jilipark club log in Cozy winter fare: Make a French-style cassoulet at homeAs Sun Li and her fellow main creative team members come together once more, they will undoubtedly share fond memories of their time working on "Empresses in the Palace." From the intense acting workshops to the elaborate costume fittings, each moment of the creative process will be revisited and celebrated. The camaraderie and bond that was forged during the making of the series will be on full display, as the team members reminisce about the challenges they faced and the triumphs they achieved.The Crown can be found in a passageway close to Carfax off the busy shopping street. It used to be a hidden gem but now there are lots of signs directing drinkers down the passageway to the bar. The pub, run by Nicholson's, has an interesting history. Its website said: “The Crown has had a succession of famous landlords. “In the year of the Gunpowder Plot it was kept by John Davenant and it was during this time Shakespeare paid his frequent visits to Oxford. “The poet used to stop in the university town on his journeys between Stratford and London, and The Crown was his headquarters.” Ross McCarthy, general manager of The Crown for the past three years, said he was delighted it has been chosen as the Oxford Mail Pub of the Week. He added: "Everything we do here is trying to emulate the traditional British pub experience, with real ales, gin and tonics and traditional pub food including fish and chips, sausage and mash and a good selection of pies. "In the summer, people can sit outside and watch sport, and then in the winter we can transition to a cosy pub indoors with soft lighting and Christmas decorations." Mr McCarthy said customers included tourists, students and locals. "We welcome everyone and our A-boards in Cornmarket direct people to our door. "You will get a good welcome if you come in here by yourself or with friends and family." There is already a festive atmosphere at The Crown, fuelled by generous servings of mulled wine from a barrel. The pub is warm inside, with subtle lighting, and there are lots of nooks and alcoves where you can enjoy a meal and a pint. The pies on the menu are a popular choice for customers. The website says: "When you’re hungry for a catchup and ready to meet, here’s a few options you’ll be tempted to eat. "Taste our new Pulled Duck Croquettes and Garlic Mushrooms on Sourdough or skip straight to the main event: our hand-crafted specialty pies, including our brand-new Chicken and Truffled Oyster Mushroom Pie and our British Steak & Nicholson's Pale Ale Pie." Real ales include Plum Porter by Titanic, and Theakston's Old Peculier. The pub is open seven days, from noon until 11pm, although it shuts on Sunday at 10pm. Food is served from noon until 9pm, and at weekends from noon until 9.30pm. "We're in a great position here off Cornmarket - bang in the middle of all the colleges," added Mr McCarthy. "We try to stock some darker beers at this time of year but we always have a good range." Dave Richardson, of real ale group Oxford CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale), said: "This is a fine old building that was once the stables and outhouses of a much larger coaching inn that fronted onto Cornmarket Street, and it's generally a haven of relative tranquillity in the hustle and bustle of the city centre. "I'm not so sure about Shakespeare being 'more than friendly' with the owner's wife, as claimed on the wall outside, but it adds intrigue." Sign up for a digital subscription now: As a digital subscriber you will get: Unlimited access to the Oxford Mail website Advert-light access Reader rewards Full access to our app Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire. His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. You can also read his weekly Traffic and Transport newsletter.

