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Farmers say they're worried about U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's threat to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all products entering the country from Canada. Saskatchewan exports more than six billion dollars worth of agri-food products to the United States per year.El Salvador's Congress on Monday approved a bill promoted by President Nayib Bukele to roll back a ban on the mining of gold and other metals, dismaying environmentalists. The small Central American nation became the world's first country to outlaw metal mining in 2017, warning of the harmful effects of the chemicals used, like cyanide and mercury. The move by Bukele's predecessor, former left-wing rebel Salvador Sanchez Ceren, reflected a growing rejection of mining by rural communities in the region. But last month, Bukele, who is popular at home for his crackdown on street gangs, signaled that he wanted to change course. The bill to bring back metal mining was approved by 57 deputies out of a total of 60, said Ernesto Castro, head of the legislature -- which is dominated by the ruling party -- as environmental campaigners protested nearby. Critics fear that mining will pollute the Lempa River, which runs through a potential mining zone proposed by Bukele and supplies water to 70 percent of the inhabitants of the capital and surrounding areas. "This wretched mining will punish the people, it will contaminate our waters and rivers and that's an attack on life," activist Vidalina Morales told reporters. Bukele said last month that El Salvador, a country of 6.6 million people, had "potentially" the largest gold deposits per square kilometer in the world. "God placed a gigantic treasure underneath our feet," he wrote on social media, arguing that the mining ban was "absurd." "If we make responsible use of our natural resources, we can change the economy of El Salvador overnight," he said. The new law stipulates that the state will be the only entity authorized to search for, extract and process mined metals. However, the government may do so through companies in which it is a shareholder. The bill prohibits the use of mercury in mining operations, which may not be carried out in protected natural areas or places with important water sources. A survey by Central American University published on Monday revealed that 59 percent of respondents do not consider El Salvador "an appropriate country for metal mining." Since El Salvador dollarized its remittances-reliant economy in 2001, it has registered average annual growth of 2.1 percent. Twenty-seven percent of Salvadorans live in poverty, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, and 70 percent of the workforce operates in the informal sector. Elsewhere in the region, Costa Rica and Honduras have banned open-pit mining, and Panama declared a moratorium on new mining concessions last year after mass protests over plans for a huge copper mine. ob/fj/dr/jgc Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, sports, arts & entertainment, state legislature, CFD news, and more.

State Administration Council Chairman Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing sent a video speech to the ceremony marking the 60th Anniversary of the University of Economics of the Ministry of Education on 13 December 2024. The full text of the translated message is as follows: – Everybody, Mingalaba! First of all, I would like to extend my best wishes for the health and well-being of all the distinguished guests and responsible individuals who attended today’s ceremony commemorating the 60th anniversary of Yangon University of Economics. This includes officials from the State and regional governments, scholars, rectors and faculty members from universities, students, and invited dignitaries. Yangon University of Economics, which was established in 1964, celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2024. It is a source of pride and joy to be able to commemorate this 60th anniversary with such a grand and vibrant celebration. Economists play a crucial role in driving the continuous economic development of a country. The 60-year history of Yangon University of Economics, which has been nurturing such vital economists, is indeed a source of pride. Looking back at the history of Yangon University of Economics, it can be seen that it was established in the 1923-1924 academic year as the Faculty of Economics under Yangon University. Initially, only the subject of Economics was taught. Later, in the 1940-1941 academic year, the subject of Commerce was introduced, followed by accounting in 1953. By 2024, the Faculty of Economics reached its centennial milestone. On 7 September 2024, the centenary celebration of the Faculty of Economics was held. In 1955, the Department of Economics and the Department of Accounting were able to be organized as separate faculties. In addition to these three faculties, the Departments of Psychology, Political Science and History, and Sociology and Social Work were merged to form the Faculty of Social Sciences in 1958. According to the University Education Law of 1964, the Institute of Economics was established as a separate university on 1 October 1964. Teaching began on 2 November 1964. The Institute of Economics became the only university in Myanmar specializing in economic disciplines. In 1964, due to the integration of four supporting departments — Myanmar Language, English Language, Geography, and Mathematics — there were a total of seven teaching departments. In 1966, the Department of Research and Management Studies was established at the University of Economics (Hline Campus), which marked the beginning of national research initiatives. On 5 February 1988, under a new university organizational setup, the core departments were reorganized, with the Applied Economics Department and the former Research and Management Department being restructured as the Department of Management Studies. In 2021, the Department of Applied Statistics was expanded, bringing the total number of teaching departments to ten. With the aim of regional economic development, the Monywa