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paano manalo sa fortune gems How the stock market defied expectations again this year, by the numbers NEW YORK (AP) — What a wonderful year 2024 has been for investors. U.S. stocks ripped higher and carried the S&P 500 to records as the economy kept growing and the Federal Reserve began cutting interest rates. The benchmark index posted its first back-to-back annual gains of more than 20% since 1998. The year featured many familiar winners, such as Big Tech, which got even bigger as their stock prices kept growing. But it wasn’t just Apple, Nvidia and the like. Bitcoin and gold surged and “Roaring Kitty” reappeared to briefly reignite the meme stock craze. Stock market today: Wall Street drifts to a mixed close in thin trading following a holiday pause Stock indexes drifted to a mixed finish on Wall Street as some heavyweight technology and communications sector stocks offset gains elsewhere in the market. The S&P 500 slipped less than 0.1% Thursday, its first loss after three straight gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.1%. Gains by retailers and health care stocks helped temper the losses. Trading volume was lighter than usual as U.S. markets reopened following the Christmas holiday. The Labor Department reported that U.S. applications for unemployment benefits held steady last week, though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years. Treasury yields fell in the bond market. Israel strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital while the WHO chief says he was meters away JERUSALEM (AP) — A new round of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen have targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital of Sanaa and multiple ports. The World Health Organization’s director-general said the bombardment on Thursday took place just “meters away” as he was about to board a flight in Sanaa. He says a crew member was hurt. The strikes followed several days of Houthi attacks and launches setting off sirens in Israel. Israel's military says it attacked infrastructure used by the Houthis at the international airport in Sanaa, power stations and ports. The Israeli military later said it wasn’t aware that the WHO chief was at the location in Yemen. Holiday shoppers increased spending by 3.8% despite higher prices New data shows holiday sales rose this year even as Americans wrestled with still high prices in many grocery necessities and other financial worries. According to Mastercard SpendingPulse, holiday sales from the beginning of November through Christmas Eve climbed 3.8%, a faster pace than the 3.1% increase from a year earlier. The measure tracks all kinds of payments including cash and debit cards. This year, retailers were even more under the gun to get shoppers in to buy early and in bulk since there were five fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mastercard SpendingPulse says the last five days of the season accounted for 10% of the spending. Sales of clothing, electronics and Jewelry rose. Finland stops Russia-linked vessel over damaged undersea power cable in Baltic Sea FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Finnish police say authorities detained a ship linked to neighboring Russia as they investigate whether it damaged a Baltic Sea power cable and several data cables. It was the latest incident involving disruption of key infrastructure. Police and border guards boarded the Eagle S and took control as they investigate damage to the Estlink-2 undersea power cable. The cable brings electricity from Finland to Estonia across the Baltic Sea. The cable went down on Wednesday. The incident follows damage to two data cables and the Nord Stream gas pipelines. Both have been termed sabotage. Russian ship that sank in the Mediterranean was attacked, owner says MOSCOW (AP) — The Russian operator of a cargo ship that sank in the Mediterranean Sea between Spain and Algeria says it has been hit by a series of explosions in an act of sabotage. Oboronlogistica is a state-controlled company that operated the Ursa Major freighter. The company said the vessel was wrecked by three powerful explosions just above the water line in what it described as a “terrorist attack” that caused it to sink on Monday. The company said in a statement carried by Russia’s state RIA Novosti news agency on Thursday that the explosions left a hole in the ship’s starboard and filled the engine room with acrid smoke. That hampered the crew’s attempts to access it. Undersea power cable linking Finland and Estonia hit by outage, prompting investigation FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Finland’s prime minister says authorities are investigating an interruption in a power cable under the Baltic Sea between his country and Estonia. Petteri Orpo said on X that power transmission through the Estlink-2 cable suffered an outage Wednesday. Authorities have been on edge about undersea infrastructure in the Baltic after two international data cables were severed in November and the Nord Stream gas pipelines between Russia and Germany were blown up in September 2022. Japan to maximize nuclear power in clean-energy push as electricity demand grows TOKYO (AP) — A Japanese government panel has largely supported a draft energy policy calling for bolstering renewables up to half of Japanese electricity needs by 2040. It also recommends maximizing the use of nuclear power to accommodate the growing demand for power in the era of AI while meeting decarbonization targets. Cabinet is expected to formally approve the plan by March following a period of public consultation. The policy says nuclear energy should account for 20% of Japan’s energy supply in 2040, with renewables expanded to 40-50% and coal-fired power reduced to 30-40%. Working Well: Returning to the office can disrupt life. Here are some tips to navigate the changes NEW YORK (AP) — Thousands of workers are facing an unsettling reality heading into 2025. After years of working from the comfort of home, they're being told it’s time to return to the office full-time for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic. That can bring a host of challenges, including losing time with family. Workers at Amazon, AT&T and other companies have been called back to the office five days a week. Experts have advice to share about how to navigate the changes when an employer calls you back to the office. Workers can convey what they need, seek flexibility and if all else fails, consider other options. US applications for unemployment benefits hold steady, but continuing claims rise to 3-year high WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits held steady last week, though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years. The US Labor Department reported Thursday that jobless claim applications ticked down by 1,000 to 219,000 for the week of Dec. 21. That’s fewer than the 223,000 analysts forecast. Continuing claims, the total number of Americans collecting jobless benefits, climbed by 46,000 to 1.91 million for the week of Dec. 14. That’s more than analysts projected and the most since the week of Nov. 13, 2021. Weekly applications for jobless benefits are considered representative of U.S. layoffs.The Department of the Air Force has moved to by aligning the Headquarters Cyberspace Capabilities Center at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois as a field operating agency to the Office of the DAF Chief Information Officer. “This is a significant step toward streamlining and consolidating Information Technology functions and ensuring unity of effort in IT service delivery across the Air Force and Space Force,” Secretary of the Air Force said in a statement published Monday. Enabling IT Enterprise to Accelerate Capability Development “By combining and aligning these functions to their authoritative owner, the IT enterprise will be able to produce capabilities in shorter, more rapid development cycles – ensuring requirements are expediently actioned and delivered to the Airmen and Guardians who need them,” the awardee added. The move took effect Friday, Dec. 20. Follow-on measures will include future administrative changes and realignment of functions from other organizations. “I have a responsibility to the secretary, but also his staff and both services, to ensure their IT requirements are captured and developed in a way that is not only responsive but cost effective and interoperable with one another,” said , chief information officer at DAF. “We can do this through effective governance, and alignment of the Cyberspace Capabilities Center as a Field Operating Agency to my office, will help reinforce adherence to the capability delivery process,” added Goodwine, a fellow recipient. Headquarters Cyberspace Capabilities Center is expected to achieve full operational capability by October 2025. According to the department, there will be no movement of personnel as a result of the changes, which seek to organize, equip and train the IT enterprise and cyberspace domain.

Robert Wickens moving up to IMSA GTD series in 2025 thanks to new Bosch hand controls

With the launch of the highly anticipated iPhone 16 series, Apple is once again asserting its dominance in the smartphone arena. The introduction of the A18 Bionic chip and upgraded Apple Intelligence has everyone buzzing about features like real-time translation, advanced computational photography, and a more intuitive Siri. However, just when you thought the competition couldn’t get fiercer, Infinix has stepped onto the scene with its ground-breaking Infinix AI ♾️ system, ready to challenge Apple’s supremacy. While Apple focuses on refining its impressive tech, Infinix is making bold moves that could potentially outshine some of Apple’s latest offerings. Let’s take a closer look at how Infinix AI ♾️ is raising the bar and why you should pay attention. Apple Intelligence has Siri; Infinix AI ♾️ has Folax, and it offers much more than a typical voice assistant. Embracing multimodal input, it allows you to interact through text, voice, and even file commands. Imagine asking Infinix AI ♾️to summarize an article, fetch the latest headlines, or solve complex math problems—all through effortless voice interaction. It is set to provide a richer experience, making even the iPhone 16’s advanced features feel ordinary. Infinix AI ♾️ is not just about taking photos; it’s about providing solutions. Got