fortune rabbit demo pg soft For laptops, PCs, Macs, chips, peripherals, and other hardware, 2024 was the best of times, and 2024 was the worst of times. And in prepping my year-end wrap-ups for 2024, I found that it was a big enough year that I needed to expand on the collection of articles I usually write. And so this article, which began as a "best laptop of 2024"-type post, now highlights the best and worst hardware moments I experienced in 2024, some personally and some industry-wide. Note that hardware in this case is limited only to those devices one uses personally. Sorry, Nvidia. ✍️ Reviews, I've made a few I may as well start with the laptop and PC reviews. I typically estimate that I write about 12 laptop reviews each year. But I've already written 19 laptop and PC reviews this year, and will likely get a few more done before New Years: I have six new hardware devices in-house as I write this, including four laptops and one all-in-one PC, plus one tablet and one e-reader. My 2024 laptop and PC reviews are, in chronological order: HP Spectre x360 14 Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus HP Envy Move Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i 16 Gen 9 Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 14 Gen 9 HP ZBook Firefly 14 G11 Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x 14 Gen 9 Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 HP EliteBook Ultra HP EliteBook 1040 G11 Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 Snapdragon Lenovo IdeaPad 5 2-in-1 Lenovo ThinkBook x13 Gen 4 Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable Gen 2 HP OmniBook Ultra Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i 15 Aura Edition Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid 👍 No regrets: Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 Surface Laptop 7 isn't perfect: It lacks a fingerprint reader and presence sensing capabilities, for example. But with this laptop, Microsoft delivered exactly what I wanted: A MacBook Air-alike with a large display, Snapdragon X/Arm internals, killer performance, battery life, compatibility, efficiency, and reliability, a terrific keyboard with a near-perfect typing experience, and the clean software experience I hope to see on all PCs. I spent way too much on this PC and I couldn't be happier: It's the best laptop of 2024, and my best purchase of the year too. I only wish I could have gotten it sooner. 👎 Nothing but regrets: Apple iPad Air 13-Inch M2 Looking back on this, I'm having trouble reconciling my decision to purchase an Apple iPad Air 13-inch M2 to replace my aging 11-inch iPad Air 4th generation (2020). I mean, I can rationalize it. I had to keep resetting my old iPad Air because it kept slowing down. Between 2023 and 2024, I'd really started preferring larger-screen 15-16 inch laptops, so maybe a larger iPad made sense too. And while Apple had dashed my hopes of a more sophisticated iPadOS at WWDC 2024 in the wake of releasing new M-based iPad Pro and iPad Air models, it would have to come around to reality at some point, right? Maybe it will happen someday. But this was a mistake t... With technology shaping our everyday lives, how could we not dig deeper? Thurrott Premium delivers an honest and thorough perspective about the technologies we use and rely on everyday. Discover deeper content as a Premium member. Paul Thurrott is an award-winning technology journalist and blogger with 30 years of industry experience and the author of 30 books. He is the owner of and the host of three tech podcasts: with Leo Laporte and Richard Campbell, , and with Brad Sams. He was formerly the senior technology analyst at Windows IT Pro and the creator of the SuperSite for Windows from 1999 to 2014 and the Major Domo of Thurrott.com while at BWW Media Group from 2015 to 2023. You can reach Paul via , or . Join the crowd where the love of tech is real - become a Thurrott Premium Member today! Sign up for our new free newsletter to get three time-saving tips each Friday

For his most recent leading role as Mr. Reed in Heretic , Grant traps two young Mormon missionaries in his basement game of faith and horror. Green-haired, dancing orange man aside, Mr. Reed is his most extreme role to date. Playing a man who traps women in cages is as large a departure as he can take, especially when his origins are largely rooted as charming leads in romantic comedies. And not just any romantic leads. Grant has starred in some of the most iconic romantic comedies: Edward Farris in Ang Lee’s Sense and Sensibility , William Thacker in Richard Curtis ‘ Notting Hill , Charles in Four Weddings and a Funeral (the first of his three films with the famed romance director), David the Prime Minister in Curtis’ Love Actually . Essential to each of these roles, Grant’s charming smile and self-effacing mumble made him a heartthrob of the ’90s and ’00s. But a heartthrob is not exempt from their red flags. Like a wolf in a beloved Englishman’s clothing, Grant’s characters have always been more villainous than they appear. The actor’s breakthrough role as Charles in Four Weddings and a Funeral marked him as good-looking and disarmingly likable. Charles flipped a leading man’s role on his head, appearing as non-threatening