Investec Champions Cup Pool 2: Bath 20 La Rochelle 24 Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle had just enough in the tank for a priceless away win in their Investec Champions Cup opener against Bath on Friday night. Twice-winners La Rochelle triumphed 24-20 at the Recreation Ground, after the Gallagher Premiership leaders launched a powerful second-half fightback, scoring two converted tries from 15 points adrift. La Rochelle roared clear through tries from flanker Oscar Jegou, prop Reda Wardi and scrum-half Tawera Kerr-Barlow, while fly-half Ihaia West kicked three conversions and a penalty. Bath were in deep trouble at half-time, managing only two Finn Russell penalties, yet they stirred after the break as hooker Tom Dunn and former Connacht and Ireland lock Quinn Roux claimed touchdowns, with Russell adding the extras. Despite swirling rain and a gusting wind, a compelling contest unfolded, although it ramps up pressure on Bath, despite claiming a losing bonus-point, to potentially win at least two of their last three pool games as they chase a last-16 place. They tackle Benetton in Italy next, with Clermont Auvergne and Leinster looming as testing opponents in January. Russell kicked Bath into a fifth-minute lead, but conditions — albeit at the very early stages of Storm Darragh — played their part. La Rochelle’s heavyweight pack soon warmed to the task, and relentless pressure close to Bath’s line resulted in an 18th-minute try for Jegou that West converted. The visitors had a collective power up-front, and they showcased it in all its glory through a long-range lineout drive that Bath could not stop. Wardi claimed the touchdown, with West adding the extras, and although Russell kicked a second penalty, La Rochelle were immediately back on the attack. Another lineout gave them a strong foundation five metres out, but this time they did not have to keep it tight as Kerr-Barlow darted through a huge gap for try number three, with West’s conversion making it 21-6. Bath reduced their deficit midway through the third quarter as Dunn touched down following a driven lineout, before Russell judged his touchline conversion brilliantly to leave his team eight points adrift. Bath struck again five minutes later after Kerr-Barlow failed to ground a kick behind own line, with a charging Roux capitalising and Russell converting. West eased La Rochelle nerves through a penalty on the hour-mark. Bath: Tries: Dunn, Roux. Cons: Russell 2. Pens: Russell 2. La Rochelle: Tries: Jegou, Wardi, Kerr Barlow. Cons: West 3. Pens: West. BATH: de Glanville, Cokanasiga, Redpath, Butt, Muir, Russell, Schreuder, du Toit, Dunn, Stuart, Roux, Ewels, Hill, Pepper, Reid. Subs: Ojomoh for Butt (73), Van Wyk for du Toit (65), Annett for Dunn (55), A. Griffin for Stuart (65), Molony for Roux (65), Bayliss for Hill (65), Coetzee for Reid (55). LA ROCHELLE: Dulin, Nowell, Seuteni, Danty, Leyds, West, Kerr Barlow, Wardi, Latu, Atonio, Lavault, Skelton, Jegou, Haddad, Alldritt. Subs: Reus for West (73), Penverne for Wardi (71), Lespiaucq-Brettes for Latu (61), Colombe for Atonio (61), Botia for Haddad (65). Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU).This week’s trip to Bristol will be a first for St. Michael’s Prep in Texas. “This is a really big deal for us because our school has never left the state for a tournament so we are pretty fired up,” St. Michael’s Prep head coach Cooper Land said. The Warriors (17-2), who are located in Austin, Texas, have played 19 games before The Classic at Tennessee High later this week. They had a stellar campaign last season, finishing 34-2 before losing in the Class 5A state semifinals. “We were 34-1 going into that game and our one loss was to a team that was 30-0,” Land said. “I felt like we had everything we needed to win the state championship. We just went out and didn’t play our best game and kind of ran into a perfect storm, a team that we had played that just played really, really well and smart. I am still not over that loss obviously.” Three all-state performers return from that team, including junior Bo Ogden and seniors Aidan Disu and Sugeeth Jinkal, all of whom are part of what Land feels like his first team worthy of leaving Texas. “It has been a couple of years in the making,” Land said. “We have gotten a little better over the last couple of years and I think we have a team this year that we feel really good about leaving the state with.” Land first learned of The Classic through a handwritten note from tournament director Richard Ensor. “I haven’t received one of those since I was 12 from my grandma,” said Land, with a laugh. “It was a really nice touch. He included a tournament brochure in that letter and I looked some things up online