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( MENAFN - EIN Presswire) Fidelity Precious Metals IRA 2025 Review Released: IRAEmpire highlights reviews, complaints, and fees to guide investors. NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, November 27, 2024 /EINPresswire / -- IRAEmpire is proud to announce the release of its updated analysis of Fidelity Precious Metals IRA reviews, complaints, and fees for 2025. Check out the full analysis here. Alternatively, readers can find the best Gold IRA company of their state on IRAEmpire as well. According to Ryan Paulson, Chief Editor at IRAEmpire,“After seeing the success of our last Fidelity Precious Metals IRA Reviews and Complaints 2024 analysis report, we were inspired to prepare this updated version for 2025.” He added,“Fidelity Investments has many product offerings. However, seeing their precious metals IRA services, I realized the release of an updated report was a must.” Recently, IRAEmpire released their much-awaited list of the best gold IRA companies of 2025 too. Why This Analysis Matters Due to the increasing popularity of gold IRAs and market volatility, potential investors often face the challenge of choosing the right provider. This analysis offers a clear, unbiased overview of Fidelity Precious Metals IRA, helping individuals make informed decisions about their financial futures. “The objective of this study is to eliminate distractions and furnish prospective investors with precise information about Fidelity Precious Metals IRA,” said Ryan.“By emphasizing customer experiences and the company's core capabilities, we seek to enable consumers to select a provider that corresponds with their retirement objectives.” Key Findings from Analyzing Fidelity Precious Metals IRA Reviews, Complaints, and Feedback Fidelity Investments, a well-established financial services firm, offers a Precious Metals IRA that allows investors to include physical gold, silver, platinum, and palladium in their retirement portfolios. Customer feedback across various platforms provides insights into the strengths and areas for improvement of this offering. Better Business Bureau (BBB): Fidelity maintains an A+ rating with the BBB, reflecting a strong commitment to customer service and ethical business practices. However, specific reviews related to the Precious Metals IRA are limited on this platform. Trustpilot: On Trustpilot, Fidelity has a 1.3 out of 5-star rating, based on 1,000 reviews. While this rating encompasses all of Fidelity's services, some customers have expressed concerns about the complexity of setting up a Precious Metals IRA and the associated fees. ConsumerAffairs: Fidelity has a 3.8 out of 5-star rating on ConsumerAffairs, based on 1,000 reviews. Some investors have noted that while Fidelity offers a range of investment options, the process of purchasing physical precious metals for an IRA can be more cumbersome compared to specialized precious metals dealers. Google Reviews: Fidelity's overall services have received a 3.5 out of 5-star rating on Google, based on 1,000 reviews. Specific feedback regarding the Precious Metals IRA is sparse, but some users appreciate the convenience of managing all investments under one platform, while others mention that Fidelity's primary focus is not on precious metals, which may affect the level of specialized support. Summary: Overall, Fidelity's Precious Metals IRA is appreciated for the company's reputation and the ability to consolidate various investments within one platform. However, some customers have highlighted challenges related to the setup process and fees associated with precious metals investments. Prospective investors should consider these factors and conduct thorough research to determine if Fidelity's Precious Metals IRA aligns with their retirement goals. Findings on Fidelity Precious Metals IRA Fees: Fidelity Investments offers a range of financial products and services, each with its own fee structure. Here's an overview of the key fees and pricing associated with their offerings: 1. Brokerage Accounts: Stock and ETF Trades: Fidelity charges $0 commissions for online U.S. equity trades, including stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Options trades are also commission-free, with a $0.65 fee per contract. Mutual Funds: Fidelity provides access to over 3,300 no-transaction-fee mutual funds. For funds outside this list, transaction fees may apply. 2. Retirement Accounts (IRAs): Account Fees: Fidelity does not charge annual fees for traditional, Roth, SEP, and SIMPLE IRAs. However, a $25 fee applies for SIMPLE IRA accounts. 3. Advisory Services: Fidelity Go: This robo-advisory service has no advisory fee for accounts under $10,000. For accounts between $10,000 and $49,999, the fee is $3 per month. Accounts of $50,000 or more are charged 0.35% per year. Fidelity Personalized Planning & Advice: This service charges an annual advisory fee of 0.50% of assets under management. 4. Account Minimums: Brokerage Accounts: No minimum deposit is required to open a standard brokerage account. Fidelity Go: No minimum investment is required to open an account. However, a minimum balance of $10 is needed to begin investing. 5. Other Fees: Inactivity and Maintenance Fees: Fidelity does not charge inactivity or maintenance fees for any of its accounts. Wire Transfers: Domestic wire transfers incur a $10 fee, while international wire transfers are $30. Fidelity's fee structure is designed to be competitive and transparent, offering low-cost options for a wide range of investors. For the most current and detailed information, it's advisable to consult Fidelity's official website or contact their customer service. What Sets Fidelity Investments Apart: Fidelity Investments distinguishes itself in the financial services industry through several key attributes: 1. Comprehensive Research and Trading Tools: Fidelity offers robust research capabilities, including advanced screeners and third-party research resources, catering to both fundamental and technical traders. Their Active Trader Pro platform provides real-time market information and customizable interfaces, supporting in-depth market analysis. 2. Zero-Fee Index Funds: Fidelity introduced zero-expense-ratio index funds, such as the Fidelity ZERO Total Market Index Fund and Fidelity ZERO International Index Fund, eliminating expense ratios and investment minimums. This initiative makes investing more accessible and cost-effective. 3. Extensive Educational Resources: Fidelity provides extensive educational offerings through its Learning Center, catering to both new and experienced investors. These resources include articles, webinars, and workshops, enhancing investor knowledge and confidence. 4. Diverse Investment Options: Fidelity offers a wide range of investment products, including mutual funds, ETFs, stocks, bonds, and options. This diversity allows investors to build well-rounded portfolios tailored to their financial goals. 