Jaland Lowe flirted with a triple-double as Pitt improved to 6-0 with a 74-63 win over LSU on Friday afternoon at the Greenbrier Tip-Off in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. Lowe finished with a game-high 22 points to go along with eight rebounds and six assists for the Panthers, who have won their first six games of a season for the first time since the 2018-19 campaign. It would have been the second straight triple-double for Lowe, who had 11 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists against VMI Monday. Ishmael Leggett chipped in 21 points and Cameron Corhen supplied 14, helping Pitt outshoot the Tigers (4-1) 44.4 percent to 37.3 percent overall. Vyctorius Miller and Jalen Reed recorded 14 points apiece for LSU, with Reed also snatching seven boards. Cam Carter contributed 11 points. Pitt took control in the first four-plus minutes of the second half, opening the period on a 13-0 run to build a 40-28 lead. The Tigers were held scoreless following the break until Carter converted a layup with 13:13 to go. It was still a 12-point game after Zack Austin hit a pair of free throws with 12:50 remaining, but LSU then rallied. Corey Chest, Reed and Jordan Sears each had a bucket down low for the Tigers during an 8-1 spurt that made it 43-38. However, Lowe stemmed the tide, answering with back-to-back 3-pointers to put the Panthers up 49-38 with 9:31 left. Miller did everything he could to keep LSU in contention, scoring eight points in a span of 1 minute, 23 seconds, with his four-point play getting the Tigers within 56-52 with 6:03 to play. But Pitt never let LSU get the upper hand, and it led by at least six for the final 5:05 of the contest. The Tigers had a 28-27 edge at intermission after ending the first half on an 8-2 run. LSU overcame a quick start by the Panthers, who raced out to a 12-6 advantage and led by as many as eight in the first 20 minutes of action. --Field Level MediaTravel: Colorado’s winter huts blend adventure, luxury, and scenic beauty
Israel strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital while the WHO chief says he was meters away JERUSALEM (AP) — A new round of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen have targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital of Sanaa and multiple ports. The World Health Organization’s director-general said the bombardment on Thursday took place just “meters away” as he was about to board a flight in Sanaa. He says a crew member was hurt. The strikes followed several days of Houthi attacks and launches setting off sirens in Israel. Israel's military says it attacked infrastructure used by the Houthis at the international airport in Sanaa, power stations and ports. The Israeli military later said it wasn’t aware that the WHO chief was at the location in Yemen. An uneasy calm settles over Syrian city of Homs after outbreak of sectarian violence HOMS, Syria (AP) — Syria’s new security forces checked IDs and searched cars in the central city of Homs a day after protests by members of the Alawite minority erupted in gunfire and stirred fears that the country’s fragile peace could break down. A tense calm prevailed Thursday after checkpoints were set up throughout the country’s third-largest city, which has a mixed population of Sunni and Shia Muslims, Alawites and Christians. The security forces are controlled by the former insurgent group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which led the charge that unseated former President Bashar Assad. The US says it pushed retraction of a famine warning for north Gaza. Aid groups express concern. WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. officials say they asked for — and got — the retraction of an independent monitor's warning of imminent famine in north Gaza. The internationally Famine Early Warning System Network issued the warning this week. The new report had warned that starvation deaths in north Gaza could reach famine levels as soon as next month. It cited what it called Israel's “near-total blockade” of food and water. The U.S. ambassador to Israel, Jacob Lew, criticized the finding as inaccurate and irresponsible. The U.S. Agency for International Development, which funds the famine-monitoring group, told the AP it had asked for and gotten the report's retraction. USAID officials tell The Associated Press that it had asked the group for greater review of discrepancies in some of the data. Powerful thunderstorms rumble across Texas, delaying holiday travel DALLAS (AP) — Severe thunderstorms are firing up in parts of Texas and could trigger high winds, hail and potential tornadoes. More than 100 flights were delayed and dozens more were canceled Thursday at airports in Dallas and Houston. The National Weather Service says the greatest weather risk stretched from just east of Dallas, and between Houston