a tricky math problem? Snap a picture, and Infinix AI ♾️ will not only give you the answer but also guide you through the solution step-by-step. It’s like having a personal tutor in your pocket—ideal for students and lifelong learners alike. While Apple’s Live Text allows you to copy text from images, solving problems in real time is a step Apple hasn’t taken yet. Apple’s Visual Look-Up can identify landmarks, but Infinix AI ♾️ goes far beyond mere recognition. Imagine pointing your camera at a monument and not just learning its name, but receiving rich historical context, fun facts, and nearby recommendations. Infinix’s Visual Look Up ♾️ acts as your historian, botanist, and travel guide all in one. For travel enthusiasts, Infinix transforms adventures into immersive experiences, while Apple’s offerings still feel a bit surface-level Time is precious, and Infinix AI’s Live Texts ♾️ feature shines in this aspect. Whether you’re dealing with lengthy notes or complex reports, simply take a snap, and it will summarize the key points instantly. Forget the tedious task of reading entire PDFs or emails— it cuts straight to the essentials. While Apple’s Live Text helps extract text, summarizing it is still left to the user, giving Infinix a clear edge for those juggling tight schedules. Sure, Apple’s Visual Look-Up can identify objects, but Infinix AI ♾️ adds a creative flair that Apple can’t match. Capture a photo, and watch Infinix AI ♾️ generate witty captions, imaginative storylines, or creative tags for your social media. Whether you’re a content creator or just looking to enhance your Instagram game, Infinix AI’s Magic Create ♾️ turns each snapshot into a storytelling moment. While Apple leaves creativity up to you, Infinix is providing a helping hand for those wanting to instantly elevate their content. Infinix AI ♾️ doesn’t stop at basic identification; it dives deeper. Snap a picture of a plant, and Infinix AI ♾️ will not only tell you its species but also provide detailed information about its care, origin, and even medicinal uses. It’s like carrying an encyclopedia in your pocket, ready to teach you something new with every click. Apple’s Visual Look Up offers basic identification, but Infinix AI ♾️ enriches the learning experience with insightful knowledge that truly expands your understanding. While Apple’s iPhone 16 is undoubtedly a technological marvel, Infinix AI ♾️ presents a fresh, versatile, and engaging experience that extends beyond traditional functionality. From solving complex problems to enriching your travel experiences, Infinix AI ♾️ showcases features that Apple has yet to explore fully. As the tech world gears up for the iPhone 16 launch, don’t overlook Infinix AI ♾️. With its impending debut in early October 2024, we could witness a significant shift in the AI landscape. This new contender might be the breakthrough needed to challenge Apple’s longstanding dominance. The future of AI innovation is shaping up to be an exciting battle, and it’s one you won’t want to miss. Also Read: PTA Taxes Portal Find PTA Taxes on All Phones on a Single Page using the PhoneWorld PTA Taxes PortalHAMILTON BEACH BRANDS HOLDING COMPANY DECLARES QUARTERLY DIVIDEND

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino on Thursday dismissed the possibility of negotiating with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump regarding control of the Panama Canal and refuted claims of Chinese interference in its operations. Mulino also rejected the possibility of reducing tolls for U.S. vessels in response to Trump's threat to demand control of the vital waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans be returned to Washington. "There's nothing to talk about," Mulino told a press conference. "The canal is Panamanian and belongs to Panamanians . There's no possibility of opening any kind of conversation around this reality, which has cost the country blood, sweat and tears," he added. The canal, inaugurated in 1914, was built by the U.S. but handed to Panama on Dec. 31, 1999, under treaties signed some two decades earlier by then-U.S. president Jimmy Carter and Panamanian nationalist leader Omar Torrijos. Last weekend, Trump slammed what he called "ridiculous" fees for U.S. ships passing through the canal and hinted at China's growing influence. He said the Central American country, with whom the U.S. has had diplomatic relations since 1903, is "ripping us off on the Panama Canal, far beyond their wildest dreams." "It was solely for Panama to manage, not China, or anyone else," Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform. "We would and will NEVER let it fall into the wrong hands!" If Panama could not ensure "the secure, efficient and reliable operation" of the channel, "then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us, in full, and without question," he said. An estimated 5% of global maritime traffic passes through the Panama Canal, which allows ships traveling between Asia and the U.S. East Coast to avoid the long, hazardous route around the southern tip of South America. The United States is its main user, accounting for 74% of cargo, followed by China with 21%. Mulino said the canal's usage fees were "not set at the whim