5. Competitive Pricing: Fidelity provides $0 commissions on online U.S. stock, ETF, and options trades, with a $0.65 fee per options contract. This competitive pricing structure appeals to cost-conscious investors. These features collectively position Fidelity Investments as a comprehensive and cost-effective platform, catering to a wide spectrum of investors. More Details on How Sentiment Analysis Unraveled Fidelity Precious Metals IRA Reviews and Complaints Understanding consumer feedback is critical to building a brand's reputation, improving products or services, and staying competitive. With the growing volume of online reviews and social media chatter, sentiment analysis enables companies to: Decode customer emotions: Understand how customers feel about their offerings. Monitor brand reputation: Stay updated on public perception. Respond proactively: Identify issues before they escalate into bigger problems. How Sentiment Analysis is Applied to Consumer Feedback 1. Evaluating Overall Customer Sentiment Sentiment Analysis provides a high-level overview of how customers perceive a company. For instance, aggregating sentiments from reviews or social media posts gives a snapshot of whether the overall feedback is positive, neutral, or negative. This helps companies gauge customer satisfaction and assess their market position. 2. Uncovering Key Drivers of Sentiment Consumer feedback often touches on various aspects of a business-product quality, customer service, pricing, delivery times, etc. Sentiment analysis tools can categorize feedback into themes or topics and identify the key drivers behind customer sentiments. For example: Positive Sentiments: Praise for fast delivery, excellent product design, or friendly customer support. Negative Sentiments: Complaints about defective products, unresponsive service, or high prices. This granular analysis helps businesses focus on areas that matter most to their customers. 3. Identifying and Resolving Pain Points Sentiment Analysis highlights recurring negative sentiments in customer feedback, allowing companies to identify systemic issues. For example, if many reviews mention "late delivery," businesses can investigate their logistics processes and implement improvements to enhance customer satisfaction. 4. Real-Time Reputation Management In the era of social media, sentiments can proliferate rapidly. Sentiment analysis systems track social media comments and reviews in real time, assisting companies in identifying potential crises or viral trends. For example, if a new product launch elicits adverse feedback, companies can promptly address the situation with clarifications or remedies, so alleviating possible harm to their reputation. 5. Enhancing Customer Experience By analyzing feedback sentiment, companies can refine their customer service strategies. For instance, if customers frequently express frustration over long wait times for support, businesses can invest in more staff or implement AI-driven chatbots to improve response times. 6. Tracking Sentiment Over Time Sentiment analysis allows companies to track changes in consumer sentiment over time. This is particularly useful for evaluating the impact of new initiatives, marketing campaigns, or product launches. For example, a company can measure how customer sentiment shifts after introducing a loyalty program or resolving a major service issue. 7. Benchmarking Against Competitors Comprehending consumer perceptions of competitors yields significant insights into market dynamics. Organizations can employ sentiment analysis to discern strengths and shortcomings in comparison to their competitors, hence aiding in the refinement of their competitive strategy. Tools and Technologies Used in Sentiment Analysis Sentiment analysis is powered by advanced technologies like machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), and natural language processing (NLP). Tools such as IBM Watson, Google Natural Language API, and platforms like Hootsuite Insights or Brandwatch are commonly used for analyzing consumer feedback. These tools process vast amounts of textual data, offering insights that are otherwise difficult to extract manually. Benefits of Using Sentiment Analysis for Consumer Feedback Actionable Insights: Helps businesses turn feedback into concrete actions for improvement. Enhanced Customer Retention: By addressing negative sentiments, companies can reduce churn. Data-Driven Decision Making: Sentiment analysis supports strategic planning based on real customer perceptions. Improved Marketing Strategies: Insights from sentiment analysis can inform targeted and empathetic marketing campaigns. Challenges in Sentiment Analysis While sentiment analysis offers significant benefits, it is not without challenges: Ambiguity in Language: Sarcasm, irony, and cultural differences can make it difficult to accurately assess sentiment. Context Dependence: Sentiments often depend on the context of the feedback, which may not always be clear. Evolving Trends: Consumer language and slang evolve rapidly, requiring continuous updates to analysis models. Sentiment Analysis is transforming how enterprises comprehend and react to consumer input. Utilizing this potent instrument, organizations may acquire profound insights into consumer preferences, proactively resolve concerns, and improve their overall brand reputation. As technology advances, the capacity to analyze and respond to consumer attitudes will become increasingly refined, facilitating more customer-centric strategies and enduring economic success. In a landscape where customer experience serves as the paramount differentiation, sentiment analysis is vital. Selecting the suitable gold IRA business is an essential step in creating a secure and diversified retirement portfolio. Investors should prioritize security, transparency, and service quality while evaluating providers. Individuals can discern a company that aligns with their ambitions and offers essential tools for sustained success by focusing on reputation, prices, investment alternatives, and customer service. A gold IRA is not solely an investment in precious metals; it is an investment in peace of mind. Investors may adeptly manage the complexities of retirement planning and safeguard their financial future with the support of a suitable partner. About IRAEmpire: IRAEmpire is a retirement news and review portal situated in the United States that focuses predominantly on Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). The website, which was established in 2021, offers comprehensive market updates, technical analyses, and expert evaluations that are specifically designed for the IRA market. Their focus is on retirement advisors, Gold IRAs, and Crypto IRAs, with the objective of assisting individuals in making well-informed decisions regarding retirement planning. Ryan Paulson IRAEmpire email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above. MENAFN27112024003118003196ID1108934436 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.

