Rams can take huge step toward NFC West title by avenging 31-point loss to CardinalsDeadly attack on journalists underscores danger for media in Haiti

West backing terrorists in Syria – Russia

Asia’s gasoline margins climbed above $10 on Thursday, as overall demand continued to rise on the back of a seasonal jump. The crack jumped to $10.21 per barrel over Brent crude, from $9.09 on Wednesday. In naphtha, the margins climbed by $2.65 to $82.83 per metric ton over Brent crude. The backwardation between second-half January and second-half February narrowed to $1.75. Oil prices were mostly stable ahead of an OPEC+ meeting later in the day, with investors waiting to see what the producer group would do next on supply cuts while also monitoring geopolitical tension in the Middle East. The oilfield service sector is poised for more consolidation in 2025, according to Deloitte’s 2025 Oil and Gas Industry Outlook, with President-elect Donald Trump expected loosen regulations on the U.S. oil and gas industry. Singapore’s light distillate stocks rose by 691,000 barrels to a two-week high of 14.035 million barrels in the week ending Dec. 4, data from Enterprise SG showed. U.S. gasoline stocks rose by 2.4 million barrels to 214.6 million barrels, and distillate stockpiles USOILD=ECI rose by 3.4 million barrels 118.1 million barrels in the week ending Nov. 29, the Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday. Two gasoline deal and no naphtha trade. Source: Reuters (Reporting by Haridas; Editing by Varun H K)

( MENAFN - EIN Presswire) RCM Sun Knowledge launches AI-powered Smart Decision platform to enhance billing accuracy, efficiency, and compliance for 30+ specialties. NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, December 25, 2024 /EINPresswire / -- Sun Knowledge Inc., a leading healthcare solutions provider, is proud to announce its ongoing work on a cutting-edge Smart Decision Platform (SDP) for providing expedited billing support for HME, cardiology, DME, and 28 other specialties. This advanced AI-powered software is set to revolutionize the billing process, ensuring greater accuracy, efficiency, and compliance. The following features form the design of the SDP Smart Decision Support System: > Helps users input data with high accuracy and maintain good documentation > It uses rigid checks and balances to get claims passed with minimal rejections or denials > Achieves a highly reduced Accounts Receivable (AR) bucket Smart Process Automation Modules: > Improves the accuracy of data while also reducing the TAT > Improves workflows to enhance efficiency in operations Intuitive System Prompts and Guides: > Provides real-time support to users, thus helping them perform their work better. Sun Knowledge emphasizes data security and compliance. All the data used to create and refine these modules is taken from public sources and is always in line with data privacy laws. "We are committed to harnessing the latest advances in AI to create innovative solutions that address the pain points of medical billing problem. Our Sun Knowledge Digital Platform will empower organizations to achieve unmatched accuracy, efficiency, and compliance in their billing processes," said Ronnie Hastings, the spokesperson of Sun Knowledge. This initiative speaks to the commitment Sun Knowledge makes to lead the charge of healthcare innovation, delivering solutions that change the face of how billing and revenue cycle management are handled. About Sun Knowledge Inc. Sun Knowledge Inc. stands as a leading healthcare solutions provider, offering a comprehensive suite of services tailored to the diverse needs of healthcare organizations across the United States. Partnering with over 200 clients – including health systems, medical centers, ancillary care organizations, multi-specialty and single-specialty groups – Sun Knowledge effectively bridges the gap by serving both payers and providers. Renowned for its expertise in end-to-end Revenue Cycle Management (RCM), the company specializes in key areas such as Prior Authorization , Accounts Receivable Management as well as Virtual Assistance , Virtual Scribe and Customer Support Care among others. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, AI and software platforms, Sun Knowledge delivers enhanced efficiency, streamlined workflows and significant reductions in administrative burdens in record time. Committed to excellence, Sun Knowledge empowers healthcare providers to focus on their core mission - delivering exceptional patient care – while maximizing their operational efficiency and enhancing financial outcomes. Ronnie Hastings Sun Knowledge Inc +1 646-661-7853 ... Visit us on social media: Facebook X LinkedIn Instagram YouTube Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "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 author above. MENAFN26122024003118003196ID1109033418 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.

