66pg casino For the second straight Major League Baseball offseason, a norm-shattering contract has been the talk of the winter , with Juan Soto agreeing with the New York Mets on a $765 million, 15-year deal that's the richest in baseball history. It comes almost exactly one year after the Los Angeles Dodgers forked out a princely sum of $700 million on a 10-year, heavily deferred deal for two-way Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani. They are believed to be the two richest contracts in pro sports history. The way it's going, a contract approaching $1 billion doesn't seem out of the question. But several factors are working against it — at least in the near future. There's reason to believe the megadeals for Ohtani and Soto are unicorns in the baseball world. Both players are uniquely talented, surely, but both also had unusual circumstances propelling their value into the stratosphere. Ohtani is the greatest two-way player in baseball history, capable of improving any team on both sides of the ball. He's also the rare baseball player who has true international appeal . His every move ( like his unexpected marriage announcement ) is followed closely in his native Japan, adding another 125 million potential fans who buy merchandise, watch him play and help fill the Dodgers' coffers. Then there's Soto — a four-time All-Star and on-base machine who won a World Series with the Washington Nationals in 2019. The X-factor for him is he became a free agent at the prime age of 26, which is extremely hard to do under current MLB rules. Players have to be in the big leagues for six years before testing free agency. The precocious Soto debuted at 19 with the Nats, making him part of a rare group of players who reached the highest level of professional baseball as a teenager. That accelerated his free agency timeline. It's rare for players to debut that young, and rarer still for them to develop into stars and test the open market the first chance they get. Two recent examples are Manny Machado and Bryce Harper, who both reached free agency in 2019. Machado signed a free-agent record $300 million contract with San Diego, and Harper overtook him days later with a $330 million contract to join the Phillies. Most players debut in the big leagues from ages 22 to 26, which means free agency comes in their late 20s or early 30s. A typical example is Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, who is one of this generation's great players but didn't hit the market until he was 30. Judge played three seasons of college baseball for Fresno State before getting drafted by the Yankees in 2013 at age 21 — already two years older than Soto was when he made his MLB debut. It took a few years for the budding superstar to reach the majors, and he was 25 when he had his breakout season in 2018, smashing 52 homers to earn AL Rookie of the Year honors. By the time he reached free agency after the 2022 season, he had already passed age 30. It's a major factor that led to him signing a $360 million, nine-year deal with the Yankees, which seems downright reasonable these days after the Ohtani and Soto deals. Two major trends are colliding that will make it harder for guys like Soto to hit free agency in their mid 20s. First, MLB teams have been more likely in recent years to take college players early in the draft, betting on more experienced talents. Just 10 high school players were drafted among the top 30 picks in the 2024 draft . Second, teams are more eager to lock up young, premium talent on long-term deals very early in their careers, well before they hit free agency. Sometimes before they even reach the majors. Since Soto, just two players have debuted in MLB before their 20th birthday — Elvis Luciano and Junior Caminero. Luciano hasn't been back to the majors since his 2019 cup of coffee. Caminero is now 21 and has only played in 50 big league games. Among those that debuted at 20: Fernando Tatis Jr. signed a $340 million, 14-year deal with San Diego in 2021, years before reaching the open market. Milwaukee's Jackson Chourio got an $82 million, eight-year deal before even reaching the big leagues. Young stars Corbin Carroll ($111 million, eight years with Arizona), Bobby Witt Jr. ($288 million, 11 years with Kansas City) and Julio Rodriguez ($209.3 million, 12 years with Seattle) also got massive guarantees early in their 20s to forgo an early free agency. The exception and wild card: Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will be a 26-year-old free agent next offseason. Guerrero hasn't been as consistent in his young career as Soto, but a standout 2025 season could position him to threaten Soto's deal. More likely is that the player to pass Soto isn't in the majors yet — and might not even be in pro baseball. When 25-year-old Alex Rodriguez signed his record $252 million, 10-year deal with Texas in 2001, it took over a decade for another player to match that total, when Albert Pujols got $240 million over 10 years from the Angels in 2012. For many players, passing up life-changing money in their early or mid 20s is too enticing, even if it means that they might not maximize their value on the free agent market later in their careers. Soto was determined to test the market. He famously turned down a $440 million, 15-year offer to stay with the Washington Nationals in 2022, betting that he could make even more as a free agent. Not many players would turn down that kind of cash. Then again, that's what makes Soto so unique. And it's also why his $765 million deal could be the industry standard for some time. AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlbThough she was previously against the idea, Layla El is now open to a pro wrestling return. The 47-year-old Layla has not wrestled since 2015, but she recently told the No Name Wrestling Podcast that she would love to come back to WWE and finish off her career. After taking a break from the public eye following her retirement, Layla is now back on social media. If possible, she would like to return to WWE as part of a reunion with her LayCool partner Michelle McCool. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Thanks for the feedback.

