political acts was to hang the Afghan President Mohammed Najibullah in Ariana Square in Kabul. And, when it assumed power a second time, it ousted the US-backed government of Ashraf Ghani, a former World Bank official, armed with a doctorate in anthropology from one of the most prestigious Ivy League educational institutions in the US: Columbia University. In a Facebook posting, Ghani said he fled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) seeking safe haven because he "was going to be hanged" by the Taliban. If that did happen, the Taliban would have earned the dubious distinction of being the only government in the world to hang two presidents. But mercifully, it did not. Last week, as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad lost his battle for survival against a 14-year-old civil war in his country, he went... Thalif Deen
CEDAR FALLS — End of an era. A fourth straight championship game appearance is something to be proud about. But in the end, West Hancock of Britt could not overcome Tri-Center of Neola in the Class A state championship game Thursday at the UNI-Dome. The Trojans (12-1) pulled out a 14-10 victory to dethrone the defending champion Eagles (12-1), earning the school's first state football title in program history. West Hancock's Ray Gretillat hoists the Eagles' runner up trophy after their loss against Tri-Center on Thursday during the eight-player championship game at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. West Hancock's Gustavo Gomez runs the ball for a touchdown against Tri-Center on Thursday during the eight-player championship game at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. “Championship games are about who makes the biggest plays or who makes the most plays,” running back Gustavo Gomez said. “It looks like they did today.” “I’m proud of my guys,” quarterback Zephyr Jamtgaard said. “They took it seriously and I’m really proud of that. We’re a program that gets to the championship. Win or lose, I’m still proud of this team. I don’t think this game defines our season at all.” West Hancock nearly pulled it off despite a pair of devastating injuries. A week ago, the Eagles lost second-leading rusher and top tackler Creighton Kelly to a knee injury. Kelly tried to make a go of it in pre-game but was immediately ruled out. Then in the second half, leading rusher Brady Bixel went down and had an arm in a sling by the end of the game. “Down here that’s part of the game,” West Hancock head coach Mark Sanger said. “In Class A football, when you lose kids like Creighton Kelly and Brady Bixel, I’d be lying to you if it didn’t affect what your gameplan was and what you’re doing. We got guys who stepped in, and we prepared for it.” West Hancock celebrates after forcing a turnover on downs against Tri-Center on Thursday during the eight-player championship game at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. West Hancock's Brady Bixel is tackled by Tri-Center's Zach Nelson as he runs the ball on Thursday during the eight-player championship game at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. “Brady was out so I had to step in at fullback,” Gomez said. “I have experience playing fullback, so it didn’t really increase my workload or anything.” Tri-Center made it tough on the Eagles and forced them into things a typical West Hancock team does not have to do, especially playing from behind and without its two best offensive weapons. For a team that didn’t throw the ball once in the semi-final game against Madrid, the Eagles quarterback Zephyr Jamtgaard was forced to throw more than normal as he finished just 3 for 9 for 33 yards. Bixel had 100 rushing yards before he went out with injury. Tri-Center, on the other hand, was also firing on all cylinders offensively with Carter Kunze running for 168 yards and a rushing touchdown paired with 62 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown. Quarterback A.J. Harder had 207 passing yards with the touchdown to Kunze. Zach Nelson led the Trojans in receiving yards with 78. The game started with an explosive drive by the Trojans. The Trojans pounded the ball 42 yards down the field before Kunze picked up his first touchdown of the game on a 38-yard reception to give them the early 7-0 lead. After trading defensive stops, the Eagles finally answered back in a big way. After forcing a turnover on downs on the West Hancock 45-yard line, Gomez took off from the Tri-Center 49-yard line and tied the game up 7-7. “I ran my hardest,” Gomez said. “I only had one touchdown. It was all that I could get today.” West Hancock head coach Mark Sanger directs his players on the field against Tri-Center on Thursday during the eight-player championship game at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. West Hancock reacts after their loss against Tri-Center on Thursday during the eight-player championship game at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. Tri-Center closed the first half with a nearly five-minute drive dominated by Kunze’s ground game and the Trojans took back the lead with a Kunze four-yard touchdown with 40 seconds left in the half. The Eagles tried to tie the game back up, but a forward pass on a trick play past the line of scrimmage left the game 14-7 in favor of the Trojans as both teams headed into the locker room. The Eagles were the only team to score in the second half. Bixel exploded in the first two plays for a 28-yard rush followed by a 15-yard rush to get the ball in scoring position. However, a strong defensive showing by Tri-Center, West Hancock was forced to kick their first field goal of the year to make the game 14-10. “It was just a battle in the second half,” Sanger said. “We tried to figure out what we could do and couldn’t do. Defensively, we gave them some yards, but we turned them away when we had to. We turned them away in the second