and portions of southern Arkansas and western Louisiana. The risk includes the possibility of tornadoes, wind gusts between 60 and 80 miles per hour and large hail. The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for several counties in southeast Texas, including the Houston area. Trump has pressed for voting changes. GOP majorities in Congress will try to make that happen ATLANTA (AP) — Republicans in Congress plan to move quickly in their effort to overhaul the nation’s voting procedures, seeing an opportunity with control of the White House and both chambers of Congress. They want to push through long-sought changes such as voter ID and proof-of-citizenship requirements. They say the measures are needed to restore public confidence in elections. That's after an erosion of trust that Democrats note has been fueled by false claims from Donald Trump and his allies of widespread fraud in the 2020 election. Democrats say they are willing to work with the GOP but want any changes to make it easier, not harder, to vote. Americans are exhausted by political news. TV ratings and a new AP-NORC poll show they're tuning out NEW YORK (AP) — A lot of Americans, after an intense presidential election campaign, are looking for a break in political news. That's evident in cable television news ratings and a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The poll found nearly two-thirds of Americans saying they've found the need recently to cut down on their consumption of political and government news. That's particularly true among Democrats following President-elect Donald Trump's victory, although a significant number of Republicans and independents feel the same way. Cable networks MSNBC and CNN are really seeing a slump. That's also happened in years past for networks that particularly appeal to supporters of one candidate. Aviation experts say Russia's air defense fire likely caused Azerbaijan plane crash as nation mourns Aviation experts say that Russian air defense fire was likely responsible for the Azerbaijani plane crash the day before that killed 38 people and left all 29 survivors injured. Azerbaijan is observing a nationwide day of mourning on Thursday for the victims of the crash. Azerbaijan Airlines’ Embraer 190 was en route from Azerbaijan’s capital of Baku to the Russian city of Grozny in the North Caucasus on Wednesday when it was diverted for reasons yet unclear and crashed while making an attempt to land in Aktau in Kazakhstan. Cellphone footage circulating online appeared to show the aircraft making a steep descent before smashing into the ground in a fireball. Ukraine's military intelligence says North Korean troops are suffering heavy battlefield losses KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine's military intelligence says North Korean troops are suffering heavy losses in Russia's Kursk region and face logistical difficulties as a result of Ukrainian attacks. The intelligence agency said Thursday that Ukrainian strikes near Novoivanovka inflicted heavy casualties on North Korean units. Ukraine's president said earlier this week that 3,000 North Korean troops have been killed and wounded in the fighting in the Kursk region. It marked the first significant estimate by Ukraine of North Korean casualties several weeks after Kyiv announced that North Korea had sent 10,000 to 12,000 troops to Russia to help it in the almost 3-year war. Ex-Sen. Bob Menendez, citing 'emotional toll,' seeks sentencing delay in wake of wife's trial NEW YORK (AP) — Former U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez is asking a federal judge to delay his end-of-January sentencing on bribery charges, saying his family would suffer a “tremendous emotional toll” if the New Jersey Democrat was sentenced during his wife's trial. His lawyers told Judge Sidney H. Stein in a letter that Nadine Menendez would face a jury that might find it impossible not to hear about her husband's sentencing if it occurred eight days into her trial. The 70-year-old Menendez was convicted in July of 16 charges, including bribery. His wife, whose trial was postponed when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, faces much of the same evidence as her husband. How the stock market defied expectations again this year, by the numbers NEW YORK (AP) — What a wonderful year 2024 has been for investors. U.S. stocks ripped higher and carried the S&P 500 to records as the economy kept growing and the Federal Reserve began cutting interest rates. The benchmark index posted its first back-to-back annual gains of more than 20% since 1998. The year featured many familiar winners, such as Big Tech, which got even bigger as their stock prices kept growing. But it wasn’t just Apple, Nvidia and the like. Bitcoin and gold surged and “Roaring Kitty” reappeared to briefly reignite the meme stock craze.
