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From the plethora of top tracks that came out in the past 12 months, these are the ones you need to hear. Some rocked, some rolled, some got down and bluesy, some went up country, and we've embedded a handy Spotify list at the bottom. This crunch-rocker from finds the Robinsons saluting the Youngs as only superfans can. “If the record is a love letter to rock‘n’roll,” says Rich Robinson, “then Rats And Clowns is a love letter to .” “I think the old-school fans will be happy, for once,” Billy Corgan snarked of ’ thirteenth album, , and lead-off single is most evocative of the 90s-era Pumpkins’ way with a hook. Savage and wistful in equal measure. When the guitarist split from in 2022, the script had him melting into obscurity. Mars didn’t read it, and while his ex-bandmates unleashed the , 72-year-old Mars arguably sounds spikier and bitier on this feral thrasher. Priest frontman Rob Halford’s disdain for social media drips from this standout from , its pulverising gallop offset by the Metal God’s most Darkness-sounding lyrics (‘The clamour and the clatter of incensed keys, can bring a nation to its knees’). With the real world ravaged by war, famine and AI, it’s no wonder Sheryl Crow keeps hitting the snooze button (‘ ’, she gripes). For the rest of us, this garage-band fuzz-rocker did the job of six espresso shots. It began as a workaday jam with bandmate Craig Ross, but grew into a stately synth-rock epic, complete with squiggly talkbox solo, and a -style video featuring Len getting felt up by a harem of bedouin maidens. We were all ears when Purple kicked off , with their new guitarist Simon McBride building from an urgent chime to a funky vamp before dropping a solo that sounds like it’s sampled from . Sixteen years since , few seriously expected Robert Smith to drag over the line in 2024. Miraculously, the Cure leader not only signed it off, but also caught a little of the old magic in this bleak courtship dance of skeletal piano and industrial drums. The title track from arguably the Canadian rock maverick’s strongest album in years, is a punchy, expansive encapsulation of his heavy, dreamy and good-humoured sides. A hyperactive yet laser-focused, super-hooky swirl of big feelings and empowerment for ‘power nerds’ everywhere. It’s hardly insightful music journalism to point out that the best tune so far from Tommy Henriksen’s project sounds exactly like AC/DC. From the cludding beat and riff-raff to the throat-flaying shriek, these boys have everything except the school blazer – but that’s a good thing. Imagine Judas Priest, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard and Ghost in one riffy package, styled by Terry Gilliam after a particularly industrial-strength cheese dream... That probably makes these Aussies sound unhinged, so you’ll have to trust us when we say this (the title track from their latest album) is brilliant. The Aussie rock’n’rollers marry the chunky boogies of AC/DC with the nastiness of on this highlight from 2024’s So oomphy and ripping it’ll put tattoos on your skin and a moustache (like frontman Cal Kramer’s) on your face after just one listen. If motorbikes made music, it would sound like this. When the Swedish rockers nailed this monster-banger, they knew everything was going to be fine with their next album, . You can see why. Part nuclear-grade disco boogie, part biting hard rock riff-fest – with a Beastie Boys detour in the bridge – you wouldn’t want to be the band following it up on a festival line-up. One debut album, so many bangers, but we’re including Automatic here for it’s ultra-hooky, air guitar-friendly properties. Feeling a little lethargic? Need a firm but loving kick up the arse? Crank this guy up, dance, and get shit done. They only formed in lockdown, but these Brits rock with the swaggering panache of a much more long-in-the-tooth bunch. If you like and The Black Crowes – and miss the retro revivalism of The Temperance Movement – you need this. Given that syncing all four diaries for BCC is seemingly harder than solving a Rubik’s Cube, the music had better be worth it – and this squelch-funk cousin to Led Zep’s struck up the campaign in style. Jason Isbell will be lucky to get his sideman back: this year’s album revealed a singer-songwriter who deserves his own spotlight, and Vaden’s take on (The Whigs curio, not the Bee Gees standard) sums up the album’s golden crunch. A visceral blues strut and V-sign wafted at the early doubters, toasts the Portsmouth band’s first half-decade and manifests their world domination. ‘Don’t you push me down,’ co-holler Lindsey Bonnick and Chloe Josephine, ‘you’d better believe I’m sticking around’. It turns out Herefordshire’s blues cowboy is very good at goodbyes, using the admittedly hackneyed set-up of a toxic relationship to deploy his nastiest fuzz pedals and most stinging slide licks. Stick around for the enjoyably wonky guitar solo. Over summer, the Lovell sisters trailed next year’s with a song they billed as “a rumination on the duality of the human experience”. In practice, is more hips than head, driven by levee-breaking beats and a capella vocals that you feel in your bones. If The Streets’ Mike Skinner – an old friend from the Black Country – fronted an apocalyptic blues band, the result might sound like Big Special’s breakthrough tune, where seismic beats and howls of the damned collide with Brummie gallows humour. Greta Valenti, Robin Davey and co. have gone down various musical rabbit holes over the years. On this single from the brilliant album they’re just here for a good time – a really good time, complete with pounding keyboards, Time Warp-esque energy levels and a melody you can’t help but sing along to. The former Purson mastermind’s latest solo album was made entirely in her own studio. Based on this exhilarating, ambitious highlight, we’d say it gave her the space to make the psychedelic tour de force she’s long had in her. Sumptuous, clever yet catchy stuff. Our favourite track from the rising Brighton stars’ excellent , this is retro fodder of the highest order, with a groove as thick as an anaconda – wrapped in vintage paisley scarves. It’s not difficult to picture them opening for Rival Sons, which they did earlier this year. The Canadian five-piece kick off their EP with this “good old-fashioned dumb rock song” – a 70s glam-stomping delight with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young in its lungs and cowboy boots on its feet. If you don’t like it, you’re probably reading the wrong magazine. After 14 years and about 500 studio albums (okay, fine, 26; maths was never our strong point) the Melbourne psych rockers knocked out one of their juiciest singles yet, in the form of this stompy, fuzzy marriage of 70s glam, gang vocals and Frank Zappa-esque missives about adrenaline rushes, recreational gravedigging, Evel Knievel and more. Hot off the Midlands rockers’ new album , Merry-Go-Round capitalises on their influences (The Sweet, T.Rex, Suzi Quatro...) but stands on its own mega-riffed, platform-booted feet – taking a dreamlike detour into Prog Land with a flute solo and some tasty