From wealth and success to murder suspect, the life of Luigi Mangione took a hard turnCaitlin Clark honored as AP Female Athlete of the Year following her impact on women's sports Caitlin Clark has been named the AP Female Athlete of the Year after raising the profile of women’s basketball to unprecedented levels in both college and the WNBA. She led Iowa to the national championship game, was the top pick in the WNBA draft and captured rookie of the year honors in the league. Fans packed sold-out arenas and millions of television viewers followed her journey on and off the court. Clark's exploits also put other women's sports leagues in the spotlight. A group of 74 sports journalists from AP and its members voted on the award. Other athletes who received votes included Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles and boxer Imane Khelif. Clark’s only the fourth women’s basketball player to win the award since it was first given in 1931. Wemby at The Garden. LeBron vs. Steph. The NBA's Christmas Day lineup, as always, has star power LeBron James made his Christmas debut in 2003. Victor Wembanyama was born 10 days later. That’s right: James has been featured on the NBA’s big day for longer than Wembanyama has been alive. And on Wednesday the league’s oldest player and brightest young star will be big parts of the holiday showcase. It’s another Christmas quintupleheader, with Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs visiting the New York Knicks, Minnesota going to Dallas for a Western Conference finals rematch, Philadelphia heading to Boston to renew a storied rivalry, James and the Los Angeles Lakers taking on Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors, and Denver playing at Phoenix. Pro Picks: Chiefs will beat the Steelers and Ravens will edge the Texans on Christmas Day Playoff berths, draft positioning and more are up for grabs in Week 17. There’s going to be plenty of football on television this holiday week with the NFL playing games on five out of six days, starting with a doubleheader on Christmas Day featuring four of the AFC’s top five teams. Patrick Mahomes and the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs visit Russell Wilson and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday. Then, two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens take on C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans. The Bears host the Seahawks on Thursday night and there are three games on Saturday, making Sunday’s schedule light at nine games. Falcons drafting Penix no longer a head-scratcher with rookie QB shining in place of benched Cousins It was the most surprising first-round pick in a long time when the Atlanta Falcons chose Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall selection in the NFL draft last April. That came just six weeks after the Falcons had signed free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal with $100 million in guarantees. But that move is no longer a head-scratcher after Penix's solid starting debut in place of a benched and turnover-prone Cousins. Several teams have fared well with new quarterbacks this season including the Steelers, Broncos, Vikings and Commanders. Lindsey Vonn thinks her new titanium knee could start a trend in skiing. And pro sports in general ST. MORITZ, Switzerland (AP) — Lindsey Vonn thinks her new titanium knee could be the start of a trend in ski racing. The 40-year-old American standout had replacement surgery in April and returned to the World Cup circuit after nearly six years last weekend. She says her knee feels “amazing" and that "it’s something to seriously consider for athletes that have a lot of knee problems.” Her surgery was the first of its kind in World Cup skiing. Vonn had a robot-assisted surgery in April with part of the bone in her right knee cut off and replaced by two titanium pieces. She was planning her comeback a month later. Boise State's legacy includes winning coaches and championship moments No. 8 and third-seeded Boise State is preparing for its third trip to the Fiesta Bowl. This time it's in a playoff quarterfinal against No. 5 and sixth-seeded Penn State on New Year’s Eve. Boise State's first appearance on the national stage was in a memorable victory over Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 1, 2007. But former coach Chris Petersen said the victory in that bowl three years later over TCU was even more meaningful for the program. Players have mixed feelings about being on the road on Christmas as NFL adds more holiday games OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Games on Christmas aren’t new to the NFL. The Miami Dolphins famously beat the Kansas City Chiefs in a playoff game on Dec. 25, 1971 — a double-overtime classic that still holds the record for the NFL’s longest game. In 2020, New Orleans running back Alvin Kamara tied an NFL record with six touchdowns in a game when the Saints beat Minnesota on Christmas. Lately the league has been much more aggressive about scheduling games on Christmas. That's been met with mixed feelings among the players. Baltimore tackle Ronnie Stanley says there is an offensive line Christmas party planned for Friday at center Tyler Linderbaum’s house. Quarterback Lamar Jackson’s plan is to celebrate on Thursday. Embiid ejected after drawing 2 technicals in game against Wembanyama and Spurs PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid was ejected in the first half of Monday night’s game against San Antonio after drawing two technical fouls. Referee Jenna Schroeder ejected Embiid with 2 minutes, 59 seconds left in the second quarter. The seven-time All-Star received the first technical for arguing with Schroeder, and received another technical — and ejection — from Schroeder before any more game time elapsed. Embiid was close to Schroeder, but it wasn’t clear from replays whether he made contact with the official. An enraged Embiid charged toward the officials after the ejection and was restrained by teammate Kyle Lowry, head coach Nick Nurse and several assistants. Nikki Glaser uses Prime Video's NFL postgame show appearances to help prepare for Golden Globes INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Nikki Glaser has become a familiar face to football fans this season. Her breakthrough performance at the Tom Brady Roast on May 5 paved the way for five appearances on Amazon Prime Video’s “Thursday Night Football” postgame show. Glaser said before last Thursday’s game between the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers that doing her “Late Hits” segment was a no-brainer following her success at the Brady roast. Leaving Thunder, Bucks off the NBA's Christmas game list has those teams feeling snubbed Oklahoma City leads the Western Conference and has a MVP candidate in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Milwaukee has the NBA’s leading scorer in Giannis Antetokounmpo. They were the teams that made their way to the NBA Cup final. By any measure, they’re both very good teams. And neither will play on Christmas Day this year. Bah, humbug. The NBA faces the same challenge every summer, figuring out which 10 teams will get the honor of playing on Christmas Day. But the Bucks and Thunder are right to feel snubbed.

