BMP wants smooth gas supply to local, export industry throughout winterThe Lions suffered two sickening stoppage-time blows on Boxing Day as they lost 2-0 to Vietnam in the first leg of the Asean Championship semi-finals at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Dec 26. Post-match, Singapore coach Tsutomu Ogura felt his team were unlucky but needed to improve in terms of stamina, focus and consistency, after they conceded a debatable 101st-minute penalty, before what looked to be a 104th-minute knockout punch. In the group stage, they also let in two goals in added time to lose 4-2 against defending champions Thailand, although they held on outstandingly to draw 0-0 in Malaysia to qualify for the last four. The 58-year-old Japanese said: “Football is not only 90 minutes, I always tell the players. Football is 90 minutes plus injury time. In this kind of situation, we saw the difference between Singapore and Vietnam. “Sometimes we are lucky, sometimes we are unlucky. “This is football, we need luck, but we also need more hard work. Okay, we conceded an unfortunate penalty, but we didn’t need to concede another goal, so this is our fault. Singapore-Vietnam matches to be screened at CCs “But this game is finished. Today we made it difficult for Vietnam, and they beat us. It will be a difficult game in Hanoi too, so why can’t we do the same against them? We will now prepare for the ‘second half’ in Hanoi.” After a resolute display in regulation time, the match turned on a couple of controversial video assistant referee (VAR) decisions. Following sustained pressure in the second half, Singapore had a penalty claim in the 80th minute rejected by the VAR and South Korean referee Kim Woo-sung after Ho Tan Tai looked to have hauled down Faris Ramli in the box. While he declined to comment further about the incident in the mixed zone, Singapore skipper Hariss Harun agreed his team were robbed and should have had a penalty. The VAR then correctly chalked off a goal from Vietnam as Rafaelson’s superb goal on the turn was voided for handball in the 88th minute, with Vietnam coach Kim Sang-sik booked for his protests. Then came the visitors’ breakthrough in added time. Lions goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud and Shakir Hamzah failed to deal with a cross from the left, and after the VAR adjudged the defender to have handled the ball in the box, Nguyen Tien Linh successfully dispatched the resulting spot kick. Three minutes later, Nguyen Hoang Duc’s corner was flicked on by Pham Xuan Manh for Brazil-born Rafaelson to help his adopted country bring a two-goal advantage to the second leg at the Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho on Dec 29, with the away-goals rule not in effect. Kim acknowledged that some decisions were “unfortunate” for both teams. The 48-year-old South Korean added: “We had trouble adapting to this new environment with the weather and artificial pitch. The first half was very difficult for us to play out what we planned. But through tactical changes and appropriate substitutions, we were able to play out the game well to the last minute. “There will be more hardships and it will be tougher from now on. Hopefully, we can prepare our team mentally for a better match.” The first leg was played at Jalan Besar as a late schedule change meant the National Stadium was unavailable for the game and the rest of the tournament, also known as the Mitsubishi Electric Cup, having already been booked for concerts during this period. With 5,233 noisy fans turning the compact 6,000-seater arena into a sea of red, the hosts played up the feel-good vibes before kick-off by parading members of the 1998 Tiger Cup winning team onto the pitch and launching into a rousing rendition of Kit Chan’s Home. They also paid tribute to former Lion Adam Swandi, who recently announced his retirement due to a heart condition. But it was the visitors and their 300 Ultras Vietnam fans who had something to cheer about when Dinh Thanh Binh had the ball in the net after 10 minutes, only for the goal to be overruled for offside. Rafaelson then rattled the bar with a bicycle kick from an offside position 10 minutes later. Yet, for all their individual quality, world No. 114 Vietnam set up with a cautious-looking back five and never really settled on the artificial pitch. Meanwhile, the 160th-ranked Lions had suffered a late setback with Japanese-born playmaker Kyoga Nakamura sharing on social media platform X earlier in the afternoon that he would not be able to play in the first leg. It was originally thought that no players from either team were suspended, as none were sent off or accumulated two yellow cards in the group stage, according to statistics from the Asean Football Federation’s tournament website. However, it was confirmed at the match coordination meeting that Nakamura was indeed booked in the 0-0 draw in Malaysia, and would be suspended as this was his second yellow card following an earlier caution in the 4-2 home loss to Thailand. Ultimately, the