and was really impressed with what I saw. It seems like exactly the kind of tournament that we want to go play in, somewhere that is far away that most people haven’t been to from here with really competitive teams with really good local support and with a really rich tradition and history to it. Once he laid everything out there for us it was a no-brainer.” Leading the way for the Warriors is Ogden, who has averaged 12.8 points while missing 11 games with injury this season. He has offers from college basketball heavyweights Tennessee, Texas and Purdue. “He is a 6-6 junior, can kind of do everything on the court, a really good shooter, a really good ball handler, can post up, a very good defender, a good athlete and highly skilled,” Land said. “He makes me look like a good coach.” Disu, who provides 13.4 points and 6.4 rebounds, has signed with Holy Cross, while Sugeeth Jinkal (5.6 points, 2.8 assists per game) — and his brother, Sungeeth (11.4 points a game) — are also weapons for the Warriors. Nolan Barkley is pouring in 10.4 points a game for a team that has plenty of depth as well. “It is kind of hard to talk about because we have five guys that average between 9 and 13 points a game so it is not like it is just a one-man team,” said Land, who played college basketball at Wright State. “I hope they play like that up there, that is what has gotten us success to this point. We have been able to change our starting lineup depending on who we are playing. We have a lot of depth and guys have been great about being unselfish and accepting whatever role they have on that given night.” With an enrollment of 415, St. Michael’s will be the smallest of the 18 teams in The Classic, but the Warriors still play at the 6A level, the largest private school division in Texas. “There are some high level teams around here. Stone Point High School, who were in the top 15 in the country last year, they have been the best team around here the last two years. We actually beat them earlier this season without our best player,” said Land, who played professionally overseas and has also been an assistant coach at the college level. “That was a big win for us. We also beat the number one school out of Houston by three points in a game earlier this season. We have racked up some big wins this year, super proud of these guys.” Land felt like his Warriors were capable of playing at a national level last year, but it didn’t work out until now. “This is the best team I have had,” said Land, in his seventh season at St. Michael’s. “It is the most experienced I have had, it is the most talented group and it is the first time we have had a team here that has a chance to compete on a national level to be honest with you. Last year’s team could have, but we just didn’t wrap our heads around it early enough and get organized and definitely didn’t want to do that again this year with this group.” Up first for St. Michael’s in Bristol will be Bartlett, which was 32-5 last season, advancing to the TSSAA 4A state semifinals, a team the Warriors were able to see play at the Hoopfest in Dallas earlier this season. “We got a chance to watch them at the Hoopfest, we were in the same showcase as them. They are really good, we will have our hands full, they are super athletic,” Land said. “They are really well-coached and it looks like they have a couple of really good players so that will be tough... “Hopefully we will be ready to go because we know we will have our hands full if we don’t. I would hate to waste such a great opportunity in this tournament.” Land can only recall being in Tennessee once, having played Chattanooga while at Wright State. He ventured to Longwood University in Farmville, Va., last year where his brother, Taylor Land, was part of the coaching staff. “I haven’t really gotten to spend any time in Tennessee in general so looking forward to it,” he said. “Been looking up stuff to do and looks like a beautiful part of the country.” His players are anxious as well. They do have one request from Mother Nature. “They are all fired up, they can’t wait,” Land said. “Our guys are hoping for snow because they never see it.”
As the CBA season unfolds, one thing is certain – the league is a cauldron of excitement, passion, and relentless competition. With Beijing dethroned, Shandong proving their worth, Qingdao delivering last-second heroics, and a plethora of other surprises in store, fans can expect more thrills and twists in the days and weeks to come. The battle for supremacy in the CBA rages on, with each game bringing new challenges, surprises, and moments of brilliance that keep fans on the edge of their seats. Let the games continue, and may the best team emerge victorious in this epic quest for glory.
