big fish casino pc

big fish casino pc DUMAGUETE CITY – Negros Oriental must be placed under a state of calamity due to the continued unrest of Mt. Kanlaon the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) has recommended on Friday. PDDRM chief Adrian Sedillo told the Philippine News Agency that the council voted on Thursday for the recommendation after the local government unit (LGU) of Vallehermoso declared a state of calamity recently The legal requirement of at least two LGUs had been met as Canlaon City has remained in a state of calamity since the June 3 eruption. The council’s resolution has been forwarded to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for deliberation, with Sedillo expressing hope for swift approval. “Once declared, the provincial government can access its quick response fund (QRF) for disaster response and relief,” he said. Edna Lhou Masicampo, Canlaon City information officer-designate, said on Friday that the city’s QRF has been depleted and the P30 million from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is also slowly draining. Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Central Visayas distributed food packs and P3,000 cash assistance to families displaced within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ). Cardenas also urged DSWD to include evacuees staying with relatives in the aid program. As of Dec. 26, a total of 2,421 families or 7,816 individuals remained displaced, with 1,778 families in evacuation centers and 643 families sheltering outside these facilities ij both Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental. Residents outside the PDZ were advised to return home as fears of a major eruption have subsided. Last December 25, Mt. Kanlaon unleashed dark gray plumes into the atmosphere sending residents into a panic amid the ho.iday celebrations. (PNA)One of the key features of BlueStacks Air is its compatibility with a wide range of Android games, including popular titles such as PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact, and Among Us. This means that Mac users can now access a vast library of games previously unavailable to them, and enjoy a gaming experience on par with that of Android users.

A THIEVING fox took a hairdresser’s lost mobile phone and buried it in a neighbour’s garden. The sly critter pounced after Helen Price un­wittingly dropped her iPhone as she got out of her car. It carried the handset down the road and buried it ten inches down among the shrubbery. For two days, mum-of-one Helen, 59, was hunting high and low, even calling her hairdressing clients to see if they had it. Eventually, she used her Find My iPhone feature to trace it. She said: “The ground was vibrating whenever I called. READ MORE ON ANIMALS "I could see the soil was fresh so I started digging with my hands. “The leather case was chewed and the attached lanyard ripped apart. It must have been stolen and buried by a fox.” When Helen wrote about it on social media , neighbours replied with their tales of the robber reynard — blaming it for running off with dog harnesses, toys and even shoes. Helen said: “It’s a right hoodlum.” Most read in The Sun

NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks are closing lower as Wall Street ends a holiday-shortened week on a down note. The S&P 500 fell 1.1% Friday and the the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 333 points, or 0.8%. The Nasdaq composite dropped 1.5%. The “Magnificent 7” stocks weighed on the market, led by declines in Nvidia, Tesla and Microsoft. Even with the loss, the S&P 500 had a modest gain for the week and is still headed for its second consecutive annual gain of more than 20%, the first time that has happened since 1997-1998. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.62%. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. NEW YORK (AP) — Technology stocks are dragging down the market Friday as Wall Street closes out a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 fell 1.3%, with more than 90% of stocks in the benchmark index losing ground. The benchmark index was managing to hold onto a modest gain for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 418 points, or 1%, to 42,878 as of 1:43 p.m. Eastern time. The Nasdaq composite fell 1.8%. Technology stocks were the biggest weight on the market Friday. Semiconductor giant Nvidia slumped 2.7%. Its enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes. Other Big Tech stocks losing ground included Microsoft, with a 2% decline. A wide range of retailers also fell. Amazon fell 1.9% and Best Buy slipped 1.8%. The sector is being closely watched for clues on how it performed during the holiday shopping season. Energy stocks held up better than the rest of the market, with a loss of just 0.1% as crude oil prices rose 1.4%. The S&P 500 gained nearly 3% over a 3-day stretch before breaking for the Christmas holiday. On Thursday, the index posted a small decline. “There's just some uncertainty over this relief rally we've witnessed since last week,” said Adam Turnquist, chief technical strategist for LPL Financial. Despite Friday's drop, the market is . The S&P 500 is on track for a gain of around 25% in 2024. That would mark a second consecutive yearly gain of more than 20%, the first time that has happened since 1997-1998. The gains have been driven partly by upbeat economic data showing that consumers continued spending and the labor market remained strong. Inflation, while still high, has also been steadily easing. A report on Friday showed that sales and inventory estimates for the wholesales trade industry fell 0.2% in November, following a slight gain in October. That weaker-than-expected report follows an update on the labor market Thursday that showed unemployment benefits held steady last week. The stream of upbeat economic data and easing inflation this year. Expectations for interest rate cuts also helped drive market gains. The central bank recently delivered its third cut to interest rates in 2024. Even though Inflation has come closer to the central bank's target of 2%, it remains stubbornly above that mark and worries about it heating up again have tempered the forecast for more interest rate cuts. Inflation concerns have added to uncertainties heading into 2025, which include the labor market’s path ahead and shifting economic policies under incoming President Donald Trump. Worries have risen that Trump’s preference for tariffs and other policies could lead to , a bigger U.S. government debt and difficulties for global trade. Amedisys rose 4.7% after the home health care and hospice services provider agreed to extend the deadline for its sale to UnitedHealth Group. The Justice Department had sued to block the $3.3 billion deal, citing concerns he combination would hinder access to home health and hospice services in the U.S. The move to extend the deadline comes ahead of an expected shift in regulatory policy under Trump. The incoming administration is expected to have a more permissive approach to dealmaking and is less likely to raise antitrust concerns. In Asia, Japan’s benchmark index surged as the yen remained weak against the dollar. Stocks in South Korea fell after the main opposition party voted to impeach the country’s acting leader. Markets in Europe gained ground. Bond yields held relatively steady. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.61% from 4.59% late Thursday. The yield on the two-year Treasury slipped to 4.31% from 4.33% late Thursday. Wall Street will have more economic updates to look forward to next week, including reports on pending home sales and home prices. There will also be reports on U.S. construction spending and snapshots of manufacturing activity. Damian J. Troise, The Associated PressMore than half a million jobless youngsters are not even looking for work