Alan Shearer lamented Manchester City's approach to the final 15 minutes against Feyenoord on Tuesday night as Pep Guardiola saw his side throw away a 3-0 lead in the Champions League . The result leaves City's hopes of automatically qualifying for the last-16 in the balance. Goals either side of half time from Erling Haaland (two) and Ilkay Gundogan had set City well on their way towards ending a run of five consecutive defeats only for a late and dramatic collapse at the Etihad Stadium . City conceded three times in the space of 14 minutes to draw 3-3, stopping the streak of losses but extending a winless run to six. Anis Hadj-Moussa had set up a potentially nervy finish, capitalising on a wayward passback to Ederson from Josko Gvardiol , before the City goalkeeper was once more caught out allowing a cross to get squeeze past him at the near post and into the net via Santiago Gimenez. READ MORE: Man City vs Feyenoord HIGHLIGHTS READ MORE: Man City player ratings vs Feyenoord City then failed to hold out at home, losing possession from a free kick and seeing David Hancko nod in above Rico Lewis after Ederson had once again left his goal open. Speaking on commentary, Shearer could not believe what he was watching. "We're in for an interesting 10 minutes," he said with the scoreline at 3-2, slamming City's management of proceedings. "Through stupid errors, lapses in concentration and inviting the opposition back into the game. [They were] In such a comfortable position, it's all their own fault. [They were] Cruising." He added: "I said earlier the game had been won, I did them a disservice, Feyenoord, they've stuck together and they've kept on ploughing away in the hope they'd be given an oipportunity and that's exactly what's happened. "Man City have given them just that and they've taken it up to now. They've got 10 mins to get something out of this game that looked impossible 10 mins ago." Shearer was then left further aghast at City as a blip threatens to turn into a season-defining run of poor form, labelling Guardiola's side as 'weak, light and frail' in a damning three-word verdict of their recent performances. "Conceding the way they did at the weekend [a 4-0 loss to Tottenham], three again this evening; They look weak, they look light, they look frail," Shearer said. "They've given the opposition too many chances. They were cruising midway through this game, whatever you do, what you cannot do is give the opposition chances, give them a little bit of hope and that's exactly what they did. Even when they were winning 3-2 with three minutes to go they tried to take a quick free-kick. Why? Kill the game. You're winning the game there's no need to do that. Sit on the ball. "The game management was awful and they've been punished. It's been an absolute disaster for them this season after being in such a comfortable position." Get City transfer updates on WhatsApp! Manchester City wrapped up the 2023/24 season with a fourth successive Premier League title, but they missed out on another Treble with defeat in the FA Cup final and Champions League quarter-finals. It's now time for Pep Guardiola and co to turn their attention to the transfer window. Our MEN team of City experts will be on top of all the goings-on at the Etihad this summer and beyond, and you can get the latest updates and inside information to your phone by joining our new free WhatsApp community . You can also join the 40,000 (and growing!) band of Blues fans who are following our WhatsApp channel . Sign up to our community here , and join our City channel here . -- We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .

Banana auction billionaire's $30 million investment in Trump's crypto token highlights new ways to enrich president-electSALINAS, Calif. , Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Scheid Vineyards Inc. (dba Scheid Family Wines) (OTC Markets: SVIN) announced today its financial results for the six months ended August 31, 2024 (second quarter of fiscal 2025). Scott Scheid , President and CEO, commented, "It continues to be a difficult time for the wine industry. Bulk wine prices remain depressed and the market for cased goods, which has been impacted by distributor and retailer destocking, continues to be challenging. As a company, we've made significant efforts to do more with less, highlighted by our second quarter results showing a decrease of 16% in sales and marketing expenses and a decrease of over 5% in G & A. These efforts are ongoing and I'm proud of our teams who work each day on finding opportunities for growth and ways to improve our business." Mr. Scheid continued, "We recently executed new forbearance agreements with our lenders extending through July 31, 2025 . The terms of these agreements include forbearing interest and principal payments on the Company's existing debt. In addition, under the agreement with our operating lender, the Company received an additional $5.0 million to strengthen our working capital base." Financial Results Total revenues decreased 6%, to $26.1 million for the six months ended August 31, 2024 , from $27.7 million in fiscal 2024. Cased goods sales decreased 6%, to $21.2 million in the first six months of fiscal 2025, from $22.5 million in fiscal 2024, as the bottled wine business across the entire market slowed in the first few months of calendar 2024. The Company's bulk wine sales decreased 14%, to $1.8 million from $2.1 million , and winery processing and storage revenues remained flat at $1.5 million . Gross margins remained at 20% for each period. Sales and marketing expenses decreased 16%, to $4.8 million , from $5.7 million , and general and administrative expenses decreased 5%, to $3.5 million , from $3.7 million , as the Company continues its cost-cutting efforts. During the first quarter of fiscal 2025, the Company recognized revenue of $3.6 million from proceeds received from the dissolution of a winery processing agreement. In addition, the Company recognized a gain from the sale of non-vineyard land in the amount of $1.