and passive, his true motives often taking a backseat to politeness. However, for the friend who forgets rings, arrives late, pursues a woman in a relationship, and abandons his fiancée at the altar, suave and shy are not necessarily the first words that come to mind. Perhaps his most cardinal sin of all was committed in Notting Hill . How did he allow Julia Roberts walk out the door to be ambushed by the paparazzi?! Without her pants?! On multiple occasions, when given the opportunity to profess his feelings to his own heartthrob Anna (played by the real-life movie star Roberts), William chose silence and inaction. He even rejected Anna’s own proposal to pursue the relationship legitimately after he had spent an entire year forlorn about what could have been. Never establishing a backbone to communicate properly with the women he truly loves has perhaps been a throughline of Grant’s romantic career. Even his casting as Edward Farris in the 1995 Sense and Sensibility fits the bill, the price of his inactions and omissions being paid by the woman who loved him most. His most meaningful encounter in the film, in my opinion, came far too late. In the final act, Elinor Dashwood ( Emma Thompson ) realized that Farris had been engaged to and then married a woman of higher society. This was the engagement that Farris had failed to mention during the entirety of their courtship. The man was shelling out his monogrammed kerchiefs left and right. Unforgivable! Lastly, Curtis’ 2003 holiday rom-com Love Actually follows the love stories of 10 different individuals and those in their lives. “Love” is used liberally as Grant is one of the many male characters engaging in inappropriate romantic relationships with his own employees. Grant plays David, the Prime Minister, who initially resists the urge to act on his attraction to a junior member of staff, Natalie ( Martine McCutcheon ). While he presents himself as a moral politician, looking down on the U.S. President ( Billy Bob Thornton ) for making his own advances on Natalie, David acts on his attraction in the end nonetheless. While the pair ends up in a public, seemingly unproblematic relationship (for now) by the end of the film, we can’t overlook their checkered origins. Looking back, Grant has actually always played the villain. We just weren’t looking hard enough. More Headlines:How Trump's bet on voters electing him managed to silence some of his legal woes

'Remarkable' Olivia Hussey who has died aged 73 faced rape, beatings, infidelity and cancer after shooting to fame at just 15 as Zeffirelli's Juliet Olivia Hussey played lead in Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 classic film Romeo and Juliet READ MORE: Olivia Hussey dead at 73: Golden Globe winning star of Romeo And Juliet passes away 'peacefully' at home By MARIA CHIORANDO FOR MAILONLINE Published: 11:47 EST, 28 December 2024 | Updated: 12:00 EST, 28 December 2024 e-mail 10 shares View comments Olivia Hussey - who rose to fame starring in Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 film Romeo And Juliet - died at the age of 73 on Friday, December 27. Her loved ones announced the late star's passing on her main Instagram page, sharing that she passed away 'peacefully at home' just two days after Christmas . Alongside a throwback image of the actress, the family labelled her a 'remarkable person' who had 'lived a life full of passion.' Olivia catapulted to fame when she was cast in the adaptation of William Shakespeare's beloved play when she was just 15-years-old - but winning the role would go on to be a blessing and a curse for the young Argentinian actress. She made appearances in over 50 projects in the span of six decades, such as in Black Christmas (1974) and Death On The Nile (1978). The caption of the post shared by her loved ones read: 'It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Olivia Hussey Eisley, who went peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones on December 27th.' 'Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her. Born on April 17th, 1951 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Olivia lived a life full of passion, love, and dedication to the arts, spirituality, and kindness towards animals,' they continued. Her family added that the late actress 'leaves behind a loving family - her children, Alex, Max, and India , her husband of 35 years David Glen Eisley, and grandson, Greyson, and a legacy of love that will forever be cherished in our hearts.' Actress Olivia Hussey, who has died at the age of 73, is pictured playing Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 film Romeo And Juliet 'As we grieve this immense loss, we also celebrate Olivia's enduring impact on our lives and the industry.' Her loved ones concluded with, 'We thank you for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time and ask for privacy as we mourn the loss of a truly special soul.' While Olivia enjoyed immense success throughout her life, she also battled multiple difficulties. The role of Juliet would be the defining one of her career, however, while the film's success introduced her to fame and glamour, it also exposed her to terrible grief and self-doubt with two tumultuous marriages, a crippling case of agoraphobia, neurotic panic attacks, food compulsions, pot smoking, drinking and pills. Olivia was born on April 17, 1951, in Buenos Aires, Argentina - and was notably the daughter of Argentine opera singer Andrés Osuna. When she was a young girl, Hussey moved to London with her mother - who was from England - and her brother. In the city, she studied drama at Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts for five years. During an interview with The Guardian in 2018, she recalled discovering her interest for acting at a young age. 