The international community must take note of these developments and support efforts to uphold peace and security in the region. Diplomatic channels should remain open and dialogue should be promoted to address any concerns or grievances that may arise. It is in the interest of all parties to work towards peaceful resolutions and avoid any actions that could escalate tensions.

Byfield scores in 200th career game as Kings hold off Kraken for 2-1 win

As the release date of "Deep Sea Enchantment" draws near, anticipation is building among fans of Atomic Heart. The promise of a new and exciting chapter in the game's universe has players eagerly counting down the days until they can dive into the depths of the ocean and embark on an unforgettable adventure.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) signed revised Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Eastern University of Sri Lanka (EUSL) and the South Eastern University of Sri Lanka (SEUSL) last week to support the educational and career aspirations of undergraduates. The SEC began its partnership with national universities in 2008 through the signing of MoUs, and the MoUs were initially signed with the EUSL and the SEUSL in 2010. This marked the start of a lasting partnership aimed at nurturing the development of future professionals in the capital market. The updated MoUs aim to offer valuable benefits to undergraduates, such as a cash award and gold medal recognising academic excellence in capital market-related subjects, a cash award for the top research project in the capital market field, and opportunities for enhanced industry knowledge, hands-on learning experiences, and career development within the capital market and the SEC through internships. The revised Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed by representatives from both universities and the SEC. Deputy Director General of the SEC, Tushara Jayaratne, represented the Commission, while SEUSL was represented by its Acting Vice Chancellor, Dr. U.L. Abdul Majeed, and EUSL by its Vice Chancellor, Prof. V. Kanagasingham. The signing ceremony at SEUSL was also attended by the Head, Department of Management and Information Technology, Prof. Sabraz Nawas and M. Farwis of the Department of Accountancy and Finance. At EUSL, the MoU was signed in the presence of Deputy Vice Chancellor Dr. T. Prabaharan, Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies, Prof. J. Kennedy, Dean, Faculty of Arts and Culture, Dr. V. Gunabalasingam, Acting Head, Department of Management, Mrs. V. R. Ragel, Head, Department of Commerce, M.S. Thayaraj, National Link Coordinator, Faculty of Commerce and Management Ms T. Sellar and Dean, Healthcare Sciences, Prof. T. Sathaananthan. The SEC will continue to renew MoUs with other national universities, underscoring its dedication to broadening access to professional opportunities for students across the country. Through this initiative, the SEC seeks to inspire young professionals, fostering academic excellence and innovative contributions to the capital markets sector.G rowing up as a dark-skinned Tamil girl, I quickly learned that comments about appearance were an inevitable part of life. At weddings, family gatherings, or even casual meet-ups, someone always had something to say. “You’ve gained weight, what happened?” “Stay out of the sun; you’ll get darker.” And the one that stuck with me the most: “You’re pretty for a dark girl.” Though such remarks were sometimes framed as compliments, they often left me feeling anything but complimented. For those who might say them, these comments might seem like harmless observations or even “helpful advice”. They think it’s just brutal honesty, but I honestly think it’s brutal. The truth is they reflect a broader cultural pattern that many Tamil women experience, with their bodies and appearances subjected to relentless scrutiny. The excuses often given, such as “That’s just how we were raised”, do little to mitigate the lasting impact of these words. For those on the receiving end, the damage to self-esteem and self-worth is real. In Tamil households, discussions about weight are almost unavoidable. From “Are you eating enough?” to “You’ve been eating too much”, opinions are freely shared. Food, a source of joy and connection, often becomes a site of judgment instead. Even at family gatherings, the amount of food on your plate can invite unwanted commentary. If you serve yourself generously, someone might warn you about gaining weight. If you take less, questions such as “Are you trying to lose weight?” are inevitable. It’s a no-win situation. This fixation on weight is not limited to family conversations. Societal pressures to conform to beauty standards are deeply ingrained, and research confirms their harmful effects. A study conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences found that 47% of Indian women in the 18-to-35 age group experience body image issues, with societal expectations playing a significant role. These pressures are particularly pronounced for young women in Tamil communities, where criticism around weight is normalised