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2025. Interest expense rose 150%, to $7.5 million , from $3.0 million , due to increases in interest rates as each of the Company's lenders are accruing interest at the default rate of an average of 14.3%. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) increased to $4.4 million , from a loss of $1.2 million , primarily from the sale of land and the proceeds from the contract dissolution. In total, the Company reported a net loss of $3.9 million for the six months ended August 31, 2024 , compared to a net loss of $4.8 million for the six months ended August 31, 2023 . SCHEID VINEYARDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARY UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS SIX MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 31, 2024 AND 2023 (amounts in thousands, except per share data) Six Months Ended August 31, 2024 2023 REVENUES: Cased goods sales $ 21,233 $ 22,539 Bulk wine sales 1,826 2,145 Winery processing and storage revenues 1,508 1,451 Direct sales revenues 1,340 1,329 Vineyard management revenues 203 229 Other revenues 7 5 Total revenues 26,117 27,698 COST OF SALES (20,962) (22,121) GROSS PROFIT 5,155 5,577 Sales and marketing expenses (4,790) (5,696) General and administrative expenses (3,545) (3,674) LOSS FROM OPERATIONS (3,180) (3,793) Interest expense, net (7,489) (3,008) Proceeds from contract dissolution 3,613 — Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment 1,690 80 Other income (loss) 2 (40) LOSS BEFORE BENEFIT FROM INCOME TAXES (5,364) (6,761) BENEFIT FROM INCOME TAXES 1,509 1,915 NET LOSS $ (3,878) $ (4,846) NET LOSS PER SHARE $ (4.23) $ (5.31) WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING 916 912 About Scheid Family Wines Scheid Family Wines, a family-owned and operated wine company for over 50 years, is ranked among the top 25 largest wine producers in the United States . Based in Monterey County, California , Scheid is vertically integrated to bring high quality estate grown wines to the marketplace from its sustainably and organically certified vineyards and grower partners throughout the Central Coast. Scheid's innovative, luxury-level winery is 100% powered by renewable wind energy generated by a 400-foot-tall wind turbine, which also supplies energy to the local community. The Scheid Family Wines globally distributed brand portfolio includes Scheid Vineyards, Sunny with a Chance of Flowers, VDR (Very Dark Red), Grandeur (organically certified), Fog & Light, Metz Road, District 7, Ryder Estate, and HOXIE, a premium wine spritzer. Scheid Family Wines sells internationally to over 30 countries and is one of the largest producers of premium exclusive brands. Please visit www.scheidfamilywines.com and www.otcmarkets.com/stock/SVIN/quote for more information. CONTACT: Scott Scheid, President and CEO, scott.scheid@scheidfamilywines.com Mike Thomsen, Chief Financial Officer, mike.thomsen@scheidfamilywines.com View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/scheid-family-wines-reports-second-quarter-fiscal-2025-results-302316784.html SOURCE Scheid Family Wines

US sex-abuse watchdog fires investigator after learning of his arrest for stealing drug money DENVER (AP) — The U.S. Center for SafeSport abruptly fired one of its investigators last month after learning he’d been arrested for stealing money confiscated after a drug bust he was part of during his previous job as a police officer. Jason Krasley left his job with the Allentown Police Department in Pennsylvania in 2021 and was hired by the Denver-based SafeSport center to look into sensitive cases involving sex abuse and harassment. The center said it conducts multiple interviews and a “comprehensive background check” of potential employees. The center said it was looking into cases Krasley handled to make sure they were dealt with appropriately. Jim Larrañaga steps down at Miami, Bill Courtney takes over to finish season CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — Jim Larrañaga has stepped down as Miami’s men’s basketball coach effective immediately. Larrañaga will be replaced by associate head coach Bill Courtney — one of Larrañaga’s best friends for the past three decades or so — for the remainder of the season. The now-former coach says he loves the university but believes it's the right time to step away. Larrañaga says "I’ve tried every which way to keep this going.” Larrañaga joins a long line of prominent college basketball coaches who have left their jobs in recent years citing the changes in the game and the challenge of coaching in the Name, Image