local-born Lions stepped up, with much-maligned Lionel Tan winning his individual battle against the highly rated Rafaelson, and Safuwan Baharudin leading by example in defence and attack. Impressively, Ogura’s men went for the kill after the break by bringing on Taufik Suparno and Faris for Glenn Kweh and Ryhan Stewart respectively and were so nearly rewarded. Singapore could have pinched a win to snap their 26-year winless streak against their rivals, after Taufik stole the ball from Do Duy Manh, only to see his goal-bound shot tipped over by Nguyen Dinh Trieu in the 68th minute, before the late drama unfolded to leave the Lions’ hopes of a fifth Asean Cup final hanging by a thread. We go again in 3 days pic.twitter.com/nqv9IWHS6r A post shared by FAS (@fasingapore)
Fury as councils approve thousands of requests to work abroad - including one who worked from Ibiza for four yearsPolice release new photos as they search for the gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO NEW YORK (AP) — Two law enforcement officials say a masked gunman who stalked and killed the leader of one of the largest U.S. health insurance companies on a Manhattan sidewalk used ammunition emblazoned with the words “deny,” “defend” and “depose." The official were not authorized to publicly discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke Thursday to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Police also released photos of a person they say is wanted for questioning in the ambush the day before of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The words on the ammunition may have been a reference to tactics insurance companies use to avoid paying claims. Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy are bringing Trump's DOGE to Capitol Hill WASHINGTON (AP) — It’s DOGE time at the U.S. Capitol. Billionaire Elon Musk and fellow business titan Vivek Ramaswamy arrived on Capitol Hill for meetings with lawmakers. The two are heading up President-elect Donald Trump's Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, with its plans to “dismantle” the federal government. Trump tapped the duo to come up with ways for firing federal workers, cutting government programs and slashing federal regulations — all part of Trump's agenda for a second-term at the White House. House Speaker Mike Johnson said there's going to be “a lot of change” in Washington. Hegseth faces senators' concerns not only about his behavior but also his views on women in combat WASHINGTON (AP) — Pete Hegseth has spent the week on Capitol Hill trying to reassure Republican senators that he is fit to lead President-elect Donald Trump’s Department of Defense in the wake of high-profile allegations about excessive drinking and sexual assault. But senators in both parties have also expressed concern about another issue — Hegseth’s frequent comments that women should not serve in frontline military combat jobs. As he meets with senators for a fourth day Thursday, his professional views on women troops are coming under deeper scrutiny. Hegseth said this week that “we have amazing women who serve our military.” Pressed if they should serve in combat, Hegseth said they already do. Hamas official says Gaza ceasefire talks have resumed after weekslong hiatus ISTANBUL (AP) — A Hamas official says that after a weekslong hiatus international mediators have resumed negotiating with the militant group and Israel over a ceasefire in Gaza, and that he was hopeful a deal to end the 14-month war was within reach. Ceasefire negotiations were halted last month when Qatar suspended its talks with mediators from Egypt and the United States over frustration with a lack of progress between Israel and Hamas. But Bassem Naim, an official in Hamas’ political wing, said Thursday in an interview with The Associated Press that there has been a “reactivation” of efforts to end the fighting, release hostages from Gaza and free Palestinian prisoners in Israel. Why the rebel capture of Syria's Hama, a city with a dark history, matters BEIRUT (AP) — One of the darkest moments in the modern history of the Arab world happened more than four decades ago, when then-Syrian President Hafez Assad launched what came to be known as the Hama Massacre. The slaughter was named for the Syrian city where 10,000 to 40,000 people were killed or disappeared in a government attack that began on Feb. 2, 1982, and lasted for nearly a month. Hama was turned into ruins. The memory of the assault and the monthlong siege on the city remains visceral in Syrian and Arab minds. Now Islamist insurgents have captured the city in a moment many Syrians have awaited for over 40 years. France's Macron vows to stay in office till end of term, says he'll name a new prime minister soon PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to stay in office until the end of his term in 2027 and announced that he will name a new prime minister within days. In his address to the nation on Thursday, Macron came out fighting, laying blame at the door of his opponents