sweetgreen CEO Jonathan Neman sells $1.97 million in stockThe everyday Jinnah Quaid-i-Azam is not just a title or name of a person; it is synonymous with freedom, independence, and heroism ‘There are only two ways of learning in life,’ said Jinnah to his son Mohammed Ali. ‘What are they, father?’ he replied. ‘One is to trust the wisdom of your elders and their superior knowledge, to accept their advice and do exactly as they suggest.’ ‘And what is the other way, father?’ ‘The other way is to go your own way, to learn by making mistakes, to learn by hard knocks and kicks in life.’ Till the very last day of his life, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, always took his own way. Quaid-i-Azam is not just a title or the name of a person; it is synonymous with freedom, independence, and heroism. The life of a hero is marked by events that embody the essence of independence and self-realization. A hero’s journey can be described as a monomyth, a cyclical pattern where the hero embarks on an adventure, crosses the threshold from the ordinary world, faces and overcomes crises, and returns transformed, carrying the elixir that can heal or save his people. In the monomyth of Quaid-i-Azam, freedom and independence rest at the core; they are the very heartbeat of his journey. Jinnah’s lineage, too, hinted at an inherent defiance of norms. His father, Jinnahbhai Poonja, was born in 1857, the year of the Indian Rebellion, and later chose to leave his ancestral village of Paneli to seek broader horizons in Gondal and eventually Karachi. This daring spirit was inherited by Quaid-i-Azam, who would later go on to break the wheel of colonial dominance and give birth to a new nation. Born weak and frail on a Sunday in Kharadar, Karachi, Jinnah’s survival itself was a quiet testament to his resilience. Defying early doubts about his health, he not only thrived but went on to embody a personality that consistently surpassed expectations. The early years of Quaid-i-Azam’s life marked the beginning of his hero’s journey. Like an ordinary child, he enjoyed playing games and winning in them, establishing himself as a leader among his friends. At six, he began his education with Gujarati lessons at home, although he showed little interest in reading and preferred games instead. At nine, school posed an unexpected challenge for him. Finding himself outperformed by other students, Quaid-i-Azam chose an unconventional route; he quit school, preferring to accompany his father to work instead. Yet, his stint at the office taught him a humbling lesson: without education, he commanded little respect. Back at school, Jinnah displayed newfound dedication, attending Sind Madrasahtul-Islam, a high school on Newnham Road. Despite occasional shifts between schools, likely a reflection of his restless and perfectionist spirit, he persisted and paved way for his future accomplishments. By the age of 10, Jinnah had developed a passion for horseback riding, a sport that brought him immense joy. Accompanied by his school friend Karim Kassim, the two boys would ride for miles, finding in nature the inspiration for his philosophy of life. To Quaid-i-Azam, the verticality of trees, flowers, domes, and even human posture symbolised aspiration and dignity. This observation cemented his resolve to always look ahead and carry himself with pride. At around fifteen, Quaid-i-Azam faced instability in his life, marking the crisis phase of his monomyth. True to his character of independence and defiance of norms, he confronted challenges directly. After marrying Emi Bai in Paneli, he broke a village tradition by convincing her parents to let her accompany him to Karachi, bypassing the customary one-month stay with her family. Soo after, the General Manager of Grahams Trading Co., an Englishman and close friend of Quaid-i-Azam’s father, offered him a chance to join their Head Office in London as an apprentice for three years, where he could learn practical business administration. He left for London in a ship. During the voyage, when warned about pickpockets in Port Said, Quaid-i-Azam took it as a challenge to his sense of responsibility and confidently explored the streets of Port Said alone. Once in London, Quaid-i-Azam worked at Grahams Trading Co., braving cold, heavy rains every day. While working, he immersed himself in the British liberal environment. He developed a habit of reading the morning paper before finishing his breakfast. He admired the achievements of