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Dr Manmohan Singh: A domain expert who mastered the art of the possible
Why does someone risk their life, their freedom, to fight for the rights of others? That kept going around my head while on a video call on December 19 with eight women Nobel peace laureates, brought together by the temporary release from prison of 52-year-old Narges Mohamm edi, Nobel Peace Prize, Iran , 2023. Hello, I’m Maria Ressa, and I’m one of the 4 co-founders of Rappler . I received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021 , making Rappler the only fully functioning Nobel newsroom today. During this emotional call, Rappler was having our Christmas party, and I actually showed Narges and the Nobel women our office and our team, who at that moment were singing “Defying Gravity” (the theme of the night). Which is exactly what Narges has been through: “arrested 13 times, convicted five times and sentenced to a total of 31 years in prison and 154 lashes,” said the Nobel committee . Jailed in Iran’s notorious Evin prison, she was released for 21 days in December for an operation to remove a tumor. When she was wheeled out, she carried a picture of Mahsa Amini , and yelled, “Women. Life. Freedom.” Despite the looming end of her freedom, Narges was smiling and resolute. We spoke about gender apartheid , mass executions , protests , wars — how could we not with Jody Williams (1997, United States), Shirin Ebadi (2003, Iran), Leymah Gbowee (2011, Liberia), (Tawakkol Karman (2011, Yemen), Malala Yousafzai (2014, Pakistan), and Oleksandra Matviichuk (2022, Center for Civil Liberties, Ukraine) on the call. BUT we also spoke about perseverance, about helping each other, about commitment, about love. When you’re on the front lines, you celebrate every win. World is worse than you think It almost seems like these qualities underlying the courage of the women on the call — hard work, empathy, the values behind the world’s major religions (in Christianity, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”) — have gone out of style. Everyone wants quick rewards, the dopamine high of popularity (leading to populism at scale). The world is turned upside down by the perverse incentive structure of the technology that connects us all: when lies laced with fear, anger and hate pound open the sensitive fracture lines of our societies, for profit. That system of “engagement” and microtargeting is the most powerful tool of manipulation of those seeking and maintaining power. When politicians use it, it’s information operations; when nations use it, it’s information warfare — and it is reshaping the world. It’s worse than you think: the new “axis ” — Russia, China, Iran and North Korea — are united by their grievances against the West, especially after sanctions largely failed after Russia invaded Ukraine , and helped bring them together. With the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, Sudan, Myanmar, and our ongoing near-daily confrontations in the West Philippine Sea, it’s increasingly clear that conflicts around the world are interconnected. Look at Syria, Serbia, Venezuela, or North Korean troops fighting for Russia in Ukraine. Another complication: Russia, China, and North Korea already possess nuclear weapons, while Iran may only be weeks away from a nuclear breakthrough if it were to aggressively pursue it. Are we already in World War III ? Elections are manipulated My latest book, How to Stand up to a Dictator , has been translated into about 25 languages, including Mongolian, Georgian and Romanian. I was in Tbilisi, Georgia, earlier this year and listened to its citizens prepare to fight a Russian-style foreign agents law. As I write this, more than 200,000 Georgians have been out on the streets for nearly a month demanding new elections, protesting for its democratic values. (Add Venezuela , Mozambique , and many others in these electoral protests.) Shortly before that, in Romania, its Constitutional Court voided elections after a little known candidate without a political party and supported by the Kremlin’s information operations on TikTok took first place in its run-off elections. This is the first and most decisive move any nation has taken against the information warfare social media has enabled since 2016. As I have said repeatedly for years now, we cannot have election integrity with the manipulation of our emotions enabled by social media. Nerve’s latest report before the US elections shows exactly what can happen: the manipulation of the youth, the weaponization of race and gender, among them. This new “axis” — what Anne Applebaum called Autocracy, Inc — is not united in any political ideology – only pulled together in its thirst for power and money. It begins in the public information ecosystem. The global trend in 2024, the super-election year (74 national elections globally , with the last one taking place December 29 in Chad) shows democracy losing: we started the year with 71% of the world now under autocratic rule, and while some in media see election results as a failure of incumbents in 10 major countries (the first time this has ever happened in almost 120 years), those of us who have lived through this (and survived) see this as the success of insidious voter manipulation on social media . What Rappler is doing Over the last decade, we at Rappler have dealt with and become frustrated by analysis paralysis. The attacks we lived through and our data analysis since 2014 pushed us to the forefront of the fight for information integrity. Our journalism remains the same: investigative reports that hold power to account. Read and watch our best in 2024 . We learned that the form and substance of journalism is not enough. It needs to be coupled with the best of what technology has to offer — to reimagine what technology could do without surveillance capitalism. What would a public interest tech stack look like that brings trusted information to our communities, the citizens in our democracy? If we succeeded, could we stitch together a global community — with news organizations as tent pegs in a global federation? In 2020, we launched Lighthouse : its movements feature allowed us to bring some partners and NGOs into our tech stack. In 2022, we began creating a PH-wide data lake with an ontology, knowledge graph, and vectorDB to allow generative AI to automate creation of pages anchored on facts. In mid-2023 after OpenAI launched its chatbot, we zoomed GPT-4 onto each story page and created a 3 bullet-point summary of every Rappler story. Around that time, we were one of 10 from 1000 global groups selected by OpenAI to use its chatbot for democratic consultation (aiDialogue) . Working with the Quezon City local government, we began to finetune AI use for public consultations . It was exciting to think of the ability to widen democratic participation in a more systematic manner. Finally, a year ago, we launched Rappler Communities , a matrix protocol chat app that allows real people to have real conversations in a shared reality essential for any democracy. At this existential moment for news, we’ve created an MVP not only for survival but which we believe will allow news to thrive with a sustainable business model in a global public information ecosystem anchored in facts. Don’t be overwhelmed Our times demand you act. Choose and build the world you want. We can’t begin to work on solutions for climate change unless we agree on the problem. Leaders can’t govern until we begin to bring nuance and complexity back into the public domain. The good in each of us can’t emerge until we restore an environment of trust. That can’t happen if each of us is being insidiously manipulated. So download and join