'I used to walk around the house with a towel on my head pretending to be a nun. 'One day I just said, "I don't know about being a nun. I like pretending to be a nun. Maybe if I was an actress, I could pretend to be a nun and still be me."' In her 2018 memoir, Olivia claimed she was raped and abused by her ex Christopher Jones (left), before her husband Dino Martin cheated on her whilst she was pregnant (right) Winning the role of Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli's Romeo and Juliet was a blessing and a curse for 15-year-old Argentinian actress Olivia Hussey (pictured in 2018) At the age of 13, the star continued to pursue her passion and began acting on the stage. In 1966, she appeared in the London production of The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie alongside actress Vanessa Redgrave. Her role in the stage play prompted her to be scouted for the Paramount movie, Rome And Juliet (1968) - which was directed by Franco Zeffirelli. She starred alongside Leonard Whiting, who played Romeo. The movie was a box office success at the time of its release in theatres, and garnered around $38.9 million on a budget of $850K. Read More Romeo and Juliet stars in 1968 film get second verdict in Paramount suit over underage nude scene It also received four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. It ended up winning two for Best Costume Design and Best Cinematography. Olivia received a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer - Female, and was also honoured with the David di Donatello Award for her performance. However, in late 2022, both Hussey and her co-star Whiting sued Paramount over underage nude scenes in Romeo And Juliet. In the lawsuit, the two stars claimed that they had been misled by the director to disrobe for nude scenes that were shown in the final cut of the film. Hussey and Whiting said Zeffirelli originally told them there would not be any nudity in the film. However, on the last day of filming, they claim he said the film 'would fail' unless they performed a scene nude while wearing body makeup. 'What they were told and what went on were two different things,' said Tony Marinozzi, a business manager for the actors, in a statement at the time. A judge dismissed the case who found the claims that the movie depicts sexual acts as a 'gross mischaracterisation.' Director Franco Zeffirelli passed away in 2019, and his son Pippo Zeffirelli responded to the lawsuit last year in January, per Deadline. Alongside a throwback image of the actress, the family labeled her a 'remarkable person' who had 'lived a life full of passion' 'It is embarrassing to hear that today, 55 years after filming, two elderly actors who owe their notoriety essentially to this film wake up to declare that they have suffered an abuse that has caused them years of anxiety and emotional discomfort.' Olivia and Leonard filed another lawsuit, but a few months earlier in October of this year, the case was dismissed a second time in the Los Angeles Superior Court. During her past interview with The Guardian in 2018, Hussey reflected on her role in the 1968 film. 'I loved playing Juliet,' she expressed. 'The only part I didn't like was all the PR. It was exhausting, and I was this wild little thing.' In addition, the intoxicating spotlight that overnight celebrity ushered in – something the young girl had dreamed of since age four - also brought on a weight gain that required diet pills morning and night making her hyper and stressed out. The studio demanded she see a specialist for being 'plump', something that had never bothered her - but it did the studio. 'I began to hate my body and this warped body image would turn into a compulsion,' Hussey wrote in her memoir, The Girl on the Balcony. 'Where once I saw food as a great joy, I now began to see it as an enemy. I have never really had a slim body type. It's more buxom or curvy,' Hussey writes, and quotes Sophia Loren who once said, 'Everything you see I owe to pasta'. Hussey's mother quickly put an end to the pills and specialists but 'a seed had been planted'. With all this attention while filming Romeo and Juliet in the Roman countryside and being looked after by a chaperone, Hussey admits she was 'budding into a little diva.' 'I loved playing Juliet,' she expressed. 