British leaders, whose speeches were followed with great reverence by the people. He often found himself questioning his own purpose; yes, money was important, but he realised he could never be a leader or a hero for the betterment of his countrymen if he stayed on this path. Inspired by the English leaders, Quaid-i-Azam saw that many of them had studied law. True to his nature, he broke free from the obligation to work at Grahams and decided to pursue the Bar. Though deeply immersed in English culture, Quaid-i-Azam always remained a Muslim at heart. He chose to join Lincoln’s Inn, not just for its academic reputation but also because he saw the name of the Prophet (PBUH) engraved on its entrance alongside the greatest law-givers in history. Despite facing personal and financial challenges, including the death of Emi Bai, and his mother, and the severe losses in his father’s business, Quaid-i-Azam managed to pass the Bar. During his time at Lincoln’s Inn, he expanded his intellectual horizons, obtaining a reader’s ticket to the British Museum and engaging in extensive reading. He often spent Sundays at Hyde Park Corner, where soap-box orators inspired him with their ability to captivate audiences despite lacking formal education. He also frequented the House of Commons, closely observing the parliamentary eloquence of figures like Mr. Gladstone, Lord Morley, Mr. Joseph Chamberlain, Mr. Balfour, and Irish patriot Mr. T.P. O’Connor, skills he would later emulate with great success. During his time in London, he also actively campaigned for Dadabhoy Naoroji. Quaid-i-Azam led a full life, balancing his studies for the Bar, managing finances, engaging in politics, and caring for his family. Amidst these responsibilities, he cultivated a deep interest in literature, particularly Shakespeare, whose works he enjoyed throughout his life. Though he dreamed of acting, especially playing Romeo at the Old Vic, he redirected his ambition toward being a hero on a larger stage, leading millions. His return to Karachi marked the final phase of his monomyth, where he would leave a lasting impact on the world. After relocating to Bombay, Quaid-i-Azam faced early struggles in his career, unable to secure a single brief as a barrister. Despite this, he remained composed, walking the courts daily without income, while internally battling frustration. His social connections eventually led him to a position as a Presidency Magistrate. His performance earned him praise, and when his temporary appointment ended, Sir Charles Ollivant offered him a permanent judicial position with a significant salary. But Quaid-i-Azam declined, confident that he would soon earn more in a single day. His refusal exemplified his independence and ambition, traits noted by Sir Chimanlal Setalvad, “Jinnah had always, even in his junior days, shown considerable independence and courage. He never allowed himself to be overborne either by the judge or the opposing Counsel.” His family had settled in Bombay, and Quaid-i-Azam made it a point to visit them every Sunday in Khoja Mohallah. From then on, Quaid-i-Azam became a pioneering leader for the Muslim struggle in India, never allowing his declining health to slow him down. His capacity to sleep at will helped him manage the exhaustion from his tireless work. Despite physical discomfort, he continued his efforts, saying, “Have you ever heard of a general taking a holiday when his army is fighting for its survival?” Even when bedridden, he would rise to speak, knowing that the Muslims drew their strength from him. His chauffeur, Mohammad Hanif Azad, noted that Quaid-i-Azam had a fondness for good shoes and owned many pairs. He also enjoyed playing billiards, though often alone. “He would take a cue in his hand, survey the balls carefully, fondly rub his fingers on the cue, and then take his shot. He would be so happy when he scored.” Quaid-i-Azam was a heavy smoker, consuming about fifty cigarettes daily. He felt very happy when hosting parties at his home, where he would order special dishes to ensure his guests had plenty to enjoy. For a change, he would sometimes go to the Taj Hotel for a meal, as he liked to eat there. Despite a lifelong aversion to doctors and medicine, he defied his deteriorating health, insisting on continuing his work. His determination was evident as, at times, he would go to bed in his clothes and shoes on after attending events. On one occasion, when a lady compounder was called to check his temperature, she