half, but we couldn’t make enough plays in the end to win that game.” The West Hancock senior class finished their football careers doing something that no team in school history has ever done by making the championship game for all four years of high school. West Hancock's Brady Bixel is tackled by Tri-Center's Zach Nelson as he runs the ball on Thursday during the eight-player championship game at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. “I couldn’t ask for a better senior class,” Sanger said. “There may be more athletic classes that come through but the way these guys compose themselves, the way they work, the example they set, the things they do, they’re going to be fine young men in our society as they go forward. That’s the goal isn’t it?” “This season has been great,” Jamtgaard said. “We finished 12-1 and were district champs, which is something we didn’t do last year. It’s really something to be proud of.” West Hancock's Ray Gretillat hoists the Eagles' runner up trophy as they depart the field after their loss against Tri-Center on Thursday during the eight-player championship game at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. West Hancock's Gustavo Gomez runs the ball for a touchdown against Tri-Center on Thursday during the eight-player championship game at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. West Hancock head coach Mark Sanger directs his players on the field against Tri-Center on Thursday during the eight-player championship game at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. West Hancock's Teague Smith grabs the feet of Tri-Center's Cael Witt as he runs the ball on Thursday during the eight-player championship game at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. West Hancock's Gustavo Gomez dives as he is tackled while running for yardage against Tri-Center on Thursday during the eight-player championship game at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. West Hancock's Zephyr Jamtgaard hands the ball off to Gustavo Gomez against Tri-Center on Thursday during the eight-player championship game at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. West Hancock's Ray Gretillat tackles Tri-Center's Carter Kunze as he runs the ball against on Thursday during the eight-player championship game at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. West Hancock reacts after their loss against Tri-Center on Thursday during the eight-player championship game at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. West Hancock's Gustavo Gomez runs the ball for yardage against Tri-Center on Thursday during the eight-player championship game at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. West Hancock's Brady Bixel is tackled by Tri-Center's Zach Nelson as he runs the ball on Thursday during the eight-player championship game at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. West Hancock's Ray Gretillat hoists the Eagles' runner up trophy after their loss against Tri-Center on Thursday during the eight-player championship game at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. West Hancock celebrates after forcing a turnover on downs against Tri-Center on Thursday during the eight-player championship game at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. West Hancock's Gustavo Gomez runs the ball for a touchdown against Tri-Center on Thursday during the eight-player championship game at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. West Hancock reacts after their loss against Tri-Center on Thursday during the eight-player championship game at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. West Hancock's Gustavo Gomez loses grip of a long pass down field against Tri-Center on Thursday during the eight-player championship game at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. West Hancock's Gustavo Gomez has a pass go through his hands as Tri-Center's Carter Kunze defends on Thursday during the eight-player championship game at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. West Hancock head coach Mark Sanger jokes with Brady Bixel as they leave the field for halftime against Tri-Center on Thursday during the eight-player championship game at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. West Hancock celebrates after Gustavo Gomez (24) scores against Tri-Center on Thursday during the eight-player championship game at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. West Hancock reacts after their loss against Tri-Center on Thursday during the eight-player championship game at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. West Hancock's Brady Bixel is tackled by Tri-Center's Zach Nelson as he runs the ball on Thursday during the eight-player championship game at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. West Hancock reacts after their loss against Tri-Center on Thursday during the eight-player championship game at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. West Hancock reacts after their loss against Tri-Center on Thursday during the eight-player championship game at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. West Hancock players console each other after their loss against Tri-Center on Thursday during the eight-player championship game at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. West Hancock's Reese Luedtke wraps around Tri-Center's AJ Harder as he runs the ball on Thursday during the eight-player championship game at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. West Hancock's Zach Beukema rushes Tri-Center's AJ Harder as he makes a throw on Thursday during the eight-player championship game at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. Final kneeldown of Tri-Center's first-ever football state title in a 14-10 win over West Hancock at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024. 