'The only part I didn't like was all the PR. It was exhausting, and I was this wild little thing'; seen in 2007 in L.A. The movie was released in 1968 to critical acclaim and earned Zeffirelli an Academy Award nomination for Best Director, but the two co-stars claimed they were misled by the director to disrobe for nude scenes that were shown in the final cut of the film and tried to bring legal action in 2022 - but it was thrown out by the judge The once, sweet and shy teenager was no more. She became petulant, a brat, opinionated and quick to judge others as well as taking no advice. Before filming actually began, Olivia says she felt severe cramping and sudden stabbing pains through her whole body, 'lightning bolts of pain' that had been brought on by stress or too much food. It was something she had experienced before – rumbling appendicitis – but the director wanted her appendix out without delay. Olivia was terrified – this far from home and alone. 'After a terrible night of self-recrimination and pain, I woke up feeling better. 'Whether the problem had been stress, exhaustion, or too much focaccia, I didn't know. All I cared about was that I was finally well enough. I could be Juliet', she writes. Filming began in a small town in Tuscany with Hussey wearing what became the staple of her wardrobe, a 'dreaded bodice', so tight that it had to unlaced down the back after takes to allow her to breathe. But it pushed up her breasts and made her look voluptuous. Zeffirelli would take her hands and say, 'Oh, my little Boobs O'Mina', something Hussey hated. But her breasts attracted her Romeo and an intimacy developed between Olivia and her co-star, Leonard Whiting. But the actress writes that she did not sleep with him. They got drunk together and kissed but he was busy dating every Italian girl between 18 and 35 while she drank gin and tonics and intoxicatingly danced the night away in discos in Rome. The London opening of Romeo And Juliet was a Royal Command Performance before the Queen and royal family at the London Palladium leaving the actress nervous over etiquette for the royal introduction The role catapulted Olivia to global fame, but she was left feeling overwhelmed by the exposure and suffered crippling anxiety The movie was released in 1968 to critical acclaim and earned Zeffirelli an Academy Award nomination for Best Director. However, despite the film's success, Hussey realised she didn't know how to cultivate relationships and had no one she could ask for advice. She turned down many viable projects, never learning how to network. The London opening of the film was a Royal Command Performance before the Queen and royal family at the London Palladium leaving the actress nervous over etiquette for the introduction. She broke out into a fit of giggles, walked onstage with Zeffirelli and Leonard and peed on the spot. 'Years later, I would be diagnosed with a severe form of agoraphobia: large crowds, open spaces, and uncontrollable social situations fill me with dread', wrote Hussey in her memoir. She waved politely at the late Queen Elizabeth II seated below and escaped for a wardrobe change. Sitting next to the then-Prince Charles at a long dining table, she complained about how much her feet hurt. After Romeo & Juliet was released, Olivia didn't act for two years - however she later appeared in a number of programmes and films, including The Bastard (pictured, in 1978) The actress had not appeared on screen since 2015, when she appeared in the British film Social Suicide, based on Romeo and Juliet 'Oh, dear. Well, you must go ahead and rest them on my knees, then', the royal replied and they carried on talking about films. It was a year and a half before she accepted another film offer due to her struggle with agoraphobia. However, she was meeting actors and connected with actor Christopher Jones, hot off the film, Wild in the Streets, and being talked about as the next James Dean. Hussey accepted a lunch date that morphed into a romance as well as what she describes as one of the darkest periods of her life. She had been warned by Jones's manager, Rudy Altobelli, that Jones might not be the right guy for her, but she read that as Altobelli flirting. Jones was having a breakdown on the set of Ryan's Daughter in Ireland, distressing cast and crew. He would sit staring off and then abruptly accuse a member of the film crew of stealing from him. His attacks turned on Hussey, who was 17 at the time, in love and trying to understand her boyfriend. One night while talking in bed, he allegedly punched her in the stomach and then held her close and apologised. The production company decided to medicate him and it was up to Hussey to mix it in his morning oatmeal. His mood swings calmed down on some days, other days he figured he was being poisoned because he felt too good. Once, Jones threw the bowl of oatmeal at Olivia, insisting she eat it and laughed ghoulishly before running off. When filming was over, Hussey wanted nothing more to do with the actor and in 1969, she moved to Los Angeles . First stop, Altobelli's home on the infamous Cielo Drive in Benedict Canyon, just north of Beverly Hills and the very site of the Charles Manson murder spree earlier that summer. 