our community: first in the Philippines, followed by Indonesia, South Africa, and Brazil. Try our new RAI — what generative AI looks like if you want to anchor in facts! If you’re a news group that wants to join, let us know. If you’re a funder who wants a systemic solution, help us build. I’ve learned a lot in the years we’ve been under attack. In 2019, we created the International Fund for Public Interest Media to help bring new money to news groups. In 2021, we created a whole of society distribution system for facts — #FactsFirstPH in partnership with the Google News Initiative (parts of which were replicated in other parts of the world). In 2022, I became the vice chair of the leadership panel of the UN’s Internet Governance Forum to try to understand the multilateral system, and in 2023, I accepted the chair of the World Movement for Democracy to understand how human rights and civil society groups work together. Each of these taught me lessons in governance as well as showing me why our world today is broken. The year ahead We’re at a global inflection point, and 2025 will push us to a tipping point for violence, for fascism. Or not. It depends on what each of us does now. So don’t be overwhelmed. Don’t be depressed. Don’t disengage. Instead, take the four action points I recommend from the last speech I gave in 2024, my first in a Jewish temple in front of Muslims, Christians, Palestinians — a truly interfaith and diverse community of young and old alike. Religion and faith are crucial parts of our world views. It’s why I will return to the Vatican in January to help Pope Francis kick off the Jubilee, which happens once every 25 years. Hope for a better future comes from action, from perseverance. And faith. That’s what the Nobel Women showed me. That’s why we risk our freedom and dedicate our lives to fighting for all our rights. – Rappler.comAdele became emotional as she told her fans she will miss them “terribly” during her final Las Vegas residency show. The British singer-songwriter, 36, launched Weekends With Adele at Caesars Palace in November 2022 and performed her 100th show on Saturday. Her run of sell-out shows at the venue, which seats around 4,000 people, has been a success but has also taken its toll. In July, she announced she would be taking a “big break” from music after her current run of shows. Videos posted online from her concert on Saturday show the singer getting tearful as she bid farewell to Vegas. “It’s been wonderful and I will miss it terribly and I will miss you terribly”, she said. “I don’t know when I next want to perform again.” She also said she got “closure” when Canadian singer Celine Dion came to watch her perform, admitting that she cried for a “whole week” afterwards. “It was just such a full circle moment for me because that’s the only reason I ever even wanted to be in here”, she added. Adele shared an emotional embrace with Dion after she spotted the singer in the audience during her Las Vegas show last month. In footage shared online, the British star can be seen breaking down in tears as they hug in The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, which was built for Dion’s residency. The Rolling In The Deep singer has been vocal about her love for Dion over the years, hailing her as “Queen Celine” after attending one of her performances in an Instagram post in 2018. Dion reciprocated the love at the time, sharing a photo to social media of her posing alongside Adele, who was wearing the singer’s merchandise. She wrote: “Wasn’t able to do all my shows, but was thrilled that @Adele came to one of them.... I love her so much!! – Celine xx”. After their encounter at the venue, Adele said in an Instagram post: “Words will never sum up what you mean to me, or what you coming to my show means, let alone how it felt seeing you back in your palace with your beautiful family.”A legacy of struggle
India's Sports Community Mourns Dr Manmohan Singh's DemiseSpecial teams miscues prove costly for Bears in overtime loss to Vikings
Darnold gives Vikings another gem with career-high 377 yards in 27-25 win over Packers MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Sam Darnold added another exploit to his career-altering season, passing for a personal-best 377 yards and three touchdowns as the Minnesota Vikings hung on to beat the Green Bay Packers 27-25 for their ninth consecutive victory. The Vikings are 14-2. They set up a final-week showdown in Detroit for both the division title and the No. 1 seed for the playoffs in the NFC. Jordan Love’s only touchdown pass for the Packers came with 2:18 left to pull the Packers within two points. Darnold responded with two completions for first downs to seal the game. Saquon Barkley tops 2,000 yards rushing as Eagles beat Cowboys 41-7 to clinch NFC East PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Saquon Barkley rushed for 167 yards to top 2,000 on the season, backup quarterback Kenny Pickett ran and threw for scores before departing with injured ribs, and the Philadelphia Eagles clinched the NFC East title by routing the Dallas Cowboys 41-7. Barkley has 2,005 yards and needs 101 in next week’s mostly meaningless regular-season finale to top Eric Dickerson and his 2,105 yards for the Los Angeles Rams in 1984. The Eagles led 24-7 in the third quarter when Pickett was drilled by defensive end Micah Parsons, ending his first start in place of the concussed Jalen Hurts. NFC's No. 1 seed comes down to Vikings-Lions showdown at Detroit in Week 18 The NFC’s No. 1 seed will come down to the final week when the Detroit Lions host the Minnesota Vikings. The winner takes the NFC North and gets a first-round playoff bye and home-field advantage until the Super Bowl. The loser gets the No. 5 seed and must play on the road in the wild-card round. The Vikings held on for a 27-25 victory over the Green Bay Packers to set up the high-stakes showdown in Week 18. The Lions visit the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night. Win, lose or tie, they have to beat the Vikings for a second time this season. Bills clinch the AFC's No. 2 seed with a 40-14 rout of the undisciplined Jets ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Josh Allen threw two touchdown passes and ran for another score and the Buffalo Bills clinched the AFC’s No. 2 seed with a 40-14 rout of the New York Jets. The Bills put the game away by capitalizing on two Jets turnovers and scoring three touchdowns over a 5:01 span in the closing minutes of the third quarter. Buffalo’s defense forced three takeaways overall and sacked Aaron Rodgers four times, including a 2-yard loss for a safety in the second quarter. The five-time defending AFC East champion Bills improved to 13-3 to match a franchise single-season record. Herro leads Heat over Rockets in game marred by fight and ejections in final minute HOUSTON (AP) — Tyler Herro scored 27 points before being one of being one of seven people ejected, six for their roles in a fight in the final minute of the Miami Heat’s 104-100 victory over the Houston Rockets on Sunday night. Herro was thrown to the ground by the Rockets’ Amen Thompson with 35 seconds left and the Heat leading 99-94. Players and coaches from both benches then came onto the court. Both players were thrown out along with Rockets guard Jalen Green, coach Ime Udoka and assistant coach Ben Sullivan. Terry Rozier was also ejected for Miami. LeBron James at 40: A milestone birthday arrives Monday for the NBA's all-time scoring leader When LeBron James broke another NBA record earlier this month, the one for most regular-season minutes played in a career, his Los Angeles Lakers teammates handled the moment in typical locker room fashion. They made fun of him. Dubbed The Kid from