EuroDry Ltd. (NASDAQ:EDRY) Short Interest Up 928.6% in DecemberOkpebholo Preaches Love, Peace At Edo Christmas CarolSuva nightclub brawl under investigation

Sophie Hediger, a member of Switzerland's snowboard cross team at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, has died following an avalanche at a mountain resort, the country's skiing federation said on Tuesday. The incident occurred on Monday at the Arosa resort in Switzerland. Hediger, 26, competed at the Beijing Games in the women’s snowboard cross and the mixed team version of the same event. Hediger achieved her first two World Cup podium finishes in the 2023-24 season. Her best result was a second place in St. Moritz in January. “We are shocked and our thoughts are with Sophie’s family, to whom we offer our deepest condolences,” said Swiss-Ski CEO Walter Reusser in a statement. “(She lost her life) tragically, brutally and far too soon.” AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports

Rogue Drones Cause Chaos at Christmas Event, Leave 7-Year-Old Boy Seriously InjuredNEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stock indexes drifted lower Tuesday in the runup to the highlight of the week for the market, the latest update on inflation that’s coming on Wednesday. The S&P 500 dipped 0.3%, a day after pulling back from its latest all-time high . They’re the first back-to-back losses for the index in nearly a month, as momentum slows following a big rally that has it on track for one of its best years of the millennium . The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 154 points, or 0.3%, and the Nasdaq composite slipped 0.3%. Tech titan Oracle dragged on the market and sank 6.7% after reporting growth for the latest quarter that fell just short of analysts’ expectations. It was one of the heaviest weights on the S&P 500, even though CEO Safra Catz said the company saw record demand related to artificial-intelligence technology for its cloud infrastructure business, which trains generative AI models. AI has been a big source of growth that’s helped many companies’ stock prices skyrocket. Oracle’s stock had already leaped more than 80% for the year coming into Tuesday, which raised the bar of expectations for its profit report. In the bond market, Treasury yields ticked higher ahead of Wednesday’s report on the inflation that U.S. consumers are feeling. Economists expect it to show similar increases as the month before. Wednesday’s update and a report on Thursday about inflation at the wholesale level will be the final big pieces of data the Federal Reserve will get before its meeting next week, where many investors expect the year’s third cut to interest rates . The Fed has been easing its main interest rate from a two-decade high since September to take pressure off the slowing jobs market, after bringing inflation nearly down to its 2% target. Lower rates would help give support to the economy, but they could also provide more fuel for inflation. Expectations for a series of cuts through next year have been a big reason the S&P 500 has set so many records this year. Trading in the options market suggests traders aren’t expecting a very big move for U.S. stocks following Wednesday’s report, according to strategists at Barclays. But a reading far off expectations in either direction could quickly change that. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.22% from 4.20% late Monday. Even though the Fed has been cutting its main interest rate, mortgage rates have been more stubborn to stay high and have been volatile since the autumn. That has hampered the housing industry, and homebuilder Toll Brothers’ stock fell 6.9% even though it delivered profit and revenue for the latest quarter that topped analysts’ expectations. CEO Douglas Yearley Jr. said the luxury builder has been seeing strong demand since the start of its fiscal year six weeks ago, an encouraging signal as it approaches the beginning of the spring selling season in mid-January. Elsewhere on Wall Street, Alaska Air Group soared 13.2% after raising its forecast for profit in the current quarter. The airline said demand for flying around the holidays has been stronger than expected. It also approved a plan to buy back up to $1 billion of its stock, along with new service from Seattle to Tokyo and Seoul . Boeing climbed 4.5% after saying it’s resuming production of its bestselling plane , the 737 Max, for the first time since 33,000 workers began a seven-week strike that ended in early November. Vail Resorts rose 2.5% after the ski resort operator reported a smaller first-quarter loss than analysts expected in what is traditionally its worst quarter. All told, the S&P 500 fell 17.94 points to 6,034.91. The Dow dipped 154.10 to 44,247.83, and the Nasdaq composite slipped 49.45 to 19,687.24. In stock markets abroad, indexes were mixed in China after the world’s second-largest economy said its exports rose by less than expected in November. Stocks rose 0.6% in Shanghai but fell 0.5% in Hong Kong. Indexes fell across much of Europe ahead of a meeting this week by the European Central Bank, where the widespread expectation is for another cut in interest rates. AP Business Writers Matt Ott and Elaine Kurtenbach contributed.