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Travelzoo ( NASDAQ:TZOO – Get Free Report ) was the recipient of a significant decrease in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 150,400 shares, a decrease of 21.2% from the November 30th total of 190,900 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 133,500 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.1 days. Currently, 2.1% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Travelzoo Price Performance Travelzoo stock opened at $19.72 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $232.77 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.43 and a beta of 1.71. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $18.64 and a two-hundred day moving average of $13.40. Travelzoo has a 1 year low of $7.12 and a 1 year high of $22.44. Travelzoo ( NASDAQ:TZOO – Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 23rd. The information services provider reported $0.26 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.20 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $20.10 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $21.15 million. Travelzoo had a return on equity of 210.54% and a net margin of 16.67%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.16 earnings per share. Research analysts expect that Travelzoo will post 1.09 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Transactions at Travelzoo In related news, CEO Holger Bartel sold 23,057 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $19.73, for a total transaction of $454,914.61. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 4,000 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $78,920. This represents a 85.22 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link . Also, major shareholder Azzurro Capital Inc sold 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, October 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $15.02, for a total value of $150,200.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 4,837,696 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $72,662,193.92. This represents a 0.21 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders sold a total of 265,557 shares of company stock valued at $4,672,865 over the last three months. Corporate insiders own 47.00% of the company’s stock. Institutional Trading of Travelzoo Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. increased its position in Travelzoo by 169.5% during the 3rd quarter. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. now owns 127,186 shares of the information services provider’s stock valued at $1,533,000 after purchasing an additional 79,990 shares during the period. ClariVest Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Travelzoo by 2.9% during the second quarter. ClariVest Asset Management LLC now owns 97,730 shares of the information services provider’s stock valued at $742,000 after purchasing an additional 2,732 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Travelzoo by 10.6% during the third quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 82,241 shares of the information services provider’s stock valued at $991,000 after purchasing an additional 7,857 shares in the last quarter. Ritholtz Wealth Management increased its holdings in Travelzoo by 217.4% during the third quarter. Ritholtz Wealth Management now owns 34,453 shares of the information services provider’s stock valued at $415,000 after buying an additional 23,599 shares during the period. Finally, XTX Topco Ltd raised its stake in Travelzoo by 103.5% in the third quarter. XTX Topco Ltd now owns 25,274 shares of the information services provider’s stock worth $305,000 after buying an additional 12,854 shares in the last quarter. 27.39% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research firms have commented on TZOO. StockNews.com lowered shares of Travelzoo from a “strong-buy” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note on Friday, November 1st. Barrington Research lifted their price target on shares of Travelzoo from $12.00 to $15.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 22nd. Ascendiant Capital Markets increased their price objective on shares of Travelzoo from $18.00 to $23.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Monday, November 11th. Finally, Litchfield Hills Research initiated coverage on Travelzoo in a research report on Wednesday, September 4th. They set a “buy” rating and a $35.00 target price for the company. View Our Latest Analysis on Travelzoo About Travelzoo ( Get Free Report ) Travelzoo, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an Internet media company that provides travel, entertainment, and local experiences worldwide. It operates in four segments: Travelzoo North America, Travelzoo Europe, Jack's Flight Club, and New Initiatives. The company offers Travelzoo website, Travelzoo Top 20 email newsletters, Standalone email newsletters, Travelzoo Network, Travelzoo mobile applications, Jack's Flight Club website, Jack's Flight Club mobile applications, and Jack's Flight Club newsletters. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Travelzoo Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Travelzoo and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