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Gautam Adani, nephew Sagar Adani, and Senior Executive Vneet Jaain are clear of any bribery charges as per the US Department of Justice (DoJ), according to the latest filing with stock exchanges by a Group company – Adani Green Energy Ltd. (AGEL). In its filing, AGEL has cited news reports by various media houses on the bribery and corruption charges against Adani officials ‘Incorrect’. “Media articles which state that certain of our directors, namely Gautam Adani, Sagar Adani and Vneet Jaain, have been charged with violation(s) of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) in the indictment are incorrect,” said the statement filed by AGEL. “Gautam Adani, Sagar Adani and, Vneet Jaain have not been charged with any violation of the FCPA in the counts set forth in the indictment of the US DoJ or civil complaint of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC),” it added. In a legal indictment, count refers to individual charges against a defendant. The DoJ indictment, which has five counts, does not have any mention of and has excluded Gautam Adani, Sagar Adani, or Vneet Jaain in Count One: ‘Conspiracy to violate the FCPA’; neither does it have mention of these three names in Count Five: ‘Conspiracy to obstruct justice’ (p. 41). Count One of the indictment, which refers to the corruption and bribery charges, only involves Ranjit Gupta, Cyril Cabanes, Saurabh Agarwal, Deepak Malhotra, and Rupesh Agarwal of Azure Power and CDPQ (Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec – a Canadian institutional investor and Azure’s largest shareholder). No Adani official has been named by the DoJ under this. However, flawed understanding of the DoJ indictment by various media – foreign as well as Indian – has led to incorrect and reckless reporting of Adani Directors being charged with corruption and bribery under one or of all five counts by the US DoJ and SEC. Adani officials are only charged with Count Two: ‘Alleged securities fraud conspiracy’, Count Three: ‘Alleged wire fraud conspiracy’, and Count Four: ‘Alleged securities fraud.’ The DoJ indictment offers no evidence that bribes were paid by Adani Executives to Indian Government officials; the indictment and the complaint solely rest on claims that bribes were promised or discussed. “All of this is based on likelihoods and hearsay from former employees of Azure Power and CDPQ – places the US DoJ’s and US SEC’s action against Adani are on dangerously shaky ground – both morally and legally.” The ill-founded US action and reckless false reporting have led to significant repercussions for the Indian conglomerate, such as international project cancellations, financial market impact, and sudden examination from strategic partners, investors, and the public. Adani Group is India’s largest infrastructure player with sizeable operations in the global energy and logistics space. Over the past few years, the Indian conglomerate has been expanding its operations in international markets and directly competes with several US and Chinese entities in Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Israel, Australia, etc. Since the intimation of the US DoJ indictment, the Group has suffered a loss of nearly $ 55 billion in its market capitalisation across its 11 listed companies.

The wants the incoming administration to drop a car-crash reporting requirement opposed by Elon Musk’s Tesla, according to a document seen by Reuters, a move that could cripple the government’s ability to investigate and regulate the safety of vehicles with automated-driving systems. Musk, the world's richest person, more than a quarter of a billion dollars helping Trump get elected president in November. Removing the crash-disclosure provision would particularly benefit Tesla, which has reported most of the crashes – more than 1,500 – to federal safety regulators under the program. Tesla has been targeted in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigations, including three stemming from the data. The recommendation to kill the crash-reporting rule came from a transition team tasked with producing a 100-day strategy for automotive policy. The group called the measure a mandate for "excessive" data collection, the document seen by Reuters shows. The Trump transition team, Musk and Tesla did not respond to requests for comment. Reuters could not determine what role, if any, Musk may have played in crafting the transition-team recommendations or the likelihood that the administration would enact them. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a trade group representing most major automakers except Tesla, has also criticized the requirement as burdensome. A Reuters analysis of the NHTSA crash data shows Tesla accounted for 40 out of 45 fatal crashes reported to NHTSA through Oct. 15. Among the Tesla crashes NHTSA under the provision were a 2023 fatal accident in Virginia where a driver using the car's "Autopilot" feature slammed into a tractor-trailer and a the same year where an Autopiloted Tesla hit a firetruck, killing the driver and injuring four firefighters. NHTSA said in a statement that such data is crucial to evaluating the safety of emerging automated-driving technologies. Two former NHTSA employees said the crash-reporting requirements were pivotal to agency investigations into Tesla’s driver-assistance features that led to 2023 recalls. Without the data, they said, NHTSA cannot easily detect crash patterns that highlight safety problems. NHTSA said it has received and analyzed data on more than 2,700 crashes since the agency established the rule in 2021. The data has influenced 10 investigations into six companies, NHTSA said, as well as nine safety recalls involving four different companies. In one example, NHTSA Cruise, the self-driving startup owned by General Motors GM.N, $1.5 million in September for failing to report a 2023 incident in which a vehicle hit and dragged a pedestrian who had been struck by another car. GM said this week it would at Cruise and fold it into its group working on driver-assistance technology. NHTSA's so-called standing general order requires automakers to report crashes if advanced driver-assistance or autonomous-driving technologies were engaged within 30 seconds of impact, among other factors. In addition to ditching the reporting rule, the recommendations call for the administration to "liberalize" autonomous-vehicle regulation and to enact "basic regulations to enable development" of the industry. In an October Tesla earnings call, Musk called for “a federal approval process for autonomous vehicles,” rather than a patchwork of state laws he called “incredibly painful” to navigate. He said he would use his position as a government-efficiency czar, a post Trump had promised him, to push for such regulatory changes. After the election, Trump named Musk to co-lead a newly created Department of Government Efficiency to advise from “outside government” on slashing federal staff, spending and regulations. Tesla is among the most prominent automakers developing advanced driver-assistance features, which can assist with lane changes, driving speed and steering. Tesla’s Autopilot and “Full Self-Driving” systems, which are not fully autonomous, have come under intense scrutiny in lawsuits and examining whether Tesla exaggerated its vehicles' self-driving capabilities, misleading investors and harming consumers. Tesla despises the crash-notification requirement, believing that NHTSA presents the data in ways that mislead consumers about the automaker's safety, two sources familiar with Tesla executives’ thinking told Reuters. In recent years, Tesla executives discussed with Musk the need to push for scrapping the crash-reporting requirement, according to one of the sources. But because Biden officials expressed enthusiasm for the program, Tesla executives ultimately concluded that they would need a change in administration to get rid of the requirements, according to the source. Tesla finds the rules unfair because it believes it reports better data than other automakers, which makes it look like Tesla is responsible for an outsized number of crashes involving advanced driver-assistance systems, one of the sources said. NHTSA cautions that the data should not be used to compare one automaker's safety to another because different companies collect information on crashes in different ways. Bryant Walker Smith, a University of South Carolina law professor who focuses on autonomous driving, said Tesla collects real-time crash data that other companies don’t and likely reports a "far greater proportion of their incidents” than other automakers. Tesla also likely has a greater frequency of crashes involving driver-assistance technologies because it has more vehicles on the road equipped with them and drivers engage the systems more often, Smith said. That means the vehicles may more often get into “situations that they aren’t capable of handling,” he said.

The Ducks climbed to No. 2 after beating Texas A&M and San Diego State, but Gonzaga held down the top spot. Share this: Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to print (Opens in new window) Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Report an error Policies and Standards Contact Us Most Popular Dear Abby: We’re only in middle school and she’s getting a reputation Dear Abby: We're only in middle school and she's getting a reputation Asking Eric: Cut out of the will? I’m angry – and suspicious Asking Eric: Cut out of the will? I'm angry – and suspicious Miss Manners: I think it’s unwise to reveal my dogs’ names to strangers Miss Manners: I think it's unwise to reveal my dogs' names to strangers Dear Abby: My wife is acting like we’re still young, and it gets on my nerves Dear Abby: My wife is acting like we're still young, and it gets on my nerves Trump chooses Stanford’s Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to lead NIH Trump chooses Stanford's Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to lead NIH Motor vehicle thefts have risen in the Bay Area. Which is the most stolen vehicle? Motor vehicle thefts have risen in the Bay Area. Which is the most stolen vehicle? Asking Eric: I’m just being a dad, but that’s not how my friends make it sound Asking Eric: I'm just being a dad, but that's not how my friends make it sound Three dead following fiery crash in East Bay involving a Tesla Cybertruck Three dead following fiery crash in East Bay involving a Tesla Cybertruck Dear Abby: Can I follow my Pinterest dreams without consulting my husband? Dear Abby: Can I follow my Pinterest dreams without consulting my husband? Transgender player on San Jose State women’s volleyball team can play at Mountain West tournament, judge rules Transgender player on San Jose State women's volleyball team can play at Mountain West tournament, judge rules Trending Nationally NYC judge excuses Rudy Giuliani lawyers, refuses to delay trial amid courtroom outburst from ex-mayor Dickies, 102-year-old Texas workwear company, moving its HQ to California ‘Hungry for this kind of food.’ Raw milk use surging in Florida despite law banning sales for human consumption Crazy cleaning fees have caused once-loyal Airbnb travelers to consider hotels 10 best books of 2024: The surprising reads that stuckA New Favorite in Modern Payment Solutions, UPCX Wallet Announces Over 100,000 Users

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Millionaire investor and "Shark Tank" star Kevin O'Leary told CNN that Vice President Kamala Harris was a 'faulted' candidate who 'never could articulate anything' during her time in politics. Millionaire investor and "Shark Tank" star Kevin O'Leary delivered an unsparing critique of Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday, suggesting the failed presidential candidate's November loss resulted from long-running political inadequacies. During a roundtable on "CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip," O'Leary said the glaring mistake by Democrats came early on when they positioned Harris as the nominee without holding a primary. "They made an excuse of $317 million in the kitty. They kept the same campaign manager and said we will anoint this faulted, broken candidate who was inconsequential in her vice presidency," he said. "Lost in 2019. As you detailed, complete loser in 2020. Never could articulate anything. Had no compassion for people and her own advocates." O'Leary also pointed to Harris' appearance on "The View" as a turning point in the campaign. He suggested that the women on the show wanted Harris to win and threw her "softball" questions to bolster her public image; in that interview, Harris couldn't say what she would have done differently from Biden in the previous four years, linking her even more strongly to the unpopular incumbent. X