India has emerged as a global leader in advanced manufacturing, leveraging cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing, robotics, AI, and IoT to redefine industrial processes. The country’s startups are at the forefront of this revolution, driving innovation and creating solutions that align with Industry 4.0 standards. Here are the top 10 best Indian startups in advanced manufacturing to watch out for in 2025. 1. Additive Works Specialization : 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Additive Works is a pioneer in additive manufacturing, offering end-to-end solutions for industries like aerospace, automotive, and healthcare. Their expertise in 3D printing has enabled Indian manufacturers to produce lightweight, durable components with greater efficiency. Key Highlights : Customized 3D printing solutions Use of advanced materials like titanium and carbon fiber Partnerships with global manufacturing leaders 2. GreyOrange Specialization : Robotics and Automation GreyOrange is revolutionizing warehouse automation with its AI-driven robotic systems. Their innovative products, such as butler robots and conveyor automation, have enhanced the efficiency of supply chains worldwide. Key Highlights : AI-powered robotics for smart manufacturing Solutions tailored for e-commerce and logistics sectors Deployed in over 50 countries 3. Stratify 3D Specialization : Industrial 3D Printing Stratify 3D focuses on creating bespoke 3D printing solutions for sectors like automotive, defense, and healthcare. Their rapid prototyping services help manufacturers reduce time-to-market. Key Highlights : Advanced 3D prototyping and tooling services Expertise in multi-material printing Affordable solutions for startups and SMEs 4. Bharat Forge Digital Specialization : IoT-Driven Manufacturing As a subsidiary of Bharat Forge, this startup specializes in IoT and big data analytics for manufacturing. Their smart factory solutions have significantly optimized production processes for Indian and global manufacturers. Key Highlights : IoT-powered real-time monitoring systems Data analytics for predictive maintenance Enhanced productivity through AI integration 5. Planys Technologies Specialization : Underwater Robotics for Industrial Use Planys Technologies has developed state-of-the-art underwater robotic solutions for industrial applications like oil and gas pipeline inspections. Their remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) are cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Key Highlights : Innovative underwater robotic systems Real-time data acquisition and analysis Strong presence in the energy sector 6. Tonbo Imaging Specialization : Advanced Optical Imaging Systems Tonbo Imaging is redefining surveillance and quality control in manufacturing with its advanced imaging systems. Their thermal and night-vision solutions are being used across defense, automotive, and industrial sectors. Key Highlights : Cutting-edge optical imaging technology Applications in industrial quality assurance International clientele across multiple industries 7. Ather Energy Specialization : Advanced Manufacturing in EV Sector While known for its electric scooters, Ather Energy is equally notable for its advanced manufacturing capabilities. Their state-of-the-art factory in Tamil Nadu employs Industry 4.0 principles for precision manufacturing. Key Highlights : Smart manufacturing of electric vehicles Integration of AI in assembly lines Scalable production models 8. C4i4 Labs Specialization : Industry 4.0 Solutions C4i4 Labs is a hub for innovation in Industry 4.0 technologies, offering IoT and AI-driven solutions to optimize manufacturing processes. They collaborate with industries to develop smart factories and improve operational efficiency. Key Highlights : IoT-enabled smart manufacturing systems AI-powered production planning tools Training programs for Industry 4.0 adoption 9. Log9 Materials Specialization : Advanced Material Manufacturing Log9 Materials focuses on nanotechnology and advanced materials for energy storage and environmental applications. Their graphene-based innovations are transforming battery technology for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. Key Highlights : Graphene-enhanced batteries Sustainable and energy-efficient manufacturing processes Patented material technologies 10. SASMOS HET Technologies Specialization : Precision Manufacturing for Aerospace SASMOS HET Technologies is a leading player in precision manufacturing, catering to the aerospace and defense industries. Their focus on high-quality components has made them a trusted partner for global aviation giants. Key Highlights : High-precision components for aerospace and defense Strong emphasis on quality and safety standards Collaboration with leading aerospace companies The Impact of Advanced Manufacturing Startups The startups in advanced manufacturing listed above are not just innovating—they are driving India’s transformation into a global manufacturing hub. Startups in advanced manufacturing contributes in industries like aerospace, automotive, and energy underscore the growing importance of advanced manufacturing technologies. Why Startups in Advanced Manufacturing Matters : Future of Startups in Advanced Manufacturing in India By 2025, startups in advanced manufacturing is expected to play a pivotal role in India’s economic growth. Startups in advanced manufacturing will continue to innovate, backed by government initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and increased investments in R&D. With a focus on sustainability, automation, and digital transformation, these startups in advanced manufacturing are set to make India a global leader in advanced manufacturing.Hwangwonjeong Pavilion and Geoncheong at Gyeongbok Palace in December 2012 / Robert Neff Collection By Robert Neff Homer Hulbert arrived in Jemulpo (now part of modern-day Incheon) on July 4, 1886. He was one of three American teachers hired by the Korean government to teach at the Royal College in Seoul. Their trip to Seoul and their subsequent adventures in Korea are interesting stories, but those will have to wait for another time. Since tomorrow is Christmas, however, it seems appropriate to recount the Christmas party of 1887, held at the home of Horace Underwood — an American missionary. Before this party, Christmas celebrations in Seoul were small and rather spartan. Underwood, however, was determined to make this one special. In a letter home, he explained that even in Korea, he could arrange a simple yet memorable dinner using flowers and produce from his garden, along with the many gifts he received