President-elect Donald Trump has tapped several Californians — including former San Joaquin Valley congressman Devin Nunes — for posts in his next administration. Nunes, a Republican and former dairy farmer from Tulare, resigned his House seat after nearly two decades in 2022 to become chief executive of Trump Media & Technology Group, which is the parent company of the president-elect's Truth Social platform. On Saturday, Trump announced on the platform that he had selected Nunes to serve as chairman of the President's Intelligence Advisory Board. The board "exists exclusively to provide the President with an independent source of advice" on intelligence matters, and "has access to all information necessary to perform its functions," according to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Its members do not require Senate confirmation. Trump wrote that Nunes would use his experience as former chair of the House Intelligence Committee "and his key role in exposing the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax" to provide Trump with "independent assessments of the effectiveness and propriety" of actions taken by the U.S. intelligence agencies. Nunes was a staunch ally of Trump throughout the House's investigation into ties between Trump's 2016 campaign and Russia, which Nunes helped lead given his intelligence committee post. He dismissed various connections between Trump campaign officials and Russian assets even as now-Sen. Adam B. Schiff — a Democrat from California on the intelligence committee — alleged Trump's team had colluded with the Russians and the Justice Department pursued its own investigation. Trump said Nunes would maintain his CEO position with Trump Media. Trump has also nominated other Trump Media officials to prominent posts in his administration — including pro wrestling mogul Linda McMahon, his pick for Education secretary , and Kash Patel, his pick for FBI director . Patel is a former staffer on the House Intelligence Committee under Nunes, and a fellow Trump loyalist. Nunes wrote on Truth Social that he was "looking forward to serving our great nation again" under Trump. On Fox News, Nunes sang Patel's praises and said they would work together — with Trump's other justice and intelligence nominees — to "restore integrity back into" the system. "It's critical to do what the president wants to do, what he promised the American people, (which) is to get these agencies focused on going after bad guys and keeping Americans safe," Nunes said. Trump also on Saturday named Richard "Ric" Grenell, another loyalist from California, as his "envoy for special missions" — a role that does not currently exist. Grenell, who during Trump's first term served as acting director of national intelligence and as ambassador to Germany, previously worked at the United Nations Security Council. Trump said Grenell "will work in some of the hottest spots around the World, including Venezuela and North Korea," and "will continue to fight for Peace through Strength, and always put AMERICA FIRST." Grenell called working under Trump "an honor of a lifetime" in a post on X. "President Trump is a problem solver who keeps Americans safe and prosperous," he wrote. "We have so much to do. Let's get to work." Grenell is a firebrand known for his caustic attacks on social media. He was heavily criticized by German officials while ambassador — one called him "a biased propaganda machine" — and his appointment as acting national intelligence director during Trump's first term was met with scorn from Democrats, who said he lacked the intelligence experience necessary for the post. Grenell, who has a home in Palm Springs and previously taught at the USC Annenberg School of Communication, has also drawn both support and derision from California lawmakers. Grenell, who is gay, has been flagged as anti-LGBTQ+ by queer rights groups for railing against transgender youth rights and the Equality Act. When California Republicans honored Grenell on the California Senate floor in the name of Pride Month in 2023, several Democrats walked off the floor in protest — including gay state Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), who called Grenell "a guy who is truly a self-hating gay man, who takes tons of anti-LGBTQ positions." Trump on Saturday also nominated former Los Alamitos Mayor Troy Edgar to serve as deputy secretary of Homeland Security. Edgar, an IBM executive, previously served in Trump's first term as chief financial officer and as associate deputy undersecretary of management for Homeland Security. In a Truth Social post announcing his selection, Trump credited Edgar with helping to lead a "revolt" against sanctuary cities as mayor of Los Alamitos, a tiny Orange County city. "I am very excited to have Troy on our team, as he will help us Make America Great Again!" Trump wrote. The California Values Act, which took effect Jan. 1, 2018, restricts local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration officials in many cases. Edgar and other Los Alamitos officials approved an ordinance that tried to exempt the city from the state law — galvanizing support from other conservative officials in the state and drawing the attention of Trump, who invited Edgar to the White House. The Trump administration sued to block the California law, but the Supreme Court rejected the challenge in 2020, leaving the law intact. ©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit latimes.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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TOMS River, N.J. (AP) — A U.S. senator has called for mysterious drones spotted flying over sensitive areas in New Jersey and other parts of the Mid-Atlantic region to be “shot down, if necessary,” even as it remains unclear who owns them. “We should be doing some very urgent intelligence analysis and take them out of the skies, especially if they’re flying over airports or military bases,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut said Thursday as concerns about the drones spread across Capitol Hill. People in the New York region are also concerned that the drones may be sharing airspace with commercial airlines, he said, demanding more transparency from the Biden administration. The White House said Thursday that a review of the reported sightings shows that many of them are actually manned aircraft being flown lawfully. White House National Security spokesman