keyboard wizardry. Nice. The Brooklyn brother duo keep on delivering (and improving, even) with this glowing humdinger of an ear worm. Warm, funky and immaculately harmonised, like a Day-Glo dreamscape lined with palm trees and roller-discos. Dangerously addictive. Still daft as a brush when you hold out a dictaphone, but rapidly growing a social conscience on record, the Lancaster band’s seventh album peaked with this glistening power ballad, urging the countless men at the end of their rope to reach out, not check out. The best track on these Peterborough rockers’ new album is also one of their best overall – a stirring embodiment of the big, bittersweet melodies and classy rock tones they do so well, lyrically drawing from dark personal times for singer/guitarist David James Smith (much of which comes from his decision to quit drinking). Once a lost soul – and still prone to wobbles – Hart’s redemptive relationship with her road manager inspired this orchestral ballad. Sung by anyone else it might sound trite, but Hart has earned the sentiment, and it’s quite a thing to hear her life-ravaged roar among the strings. Listening to this in light of the band’s drummer Brit Turner’s death this year (not to mention, more recently, of their longtime British publicist Michelle Kerr) gives this gorgeous acoustic-based ballad an extra level of poignancy. A tender evocation of the hope and heartache endemic in life on this mortal coil. Nudged from his comfort zone by producer , the South Carolina guitarist sounds markedly different on his third album . Heartsick ballad bridges the old and the new, offering the albums’s only long-form virtuoso solo. This Canadian rock’n’soul collective give the Tedeschi Trucks Band a run for their money on , not least thanks to Meghan Parnell’s gorgeously rich, honeyed vocals that sound imbued with the nuances and yearning that make Susan Tedeschi such a force. Since parting ways with reggae-rockers Lionize, frontman Nate Bergman has come into his own as a singer and songwriter of real class. On he hits the sort of notes and storytelling beats that say ‘Sam Cooke’ and ‘Bruce Springsteen’, often in the same breath. One to watch. The British rockers’ debut gets off to a raring start with this raw-throated yet fiercely melodic headbanger, a whirlwind of 90s grunge, early and vibes. Exhilarating, breakneck stuff with a brooding heart. The Macclesfield duo evoke the raw power and T-bone steak riffage of their debut, wrapped in one of 2024’s most incendiary cries of despair. The voice of a troubled heart, reflecting a generation left behind with more fire and eloquence than almost any of their peers manage. These Aussie punk/pub rock big-hitters are at their smartest, funniest and fiercest on , taking aim at singer Amy Taylor’s more brain-dead critics. Plus that bass line is one of the fattest, grooviest things we’ve heard all year. From an album full of absurdly catchy, punk-sized singles, l has that marriage of sugar and human yearning present in all the best powerpop songs. Slightly longer than the average Bad Nerves choon (but still compact), it burrows its way into your heart and stays there. In a parallel universe, we’re all 21 again, losing our inhibitions at the world’s coolest house party, and is the soundtrack. Built on a woozy yet pounding one-note guitar hook, it’ll make you feel drunk in a sexy way just by listening to it. Fresh from their justifiably lauded latest album is the thrusting, insistent sound of these alt.rock heroes refusing to compromise standards or rest on their laurels. So much more than anyone had a right to expect, 26 years on from their last studio release. One of these British progressive stalwarts’ most commanding singles yet, (taken from the excellent ) balances straight-up rocking with deft electronics, complex beats and Bruce Soord’s fragile yet warm, penetrative tenor. Everyone knows That David Gilmour can do the spacey, reverb-soaked guitar stuff in his sleep, but it’s good to hear him get a little down ’n’ dirty on this solo album highlight, which opens with a squeal of feedback and references a ‘night of hard drinking and ecstacy’. Back in 2017 these progressive mavericks from Leeds wowed us with their self-titled debut. Now they’re back with a harder-hitting energy, psychedelic ambiance and flashes of noodly dexterity on this standout banger from their new album Onism. Big and clever. By turns wistful, dreamlike and beautifully strange, tender vignette was the first thing we heard from Bowness’s boundary-blasting new record – at London’s Hope & Anchor, ahead of its release this year. Quietly heartbreaking, spine-tingling stuff. Hackett has a vivid take on the 1950s London of his youth, and this standout from leads us through an evocative soundscape where sirens wail, babies cry, radios crackle and shady figures emerge through pea-soup fog. It’s like a time machine with added shredding. After the sudden death of their frontman David Longdon in 2021, these Brit progressives’ future was thrown into question. Now that future looks bright; they honour the pastoral sensibilities of their past and begin a new chapter on this epic ode to founder Greg Spawton’s childhood home town, and the heartbreaking truths of mortality. Few singers manage to sound sweet and chilling in the way that Iamthemorning’s Marjana Semkina does. Teamed up with Caligula’s Horse vocalist Jim Grey, the dark folk/prog songstress creates a cutglass, Tori Amos-infused spiral of pastoral warmth and haunted dreams on this highlight from her latest solo album. Classic Rock is the online home of the world's best rock'n'roll magazine. We bring you breaking news, exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes features, as well as unrivalled access to the biggest names in rock music; from Led Zeppelin to Deep Purple, Guns N’ Roses to the Rolling Stones, AC/DC to the Sex Pistols, and everything in between. Our expert writers bring you the very best on established and emerging bands plus everything you need to know about the mightiest new music releases.Shares of Godrej Consumer on Monday fell up to 11% to the day's low at Rs 1,104.20 on BSE after a subdued Q3 business outlook shared by the FMCG firm made brokerages reduce their target prices. In its Q3 business update , shared with investors well before the end of the December quarter, Godrej Consumer said a 20-30% year-on-year surge in palm oil and derivatives prices has impacted the soaps category, which represents one-third of the standalone business revenue. "To partly offset the cost increases we have taken price increases, reduced grammage of key packs and reduced various trade schemes. Such pricing actions typically have minimal impact on category consumption but do result in reduced inventory across wholesale and household pantry. Historical patterns indicate a normalization in volume growth following price stabilization, which we anticipate occurring in the next few months," the company said. Also read | Mark Mobius says US Justice Department had no business prosecuting Adani Group; has a Santa gift for investors It also warned that weather conditions have impacted its home insecticides segment which contributes about one-third of the standalone business. 