University of Economics and the Meiktila University of Economics were established after 1998. As a result, with the addition of these three economics universities, the original University of Economics was renamed Yangon University of Economics. In the year 2000, the Yangon University of Economics (Ywathagyi Campus) was officially opened, and it has since been joined by two other campuses in Kamayut and Hline, making a total of three university campuses. At these campuses, various academic programmes are offered, including undergraduate, honours, Master’s, and PhD courses, as well as post-graduate diploma courses. Degree programmes such as Bachelor of Economics, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Business Administration, Master’s in Economics, Master’s in Commerce, Master’s in Business Administration, and Diploma in Management and Administration (DMA) have been offered since before 1964. Additionally, PhD courses have been available since the 1998-99 academic year. In addition, to align with the market economic system being practised in the country, it was observed that in 2001, courses for accounting degrees, business management degrees, development studies degrees, public administration degrees, and demography degrees were introduced. Furthermore, in 2003, a Master’s degree in Statistics was launched, and in 2004, a Master’s degree in demography was also offered. In order to fulfil the economic goals of the nation and meet market demands, the Yangon University of Economics launched the Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme in 1995, under the Human Resource Development Programme. Since then, it has successfully produced 2,920 MBA graduates. The Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) programme was launched in the year 2000, with a total of 1,631 graduates. The Master’s in Development Studies (MDevS) programme began in 2002, producing 924 graduates. The Master’s in Banking and Finance (MBF) programme, aimed at systematically developing Myanmar’s banking and financial sectors, was started in 2012 and has since graduated 637 MBF individuals. Since 2017, it has been observed that various master’s degree programmes, including Master of Applied Statistics, Master of Marketing Administration, Master of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Master of Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and Master’s degrees in Insurance Business and Insurance Science, have been expanded and made available. The Human Resource Development Programme, which began in 1998, has also been able to offer additional training courses, including the Diploma in Development Studies (Dip DS) for university graduates, the Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing Management (PGDMM), the Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management (PGDHRM), and the Postgraduate Diploma in Research Studies (PGDRS). After successfully completing the university entrance exam, programmes such as the Certificate in Business Studies (CBS) and Certificate in Advanced Business Studies (CABS) were introduced to enhance business knowledge and skills. These programmes are designed to help individuals improve their understanding of business concepts. Additionally, those who successfully completed these courses were also given the opportunity to pursue further studies with the Diploma in Business Studies (DBS). Since 2019, Yangon University of Economics has been offering remote degree programmes under the “One Campus, Two Systems” initiative, providing specialized courses in Economics and Business Management. In order for the country to develop and progress, it is necessary to widely distribute the economic knowledge needed. Therefore, as experts from Yangon University of Economics, we have observed the involvement in various programmes and training sessions at institutions such as former workers’ college, distance education universities, National Management Degree College, project department, the Auditor-General Office, Civil Services Academy (Lower Myanmar), educational management training schools, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the National Defence College. In addition to delivering lectures on relevant subjects, there is also active participation in supervising and inspecting theses. As a government, in line with the economic objectives we have adopted, we are working to enhance the nation’s economic driving force through MSME businesses to promote exports. To achieve this, skilled human resources are necessary. Therefore, during the 2022-2023 academic year, the Yangon University of Economics led the initiative to open BA (Economics) degree programmes at 39 universities of arts and science. In the future, graduates with a BA (Economics) degree will be able to use their economic knowledge and perspectives to contribute to the development of their regions and the progress of society. Since 1964, for 60 years, Yangon University of Economics has produced 110 graduates with doctoral degrees, 7,587 with master’s degrees, 61,850 with bachelor’s degrees, 1,217 with honours degrees, and 7,708 with diploma certificates. Currently, the university is continuing its educational programmes with 4,359 on-campus students and 4,618 distance-learning students enrolled. Graduates with an MBA from the Universities of Economics are now skilled entrepreneurs in various sectors of private businesses and are working as senior managers in the field of management. Graduates with an MDevS degree are successfully working in the government sector, private sector, and NGOs and INGOs. Those with an MBF degree can also be found in senior positions as experts and managers at the Central Bank of Myanmar, government and private banks, and financial organizations. I would like to express my gratitude and pride as I recognize that graduates of business schools are contributing to the nation’s development. They serve as skilled public servants, private sector employees, and business leaders, making significant contributions in various sectors for the economic and social progress of the country. Similarly, graduates of Yangon University of Economics are also found to be