USERS LEFT STUNNED BY 'TERRIBLE' VIDEO OF HARRIS SPEAKING TO SUPPORTERS: 'WHO THOUGHT THIS WAS A GOOD IDEA?' Kevin O'Leary delivered a scathing critique of Vice President Kamala Harris, suggesting her loss was the result of long-running personality faults. (CNN/Screenshot) "She was so weak as a candidate, she couldn't even answer that she would do something different. It ricocheted around the world. She was finished. They will never do that again," he added. O'Leary has been an outspoken critic of Harris and the Democrats leading up to the 2024 presidential election. He said on "CNN NewsNight" in October that after watching her town hall the night before, Democrats should have concerns about how she ended up being the nominee. HARRIS CAMPAIGN CHAIR FUMES ABOUT NARRATIVE SHE WAS AFRAID TO DO INTERVIEWS: 'COMPLETELY BULLS---' Vice President Kamala Harris delivers a concession speech after the 2024 presidential election, on Wednesday, Nov. 6, on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. (AP/Jacquelyn Martin) He said he was struck by how "only 90 days ago, [Nancy] Pelosi went to Biden and said, 'You need to step aside' and convinced him to do so. He made the decision, and he did actually ask her, and we've now learned this, 'Is she the right person to drive this home?' He questioned that. He could have said, 'We need to run a process in order for me to make this move,' but they decided not to. I don't know who 'they' is. Was it Obama? Was it Pelosi? I don't care who it was." After using an analogy about stock picking, O'Leary asserted that Harris' ascendancy to the nomination "is the second time the Democratic Party has circumvented democracy." CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Fox News' Alexander Hall contributed to this report. Nikolas Lanum is an associate editor for Fox News Digital.

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Remember Orson Welles’ radio drama “The War of the Worlds,” featuring a terrifying Martian invasion? By a stroke of luck, the narrative was apocryphal. This time, we may not be so fortunate. Mushrooming reports from California and New Jersey have revealed swarms of surveillance drones above sensitive areas, in what might be a dress rehearsal for a Chinese version of Pearl Harbor or another 9/11. The Chinese motive is plain for all to see. We are arming Taiwan to the teeth. We are policing the South China Sea with aircraft carriers. We have formed the Quad (India, Japan, Australia and the United States) to block Chinese hegemony in Asia. We are blocking the transfer of dual-use high technology to China. And we have ordered the closure of TikTok, a covert arm of the Chinese government aimed at brainwashing the American people. Where is Congress? Where are those China hawks such as Sens. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), secretary of state designate? Mr. Rubio should not be confirmed by the Senate until he comes clean about the hordes of Chinese drones. Why no oversight hearings? Why no summoning of Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas for answers under oath? Has Congress subcontracted out oversight to media like CNN’s Wolf Blitzer? The intelligence community regularly fumbles. Think of the Cuban Missile Crisis and belated discovery that the Soviet Union had installed nuclear-tipped missiles in Cuba 90 miles from our shores. It is absurd to say or insinuate that China is not behind the drones. All countries spy on each other. And the spying escalates in lockstep with perceived danger. Does anyone think the United States is not spying on China? Mayorkas recently told Blitzer that “people are reporting sightings of drones” and that the matter is being thoroughly investigated. Is he being evasive because we are learning more about the enemy by watching the drones than we are losing by the intelligence collected, like refraining from prematurely arresting a known spy? Unlike with the media, the secretary can share this information with Congress in executive session to protect intelligence sources and methods. Three of the top five civil drone manufacturers are Chinese, and Chinese companies also feature among the top 20 drone service providers. We know what is going on here. Consider the incursion earlier this year of a pioneering Chinese surveillance balloon, which traversed the continental United States before finally being shot down — the cutting edge of surveillance technology. For days, officials insisted the balloon was benign, even as it passed over critical military installations. Incalculable harm was caused to national security, including our ability to anticipate a nuclear attack by China. Drones are surveillance balloons 2.0 and a prelude to war. Transparency is the coin of the realm. Most alleged state secrets are bogus. There is no reason to conceal all the government knows about the Chinese surveillance drones. Our people are mature. They will not suffer a panic attack of the type that followed “The War of the Worlds.” Why hasn’t Mayorkas disclosed everything he knows with the American people on prime time like John F. Kennedy did during the Cuban Missile Crisis? Until he does, we will remain stressed or terrified of what might be happening. He should reflect on these wise words attributed to Abraham Lincoln: “You can fool all the people some of the time and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.” The Biden administration will expire in about one month. President-elect Donald Trump will undoubtedly tell us all we need to know about the Chinese drone invasion on his Inauguration Day. Elections have consequences, commonly for the better. Armstrong Williams is manager/sole owner of Howard Stirk Holdings I & II Broadcast Television Stations and the 2016 Multicultural Media Broadcast owner of the year. Creators SyndicateJulia Bouwsma, librarian at Webster Library for nearly a decade, spearheads numerous initiatives, including expanded programming, a digital catalog system, and community-focused resources like a 24/7 food pantry. Submitted photo KINGFIELD — For nearly a decade, Julia Bouwsma has directed the Webster Library, transforming it into a vital community hub while also serving as Maine’s Poet Laureate , a role she was appointed to in 2021. Bouwsma is the sixth person to hold the title, following Stuart Kestenbaum, Wesley McNair, Betsy Sholl, Baron Wormser and Kate Barnes. “Webster Library is a small nonprofit with limited