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Hence the management remains focused on navigating these near-term challenges while maintaining strategic investments for long-term growth as these negative trends are likely to persist for a few months," Godrej said. Domestic brokerage firm Emkay Global downgraded Godrej Consumer to reduce from add rating with a target price of Rs 1,225. "We cut earnings by 4-7% to factor in demand as well as inflationary stress ahead. In a mid-quarter update (Q3FY25), GCPL noted demand stress, wherein 2/3rd of the India business is impacted: Soaps portfolio affected by sharp inflation in palm oil (leading to price hikes and reduced trade promotion), and stress in Household Insecticides, given delayed winter in the North and floods in the South. Overall India revenue should see mid-single digit value growth with flat volume," Emkay said. The brokerage said India EBITDA should decline by high teens in Q3 on a high base and raw material pressures. It sees low-single-digit consolidated revenue growth and low-double-digit decline in EBITDA. Macquarie, which has a neutral call on GCPL, has reduced target price from Rs 1,300 to Rs 1,260 while CLSA has cut target to as low as Rs 1,000. (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel )

'Most agencies' onboarded in NSW $200m ERP rolloutThe renowned anti-apartheid writer and activist Breyten Breytenbach, jailed for his beliefs in South Africa in the 1970s, has died aged 85, his family said. He passed away in his sleep, with his wife Yolande by his side in Paris. The dissident poet, novelist and painter was "an immense artist, militant against apartheid, he fought for a better world until the end," a statement from his family read. Breytenbach's sharp intellect earned him widespread admiration, prompting the British satirical television puppet show Spitting Image to describe him as "the only nice South African” in a song during apartheid's darkest days. Jack Lang, French former education minister, shared a heartfelt tribute on X. "A rebel with a tender heart, he was part of all the struggles for human rights," he wrote. Born in the Western Cape on 16 September 1939, to a family of five, Breytenbach lived much of his life abroad, but always remained true to his South African roots. He attended the University of Cape Town and joined a group of Afrikaans poets and writers called the Sestigers, who wanted to highlight the beauty of the language while critiquing the racist apartheid regime. Afrikaans evolved among white settlers and comes from the Dutch word for African. With Afrikaners in power during apartheid, the language became ever more associated with the oppressive regime. In an interview with The New York Times, he said: "I'd never reject Afrikaans as a language, but I reject it as part of the Afrikaner political identity. I no longer consider myself an Afrikaner." In 1960 he left South Africa for a self-imposed exile, mostly in Europe, but he continued to be a vocal critic of the apartheid regime. He worked in London for a while before settling in France, where he met his Vietnamese wife Yolande Ngo Thi Hoang Lien. Breytenbach tried to return to South Africa with his wife in the 1960s, but she was denied a visa because she was a "non-white". Interracial marriages were against the law. In 1975, at the height of his literary fame, he made a clandestine return to South Africa, where he was arrested for attempting to aid resistance groups in the country. He was sentenced to seven years in prison for terrorism, but continued to write poetry while he was jailed. The then French President, François Mitterrand, helped secure his release in 1982 and he became a French citizen. The years of imprisonment resulted in one of his most impactful works, his novel The True Confessions of an Albino Terrorist - a harrowing account of his seven-year prison sentence, two of which he spent in solitary confinement. After apartheid ended, he became a vocal critic of the liberation government of Nelson Mandela. He felt the African National Congress (ANC) had turned into a “corrupt organisation”. The poet didn't only use his pen to fight those injustices in South Africa, but also around the world. In 2002, he wrote an open letter in The Guardian to the then Prime Minister of Israel, Ariel Sharon. "Why should we look the other way when it is Israel committing crimes? A viable state cannot be built on the expulsion of another people who have as much claim to that territory as you have," he wrote about the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. Breytenbach published over 50 books during his lifetime, and some have been translated into multiple languages. He is also known for his surreal paintings, which often depict humans and animals in captivity. He was later made a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters, France's top cultural award. Breytenbach is survived by his wife, Yolande, and daughter Daphnée and two grandsons. Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica , on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafricaSEATTLE , Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Wunderdogs, a brand consultancy and digital studio, announced the release of a report, Climate Compass. The report, produced in collaboration with investors and industry experts from True Ventures, Wireframe Ventures, Planeteer Capital, Activate, Prelude Ventures, Limelight Steel, SOSV, The Nature Conservancy, and The Ad Hoc Group, offers a look at the next generation of climate technology startups driving the shift to a decarbonized, resilient, and sustainable future. "This report represents a major step in understanding the evolving climate tech space," said Daria Gonzalez , Wunderdogs ' co-founder. "By bringing together insights from leading venture capital firms and industry experts, we're helping to shape a view of what lies ahead for the next generation of climate-focused startups." The report is the result of a collaborative effort between Wunderdogs and a network of forward-thinking investors and entrepreneurs across the climate tech space. Over the past several months, Wunderdogs worked closely with venture capital firms and experts to research, design, and compile insights into the most promising startups and technologies that are shaping the future of climate tech. The full report is available to view here: climatecompassreport.com . About Wunderdogs Since its inception in 2017, Wunderdogs has been at the forefront of brand and digital strategy for the technology sector, collaborating with over 140 technology firms and 30 investment companies. Wunderdogs combines strategy, design and technology to create award-winning brands and digital platforms aimed at making a lasting impression. View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wunderdogs-unveils-report-on-the-next-generation-of-climate-tech-startups-in-collaboration-with-true-ventures-wireframe-ventures-planeteer-capital-activate-and-prelude-ventures-302335407.html SOURCE Wunderdogs

