I’m A Celebrity fans furious over ‘new low’ on show during gruesome eating trial as Rev Richard Coles and Tulisa gagWhile LeBron James is one-half of a long-discussed debate about the greatest of all time, there’s no question that the NBA ‘s Yuletide matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors delivered — ratings – and thrill-wise. Per the league, the game was the most-watched NBA Regular Season and Christmas Day game in five years, with viewership up 84% when compared with the year prior. The Lakers-Warriors showdown, which saw James and Stephen Curry go head-to-head in a nail-biting game finishing with a narrow Los Angeles victory 115-113, averaged 7.76 million viewers per game in the U.S. across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, Disney+ and ESPN+ (according to Nielsen Fast Nationals), up almost 500% from 2023. Audience viewership peaked around 10:30 p.m. ET with 8.32 million tuning in. The Christmas Day opener, featuring the New York Knicks’ 117-114 win over the San Antonio Spurs, averaged 4.91 million viewers, making it the most-viewed such game in 13 years and up 98% from last year. All five of yesterday’s matchups yielded year-over-year viewership increases, averaging 5.25 million overall across Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics (5.16 million viewers, up 3%), Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Dallas Mavericks (4.38 million viewers, up 6%) and Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns (3.84 million viewers, up 161%). The lattermost showdown was the most-watched late window ever on Christmas Day. According to the association, the day generated more than 500 million video views across all NBA social media platforms — an all-time record. Distributed in 214 countries and territories, the five-game slate also garnered the most-viewed Christmas Day ever on NBA League Pass, the organization’s subscription-based cable channel. Leading into Christmas Day, NBA viewership across ABC, ESPN and TNT increased every week of December, with an average week-over-week increase of 7%. Season to date, the NBA has generated a record 11 billion views across its social and digital channels. Across ESPN platforms, this season’s NBA viewership is up 4% versus last year.

Manmohan Singh: technocrat who became India’s accidental PM

Manchester City face yet another must-win match on Sunday when they take Manchester United at the Etihad. Sunday’s is a chance for Pep Guardiola’s side to get one over on their arch-rivals and also an opportunity for them to snap out of their recent poor run. They enter Sunday’s match with one win in their past ten games, which is unheard of during their era of dominance. They will enter Sunday’s match with only three senior defenders available for selection. Ruben Dias, Kyle Walker and Josko Gvardiol are available for the derby. However, John Stones, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake and Rico Lewis will all . Their absence will force Pep Guardiola to think outside of the box to cover the loss of four crucial players. But in a run of games where it has appeared that nothing has worked perhaps an idea from left field could spark the world champions back to life. How Pep Guardiola covers the loss of almost the entire defence is now something to watch for ahead of Sunday’s match. Does Jahmai Simpson-Pusey start alongside Ruben Dias? That would allow Manchester City to start with their traditional back four. Or will the City manager try something completely out of left field? Perhaps Matheus Nunes will start at right-back as a wing-back and allow Guardiola to start with a back three? That idea has merit but the question of who will start on the left-hand side of that formation would still be unanswered. Perhaps playing Nunes at right-back and Gvardiol at left-back with Walker and Dias at centre-back might be Pep’s best move for Sunday’s match. An idea from outside the box may help Manchester City spark to life at the Etihad. The tried and true just hasn’t resulted in a change of City’s fortunes of late. Whatever Pep Guardiola decides to do with his defensive make up on Sunday his team must pick up all three points against Manchester United. The world champions need a win to revive their stuttering Premier League campaign. A win over their arch rivals may also spark Manchester City back to life. Perhaps trying something different could prove to be the catalyst for that to occur at the Etihad.Sportscaster Greg Gumbel dies from cancer at age 78Welcome to this week’s edition of top stock market highlights. Singapore Post, or SingPost, received a whistleblowing report earlier this year relating to its international e-commerce logistics parcels business. The report alleged that there were manual entries of