Akron, with a limitless future, James is now the 40-year-old from Los Angeles with wisps of gray in his beard, his milestone birthday coming Monday, one that will make him the first player in NBA history to play in his teens, 20s, 30s and 40s. He has stood and excelled in the spotlight his entire career. Rising Sun Devils: Arizona State looks to pull off another big surprise at the Peach Bowl ATLANTA (AP) — As they prepare for Arizona State’s biggest game in nearly three decades, the guys who made it happen aren’t the least bit surprised to be rated a nearly two-touchdown underdog in the College Football Playoff. That’s a familiar position for the Sun Devils. They've been an underdog most of the season. Of the eight teams still vying for a national championship, there’s no bigger surprise than 11-2 Arizona State. The Sun Devils went 3-9 a year ago and were picked to finish dead last in their first season in the Big 12 Conference. Now, they're getting ready to face Texas in the Peach Bowl quarterfinal game on New Year’s Day. Penn State coach James Franklin says Nick Saban should be college football's commissioner SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Penn State coach James Franklin believes college football needs a commissioner and he even has a candidate in mind: former Alabama coach Nick Saban. Franklin made the suggestion Sunday at Penn State’s College Football Playoff quarterfinals media day ahead of the Fiesta Bowl. The sixth-seeded Nittany Lions are preparing for their game against No. 3 seed Boise State on Tuesday. The veteran coach was responding to a question about Penn State’s backup quarterback situation after Beau Pribula transferred to Missouri before the playoff. Pribula’s decision highlighted some of the frustrating aspects of a new college football world in the Name, Image and Likeness era and the transfer portal, forcing players to make tough decisions at inopportune times. Penn State's polarizing QB Drew Allar puts critics on mute and keeps winning games SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Even when Penn State quarterback Drew Allar gets some praise, it’s usually a backhanded compliment. They say he’s a good game manager and stays within himself, or that he doesn’t try to do too much. They mention he might not be flashy, but he gives the team a chance to win. And here’s the thing about Penn State since Allar stepped under center: The Nittany Lions have won games. A lot of them. Sometimes that’s hard to remember considering the lukewarm reception he often gets from fans. The polarizing Allar has another chance to quiet his critics on Tuesday, when Penn State plays Boise State in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals at the Fiesta Bowl. Crosby breaks Lemieux's Penguins career assists record in 3-2 victory over the Islanders PITTSBURGH (AP) — Sidney Crosby broke Mario Lemieux’s Pittsburgh franchise career record for assists on Michael Bunting’s power-play goal and the Penguins beat the New York Islanders 3-2 on Sunday night. Crosby has 1,034 assists, good for 12th in NHL history. Only three players — Ray Bourque, Wayne Gretzky and Steve Yzerman — have more assists with a single team. The 37-year-old Crosby has played 1,310-regular-season games. Lemieux played 915. Evgeni Malkin added the deciding power-play goal in the third for Pittsburgh, which has 14 goals with the man advantage in its last 13 games. Anthony Beauvillier also scored to help the Penguins win for the seventh time in their last eight home games. Alex Nedeljkovic made 29 saves in his first start since Dec. 17.Specifications and Classification of Optical Modules 12-26-2024 07:40 PM CET | IT, New Media & Software Press release from: ABNewswire Distinction between SFF/SFP/SFP+ and XFP optical modules If it is classified according to the type of package, PON optical modules can be divided into two types SFF optical module [ https://www.hdv-fiber.com/ ] (this module is small in size, generally fixed, welded on a fixed PCBA, can not be removed and inserted, performance related stability, reducing the influence factors caused by the removal process), SFP (This module is small in size, but can be plugged in, the rate is from 100M to gigabit for choice, the most mature program, the highest market share at present.) The best optical module brands of this module are: Shenzhen HDV, Hisense, Huawei Hisilicon, New Yisheng and so on SFP+ (Enhanced module, size is small, can be plugged, speed can exceed 10G, much higher than SFP module, which also has eSFP module before this module) XFP (standard small size pluggable, pluggable, serial transmission rate can exceed 10G) Optical modules [ https://www.hdv-fiber.com/ ] include but are not limited to the above types, if there is demand, Shenzhen HDV can meet all your customized needs. Among them, SFP+ with its miniaturization (almost equivalent to the size of the SFP module) low cost and other advantages to meet the device's demand for optical module density, has gradually replaced XFP to become the mainstream of the 10G market. The above is Shenzhen HDV Phoeletron Technology Ltd. [ https://www.hdv-fiber.com/contact-us/ ] brought the optical module classification explanation, the company's module products cover optical fiber module, Ethernet module, optical transceiver module, optical access module, SSFP optical module, SFP optical module and so on. The above module class products can provide support for different network scenarios. For the above products, it is paired with a professional and strong R & D team to provide technical support for customers, and a thoughtful and professional business team to provide quality service for customers in the early consultation and later work. Image: https://www.hdv-fiber.com/uploads/Classification-of-optical-modules.png Media Contact Company Name: Shenzhen HDV Phoelectron Technology LTD Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=classification-of-optical-modules ] Country: China Website: https://www.hdv-fiber.com/ This release was published on openPR.Brian Blank is a finance scholar and Fed watcher who researches how companies navigate downturns and make financial decisions, as well as how markets process information. Brandy Hadley is a finance professor who leads a student-managed investment fund and studies corporate decision-makingand incentives. Together, they're also the resident economic oracles at The Conversation U.S., and their forecast for 2024 held up notably well. Here, they explain what to expect from 2025. New year, new questions Heading into 2024, we said the U.S. economy would likely continue growing, in spite of pundits' forecast that a recession would strike. The past year showcased strong economic growth, moderating inflation, and efficiency gains, leading most economists and the financial press to stop expecting a downturn. But what economists call "soft landings" – when an economy slows just enough to curb inflation, but not enough to cause a recession – are only soft until they aren't. As we turn to 2025, we're optimistic the economy will keep growing. But that's not without some caveats. Here are the key questions and risks we're watching as the U.S. rings in the new year. The Federal Reserve and interest rates Some people expected a downturn in 2022 – and again in 2023 and 2024 – due to the Federal Reserve's hawkish interest-rate decisions. The Fed raised rates rapidly in 2022 and held them high throughout 2023 and much of 2024. But in the last four months of 2024, the Fed slashed rates three times – most recently on Dec. 18. While the recent rate cuts mark a strategic shift, the paceof futurecuts is expected to slow in 2024, as Fed Chair Jerome Powell suggested at the December meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee. Markets