from Korean acquaintances and government officials. Read More Christmas in Korea in 1880s: politics and parties: Part1 Kim Dong-jin and Homer Hulbert’s cabinet / Courtesy of Hulbert Memorial Society As was the custom in Seoul, each guest brought one of their servants to assist in serving the dinner and cleaning up afterward. To make the evening more memorable, Underwood enlisted Hulbert to design the menu cards. Each card featured “two Korean dragons facing each other and their tongues running out into the initials [and] their long bodies going down on both sides of the page ending in arrow-headed tails.” Printed in the center were the words “Merry Christmas 87” and “a la Koreanne,” with a little piece of Korean silk cord, butterflies and flowers serving as an elegant finishing touch. It appears all of the Americans in Seoul attended this party, except George C. Foulk, a naval officer temporarily assigned to the American Legation. Foulk, disgusted at being caught up in the vortex of Korean political intrigue, spent Christmas “in a purely Korean way” with a tiger hunt in the Bupyeong area of modern-day Incheon. Though he failed to bag a tiger, he succeeded in calming his nerves and returned to Seoul in time to partake in the New Year festivities. It is unclear what, if any, gifts were exchanged among the party-goers, but it is likely that King Gojong sent presents to the Western diplomats and many, if not all, of the missionaries. These gifts typically included fruits, chestnuts, walnuts, pork, beef, fish and hundreds of eggs — sometimes even live animals such as pigs and chickens. Other items included rolls of cloth, fans and various knickknacks. Many Westerners regifted these presents — perishable goods were often passed on to their Korean servants, while silk and fans became popular gifts for family and friends back home. Read More The perfect gift for the holiday Elaborate decorations partially marred by the passage of time / Robert Neff Collection At times, the royal family was especially generous, providing more valuable and unusual gifts. The Korean queen once gave Rose — wife of Lucius Foote, the first American minister to Korea — her “most cherished worldly possession,” the palanquin that had conveyed her back to the palace after the unsuccessful coup attempt in 1882. When the Footes left Korea and returned to San Francisco in early 1885, this palanquin accompanied them. Sadly, Rose passed away later that same year, and the fate of the palanquin has been forgotten. At some point in the 1900s, King Gojong presented Hulbert with a beautiful mother-of-pearl inlaid cabinet. When Hulbert returned to the United States, he brought the cabinet with him and cherished it for the rest of his life. According to Hulbert family records, the cabinet was originally a gift from Korea to China but was later returned to King (or Emperor, depending on the date) Gojong. The Korean monarch then gifted it to Hulbert. Unlike Rose’s palanquin, the fate of the cabinet is well-known — it remained with the Hulbert family. Drawers covered with mother-of-pearl designs / Robert Neff Collection According to Kim Dong-jin, the chairman of the Hulbert Memorial Society, he first saw the cabinet in 1989 during a visit to Hulbert’s descendants in New York. While he found it beautiful, he did not pay much attention to it at the time. As the years passed, the cabinet faded from his memory until early October of this year, when Kimball A. Hulbert, a great-grandson of Homer Hulbert, offered to donate the cabinet to the Hulbert Memorial Society. The offer was readily accepted. At considerable expense, the cabinet was shipped by air to Korea, arriving in late November. A note found in the cabinet describing its history / Robert Neff Collection When asked why this cabinet was so valuable, Kim’s eyes sparkled with excitement and pride. He revealed that three experts — museum curators and researchers — believe it to be a national treasure due to its rarity and artistic value. The cabinet was crafted between 1890 and 1900 in Tongyeong, South Gyeongsang Province. Only three cabinets of this design and quality are known to exist: two in Korea (including this one) and one in the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow. Kim suspects that the cabinet in Russia was received as a gift in 1896, either when King Gojong sought asylum in the Russian Legation in Seoul or when the Korean delegation attended the coronation of Russian Czar Nicholas II that same year. The Hulbert Memorial Society plans to register its cabinet as a National Cultural Treasure and hopes to temporarily display it in a Korean museum until the society is able to build its own Hulbert Memorial Hall. The passage of years has worn heavily upon the cabinet. The wood has cracked in several places, and it will require restoration. This restoration, however, will be bittersweet. As I examined the cabinet, I could feel history when I opened its wooden drawers — the musty scent emanating from them was like a breath from the past. Restoration will undoubtedly erase these subtle remnants of the senses — a loss that cannot be replaced. Crabs and flowers on one of the cabinet’s doors / Robert Neff Collection There is another treasure associated with Hulbert: Kim Dong-jin. For several decades, Kim has devoted himself to researching and championing Hulbert’s legacy. According to Kim, he first became aware of Hulbert nearly half a century ago while he was a college student. He read Hulbert’s book, “The Passing of Korea,” and was “moved by (Hulbert’s) depth of understanding about Korea and his unique assessment of the value of Korean ethics.” Inspired, Kim founded the Hulbert Memorial Society, believing that Hulbert was “quite undervalued in Korea” and should be recognized as “the paramount historic figure in Korea’s enlightenment period.” Somewhat shyly, Kim admitted that there was much more he wanted to say, but time constraints during our interview prevented him from elaborating. However, The Korea Times has published interviews with Kim in the past, and those articles can be easily found online. Read More Passion for underappreciated hero, Homer Hulbert Next month, to coincide with the anniversary of Hulbert’s birth on Jan. 26, 1863, Kim will publish Hulbert’s biography in English. He hopes that Hulbert’s life story will serve as “an example of a righteous life for people across the globe.” For Americans, in particular, Kim hopes it will inspire them to appreciate and value a “genuine hero” who has largely been forgotten. Robert Neff has authored and co-authored several books, including "Letters from Joseon," "Korea Through Western Eyes" and "Brief Encounters."