( MENAFN - Newsroom Panama) A well-crafted house manual can make all the difference in your Airbnb hosting experience. It not only provides guests with essential information but also helps reduce common questions and potential misunderstandings. By setting clear expectations and offering guidance, you create a smoother experience for both you and your guests. Here's how to put together a house manual that covers all the bases. Your guests are likely unfamiliar with your property and the surrounding area. A house manual acts as a roadmap, offering everything they need to know, from how to use appliances to where they can find the best local coffee shop. By addressing questions preemptively, you'll save time answering messages and prevent frustration for guests who might otherwise feel lost. This guide is also an opportunity to showcase your hospitality, leaving a positive impression that could translate into great reviews. Start your manual with a friendly welcome message. Thank your guests for choosing your property and set a warm, inviting tone. Briefly highlight what makes your home or the local area special to create excitement for their stay. Clearly outline the rules for your property, but keep the tone polite and approachable. Cover essentials like noise levels, smoking policies, and guidelines for additional guests. Use language that's firm yet considerate, ensuring your expectations are respected. Provide step-by-step details for both check-in and check-out procedures. If you offer self-check-in, include instructions for using a lockbox or smart lock. For check-out, list any tasks you'd like guests to complete, such as taking out the trash or loading the dishwasher. Guests often need help with appliances they're not used to. Include simple instructions for things like the thermostat, washer and dryer, or any high-tech kitchen gadgets. Don't assume everyone knows how to operate a smart TV or coffee maker; a little clarity goes a long way. Add a section with emergency contact information, including your phone number and a backup contact if you're unavailable. Provide details for local emergency services, such as the nearest hospital or fire department. Your manual should be easy to read and navigate. Use headings, bullet points, and numbered lists to break up the text. Adding visuals, like photos or diagrams, can make instructions even clearer. For instance, a photo showing the location of a hidden keybox can save a lot of confusion. Consider whether a digital or printed manual works best for your property. A printed manual is convenient for guests who prefer something physical to refer to during their stay. On the other hand, a digital version allows for easy updates and can be sent ahead of time, giving guests a chance to review it before arrival. Your house manual isn't just a list of rules and instructions-it's an opportunity to enhance the guest experience. Include recommendations for local attractions, dining spots, and unique activities nearby. Tailor these suggestions to your target audience. Families, for example, may appreciate information about kid-friendly parks or museums, while couples might enjoy tips on romantic dining options. A well-organized and informative manual can also influence how potential guests perceive your property when considering Airbnb vs renting through traditional methods. It reflects a professional yet personal touch, giving you an edge in attracting bookings. Your house manual should evolve with your property. If you've upgraded appliances, changed Wi-Fi passwords, or discovered a fantastic new restaurant nearby, update your manual to reflect these changes. Regularly reviewing and revising the manual ensures it stays accurate and helpful, leaving no room for confusion or outdated information. Creating a comprehensive Airbnb house manual doesn't just benefit your guests-it simplifies your hosting experience too. By including essential details, staying organized, and updating it regularly, you'll minimize common headaches and ensure your guests have a pleasant, stress-free stay. A little effort up front can make a big difference in making your hosting journey as hassle-free as possible. MENAFN26122024000218011062ID1109033821 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Injured Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts won't play Sunday against DallasHoward Wang, Lazada Group chief technology officer —JORDEENE B. LAGARE Global e-commerce company Lazada is banking on the combination of commerce and technology as it anticipates a sustained double-digit growth in the Philippine e-commerce market. “Our goal is to help more local brands and MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) adopt e-commerce, and really experience how their businesses can grow online with Lazada,” Carlos Barrera, Lazada Philippines CEO, tells the Inquirer in an email correspondence. Lazada has introduced its artificial intelligence (AI)-powered virtual shopping assistant called Al Lazzie as it hopes to create a more seamless online shopping experience for both users and sellers. Al Lazzie is the enhanced version of LazzieChat that Lazada rolled out last year to respond to users’ shopping queries. It is the first e-commerce AI chatbot of its kind in Southeast Asia. READ: Convenient payment option for Filipino shoppers: PayMongo, Lazada PH launch QR Ph integration It has four distinct features: providing personalized recommendations based on the users’ preferences, allowing users to try on different types of clothes using virtual models, generating a tailored product listing that highlights key features and summarizing product reviews to help users make informed purchasing decisions. “Our primary goal for generative AI tools like Lazzie is to make sure we are enhancing the end-to-end user experience,” Barrera says. “Our hope is that when customers see and experience the value of personalized recommendations, personalized deals and promos and better customer support, we are helping to build trust and loyalty to the app,” he adds. Lazada Group chief technology officer Howard Wang notes “a significant increase” in the conversion rate (or the number of users or website visitors) by more than 30 percent after utilizing technological innovations such as AI in its business. Speaking at a media event in Singapore, Wang says Lazada sees two major opportunities with the rollout of GenAI features on the Lazada app in the coming years. “The first one is the shopping experience ... I think it would be totally revamped, maybe two or three years from now,” he says, adding that the new AI feature would help a user navigate a large amount of our products on the platform. Wang also says that from a merchant’s perspective, Lazada expects “a huge potential opportunity for them to reduce the overhead and also ensure profitability.” In the same event, Lazada launched a white paper jointly written with market research firm Kantar to delve into the usage and adoption of AI on e-commerce platforms. The white paper surveyed more than 6,000 shoppers across six Southeast Asian markets, including the Philippines. Findings showed that 52 percent of respondents cite convenient shopping as a reason for embracing AI in their personal lives, while 83 percent express willingness to pay more for AI-powered shopping experiences. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . Furthermore, it revealed that 63 percent of respondents believe that AI is widely adopted in online shopping, with AI chatbots, translations and visual product searches recognized as key AI features in online shopping platforms.