resources, but we are always adapting and extremely committed to growing and changing to meet the evolving needs of our community,” Bouwsma said. Under her leadership, the library transitioned from a paper card catalog to a digital system, expanded its operating hours, and introduced enhanced programming for adults and children. A weekly tech-help drop-in program is among its most popular offerings, held Thursdays from 4 to 6 p.m. “This program is part of the Greater Franklin Digital Literacy Initiative, which is a collaboration between Greater Franklin Economic and Community Development, Franklin County Adult Education and Spruce Mountain Adult Education,” Bouwsma said. “We are delighted to be a host site for this wonderful program and encourage everyone in our community to come visit us for assistance with technology support and skills.” The library is also a valuable resource for homeschool families, offering access to its collection, interlibrary loans and printing services. Bouwsma encouraged homeschool families to reach out directly for support. “We invite any homeschooling families in the Kingfield area to reach out to us directly about your programming or materials needs, and we will do our best to try to accommodate,” she said. For young readers, Hank the therapy dog provides a unique opportunity to practice literacy skills in a judgment-free environment. “Hank is the newest therapy dog to regularly visit Webster Library, but we’ve been offering this program for a few years now,” Bouwsma said. “It’s a great chance for beginning readers to practice their reading skills by reading to a nonjudgmental canine audience [who is also very soft and enjoys getting some pats along with hearing a story].” “Hank visits the library for an hour several times a month,” she continued. “Visits are always announced in the Webster Library Facebook group, and patrons young and old can come to the library and read him a book or just spend a little time with him. Hank is calm and sweet and always eager for some love or a cookie!” The annual Letters to Santa event Dec. 15 brought holiday cheer to families, with activities including holiday stories, crafts and letter writing with a special mailbox connecting to the North Pole. Bouwsma said they provide the materials for writing a letter to Santa, as well as a special mailbox with direct access to the North Pole. seen here Feb. 16 in 2022: Julia Bouwsma, Maine’s Poet Laureate, at Webster Library where she works as the library director, Brianna Soukup/Staff Photographer Bouwsma emphasized the library’s role as a welcoming space for the entire community, particularly during colder months. “Our library is very warm and cozy, has a lovely gas fireplace and we are able to provide games, puzzles, coloring supplies, and coffee/tea,” she said. Residents are welcome to stay as long as they need during the library’s hours. Volunteer efforts are crucial to maintaining the library’s services and upkeep, Bouwsma said, noting the importance of community involvement. “As a small nonprofit library, we love our volunteers and will take all the help we can get; with everything from programming to yard and building maintenance!” she said Currently, the library is seeking donations for its food pantry and preparing for a January calendar raffle fundraiser. “We have some amazing prizes on offer [everything from cash to gift certificates for local restaurants to firewood to water skiing lessons], and we are so grateful for the many businesses and individuals who have donated to make this raffle possible,” Bouwsma said. Looking ahead, the library is developing a strategic plan to guide its growth over the next few years. “As part of this process, we will be offering a survey in the coming weeks to collect community feedback and help us understand how we can best serve our community going forward,” she said. Through her work as Poet Laureate and librarian, Bouwsma continues to enrich the cultural and educational life of Kingfield. “One of the really special things about Maine is its proliferation of small libraries,” she said. “Each one is special and unique and in many ways, they really are the hearts of our small towns.” We invite you to add your comments. We encourage a thoughtful exchange of ideas and information on this website. By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use . More information is found on our FAQs . You can modify your screen name here . Comments are managed by our staff during regular business hours Monday through Friday as well as limited hours on Saturday and Sunday. Comments held for moderation outside of those hours may take longer to approve. Please sign into your Sun Journal account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe . Questions? Please see our FAQs . 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Nehru Development Model failed India: EAM Jaishankar NEW DELHI: The “Nehru Development Model” inevitably produced a Nehru foreign policy and the government is seeking to correct that abroad, just as it is trying to reform the consequences of the model at home, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Sunday. ”In fact, the resistance to one is based on an attachment to the other. In my view, the two need to be tackled as an integral whole. The paradox is, that for more than three decades now, there is actually a national consensus, that this development model eventually failed the country,” he observed at the launch of “The Nehru Development Model” book by former NITI Aayog vice chairman Prof Arvind Panagariya. However, he said there is still a reluctance to confidently explore alternatives. ”As a result, we usually end up doing the reforms we must, rarely the reforms we should,” he added. The minister said there was a strong ideological drive in India to advance a particular economic model for the country after it attained freedom. The belief which propelled it was modulated from time to time, but never fundamentally changed. Its root cause was an analysis that the only counter to imperialism lay in socialism, he said. ”Not just in general terms, but one particular paradigm that was centered around heavy industry. For that reason, the author (Prof Panagariya) actually characterised it as a Nehru Development Model. Now, this may have worked for the USSR; or at least it appeared to do so then. The problem was that India was not the USSR,” the minister said. Mr Jaishankar noted