Exploring the Concept of Soulmates in the Age of AI in WashingtonTimeless tunes: How throwback songs bonded Africans in 2024Colorado Avalanche (12-9, in the Central Division) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (10-7-2, in the Atlantic Division) Tampa, Florida; Monday, 7 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: The Colorado Avalanche are looking to extend a three-game win streak with a victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Tampa Bay has a 10-7-2 record overall and a 6-2-1 record in home games. The Lightning have scored 68 total goals (3.6 per game) to rank 10th in NHL play. Colorado is 12-9 overall and 6-3-0 on the road. The Avalanche have an 8-5-0 record in games they have fewer penalties than their opponent. The teams play Monday for the second time this season. The Lightning won 5-2 in the previous matchup. Anthony Cirelli led the Lightning with two goals. TOP PERFORMERS: Nikita Kucherov has 11 goals and 17 assists for the Lightning. Emil Martinsen Lilleberg has scored goals over the past 10 games. Nathan MacKinnon has scored seven goals with 28 assists for the Avalanche. Sam Malinski has over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Lightning: 4-4-2, averaging 3.4 goals, six assists, 3.4 penalties and 9.3 penalty minutes while giving up 2.8 goals per game. Avalanche: 7-3-0, averaging 3.5 goals, 6.2 assists, 2.9 penalties and 5.8 penalty minutes while giving up 2.6 goals per game. INJURIES: Lightning: None listed. Avalanche: None listed. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar . © Data Skrive. All rights reserved. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

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The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) and the State Administration for Market Regulation (National Standardisation Administration) of the People’s Republic of China (SAMR/SAC) have entered into a groundbreaking partnership aimed at enhancing cooperation in the field of Standardisation. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on December 06, 2024, with both parties expressing their commitment to advancing technical innovation and reducing trade barriers through harmonized standards. Executive Director of GNBS, Trevor Bassoo, and outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Her Excellency, Guo Haiyan, signed the MOU, which is set to foster collaboration in international standardisation, information sharing, and the adoption of standards that align with international guidelines, particularly in key areas such as climate change, smart city development, digital technology, and sustainable development. Mr. Bassoo emphasised the significance of this partnership, stating, “This MOU signals a strengthened relationship between the Standards Bodies of Guyana and China. The signing of this MOU is a symbol of our commitment towards improving trade relationships through the development and promotion of Standardisation.” Further, he noted, “there is a lot we can learn from the people of China, especially in the area of technology and we intend to make the best of the opportunities. We also extend our open arms to cooperate with our counterparts in China and lend support in areas that we can.” In her remarks, Ambassador Haiyan highlighted “I am happy that we can sign this MOU today. I believe that the signing of this MOU will help to lower costs and further improve the quality of our economies, and this is very important to us. This MOU opens doors for potential investments between our countries moving forward. Her Excellency added, “This is a significant moment for us, and I am proud to state this partnership will be mutually beneficial for China as well; there are many opportunities to learn from each other in areas of Standardisation.” Key areas of cooperation under this MOU include: The MOU also aims to integrate Standardisation resources into the Standards Information Platform among Belt and Road Partner Countries of Africa, Europe and Asia, fostering greater accessibility and use of standards information by stakeholders. This agreement will remain in force for five years and can be renewed upon mutual agreement. It signifies a strong step forward in aligning Guyana’s standards with international best practices, ultimately benefiting industries and consumers alike. This collaboration promises to enhance Guyana’s economic and industrial landscape while reinforcing its commitment to international cooperation in Standardisation.

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Syracuse coach Fran Brown and Washington State acting coach Pete Kaligis shared a heartfelt hug after their Holiday Bowl news conference on Thursday. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * SAN DIEGO (AP) — Syracuse coach Fran Brown and Washington State acting coach Pete Kaligis shared a heartfelt hug after their Holiday Bowl news conference on Thursday. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? SAN DIEGO (AP) — Syracuse coach Fran Brown and Washington State acting coach Pete Kaligis shared a heartfelt hug after their Holiday Bowl news conference on Thursday. Kaligis can certainly use all the support he can get, especially an embrace and some encouraging words from the opposing coach. No. 22 Syracuse (9-3, No. 21 CFP), led by national passing leader Kyle McCord, is a 17-point favorite according to BetMGM in Friday night’s Holiday Bowl against the depleted Cougars (8-4), whose season has nosedived since mid-November. After beating future Pac-12 opponent San Diego State 29-26 on Oct. 26 at Snapdragon Stadium, coach Jake Dickert, quarterback John Mateer and the rest of the Cougars were 7-1 and about to jump into The Associated Press Top 25. Now the Cougars are barely recognizable as they return to Snapdragon. Dickert was hired away by Wake Forest, Mateer transferred to Oklahoma and running back Wayshawn Parker left for Utah. Numerous coaches, including the offensive and defensive coordinators, are gone, and more than 20 players have entered the transfer portal. The Cougars, who lost their last three games, are a prime example of how college football’s rapidly changing landscape can dramatically affect a program. “Going into the ins-and-outs of the game tomorrow doesn’t matter,” Kaligis said. “We are who we are, we have what we have. I know that’s for both of us.” Kaligis said players who entered the portal after Dickert left can suit up Friday night. “I know we came here with 98 guys. That’s who we’re going to show up on the field with.” The state of the game Kaligis said relationships between players and coaches are more important than ever, even if there’s less time to develop trust “and coach them the right way.” “When a staff (member) leaves and guys get in the portal, it’s because of the relationships they have garnered with their position coaches. When that position coach isn’t guaranteed he’s going to be there, that’s who that young man trusts,” Kaligis said. “I’ve been doing this for a long time,” he added. “What’s been hard for me, I spent 13 years at Wyoming, I saw three graduating classes. I remember I was the longest-tenured coach there. To see them all the way through. When I came to Wazzu, I was their