and Likeness era. Detroit Red Wings fire coach Derek Lalonde, name Todd McLellan as his replacement The Detroit Red Wings have fired coach Derek Lalonde and named Todd McLellan as his replacement. The move a day after Christmas comes after the Red Wings lost 21 of their first 34 games this season. They're on a three-game skid. Assistant Bob Boughner was also fired and Trent Yawney hired to work on McLellan's staff. McLellan signed a multiyear contract to start his fourth NHL head coaching job. Lalonde was nearly midway through his third season with Detroit after winning the Stanley Cup twice as an assistant with Tampa Bay. Penn State offensive coordinator Kotelnicki's creativity has the Nittany Lions humming in the CFP Penn State's offense is thriving under first-year offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki. The Nittany Lions are one of a handful of Power Four schools averaging 200 yards per game rushing and receiving heading into their College Football Playoff quarterfinal against Boise State. Penn State has one of the most unique offensive weapons in the country in tight end Tyler Warren. Warren has 92 receptions this season and has become a threat out of the backfield, rushing for 197 yards and two touchdowns. Pat Riley says the Miami Heat will not trade Jimmy Butler ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — If Jimmy Butler wants a trade, the Miami Heat have no plans to make him happy. Heat President Pat Riley — in a rare move — spoke out to address rumors Thursday, saying the team has no plans to trade Butler. It’s a clear sign that, if necessary, the team will be willing to let Butler leave as a free agent and get nothing in return. Riley says in a release distributed by the team "we usually don’t comment on rumors, but all this speculation has become a distraction to the team and is not fair to the players and coaches.” Organizers say two sailors have died in Sydney to Hobart yacht race amid wild weather conditions SYDNEY (AP) — Organizers said that two Sydney to Hobart sailors have died at sea amid wild weather conditions that forced line honors favorite Master Lock Comanche to withdraw among mass retirements. The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, which administers the yacht race, has said that one sailor each on entrants Flying Fish Arctos and Bowline were killed after being struck by the boom, a large horizontal pole at the bottom of the sail. The race will continue as the fleet continues its passage to Constitution Dock in Hobart, with the first boats expected to arrive later on Friday or early Saturday morning. Haaland penalty failure and Fernandes red card pile on woes for City and United in Premier League Erling Haaland’s failure from the penalty spot and Bruno Fernandes’ latest red card have compounded the woes of Manchester City and Manchester United on another tough day for the two Premier League giants. City dropped more points in its improbably poor run of form by drawing 1-1 at home to Everton. Haaland had a spot kick saved by England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. The defending champions have only won one of its last 13 games in all competitions. City is languishing in seventh place while United is 14th after a 2-0 loss at Wolverhampton. Fernandes was sent off in the 47th. First-place Liverpool beat Leicester 3-1 in foggy conditions at Anfield and leads by seven points. Simona Halep withdraws from Australian Open qualifying because of knee and shoulder pain MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep has pulled out of Australian Open qualifying and a tuneup tournament in Auckland, New Zealand, because of pain in her knee and shoulder. Thursday's news represents the latest interruption of her comeback from a drug suspension. Halep posted on social media that she was feeling poorly after participating in an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi. The 33-year-old Romanian said she is planning to next enter the Transylvania Open in her home country, where play begins Feb. 3. Halep was granted a wild-card entry for qualifying in the Australian Open last week. Mahomes throws 3 TDs as Chiefs clinch AFC's top seed by breezing past the skidding Steelers 29-10 PITTSBURGH (AP) — Patrick Mahomes passed for 320 yards and three touchdowns and the Kansas City Chiefs locked up the top seed in the AFC for the fourth time in seven seasons with a 29-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The two-time defending Super Bowl champions raced to an early 13-point lead and were never really threatened by the Steelers (10-6). Pittsburgh has dropped three straight to see its chances of capturing the AFC North take another hit. Travis Kelce caught eight passes for 84 yards and a touchdown. Kelce also became the third tight end in NFL history to reach 1,000 receptions, joining Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten. Jackson breaks Vick's NFL rushing record for QBs in Ravens' rout over Texans HOUSTON (AP) — Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson passed Michael Vick for the most yards rushing by a quarterback in NFL history in a 31-2 win over the Houston Texans in Wednesday. 