The masked gunman who stalked and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel used ammunition emblazoned with the words “deny,” “defend” and “depose,” a law enforcement official said Thursday. The gunman is still at large and a manhunt is underway. Here's the latest: Just minutes before the shooting, the suspect was seen on surveillance footage purchasing the two items from a nearby Starbucks. Both the water bottle and protein bar wrapper were later recovered from a trash can in the vicinity of the killing, according to a police spokesperson. They’ve been sent to the city’s medical examiner for expedited fingerprint testing. As the suspect remained at large Thursday afternoon, New York police were sorting through a growing number of leads coming in through a public hotline. Many have been unfounded, including a tip from a commuter who claimed to have spotted the shooter on a Long Island Rail Road train Wednesday evening. Police searched the train, but found no sign of the gunman. Members of the public have also provided police with several different names of people who bear a resemblance to the gunman — though they have yet to confirm the shooter’s identity. NYPD spokesperson Carlos Nieves urged anyone with information to contact the department “even if it seems trivial.” “We ask you to call the tip line because that little piece of information could be the missing piece of the puzzle that ties everything together,” he said. Users’ reactions — and in many cases jokes — populated comment sections teeming with frustration toward health insurers broadly and UnitedHealthcare in particular. “I would be happy to help look for the shooter but vision isn’t covered under my healthcare plan,” one comment read on Instagram. “Thoughts and prior authorizations!” wrote another user. Images released by police of a person they say is wanted for questioning in connection with the shooting match the lobby of the HI New York City hostel on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Both feature a black-and-white checkered floor and a distinctive bench in the shape of a semicircle. Matheus Taranto, a guest at the hostel who’s visiting from Brazil, says he saw police at the lodging Wednesday evening. He said an officer wouldn’t let him access a bathroom where he wanted to brush his teeth. “I asked why, he was like, no, nothing happened,” said Taranto, 24. He didn’t connect the dots with the shooting until later. In Minnesota, police in the Minneapolis suburb of Maple Grove, where Thompson lived, said Thursday they believe a bomb threat on Wednesday night was a hoax. Maple Grove police put out a statement Thursday saying a “suspected swatting investigation” was underway. The department said it received a report of a bomb threat directed at two addresses around 7 p.m. CT Wednesday. The Minneapolis Bomb Squad and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office assisted, but investigators found no suspicions devices or other items. “The case is considered an active investigation, while the incident appears to be a hoax. No further comments will be made at this time,” the police statement said. Police reports provided to The Associated Press by the department show that officers made contact with family members at one of the homes and were told they had seen nothing suspicious and had received no direct threats. Back in Thompson’s home state of Minnesota, authorities were investigating a bomb threat that reportedly was made against his home Wednesday night, after his death. It was first reported by TMZ. City Prosecutor Andrew Draper confirmed to The Associated Press via email Thursday that he received an email Wednesday night “regarding a bomb threat. I reported it to the Maple Grove Police Department and do not have any additional information.” Maple Grove police officials did not immediately respond to requests for details Thursday. Local ATF spokesperson Ashlee Sherrill said: “ATF was made aware of the incident in Maple Grove last night, but no ATF resources were deployed. We are unable to confirm any further details.” A local FBI spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for information on the FBI’s involvement in the investigation. The words emblazoned on the ammunition used in the shooting – “deny,” “defend” and “depose” – were written in permanent marker, according to a law enforcement official. The official wasn’t authorized to publicly discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity. — Jake Offenhartz As of Thursday morning, police were still searching for the shooter. They released new photos of a person they said is wanted for questioning in connection with the shooting. The images match the lobby of the HI New York City hostel on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, including its black-and-white checkered floor and a distinctive bench in the shape of a semi-circle. An employee at the hostel said police had visited but declined to provide further information. Danielle Brumfitt, a spokesperson for the lodging, said in an emailed statement that they are cooperating with the NYPD but can’t comment due to the active investigation. According to the official who spoke to AP about the ammunition messaging, investigators are running DNA and fingerprint analysis on items found near the shooting, including a water bottle, that they believe the suspect may have discarded. Additionally, they’re looking into whether the suspect had pre-positioned a bike as part of an escape plan. Doctors and patients have become particularly frustrated with prior authorizations, which are requirements that an insurer approve surgery or care before it happens. UnitedHealthcare was named in an October report detailing how the insurer’s prior authorization denial rate for some Medicare Advantage patients has surged in recent years. The report from the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations also named rivals Humana and CVS. Insurers say tactics like prior authorization are needed to limit unnecessary care and help control spiraling medical costs. Frustrations extend beyond the coverage of care. Expensive breakthrough medications to slow Alzheimer’s disease or help with obesity are frequently not covered or have coverage limits. In the U.S. health care system, patients get coverage through a mix of private insurers such as UnitedHealthcare and government-funded programs such as Medicaid and Medicare. That can prove particularly frustrating for doctors and patients because coverage often varies by insurer. Polls reflect those frustrations with the U.S. health care system in general and insurance companies in particular. About two-thirds of Americans said health insurance companies deserve “a lot of blame” for high health care costs, according to a KFF poll conducted in February . Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News that he told her “there were some people that had been threatening him.” She didn’t have details but suggested the threats may have involved issues with insurance coverage. Eric Werner, the police chief in the Minneapolis suburb where Thompson lived, said his department had not received any reports of threats against the executive. A message left at the scene of an insurance executive’s fatal shooting — “deny,” “defend” and “depose” — echoes a phrase commonly used to describe insurer tactics to avoid paying claims. The three words were emblazoned on the ammunition a masked gunman used to kill UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson , a law enforcement official told The Associated Press on Thursday. They’re similar to the phrase “delay, deny, defend” — the way some attorneys describe how insurers deny services and payment, and the title of a 2010 book that was highly critical of the industry. Police haven’t officially commented on the wording or any connection between them and the common phrase. But Thompson’s shooting and the messages on the ammunition have sparked outrage on social media and elsewhere, reflecting a deepening frustration Americans have over the cost and complexity of getting care. ▶ Read more about the messaging left behind by the shooter The New York Police Department released photos Thursday morning, asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the individual pictured. Police say the person is wanted for questioning in connection with the shooting of the UnitedHealthcare CEO. A Senate panel has been investigating how frequently three major insurers, including UnitedHealthcare, deny care to patients who are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. It has also investigated the use of artificial intelligence in deny those claims. Medicare Advantage is the private version of Medicare, which provides health insurance to millions of older Americans. The Senate’s Permanent Subcommittee’s report released earlier this year found that as UnitedHealthcare relied more on its automated system to review claims denials increased for post-acute treatment, which includes nursing home or rehabilitation care. The insurer denied nearly a quarter of claims, a rate that doubled over just a two-year period from 2020 to 2022. Joseph Kenny, the NYPD chief of detectives, says the shooter wore a black face mask, black-and-white sneakers and a distinctive gray backpack. He arrived outside the hotel about five minutes before UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson did, then waited and ignored other pedestrians before he approached Thompson from behind. After the assailant began to fire, his 9 mm pistol jammed but he quickly fixed it and kept firing, Kenny said, another sign of the shooter’s professionalism. “From watching the video, it does seem that he’s proficient in the use of firearms as he was able to clear the malfunctions pretty quickly,” Kenny said. The hostels were on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and police were following a tip that the suspect may have stayed at one of the residences, according to a law enforcement official briefed on the investigation. The official requested anonymity because they weren’t authorized to discuss the ongoing search. According to an employee of Kama Central Park, two detectives arrived at the hostel at 7 a.m. Thursday with a photo of the shooter and asked staff if they recognized the man. They did not, the employee said, and the detectives left soon after. An employee at the nearby HI New York City hostel also confirmed that police had visited the location Thursday, but declined to provide further information. — Jake Offenhartz New York Mayor Eric Adams said Thursday the shooter used a silencer — something he’d never encountered in his 22 years as a police officer. “In all of my years in law enforcement I have never seen a silencer before,” Adams, a retired NYPD captain, said in an appearance on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” “And so that was really something that was shocking to us all.” The masked gunman used ammunition emblazoned with the words “deny,” “defend” and “depose,” a law enforcement official said Thursday. The official was not authorized to publicly discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity. The words on the ammunition may have been a reference to strategies insurance companies use to try to avoid paying claims. Investigators recovered several 9 mm shell casings from outside the hotel, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny had said earlier. — Mike Balsamo, Jake Offenhartz and Michael R. Sisak The chief executive of UnitedHealthcare, one of the nation’s largest insurers, was killed Wednesday in midtown Manhattan in what police described as a targeted attack by a shooter outside a hotel where the company was holding a conference. ▶ Read more about the key things to know about the fatal attack

Despite facing stiff competition from other top clubs, including Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United, Manchester City has demonstrated their ability to rise to the occasion and deliver when it matters most. Guardiola's meticulous planning and strategic approach have been instrumental in guiding the team through challenging fixtures and ensuring their continued success in the title race.