and pervasive. Alongside weight, colourism remains a deeply rooted issue in Tamil culture. Growing up, I was frequently reminded to avoid the sun to “stay fair”. For many women and girls in India, the fear of spending time in the sun is not about getting sunburned, it’s about getting darker. Fairness creams or homemade remedies are heavily promoted in society as if lighter skin is the ultimate key to success. The message is clear: lighter skin is better. For young Tamil women, seeing themselves judged against these unrealistic standards can deepen feelings of inadequacy and exclusion. The emotional toll of these comments, whether about weight or skin tone, is significant. Often dismissed as harmless, such remarks can erode confidence and lead to long-term mental health challenges. Studies by the World Health Organization reveal that over 25% of women in India report anxiety or depression tied to body image concerns. For Tamil women, who often face these pressures within their families and elsewhere, the effects are even more pronounced. Colourism has its roots in colonialism and casteism, but its modern-day impact is profound. India’s skin-lightening industry, valued at over $500 million annually, is a testament to how entrenched these biases remain. A 2024 report by Dove found that 26% of Indian women have tried skin lightening or bleaching products, highlighting the extent of societal pressure to conform to fairer skin standards. For darker-skinned women, these societal preferences can be exhausting. Remarks such as “You’d look so much prettier if you were lighter” aren’t just insulting; they are constant reminders that darker skin is often viewed as a flaw. Even so-called compliments such as “You’re pretty for a dark girl” expose the underlying bias — that beauty is conditional, measured against Eurocentric ideals. The media plays a significant role in perpetuating these harmful beauty standards. Tamil cinema often casts fair-skinned female actors in lead roles, while darker-skinned women are relegated to limited genres, supporting characters or excluded altogether. This lack of representation reinforces the idea that lighter skin is more desirable. Women actors in Tamil cinema are also subjected to intense scrutiny regarding their weight. Fans and media outlets frequently discuss whether a celebrity has “let herself go” or become “too thin.” These public critiques not only affect the individuals involved but also reflect and reinforce broader societal norms around beauty. For me, the damage of these remarks accumulated over time. I avoided certain outfits, dreading the flaws others might point out. Social gatherings became less about connecting with people and more about bracing for judgment. Even now, those comments linger, shaping how I view myself and my body. The excuses of “That’s just how we were raised” or “Just ignore it” are no longer sufficient. Culture is not static, it evolves. Tamil culture, while rich and vibrant in so many ways, has its share of harmful practices that must change. Parents and elders need to recognise the power of their words. Instead of focusing on appearance, we should celebrate individuality and encourage confidence. Food, an integral part of Tamil culture, should be enjoyed without judgment or guilt. Representation in the media is another critical area for change, and Tamil cinema and television have a unique opportunity to challenge harmful beauty standards by showcasing diverse forms of beauty. Hollywood, while not perfect, has made strides in this regard, and one of the most significant wins for Tamil women was the casting in Bridgerton . Seeing a dark-skinned Tamil woman portrayed as a romantic lead on an international platform was groundbreaking. This kind of representation is a powerful example for Tamil media. By casting dark-skinned women actors and plus-sized individuals in leading roles, and celebrating them for who they are rather than reducing them to stereotypes, Tamil cinema and television can redefine beauty standards for future generations. Following Bridgerton , this shift could be transformative, helping young Tamil women see themselves as worthy and beautiful just as they are. Breaking these deeply ingrained norms won’t happen overnight, but change begins with awareness. The next time you are tempted to comment on someone’s appearance, consider the potential impact of your words. And if you hear someone else making such remarks, challenge them. For those of us who have been at the receiving end of these comments, it’s important to remember this: your worth is not determined by your size or skin tone. You are enough, exactly as you are. Tamil culture has so much beauty to offer, but it’s time to leave behind the aspects that cause harm. By encouraging kindness, inclusivity, and respect, we can create a community where everyone feels valued for who they are, not how they look. shri.mahadevan@gmail.com Published - December 08, 2024 01:12 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit

Rest in peace, Liu Dameili, may your light continue to shine bright in the hearts of those who loved and admired you.