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This month, Nobel Prize winner Thomas Mann’s The Magic Mountain turns 100. One of the 20th century’s towering literary achievements, it is a sweeping critique of the dangerous totalitarian political forces that shaped – and very nearly destroyed – Europe in Mann’s lifetime. The novel also reflects Mann’s own dramatic public and political evolution. Initially politically reserved, he became an ardent patriot at the outbreak of World War I, only to become disillusioned by the rise of political extremism in postwar Germany. This shift set Mann on a collision course with Adolf Hitler and the Nazis – and ultimately led to him fleeing Germany in 1933. This intellectual novel is interested in the weightiest of topics – time, love, mortality, culture – and the fragility of civilisation. There are worrying parallels between 1924, when Mann’s magnum opus was published, and 2024, when we’re seeing a worldwide resurgence of these same impulses. There is the rise of the far-right in France , Austria and Germany . And then, American president-elect Donald Trump’s apparent admiration for dictatorial and authoritarian modes of governance. These forces loom ominously over our own era, threatening the democratic ideals Mann ultimately embraced. Things you’ve never dreamed of This encyclopedia of a novel (nearly 800 pages) opens in transit: An unassuming young man was travelling, in midsummer, from his native city of Hamburg to Davos-Platz in the Canton of the Grisons, on a three weeks’ visit. It is August 1907. Hans Castorp, a “perfectly ordinary” 23-year-old from an upwardly mobile merchant family is journeying to meet his cousin, Joachim Ziemssen – a patient at a tuberculosis sanitarium, located (Mann’s narrator estimates) 1,600 metres above sea level in the Swiss Alps. Mann’s amenable, omniscient narrator outlines the effect on the novel’s youthful protagonist: This being carried upward into regions where he had never before drawn breath, and where he knew that unusual living conditions prevailed, such as could only be described as sparse or scanty – it began to work upon him, to fill him with a certain concern. Home and regular living lay not only far behind, they lay fathoms deep beneath him, and he continued to mount above them. Poised between them and the unknown, he asked himself how he was going to fare. This is a sign of things to come. Joachim, who has already been at the Berghof Sanatorium for five months, implores Castorp to get properly “acclimatized” when he meets him at the train station. He continues: it isn’t so easy, you’ll see. And the climate isn’t the only queer thing about us. You’re going to see some things you’ve never dreamed of – just wait. Joachim advises his cousin to disabuse himself of the “class of ideas” typical of those who dwell at sea level “down below” – especially assumptions about time. He openly scoffs at Castorp’s woefully naïve assertion that he’ll be “going home in three weeks”. Soon after his arrival, Castorp catches a cold. Berghof’s medical director spies a suspicious dark spot on his lung and recommends he extend his stay indefinitely. Castorp spends the next seven years living at altitude. Time warps and wends in increasingly strange ways, and the pace of daily life gradually grinds to a near total halt. Seasons change. Visitors come and go. Some of the patients die. Castorp falls in love with a Russian temptress resident. When he isn’t pining for her, he spends his time in conversation, gorging on elaborate and seemingly endless meals, listening to records, and occasionally attempting to commune with the spirits. In one memorable and symbolically charged moment, he gets hopelessly lost in a life-threatening blizzard. It takes the outbreak of World War I to finally shatter the spell the mountain has cast over him. The reader parts company with Castorp on a Flanders battlefield in 1914. The odds of survival don’t seem to be stacked in his favour. Of course, potted plot summaries of this sort cannot hope to do justice to the sheer ambition, thematic richness and formal rigour of The Magic Mountain. Origins: world war and political awakenings The novel’s origins can be traced to May 1912, when Thomas Mann embarked on a three-week trip to Davos, Switzerland. His wife, Katia, had been falsely diagnosed with tuberculosis and was staying at the recently opened Wald Sanatorium . Mann’s stay served as the catalyst for a new literary venture. Initially conceived as a satire, The Enchanted Mountain was meant to be a comedic counterweight to his just-published Death in Venice , which traces the tragic obsession of Gustav von Aschenbach, an ageing author, with a beautiful young boy during a vacation in cholera-racked Venice. Mann started in on what should have been a fairly straightforward, small-scale undertaking. But world history had other ideas. On August 4 1914, German troops flooded into neutral Belgium, bringing the British Empire into the week-old World War I – and shattering the cultural ideals and intellectual suppositions of pre-war Europe. Mann was 39 when the fighting broke out. A prominent figure in the German cultural establishment, Mann, who lived in Munich at the time, was in many senses a model bourgeois citizen. As intellectual historian Mark Lilla observes, Mann attended concerts, he befriended composers, he read Goethe, he sent his children to the Volksschule , and he never expressed any views about politics. That is, until 