of the president or the administrator" of the interoceanic waterway but under a long-established "public and open process." "There is absolutely no Chinese interference or participation in anything to do with the Panama Canal," Mulino said. On Wednesday, Trump accused Chinese soldiers of "lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal" and "always making certain that the United States puts in Billions of Dollars in 'repair' money but will have absolutely nothing to say about 'anything.'" Mulino denied that allegation, too. "There are no Chinese soldiers in the canal, for the love of God, the world is free to visit to the canal" he added. China does not control or administer the canal, but a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings, has long managed two ports located on the canal's Caribbean and Pacific entrances. Panama established diplomatic relations with China in 2017, after breaking off ties with Taiwan – a decision criticized by Trump's first administration. On Tuesday, dozens of demonstrators gathered outside the U.S. embassy in Panama City chanting "Trump, animal, leave the canal alone" and burning an image of the incoming American president. Meanwhile, Trump on Wednesday said he had picked Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera to serve as ambassador to Panama. Trump described Cabrera as "a fierce fighter for America First principles" who he said has been instrumental in driving economic growth and fostering international partnerships. "Few understand Latin American politics as well as Kevin – He will do a FANTASTIC job representing our Nation's interests in Panama!" Trump wrote on Truth Social.Which ski helmets are best? Skiing is one of the best ways to enjoy nature in the winter and is one of the few activities that’s as fun to do alone as it is with others. However, whether you’re an advanced skier who likes to keep the good snow to themselves or prefer skiing with a posse of friends, protecting your head is an essential part of a good day on the slopes. With so many options on the market, finding the best ski helmet can be a challenge. If you’re interested in a simple solution that you can count on to protect you at all times, regardless of the conditions, check out the Sweet Protection Grimnir 2vi MIPS Helmet . What to know before you buy a ski helmet Size If your ski helmet is too large or too small, it won’t perform correctly and may not provide any protection at all. To find the right size, measure the crown of your head and cross reference with the helmet’s size chart. Moreover, the helmet should be about an inch above your eyebrows. Make sure to consider your helmet’s adjustability before purchasing. Goggle compatibility Unfortunately, not all goggles fit with all helmets. Although you likely won’t have an issue with this, ensure that the helmet you want to purchase will work with your preferred goggles without leaving your forehead exposed. What to look for in a quality ski helmet Accessory compatibility In addition to being a good fit for your goggles, the best ski helmets are capable of handling a variety of upgrades if they aren’t standard. For example, be on the lookout for helmets that have slots for audio in the earmuffs and that allow you to strap a handy goggle cleaning cloth to the side. Safety technology In addition to durable materials and standard EPS shock absorption, the best ski helmets will include additional or new technology to enhance protection. When shopping for a new ski helmet, consider models with MIPS (multidirectional impact protection system) technology, carbon fiber construction or an integrated Recco reflector to get the highest level of safety. Convenience technology Top-quality helmets offer the best ease-of-use technology in addition to superior protection. Features such as magnetic goggle clasps that can be used with gloves, removable linings and dynamic ventilation that allows for directed airflow make your helmet more comfortable, especially during extended wearing periods. How much you can expect to spend on a ski helmet Entry-level helmets that provide basic protection usually cost around $60, while higher-end models with innovative technology start around $180 and cost upwards of $250. Ski helmet FAQ Do I need the newest, most robust technology? A. Although this may seem counterintuitive at first, it is not always worth purchasing the most expensive, highest-tech helmet. If you don’t ski often, and find yourself sticking to the easier slopes and staying at low speeds, a traditional helmet will provide all the protection you need. On the other hand, if you ski in the woods or in the backcountry, investing in high-tech helmets is a must, since the danger level is much higher than on the slopes. What are the best ski helmets to buy? Top ski helmet Sweet Protection Grimnir 2vi MIPS Helmet What you need to know: The Grimnir 2vi helmet from Sweet Protection is made from the finest materials on the market and includes all of the latest safety and convenience technology. What you’ll love: If you like to tackle challenging terrain and push the boundaries of your skills, look no further than the Grimnir to provide the utmost protection. Constructed out of lightweight and highly