After days of deliberation, the jury ultimately delivered a verdict of not guilty, much to the shock and outrage of many. The decision was met with protests and demonstrations outside the courthouse, with many expressing their disbelief and anger at what they saw as a miscarriage of justice. The case has reignited discussions on racial bias in the criminal justice system and the need for accountability in cases of police or military violence.MADRID – Iran's ambassador to Moscow, Kazem Jalali, announced that the two countries are set to sign a comprehensive cooperation agreement that will strengthen their bilateral relations. According to Jalali, the pact will be formalized during the official visit of Masoud Pezeshkian to Moscow on January 17, when the presidents of Iran and Russia will sign the document, which will include key areas of strategic collaboration. This rapprochement underscores the mutual interest in consolidating an alliance that goes beyond economics, extending to educational and cultural management. In an international context marked by uncertainties, Tehran and Moscow are working to solidify their cooperation to face common challenges. The Iranian ambassador highlighted progress in key economic projects, such as the North-South Transport Corridor, which remains a strategic priority for both countries. In this context, he recalled the recent visit to Tehran of two Russian deputy prime ministers, who met with the Iranian president and other high-ranking officials to discuss advancements in this initiative. Russia has solidified its position as one of Iran's key strategic partners on both the international and regional fronts. Amid a growing rift with the West, particularly the United States, and in the face of political and military instability in West Asia, Iran has intensified its efforts to strengthen ties with Moscow. This partnership, bolstered by mutual interest in countering U.S. influence, has been pivotal in areas such as the Caspian region, further strengthening the bond between the two nations. This strategic alignment has fostered a convergence of interests and positions on several fronts, particularly highlighting their collaboration in Syria. Both countries have aligned in their support for Bashar al-Assad's regime, allowing them to coordinate efforts in the fight against extremist groups and consolidate their influence in the region. However, both external and internal factors pose challenges to the expansion of cooperation between Iran and Russia. The economic dependence of both countries on energy exports, their economic difficulties, and cultural and social differences have been significant obstacles to the development of their political and economic relations. The impact of these obstacles is complex. On one hand, for Iranian leaders, even under Vladimir Putin's leadership, Russia has demonstrated that, despite its tensions with the West, it seeks to maintain peaceful and advantageous relations with the United States. On the other hand, the Iranian government views its hostility with Washington as "endless," a confrontation rooted in a political vision that challenges the traditional Western order. During periods of rapprochement between Russia and the United States, such as during Dmitry Medvedev's presidency, the ties between Tehran and Moscow suffered a noticeable cooling, and Russia failed to fulfill some of its commitments. A clear example of this was the refusal to deliver the S-300 missile systems to Iran. These dynamics highlight that any shift in relations between the United States and Russia can have significant repercussions for the ties between Moscow and Tehran. Russia's significance to Iran has primarily been on the international level, serving as a counterbalance to reduce the pressure exerted by the United States. In turn, Iran has taken on a strategic role for Russia in the regional sphere, particularly in West and Central Asia. Their cooperation in Syria has strengthened their mutual importance, solidifying a relationship that finds one of its main drivers in the structure of the international system. Russia has leveraged its relationships with regional powers such as Iran to counteract the influence of the West. Furthermore, Moscow, as a power capable of institutionalizing its presence in the region, seeks to strengthen its global influence through initiatives like the Eurasian Economic Union and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. These strategies underscore its intention to demonstrate to the West that it is not possible to address crises and global issues, especially on a regional level, without its involvement. Vladimir Putin's leadership has been crucial in the expansion of ties between Russia and Iran. During his tenure, political and economic relations between the two countries have deepened, particularly in the energy and military cooperation sectors. Putin's influence has been key in promoting common interests, such as their opposition to Western intervention in West Asia and their strategic collaboration in the Syrian conflict. Iran has become the third-largest importer of Russian arms, after India and China. This military collaboration has allowed Tehran