The act of cutting hair may seem trivial, but in this context, it symbolizes a gesture of humility, friendship, and solidarity. It represents a moment of vulnerability and authenticity in a world where facades are often prioritized over genuine connections. By choosing to support Xiaohua in this simple yet meaningful way, Xiang Zuo has shown that true friendship transcends the superficialities of fame and fortune.MAA Announces Increase to Quarterly Common Dividend
Carry-On may be the ideal Netflix movie. The new film is part of one of cinema’s greatest and most entertaining subgenres: the holiday action movie. While its debt to titles like Die Hard and the Shane Black-penned Lethal Weapon is made immediately clear, Carry-On lacks the extra edge of precision and the movie star-level charisma that elevated those titles beyond simple action-movie fare and into genre classics. It is a B-movie, plain and simple, and one that feels closer to beloved ’90s thrillers like Con Air and Air Force One than any genuine classics. That makes it a perfect action movie to boot up on Netflix and spend two hours watching on your couch one quiet Friday night. Carry-On is also made by a filmmaker, Jaume Collet-Serra, who specializes in the kind of B-grade genre movies that it follows in the footsteps of. The past few years have marked a bit of a low point for Collet-Serra, who was convinced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to take a break for a time from his mid-budget genre exercises and make regrettable blockbusters like Jungle Cruise and Black Adam . He has, thankfully, left that chapter of his career behind, and he has now returned with one of his most propulsive and entertaining thrillers to date. Like plenty of iconic action movies before it, Carry-On follows a protagonist, Ethan Kopek (Taron Egerton), who hasn’t yet lived up to his full potential. After failing his police academy entrance exam years ago, Ethan has resigned himself to an unfulfilling existence coasting along with minimal effort as a Transpartation Security Administration (TSA) agent at LAX. The news that his longtime girlfriend, fellow airport security worker Nora (Sofia Carson), is pregnant, however, forces Ethan to start thinking about what kind of a life he wants for himself, Nora, and their future child. When Nora further urges him to give his dream another shot, Ethan decides to try putting more effort into his life by petitioning his boss, Phil (Dean Norris), for a more important shift working baggage inspection on Christmas Eve. Carry-On does not, in other words, find Ethan at the same point in his life that Die Hard finds John McClane. His complacency hasn’t yet cost him everything, and he’s forced out of his dead-eyed autopilot routine when he ends up in possession of an earbud that connects him with a smarmy, sociopathic, and self-described “facilitator” referred to by T.J. Fixman’s script only as “the Traveler” (Jason Bateman). Ethan subsequently finds himself in a nightmare of a position when the Traveler orders him to let a dangerous suitcase past TSA’s metal detectors and onto a packed flight in exchange for Nora’s life. Despite running nearly two hours long, Carry-On wastes little time in trapping its unlikely hero in its central, seemingly inescapable situation. Fixman’s script, fortunately, only occasionally has to push the film’s logic into tenuous territory in order to sustain Ethan’s conflict with the Traveler. For the most part, the neat, unambitious thriller finds inexhaustible magic in its villain’s perfectly maddening arrogance and in Ethan’s internal struggle over his love for Nora and the responsibility he feels to the 250 passengers who will likely die if he does what the Traveler wants. Carry-On doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it cares about its underdog protagonist, and Egerton plays his character’s increasing desperation and hopelessness with enough sincerity to make you buy in. Carry-On never goes anywhere particularly surprising, and the full scope of the Traveler’s job only makes a paper-thin amount of sense. But the film plays its cards right. It clips along at an adrenaline-pumping pace from beginning to end, trimming as much narrative fat from its prologue and climax as it can along the way. Collet-Serra, meanwhile, brings the same economical direction to Carry-On that he has employed in previous thrillers like The Shallows and Non-Stop . Outside of one VFX-heavy scene in a car, Collet-Serra rarely flexes stylistically in Carry-On . The director, instead, spends much of the film communicating information and emotions in as few shots as possible, trusting in the cutting patterns of his editors and the sturdiness of Fixman’s screenplay. Text messages and phone calls often appear in the same frames as Carry-On ‘s actors, a decision that not only reinforces Collet-Serra’s place as one of the few genre filmmakers working today who hasn’t shied away from the visual and narrative possibilities of our current digital age, but also keeps the film’s constant flow of information running at a healthy, brisk pace at all times. Even a largely unnecessary B-plot involving an LAPD detective (a welcome Danielle Deadwyler) who catches onto the Traveler’s trail of crimes ends up supporting Carry-On ‘s A-storyline rather than weighing the film down because of how strictly Collet-Serra and his collaborators hold onto the film’s fast, overarching rhythm. Carry-On ultimately marks a welcome return to form for its director. It is, like many of his best movies, a tightly wound thriller that doesn’t have any lofty political or thematic goals. Carry-On just wants to entertain you, and it trusts so completely in its story of a good man trying to find the right way out of an impossible conflict that it succeeds