on the far right for bringing down the government of Michel Barnier. He said they chose “not to do but to undo” and that they “chose disorder.” The president also said the far right and the far left had united in what he called “an anti-Republican front.” He said he’ll name a new prime minister within days but gave no hints who that might be. 7.0 earthquake off Northern California prompts brief tsunami warning SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The National Weather Service has canceled its tsunami warning for the U.S. West Coast after there was a 7.0 magnitude earthquake. According to the U.S. Geological Survey on Thursday, at least 5.3 million people in California were under a tsunami warning after the earthquake struck. It was felt as far south as San Francisco, where residents felt a rolling motion for several seconds. It was followed by multiple smaller aftershocks. There were no immediate reports of major damage or injury. Yoon replaces the defense minister as South Korea's parliament moves to vote on their impeachments SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s president has replaced his defense minister as opposition parties moved to impeach both men over the stunning-but-brief imposition of martial law that brought armed troops into Seoul streets. Opposition parties are pushing for a vote on motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday evening. They hold 192 seats but need 200 votes for the motion to pass. Yoon’s office said he decided to replace Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun with Choi Byung Hyuk, a retired general who is South Korea’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Kim earlier apologized and said he ordered troops to carry out duties related to martial law. The Foreign Ministry also worked to mitigate the backlash and concern over South Korea's democracy. The US government is closing a women's prison and other facilities after years of abuse and decay WASHINGTON (AP) — The Associated Press has learned that the federal Bureau of Prisons is permanently closing its “rape club” women’s prison in California and will idle six facilities in a sweeping realignment after years of abuse, decay and mismanagement. The agency informed employees and Congress on Thursday that it plans to shutter the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, California, and its deactivate minimum-security prison camps in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Colorado, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Florida. Staff and inmates are being moved to other facilities. The closures come amid an AP investigation that has uncovered deep, previously unreported flaws within the Bureau of Prisons. From outsider to the Oval Office, bitcoin surges as a new administration embraces crypto NEW YORK (AP) — Bitcoin burst on the scene after trust had withered in the financial system and Washington’s ability to protect people from it. Now, it’s Washington’s embrace of bitcoin that’s sending it to records. Bitcoin briefly surged above $103,000 after President-elect Donald Trump said he will nominate Paul Atkins, who's seen as friendly to crypto, to be the Securities and Exchange Commission's next chair. The crypto industry, meanwhile, did its part to bring politicians friendly to digital currencies into Washington. It's a twist from bitcoin's early days, when it was lauded as a kind of electronic cash that wouldn’t be beholden to any government or financial institution.
Condé Nast Undergoes New Round of Layoffs
Nashville Predators (7-11-3, in the Central Division) vs. New Jersey Devils (14-7-2, in the Metropolitan Division) Newark, New Jersey; Monday, 7 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: The Nashville Predators visit the New Jersey Devils after Roman Josi scored two goals in the Predators' 4-1 win against the Winnipeg Jets. New Jersey has a 5-3-2 record in home games and a 14-7-2 record overall. The Devils have a 14-2-2 record in games they score three or more goals. Nashville is 7-11-3 overall and 2-5-3 on the road. The Predators are 7-2-0 in games they score at least three goals. The teams meet Monday for the first time this season. TOP PERFORMERS: Nico Hischier has 10 goals and 11 assists for the Devils. Luke Hughes has over the last 10 games. Filip Forsberg has eight goals and eight assists for the Predators. Adam Wilsby has over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Devils: 7-3-0, averaging 2.9 goals, 4.6 assists, 3.6 penalties and 9.2 penalty minutes while giving up 1.9 goals per game. Predators: 3-5-2, averaging 2.1 goals, 3.2 assists, 4.9 penalties and 11 penalty minutes while giving up 2.4 goals per game. INJURIES: Devils: None listed. Predators: None listed. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Patrick Mahomes Had A Lot To Say About Bryce Young After Chiefs-Panthers( MENAFN - Newsfile Corp) Izmir, Turkey--(Newsfile Corp. - December 26, 2024) - Smartmetrics , a leading data-driven marketing agency, has unveiled its operational goals and growth strategies for 2025 during a special event at Muranos in Alsancak, Izmir. The event gathered executives and representatives from key departments, including Performance Marketing, Sales, Creative, TV, and Software, to discuss the company's ambitious vision and objectives for the year ahead. Smartmetrics Announces 2025 Operational Goals and Strategic Growth Plans at Special Event in Izmir To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: A Vision for 2025: Smartmetrics' Strategic Growth Plans Smartmetrics Founder, İlka Can Batur, addressed the crowd with an overview of the company's growth in the Turkish market throughout 2024 and its plans to continue this momentum in 2025. He highlighted key initiatives aimed at expanding the company's global footprint and enhancing its data-driven marketing capabilities. Batur emphasized the company's focus on optimizing its processes to connect brands with potential customers by providing comprehensive, end-to-end support. Smartmetrics is set to expand its Call Center operations, which will serve four countries with expert representatives, and by 2025, both the Call Center and TV Operations Center will be fully operational. "We are not just an advertising agency, but a data-driven agency," said Batur. "Our aim for 2025 is to transform Smartmetrics into a globally recognized brand, equipped with cutting-edge tools and strategies that are data-driven and performance-focused." New Developments and Technological Investments Batur also shared key updates regarding Smartmetrics' technological investments. The company has completed the construction and technological upgrades for its Call Center and TV investments, marking a major milestone in its operations. Smartmetrics' new operations center will provide clients with a modern, innovative, and high-standard service experience. Batur defended the company's TV investments, explaining that multichannel marketing strategies are central to Smartmetrics' operations and growth. He further emphasized that each investment, particularly in TV, is based on extensive audience analysis and predetermined KPIs, ensuring alignment with the company's overarching data-driven approach. "Each of our investments, including TV, supports the multichannel marketing dynamics we rely on. These investments are strategic decisions aimed at driving measurable results for our clients," Batur stated. Departmental Achievements and Goals for 2025 The event also showcased departmental achievements and outlined objectives for the coming year. Software Director, Batuhan Sekman, shared that Smartmetrics had successfully exceeded its 2024 goals for mobile app development, with 110% of the target achieved. Looking forward to 2025, the company plans to create even more efficient and faster solutions. Creative Works Director, Mehmet Özkızıl, discussed the exciting creative projects planned for 2025, which are designed to strengthen the company's creative vision and further establish Smartmetrics as a leader in marketing innovation. Franchise Market Turkey Director, Zeynep Gözdoğan, discussed the success of the company's 2024 franchise targets and shared plans for new projects, including bringing the Marketing Talks program to national television, expanding the company's reach and visibility. Global Expansion and Technological Innovation Smartmetrics is setting its sights on global expansion with an emphasis on technological innovation, creative solutions, and a commitment to delivering cutting-edge services. The company's 2025 goals are centered on further cementing its leadership position in the marketing industry and driving sustained growth both locally and internationally. The Path Ahead for Smartmetrics Smartmetrics' innovative approach to multichannel marketing, data-driven insights, and new technological investments is poised to deliver a strong performance in 2025. With its new operations center, expanded international reach, and strategic investments, Smartmetrics is well-positioned to continue leading the way in the marketing and data analytics industries. The event concluded with a group photo session, followed by a networking segment, giving attendees the opportunity to connect and discuss the exciting path ahead for Smartmetrics. About Smartmetrics Smartmetrics is a leading data-driven marketing agency that specializes in performance marketing, audience analysis, and multichannel strategies. The company provides brands with innovative solutions and data-powered insights to drive results and ensure measurable success. Smartmetrics' commitment to excellence and technological innovation makes it a trusted partner for businesses across industries. For more information , visit About the company: Smartmetrics is a leading data-driven marketing agency that specializes in performance marketing, audience analysis, and multichannel strategies. MENAFN26122024004218003983ID1109033762 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
A New Surge for C3.ai! Could Defense Partnerships Propel It Further?