have expected this change of pace for some time, but some economists remain concerned about heightened risks of an economic slowdown. When Fed policymakers set short-term interest rates, they consider whether inflation and unemployment are too high or low, which affects whether they should stimulate the economy or pump the brakes. The interest rate that neither stimulates nor restricts economic activity, often referred to as R* or the neutral rate, is unknown, which makes the Fed's job challenging. However, the terminal rate – which is where Fed policymakers expect rates will settle in for the long run – is now at 3%, which is the highest since 2016. This has led futures markets to wonder if a hiking cycle may be coming into focus, while others ask if the era of low rates is over. Inflation and economic uncertainty This shift in the Federal Reserve's approach underscores a key uncertainty for 2025: While some economists are concerned the recent uptick in unemployment may continue, others worry about sticky inflation. The Fed's challenge will be striking the right balance — continuing to support economic activity while ensuring inflation, currently hovering around 2.4%, doesn't reignite. We do anticipate that interest rates will stay elevated amid slowing inflation, which remains above the Fed's 2% target rate. Still, we're optimistic this high-rate environment won't weigh too heavily on consumers and the economy. While gross domestic product growth for the third quarter was revised up to 3.1% and the fourth quarter is projected to grow similarly quickly, in 2025 it could finally show signs of slowing from its recent pace. However, we expect it to continue to exceed consensus forecasts of 2.2% and longer-run expectations of 2%. Fiscal policy, tariffs and tax cuts: risks or tailwinds? While inflation has declinedfrom 9.1% in June 2022 to less than 3%, the Federal Reserve's 2% target remains elusive. Amid this backdrop, several new risks loom on the horizon. Key among them are potential tariff increases, which could disrupt trade, push up the prices of goods and even strengthen the U.S. dollar. The average effective U.S. tariff rate is 2%, but even a fivefold increase to 10% could escalate trade tensions, create economic challenges and complicate inflation forecasts. Consider that, historically, every 1% increase in tariff rates has resulted in a 0.1% higher annual inflation rate, on average. Still, we hope tariffs serve as more of a negotiating tactic for the incoming administration than an actual policy proposal. Tariffs are just one of several proposals from the incoming Trump administration that present further uncertainty. Stricter immigration policies could create labor shortages and increase prices, while government spending cuts could weigh down economic growth. Tax cuts – a likely policy focus – may offset some risk and spur growth, especially if coupled with productivity-enhancing investments. However, tax cuts may also result in a growing budget deficit, which is another risk to the longer-term economic outlook. Count us as two financial economists hoping only certain inflation measuresfall slower than expected, and everyone's expectations for future inflation remain low. If so, the Federal Reserve should be able to look beyond short-term changes in inflation and focus on metrics that are more useful for predicting long-term inflation. Consumer behavior and the job market Labor markets have softened but remain resilient. Hiring rates are normalizing, while layoffs and unemployment – 4.2%, up from 3.7% at the start of 2024 – remain low despite edging up. The U.S. economy could remain resilient into 2025, with continued growth in real incomes bolstering purchasing power. This income growth has supported consumer sentiment and reduced inequality, since low-income households have seen the greatest benefits. However, elevated debt balances, given increased consumer spending, suggest some Americans are under financial stress even though income growth has outpaced increases in consumer debt. While a higher unemployment rate is a concern, this risk to date appears limited, potentially due to labor hoarding – which is when employers are afraid to let go of employees they no longer require due to the difficulty in hiring new workers. Higher unemployment is also an issue the Fed has the tools to address – if it must. This leaves us cautiously optimistic that resilient consumers will continue to retain jobs, supporting their growing purchasing power. Equities and financial markets The outlook for 2025 remains promising, with continued economic growth driven by resilient consumer spending, steadying labor markets, and less restrictive monetary policy. Yet current price targets for stocks are at historic highs for a post-rally period, which is surprising and may offer reasons for caution. Higher-for-longer interest rates could put pressure on corporate debt levels and rate-sensitive sectors, such as housing and utilities. Corporate earnings, however, remain strong, buoyed by cost savings and productivity gains. Stock performance may be subdued, but underperforming or discounted stocks could rebound, presenting opportunities for gains in 2025. Artificial intelligence provides a bright spot, leading to recent outperformance in the tech-heavy NASDAQ and related investments. And onshoring continues to provide growth opportunities for companies reshaping supply chains to meet domestic demand. To be fair, uncertainty persists, and economists know forecasting is for the weather. That's why investors should alwaysremain well-diversified. But with inflation closer to the Fed's target and wages rising faster than inflation, we're optimistic that continued economic growth will pave the way for a financially positive year ahead. Here's hoping we get even more right about 2025 than we did this past year. (The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)
Lenovo Turning To AI To Drive A New Chapter Of GrowthThe slump in the number of people heading to the shops during Boxing Day sales signals a return to declining pre-pandemic levels, an analyst has said. Boxing Day shopper footfall was down 7.9% from last year across all UK retail destinations up until 5pm, MRI Software’s OnLocation Footfall Index found. However, this year’s data had been compared with an unusual spike in footfall as 2023 was the first “proper Christmas” period without Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, an analyst at the retail technology company said. It found £4.6 billion will be spent overall on the festive sales. Before the pandemic the number of Boxing Day shoppers on the streets had been declining year on year. The last uplift recorded by MRI was in 2015. Jenni Matthews, marketing and insights director at MRI Software, told the PA news agency: “We’ve got to bear in mind that (last year) was our first proper Christmas without any (Covid-19) restrictions or limitations. “Figures have come out that things have stabilised, we’re almost back to what we saw pre-pandemic.” There were year-on-year declines in footfall anywhere between 5% and 12% before Covid-19 restrictions, she said. MRI found 12% fewer people were out shopping on Boxing Day in 2019 than in 2018, and there were 3% fewer in 2018 than in 2017, Ms Matthews added. She said: “It’s the shift to online shopping, it’s the convenience, you’ve got the family days that take place on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.” People are also increasingly stocking-up before Christmas, Ms Matthews said, and MRI found an 18% increase in footfall at all UK retail destinations on Christmas Eve this year compared with 2023. Ms Matthews said: “We see the shops are full of people all the way up to