1914. “From one month to the next Mann became an intransigent and inflammatory defender of the German cause internationally,” Lilla adds, “writing articles and giving speeches that made him a favorite on the volkish nationalist right”. Rabid patriot to fleeing Nazi Germany The conflict seems to have absorbed all of Mann’s energy and focus. In 1915, he abandoned work on his novella, which had by then expanded significantly in both scope and size. Instead, he turned his attention to Reflections of a Nonpolitical Man . Published in October 1918, this 600-page tirade is a reactionary, rabid screed in which Mann lashes out at the progressive political forces and institutions he believed were intent on nothing less than the destruction of the German nation. Indeed, he goes as far as to admit that from the very start of the war, he had been consumed by a patriotic feeling so profound, he would not want to live anymore if Germany were beaten by the West, humbled, her belief in herself broken so that she would have to “conform” and accept the rationale of her enemies. Mann’s jingoistic fervour persisted even after Germany’s defeat, carrying over into the spring of 1919, when he finally returned to The Magic Mountain. However, everything had changed for Mann by 1922. Appalled by the waves of extremist political violence coursing through Germany, Mann was forced to take stock and reappraise his beliefs. That year, in an unprecedented move that shocked his supporters and critics, he wrote and delivered his speech, On the German Republic . In it, he publicly embraced the postwar Weimar Republic and the principles of its democracy, distancing himself from the types of authoritarian nationalism he had so passionately defended just a few years earlier. This remarkable development, which led to him fleeing Nazi Germany, left an indelible mark on the development of The Magic Mountain. Europe teetering on the abyss By the time he finished writing, the work had been transformed from a satirical novella into a sweeping Bildungsroman , focused on moral education and psychological development. It was now also an allegory of European civilisation teetering on the abyss – a “world festival of death”, as Mann puts it in the novel’s final sentence. Specifically, the phrase is a reference to World War I. More broadly – and just as powerfully – it reflects the sense of postwar disillusionment and social malaise that shaped the novel. The intense intellectual debates that unfold in The Magic Mountain, particularly between charismatic humanist Lodovico Settembrini and nihilistic, “terroristic” Jesuit communist Leo Naphta, offer Mann the means to reflect and comment on the totalitarian forces that were threatening to tear the world asunder. A century after the novel first appeared, its nuanced discussions of ideological conflict, the dangers of extremism and the fragility of civilisation remain, depressingly, as pertinent as ever. In 2024, the far-right has taken a firm foothold across Europe and the rest of the world, challenging the very democratic principles Mann came – albeit reluctantly – to value to champion. One can’t help but wonder what Mann, who wrote while the skies were slowly closing in over Europe, might have made of this situation. Read more: Germany's post-Holocaust moral remaking is being challenged by wars in Gaza and Ukraine – and the rise of the far-right History repeating? Would he, for instance, discern echoes of the same forces he grappled with in his modernist masterpiece, now manifesting in new, yet strangely familiar ways? And would he recognise the dangers of cultural and political polarisation and the allure of authoritarian forms of thought and activity that are currently casting increasingly long shadows over our own precarious moment? I suspect he might. In any case, these are just some of the questions worth asking as we mark the anniversary of a novel that, much like its creator, challenges us to confront the currents of history and their unsettling tendency to repeat. Near the end of the book, Mann writes: “These were such singular times.” Viewed from the perspective of 2024, I’m not so sure.For Ben Carson, the opportunity to pull on the white jersey of Ulster is something that he cherishes all the more after suffering a serious injury which he feared at the time could end his prospect of playing high-level rugby. The centre was just 19 years old when he sustained a punctured spleen two minutes into Ulster A's game against Connacht in September 2021. Three years on from that significant setback, Carson has established himself as an important member of head coach Richie Murphy's Ulster squad and has marked his emergence into the senior ranks by scoring three tries for the province already this season to earn a three-year contract extension . He admits that the extent of his spleen injury did lead him briefly to question his future in the sport. "Injuries are part of the game, but I did go through a pretty tough time. With the spleen, the doctors told me there was a chance I could have died and stuff like that and that's kind of terrifying," explained Carson. "There were thoughts going through my head during those tough times like 'do you really want to play this again, it's been really tough' and you wonder do you ever want to go through that again but then you