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The ultimate five tricks energy experts use to keep heating costs down - including the way you can HALVE your billThe recent ban of 83 accounts on the overseas servers of Infinite Warmth sends a clear message that cheating will not be tolerated and that offenders will face consequences for their actions. The banned accounts were found to have engaged in a range of cheating behaviors, including using third-party software to manipulate the game, exploiting glitches and bugs, and violating the game's terms of service.Liberal MP accuses fellow caucus member of threatening him in the House of Commons
November 26, 2024 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlightedthe following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked trusted source written by researcher(s) proofread by Howard Bamsey, The Conversation Many people long involved in global climate negotiations see the annual United Nations COP climate talks as fundamentally flawed. That includes me. On Sunday, the 29th round of talks finished in Baku, Azerbaijan. It was likely my 25th COP. I have attended these talks in many different roles, but largely as a climate negotiator for the Australian government. These days I attend in my academic capacity. COP29 did not achieve a breakthrough. It led to a modest increase in climate finance for developing nations and agreement on carbon market rules. But many issues were kicked down the road. COP talks are slow. And the once-a-year meetings are seen as "win or lose" moments, which complicates the dynamics. Oil states and lobbyists work to avoid mention of quitting fossil fuels. Host nations need a win, leading to "commitments" which may not lead to substantive change. Ahead of this year's talks, major climate figures called once more for reform to the COP process. But however flawed, COP meetings are the only way to get the world's nations in the same room to hash out what to do about climate change. In recent years, global leaders have been distracted by COVID, the Ukraine-Russia war and now the Middle East. But climate change is only worsening. It won't be long before real world events pull our attention back to the single largest threat we face. Why do these talks matter? Since 1995, the COP talks have acted as the main driver of global action on climate change. These talks will continue to matter until the transition to clean energy is complete and the burning of fossil fuels is no longer routine. Climate change has a one-word solution: investment. Every day, companies and governments invest money. They either invest it in status quo technologies which make carbon pollution worse, or they invest in cleaner alternatives. What the COP talks do is help change the direction of investment. You can see this working very clearly in how much is now being invested in green energy , electricity grid upgrades and energy efficiency—double that for new fossil fuels. (Unfortunately, if you include fossil fuel subsidies , the picture is very different.) Last year, nations finally included text about the need to transition away from fossil fuels. It was hard-won. But this year, diplomats from Saudi Arabia and petrostate allies were able to block any mention of this. The text on fossil fuels was not binding. But it was influential in boardrooms where decisions on investment are made. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matter— daily or weekly . Process over progress? The way the COP talks are set up are not ideal. A new country is chosen every year to take on the presidency role and host the summit. The talks run for a fortnight and the agenda is vast. This year, the hosts, Azerbaijan, struggled to keep control of the agenda. As a result, issues such as the Global Stocktake—which included the calls to quit fossil fuels —were kicked down the road to COP30 in Brazil in a year's time. Because these talks are just once a year, everything crowds into them. It is very messy. Every June, climate negotiators meet for an inter-sessional meeting before the next COP talks in Bonn, Germany, where the UN Secretariat on Climate Change has its headquarters . At these meetings, we often see efforts to walk back announcements made at the formal COP talks. Sometimes these are successful. Every delegate sent to COP talks has two reasons for going. The first is because their government is to some extent committed to solving the great problem of climate change. Five or six nations might not be, but that leaves over 190 who are. The second reason is to protect their national interests. You can, of course, do both. But this brings up a hidden issue. Many people who attend become, in my view, focused on the process, not the outcome. Twice a year, they travel to the COP itself and the Bonn intersessional, where they will meet friends and colleagues. It has become routine. The process has become, for some, the point. Five ideas for change COP talks are flawed but necessary. Could we improve them? Here are five ideas: 1. Break up the negotiating process Meetings of COP subsidiary bodies in cities where most nations have established diplomatic missions. These bodies could meet more regularly, creating pressure and momentum for more speed and outcomes. 