Hornets' Grant Williams injures right knee late in 4th quarter in loss at MilwaukeePISCATAWAY – On their way out of SHI Stadium on Saturday afternoon, it was hard to not overhear many of what was left of the announced crowd of 47,524 fans using some four letter words in association with Greg Schiano. None of them seemed to be “CHOP,” either. The Rutgers head coach’s decision to call a timeout to try to ice Illinois kicker Ethan Moczulski before an attempt at a 58-yard, game-winning field goal into 30 mile-per-hour gusty winds backfired horribly, flipping what would have been a monumental Senior Day win into an impossible 38-31 defeat in the waning seconds instead. Luke Altmyer and Pat Bryant connected on the death blow, with the latter running it into the end zone on a 40-yard connection with just four seconds left after Illinois head coach Bret Bielema, seeing Moczulski’s kick fall well short of the uprights, instead elected to go for it on fourth down and found paydirt. Rutgers? All it found was disappointment. And many watching seemed to hold Schiano solely accountable for it afterwards. He didn’t seem to see it that way. “Illinois, hats off to them,” Schiano said. “They made one more play than we did, and as I said to the team, in the Big Ten Conference, it’s really good football that’s played, and they coached a little better and they played a little better; literally a little better, and they won the game. That’s what we have to deal with. It’s not easy, but you know that when you get into it.” He was, of course, asked to get into the fateful decision that cost his seniors a chance to go out at home as winners, a chance to lock in the program’s first back-to-back winning seasons in over a decade and extends a losing streak to AP Top 25 ranked opponents to a whopping 41 games, dating back to 2009. “Certainly, retrospectively, I wish I hadn’t (called the timeout),’” he said. “I’ve been doing this a lot of years. Sometimes I do. Sometimes I don’t. We were going to make sure — we were going to call timeout, anyway. Maybe I should have done it before he kicked the ball, so it wouldn’t have told them, oh, geez, that wind is strong; we can’t make that kick...you do it and win the game, it’s the right call. “As I’ve said to you guys over and over and over again, that’s what makes sports great. People love to talk about and debate, and certainly, it’s worthy of that, right, because it had a part. But there were so many things in that game, so many. Like that game had more twists and turns, and I tell you all the time, every game has a life of its own. This one certainly did.” It seemed quite clear where a back-and-forth, extremely entertaining game after a slow start finally turned, of course. As expected, none of the players were about to spotlight that decision either, especially not with many still hurting after suffering such a difficult Senior Day setback. “We don’t like losing,” said Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, who threw for two touchdowns and ran for two more in an at-times brilliant performance in which he only turned the ball over once on a fumble. “So, whether we lose by a point or a hundred points, a loss is a loss. Now, we have to learn, watch the film...I know I made a lot of mistakes. I’m going to eat it, own up to it, and be better for my team.” While, with just one regular season game left before his team gets another big showcase with a bowl game, Schiano needs to do the same, the loss can’t be placed solely on him as many of those fans going through the turnstiles were suggesting. Illinois scored touchdowns on their final four drives of the game, and the Rutgers defense certainly had an opportunity to stop Bryant on his stunning, game-winning scoring reception that at least briefly silenced those in attendance. “We came after them and they got the ball off and then a really good player ran through our guys,” said Schiano, whose team didn’t have a defender higher than the 30-yard line despite the potential Hail Mary scenario. “Now, could we have had more guys? Yeah. I mean, that’s another debate you could have, when it works, and it has before. You know, you’re great; you came after him. If you lay back, what are you doing — the No. 1 thing fans like to talk about is the ‘prevent,’ right. Again, it’s right when it works and it isn’t when it doesn’t. I’m not going to sit here and tell you that I wish we could do it again because it didn’t work today. But again, you make the decisions with the information at the time. Didn’t work out. I feel bad for the guys. But again, I always say this, if a guy drops a pass or a penalty, you know, that one play didn’t decide the game. There’s a whole list of plays that make up the game, and they take on a life of their own.” Unfortunately for Schiano, it’s the timeout blunder that will be the one that lives for a long, long time.The man's experience serves as a cautionary tale for others who rely on third-party platforms for booking travel services. While these platforms can provide a convenient way to search and compare prices, it is essential to exercise caution and conduct thorough research before making a purchase. Checking prices directly with the airlines or other official sources can help consumers avoid overpaying and falling victim to misleading listings.

Stock market today: Wall Street slips as the 'Magnificent 7' weighs down the marketNone