prominent figures in various fields such as politics, economics, and social affairs. Among the graduates of the university are individuals who hold senior positions in the government, including the President of the country, Union Ministers, Union Auditors-General, Central Bank Governors, advisors, Chief Ministers and Ministers of States and Regions, Deputy Ministers, and Directors-General. This is a source of pride and admiration. In recognition of the 60th anniversary of Yangon University of Economics, which plays a key role in the nation’s development, a series of events will be held, including an exhibition of historical photographs showcasing the growth of the university, research paper readings, and research poster presentations. Additionally, a ceremony will be held to honour the distinguished professors and faculty members who have taught over the years, and a grand commemoration event will take place to celebrate this milestone. Yangon University of Economics has completed its 60th anniversary and, as a prominent institution, has contributed significantly to the country’s economic and social development by nurturing exceptional individuals who excel in various fields. Moving forward, may it continue to produce knowledgeable and talented generations who value and take pride in their education. I wish for the university to remain permanently steadfast, thriving, and perpetual existence from the celebration of the 60th anniversary and beyond. Thank you all.The tech world is always buzzing with new gadgets, but one of the most exciting pieces of hardware for gamers and creators alike is the graphic card . A quality graphic card can make all the difference in high-end gaming, 3D rendering, video editing, or graphic design. Thankfully, with seasonal discounts rolling in, upgrading or replacing an old card has never been a better time. Graphic cards, or GPUs, are a must-have in any PC. They have a role in rendering graphical aspects of games, videos, and even computations such as machine learning. Since technology is always in flux, the demand for powerful GPUs is at an all-time high. However, updating or buying a new graphic card is expensive, so seasonal sales would be a game-changer. Seasonal deals are excellent times when buying a good graphics card may not necessitate shelling out for the total. Major shops, in fact, will have graphic card offers around holidays such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday ; other sales often happen at year's end. Here, heavy discounts come in at the highest of up to 30%. Typically, in this season, most popular brands have given discounts on their most current and powerful models of cards, such as NVIDIA, AMD , and Intel. Anyone needing 4K gaming or editing their video will often see sales from mid-tier options to the top cards on the market. Before jumping into the seasonal sales, it is important to know which type of graphic card will suit the specific needs. 1. For Gaming: For gamers who like playing the latest AAA titles, a powerful GPU is very important. NVIDIA GeForce RTX series or AMD Radeon RX line are great choices for such games. These cards support ray tracing, offer high frame rates and are great for visuals. Graphics-intensive games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Call of Duty will surely benefit from the power of these cards and run smoothly at high settings. 2. For Content Creation: Designers, video editors, and 3D artists need graphic cards with high computational power. More VRAM (video memory) and higher clock speeds are necessary for handling complex rendering tasks. Cards like the NVIDIA RTX 3070, 3080, or even the 3090 are great for creators working with professional editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Blender, or Autodesk Maya. 3. General Use: For those wanting to upgrade their general PC for casual use or even a simple gaming machine without going all out for extreme performance, there are still very viable options in more affordable GPUs. The lower-end GeForce GTX models and AMD's Radeon RX 5000 series are typically highly discounted during sales and represent excellent value for everyday tasks, streaming, and even basic gaming. To take full advantage of seasonal discounts, it’s important to act fast. Popular models can sell out quickly, especially during the busiest sale periods. Setting a budget beforehand can help narrow down the options, ensuring that there is no temptation to overspend. The most important thing to check regarding the specifications of a card is whether it is appropriate for the current PC build. Other considerations include power supply capacity, enough space in the case, and connection ports. Many also offer bundles with other components in the form of a graphics card paired with CPUs, RAM, or even entire desktop setups sold at a discounted price. Another good tip is looking for several retailers offering the best deals. While some discounts may be available only in certain stores, other websites may offer bundled deals, free shipping, or even warranties that make the purchase more attractive. Graphic cards are long-term investments because, although other components have to get upgraded quite frequently, in the case of a well-built GPU, it tends to last several years of gaming and creativity. For the serious gamer who demands ultra graphics, newer models will be released sooner or later. However, grabbing a high-performance card that is much lower than the others is enough value alone. In addition, most retailers provide longer returns during the holiday season, ensuring buyers are assured. If a card doesn't meet expectations or is not as compatible as initially thought, then there is always a return policy or exchange. Seasonal discounts on graphic cards open up the opportunity to upgrade any PC without breaking the bank. Plenty of options are available, whether gaming, designing or simply boosting system performance. With major brands offering discounts across various models, now is the time to invest in a graphic card to enhance every gaming or creative experience. Don't miss out on these incredible deals; the perfect GPU for any task is just a click away.