10 times wildlife across raised a ruckus on Vancouver Island in 2024For the second straight Major League Baseball offseason, a norm-shattering contract has been the talk of the winter , with Juan Soto agreeing with the New York Mets on a $765 million, 15-year deal that's the richest in baseball history. It comes almost exactly one year after the Los Angeles Dodgers forked out a princely sum of $700 million on a 10-year, heavily deferred deal for two-way Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani. They are believed to be the two richest contracts in pro sports history. The way it's going, a contract approaching $1 billion doesn't seem out of the question. But several factors are working against it — at least in the near future. There's reason to believe the megadeals for Ohtani and Soto are unicorns in the baseball world. Both players are uniquely talented, surely, but both also had unusual circumstances propelling their value into the stratosphere. Ohtani is the greatest two-way player in baseball history, capable of improving any team on both sides of the ball. He's also the rare baseball player who has true international appeal . His every move ( like his unexpected marriage announcement ) is followed closely in his native Japan, adding another 125 million potential fans who buy merchandise, watch him play and help fill the Dodgers' coffers. Then there's Soto — a four-time All-Star and on-base machine who won a World Series with the Washington Nationals in 2019. The X-factor for him is he became a free agent at the prime age of 26, which is extremely hard to do under current MLB rules. Players have to be in the big leagues for six years before testing free agency. The precocious Soto debuted at 19 with the Nats, making him part of a rare group of players who reached the highest level of professional baseball as a teenager. That accelerated his free agency timeline. It's rare for players to debut that young, and rarer still for them to develop into stars and test the open market the first chance they get. Two recent examples are Manny Machado and Bryce Harper, who both reached free agency in 2019. Machado signed a free-agent record $300 million contract with San Diego, and Harper overtook him days later with a $330 million contract to join the Phillies. Most players debut in the big leagues from ages 22 to 26, which means free agency comes in their late 20s or early 30s. A typical example is Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, who is one of this generation's great players but didn't hit the market until he was 30. Judge played three seasons of college baseball for Fresno State before getting drafted by the Yankees in 2013 at age 21 — already two years older than Soto was when he made his MLB debut. It took a few years for the budding superstar to reach the majors, and he was 25 when he had his breakout season in 2018, smashing 52 homers to earn AL Rookie of the Year honors. By the time he reached free agency after the 2022 season, he had already passed age 30. It's a major factor that led to him signing a $360 million, nine-year deal with the Yankees, which seems downright reasonable these days after the Ohtani and Soto deals. Two major trends are colliding that will make it harder for guys like Soto to hit free agency in their mid 20s. First, MLB teams have been more likely in recent years to take college players early in the draft, betting on more experienced talents. Just 10 high school players were drafted among the top 30 picks in the 2024 draft . Second, teams are more eager to lock up young, premium talent on long-term deals very early in their careers, well before they hit free agency. Sometimes before they even reach the majors. Since Soto, just two players have debuted in MLB before their 20th birthday — Elvis Luciano and Junior Caminero. Luciano hasn't been back to the majors since his 2019 cup of coffee. Caminero is now 21 and has only played in 50 big league games. Among those that debuted at 20: Fernando Tatis Jr. signed a $340 million, 14-year deal with San Diego in 2021, years before reaching the open market. Milwaukee's Jackson Chourio got an $82 million, eight-year deal before even reaching the big leagues. Young stars Corbin Carroll ($111 million, eight years with Arizona), Bobby Witt Jr. ($288 million, 11 years with Kansas City) and Julio Rodriguez ($209.3 million, 12 years with Seattle) also got massive guarantees early in their 20s to forgo an early free agency. The exception and wild card: Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will be a 26-year-old free agent next offseason. Guerrero hasn't been as consistent in his young career as Soto, but a standout 2025 season could position him to threaten Soto's deal. More likely is that the player to pass Soto isn't in the majors yet — and might not even be in pro baseball. When 25-year-old Alex Rodriguez signed his record $252 million, 10-year deal with Texas in 2001, it took over a decade for another player to match that total, when Albert Pujols got $240 million over 10 years from the Angels in 2012. For many players, passing up life-changing money in their early or mid 20s is too enticing, even if it means that they might not maximize their value on the free agent market later in their careers. Soto was determined to test the market. He famously turned down a $440 million, 15-year offer to stay with the Washington Nationals in 2022, betting that he could make even more as a free agent. Not many players would turn down that kind of cash. Then again, that's what makes Soto so unique. And it's also why his $765 million deal could be the industry standard for some time. AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