that Prof Panagariya has suggested in his book that Nehru’s choices set India on a deterministic path. ”The model and its accompanying narratives permeated our politics, the bureaucracy, of course the planning system, the judiciary, the public space including media, and most of all, teaching. Think about it: both Russia and China today, reject unambiguously, the economic assumptions of that period, which they did more than anyone else, to propagate. Yet, these beliefs appear to live-on with influential sections of our country even today. Certainly, after 2014, there has been a vigorous effort towards course correction. But the author does suggest – with good reason – that it still remains an uphill task,” he added. He said there is no question that India has benefited from greater openness in the last 33 years. But the situation today is much more complex than before. ”We live in an era of weaponised economics, one that throws up questions as to what exactly we are exposing abroad, and to whom. This is aggravated by increasingly technology-centric growth and high data sensitivity. The key concepts, therefore, today are less of openness, and more of resiliency, reliability, redundancy and trust. In the debates that understandably take place in this domain, perhaps ‘openness with caution’ is a better approach,” he added. He was of the view that ”Atma nirbharta” (self-reliance) should not be taken as a synonym for protectionism. ”It is actually a call to think and act for ourselves, as much as it is to ensure national security,” he added. Agencies

Jordan Ivy-Curry, UCF aim to topple TulsaEveryone needs a place to disconnect, relax, reset, or enjoy their hobbies. A man cave can be anything from a garage to an outbuilding like this 3D printed concrete castle , a spare bedroom, a basement bar, or a corner in the living room. Anywhere anyone can indulge in their favorite things, such as gaming consoles, a home theater system, a mini bar, or a collection of sports memorabilia, can qualify. For those who prefer solitary pursuits, this could be a quiet, recuperative place, while extroverts and socialites may use it to entertain friends. There are as many different ways to set up a cave as there are types of people. However you like to enjoy yourself, outfitting a place to relax is not just a project but a fun and rewarding adventure. It's a chance to let your imagination run wild and create a space that truly reflects your personality and interests. The market is flooded with cool gadgets and gizmos for relaxation and fun. In honor of everyone's favorite part of their home, we have collected some of the coolest and most essential pieces of tech to maximize your space's vibe. The Amazon posting highlights the Rossetta Galaxy Star Projector as a perfect fit for a kid's room. However, it also makes a great addition to any adult space, offering a unique way to transform the room's ambiance. With a simple click of a remote, this projector casts stars and nebulae over every part of the walls and ceiling, catering to a wide range of preferences. This projector is not just for relaxation, it also brings fun and excitement. With its Bluetooth 5.1 Speaker and voice control, it can double as a white noise machine or music speaker, creating mesmerizing patterns. Start the party with vibrant colors and pumping music, as the machine's sound function makes the lights flash and change to the beat. It's a versatile product, packing party vibes and quiet relaxation into one device. The projector's compact size makes it a convenient addition to any space. Measuring just 6.3 x 4.3 x 6.3 inches and weighing just under a pound, it can fit on nearly any flat surface. The package includes a user manual, remote control, and power cable, making it easy to set up and use. Simply stick it in a corner, keep the remote handy, and you have ultimate control over the atmosphere in your space. We all know lighting can dramatically alter the mood of any room, but the Nanoleaf canvas takes this to a whole new level. It's not just a light, it's a canvas that you can shape and mold to your liking. This starter kit comes with eight individual panels and one control panel, giving you the power to arrange them in whatever shape you wish and even network it with more panels. Each panel of the Nanoleaf Canvas measures 5.9 x 5.9 x 0.4 inches, and incorporates touch technology that physically reacts to the palm of your hand. The Nanoleaf Canvas integrates into smart technology via a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection. It plays well with its own Nanoleaf App, Apple Homekit, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, and other apps and controllers, including its remote. Users can adjust brightness, crispness, and temperature in more than 16 million possible color combinations, all with a simple touch. Each box of the Nanoleaf Canvas includes everything you need for a hassle-free installation. The light squares, a power supply including an 8-foot power cord, linking hardware, and mounting tape are all included, so you can start enjoying your new mood lighting without the worry of putting holes in the walls. Shooting darts has its origins in the boredom of medieval soldiers, but the 19th century was when it really blossomed into game we know and love in bars across the world. The Arachnid Cricket Pro 800 Electronic Dartboard is a modern take on the beloved game. It won't move on its own to give a you bullseye but it is designed with your safety in mind. Constructed of durable nylon and thin segment dividers to prevent bounce-outs, the Arachnid uses plastic-tipped darts. These darts not only improve safety but also reduce damage in the case of missed throws, giving you peace of mind and confidence in your game. This electronic dartboard automatically keeps score for up to eight players simultaneously. What's more, it offers a staggering 179 variations, including seven types of fan-favorite Cricket, programmed into the board. With such a variety, every game is a new and exciting experience. The Cricket Pro measures 22.83 x 3.15 x 30.31 inches, making it a perfect fit for most recreational spaces. However, if you have a little extra space and want to enhance the aesthetics of your room, consider the DMI Sports Black CricketPro Cabinet . This cabinet not only complements the board but also provides a convenient storage solution for your darts and other accessories. Growth in