MUNICH, Germany, Nov 22 (Reuters) - Bayern Munich's Harry Kane scored a hat-trick with two of the goals in second half stoppage time, to give the league leaders a 3-0 win over visitors Augsburg on Friday and open up an eight-point gap at the top with their sixth straight clean sheet across all competitions. The Bavarians, who take on Paris St Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday, are undefeated in the Bundesliga and on 29 points following their fifth consecutive league game without conceding a goal. Second-placed RB Leipzig, who travel to Hoffenheim on Saturday, are on 21 points. "We said at half time we should just keep going and create chances," Kane, who has scored 14 league goals this season, told reporters. "Thankfully we got the penalty and from there the game opened up." Kane has scored 50 league goals since joining Bayern last year, needing just 43 Bundesliga games to reach that mark, faster than any player in the league's history. Bayern have a busy schedule coming up with PSG on Tuesday before the trip to Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga in a week. They cap off their 11-day four-match run with the German Cup last-16 clash at home to holders Bayer Leverkusen on Dec. 3. "We have a big week ahead with PSG in the Champions League then Dortmund then Leverkusen in the Cup. We're in a good moment, we're feeling good and should just keep the momentum up," Kane said. As expected Bayern had more than 70% possession for much of the first half but Augsburg had keeper Nediljko Labrovic to thank for a goalless first half after the Croatia international stopped efforts from Harry Kane, Jamal Musiala and Leon Goretzka, who also hit the crossbar four minutes after the restart. Labrovic then denied Michael Olise in the 51st but could do nothing to prevent Kane from scoring with a well-taken 63rd minute penally. The England captain was then awarded another penalty following a lengthy VAR review in stoppage time with Augsburg's Keven Schlotterbeck sent off for tripping him in front of goal. Labrovic was beaten by Kane once more after picking the wrong side again before the forward completed his hat-trick only seconds later after controlling a Goretzka cross with a superb first touch and then heading in. Sign up here. Reporting by Karolos Grohmann, editing by Pritha Sarkar Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab

Geographic Atrophy (GA) Market: An Analysis of Size, Shares, Business Growth, and Upcoming Trends Forecast 2024-2031 |London, United Kingdom–(Newsfile Corp. – December 13, 2024) – Good London Builders, a leading London-based renovation company serving high-net-worth individuals, released a report on 2024 Property Renovation Trends that includes a significant shift in home automation preferences among its luxury clientele, with more customers choosing mainstream connected technologies over traditional bespoke systems. Property renovation by Good London Builders The company, which manages home renovations across London, has observed wealthy homeowners increasingly selecting off-the-shelf connected technologies for audio, lighting, heating, and security, marking a departure from complex custom automation systems that typically cost five to six figures to install. Rory Gordon of Good London Builders , who has managed the home renovations of a number of high-net-worth individuals across London in recent years, noted the trend. He said: “While some clients still want the all singing, all dancing approach, we have seen a noticeable shift towards keeping it simple. From controlling lighting by simple dimmers and off the shelf alarm systems to ‘plug and play’ AV installations connected by WiFi. The approach works very well and costs very little. The difference between professional grade set ups and the standard offering has shrunk massively and unless you are an absolute aficionado who appreciates the ultimate then it becomes harder to justify.” The shift reflects broader changes in home automation technology. While traditional high-end systems offered granular control, modern connected devices provide simpler interfaces through smartphone applications. These consumer-focused solutions offer regular feature updates and easier upgrade paths compared to traditional custom installations. Quality installation remains crucial, even with more accessible technology. While these modern connected devices can be self-installed, professional expertise ensures optimal product selection, placement, and setup for the best possible experience, particularly during renovation projects. Rory added: “We have fitted the best systems money can buy over the years and while there is still a place for this in certain scenarios, the experience on the coal face of the new simple technologies is such that it is hard to argue with this approach.” While the market for high-end custom installations continues, Good London Builders reports that most clients, regardless of budget, are increasingly choosing mainstream connected technology solutions for their homes. For more information about Good London Builders, visit https://goodlondonbuilders.com/ . Kitchen renovation by Good London Builders About Good London Builders Good London Builders make the building process simple and easy – from basement conversions to major structural refurbishments. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/233556 #distro