'The whole time I lived at Cielo Drive there was nothing strange or macabre about it. I was still very young, and by the time I arrived, all traces of the crime had been erased' – but for the fact that Altobelli had allowed Christopher to live in the back house temporarily. The ground rules were she would never be left alone with him and Jones understood they were no longer a couple. Hussey was now caught up in the Hollywood scene of glamorous parties, and meeting big stars. She writes she never considered accepting any job offers. She wasn't feeling anxiety or pressure and just settling into 'this new, sunnier way of living'. She met Dino Martin, son of singer Dean Martin and his wife Jeanne. Dino was considered a golden boy, nonchalant about his famous family. Dino romanced Olivia, took her to all the famous Hollywood restaurants, introduced her to stars and his best friend, Desi Arnaz, Jr., son of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. The scene at Rudy's was also exciting with stars dropping by. Sally Kellerman, John Savage, Jack Nicholson even came to smoke a joint. Olivia then began a short-lived affair with Terry Melcher, Doris Day's son, a record producer. Rudy loved smoking dope and Olivia joined him becoming more paranoid throughout the day. Dino would join them and they'd head off to satisfy their munchies. But then some dark sinister force brought Christopher Jones into her bedroom one night at Cielo Drive. Hussey thought one of Rudy's dogs had pushed open the door but then the door closed. Jones was hallucinating and hearing voices, twitching while whispering sweetly but incoherently and then he was suddenly punching and beating Olivia for an hour 'all the while grinding his teeth and snarling, his spittle spraying me', she writes. 'Then he raped me'. In 1980 she married a Japanese singer Akira Fuse with whom she had a baby boy before divorcing in 1989. Living between Japan and Hollywood took its toll on Olivia and Akira's relationship and although they remained friends, they later divorced 'In some way, I had always know that it would come to this; that it was only a matter of time before the dam broke and all of Chris's anger washed over me', writes Hussey. She called Dino whose first words were 'I'm going to have him killed'. Olivia's lip was split open. There was dark bruising around her eyes and on the side of her head. He had pulled out a clump of her hair and her nose was bloodied. She didn't leave the Cielo Drive house for two months but Dino visited every day. When she recovered, she went to the gynecologist who confirmed she was pregnant. Conferring with Dino, Rudy, and a psychiatrist, Olivia decided to abort the baby. While lying in a bed in Cedar-Sinai hospital before the abortion, when Dino left, Christopher walked in. He apologised and pleaded with her to keep the baby. She said she couldn't and that he must never come near her again or she'd reveal that he had viciously raped her. She rang the nurse's bell and Christopher exited. Hussey never saw him again. Jones died in 2014 of complications from gallbladder cancer – after three marriages and seven children. Dino had been there to support Olivia throughout her ordeal and she fell in love with him. 'Out of that horror came some of the brightest, happiest days of my life. I was very much in love', writes Hussey. She also adored Dino's family. They tied the knot in Vegas and Olivia was so into the marriage, she even learned to cook. When Desi Jr. started dating Liza Minelli, she and Olivia became close friends as well as the godmother of Olivia's first child. The two couples spent a lot of time together, flying to Vegas and back the same night, getting tipsy on Saturday nights at Madeo's, a hot Beverly Hills restaurant, and Sunday morning hitting tennis balls to dispel hangovers. 'I lived in a strange kind of balance between my newfound love of domestic life and the still-surreal glamour of Hollywood, and it was never boring'. When the offer came in to work on the film, Summertime Killer, starring Christopher Mitchum and Karl Malden on location in Spain for six weeks, Hussey jumped at it. Her contract included special lunches to ensure she stay on a diet. When the movie wrapped in Madrid, Barcelona was the next shoot and her diet included one plate of pasta a day and hours at the hotel pool working on her tan. Once back in LA, she had the taste to work on a bigger film and beat out Natalie Wood for the role of Maria in the big budget film, Lost Horizon. The location was the Warner Bros. Studio lot. A day after signing, she learned she was pregnant. She confided her condition to the costume designer who promised to keep it a secret and keep making her wardrobe bigger. She and Dino had a beautiful baby boy, Alexander Gunther Martin but the marriage turned out to be a flop, as did the film. Dino had begun cheating on her when Olivia was seven months pregnant. 