John Kirby said there were no reported sightings in any restricted airspace. He said the U.S. Coast Guard has not uncovered any foreign involvement from coastal vessels. “We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or a public safety threat, or have a foreign nexus,” Kirby said, echoing statements from the Pentagon and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy. The drones appear to avoid detection by traditional methods such as helicopter and radio, according to a state lawmaker briefed Wednesday by the Department of Homeland Security. The FBI has been investigating and has asked residents to share any videos, photos or other information about the drones. On Wednesday, Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said they are not U.S. military drones. The number of sightings has increased in recent days, though officials say many of the objects seen may have been planes rather than drones. It’s also possible that a single drone has been reported more than once. The worry stems partly from the flying objects initially being spotted near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility, and over President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster. In a post on the social media platform X, Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia described the drones as up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) in diameter and sometimes traveling with their lights switched off. Drones are legal in New Jersey for recreational and commercial use but are subject to local and Federal Aviation Administration regulations and flight restrictions. Operators must be FAA certified. Most, but not all, of the drones spotted in New Jersey were larger than those typically used by hobbyists. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey said he was frustrated by the lack of transparency, saying it could help spread fear or misinformation. “We should know what’s going on over our skies,” he said Thursday. Fantasia, a Morris County Republican, was among several lawmakers who met with state police and Homeland Security officials to discuss the sightings from the New York City area across New Jersey and westward into parts of Pennsylvania, including over Philadelphia. It is unknown at this time whether the sightings are related. Two Republican Jersey Shore-area congressmen, U.S. Reps. Chris Smith and Jeff Van Drew, say the military should shoot down the drones. Smith said a U.S. Coast Guard commanding officer briefed him on an incident over the weekend in which a dozen drones followed a motorized Coast Guard lifeboat “in close pursuit” near Barnegat Light and Island Beach State Park in Ocean County. Coast Guard Lt. Luke Pinneo on Wednesday told The Associated Press “that multiple low-altitude aircraft were observed in the vicinity of one of our vessels near Island Beach State Park.” Associated Press reporters Mark Scolforo in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and reporter Darlene Superville and videojournalists Serkan Gurbuz and Nathan Ellgren in Washington, D.C., contributed to this report.2 of the best ASX ETFs to buy in 2025Elko council releases $500K for hospital's behavioral health unit
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden's administration is urging Ukraine to quickly increase the size of its military by drafting more troops and revamping its mobilization laws to allow for the conscription of those as young as 18. A senior Biden administration official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the private consultations, said Wednesday that the outgoing Democratic administration wants Ukraine to lower the mobilization age to 18 from the current age of 25 to help expand the pool of fighting-age men available to help a badly outnumbered Ukraine in its nearly three-year-old war with Russia. The official said “the pure math” of Ukraine's situation now is that it needs more troops in the fight. Currently Ukraine is not mobilizing or training enough soldiers to replace its battlefield losses while keeping pace with Russia's growing military, the official added. The White House has pushed more than $56 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the start of Russia's February 2022 invasion and expects to send billions more to Kyiv before Biden leaves office in less than months. But with time running out, the Biden White House is also sharpening its viewpoint that Ukraine has the weaponry it needs and now must dramatically increase its troop levels if it's going to stay in the fight with Russia. The official said the Ukrainians believe they need about 160,000 additional troops, but the U.S. administration believes they probably will need more than that. More than 1 million Ukrainians are now in uniform, including the National Guard and other units. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been hearing concerns from allies in other Western capitals as well that Ukraine has a troop level problem and not an arms problem, according to European officials who requested anonymity to discuss the sensitive diplomatic conversations. The European allies have stressed that the lack of depth means that it may soon become untenable for Ukraine to continue to operate in Russia’s Kursk border region . The situation in Kursk has become further complicated by the arrival of thousands of North Korean troops , who have come to help Moscow try to claw back the land seized in a Ukrainian incursion this year. The stepped-up push on Ukraine to strengthen its fighting ranks comes as Ukraine braces for President-elect Donald Trump to take office on Jan. 20. The Republican said he would bring about a swift end to the war and has raised uncertainty about whether his administration would continue the vital U.S. military support for Ukraine. “There are no easy answers to Ukraine’s serious manpower shortage, but