fourth D-line coach.” Wazzu’s slump The Cougs improved to 8-1 by beating Utah State 49-28 on Nov. 9 but then lost three straight, including to Oregon State in the de facto championship game between the two teams left in the Pac-12. They also lost to New Mexico and Wyoming, two of the Mountain West teams that weren’t invited to join the reconstituted Pac-12 starting in 2026. Airing it out McCord, who transferred from Ohio State, rewrote the Orange’s record book this season with 4,326 yards passing, 29 touchdowns and 367 completions. He’s well within range of breaking Deshaun Watson’s ACC single-season record of 4,593, which he set in 15 games in 2016. Orange goals A win will give Syracuse 10 wins for the first time since 2018 and just the third time since 2000. Brown can become the second Syracuse coach since World War II to record 10 wins in his first season, joining Paul Pasqualoni, who did it in 1991. In their final regular-season game, the Orange rallied from a 21-0 deficit for a 42-38 win against then-No. 6 Miami that knocked the Hurricanes out of ACC title contention and ended their College Football Playoff hopes. McCord threw for 380 yards and three touchdowns. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. “We want to go out and have a good game,” Brown said. “We have an opportunity of winning 10 games, which means you’re starting to become a successful program, right? Our players haven’t had a chance of winning a bowl game. So there’s a lot of things that are on the line for us to really be able to build our program and being able to move forward.” Series history This will be the teams’ second meeting. Syracuse beat Washington State 52-25 in 1979. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football Advertisement AdvertisementVolvo Cars Australia hasn’t given up on its trusty XC90 just yet, with the popular large SUV’s second facelift originally not intended for our market now confirmed for launch during the first half of 2025. Revealed in September, the 2025 Volvo XC90 is the third iteration of the second-generation model first launched globally in 2015, boasting a more comprehensive set of design revisions and Volvo’s latest technologies to bring it in line with the Swedish brand’s newest models like the all-electric EX90 . Headlining the changes are a new face more akin to Volvo’s new electric range of ‘EX’ models, as well as a new 11.2-inch high-resolution infotainment system running the brand’s latest interface. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Volvo has applied some less obvious changes, like improved storage space in the centre console, a relocated wireless smartphone charger, redesigned gear selector and additional sound insulation to make the cabin quieter. 100s of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now . Beyond that, “the best-ever Volvo XC90” is more or less the same under the skin – and it already had proven and capable underpinnings. Volvo is keen to label the available T8 plug-in hybrid version as an “electric car with a back-up plan”, quoting over 70km of WLTP-certified electric driving range, and a further 800km of range from the turbocharged petrol engine (based on fuel economy of 8.6L/100km once the battery is depleted). Globally, the existing B5 and B6 mild-hybrid versions also carry over. It’s unclear if all three powertrain variants will continue in Australia into 2025, or whether the T8 will become more widely available. Full pricing and specifications for our market will be detailed closer to launch but, for reference, the existing range is priced from $99,940 plus on-road costs for the Ultra B5 Bright, climbing to $128,390 before on-roads for the Ultra T8 Plug-in Hybrid flagship. Given the expected upgrades, we could see the upgraded XC90’s starting price in Australia start above six figures, unless base pricing reduces closer to the $86,990 entry point from a few years ago when the more affordable Momentum grade was offered (which could be called Plus in today’s nomenclature). Stay tuned to CarExpert for more details. MORE: 2025 Volvo XC90 gets new lease on life MORE: Everything Volvo XC90

Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses Exceeding $50,000 In Applied Therapeutics To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options If you suffered losses exceeding $50,000 in Applied Therapeutics January 3, 2024 and December 2, 2024 and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310) . [You may also click here for additional information] NEW YORK, Dec. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP , a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against Applied Therapeutics, Inc. (“Applied Therapeutics” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: APLT) and reminds investors of the February 18, 2025 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company. Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com . As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose that defendants provided positive statements to investors while, at the same time, disseminating false and materially misleading statements and/or concealing material adverse facts concerning the true state of Applied Therapeutics’ Phase III INSPIRE trial; notably, electronic data capture issues and a dosing error in the dose-escalation phase of the study. Such statements absent these material facts caused Plaintiff and other shareholders to purchase Applied Therapeutics’ securities at artificially inflated prices. On November 27, 2024, Applied Therapeutics issued a press release announcing "that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Complete Response Letter (CRL) for the New Drug Application (NDA) for govorestat, a novel, central nervous system (CNS)-penetrant aldose reductase inhibitor (ARI), for the treatment of Classic Galactosemia." According to the Company, "[t]he CRL indicates that the FDA completed its review of the application and determined that it is unable to approve the NDA in its current form, citing deficiencies in the clinical application." On this news, Applied Therapeutics' stock price fell $1.64 per share, or 16.06%, to close at $8.57 per share on November 27, 2024. Then, on December 3, 2024, the FDA posted on its website a Warning Letter to Applied Therapeutics, the contents of which indicated that the Company was aware at least as early as May 2024 that the FDA had identified significant issues in the govorestat NDA. On this news, Applied Therapeutics' stock price fell $0.31 per share, or 18.34%, to close at $1.38 per share on December 4, 2024. The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not. Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding Applied Therapeutics’ conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others. To learn more about the Applied Therapeutics class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/APLT or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310) . Follow us for updates on LinkedIn , on X , or on Facebook . Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP ( www.faruqilaw.com ). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1b78d6d9-524e-4bfa-9772-9599dc664268 .