This week in fashion was filled with moments that we want to highlight. First, has launched his luxury athleisure line under his brand 741. Next, Pharrell has designed first soccer cleat, the Footprint Soccer Shoe. In exciting news, New York City-based designer Chuks Collins celebrated an upcoming collaboration with Lush Decor earlier in the week. Up next, Adidas welcomes 12 entrepreneurs of color to the 2024-2025 Community LAB cohort. Meanwhile, has launched his highly anticipated “Orange Label” T-shirts. Lastly, Off-White collaborates with Bstroy on a limited-edition sneaker. Keep scrolling to learn about the fashion happenings of the week. Louis Vuitton’s Footprint Soccer shoe, designed by Pharrell Williams, is a groundbreaking sneaker inspired by cleated boots from the world of field sports. Featuring a laced calf leather upper and a padded rubber outsole, the design incorporates Louis Vuitton’s signature details, including floral motifs from the Monogram and an interlinked LV logo. The sole’s stylized, five-toed footprint adds a unique touch. Once the shoe launches it will be available in the following bold hues: black, white, blue, red, and forest green. The outsole continues the hue emblazoned on the upper with lighter prints adding dimension. The LV Footprint Soccer will be available for pre-order on December 26 on and will be available in stores on January 2nd. Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics has unveiled the athleisure segment of his 741 brand, a luxury performance collection. Self-funded and fully designed by Brown, the line features hybrid pieces including puffer coats, hoodies, leggings, key accessories, and more. “This collection represents the intersection of luxury and performance,” Jaylen Brown shared in a statement. “It’s not just about looking good—it’s about feeling great and performing at your best. 741 is a reflection of who I am, both as an athlete and as someone who’s passionate about pushing boundaries, and I’m set to do this in both sports and fashion.” To shop pieces from Jaylen Brown’s debut luxury athleisure line head to . Pricing starts at $23. The collection will also be available through pop-up events and exclusive retail partnerships in the coming months. Adidas has announced the induction of 12 Black and Latino/a/e business owners into its 2024-2025 Community LAB cohort. This eight-month social accelerator program provides participants with $75,000 in grant funding and vital resources to promote equity in sports while growing their businesses. The initiative underscores Adidas’ commitment to driving meaningful change within underrepresented communities. This year, the program expanded to include entrepreneurs from Toronto and Houston alongside the original cities of Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New York. With Black Ambition joining as a new partner, along with returning collaborators Impact Hub, the program offers a tailored curriculum featuring mentorship, workshops, and strategic guidance. “Building strong partnerships with community leaders is key to transforming our collective vision into real-world progress,” shared Ayesha Martin, Senior Director of Adidas Purpose in a statement. Heron Preston has officially launched the highly anticipated “Orange Label” T-shirts under his L.E.D. Studio project. The orange labels were first designed in 2016 for a collaborative exhibition with the NYC Department of Sanitation. Fashion pieces from this collection, featuring the distinctive labels, were later showcased in 2021 exhibition, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Following the exhibit, these pieces were acquired by the museum as part of its permanent collection. Deadstock labels from were recently recovered from Heron’s storage and repurposed for the L.E.D Studio project. Only a limited number remain, and once they are exhausted, the project will officially conclude. These labels, printed on one side for the original 2016 collection, are used in their blank reverse state for this project, presenting them in their simplest form, a striking, solid orange label. The “Orange Label” T-shirts in black and white variations are currently available to purchase on for $100. Off-White continues its commitment to creativity by collaborating with Atlanta-born brand BStroy on a sneaker named “OUT OF OFFICE.” The design came about from an intimate exchange between Bstroy founders Dieter “Du” Grams and Brick Ownes and late founder Virgil Abloh, who all developed a simple yet