lowering the draft age would help,” said Bradley Bowman, senior director of the Center on Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. "These are obviously difficult decisions for a government and society that has already endured so much due to Russia’s invasion.” Ukraine has taken steps to broaden the pool of draft-eligible men, but the efforts have only scratched the surface against a much larger Russian military. In April, Ukraine’s parliament passed a series of laws, including one lowering its draft-eligible age for men from 27 to 25, aimed at broadening the universe of men who could be called on to join the grinding war. Those laws also did away with some draft exemptions and created an online registry for recruits. They were expected to add about 50,000 troops, far short of what Zelenskyy said at the time was needed. Zelenskyy has consistently stated that he has no plans to lower the mobilization age. A senior Ukrainian official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, said Ukraine does not have enough equipment to match the scale of its ongoing mobilization efforts. The official said Ukrainian officials see the push to the lower the draft age as part of an effort by some Western partners to deflect attention from their own delays in providing equipment or belated decisions. The official cited as an example the delay in giving Ukraine permission to use longer-range weapons to strike deeper into Russian territory. The Ukrainians do not see lowering the draft age to recruit more soldiers as a substitute for countering Russia’s advantage in equipment and weaponry, the official said. Conscription has been a sensitive matter in Ukraine throughout the war. Russia’s own problems with adequate troop levels and planning early in the war prevented Moscow from taking full advantage of its edge. But the tide has shifted and the U.S. says the Ukrainian shortage can no longer be overlooked. Some Ukrainians have expressed worry that further lowering the minimum conscription age and taking more young adults out of the workforce could backfire by further harming the war-ravaged economy. The senior Biden administration official added that the administration believes that Ukraine can also optimize its current force by more aggressively dealing with soldiers who desert or go absent without leave. AP White House correspondent Zeke Miller and AP writer Hanna Arhirova in Kyiv contributed to this report.
By BEN FINLEY The Christmas tradition has become nearly global in scope: Children from around the world track Santa Claus as he sweeps across the earth, delivering presents and defying time. Related Articles National News | Heavy travel day off to a rough start after American Airlines briefly grounds all flights National News | Prosecutors withdraw appeal of dismissed case against Alec Baldwin in fatal movie set shooting National News | Judge rules Arkansas law allowing criminal charges against librarians is unconstitutional National News | Bill Clinton is hospitalized with a fever but in good spirits, spokesperson says National News | President-elect Trump wants to again rename North America’s tallest peak Each year, at least 100,000 kids call into the North American Aerospace Defense Command to inquire about Santa’s location. Millions more follow online in nine languages , from English to Japanese. On any other night, NORAD is scanning the heavens for potential threats , such as last year’s Chinese spy balloon . But on Christmas Eve, volunteers in Colorado Springs are fielding questions like, “When is Santa coming to my house?” and, “Am I on the naughty or nice list?” “There are screams and giggles and laughter,” said Bob Sommers, 63, a civilian contractor and NORAD volunteer. Sommers often says on the call that everyone must be asleep before Santa arrives, prompting parents to say, “Do you hear what he said? We got to go to bed early.” NORAD’s annual tracking of Santa has endured since the Cold War , predating ugly sweater parties and Mariah Carey classics . The tradition continues regardless of government shutdowns, such as the one in 2018 , and this year . Here’s how it began and why the phones keep ringing. It started with a child’s accidental phone call in 1955. The Colorado Springs newspaper printed a Sears advertisement that encouraged children to call Santa, listing a phone number. A boy called. But he reached the Continental Air Defense Command, now NORAD, a joint U.S. and Canadian effort to spot potential enemy attacks. Tensions were growing with the Soviet Union, along with anxieties about nuclear war. Air Force Col. Harry W. Shoup picked up an emergency-only “red phone” and was greeted by a tiny voice that began to recite a Christmas wish list. “He went on a little bit, and he takes a breath, then says, ‘Hey, you’re not Santa,’” Shoup told The Associated Press in 1999. Realizing an explanation would be lost on the youngster, Shoup summoned a deep, jolly voice and replied, “Ho, ho, ho! Yes, I am Santa Claus. Have you been a good boy?” Shoup said he learned from the boy’s mother that Sears mistakenly printed the top-secret number. He hung up, but the phone soon rang again with a young girl reciting her Christmas list. Fifty calls a day followed, he said. In the pre-digital age, the agency used a 60-by-80 foot (18-by-24 meter) plexiglass map of North America to track unidentified objects. A staff member jokingly drew Santa and his sleigh over the North Pole. The tradition was born. “Note to the kiddies,” began an AP story from Colorado Springs on Dec. 23, 1955. “Santa Claus Friday was assured safe passage into the United States by the Continental Air Defense Command.” In a likely reference to the Soviets, the article noted that Santa was guarded against possible attack from “those who do not believe in Christmas.” Some grinchy journalists have nitpicked Shoup’s story, questioning whether a