2. Change COP presidency arrangements At times, the nation hosting the talks tries to control outcomes as much possible. But this is an all but impossible task. A better option might be to rely on the negotiators from each nation who do most of the work—and make them accountable for achieving outcomes. 3. Make regional meetings more important COP is big. Hundreds of countries, thousands of delegates, and many from civil society and business. It's very difficult when everyone tries to talk to everyone. Much better progress would come if the thrust of COP talks was devolved to smaller, more regular regional meetings. 4. Gather more ambitious countries There have been several gatherings of nations wanting to do more, faster on climate change, such as the High Ambition Coalition . These gatherings can help stimulate action among like-minded leaders. But they need sustained leadership to be effective. 5. Direct action by the largest emitters In 2015, the Paris Agreement set a joint goal of keeping climate change below 2°C. It was the high water mark for COP talks. Before this agreement was signed, top emitters China and the United States found common ground on climate in direct talks, despite intensifying geopolitical jostling. This helped Paris succeed. In 2025 under President Donald Trump, the US will walk off the climate action stage again. But China is now feeling more confident in shouldering a climate leadership role. What about preventing oil states from hosting these talks, as prominent climate movers and shakers have called for ? You can't easily shut out countries who have signed treaties and agreements. The solution here is to organize better. Oil-state pressure doesn't have to win. While oil rich Azerbaijan's presidency of COP29 drew skepticism, there was no sign that its leaders wanted the process to fail. Needed: renewed political will Ten years ago, it felt like the world was largely united on climate. But while the Paris Agreement has helped avert the worst emissions scenarios , it has not yet led to a single year of declining emissions. Climate change has, by any measurement, slipped down the global list of urgent issues. That will change as more calamitous impacts arrive. Provided by The Conversation This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article .
KENNEDY: I already know how the hunt for the UnitedHealthcare CEO assassin ends... and it makes my blood run coldThe Chinese players demonstrated their skills and resilience throughout the tournament, showcasing their determination and talent. With a total of four victories and three defeats on the opening day, the Chinese snooker team made a strong statement right from the start of the competition. Their consistent performance earned them a place in the Top 16 stage, where they faced tougher opponents and even greater challenges.As these individuals begin their 10-year sentence, it is a sobering reminder of the consequences of betraying one's country and the high price that must be paid for such actions. May this serve as a cautionary tale for others and a wake-up call for us all to prioritize the security and integrity of our nation above all else.
A history of the Panama Canal — and why Trump can’t take it back on his ownDuring the meeting, it was recognized that the global economic landscape is undergoing significant transformations and challenges. In this context, it is imperative for China to adopt a forward-looking approach in formulating economic strategies to effectively tackle the uncertainties and complexities in the international arena.
2. Andres Iniesta
ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 6, 2024-- Liberty Media Corporation (“Liberty Media”) (Nasdaq: FWONA, FWONK, LLYVA, LLYVK) today announced the appointment of Chase Carey to the board of directors of Liberty Media (the “Board”) effective January 1, 2025. Mr. Carey most recently served as Chairman of Formula 1 from 2016 to 2022 and as its Chief Executive Officer from 2017 to 2021. He will serve on the Executive Committee of the Liberty Media Board. “Chase has been an excellent partner to Liberty for many years, from our investment in DIRECTV in 2008 to Liberty’s purchase of Formula 1 in 2017 where his role as CEO was key to securing the acquisition. He was instrumental in building a successful foundation at F1 from which the business has grown materially,” said John Malone, Liberty Media Chairman. “Chase’s knowledge and expertise across media, entertainment, sports, business and more will be valuable to the board as our companies execute on their next chapters of growth and value creation.” “Liberty is at an exciting point in its storied evolution, with a more focused asset base centered around high-quality, premium sporting assets that I know well. I look forward to contributing to Liberty as a director in partnership with John, Liberty management and the portfolio company leadership teams,” said Mr. Carey. Prior