refused to tell him the reading. Quaid-i-Azam admired her firmness, saying, “I like people who can be firm and refuse to be cowered down.” Quaid-i-Azam had a love for roses, particularly carnations, and preferred to keep them in his surroundings. At night, he wore silk pajamas, a lifelong habit, despite often shivering with cold. His mind remained focused on the country’s issues, even when his body was weakening. His thoughts were consumed by Pakistan, Kashmir, refugees, and the constitution. Every day at Ziarat, a table and chair were laid for him in the lawn, and he used to work. It was only a few days before his departure that he stopped working. Saleh Mohammad, his gardener at Ziarat, also recalled that Quaid-i-Azam would walk along the road that led from the Residency to the swimming pool, a distance of about two furlongs. When advised to move to Karachi for treatment, he agreed, saying, “I was born there... I want to be buried there.” When it was time to leave, he refused to travel in a pajama suit, insisting on dressing properly as he always had. In his final moments, as his health worsened, he expressed his readiness to depart, stating, “No, I am not,” when told that he would be okay and live. Quaid-i-Azam, the hero of our nation, lived a life that continues to advocate for freedom and independence. His life stands as a testament to the unwavering pursuit of freedom, not just in the political sense, but in freeing the heart, mind, and soul. The Quaid-i-Azam had a singular goal, and he relentlessly sought freedom from every obstacle that stood in his way. His life teaches us countless lessons, with the most significant being the importance of confronting difficulties head-on. It is through overcoming these challenges that a hero is forged. Much like a caterpillar struggling within a cocoon, unaware that the effort is vital to its transformation into a butterfly, we too must embrace our struggles. Without them, we would not realise our true potential. As we remember Quaid-i-Azam, it is important for us to reflect on our own lives. Are we striving to be free? Are we pursuing independence in all its forms, as he did?AP Business SummaryBrief at 1:12 p.m. ESTslot bet 100 perak 。

The Tennessee Titans will turn to Mason Rudolph as their starter at quarterback for a second consecutive week, despite a three-interception performance in a loss Sunday to the Indianapolis Colts. Titans head coach Brian Callahan announced the decision Tuesday after calling his starting quarterback situation a week-to-week proposition moving forward for his 3-12 team. Rudolph, who was inserted as starter Sunday in place of a struggling Will Levis, was 23-of-34 passing for 252 yards and two touchdowns, but the turnovers proved costly in a 38-30 loss at Indianapolis. Rudolph, who made three starts for an injured Levis earlier this season, has completed 63.8 percent of his passes this season in 188 attempts for 1,267 yards, eight TDs and eight interceptions. Callahan yanked Levis in the third quarter of a 37-27 loss to the visiting Cincinnati Bengals in Week 15. Levis threw for just 89 yards and three interceptions, including a pick returned for a touchdown. He also lost a fumble. Rudolph came on to complete 21 of 26 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns -- one on the final play of the game -- and an interception. Levis has thrown for 1,916 yards with 12 TDs and 12 INTs this season. He is 5-15 as a starter in his first two seasons in the NFL after he was a second-round draft pick in 2023 out of Kentucky. --Field Level Media

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MADRID (AP) — Spanish King Felipe VI used his traditional Christmas Eve speech to remember the victims of the catastrophic Valencia flash floods , and urged the country to remain calm while addressing hot-button issues such as immigration and housing affordability. In a pre-recorded speech that usually reviews the year’s most relevant issues, Felipe said Spain “must never forget the pain and sadness” the floods caused. The Oct. 29 floods killed more than 225 people in eastern Spain, damaging countless homes and leaving graveyards of cars piled on top of each other. In some towns, the heavy downpours that caused the floods dropped as much as a year’s worth of rain in just eight hours. In early November, as Spaniards’ shock at the wreckage turned into frustration, a political blame game began, directed especially at regional authorities who failed to send timely