certain delivery status codes to avoid contractual penalties under the agreement. An investigation by SingPost’s group internal audit, along with an external legal counsel and a forensics service provider, uncovered serious breaches of the group’s code of conduct. As a result, three managers were earlier terminated and a police report was also made. The customer was informed of this incident and a settlement sum was paid to this customer, with its business not materially affected as the contract has since been renewed post-settlement. In the course of the investigation, external professional advisers were engaged to review and assess this matter independently of management. Following the completion of the review and assessment by the law firm, SingPost commenced disciplinary proceedings against group CEO Vincent Phang, group CFO Vincent Yik, and the CEO of the Singapore Post (SP) International Business Unit (IBU) ops Mr Li Yu. All three were found to be grossly negligent and had failed to perform their duties responsibly and reliably. SingPost terminated the employment of its group CEO, group CFO and the CEO of its SP IBU Ops with effect from 21 December 2024. A new group CEO will be appointed in due course. In the interim, Isaac Mah, the current CFO of the group’s Australian business, will take over as the new group CFO. Mr. Simon Israel, chairman of the board, will also provide increased guidance and oversight of the senior management leadership team. OUE REIT entered into an agreement with an unrelated third party to divest its entire stake in Lippo Realty (Shanghai) Limited, which owns a 91.2% stake in Lippo Plaza. The sale consideration amounted to RMB 1,917 million. Based on Lippo Plaza’s net property income (NPI) of RMB 94.6 million for 2023 and the agreed property value of RMB 1,680 million, the net property yield is around 5.7%. This divestment is in line with the manager’s proactive asset management strategy to optimise its portfolio and improve income resilience. Han Siew Khim, CEO of the manager of OUE REIT, remarked that Lippo Plaza is a non-core asset that contributed just 6.6% of total portfolio revenue as of September 2024. Lippo Plaza’s shortening lease and its vintage building specifications have negatively impacted its valuation and competitiveness. This sale is expected to be completed by the end of this year and proceeds are estimated to be approximately S$318.2 million. These proceeds will be used to either pare down debt, redeem convertible perpetual preferred units, be used for share buybacks, or distributed as capital distributions to unitholders. CDL Hospitality Trusts, or CDLHT, has made its maiden foray into the purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) sector in Liverpool in the UK. The hospitality trust purchased a piece of freehold land comprising an operational PBSA asset (Benson Yard) and a vacant land adjacent to the property, for around S$63.9 million. The PBSA opened in February 2023 and is equipped with 404 beds along with amenities such as a private dining area, sky lounge, multi-purpose cinema, and gym. The vacant site has a planning consent for a 144-key hotel but CDLHT will conduct further feasibility studies to determine its best use and returns. The REIT believes that Benson Yard will deliver incremental base rental income which will contribute to a more diversified and balanced income profile for its portfolio. The asset is also located in an excellent area with high-quality amenities and is within walking distance to Liverpool’s main universities, prime retail areas, and transport nodes. CDLHT will enjoy a pro-forma distribution per stapled security (DPS) accretion of 1.3% based on signed leases for the academic year 2024/2025. Benson Yard has an NPI yield of 5.6% and is not fully stabilised yet, implying that there is the potential for upside in future academic years when the property has gained better reputation and attracted higher brand awareness. This acquisition will be financed wholly with debt and CDLHT’s post-transaction gearing will be 40.2%, leaving the trust with a debt headroom of S$636.5 million. Looking to create a lifelong income stream? Check out our report, ‘7 Singapore Blue-Chip Stocks That Can Pay You for Life.’ We uncover a powerful lineup of dividend-paying stocks with the reliability and growth potential you need in today’s market. Don’t miss out on these dependable picks. Download your copy now and start building a secure financial future! Follow us on Facebook and Telegram for the latest investing news and analyses! Disclosure: Royston Yang does not own shares in any of the companies mentioned. The post Top Stock Market Highlights of the Week: Singapore Post, OUE REIT and CDL Hospitality Trusts appeared first on The Smart Investor .

HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding Undocks USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000)AI is a game changer for students with disabilities. Schools are still learning to harness itWhen most people think of America's 20th-century fighters, they likely picture something like the F-14 Tomcat featured in "Top Gun," the F-15 Eagle , or something similar. What people likely don't imagine is a turboprop aircraft. After all, the age of jets came about during the final years of World War II, and that conflict featured plenty of turboprop fighters. Japan's A6M Zero, Germany's Messerschmitt Bf 109, and the U.S. P-51 Mustang are all well-known from this era, but what about after World War II? Believe it or not, the U.S. didn't retire its turboprop fighters and even built some new ones. The most notable of these was the A-1 Skyraider, first flown in 1945. The aircraft was developed during WWII as a carrier-based single-seat long-range fighter. Initially, it was idealized as a dive and torpedo bomber, but the end of the war changed America's plans for the new aircraft. The A-1 was first introduced to the U.S. military in 1946, and throughout its production, a total of 3,180 were produced. Just about every military service operated the A-1, including the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force. Outside the U.S., the aircraft was flown by the South Vietnam Air Force, French Air Force, and other nations. Over its service life, numerous variants were produced to meet specific needs, including upgraded engines, new radar technologies, sensors, and more. The A-1 was incredibly successful throughout its service history despite its lack of a jet engine, and it served the U.S. well in Vietnam. The A-1 Skyraider was a solid plane, even compared to some jets. At the time of its introduction, jet engines were a relatively new technology, but the A-1 sported the tried and true turboprop that helped the Allies win during WWII. The A-1 was outfitted with a Wright R-3350-26WA Duplex-Cyclone, which was able to propel the aircraft through the sky at a maximum speed of 320 mph. It had a service ceiling of 32,000 feet, which it could reach via a climb rate of 2,300 feet per minute. In terms of armament, the A-1 boasted a variety or different systems, depending on the model. Initially, the A-1 featured four wing-mounted 20mm cannons as well as the capability to carry up to 8,000 lbs. of rockets, bombs, gun pods, and napalm canisters on its 15 hardpoints. When the A-1 Skyraider entered the Vietnam War, the North Vietnamese Air Force (VPAF) was flying MiG-17s, MiG-21s, and other similar aircraft, all of which were jets. Despite this, the A-1 Skyraider gave them a run for their money. The A-1 was ideal for close air support and combat search and rescue missions, as it could linger for longer due to the lower fuel requirements of its engine. Throughout the aircraft's time in Southeast Asia operations, A-1s flew over 90,000 combat sorties for the U.S. Air Force. It was an incredibly successful fighter that saw heavy use throughout the conflict, showcasing its combat accuracy and overall survivability, though many were lost in action. The A-1 Skyraider was used heavily during the Vietnam War, and its success can be seen in the number of aircraft losses vs. how many sorties were flown. With more than 90,000 combat sorties flown, 266 A-1s were lost, 201 from the Air Force and 65 from the Navy. Those losses resulted in the deaths of 102 pilots from combat losses. While that's certainly a lot of people, the number of aircraft losses indicates that only 0.3% of A-1 combat sorties resulted in the loss of an aircraft. That's a figure few combat aircraft could match, so the A-1's success in Vietnam cannot be discounted. Still, more than 100 aviators lost their lives flying A-1s in Vietnam. A plaque honoring the men lost piloting A-1s in Southeast Asia has been on display at Hurlburt Air Park, Florida, since October 3, 1993. The aviator losses in Southeast Asia were from 1964 to 1972, covering America's involvement in the Vietnam War. While many lost their lives piloting the A-1, the aircraft performed well, earning numerous victories. In the U.S. Air Force alone, two pilots earned the Medal of Honor, while 14 received Air Force Crosses for their service during the war. Many other pilots received awards for valor for their piloting of the A-1 during the conflict. Years before the Vietnam War, A-1s that flew in Korea met and defeated MiG-17s, thanks to the A-1H's bank of cannons capable of firing 800 rounds per minute. Overall, despite losses in Southeast Asia, the A-1 was a highly successful fighter, managing to survive against more powerful jets.