computing technology has made simulating your favorite type of racing more thrilling and realistic a ever. Peripherals like the Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel provide feedback to create powerful immersion, and the Next Level Racing GT Lite simulator cockpit takes it to the next level by giving sim racers a realistic seating position. Its standout feature is its foldable design, making it easy to store when simulating isn't on the agenda, adding a touch of practicality and efficiency to your racing setup. The GT Lite provides adjustable mounting points for accessory pedals, steering wheels, and shifters, making it a versatile and adaptable choice for your racing needs. No more sliding your steering wheel around a desk as you try to navigate the Corkscrew at Laguna Seca. This will give you the position you need to overtake Max Verstappen in iRacing in your spare time. Simulator cockpits aren't for everyone, but if you or someone you love relaxes with some sim racing, this will make a great addition to their relaxation space. Heading out to socialize over coffee or drinks can be expensive, so why not set up a corner of your cave to enjoy it without marked-up prices? The Bon Augure Industrial Home Bar allows just that. The Bon Augure Industrial Home Bar is not your typical home bar. It's compact, measuring 13.39 x 47.24 by 32.8 inches, making it a perfect fit for any corner. Its contemporary design seamlessly blends with any decor, allowing you to create the perfect cave for your needs. The metal tube frame supports up to 330 pounds on the top shelf, while each adjustable shelf holds up to 110 pounds. Your liquor collection will be safe on the fully adjustable shelves. With dedicated wine storage, included stemware and wine racks, a cabinet perfect for bottles, and a flat surface for preparing drinks, the Bon Augure Industrial Home Bar inspires you to serve up everything from coffee to margaritas from the comfort of your cave. The only thing missing from a relaxation session in the cave is someone to sling drinks. Black and Decker has it covered if you're not into all that muddling, mixing, and measuring. The Black and Decker bev uses an easy-load system that can accommodate up to five 750 ml bottles. With a Bartesian cocktail capsule, you can enjoy your favorite drink in seconds. The bev is available in both corded and cordless models. The corded version, while more affordable, offers the same features. However, the cordless model, with its multi-colored LEDs, spotlights for the drink and capsule, and a digital display, provides a festive display. With the included refillable water bottle, no water hookup is necessary, making it a perfect selection for a dry bar. The cordless model allows you to take your cocktail experience with you, whether it's for picnics, BBQs, parties, or simply to your favorite spot for some solitary enjoyment. The bev keeps itself sanitized with a once-monthly cleaning mode cycle and self-rinsing after preparing every drink. And when it's time for a complete clean, everything is dishwasher safe. This means you can enjoy your cocktails without worrying about the cleanup. Plus, you can even select from four drink strengths, ranging from mocktail to strong, to suit your mood. With the Real Relax Massage Chair, you can enjoy the benefits of a personal masseuse without leaving the comfort of your home. No need to schedule appointments or spend time and money on travel. Simply sit back and let the chair stretch and relax your muscle fibers. The Real Relax 2024 Massage Chair is all about personalization. It massages shoulders, arms, calves, feet, and hips via dual-core roller motors with adjustable intensity. It also includes heating elements in the foot and backrests. You can adjust operations with an LCD display or the chair's companion smart app, making it truly your own. Choose from six preset modes or indulge in the luxury of manual customization. And when you're not in the mood for a massage, it doubles as a comfortable recliner. The Real Relax Massage Chair accommodates people ranging in height from 5 feet, 2 inches to 6 feet,1 inch and up to 300 pounds. It measures 52 x 27.6 x 43.3 inches and comes delivered in two boxes. Having your own personal massage chair at home means you can relax whenever you want, without the hassle of scheduling appointments or the cost of regular visits to a massage therapist. It's a cost-effective and convenient way to unwind in your favorite space. Running to the fridge for a cold drink gets old. Keep your favorite beverages at hand with the hOmeLabs Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler . Measuring 17.3 x 18.9 x 33.3 inches, its compact design ensures a small footprint while providing 3.2 cubic feet of storage space, room for up to 120 cans. What sets the hOmeLabs fridge apart is its user-friendly design. The fully adjustable shelves empower you to set up the interior to your specific needs, giving you complete control over your storage space. The front features an easy-to-use digital temperature control and LED display, while the insulated glass front allows you to choose a drink without opening the door. With the lowest possible temperature of 34 degrees Fahrenheit and no freezer option, the hOmeLabs Beverage Refrigerator is perfect for keeping drinks cold without freezing them. It can be slid under a home bar counter or placed in the corner next to your favorite chair, seamlessly fitting into your lifestyle. If you've always dreamed of transforming your office into a classic arcade mutli-game powerhouse , the Arcade 1Up Marvel vs. Capcom Arcade Table could be your perfect solution. This unique table brings the thrill of arcade gaming to your space without the hassle of DIY. Perfect for fans of a certain golden era of arcade combat, this table offers a variety of 8 epic games, including X-Men: Children of the Atom, Marvel Super Heroes: War of the Gems, Marvel Super Heroes, Marvel vs Capcom, X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse, The Punisher, X-Men vs Street Fighter, and Marvel Super Heroes vs Street Fighter. Join a partner, set your drink on the protective surface, and engage in beat-em-up chaos. The box measures a compact 23.63 x 35.67 x29 inches and weighs 64.84 pounds, making it a perfect fit for your gaming space. And if Marvel vs. Capcom isn't your jam, check out the Arcade 1Up Amazon store to peruse offerings in your preferred genre.