to acquire significant capabilities to address its security needs. Access to Russian military technologies, combined with domestic missile production, has strengthened Iran's regional position and its ability to counter Western threats, particularly under the pretext of its nuclear program. However, between 2005 and 2010, relations between Iran and Russia went through a period of deterioration. The "reset" policy promoted by the Barack Obama administration led to greater cooperation between Moscow and Washington regarding Iran's nuclear program. This was reflected in the approval of UN Security Council Resolution 1737 in 2006 and the sanctions imposed by Russia on Tehran. In 2010, Dmitry Medvedev signed the implementation of UN Resolution 1929, which prohibited economic relations with Iran, including transactions with the Iranian government and citizens. It also banned Iranian citizens from traveling to Russia for activities related to nuclear matters, intensifying restrictions against Tehran. Between 2006 and 2009, Russia supported all UN Security Council resolutions against Iran following reports from the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency. In return, Moscow received strategic concessions from the United States, such as a halt in the development of a third missile defense area in Eastern Europe, the signing of the START-1 Treaty, an agreement for Russia's accession to the World Trade Organization, and the revival of the nuclear pact with Iran. Vladimir Putin's return to the Kremlin in 2012, following a constitutional reform that allowed him to remain president until 2018, marked a turning point in Russia's policy toward Iran. During Iran's negotiations with world powers, Moscow worked to reassure Israel that Iran's nuclear program did not pose a threat, acting as a mediator within the framework of the 5+1 agreement. The election of Hassan Rouhani in 2013, with his promise to ease tensions with the West and resolve the nuclear issue, increased Russia's interest in strengthening ties with Tehran. This period also solidified regional collaborations in conflicts such as those in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, leading Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to describe Iran as a "natural ally" in 2014. The outbreak of the so-called "Arab Revolutions" further emphasized the convergence between the two countries, highlighted by their firm opposition to Western interventions in North Africa and West Asia. This alliance, forged on shared interests, has redefined their strategic role in a region marked by profound political and social transformations. Since 2015, bilateral relations between Iran and Russia have experienced a notable strengthening in political, economic, and regional spheres. After Vladimir Putin's second visit to Tehran, the leaders of both countries agreed to elevate their relationship to a strategic level, opening up new opportunities for cooperation. Since then, Iran has become a key ally for Russia, addressing its concerns beyond its borders. The Western sanctions imposed on both Iran and Russia have been a key factor driving both countries to strengthen their bilateral trade relations. Iran, with its large population, represents an attractive market for Russian products and services. Meanwhile, Russia has worked to promote closer cooperation between Iran and members of the Eurasian Economic Union. For Iran, this alliance represents an opportunity to consolidate itself as one of the main transit routes for goods and services between the Union's countries and South Asia, with a particular focus on India. Relations between Iran and Russia have taken a significant turn with the signing of contracts worth $4 billion with various Russian companies. These agreements, aimed at fostering investment, received considerable momentum during Ebrahim Raisi's administration. Iranian authorities believe that Russian energy companies, in collaboration with their Chinese partners, are well-positioned to manage Iran's energy sector. Despite the strengthening of this relationship, Iran does not benefit equitably. In the context of international isolation, the Persian country collaborates with Russia from a position of necessity, highlighting the asymmetry in this strategic alliance. Iran's stance on Russia's war in Ukraine has been characterized by caution and a delicate diplomatic balance. Officially, both state media and high-ranking Iranian officials have avoided openly condemning Russia, instead opting to justify its actions from a perspective that criticizes Western expansion. Iran's position also reflects the complexities of its foreign policy, which seeks to balance its strategic interests without alienating its international partners or exacerbating its already delicate geopolitical situation. This complexity is evident in how, from the Iranian government and with the backing of its military institutions, the country has refused any direct involvement in the conflict, continuously calling for a diplomatic solution to end the war in Ukraine. In this regard, former Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian stated in Geneva: "Unlike the West, which has provided billions