NEW YORK — Stoli Group USA, the owner of the namesake vodka , has filed for bankruptcy as it struggled to contend with slowing demand for spirits, a major cyberattack that has snarled its operations and several years of fighting Russia in court. The company in its bankruptcy filing said it is “experiencing financial difficulties” and lists between $50 million and $100 million in liabilities. Stoli vodka and Kentucky Owl bourbon will continue to be available on store shelves while the company navigates the Chapter 11 process, which only pertains to its U.S. business. Until 2022, Stoli was sold as Stolichnaya in the United States, which loosely translates to “capital city” in Russian. The company shortened its title following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and boycotts against Russian-branded vodkas . Stoli Group’s founder, Russian-born billionaire Yuri Shefler, was exiled from that nation in 2000 because of his opposition to President Vladimir Putin. People are also reading... Intel announced on December 2 that CEO Pat Gelsinger has resigned after a difficult stint at the company. The once-dominant chipmaker’s stock cratered as it missed the AI boom and was surpassed by most of its rivals. The liquor has long been marketed as a Russian vodka, but its production facilities have been in Latvia for several decades. Stoli Group is a unit of Luxembourg-based SPI Group, which owns other spirit and wine brands. “The Stoli Group has been targeted by the Russian Federation since it was formed nearly 25 years ago,” said Stoli Group CEO Chris Caldwell in a statement. “Earlier this year the company and our owner were both named by the Russian state as ‘extremist groups working against Russia’s interests.’” Its ongoing legal battle with the Russia government has forced Stoli to “spend dozens of millions of dollars on this long-term court battle across the globe with the Russian authorities,” according to its court filing. Caldwell also said that Stoli’s global operations has been a “victim of a malicious cyber attack” that has forced the company to operate “entirely manually while the systems are rebuilt.” A slowdown in demand for alcohol has crushed several company’s bottom lines following the pandemic when people were stuck at home and stocked up. Stoli’s filings said that it has seen a “decline and softening of demand for alcohol and spirits products post-Covid and especially beginning in 2023 and continuing into 2024.” Stoli Group USA, maker of Stoli vodka, has filed for bankruptcy due to slowing demand for spirits, a major cyberattack, and ongoing legal battles with Russia. The-CNN-WireTM & © 2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.

The Council of Inner City Tribal Chiefs and Queen Mothers has demanded for a re-run of the disputed constituency results in the recent general elections. The above demand was made during a press conference today, addressing the ongoing controversy surrounding the 2024 general elections. Mallam Isa, National Coordinator, Council of Inner City Tribal Chiefs and Queen Mothers, spoke on behalf of Alhaji Dr Chief Mohammed Ibrahim Sungtaba, National President of the Council. The Council commended Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate, for conceding defeat and urged the Electoral Commission (EC) to gazette the election outcome. However, with the EC engaged in a recollection of nine (9) constituencies, tensions are rising, and legal experts are at a deadlock. According to the statement, under this Fourth Republic, eight (8) elections have been conducted so far with Afari Gyan having conducted four (4), Charlotte Osei supervising two (2) and Jean Mensa two (2) Speaking further, Mallam Isa noted, In the conduct of both Afari Gyan and and Charlotte Osei, no deaths were recorded. With that of Jean Mensa however, eight (8) Iives were lost in electon 2020 while six (6) lives were lost in 2024 with several others injured as reported by Ghana Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-Ghana) with support from the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) and West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) “Clearly, theJean Adukwei Mensa lead EC has failed to meet the Ghanaian expectation and given that Inner City Tribal Chiefs and Queen Mothers stands for the betterment of the nation, we cannot look on unconcerned while precious lives are maimed and lost,” the statement added. Accordingly, the convenor emphasized that this current EC Chairperson is leading this country into turmoil and therefore we call on the National Peace Council, Office of the National Chief Imam, the Clergy, Civil Society Organisations and our revered Traditional Chiefs and Queen Mothers to rise to the occasion and speak to save the only country we have. The Council advocated for a re-run in the disputed constituencies, citing the need to prevent further turmoil. They also expressed concern over the loss of lives during elections, noting that under Jean Mensa’s leadership, the EC has failed to meet Ghanaian expectations. The Council called upon the National Peace Council, Office of the National Chief Imam, clergy, civil society organizations, and traditional chiefs to intervene and save the country from turmoil. By Kingsley AsieduLuigi Nicholas Mangione, the suspect in the fatal shooting of a healthcare executive in New York City, apparently was living a charmed life: the grandson of a wealthy real estate developer, valedictorian of his elite Baltimore prep school and with degrees from one of the nation's top private universities. Friends at an exclusive co-living space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Hawaii where the 26-year-old Mangione once lived widely considered him a “great guy,” and pictures on his social media accounts show a fit, smiling, handsome young man on beaches and at parties. Now, investigators in New York and Pennsylvania are working to piece together why Mangione may have diverged from this path to make the violent and radical decision to gun down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in a brazen attack on a Manhattan street. The killing sparked widespread discussions about corporate greed, unfairness in the medical insurance industry and even inspired folk-hero sentiment toward his killer. But Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro sharply refuted that perception after Mangione's arrest on Monday when a customer at a McDonald's restaurant in Pennsylvania spotted Mangione eating and noticed he resembled the shooting suspect in security-camera photos released by New York police. “In