to joining Formula 1, Mr. Carey served in a number of roles at 21st Century Fox, including as President and Chief Operating Officer from 2009 to 2015 and as a Director since 1996. Mr. Carey served as a Director, and the President and Chief Executive Officer of DIRECTV, Inc. from 2003 to 2009, where he led the operations and strategic direction of the DIRECTV, Inc. companies, including DIRECTV, Inc. in the United States and DIRECTV Latin America. Mr. Carey is a graduate of Colgate University and Harvard Business School. He is also a Trustee Emeritus at Colgate University. About Liberty Media Corporation Liberty Media Corporation operates and owns interests in a broad range of media, communications, sports and entertainment businesses. Those businesses are attributed to two tracking stock groups: the Formula One Group and the Liberty Live Group. The businesses and assets attributed to the Formula One Group (NASDAQ: FWONA, FWONK) include Liberty Media’s subsidiaries Formula 1 and Quint, and other minority investments. The businesses and assets attributed to the Liberty Live Group (NASDAQ: LLYVA, LLYVK) include Liberty Media’s interest in Live Nation and other minority investments. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241205627234/en/ CONTACT: Liberty Media Corporation Shane Kleinstein, 720-875-5432 KEYWORD: COLORADO UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: SPORTS OTHER COMMUNICATIONS TV AND RADIO MUSIC COMMUNICATIONS GENERAL ENTERTAINMENT MOTOR SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT SOURCE: Liberty Media Corporation Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/06/2024 05:10 PM/DISC: 12/06/2024 05:08 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241205627234/enFurthermore, the MarsCode AI Programming Challenge will feature a diverse range of coding challenges that cater to participants of all skill levels, ensuring that both seasoned programmers and newcomers to the field have an equal opportunity to showcase their talents and learn from their peers. From machine learning and natural language processing to computer vision and data analytics, the challenges presented in the competition will cover a wide array of AI-related topics, providing participants with a holistic learning experience that expands their knowledge and understanding of AI programming concepts.
( MENAFN - Newsfile Corp) Portland, Oregon--(Newsfile Corp. - December 23, 2024) - Renowned paranormal phenomena researcher and Hangar 1 Publishing author Thom Powell has issued a formal statement addressing recent speculation regarding the connection between mysterious drone sightings and the release of his latest book, "Planet Strange" (Hangar 1 Publishing, June 2024). Thom Powell's Planet Strange "While the timing has led to considerable speculation, I want to be absolutely clear that neither I nor anyone associated with my work has any involvement with the recent drone incidents," states Powell. "These sightings, though coincidentally aligned with themes explored in 'Planet Strange,' are entirely separate from my book's release and promotional activities." The statement comes in response to growing social media speculation linking the unexplained aerial phenomena to the book's publication. "Planet Strange," which examines various paranormal occurrences and their potential local origins, was released several months before the reported drone sightings began. Powell, whose research spans decades in the field of unexplained phenomena, emphasizes that such unfounded allegations detract from the serious nature of both the current sightings and the scholarly work presented in his book. "Hangar 1 Publishing stands firmly behind Thom Powell and his work," says Alex Hajicek, Publisher at Hangar 1 Publishing. "We believe in the integrity of our authors and the importance of addressing these phenomena with a scholarly approach." For more information about "Planet Strange" or to schedule an interview with Thom Powell, please contact the media representative at Hangar 1 Publishing. About Thom Powell Thom Powell is a respected author and researcher in the field of paranormal phenomena. His latest work, "Planet Strange," offers groundbreaking perspectives on unexplained aerial phenomena and their potential origins. The book is available through major retailers and Hangar 1 Publishing. About Hangar 1 Publishing Hangar 1 Publishing specializes in immersive, paranormal nonfiction-ranging from Bigfoot and cryptids to unexplained phenomena. With cutting-edge multimedia integration, our enhanced books deliver an unparalleled reading experience. For press inquiries, interviews, or review copies, please contact us directly. Press Inquiries MENAFN23122024004218003983ID1109025609 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.
One of the most high-profile signings is the acquisition of a talented winger from Real Betis, who is known for his blistering pace, dribbling ability, and eye for goal. His arrival is expected to add a dynamic attacking threat to Beijing Guoan's frontline, giving Setien more options in the final third.