of dollars in weapons to Ukraine, Iran has not supplied arms to either side in the war and does not support any faction." Recently, the current Foreign Minister, Sayyid Abbas Araghchi, made it clear in a post on the social media platform X that "Iran has not sent any ballistic missiles to Russia." These statements underscore Iran's stance of remaining neutral in the conflict, rejecting any direct involvement but offering its services as a mediator to resolve the crisis, while continuing to promote the expansion of its relations with Russia in other strategic areas. Thus, decision-makers in Iran, while maintaining multifaceted cooperation with Russia across various domains, express concern over the expansion of the conflict and constantly emphasize the importance of finding peaceful solutions to end the military confrontation between Russia and Ukraine. Understanding Tehran’s stance on the war in Ukraine requires considering not only its perception of the changing international order but also the geopolitical implications of regional rivalries in West Asia and Central Asia, as well as internal political considerations. These factors have led Iran to collaborate closely with Russia, while simultaneously continuing to proclaim "neutrality" in the conflict, primarily driven by concerns over the potential repercussions of the war. Currently, Tehran is paying a high price for its rapprochement with Moscow, while the benefits of this strategy are still not entirely clear. Iran has come to be considered a declared enemy of Ukraine, a country that, leveraging its international sympathy, is applying pressure on Tehran. Kyiv has intensified its lobbying efforts to attract allies against Iran. Finally, it is worth noting that, although during the election campaign the government of Masoud Pezeshkian mentioned the possibility of revisiting relations with Russia, everything points to the fact that, given the regional context and the arrival of Donald Trump to the White House, both countries will continue to view each other as strategic allies.3. "Fate's Edge: Chronicles of Valor"It is evident that the opposition's skepticism towards the new government's proposed timeline for action is grounded in legitimate concerns and considerations. While the notion of immediate action may be appealing, it is essential to balance urgency with prudence and realism. Rushing into decisions and initiatives without proper planning and preparation could do more harm than good, potentially setting the government up for failure and disappointment.

The emoji in question was the 🤔, commonly interpreted as expressing a sense of skepticism or uncertainty. Its usage by Musk in this context raised eyebrows and led to intense scrutiny, as netizens and media outlets alike attempted to decipher its deeper meaning. Could this seemingly innocuous symbol hold clues to Musk's thoughts on the state of the world, or perhaps reveal his concerns about specific issues?Throughout the trial, Sergeant Smith maintained that he had acted in self-defense and in accordance with his training. He argued that the protester had posed a threat to his safety and that he had no choice but to use force to subdue him. The defense presented evidence to support this claim, including witness testimonies and expert opinions on the use of force in volatile situations.

In addition to the impressive player count, Marvel Champions has received rave reviews from both critics and players alike, further cementing its status as a must-play title in the mobile gaming landscape. The game's success is a testament to the collaborative efforts of Marvel and NetEase, who have worked tirelessly to deliver a product that exceeds expectations and delights fans of the Marvel universe.

In conclusion, despite the chilly weather in Beijing today, with a maximum temperature of 6℃, there are still opportunities to enjoy the day with proper precautions. Dress warmly, open windows for ventilation, and remember to stay hydrated and protected from the cold. By following these tips, you can make the most of the day while staying safe and comfortable in the cold weather. Stay warm, Beijing!In conclusion, White Dew's partnership with Salomon as their outdoor fashion spokesperson has not only elevated the brand's image but has also cemented his status as a trailblazer in the industry. Through his innovative approach to style, fearless attitude, and genuine passion for the outdoors, White Dew is set to inspire a new generation of fashion enthusiasts to embrace their sense of adventure and personal style. With him at the helm, the future of outdoor fashion looks brighter than ever.Donald Trump and the intellectuals: How do we navigate the darkness ahead?

The third signal that has contributed to the sudden shift in market sentiment is the increasing volatility in global financial markets. From concerns about inflation and rising interest rates to geopolitical tensions and trade disputes, there are numerous factors contributing to market jitters worldwide. The interconnected nature of financial markets means that developments in global markets can have ripple effects on the A-Share market, amplifying volatility and uncertainty for investors.