some dark corners, this killer is being hailed as a hero. Hear me on this, he is no hero,” Shapiro said. “The real hero in this story is the person who called 911 at McDonald’s this morning.” Mangione's family and upbringing Mangione comes from a prominent Maryland family. His grandfather, Nick Mangione, who died in 2008, was a successful real estate developer. One of his best-known projects was Turf Valley Resort, a sprawling luxury retreat and conference center outside Baltimore that he purchased in 1978. The Mangione family also purchased Hayfields Country Club north of Baltimore in 1986. On Monday, Baltimore County police officers blocked off an entrance to the property, which public records link to Luigi Mangione’s parents. Reporters and photographers gathered outside the entrance. The father of 10 children, Nick Mangione prepared his five sons — including Luigi Mangione’s father, Louis Mangione — to help manage the family business, according to a 2003 Washington Post report. Nick Mangione had 37 grandchildren, including Luigi, according to the grandfather's obituary. Luigi Mangione’s grandparents donated to charities through the Mangione Family Foundation, according to a statement from Loyola University commemorating Nick Mangione’s wife’s death in 2023. They donated to various causes, including Catholic organizations, colleges and the arts. One of Luigi Mangione’s cousins is Republican Maryland state legislator Nino Mangione, a spokesman for the lawmaker’s office confirmed. “Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest,” Mangione’s family said in a statement posted on social media by Nino Mangione. “We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved.” Mangione's education and work history Mangione, who was valedictorian of his elite Maryland prep school, earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science in 2020 from the University of Pennsylvania, a university spokesman told The Associated Press. He learned to code in high school and helped start a club at Penn for people interested in gaming and game design, according to a 2018 story in Penn Today, a campus publication. His social media posts suggest he belonged to the fraternity Phi Kappa Psi. They also show him taking part in a 2019 program at Stanford University, and in photos with family and friends at the Jersey Shore and in Hawaii, San Diego, Puerto Rico, and other destinations. The Gilman School, from which Mangione graduated in 2016, is one of Baltimore’s elite prep schools. The children of some of the city’s wealthiest and most prominent residents, including Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr., have attended the school. Its alumni include sportswriter Frank Deford and former Arizona Gov. Fife Symington. In his valedictory speech, Luigi Mangione described his classmates’ “incredible courage to explore the unknown and try new things.” Mangione took a software programming internship after high school at Maryland-based video game studio Firaxis, where he fixed bugs on the hit strategy game Civilization 6, according to a LinkedIn profile. Firaxis' parent company, Take-Two Interactive, said it would not comment on former employees. He more recently worked at the car-buying website TrueCar, but has not worked there since 2023, the head of the Santa Monica, California-based company confirmed to the AP. Time in Hawaii and reports of back pain From January to June 2022, Mangione lived at Surfbreak, a “co-living” space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Honolulu. Like other residents of the shared penthouse catering to remote workers, Mangione underwent a background check, said Josiah Ryan, a spokesperson for owner and founder R.J. Martin. “Luigi was just widely considered to be a great guy. There were no complaints,” Ryan said. “There was no sign that might point to these alleged crimes they’re saying he committed.” At Surfbreak, Martin learned Mangione had severe back pain from childhood that interfered with many aspects of his life, including surfing, Ryan said. “He went surfing with R.J. once but it didn’t work out because of his back,” Ryan said, but noted that Mangione and Martin often went together to a rock-climbing gym. Mangione left Surfbreak to get surgery on the mainland, Ryan said, then later returned to Honolulu and rented an apartment. An image posted to a social media account linked to Mangione showed what appeared to be an X-ray of a metal rod and multiple screws inserted into someone's lower spine. Martin stopped hearing from Mangione six months to a year ago. An X account linked to Mangione includes recent posts about the negative impact of smartphones on children; healthy eating and exercise habits; psychological theories; and a quote from Indian philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti about the dangers of becoming “well-adjusted to a profoundly sick society.” Police report a darker turn Mangione likely was motivated by his anger at what he called “parasitic” health insurance companies and a disdain for corporate greed, according to a law enforcement bulletin obtained by AP. He wrote that the U.S. has the most expensive healthcare system in the world and that the profits of major corporations continue to rise while “our life expectancy” does not, according to the bulletin, based on a review of the suspect’s handwritten notes and social media posts. He appeared to view the targeted killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO as a symbolic takedown, asserting in his note that he is the “first to face it with such brutal honesty,” the bulletin said. Mangione called “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski a “political revolutionary” and may have found inspiration from the man who carried out a series of bombings while railing against modern society and technology, the document said. Associated Press reporters Lea Skene in Baltimore; Jennifer Sinco Kelleher in Honolulu; Maryclaire Dale in Philadelphia; John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio; and Michael Kunzelman in Washington, D.C., contributed to this report.ET Explainer: Taxing times for popcorn & used cars