Christmas Eve, so they’ve probably got a couple of good days of food, goodies, everything that they need, and they don’t really need to go out again until later on in that week. “We did see that big boost on Christmas Eve. It looks like shoppers may have concentrated much of their spending in that pre-Christmas rush.” Many online sales kicked off between December 23 and the night of Christmas Day and “a lot of people would have grabbed those bargains from the comfort of their own home”, she said. She added: “I feel like it’s becoming more and more common that people are grabbing the bargains pre-Christmas.” Footfall is expected to rise on December 27 as people emerge from family visits and shops re-open, including Next, Marks and Spencer and John Lewis that all shut for Boxing Day. It will also be payday for some as it is the last Friday of the month. A study by Barclays Consumer Spend had forecast that shoppers would spend £236 each on average in the Boxing Day sales this year, but that the majority of purchases would be made online. Nearly half of respondents said the cost-of-living crisis will affect their post-Christmas shopping but the forecast average spend is still £50 more per person than it was before the pandemic, with some of that figure because of inflation, Barclays said. Amid the financial pressures, many people are planning to buy practical, perishable and essential items such as food and kitchenware. A total of 65% of shoppers are expecting to spend the majority of their sales budget online. Last year, Barclays found 63.9% of Boxing Day retail purchases were made online. However, a quarter of respondents aim to spend mostly in store – an 11% rise compared with last year. Karen Johnson, head of retail at Barclays, said: “Despite the ongoing cost-of-living pressures, it is encouraging to hear that consumers will be actively participating in the post-Christmas sales. “This year, we’re likely to see a shift towards practicality and sustainability, with more shoppers looking to bag bargains on kitchen appliances and second-hand goods.” Consumers choose in-store shopping largely because they enjoy the social aspect and touching items before they buy, Barclays said, adding that high streets and shopping centres are the most popular destinations. We do not moderate comments, but we expect readers to adhere to certain rules in the interests of open and accountable debate. Last Updated: Are you sure you want to delete this comment?
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DC Surge Protection Devices: Safeguarding Electrical Systems 12-26-2024 07:38 PM CET | Industry, Real Estate & Construction Press release from: ABNewswire In the current days, technology has become the forefront of our lives and protecting our appliances and electrical systems is more important. Most people think of devices that are installed on AC power lines when it comes to surge protection, but the need for DC surge protection devices has become more increasing in the recent years. This is due to the rise of renewable energy systems and continuous increase of DC powered devices. The illustrated below are working principles, importance and how DC surge protection devices safeguard our electrical systems. Image: https://i216.goodao.net/uploads/gjdcf1.jpg Understanding DC Surge Protection Devices [ https://www.mlele.com/ce-tuv-solar-pv-20ka-40ka-2-pole-2p-dc-1000v-1500vdc-dps-spd-surge-protector-protection-arrester-surge-protective-device-product/ ] 1. What are DC Surge Protection Devices? DC surge protection devices commonly known as DC SPDs are electric devices premeditated to guard DC-powered apparatus and structures from swift electrical energy spikes triggered by momentary voltage proceedings. The lightning strikes, switching operations, electromagnetic interference (EMI), or power supply faults causes the spikes. The primary function of a DC Surge Protector is regulating the quantity of current that is passed through to the downstream paraphernalia and sidetracking excessive energy safely to the minced. Hence it assists in preventing potential damage to sensitive equipment that include batteries, inverters, rectifiers, and other vital machineries within a DC power system. With a decent installation procedure, you will be in the position of covering a lot of loses that can result from the spikes. The dangers of these voltage spikes include fire outbreak, or even electrocution hazards. Image: https://i216.goodao.net/uploads/gjdcf2.jpg 2. Importance of DC Surge Protection Devices Due to the swelling usage of renewable energy schemes as noted earlier, example; wind turbines and solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. These systems typically generate DC power, which needs to be appropriately protected from random voltage outpourings. This has aided to a higher request for DC surge protection devices. With a standard mounting rail, this tight buckle firmly stick guide rail installation is vital, you are advised to use it worry-free. All sequestered terminal, that is large hole threaded terminal rail type wiring is firmer and convenient. Moreover, there is need for effective surge protection as more electronic devices, such as data centers, telecommunications systems, and electric vehicles, rely on DC power. Sensitive electronics and equipment can be irreparably damaged, leading to costly downtime and potential safety risks if the is inadequacy in protection. Working Principles of DC Surge Protection Devices It is vital to interact with the product interface; this will enable you to understand the right product to purchase. Zhejiang Mulang Electric Co., Ltd. Manufacture quality DC SPDs [ https://www.mlele.com/ce-tuv-solar-pv-20ka-40ka-2-pole-2p-dc-1000v-1500vdc-dps-spd-surge-protector-protection-arrester-surge-protective-device-product/ ] with their unique logo, powered by MLY1-C40 at a DC1000V and above. Image: https://i216.goodao.net/uploads/gjdcf3.jpg 1. Surge Protection Components DC surge protection devices consist of various components working together to redirect the surge current and protect downstream devices. The key components include; - MLY 1 modular - Metal oxide varistors (MOVs) - Gas discharge tubes (GDTs) - Transient voltage suppression diodes (TVS diodes) Fuses a) MLY 1 modular This surge protector is utilized to guard the surge led by lighting also instantaneous overvoltage. Helps to release the surge huge energy on the power line to the Earth that is in the ground to limit the over-energy. b) Metal Oxide Varistors: MOVs are nonlinear voltage-dependent controllers that retort to voltage spikes by giving a low-confrontation trail for the extra energy. They engross the surge current and sidetrack it safely to the ground, defensing the associated apparatus. c) Gas Discharge Tubes: GDTs are hermetically sealed devices filled with sluggish gases that ionize when exposed to a high voltage. They create a conductive lane for the surge energy, efficiently fastening the power and readdressing the energy away from the subtle equipment. Image: https://i216.goodao.net/uploads/gjdcf4.jpg d) Transient Voltage Suppression Diodes: TVS diodes are semiconductor devices designed to distract fleeting energy away from delicate electronics. They have low breakdown voltages and respond rapidly to voltage spikes, shunting the excessive current to the ground. e) Fuses: Fuses act as shielding expedients by intruding the flow of unnecessary current. They are sacrificial mechanisms that liquefy when an energy surge surpasses their rated volume, stopping more harm to the linked apparatus. User Requirements There are user guidelines you are supposed to flow after purchasing these DC SPDs to guard your electrical items. These include; - Use it between 50Hz and 