innovative sketch featuring the pink arrow stretching along the sneaker’s body. The sneaker is available in two striking colorways: one featuring a silver-blue-green combination with black accents and a pink arrow, and the other drawing inspiration from the Porsche 911, with a sleek silver-black motif and the signature pink arrow. The sneaker is now available in select Off-White boutiques and online at . To celebrate his forthcoming home collection with Lush Decor, New York City designer Chuks Collins hosted a dinner alongside the beloved NYC designer Nicole Miller. The festivities took place at Meduza Mediterrania. “From the moment we met Chuks Collins, we knew our shared values and aesthetics would spark something extraordinary. His talent for bridging cultures—seamlessly blending African and Western influences—while championing sustainability and empowerment perfectly complements our mission to inspire and upliftThis collaboration is a testament to the power of shared vision to transform spaces and lives,” shared Paola Peretti, CEO of Lush Decor in a statement. Notable attendees included stylist Solange Franklin, actor Ryan Jamaal Swain, designer Teddy Von Ranson, and Lush Decor founder Jenny Jing Zhu, the brand’s CEO, Paola Peretti was also in attendance. The Lush Decor X Chuks Collins collection is set to debut in Spring 2025.

Sam Darnold sensed the backside pressure as soon as he dropped back with Minnesota trailing by four points late in the fourth quarter in Seattle, so he moved into a safe space in the pocket and did precisely what the Vikings would prefer him to do with the game on the line. He threw the ball down the field to Justin Jefferson. The perfectly placed throw near the sideline beat double coverage for a 39-yard touchdown that put the Vikings back in front with 3:51 remaining in a 27-24 victory over the Seahawks on Sunday. “It was a great call,” said Jefferson, who had 10 receptions for 144 yards and two scores, all season highs. “I’m not going to say too much about that play, but something went on where me and Sam were on the same page, and he found me and we went up.” The Vikings were understandably coy about the context around the go-ahead touchdown , when Darnold made a difficult on-the-run pass just over cornerback Tariq Woolen that Jefferson deftly twisted to catch next to his backside hip so he could shield the ball from late-breaking safety Julian Love. Darnold saw Love’s shoulders initially shaded inside just enough to believe he couldn’t retreat fast enough to prevent Jefferson from getting the ball. Jefferson also applied some improvisation to his route that Darnold clearly and properly read during the play. RELATED COVERAGE Patriots coach Jerod Mayo believes narrow loss to Bills shows potential of his young team Garrett’s comments about his future add wrinkle to Browns’ worst season since 0-16 in 2017 Giants’ 10th straight loss showed once again that they need a young QB “I want those guys to have some freedom in those moments,” coach Kevin O’Connell said. “We do a lot of things with Justin and Sam, seeing the coverage and then with some route opportunities to get to at the line of scrimmage, and I think those guys have just gotten so comfortable with that stuff.” Darnold’s long-delayed breakout performance under O’Connell has been one of the stories of the NFL this season, one that wouldn’t have unfolded as neatly for the third overall pick in the 2018 draft without such synergy between him and his superstar wide receiver. If the Vikings (13-2) win their last two games, they will not only be NFC North champions for the second time in three years but also get the No. 1 seed and the lone first-round bye in the NFC for the playoffs. “Every single game we’re finding different ways to overcome adversity, overcome the different stuff defenses have thrown towards us,” Jefferson said. “Sam has done a great job being a leader.” What’s working The pass rush was strong, with Andrew Van Ginkel recording two sacks and pressure leading to both interceptions of Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith. The Vikings were credited with eight hits on Smith. What needs help The Vikings converted only three of 12 third downs, their second-worst rate of the season. Stock up Theo Jackson, who saw significant playing time at safety with Harrison Smith out, had the game-sealing interception with 49 seconds left. Stock down Tight end Josh Oliver has played 47% of the snaps the last two games, his two lowest usage rates of the season. He dropped the only pass he was thrown on Sunday. Injury report The defense ought to get a big boost this week with the expected return of the 13-year veteran Smith from his first absence in two years when he was sidelined at Seattle with a foot injury. Linebacker Ivan Pace, who has missed four games on injured reserve with a hamstring strain, is also on track to be back with his return to practice. Backup defensive lineman Jalen