at doing just that. Even the film’s overly crisp, all-too-familiar digital Netflix sheen feels more like a feature than a bug here, one befitting a movie as slickly made, confident, and polished as this one. It’s a great time, and that’s about as good a present as any Netflix subscriber could hope to get from the streamer at this most merry time of the year. Carry-On is streaming now on Netflix .An MSNBC panel was left confused and uncomfortably laughing Friday afternoon during a discussion over Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 's curious questionnaire he's using to vet candidates to work under him at the Department of Health and Human Services. Last week, Puck News reported on Kennedy's “Make America Healthy Again” website, where people who want to work for him can respond to questions with odd pre-written responses . MSNBC Host Nicolle Wallace reading some of the responses: ALSO READ: Doctors in Congress brace for Dr. Oz and RFK Jr.'s 'crazy ideas' "I don't have much interest in having sexual experiences with another person." "I believe in things many others don't like having a sixth sense, clairvoyance, and telepathy." "I used my physical appearance to draw attention to myself." The Trump transition team has confirmed the questions. "I'm asking a serious question," Wallace said. "Is the answer designed to bring people in or push people out of HHS?" Reporter Vaughn Hillyard confessed he didn't have much of an answer. "I think when they're looking at who's going to fill the roles of these political appointees on down, of which there are hundreds within the HHS, I think that that is where these questions become pertinent," he said. Wallace asked critical care physician Dr. Michael Anderson whether he had any interest in "having sexual experiences with another person." She was curious if it was a medical question or a management question. "You know that it's rare that I'm at a loss for words," Dr. Anderson said, causing Wallace to burst into hysterics. "I'm just kind of coming up with other things [for] the checklist like: Do you have experience in taking care of patients or in public health or in making sure that kids are safe and well-cared for?" he suggested. "So, I have no idea what that one means, but I would sort of like to add a couple of others that I think maybe weigh a little bit more." At the end of the discussion, Wallace asked Hillyard if RFK Jr. would make it through confirmation, and Hillyard said, "Yes." "I think so, too," Wallace said. "I think they all do." See the video below or at the link here . - YouTube youtu.be
High school recruiting isn't the only way to build a winner in the transfer portal eraNEW YORK and AMSTERDAM , Dec. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- S&P Dow Jones Indices ("S&P DJI"), the world's leading index provider, today announced the results of the annual Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) rebalancing and reconstitution. The DJSI are float-adjusted market capitalization weighted indices that measure the performance of companies selected using environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria. The DJSI, including the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World), were launched in 1999 as the pioneering series of global sustainability benchmarks available in the market. The index family is comprised of global, regional and country benchmarks.
Higher Education Must Champion Democracy, Not Surrender to Fascism
A financial planner outlines 4 New Year's resolutions about money that never work, and how to set more realistic goals instead
As Fujian continues to embrace the digital age, the accelerated growth of the HarmonyOS ecosystem is poised to fuel further innovation and economic growth in the region. The seamless integration of diverse applications and services on the HarmonyOS platform will enable users in Fujian to stay connected, productive, and entertained in a more efficient and personalized manner.The photos of Wu Jin Yan in the snow not only capture her physical beauty but also symbolize the purity and innocence that comes with the miracle of new life. The contrast of her graceful movements against the white backdrop of the snow creates a sense of magic and wonder, highlighting the beauty and wonder of pregnancy.
In conclusion, the investigation of NVIDIA for suspected violation of China's anti-monopoly law underscores the importance of fair competition, regulatory compliance, and accountability in the tech industry. NVIDIA's response to the investigation and its commitment to cooperation with the authorities will be closely watched as the case continues to unfold. Only through transparency, dialogue, and adherence to the rule of law can companies navigate complex regulatory landscapes and build trust with stakeholders in an increasingly interconnected and competitive global market.News of the incident spread rapidly through social media channels, leading to heightened anxiety and speculation among the public. Responding to the escalating situation, local health authorities issued a statement reassuring residents that the bathhouse had been temporarily closed for thorough disinfection and inspection to prevent any further health risks to patrons.
In conclusion, the outcomes of the meeting are expected to have a significant impact on the real estate market in China and shape the future direction of the sector. By taking proactive measures and addressing key challenges, policymakers aim to create a more robust and healthy real estate market that benefits both the economy and the people. The stability of the real estate market is crucial for the overall well-being of the economy, and the decisions made during the meeting will play a vital role in shaping the future of this critical sector.