emergency alerts to cell phones on the day of the floods. The frustration of residents in hard-hit Paiporta near Valencia was on display when people tossed mud and shouted insults at the king and government officials in early November when they made their first visit to the town. RELATED COVERAGE California residents on edge as high surf and flooding threats persist on Christmas Eve As flooding becomes a yearly disaster in South Sudan, thousands survive on the edge of a canal Flood gates are dropped from a plan to protect the Jersey Shore’s back bays from catastrophic storms “We have seen — and understood — the frustration, the pain, the impatience, the demands for greater and more effective coordination,” Felipe said about how the disaster was managed. He also addressed the country’s housing crunch and high rents, which have become a leading concern in the southern European country that is the eurozone’s fourth-largest economy. Fast-rising rents are especially acute in cities like Barcelona and Madrid, where incomes have failed to keep up, especially for younger people in a country with chronically high unemployment. Felipe urged that “all the actors involved reflect” and “listen to each other” so that they facilitate bringing access to housing under “affordable conditions.” Spain’s immigration debate should keep in mind the country’s European partners and immigrants’ countries of origin, Felipe said, warning that “the way in which we are able to address immigration ... will say a lot in the future about our principles and the quality of our democracy.” Felipe said Spain needed to remain calm in the public sphere, even in the face of a “sometimes thunderous” contest in its politics.House approves $895B defense bill with military pay raise, ban on transgender care for minorsCHICAGO (AP) — Sam Darnold threw for 90 of his 330 yards in overtime to set up Parker Romo's game-ending 29-yard field goal , and the Minnesota Vikings outlasted the Chicago Bears 30-27 on Sunday after giving up 11 points in the final 22 seconds of regulation. Darnold threw two touchdown passes, Jordan Addison caught eight passes for a career-high 162 yards and a touchdown, and T.J. Hockenson had 114 yards receiving for the Vikings (9-2), who remained one game behind Detroit in the rugged NFC North. Caleb Williams threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns for the Bears (4-7), who lost their fifth straight and fell to 5-18 in one-possession games under coach Matt Eberflus, who is 14-31 in 2 1/2 seasons. Minnesota appeared to have the game in hand, leading 27-16 with 1:56 left after Romo kicked a 26-yard field goal. But the Bears weren’t finished. Deandre Carter made up for a muffed punt that led to a touchdown in the third quarter with a 55-yard kickoff return to the 40. Williams took it from there, capping an eight-play drive with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Keenan Allen. A 2-point conversion pass to DJ Moore made it 27-24 with 22 seconds remaining. The Bears recovered the onside kick and Williams hit Moore over the middle for a 27-yard gain to the 30 before spiking the ball. Cairo Santos made a 48-yard field goal as time expired. Chicago won the coin toss, but Williams was sacked for a 12-yard loss on second down, leading to a three-and-out. The Vikings took over at the 21, and Darnold led a 10-play drive, overcoming a sack and two penalties. Darnold connected with Hockenson for a 29-yard completion that put the ball on the 9. He took a knee and then Romo nailed the winner. Darnold surpassed his previous season high of 19 touchdown passes with a 2-yarder to Addison on the first play of the second quarter, and he made it 14-7 with a 5-yard score to Jalen Nailor late in the first half. He completed 22 of 34 passes. Aaron Jones ran for 106 yards and a score for the VIkings. Williams was 32 of 47 with a 103.1 passer rating in his second straight solid performance since Thomas Brown replaced the fired Shane Waldron as offensive coordinator. Moore caught seven passes for 106 yards and a touchdown, and Allen added 86 yards receiving and the late TD. Injuries Vikings: LB Ivan Pace Jr. (hamstring) and LT Cam Robinson (foot) left in the first quarter. ... Darnold missed two plays after he was hit by Gervon Dexter Sr. on a pass play with about 6 1/2 minutes. Up next Vikings: Host Arizona next Sunday. Bears: Visit Detroit on Thanksgiving. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL Andrew Seligman, The Associated Press