60Hz AC - Install it below 2000m above sea level - Operating environment temperature -40, +80 - With MLY1, voltage of the terminal should not exceed its maximum continues working voltage - A standard 35mm guide rail installation Image: https://i216.goodao.net/uploads/gjdcf5.jpg Working Procedure When a voltage surge occurs, the DC surge protection device detects the excess voltage and activates the protection mechanism. The MOVs, GDTs, and TVS diodes provide low-resistance paths for the surge current, diverting it safely to the ground. The fuses, on the other hand, act as the final line of defense by interrupting the current flow if it exceeds the device's maximum rating. By adequately limiting the voltage spikes, DC SPDs ensure that downstream equipment receive a stable and protected power supply. Image: https://i216.goodao.net/uploads/gjdcf6.jpg Benefits of DC SPDs 1. Equipment Protection: The major advantage of using DC surge fortification devices is preservation of the linked equipment from voltage surges. Lifespan of equipment is extended due to the prevention of costly damages and downtime through diversion of extreme power away. 2. Safety Assurance: Voltage surges can pose significant safety risks, particularly in high-risk environments such as data centers or electric vehicle charging stations. DC SPDs provide an additional layer of safety by minimizing the possibility of fire hazards, electrical shocks, or equipment failures. 3. Reliable Operations: Electrical systems can perform more reliably with DC surge protection devices in domicile. The reduced risk of sudden failures or malfunctions ensures uninterrupted power supply, leading to enhanced productivity and customer satisfaction. Image: https://i216.goodao.net/uploads/gjdcf7.jpg Conclusion In the current world where electronic devices and renewable energy systems have played a vital role to our lives of safeguarding us from voltage surges dangers cannot be measured. DC surge protection devices [ https://www.mlele.com/ce-tuv-solar-pv-20ka-40ka-2-pole-2p-dc-1000v-1500vdc-dps-spd-surge-protector-protection-arrester-surge-protective-device-product/ ] serve as critical components in protecting DC-powered equipment and systems from transient voltage events. It is crucial to understand the working principles, and the benefits they offer as this can guarantee reliable and long-lasting maneuver of our lives and electrical setup. Consider investing in DC SPDs to mitigate the risks associated with voltage surges and preserve our valuable assets such as PV system on your roof or a critical telecommunications network. Media Contact Company Name: Zhejiang Mulang Electric Co., Ltd. Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=dc-surge-protection-devices-safeguarding-your-electrical-systems ] Country: China Website: https://www.mlele.com/ This release was published on openPR.I know this makes me a bad queer, but I'm not drawn to astrology culture . Someone dubbed it "birthday racism" on Twitter years ago and I've never been able to shake it. Sure, I know a few obnoxious people born in March, but you won't catch me hexing every Pisces or Aries that walks into my life. As a victim of zodiac discrimination myself ( I'm a Scorpio ), I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy (who actually happens to be a Leo). But unlike its loudest critics, my aversion to astrology is not based in some chest-thumping, Western-science-supremacist ideology. I don't recoil because it offers a more spiritual, intuitive read of the universe. If anything, I want more of that in my life. But the astrology industrial complex has moved so far from that. I don't care what an algorithm has to say about my Pluto in the sixth house, or which signs make the best lovers. It's all too much like a competition — like I was dropped into a SoulCycle class when I signed up for meditation. Where's the awe? Where's the wonder? I just want to howl at the moon! Suffice to say, when I was recently invited on a "zodiac-based retreat" at the StolenTime resort in St. Lucia, I was deeply skeptical. Typically when I travel, I'm hoping to engage with local culture rather than impose anything that could be construed as Americanized nonsense, and the idea of prancing around with an itinerary shaped by my star sign felt a little arrogant at best and culturally insensitive at worst. Despite my reservations, I decided to say yes to the trip. It was booked for right after my birthday and a week after the election , so I figured some escapism — while usually not my style — might be a decent way to temporarily soothe my anxiety about growing older in a country run by authoritarian sympathizers . I told myself I'd choke down the astrology stuff as best I could and just try to focus on the lush island, the mellow water, and the sweet rum cocktails. Somehow I'd make it through. (Cue the world's smallest violin.) Over Zoom a few nights before takeoff, I met with Tali Edut, one half of the renowned astrology duo AstroTwins , who put together individual itineraries based on each traveler's sun sign. (Launching next year, the twins have partnered with the resort to offer guests similar "bespoke wellness itineraries" based on their zodiac signs for what they're calling "astrology themed months.") I resolved to go into my session with an open mind. Edut performed the most in-depth chart reading I'd ever had, laying out how my Gemini moon means I'm sometimes more playful than the average Scorpio, and why my north node in Libra means I might sometimes struggle with relationships. I was impressed by the thorough breakdown, even if it felt a little prescriptive. By the end, I found myself resonating with what she said, and even sort of . . . enjoying it? After the reading, the AstroTwins sent me a brief summary of my sign-specific "vacation vibe" along with my itinerary, broadly detailing what sorts of foods to reach for and what activity styles we might especially enjoy. Mine encouraged plenty of time in the water (hi, water signs), lots of spicy foods, and time to turn inward for some much-needed introspection. Freshly 29 — and with my entire astrological personality read to filth by a stranger on the internet — I boarded my direct flight from Boston to Vieux Fort, ready to embrace my specially curated Scorpio itinerary at StolenTime. Read on for my takeaways from my first-ever astrology-themed trip. Zodiac-Inspired Activities Being that Scorpio is a water sign, it tracks that the itineraries for the two Scorpios on the trip included a full morning of snorkeling. I'm still not convinced it has much to do with when I was born, but it's true that I'm a lifelong water-lover. Whenever possible I like to mark big life transitions with a cleansing plunge into a body of saltwater, and if I weren't a journalist, I'd probably be a marine biologist. Naturally, I savored the opportunity to get out on a boat and into the Caribbean Sea at Anse Cochon, a reef that curves along a stretch of low, rugged cliffs. With a gaggle of other neon vest–clad tourists, I squirmed around at the surface, pointing excitedly at the big parrot fish and moray eels below, and the brown boobies soaring above. Whether or not it was good for my inner Scorpio, it was definitely good for my soul. Zodiac-Inspired Treatments The Scorpio summary also emphasized our sensuality, intensity, and the need to "center" ourselves — something I was able to do a lot of at StolenTime and around the island. A highlight of my itinerary involved a mud bath in the volcanic sulfur springs of Soufrière, at the foot of the Pitons mountains. It was a two-hour drive from the resort to the dormant volcano, where natural springs bubble with nourishing gray mud and scalding freshwater pools. (And I wasn't complaining