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. , Dec. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) today announced that its Board of Directors declared a $2.38 per share dividend for the first quarter of 2025. The dividend will be paid on March 7, 2025 , to all stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 14, 2025 . About Amgen Amgen discovers, develops, manufactures and delivers innovative medicines to help millions of patients in their fight against some of the world's toughest diseases. More than 40 years ago, Amgen helped to establish the biotechnology industry and remains on the cutting-edge of innovation, using technology and human genetic data to push beyond what's known today. Amgen is advancing a broad and deep pipeline that builds on its existing portfolio of medicines to treat cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, inflammatory diseases and rare diseases. In 2024, Amgen was named one of the "World's Most Innovative Companies" by Fast Company and one of "America's Best Large Employers" by Forbes, among other external recognitions . Amgen is one of the 30 companies that comprise the Dow Jones Industrial Average ® , and it is also part of the Nasdaq-100 Index ® , which includes the largest and most innovative non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market based on market capitalization. For more information, visit Amgen.com and follow Amgen on X , LinkedIn , Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and Threads . Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the current expectations and beliefs of Amgen. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including any statements on the outcome, benefits and synergies of collaborations, or potential collaborations, with any other company (including BeiGene, Ltd. or Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd.), the performance of Otezla® (apremilast) (including anticipated Otezla sales growth and the timing of non-GAAP EPS accretion), our acquisitions of Teneobio, Inc., ChemoCentryx, Inc., or Horizon Therapeutics plc (including the prospective performance and outlook of Horizon's business, performance and opportunities, any potential strategic benefits, synergies or opportunities expected as a result of such acquisition, and any projected impacts from the Horizon acquisition on our acquisition-related expenses going forward), as well as estimates of revenues, operating margins, capital expenditures, cash, other financial metrics, expected legal, arbitration, political, regulatory or clinical results or practices, customer and prescriber patterns or practices, reimbursement activities and outcomes, effects of pandemics or other widespread health problems on our business, outcomes, progress, and other such estimates and results. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, including those discussed below and more fully described in the Securities and Exchange Commission reports filed by Amgen, including our most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent periodic reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. Unless otherwise noted, Amgen is providing this information as of the date of this news release and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this document as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual results may differ materially from those we project. Our results may be affected by our ability to successfully market both new and existing products domestically and internationally, clinical and regulatory developments involving current and future products, sales growth of recently launched products, competition from other products including biosimilars, difficulties or delays in manufacturing our products and global economic conditions. In addition, sales of our products are affected by pricing pressure, political and public scrutiny and reimbursement policies imposed by third-party payers, including governments, private insurance plans and managed care providers and may be affected by regulatory, clinical and guideline developments and domestic and international trends toward managed care and healthcare cost containment. Furthermore, our research, testing, pricing, marketing and other operations are subject to extensive regulation by domestic and foreign government regulatory authorities. We or others could identify safety, side effects or manufacturing problems with our products, including our devices, after they are on the market. Our business may be impacted by government investigations, litigation and product liability claims. In addition, our business may be impacted by the adoption of new tax legislation or exposure to additional tax liabilities. If we fail to meet the compliance obligations in the corporate integrity agreement between us and the U.S. government, we could become subject to significant sanctions. Further, while we routinely obtain patents for our products and technology, the protection offered by our patents and patent applications may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented by our competitors, or we may fail to prevail in present and future intellectual property litigation. We perform a substantial amount of our commercial manufacturing activities at a few key facilities, including in Puerto Rico , and also depend on third parties for a portion of our manufacturing activities, and limits on supply may constrain sales of certain of our current products and product candidate development. An outbreak of disease or similar public health threat, such as COVID-19, and the public and governmental effort to mitigate against the spread of such disease, could have a significant adverse effect on the supply of materials for our manufacturing activities, the distribution of our products, the commercialization of our product candidates, and our clinical trial operations, and any such events may have a material adverse effect on our product development, product sales, business and results of operations. We rely on collaborations with third parties for the development of some of our product candidates and for the commercialization and sales of some of our commercial products. In addition, we compete with other companies with respect to many of our marketed products as well as for the discovery and development of new products. Discovery or identification of new product candidates or development of new indications for existing products cannot be guaranteed and movement from concept to product is uncertain; consequently, there can be no guarantee that any particular product candidate or development of a new indication for an existing product will be successful and become a commercial product. Further, some raw materials, medical devices and component parts for our products are supplied by sole third-party suppliers. Certain of our distributors, customers and payers have substantial