impact-resistant carbon fiber and reinforced with the latest MIPS technology, you can count on this helmet to keep you safe. Plus, it’s also quite comfortable to wear thanks to its numerous vents, Occigrip dial adjustment system and audio compatibility. What you should consider: State-of-the-art technology makes this one of the more expensive offerings. Top ski helmet for the money OutdoorMaster Kelvin Helmet What you need to know: If you’re on a budget, or don’t push the limits while skiing, the Kelvin helmet from OutdoorMaster is perfect for you. What you’ll love: Don’t let the price tag fool you — this helmet offers far more than the bare minimum in terms of features and technology. Constructed from a reinforced ABS shell and a super-absorbent EPS core, you can count on this helmet to project your most valuable asset. Plus, the Kelvin also offers lots of adjustability and unmatched ventilation for the price. What you should consider: While this helmet offers ample protection for the ordinary skier, if you’re a hard charger and prefer off-piste shredding, this helmet likely won’t be enough. Worth checking out POC Meninx RS MIPS Helmet What you need to know: Featuring a sleek design, durable construction and an abundance of serious safety features, the Meninx RS MIPS helmet from POC is high performance and reliable. What you’ll love: Designed from the ground up with safety and convenience in mind, this helmet is ideal for anyone who regularly hits the slopes and will appreciate the thought given to small details. For example, the strap buckle on the back that holds your goggles securely in place is magnetic, which makes it easy to use while wearing gloves or mittens. Furthermore, in addition to the dual-layer ABS shell and MIPS protection system, the Meninx RS comes with an integrated Recco reflector, which is an essential component of safe backcountry skiing. To top it all off, the helmet has an easy-to-use adjustment dial and plenty of ventilation. What you should consider: POC helmets don’t come in individual sizing, and are only available in grouped sizes such as medium/large, which can make finding the perfect fit harder. Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

Beyonce's mum Tina Knowles issues statement after 'liking' post about Jay-Z rape claimsChris Roemer: Don’t expect Democrats to make any New Year’s resolutions | COMMENTARY

On Sunday, December 8th, the opening season of the San Pedro Volleyball Indoor Tournament concluded with a final round of matches that crowned male and female champions in the Junior and Senior divisions as well as COED champions. The games commenced at 4PM at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium, where a crowd of fans gathered to support their favorite teams. The first match in the Junior category featured the female teams from The Island Academy Girls and the San Pedro High School (SPHS) Jr Sharks. This competitive game showcased the strengths of both teams, with The Island Academy Girls maintaining dominance throughout. Although the SPHS Jr Sharks put up an intense fight, they could not secure the win, allowing The Island Academy Girls to celebrate their victory. The male team’s Island Boyz and Rompe Pechitos faced off in the same category. Rompe Pechitos performed strongly, making the Island Boyz work hard for their victory. After the match, the Island Boyz celebrated and praised Rompe Pechitos for their effort on the court. Following the intermission, which included a brief ceremony honoring the winners of the Junior category, the games moved on to the COED division. Team Warriors faced off against WD 20s in an intense match. Team Warriors demonstrated determination, taking every opportunity to secure the win. However, WD 20s proved to be a formidable opponent, turning the tide in the final minute of the match and ultimately claiming the victory from the Warriors. After another intermission, the teams in the Senior division began preparing for the tournament’s final matches. The first match featured the female teams, with the San Pedro High School (SPHS) taking on Team Wildsets. SPHS started strong and took the lead but could not maintain their momentum. This allowed Wildsets to seize the opportunity and ultimately win in the game sets. In the end, Wildsets defeated SPHS and claimed the championship trophy. The final match in the Senior category featured the male teams of Barbos and Vikings. Both teams consisted of experienced volleyball players, and the game was closely contested throughout. Barbos took the lead multiple times, but the Vikings ultimately emerged victorious after several sets and rounds, securing a significant win in the Senior category. Following the final game, an awards ceremony was held for the COED and Senior category winners. Mayor Gualberto ‘Wally’ Nuñez attended the event, helped distribute medals to each player, and presented the trophies. Erick Santizo, the Sports Coordinator at SPHS and President of the San Pedro Volleyball Association , congratulated all the winners and praised every participant. He emphasized that the tournament celebrated teamwork, dedication, and community spirit. The tournament is anticipated to return in 2025, featuring another round of exciting games.