As Naidu Govt bans recruitment of non-Hindus to TTD debate erupts over rule validityIs he a hero? A killer? Both? About the same time the #FreeLuigi memes featuring the mustachioed plumber from “Super Mario Brothers” mushroomed online this week, commenters shared memes showing Tony Soprano pronouncing Luigi Mangione, the man charged with murdering the UnitedHealthcare CEO in Manhattan, a hero. There were the posts lionizing Mangione’s physique and appearance, the ones speculating about who could play him on “Saturday Night Live,” and the ones denouncing and even threatening people at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s for spotting him and calling police. It was all too much for Pennsylvania’s governor, a rising Democrat who was nearly the vice presidential nominee this year. Josh Shapiro — who was dealing with a case somewhere else that happened to land in his lap — decried what he saw as growing support for “vigilante justice.” As with so many American events at this moment in the 21st century, the curious case of Brian Thompson and Luigi Mangione has both captivated and polarized a media-saturated nation. The saga offers a glimpse into how, in a connected world, so many different aspects of modern American life can be surreally linked — from public violence to politics, from health care to humor (or attempts at it). And it summons a question, too: How can so many people consider someone a hero when the rules that govern American society — the law — are treating him as the complete opposite? Mangione is in a Pennsylvania jail cell as he awaits extradition to New York on murder charges. Little new information is available about a possible motive, though writings found in Mangione’s possession hinted at a vague hatred of corporate greed and an expression of anger toward “parasitic” health insurance companies. That detail came after earlier clues showed some bullets recovered from the scene had the words “deny,” “defend” and “depose,” reflecting words used by insurance industry critics. A number of the posts combine an apparent disdain for health insurers – with no mention of the loss of life – with a vague attempt at what some called humor. “He took action against private health insurance corporations is what he did. he was a brave italian martyr. in this house, luigi mangione is a hero, end of story!” one anonymous person said in a post on X that has nearly 2 million views. On Monday, Shapiro took issue with comments like those. It was an extraordinary moment that he tumbled into simply because Mangione was apprehended in Pennsylvania. Shapiro’s comments — pointed, impassioned and, inevitably, political — yanked the conversation unfolding on so many people’s phone screens into real life. “We do not kill people in cold blood to resolve policy differences or express a viewpoint,” the governor said. “In a civil society, we are all less safe when ideologues engage in vigilante justice.” But to hear some of his fellow citizens tell it, that’s not the case at all. Like Bonnie and Clyde, John Dillinger, D.B. Cooper and other notorious names from the American past, Mangione is being cast as someone to admire. Regina Bateson, an assistant political science professor at the University of Colorado at Boulder, has studied vigilantism, the term to which Shapiro alluded. She doesn’t see this case as a good fit for the word, she says, because the victim wasn’t linked to any specific crime or offense. As she sees it, it’s more akin to domestic terrorism. But Bateson views the threats against election workers, prosecutors and judges ticking up — plus the assassination attempts against President-elect Donald Trump this past summer — as possible signs that personal grievances or political agendas could erupt. “Americans are voicing more support for — or at least understanding of — political violence,” she said. Shapiro, apparently fed up with the embrace of the killing, praised the police and the people of Blair County, who abided by a 9/11-era dictum of seeing something and saying something. The commenters have Mangione wrong, the governor said: “Hear me on this: He is no hero. The real hero in this story is the person who called 911 at McDonald’s this morning.” Even shy of supporting violence, there are many instances of people who vent over how health insurers deny claims. Consider Tim Anderson, whose wife, Mary, dealt with UnitedHealthcare coverage denials before she died from Lou Gehrig’s disease in 2022. “The business model for insurance is don’t pay,” Anderson, 67, of Centerville, Ohio, told The Associated Press. The discourse around the killing and Mangione is more than just memes. Conversations about the interconnectedness of various parts of American life are unfolding online as well, propelled by the saga. One Reddit user said he was banned for three days for supporting Kyle Rittenhouse, who was acquitted after testifying he acted in self-defense when he fatally shot two people in 2020 during protests. “Do you think people are getting banned for supporting Luigi?” the poster wondered. The comments cover a lot of ground. They include people saying the UnitedHealthcare slaying isn’t a “right or left issue” and wondering what it would take to get knocked off the platform. “You probably just have to cross the line over into promoting violence,” one commenter wrote. “Not just laughing about how you don’t care about this guy.” Taken together, the comments make one thing clear: The case — and now Mangione himself — have captured the American imagination, at least for the moment. And when that happens in a nation of phones and memes, a lot of people are going to have opinions — from anonymous commenters on Reddit to the governor of Pennsylvania himself. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Tomas Hertl is back in San Jose. The San Jose Sharks traded the fan favorite, in a shocking move, last Trade Deadline to the Vegas Golden Knights. Hertl looked like he could be a Shark for life in Mar. 2022, when he signed an eight-year, $65.1 million extension, which was armed with a No-Movement Clause in the first three years. A San Jose first-round pick in 2012, Hertl was a big part of the last great Sharks teams, helping Team Teal to the Stanley Cup Final in 2016 and the Western Conference Finals in 2019. San Jose was hoping that Hertl could be a centerpiece of the transition out of the Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, and Joe Pavelski era. However, the San Jose Sharks struggled mightily, and while Hertl had All-Star campaigns in 2019-20 and 2023-24, it wasn’t enough to lift San Jose out of the cellar. Meanwhile, the 31-year-old forward was watching the clock tick on his chances to win a Stanley Cup, so when perennial contender Vegas came a-calling last year? Hertl discussed how the trade came together, his emotions coming back to San Jose, how good it feels to win again, and more. San Jose Hockey Now also talked exclusively with Tomas Hertl in Las Vegas in October, discussing Joe Thornton’s retirement ceremony, how the Sharks are still his No. 1 team (non-Golden Knights category), and more. Here are highlights from Hertl’s interview today! Hertl, on his emotions coming back to San Jose: Last time I was here, that was the day I got traded. So it’s long time ago. I wasn’t here for 10 months. So all the memories come back when you drive, just being on the bus. Both kids were born here. I got 11 years [here], nobody will take it from me. And I will never play anywhere that long ever again in another team. It was definitely a special time to be here, not just for me, but for my family, not just my wife, kids, but family back home, because we spent a lot of time here. And the organization, the fans, always was great to me. And I was really lucky I could start earlier here. Hertl, on living in Las Vegas as opposed to San Jose: It’s not like we’re living on the Strip...It’s really similar, maybe less raining. Two days ago, like 45 minutes [away], I was with the kids to see the snow in the mountains. So it’s not like everybody thinks, living in a desert, but the life is great. The neighborhoods we live in, my family are really happy about it, and you can say nothing bad about where we living and the people around us. Hertl, on coming back to SAP Center for the first time: Honestly, I don’t think I was ever in this [visitors] room. (laughs) I was playing here 11 years. I was never in this room. But at the same time, I’m excited to be back, see fans after a long time. And obviously I’m still coming here for two points, but obviously I want to enjoy it. Hertl, on controlling his emotions tonight: Probably just be myself. I always smile, so probably smile even more during the warm-ups and just having a good time, and at the same time, get ready for the game. I think maybe during the warm-ups or before the game, maybe a little emotions. But I feel like when the puck drops, kind of [put it] behind and just want to play good. Hertl, on how hard a decision it was to waive his No-Move Clause: Me and my wife, we talked end of the day about that. I’m a competitive guy, [but] the Sharks gave me everything and they gave me a great career. They’ve been always great to me. The time that the offer came, I just couldn’t say no, because I think I’m still in my prime, I can help teams win hockey games. And, Vegas was just, they are in a great spot with a great team. I couldn’t say no, because nobody can obviously guarantee you can win Stanley Cup. But there’s a chance, and I just want to grab it and try to fight for it. Hertl, on parting ways being good for both sides: I think so. I think it’s [a good idea] for both sides. They’re going for a rebuild. They got now great players, Celebrini, he’s on the rise, and hopefully turn this organization around. Because I still follow them, after the game, and watching the Sharks. I got friends here, and after our game, I will be always cheering for them, because I was so long here and I want to see them do obviously better, and turn this team around it, but it takes time. I felt it could be my last chance. I was happy both sides could figure it out and work it out. Hertl, on when he first heard about the Golden Knights’ interest: I heard maybe in January, actually, before I was hurt, like that Vegas was thinking about it from my agent, but nothing happened. I was coming for [the All-Star Game], kind of was quiet, and maybe when I came back it started rumbling, there is a chance Vegas wants to make a deal with the Sharks. It almost came [down] to the last couple days of the Deadline. Hertl, on how he enjoys the move to Vegas: I couldn’t say one bad word about the organization, about the teammates in the locker room, how they [embraced] me in the team, even the fans around the city. And obviously, when you win a lot of hockey games, everything gets pretty easy around it. I almost forgot, over the last couple years, honestly, how fun it is to win a lot of games — you can win any game, even if you’re losing, and come back. Obviously, last couple years here was pretty tough. When you’re one of the leaders and you try and help, but the winning wasn’t coming, it wasn’t easy. So this is definitely a fun part, because so far this year, our team is really good. I definitely enjoy that. Hertl, on the reception that he expects to get from San Jose Sharks fans: I don’t know. I think, honestly, [the rivalry] kind of chilled out. Maybe first three years there was a rivalry, everybody enjoyed, I enjoyed playing against Vegas in that time. But over the years, last two, three years, the rivalry kind of slowed down, because the team changed here a lot. There wasn’t the same players when we had the rivalry and when we played here, the Sharks, we didn’t play that good. So Vegas was kind of too good for us and I think that rivalry kind of slipped away. I hope it will be good. It was a nice 11 years, but it’s maybe up to the fans now, nothing I can do about it really right now. Special thanks to Felicia Keller for her help transcribing. See the full interview here . This article first appeared on San Jose Hockey Now and was syndicated with permission.