about the stop at the local chocolate factory on the way there either.) My itinerary also called for a full-body massage back at the resort, in a peaceful treatment room above the water garden and one of the property's main relaxing pools. Zodiac-Inspired Food While on the island, the AstroTwins recommended Scorpios opt for boldly spiced meals and lots of seafood. (Again, no complaints.) Our group mostly ate from the resort's three on-site restaurants: a daily buffet, an upscale dining room serving French classics, and a feet-in-sand beachside dining experience that specialized in elegantly presented local fish. My favorite meal of the trip was the grilled lobster with creole sauce at the latter restaurant — the earthy, smoky, briny flavors melded even better with the backdrop of the waves. Overall Impression It's hard to have a bad time in a place as beautiful as St. Lucia, and I certainly am no exception. Plus, I do think the astrology element, while not really my thing, does make this vacation package stand out from more generic all-inclusive offerings in similar destinations around the world. (The astrology retreats will be available beginning in 2025, with rates starting at $805 per night on an all-inclusive basis for double occupancy.) While my Scorpio itinerary aligned well with my personal interests, I was able to easily tack on experiences that weren't initially slated for the Scorpios, like a sunset cruise and a night out at the Gros Islet street party, a weekly fete featuring local DJs, endless food carts packed with grilled lobsters and curried meats, and lots of free-flowing alcohol. While I think the AstroTwins did a good job of assigning sign-specific activities, travelers can also easily use the astrology element to supplement an itinerary of their own creation, mixing in excursions that don't perfectly align with their sign but align with their individual personality. When it came time to leave, I reflected on how disembodied modern-day astrology can feel. A lot of the knowledge-sharing happens online, through apps and social media, where it's too easy to flatten ourselves and our deliciously complicated personhood into stereotypes and generalizations. In those spaces, it's hard for me to authentically appreciate this ancient practice and the potential it holds to deepen our connections not just to ourselves, but our planet and our solar system. But to my delight, there were moments on this trip when I was able to marry mind and body, and to actually inhabit the astrology rather than experience it secondhand from a screen. The initial idea of a zodiac retreat did make me wince. I figured at that point I might as well walk into a hole-in-the-wall bakery in the capital city of Castries, glance at the shelves stocked with dense, hand-milled cassava breads and steamed paime pies, and ask for a cronut. But now, having done one, I see the appeal. If I were to do another, I'd hope it would lean into the spirituality even more. I would love a lesson about the connection between the zodiac and the destination, and about the spiritual practices that have shaped the culture of that specific place throughout history, astrologically or otherwise. With that deeper analysis, it's sure to steer clear of gimmick territory and maybe even rope in a few more skeptics like me. Halle Bailey Wants You to Take a Vacation This Year Emma Glassman-Hughes (she/her) is the associate editor at PS Balance. In her seven years as a reporter, her beats have spanned the lifestyle spectrum; she's covered arts and culture for The Boston Globe, sex and relationships for Cosmopolitan, and food, climate, and farming for Ambrook Research.
FrankRamspott Ingles Markets, Incorporated ( NASDAQ: IMKTA ) got impacted by Hurricane Helene in late September as the company’s store and distribution network is entirely located in the Southeast region. As the company is looking to relatively quickly recover from the Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.Commanders' Jayden Daniels Breaks Robert Griffin III's NFL Rookie QB Rushing Record
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Donald Trump to 'kick all transgender soldiers out of US military'The Biden administration said on Friday it expects another record year of health insurance enrollment through the Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare. But that could be the last good enrollment news for a while, depending on what happens next year once Donald Trump and the Republicans have full control of the federal government. Open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act’s private insurance options began on Nov. 1, which means that people who don’t have access to an employer policy can buy insurance directly through one of the law’s online marketplaces ― that is, either HealthCare.gov or a state-run marketplace like Covered California. Those policies meet the law’s guidelines for comprehensive benefits and are available to anybody, at uniform prices, regardless of preexisting conditions. People buying these policies can also qualify for financial assistance, worth hundreds and frequently thousands of dollars a year, depending on their income. Roughly 21.5 million people signed up for insurance that way last year, a record high. The Department of Health and Human Services now thinks even more people will get insurance through the marketplaces this year, thanks primarily to the number of people who have coverage already and will decide simply to re-enroll in their current plans. “We feel quite confident to project that we will again hit a historic high for open enrollment,” Ellen Montz , deputy administrator and director for the HHS Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight, told HuffPost on Friday. The recent surge in marketplace enrollment comes as the number of Americans without health insurance has plummeted to record lows , although many millions remain uninsured and even many with coverage still struggle with the high cost of medical care. Fewer New Enrollments So Far This Year HHS predicts the higher enrollment figure for this coming year even though the number of new customers so far, in the first two weeks of enrollment, is a little less than 500,000. That’s down from about 900,000 at this point in last year’s open enrollment cycle. Montz said their analysts attribute that decrease to a few factors. Among them is a decision to roll out advertising for HealthCare.gov at a different pace this fall, because the first days of open enrollment overlapped with the last days of the presidential campaign, when television airtime was both more expensive and less available because of political ads. In addition, Montz said, an unusually large pool of people were looking for coverage last year because they had recently lost their government-provided Medicaid , after states resumed stricter eligibility procedures they had suspended during the pandemic. Looking forward, Montz said, another factor that could hold back enrollment at the margins ― though not enough to prevent another record high ― are new procedural requirements for agents and brokers who sell policies on the marketplaces for commissions. These requirements were a response to reports that some agents and brokers were signing people up for coverage or switching their plans without authorization, and HHS has suspended a few altogether. “I do think that our actions are kind of deliberate actions on new requirements that we placed on agents and brokers, that we are seeing the impact of that, particularly in the renewal population,” Montz said. Trump, Republicans And Their Plans For The ACA The efforts to cut down on inappropriate agent and broker behavior is noteworthy in light of the coming change of power in Washington, and