misprint or a misdial prompted the boy’s call. In 2014, tech news site Gizmodo cited an International News Service story from Dec. 1, 1955, about a child’s call to Shoup. Published in the Pasadena Independent, the article said the child reversed two digits in the Sears number. “When a childish voice asked COC commander Col. Harry Shoup, if there was a Santa Claus at the North Pole, he answered much more roughly than he should — considering the season: ‘There may be a guy called Santa Claus at the North Pole, but he’s not the one I worry about coming from that direction,’” Shoup said in the brief piece. In 2015, The Atlantic magazine doubted the flood of calls to the secret line, while noting that Shoup had a flair for public relations. Phone calls aside, Shoup was indeed media savvy. In 1986, he told the Scripps Howard News Service that he recognized an opportunity when a staff member drew Santa on the glass map in 1955. A lieutenant colonel promised to have it erased. But Shoup said, “You leave it right there,” and summoned public affairs. Shoup wanted to boost morale for the troops and public alike. “Why, it made the military look good — like we’re not all a bunch of snobs who don’t care about Santa Claus,” he said. Shoup died in 2009. His children told the StoryCorps podcast in 2014 that it was a misprinted Sears ad that prompted the phone calls. “And later in life he got letters from all over the world,” said Terri Van Keuren, a daughter. “People saying ‘Thank you, Colonel, for having, you know, this sense of humor.’” NORAD’s tradition is one of the few modern additions to the centuries-old Santa story that have endured, according to Gerry Bowler, a Canadian historian who spoke to the AP in 2010. Ad campaigns or movies try to “kidnap” Santa for commercial purposes, said Bowler, who wrote “Santa Claus: A Biography.” NORAD, by contrast, takes an essential element of Santa’s story and views it through a technological lens. In a recent interview with the AP, Air Force Lt. Gen. Case Cunningham explained that NORAD radars in Alaska and Canada —- known as the northern warning system — are the first to detect Santa. He leaves the North Pole and typically heads for the international dateline in the Pacific Ocean. From there he moves west, following the night. “That’s when the satellite systems we use to track and identify targets of interest every single day start to kick in,” Cunningham said. “A probably little-known fact is that Rudolph’s nose that glows red emanates a lot of heat. And so those satellites track (Santa) through that heat source.” NORAD has an app and website, www.noradsanta.org , that will track Santa on Christmas Eve from 4 a.m. to midnight, mountain standard time. People can call 1-877-HI-NORAD to ask live operators about Santa’s location from 6 a.m. to midnight, mountain time.
A top hedge fund manager who once likened China 's human rights abuses to being a "strict parent" sits on the board of an NGO whose goal is to advance the priorities of the Chinese Communist Party. Ray Dalio, a self-described moderate who has been critical of Democrats and Republicans, sits alongside several Chinese businessmen with ties to the CCP on the board of the China Global Philanthropy Institute. CGPI, which has received accolades from the Chinese government for its work, conducts research and educates professionals intending to help the CCP achieve its goals in the realm of civil society. Ma Weihua, the chairman of the organization’s board of directors, previously served in China’s National People’s Congress and was a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, a government body which describes itself as “a major achievement of the Communist Party of China” that exists to integrate “Marxist-Leninist theories on the united front, political parties, and democratic politics with the unique realities and fine traditional culture of China.” Dalio sits alongside Ma and a number of others with links to the Chinese government on CGPI’s board of directors. Trustee Shen Xuxin is also a member of the CPCC, board supervisor Liu Jing held leadership roles in the Chinese government before joining the CGPI, and trustee Lei Yongsheng is the chief supervisor of the China Charity Alliance, an organization led by China’s minister of civil affairs that undertakes tasks “assigned by the government.” Wang Zhenyao, the founding president of the CGPI and the man who convinced Dalio to co-found the NGO, served as the director of China’s Ministry of Civil Affairs before embarking on transforming Chinese philanthropy. Dalio has landed himself in hot water for his comments on China’s approach to human rights. In 2021, Dalio likened China to a "strict parent" when discussing the disappearances of political dissidents in the country, sparking backlash. He later walked these comments back, saying that he "sloppily answered a question” and affirming his commitment to human rights. Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT), who also has a background in finance, has criticized Dalio for his activities in China. “Ray Dalio is brilliant and a friend, but his feigned ignorance of China’s horrific abuses and rationalization of complicit investments, there is a sad moral lapse,” the senator wrote in 2021. “Tragically, it is shared by far too many here and throughout the free world.” In addition to being led by former members of the Chinese government, CGPI has also won the praise of the Chinese government for its operations, with the Ministry of Civil Affairs granting it an award for its research on public services. More than 20 individuals trained by CGPI received awards at the state-run China Charity Awards in 2021. The admiration goes both ways as Ma, the CGPI chairman, praised the CCP in 2019 for making “historic progress in its fight against poverty.” The warm relationship between CGPI and the CCP is reflected in the