purchasing leverage in their dealings with us. The discovery of significant problems with a product similar to one of our products that implicate an entire class of products could have a material adverse effect on sales of the affected products and on our business and results of operations. Our efforts to collaborate with or acquire other companies, products or technology, and to integrate the operations of companies or to support the products or technology we have acquired, may not be successful. There can be no guarantee that we will be able to realize any of the strategic benefits, synergies or opportunities arising from the Horizon acquisition, and such benefits, synergies or opportunities may take longer to realize than expected. We may not be able to successfully integrate Horizon, and such integration may take longer, be more difficult or cost more than expected. A breakdown, cyberattack or information security breach of our information technology systems could compromise the confidentiality, integrity and availability of our systems and our data. Our stock price is volatile and may be affected by a number of events. Our business and operations may be negatively affected by the failure, or perceived failure, of achieving our environmental, social and governance objectives. The effects of global climate change and related natural disasters could negatively affect our business and operations. Global economic conditions may magnify certain risks that affect our business. Our business performance could affect or limit the ability of our Board of Directors to declare a dividend or our ability to pay a dividend or repurchase our common stock. We may not be able to access the capital and credit markets on terms that are favorable to us, or at all. CONTACT: Amgen, Thousand Oaks Elissa Snook , 609-251-1407 (media) Justin Claeys , 805-313-9775 (investors) View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/amgen-announces-2025-first-quarter-dividend-302328180.html SOURCE AmgenTwo of the hottest artificial intelligence (AI) stocks heading into 2025 are Palantir Technologies ( PLTR -3.72% ) and SoundHound AI ( SOUN -1.16% ) . Both stocks had a phenomenal 2024, with Palantir's stock up almost 400% and SoundHound AI's gaining nearly 900%. That's nearly unheard-of performance, and any investor would love to have returns like that. But after a significant run-up, is either of these two stocks worth buying right now? Both companies are on the cutting edge of AI deployment While both companies operate in the AI space, Palantir and SoundHound AI aren't competitors. Palantir's focus is to provide purpose-built AI applications for its clients, which allows decisions to be made with the most up-to-date information possible. Furthermore, Palantir has tools that allow generative AI integration within businesses' inner workings, rather than using it as a tool on the side. While Palantir's primary customer base is government entities, the commercial side of its business has adopted this next wave of AI much faster. This balanced approach between government and commercial should allow the company's business to continue benefiting from this AI wave for a long time. SoundHound AI's product is centered around using audio input for AI models. There are nearly unlimited use cases for this, which is why SoundHound AI has partnered up with some of the largest AI players, like Nvidia , to integrate its sophisticated technology with others' products. The main use cases from SoundHound AI's software have been in the restaurant and automobile industries, but it has also recently found success in the financial and healthcare sectors. Both Palantir and SoundHound AI have strong business cases, but how are their finances? SoundHound AI is growing much faster than Palantir On the financial side, it's really difficult to compare the two. Palantir is a much larger and profitable company growing at a slower rate as a result (it's much harder for a large company to grow as quickly as a small company). SoundHound AI is the exact opposite in all of those aspects. In Q3, each company posted strong growth, with Palantir's revenue rising 30% year over year to $725 million, and SoundHound AI's increasing 89% to $25 million. However, Palantir posted a strong 20% profit margin , while SoundHound AI's bottom-line margin was a negative 87%. While those numbers may cause investors to favor Palantir, we're comparing these companies for 2025, and a lot could change over the next year. Wall Street analysts expect Palantir to grow revenue by 24% next year, while SoundHound AI's revenue is expected to rise 96%. That's a huge difference, and it shows that SoundHound AI's growth is just getting started, while Palantir's may decrease a bit. On the profitability side, SoundHound AI isn't expected to make a true profit in 2025, but management has noted that they expect to achieve adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization ( EBITDA ) profitability by the end of 2025. While that's not real profitability, it is a step in the right direction. There isn't a true winner in this analysis either, but there is one huge component that we need to discuss with both companies: valuation. Justifying each stock's valuation is difficult As mentioned, both of these stocks are up massively for 2024, yet their revenue or profits aren't up by a corresponding amount. That's because their valuation ratios have skyrocketed . SOUN PS Ratio data by YCharts SoundHound AI trades for 92 times sales and Palantir for 75 times sales, making them among the most expensive stocks in the market. Most of the time, when we discuss valuation, 92 or 75 times earnings constitutes an expensive valuation, yet these two are trading that high without considering any expenses. But do those price points make sense? Palantir is much further along in its company maturity than SoundHound AI and should be aiming for profit margins of 30%. It will likely trade around 40 times trailing earnings. However, if Palantir maintains its current 30% growth rate (remember, Wall Street expects it to decline to 24% growth next year), it will take the stock nearly six years to achieve that valuation with no stock price movement. That's sky-high expectations, and I'm not sure Palantir can meet them. SoundHound AI is a bit different, as it's doubling its revenue year over year. Let's say SoundHound AI can double its revenue in three years. If it does that, the price-to-sales ratio will fall to around 11.5 by 2027, a more typical software company valuation. Clearly, both stocks already have huge expectations baked into their stock prices , making any further stock price growth more associated with hype rather than actual business results. Still, if I had to pick one, I'd choose SoundHound AI, as its explosive growth can more rapidly cool down its valuation multiples in a shareholder-friendly manner.