remember the reason you play - you love it. I've always wanted to be a rugby player, so why stop? "I got better, got through injuries and it's probably made me more resilient and made me better for it." Former Ulster development player Carson was part of Murphy's squad which won the Under-20 Six Nations Grand Slam in 2022 and after subsequently making his United Rugby Championship debut against Connacht, he was handed his first senior start for Ulster against the Bulls in October, scoring a second-half try. He went on to cross the whitewash twice in the URC defeat by Leinster in late November and has now made seven appearances in total for the Irish province. "This time last year, I wasn't playing much for Ulster but this year a few injuries, James Hume being out and Stuart McCloskey having a few niggles, gave me the opportunity to put my best foot forward and perform," said the 22-year-old. "Richie and I have a pretty good relationship. He coached me at under-20s, we won the grand slam and he was happy enough with how I went there so when he came in here he was telling me from the start he was going to give me those opportunities I hadn't really been getting and when he did I was delighted." Ulster go into Saturday's URC encounter against Connacht at the Sportsground on a run of five consecutive defeats in all competitions, the latest an agonising last-gasp 22-19 reverse at home to Munster in Belfast before Christmas. Carson says the Ulster squad can take confidence however from a hard-fought 32-27 victory over Pete Wilkins's side at Kingspan Stadium in October. "The games haven't been going as well as we would have liked but we have still half a season to go," reflected Carson. "We got the win over them [Connacht] earlier in the season, it was a good game, but they'll be revved up ready to go. "They'll have watched us against Munster and probably thought 'this is a good opportunity to put a number on these boys', but we're all guns blazing ready to get the win."Share Tweet Share Share Email The holiday season is a time of miracles, hope, and heartwarming stories that remind us of the good in the world. One such story is that of Denis, an extraordinary artist living with cerebral palsy who defied all odds to create a unique brand, DepiKasso , that bridges the worlds of art and technology while making a meaningful impact on the lives of others. Discovering Art as a Path to Empowerment Denis’s journey is a testament to resilience and creativity. Despite the challenges posed by his diagnosis, he discovered his passion for art and channeled it into a remarkable creative venture. Under the name DepiKasso, Denis creates stunning, original artworks that transcend traditional mediums. His creations are available in both physical formats—such as T-shirts adorned with his distinctive prints—and in digital formats as NFTs. Denis’s digital artworks have already captured the attention of collectors and enthusiasts worldwide, appearing on prominent NFT platforms like OpenSea and OKX DEX . His unique style and compelling story resonate deeply, demonstrating how art can break barriers and open doors to new possibilities. Art That Gives Back But DepiKasso is more than just an art brand; it’s a mission. A portion of the proceeds from Denis’s art sales is dedicated to supporting children with special needs. By combining his creative vision with a commitment to giving back, Denis proves that art and technology can be powerful tools for social good. NFTs: Bridging Creativity and Technology The inclusion of NFTs in Denis’s journey showcases the transformative potential of blockchain technology. By minting his works as NFTs, Denis has found a way to make his art accessible to a global audience, ensuring that his voice is heard and his vision appreciated. Platforms like OpenSea and OKX DEX provide him with the opportunity to showcase his talent alongside some of the most celebrated creators in the digital art space. How You Can Support Denis Denis’s story is not just about overcoming personal challenges; it’s about the collective power of community and innovation. If you’re inspired by his work and wish to support his journey, here’s how you can get involved: Explore and purchase his NFTs: OpenSea OKX DEX Order physical art creations: You can order Denis’s physical artworks, including his signature T-shirts, by contacting his mother via Instagram: @de.pikasso . Follow his journey on Instagram: Denis frequently shares updates, new creations, and insights into his artistic process on his Instagram account: @denis.vitrazh.poster . Donate directly to his wallet: If you’d like to support his work financially, you can contribute to his crypto wallet: 0xa300db6a8be5938059118c472eacd2becb0e9e10 (depikasso.eth) . The Power of Art and Determination Denis’s story is a shining example of how passion, resilience, and technology can converge to create opportunities that transcend limitations. His brand, DepiKasso, serves as a beacon of hope, proving that anyone, regardless of their circumstances, can make a meaningful impact on the world. As we celebrate the holiday season, let us draw inspiration from Denis’s journey—a story that reminds us of the magic of art, the promise of technology, and the boundless possibilities of the human spirit. For more information about Denis and his work, visit his official website: Depikasso.tilda.ws . Related Items: DepiKasso , technology Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Unlock the Best British IPTV Subscription Maintaining and Extending the Life of Bearings in Australia’s Harsh Conditions Currency Exchange Platforms for Travelers: Easy Cross-Border Money Management Comments