organization’s operations. CGPI is a proponent of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a state-funded global infrastructure investment project that critics argue is being used by China to build political influence in foreign nations. “With the wisdom and responsibility of a great power, China is strengthening international cooperation and promoting exchange and integration of economy and culture of the Belt and Road countries with win-win cooperation,” a 2019 press release reads , describing the infrastructure program. “CGPI is willing to provide academic support for the ‘Belt and Road’ World Charity Journey, jointly contribute to Belt and Road construction, and contribute to the development of philanthropy in China and the world.” CGPI believes in “integrating charity into the Belt and Road Initiative” to help "guarantee" its success in part by encouraging “private foundations to take part in and contribute to the initiative.” In 2019, the organization signed a memorandum of understanding with Italian philanthropists to commemorate Italy’s entrance into the global infrastructure program. It was joined by the China Development Research Foundation in signing the memorandum. The China Development Research Foundation operates under the State Council, which is the “executive body of the supreme organ of state power,” according to the National People’s Congress. The Dalio Foundation granted nearly $6 million to the state-run research foundation between 2018 and 2023, according to tax forms. The Government Accountability Office, the U.S. federal government’s official watchdog agency, worries that China is using the Belt and Road Initiative to purchase influence in the developing world by shackling nations with infrastructure debt, according to a report released in October. CGPI launched a “Global Climate Action” initiative alongside the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2018. The State Council oversees the Chinese Academy of Sciences , and its president, a member of the CCP, wrote that the agency “will be guided by Xi Jinping’s thoughts on socialism with Chinese characteristics for [a] new era.” Among the initiative’s goals were building a “green” Belt and Road Initiative. Aside from lending his name and labor to CGPI, Dalio also donates a considerable amount of wealth to the organization. The Dalio Foundation has donated about $2.2 million to the NGO since 2018, according to the most recently available tax forms. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, who helped Dalio found CGPI, himself directs millions of dollars into the arms of the Chinese government and organizations that collaborate with the Chinese military through the Gate Foundation. Robert Rosen, the director of philanthropic partnerships at the Gates Foundation, also sits on CGPI’s board of directors. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER Politically, Dalio positions himself as a moderate. He has called the Republican Party “unethical” and “almost fascist” while lambasting Democrats for being “untruthful and enigmatic.” “What the country needs is the moderates coming together to be able to work together and make great reform,” Dalio said in September, criticizing both Vice President Kamala Harris and President-elect Donald Trump. “What the country needs is broad-based prosperity.” Trump and Harris were both critical of China on the campaign trail, often accusing each other of being too weak on the CCP. CGPI and the Dalio Foundation did not respond to the Washington Examiner’s requests for comment.Luke Williams feels Swansea ‘lost grip’ on game despite sealing victory at Derby
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The first guest invited to ring the bell to open trading at the New York Stock Exchange in 1956 wasn’t a company executive, a politician or a celebrity. It was a 10-year-old boy, Leonard Ross, who received the honor by winning a television quiz show. Since then, business titans, political giants and global film stars have all been among those ringing the opening bell at the NYSE. Ronald Reagan rang the bell as president in 1985. Billionaire businessman and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Hollywood star Robert Downey Jr. have also rung the bell. The list even includes famous Muppets: Miss Piggy was once a bell ringer. President-elect Donald Trump joined that list Thursday when he opened trading at the famous stock exchange on Wall Street. He was accompanied by his wife, Melania, who interestingly enough received the honor before her husband. As first lady, she rang the bell in 2019 as part of her “Be Best” program. Bell-ringers are more commonly founders and executives chosen primarily from the exchange’s more than 2,300 listed companies. Over the last few months, the guests have included executives from Alaska Air Group, Bath & Body Works, and Ally Financial. RELATED COVERAGE New York City mayor meets with Trump’s ‘border czar’ to discuss how to go after ‘violent’ criminals McDonald’s employee who called 911 in CEO’s shooting is eligible for a reward, but it will take time Luxury real estate brokers charged in federal indictment with sex trafficking in NYC Stock trading around the location of the NYSE’s current home has deep roots that trace back to the Dutch founding of New Amsterdam and when Wall Street had an actual wall. The NYSE traces its direct roots to the “Buttonwood Agreement” signed in 1792, which set rules for stock trading and commissions. The NYSE moved into its first permanent home in 1865. The first bell in use was actually a gong. The exchange moved into its current iconic building in 1903 and started using an electronically operated brass bell. That has evolved into synchronized bells in each of the NYSE’s four trading areas.Biden says healthy women help US prosperity as he highlights White House initiative on their health