what that could mean for the Affordable Care Act. Trump and many Republicans have a long history of hostility toward Obamacare, including their attempts to repeal the law in 2017, the first time Trump became president. In his campaign this year, Trump said on social media he remained interested in finding an “alternative” and, during a televised debate, said he had “ concepts of a plan ” in mind. Trump never outlined those plans, nor did he make the law’s repeal a top, explicit promise like he did the last time he campaigned. Republicans serving in or running for Congress mostly avoided the topic, except when asked about it. But Trump and Republicans might still try to change, scale back or weaken the law. And one way they could do that would be to allow a temporary boost in the law’s financial assistance to expire . That boost, which President Joe Biden and Democrats enacted as a pandemic relief measure in 2021 and then extended with legislation in 2022, will lapse after 2025. Neither Trump nor Republicans have said much about their willingness to extend the assistance again, as Democrats have proposed. But extending the assistance would require tens of billions of dollars in extra federal spending every year, and that is going to be a tough sell with many in the GOP. Don't let this be the end of the free press. The free press is under attack — and America's future hangs in the balance. As other newsrooms bow to political pressure, HuffPost is not backing down. Would you help us keep our news free for all? We can't do it without you. Can't afford to contribute? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you. Whether you give once or many more times, we appreciate your contribution to keeping our journalism free for all. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you. Whether you give just one more time or sign up again to contribute regularly, we appreciate you playing a part in keeping our journalism free for all. Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages. Prominent conservative analysts like Brian Blase , a former Trump administration official who is now president of the Paragon Health Institute, have already been making the case against extension by citing the agent and broker behavior HHS is now trying to combat. These conservatives say that behavior is an example of broader problems with making so much financial assistance available. It remains to be seen how effective those HHS measures to crack down on unauthorized enrollments will be ― or whether those effects alter Republican sentiments about the future of the temporary financial assistance. But there’s a lot less mystery about what would happen if the money goes away. People buying coverage through the Affordable Care Act would have to pay more for it. Estimates from the Urban Institute suggest roughly 4 million people might drop coverage altogether. “I don’t have a model, but I do have knowledge of just how important [the extra financial assistance] has been to folks,” Montz said. “Sad to say, I think that those numbers could be conservative.” Related From Our Partner
WASHINGTON--President-elect Donald Trump has urged the U.S. Supreme Court to pause implementation of a law that would ban popular social media app TikTok or force its sale, arguing he should have time after taking office to pursue a "political resolution" to the issue. The court is set to hear arguments in the case on Jan. 10. The law would require TikTok's Chinese owner, ByteDance, to sell the platform to an American company or face a ban. The U.S. Congress voted in April to ban it unless ByteDance sells the app by Jan. 19. TikTok, which has over 170 million U.S. users, and its parent have sought to have the law struck down. But if the court does not rule in their favour and no divestment occurs, the app could be effectively banned in the United States on Jan. 19, one day before Trump takes office. Trump's support for TikTok is a reversal from 2020, when he tried to block the app in the United States and force its sale to American companies because of its Chinese ownership. It also shows the significant effort by the company to forge inroads with Trump and his team during the presidential campaign. "President Trump takes no position on the underlying merits of this dispute," said D. John Sauer, Trump's lawyer who is also the president-elect's pick for U.S. solicitor general. "Instead, he respectfully requests that the Court consider staying the Act's deadline for divestment of January 19, 2025, while it considers the merits of this case, thus permitting President Trump's incoming administration the opportunity to pursue a political resolution of the questions at issue in the case," he added. Trump previously met with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew in December, hours after the president-elect expressed he had a "warm spot" for the app and that he favored allowing TikTok to keep operating in the United States for at least a little while. The president-elect also said he had received billions of views on the social media platform during his presidential campaign. TikTok did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The company has previously said the Justice Department has misstated its ties to China, arguing its content recommendation engine and user data are stored in the United States on cloud servers operated by Oracle Corp while content moderation decisions that affect U.S. users are made in the United States as well. Free speech advocates separately told the Supreme Court on Friday the U.S. law against TikTok evokes the censorship regimes put in place by the United States' authoritarian enemies. The U.S. Justice Department has argued Chinese control of TikTok poses a continuing threat to national security, a position supported by most U.S. lawmakers. Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen led a coalition of 22 attorneys general on Friday in filing an amicus brief asking the Supreme Court to uphold the national TikTok divest-or-ban legislation.Yukoner Gavin McKenna played for Canada in the World Junior Hockey Championship opener against Finland on Dec. 26, delivering the first period winning goal and helping to secure Canada’s 4-0 victory. McKenna credited goalie Carter George, who made 31 saves in his World Juniors debut, for the shutout against the Finns. McKenna, Easton Cowan and Luca Pinelli completed the scoring for Canada, who had a 41-31 shot advantage over the Finns. In the first period, Canada and Finland battled for dominance on the ice, with Canada taking control by out-shooting the Finns 17-6. Finnish goalie Petteri Rimpinen struggled to keep the net clear but was overcome as Canada scored the first goal with 52 seconds left in the period. In the second period, Finnish goalie Rimpinen stopped Ethan Gauthier's breakaway dash for the net but couldn’t prevent Cowan’s unassisted goal off a Finnish defensive turnover. Cowan, 19, one of four returning Canadian players, gained renown for his 56-game point streak with the Ontario Hockey League’s London Knights. Despite a shorthanded breakaway save by George, Canada failed to score on two power plays in the second half. The Finns improved in the third period, with George stopping Finland’s Benjamin Rautiainen’s power-play one-timer. However, Pinelli made it 3-0 with just under five minutes remaining, celebrating Caden Price's assist. During a late penalty kill, the Canadians preserved the shutout with strong shot blocks and effective goal-tending from George. Canada’s Matthew Schaefer added an empty-netter with 19 seconds left. Team Canada is scheduled to play Latvia on Dec. 27, Germany on Dec. 29 and the U.S.A. on Dec. 31 in the lead up to the quarter and semi-finals from Jan. 2 to 4.