Redmond, who didn’t play against the Seahawks because of a concussion, has made progress through the protocol, O’Connell said. Backup cornerback Fabian Moreau, who was inactive at Seattle with a hip injury, will continue to be evaluated throughout the week. Key number 13.6% — That’s the third-down conversion allowance rate for the Vikings over the last two games, with Chicago and Seattle combining to go just 3 for 22. The Vikings rank second in the NFL in third-down defense at 33.7% for the season and also rank second on fourth down at 36.7%. Up next The Vikings host Green Bay on Sunday, with the kickoff moved to the late afternoon showcase spot on Fox. If Minnesota loses to the Packers, the Lions will clinch the NFC North and the Vikings would open the playoffs on the road as the No. 5 seed at best. Even if the Lions were to lose at San Francisco on Monday night, the Vikings would need to win at Detroit on Jan. 5 to take the division title. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLSeyond Announces Plan to Go Public via De-SPAC Transaction on Hong Kong Stock ExchangePeaky Blinders star’s bold look leaves fans with big concern after past ‘struggles’

Kansas GOP senator wants state to invest $1 billion to boost pension system’s bottom lineCMG Class Action Notice: Robbins LLP Reminds Investors of the Lead Plaintiff Deadline in the Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. Class ActionHerbert looks to maintain interception-free streak when Chargers host BuccaneersI am confused. I’m not a confused person in general — just a person confused by culture. Don’t you, too, feel confused by the fact that sloths have, in the past few years, become popular? I don’t want to be too judgmental, but, really, does anyone (besides another sloth, that is) find a sloth cute? I can understand wanting a stuffed dog, a stuffed cat or a stuffed elephant. But a stuffed sloth? A sloth design on your sheets? A sloth notebook for school? As I write this, I am looking at a Christmas gift wrapped in sloth-patterned paper. Sloths are everywhere, which seems a bit ironic considering how slow-moving they are. OK, I realize that not everyone has the same idea of beauty. So, maybe you do find sloths attractive. But do you find their personal characteristics attractive? Sloths are slothful, which is another word for lazy. At what point did it become a good thing to admit that “sloths are my spirit animal,” as many people do (evidenced by the amount of merchandise sold with that very slogan on it)? If sloths are truly your spirit animal, do you really want to admit that? And even if you think that laziness is a commendable characteristic, do you also think that a combination of solitary living and violent defensiveness is commendable? If a sloth is your spirit animal, then you like to be left alone — and think nothing of clawing and biting humans who try to touch you. I’m also confused by those drink containers that seemingly everybody (except me) carries around. I hope I’m not going to make you jealous by saying this, but I have indoor plumbing — and almost every place I go has indoor plumbing — so I have easy access to water whenever I’m thirsty. Amazing, huh? I suppose I could carry around a big jug of liquid with me, but then I wouldn’t have an excuse to get up from my desk when I’m thirsty — and that would turn me into a sloth. I’m willing to try to understand why someone would want to cart around one of those absurdly large drink containers — but I’m really confused about why someone would choose one that isn’t recommended for the dishwasher. Some are totally dishwasher safe; others, only the lid is recommended for the dishwasher while the body’s appearance will deteriorate over time if washed in the dishwasher. If I wanted to use one of these every day, I would certainly want to be able to load it in the dishwasher every night. Slothful, right? Of course, the same generation that goes for sloths and hand-wash-only mega drink containers is also the generation that now wants to eschew tablet and smartphone photography in favor of retro digital cameras. Say what? Yes, I just read that Gen Z likes the “vintage” quality of the photos from those cameras. As you know, I’m not much for new technology; I tend to favor the old-school items. But I’m particular in that I like old-school items that give results superior to the newer technology, such as landline phones from which you can call anyone without worrying about a call “dropping.” So I’m kind of confused about the desire for photos that are not quite as good as the ones from newer technology. Some people, I’m sure, will point out that “confused” not only means “bewildered”; it also means “mixed up mentally,” as often happens with older people. I may be “older,” but I still have all my faculties — so please don’t confuse the issue.

Crisis PR on the Hot Seat After Blake Lively Alleges ‘Smear Campaign’: Hollywood Insiders Say ‘There’s a Code You Don’t Breach’