Stocks closed higher on Wall Street, giving the market its fifth gain in a row and notching another record high for the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The S&P 500 rose 0.3% Friday. The Dow added 1%, and the Nasdaq composite tacked on 0.2%. Retailers had some of the biggest gains. Gap soared after reporting quarterly results that easily beat analysts’ estimates. EchoStar fell after DirecTV called off its purchase of that company’s Dish Network unit. European markets closed mostly higher and Asian markets ended mixed. Treasury yields held relatively steady in the bond market. Crude oil prices gained ground. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. Stocks rose on Wall Street in afternoon trading Friday, keeping the market on track for its fifth straight gain. The S&P 500 was up 0.2% and was solidly on track for a weekly gain that will erase most of last week's loss. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 333 points, or 0.8%, and the Nasdaq composite was essentially flat with a gain of less than 0.1% as of 3:07 p.m. Eastern. Markets have been volatile over the last few weeks, losing ground in the runup to elections in November, then surging following Donald Trump's victory, before falling again. The S&P 500 has been steadily rising throughout this week to within close range of its record. “Overall, market behavior has normalized following an intense few weeks,” said Mark Hackett, chief of investment research at Nationwide, in a statement. Several retailers jumped after giving Wall Street encouraging financial updates. Gap soared 10.8% after handily beating analysts' third-quarter earnings and revenue expectations, while raising its own revenue forecast for the year. Discount retailer Ross Stores rose 1.5% after raising its earnings forecast for the year. EchoStar fell 2.4% after DirecTV called off its purchase of that company's Dish Network unit. Smaller company stocks had some of the biggest gains. The Russell 2000 index rose 1.8%. A majority of stocks in the S&P 500 were gaining ground, but those gains were kept in check by slumps for several big technology companies. Nvidia fell 3.3%. Its pricey valuation makes it among the heaviest influences on whether the broader market gains or loses ground. The company has grown into a nearly $3.6 trillion behemoth because of demand for its chips used in artificial-intelligence technology. Intuit, which makes TurboTax and other accounting software, fell 5.6%. It gave investors a quarterly earnings forecast that fell short of analysts’ expectations. Facebook owner Meta Platforms fell 0.8% following a decision by the Supreme Court to allow a multibillion-dollar class action investors’ lawsuit to proceed against the company. It stems from the privacy scandal involving the Cambridge Analytica political consulting firm. European markets closed mostly higher and Asian markets ended mixed. Crude oil prices rose. Treasury yields held relatively steady in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.41% from 4.42% late Thursday. In the crypto market, Bitcoin hovered around $99,000, according to CoinDesk. It has more than doubled this year and first surpassed the $99,000 level on Thursday. Retailers remained a big focus for investors this week amid close scrutiny on consumer spending habits headed into the holiday shopping season. Walmart, the nation's largest retailer, reported a quarter of strong sales and gave investors an encouraging financial forecast. Target, though, reported weaker earnings than analysts' expected and its forecast disappointed Wall Street. Consumer spending has fueled economic growth, despite a persistent squeeze from inflation and high borrowing costs. Inflation has been easing and the Federal Reserve has started trimming its benchmark interest rates. That is likely to help relieve pressure on consumers, but any major shift in spending could prompt the Fed to reassess its path ahead on interest rates. Also, any big reversals on the rate of inflation could curtail spending. Consumer sentiment remains strong, according to the University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index. It revised its latest figure for November to 71.8 from an initial reading of 73 earlier this month, though economists expected a slight increase. It's still up from 70.5 in October. The survey also showed that consumers' inflation expectations for the year ahead fell slightly to 2.6%, which is the lowest reading since December of 2020. Wall Street will get another update on how consumers feel when the business group The Conference Board releases its monthly consumer confidence survey on Tuesday. A key inflation update will come on Wednesday when the U.S. releases its October personal consumption expenditures index. The PCE is the Fed's preferred measure of inflation and this will be the last PCE reading prior to the central bank's meeting in December. Damian J. Troise And Alex Veiga, The Associated PressNvidia Breaks Ground With Edify 3D