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DAMASCUS, Syria — Ousted Syrian leader Bashar Assad fled to Moscow and received asylum from his longtime ally, Russian media said Sunday, hours after a stunning rebel advance seized control of Damascus and ended his family’s 50 years of iron rule . Thousands of Syrians poured into streets echoing with celebratory gunfire and waved the revolutionary flag in scenes that recalled the early days of the Arab Spring uprising, before a brutal crackdown and the rise of an insurgency plunged the country into a nearly 14-year civil war. The swiftly moving events raised questions about the future of the country and the wider region. “Our approach has shifted the balance of power in the Middle East,” President Joe Biden said , crediting action by the U.S. and its allies for weakening Syria’s backers — Russia, Iran and Hezbollah. He called the fall of Assad a “fundamental act of justice” but also a “moment of risk and uncertainty,” and said rebel groups are “saying the right things now” but the U.S. would assess their actions. Russia requested an emergency session of the U.N. Security Council to discuss Syria, according to Dmitry Polyansky, its deputy ambassador to the U.N., in a post on Telegram. The arrival of Assad and his family in Moscow was reported by Russian agencies Tass and RIA, citing an unidentified source at the Kremlin. A spokesman there didn’t immediately respond to questions. RIA also said Syrian insurgents had guaranteed the security of Russian military bases and diplomatic posts in Syria. Earlier, Russia said Assad left Syria after negotiations with rebel groups and that he had given instructions to transfer power peacefully. The leader of Syria’s biggest rebel faction, Abu Mohammed al-Golani , is poised to chart the country’s future. The former al-Qaida commander cut ties with the group years ago and says he embraces pluralism and religious tolerance. His Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the U.N. In his first public appearance since fighters entered the Damascus suburbs Saturday, al-Golani visited the Umayyad Mosque and described Assad’s fall as “a victory to the Islamic nation.” Calling himself by his given name, Ahmad al-Sharaa, and not his nom de guerre, he said Assad had made Syria “a farm for Iran’s greed.” The rebels face the daunting task of healing bitter divisions in a country ravaged by war and split among armed factions. Turkey-backed opposition fighters are battling U.S.-allied Kurdish forces in the north, and the Islamic State group is still active in remote areas. Syrian state television broadcast a rebel statement saying Assad had been overthrown and all prisoners had been released. They urged people to preserve the institutions of “the free Syrian state,” and announced a curfew in Damascus from 4 p.m. to 5 a.m. An online video purported to show rebels freeing dozens of women at the notorious Saydnaya prison, where rights groups say thousands were tortured and killed . At least one small child was seen among them. “This happiness will not be completed until I can see my son out of prison and know where is he,” said one relative, Bassam Masr. “I have been searching for him for two hours. He has been detained for 13 years.” Rebel commander Anas Salkhadi appeared on state TV and sought to reassure religious and ethnic minorities, saying: “Syria is for everyone, no exceptions. Syria is for Druze, Sunnis, Alawites, and all sects.” “We will not deal with people the way the Assad family did,” he added. Celebrations in the capital Damascus residents prayed in mosques and celebrated in squares, calling, “God is great.” People chanted anti-Assad slogans and honked car horns. Teenage boys picked up weapons apparently discarded by security forces and fired into the air. Soldiers and police fled their posts and looters broke into the Defense Ministry. Families wandered the presidential palace, walking by damaged portraits of Assad. Other parts of the capital were empty and shops were closed. “It’s like a dream. I need someone to wake me up,” said opposition fighter Abu Laith, adding the rebels were welcomed in Damascus with “love.” Rebels stood guard at the Justice Ministry, where Judge Khitam Haddad said he and colleagues were protecting documents. Outside, residents sought information about relatives who disappeared under Assad. The rebels “have felt the pain of the people,” said one woman, giving only her first name, Heba. She worried about possible revenge killings by the rebels, many of whom appeared to be underage. Syria’s historically pro-government newspaper al-Watan called it “a new page for Syria. We thank God for not shedding more blood.” It added that media workers should not be blamed for publishing past government statements ordered from above. A statement from the Alawite sect that formed the core of Assad’s base called on young Syrians to be “calm, rational and prudent and not to be dragged into what tears apart the unity of our country.” The rebels mainly come from the Sunni Muslim majority in Syria, which also has sizable Druze, Christian and Kurdish communities. In Qamishli in the northeast, a Kurdish man slapped a statue of the late leader Hafez Assad with his shoe. Calls for an orderly transition The rebel advances since Nov. 27 were the largest in recent years, and saw the cities of Aleppo, Hama and Homs fall within days as the Syrian army melted away. The road to Damascus from the Lebanese border was littered with military uniforms and charred armored vehicles. Russia, Iran and Hezbollah, which provided crucial support to Assad, abandoned him as they reeled from other conflicts. The end of Assad’s rule was a major blow to Iran and its proxies, already weakened by conflict with Israel . Iran said Syrians should decide their future “without destructive, coercive, foreign intervention.” The Iranian Embassy in Damascus was ransacked after apparently having been abandoned. Hossein Akbari, Iran’s ambassador to Syria, said it was “effectively impossible” to help the Syrian government after it admitted the insurgents’ military superiority. Speaking on Iranian state media from an undisclosed location, he said Syria’s government decided Saturday night to hand over power peacefully. “When the army and the people could not resist, it was a good decision to let go to prevent bloodshed and destruction,” Akbari said, adding that some of his colleagues left Syria before sunrise. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking on state TV, said there were concerns about the “possibility of civil war, disintegration of Syria, total collapse and turning Syria into a shelter for terrorists.” Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali has said the government was ready to “extend its hand” to the opposition and turn its functions over to a transitional government. A video on Syrian opposition media showed armed men escorting him from his office to a hotel. The U.N.’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, has called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition.” The Gulf nation of Qatar, a key regional mediator, hosted an emergency meeting of foreign ministers and top officials from eight countries with interests in Syria late Saturday, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Turkey. Majed al-Ansari, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, said they agreed on the need “to engage all parties on the ground,” including the HTS, and that the main concern is “stability and safe transition.” Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli troops had seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights established in 1974, saying it was to protect Israeli residents after Syrian troops abandoned positions. Israel’s military later warned residents of five southern Syria communities to stay home for their safety, and didn’t respond to questions. Israel captured the Golan in the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed it. The international community, except for the U.S., views it as occupied, and the Arab League on Sunday condemned what it called Israel’s efforts to take advantage of Assad’s downfall to occupy more territory. -- By Abdulrahman Shaheen, Sarah El Deeb and Abby Sewell, The Associated PressExperienced Technology and Education Leader, Goli Will Drive Learning Innovation, Operational Excellence and Strategic Growth Mike Duran to Serve as Executive Chairman ST. LOUIS, Dec. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Colibri Group ("Colibri"), a professional education company serving millions of individuals and business customers through over 40 leading brands that offer flexible, online, and in-person learning solutions to licensed professionals, today announced that Shravan Goli has been appointed Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Goli will succeed current Chairman and CEO Mike Duran, who will resume his role as Executive Chairman. This planned transition marks an exciting new chapter for the Colibri Group, building on the company's strong foundation. Colibri Group is backed by Gridiron Capital, LLC ("Gridiron Capital"), a leading investment firm focused on partnering with founders, entrepreneurs, and management teams. With over 20 years of leadership experience in technology and education, Mr. Goli brings a proven history of driving innovation, customer engagement, and transformative growth. He has held pivotal roles at leading companies, including Coursera, Dictionary.com , Dice.com , Yahoo!, and Microsoft. As Chief Operating Officer and Chief Product Officer at Coursera, he expanded global learning access for millions, led growth in consumer and enterprise markets, and played a key role in the company's successful IPO. His strategic leadership at Dice.com and Dictionary.com drove significant revenue growth and market expansion. Mr. Goli also serves on the board of NETGEAR, supporting its mission to deliver seamless connectivity. "With a distinguished career leading technology and education companies, Shravan's expertise in leveraging customer insights and driving growth through a product-led approach makes him the ideal leader for Colibri," said Mr. Duran. "I am excited to support this seamless transition and look forward to seeing Shravan build on Colibri's legacy of delivering exceptional education solutions and engaging experiences that empower millions of professionals to thrive." "I am deeply honored to join Colibri. Its mission to lead people to achieve more, adapt, and thrive in their careers aligns with my own passion for lifelong learning and skill development," said Mr. Goli. "Colibri's remarkable legacy of transforming careers and industries through exceptional education solutions is both inspiring and motivating. Together with the talented team, I am excited to shape the future of professional learning by creating innovative opportunities that empower professionals to grow, succeed, and thrive in an ever-evolving world." "Shravan's extensive experience in both technology and education, combined with his innovative mindset, positions him as an exceptional leader for Colibri," said Kevin Jackson, Managing Partner at Gridiron Capital. "With his deep understanding of the educational market and customer needs, we are confident that under Shravan's leadership Colibri will continue to realize its immense potential, develop groundbreaking products for licensed professionals nationwide, and achieve exceptional outcomes." About Colibri Group Colibri Group is building the future of professional education. Today, millions of licensed professionals start and advance their careers through the company's engaging online and in-person learning solutions for licensing, continuing education, test preparation and professional development. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Colibri Group provides a holistic learning experience for learners and professionals to achieve more, adapt, and thrive throughout their careers in real estate, financial services, teacher education, healthcare, valuation and property services, among other professions. Visit www.colibrigroup.com for more information. About Gridiron Capital Gridiron Capital is an investment firm focused on partnering with founders, entrepreneurs, and management teams, and creating value by building middle-market companies into industry-leaders in the consumer products & services, industrial growth, and business services segments in the United States and Canada. We help transform growing companies by winning together through hard work, partnerships grounded in shared values, and a unique culture that comes from hands-on experience building and running businesses. As a team led by former operators and entrepreneurs, we know what it takes to run successful businesses on a day-to-day basis. Additional information is available on the firm's website: www.gridironcapital.com . Contacts For Colibri Group: Kevin O'Connor, Communications Lead media@colibrigroup.com For Gridiron Capital, LLC: Kevin Jackson, Managing Partner KJackson@gridironcapital.com View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/colibri-group-appoints-shravan-goli-as-chief-executive-officer-302321132.html SOURCE Colibri Group

LUQUE, Paraguay — Sake is perhaps more Japanese than the world-famous sushi. It's brewed in centuries-old mountaintop warehouses, savored in the country’s pub-like izakayas, poured during weddings and served slightly chilled for special toasts. The smooth rice wine that plays a crucial role in Japan's culinary traditions was enshrined on Wednesday by UNESCO on its list of the “intangible cultural heritage of humanity." At a meeting in Luque, Paraguay, members of UNESCO’s committee for safeguarding humanity's cultural heritage voted to recognize 45 cultural practices and products around the world, including Brazilian white cheese, Caribbean cassava bread and Palestinian olive oil soap. Unlike UNESCO’s World Heritage List, which includes sites considered important to humanity like the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, the Intangible Cultural Heritage designation names products and practices of different cultures that are deserving of recognition. Japan's Takehiro Kano, ambassador to UNESCO, reacts after the traditional Japanese brewing of sake was officially named to UNESCO's "intangible cultural heritage of humanity" list during a World Heritage Convention in Asuncion, Paraguay on Wednesday. A Japanese delegation welcomed the announcement in Luque. “Sake is considered a divine gift and is essential for social and cultural events in Japan,” Kano Takehiro, the Japanese ambassador to UNESCO, told The Associated Press. The basic ingredients of sake are few: rice, water, yeast and koji, a rice mold that breaks down the starches into fermentable sugars like malting does in beer production. The whole two-month process of steaming, stirring, fermenting and pressing can be grueling. The rice — which wields tremendous marketing power as part of Japan's broader cultural identity — is key to the alcoholic brew. For a product to be categorized Japanese sake, the rice must be Japanese. Japanese sake, a nominee for UNESCO's "intangible cultural heritage of humanity" list, are displayed on Japan's delegation table, during a UNESCO World Heritage Convention in Asuncion, Paraguay, on Wednesday. The UNESCO recognition, the delegation said, captured more than the craft knowledge of making high-quality sake. It also honored a tradition dating back some 1,000 years — sake makes a cameo in Japan’s famous 11th century novel, “The Tale of Genji,” as the drink of choice in the refined Heian court. Now, officials hope to restore sake's image as Japan's premier alcoholic drink even as the younger drinkers in the country switch to imported wine or domestic beer and whiskey. Japanese breweries also expressed hope the listing could give a lift to the country's export economy as the popularity of sake booms around the world and in the United States amid heightened interest in Japanese cuisine. “I hope that this will also be an opportunity for Japanese people to take another look at sake, shochu and awamori, which are the essence of their culture," Hitoshi Utsunomiya, director of the trade group Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association, said in Tokyo. "I would like them to try it even once and see what it tastes like,” he said. Sake exports, mostly to the U.S. and China, now rake in over $265 million a year, according to the association. Japan's Takehiro Kano, ambassador to UNESCO, reacts as the traditional Japanese brewing of sake was named to UNESCO's "intangible cultural heritage of humanity" list during a World Heritage Convention in Asuncion, Paraguay on Wednesday. Japan's delegation appeared ready to celebrate Wednesday — in classic Japanese style. After the announcement, Takehiro raised a cypress box full of sake to toast the alcoholic brew and cultural rite. “It means a lot to Japan and to the Japanese,” he said of the UNESCO designation. "This will help to renew interest in traditional sake elaboration.” In Tokyo, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said he was “delighted” by UNESCO's recognition of traditional sake-making techniques, and he congratulated those dedicated to preserving and promoting the tradition. The crisp autumn air ushers in more than just pumpkin spice latte season. Consider cozying up inside with friends for a wine tasting and sharing delicious food and drinks with more complex flavors than cinnamon and sugar. Perhaps once thought of as stuffy affairs only for wine connoisseurs, today a tasting can be as casual as pouring a few bottles while doing another activity—say, bar games like darts or art activities like painting. The tasting can also be more traditional, especially if held at a winery or local wine shop, which is a great way to learn about what wines you might like to later serve at home. To host the ultimate wine tasting, it pays to do some R&D. One of the best aspects of hosting a wine tasting at home is that you get to establish the mood, tone, and guest list for the gathering—you can't pick a playlist when you sample wines at a bar or wine shop or make the dress code loungewear. So whether the mood is serious or playful, sophisticated or laid-back, the key to a successful tasting is enjoying and appreciating the wine and having fun with friends and family. Of course, there are a few other things to figure out along the way. Peerspace put together a few tips for hosting your wine-tasting party. A tasting party is all about sampling different wines and evaluating and hopefully enjoying them—and there are a variety of ways to do that. Would you like to host a playful gathering where each guest brings a mystery bottle of wine within a certain price range—a BYOB affair? Or would it be better to have more control over which wines are featured by curating and supplying all the wines as a host? This decision sets the tone—a tasting where guests contribute wine can be a bit of a free-for-all, whereas one where you select wines you supply allows guests to sit back and simply enjoy. And you don't have to break the bank to buy excellent wines—there are lots of wine experts ready to share their affordable picks. How much folks know about wine differs—and that's a good thing. Tastings are group learning experiences. Expertise isn't necessary to host or attend a tasting, but it is helpful to think about what will keep guests comfortable and having fun. Decide whether the vibe will be relaxed and laid-back, like friends sipping wine fireside, or more upbeat and formal. Think about elements like the atmosphere and the location, and consider whether folks will be seated or standing. Will you have a spirited playlist (couldn't resist) or live music? Do you want an expert to introduce each wine, or will you be that expert? Consider how guests will share their thoughts on what they are tasting. Do you want to just talk about them or do something more organized, like take notes or give ratings? Then supply notebooks or notecards and pencils, with categories or questions established ahead of time—all of which can reflect your evening's tone as well. How many people to invite is a question largely informed by the answers to tip #1: Are you having a big, formal affair or an intimate catch-up with close friends? Or something in between? Whatever the case, an RSVP is essential because not only do you need to plan the setup of the space, but you must also make sure there's enough wine for everyone to taste, including each of the wines featured. There's nothing worse than a tasting that runs dry! The math to determine how much wine you need considers the size of the tasting pours—a full glass of wine at a restaurant is usually around 5 ounces, which yields around five glasses of wine from a standard bottle. For tastings, you'll want to do less, depending on how many wines you are featuring—say, 2 ounces if you'll be trying a lot of different wines. Experts agree, having more wine than you need is always a good idea—that way you can send guests home with a bottle should there be a prize at the end of the night. Picking a theme is essential to curating the selection of wines—it's the organizing principle behind your selections. Otherwise, your tasting might as well be just walking down the wine aisle at the grocery store and taking sips from random bottles. There's too much wine out there not to be strategic about this. Plus, a theme helps you to tell the story of each wine better—it's the plot line of the night, if you will. Common themes are types of wine, regions they are from, or even price points—really, one can get as creative as they wish. For inspiration, check out local wine shops and see what they do for tastings. Often, they will follow seasonality and group wines in novel ways for their own in-house tastings. Don't let food be an afterthought for the festivities—after all, food can enhance particular qualities of wine and vice versa. There are many rules around what foods to pair with which wines, but consider this simple advice from Alder Yarrow's Vinography : "Stick with eating good food and drinking good wine." Since the focus is on the wines, allow the drinks to determine what food makes sense, but don't overthink it. Food is a supporting character here—at the very least, guests will need something to soak up all the alcohol (unless you are spitting it out). Eating foods that contain a mixture of protein, fats, and carbs when drinking helps increase the rate of alcohol elimination . Whether it's a full meal or heavy hors d'oeuvres, thoughtful noshes are necessary. The bottom line is, however you do it, hosting the ultimate wine tasting should be fun. Wine can feel intimidating to many people, but most wine experts are passionate, inspired folks who want to share what they know and help you find wines you like. So visit your local wine store or winemaker and ask questions. There are good guides specifically concerning how to taste wine. Dig a little, taste a lot, and have fun. It's all research for your next ultimate wine tasting. Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick. This story originally appeared on Peerspace and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!AP News Summary at 1:42 p.m. EST