'A light had gone out and we both knew it. If we'd been older, perhaps we'd have gone to counselling,' she wrote. However, she and Liza fell out after they both tried out for the lead role in the film Camille. The glory days were over. Dino was arrested for an illegal gun collection. They sold their house, split the money and went their separate ways. Binge eating, booze, diet pills, sleeping pills washed down with white wine spritzers –all became routine – until Hussey was introduced to Swami Muktananda, a gentle Indian guru who now became the center of her life and helped lead her out of her misery. She still had panic attacks and trouble getting outside of her own head. She met and married a Japanese singer, Akira Fuse, had a baby boy before a third marriage to 'stone-cold rock star hunk', David Glenn Eisley, in 1991. Olivia was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer in the summer of 2008. However she opted not to pursue chemotherapy or radiation and instead underwent a double mastectomy to treat the cancer. A decade later, she found the breast cancer had returned when a small tumour was discovered growing between her heart and lungs. Hussey, who is survived by her third husband David Eisely (pictured),was described as a 'remarkable' person by her family when they announced she had died Hussey had been married to David Eisley since 1991. The two shared a daughter, India Eisley (right) who had a role in The Secret Life of the American Teenager In 2018, the actress released her memoir titled The Girl On The Balcony and told People at the time, 'It's been quite a life. I feel grateful that I survived it all'; seen in 1968 She opted to use radiation and chemotherapy to treat the tumour, stating: 'I'd refused chemotherapy and radiation treatment 10 years ago, wanting to avoid those poisons, but last year I had no choice, and they saved my life. 'The tumour shrank, I'm hoping to the size of a pea, and I'm doing well now. I'm healthy and happy.' She last appeared on screen since 2015, when she appeared in the British film Social Suicide, based on Romeo and Juliet. In 2021, she revealed to DailyMail she was 'broke', saying: 'I've had terrible luck...I went from being comfortable to being overdrawn.' Olivia is survived by her husband David Glen Eisley, her three children, Alex, Max, and India, as well as her grandson Greyson. Share or comment on this article: 'Remarkable' Olivia Hussey who has died aged 73 faced rape, beatings, infidelity and cancer after shooting to fame at just 15 as Zeffirelli's Juliet e-mail 10 shares Add commentThe Byadarahalli police are searching for a cab driver who blackmailed his former landlord with private videos and extorted valuables worth ₹1.8 lakh from her. The victim, a 37-year-old homemaker, stated that the accused, identified as Suresh, had been a tenant in a portion of her three-storeyed house for the past three years. The accused befriended the victim and secretly recorded private videos of her, subsequently using them to blackmail her for money. Initially fearing social stigma, the victim succumbed to his demands. However, the accused’s demands escalated, and he recently forcibly took her mobile phone, car, and earrings from her home. The accused targeted the victim when her husband, an ex-CRPF personnel currently employed as a security officer at a private firm, was away at work. He threatened her with dire consequences if she ignored his calls and even shared the private videos with her husband. Unable to endure the harassment, the victim approached the Byadarahalli police and filed a complaint on Tuesday. Based on this complaint, the police have registered an FIR against Suresh under sections 384 (extortion) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the BNS, 2023. Published - December 28, 2024 10:27 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit

Lil Wayne, GloRilla, Camila Cabello to perform at College Football National ChampionshipThe announcement caps a turbulent eight-day period in which Trump sought to capitalize on his decisive election win to force Senate Republicans to accept provocative selections like Gaetz, who had been investigated by the Justice Department before being tapped last week to lead it. The decision could heighten scrutiny on other controversial Trump nominees, including Pentagon pick Pete Hegseth , who faces sexual assault allegations that he denies. “While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition,” Gaetz, a Florida Republican who one day earlier met with senators in an effort to win their support, said in a statement. “There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I’ll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General. Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1," he added. Trump, in a social media post, said: “I greatly appreciate the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General. He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect. Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!” He did not immediately announce a new selection. Last week, he named personal lawyers Todd Blanche, Emil Bove and D. John Sauer to senior roles in the department. Another possible contender, Matt Whitaker, was announced Wednesday as the U.S. ambassador to NATO. The withdrawal, just a week after the pick was announced, averts what was shaping up to be a pitched confirmation fight that would have tested how far Senate Republicans were willing to go to support Trump’s Cabinet picks. The selection of the fierce Trump ally over well-regarded veteran lawyers whose names had circulated as possible contenders stirred concern for the Justice Department's independence at a time when Trump has openly threatened to seek retribution against political adversaries. It underscored the premium Trump places on personal loyalty and reflected the president-elect's desire to have a disruptor lead a Justice Department that for years investigated and ultimately indicted him. In the Senate, deeply skeptical lawmakers sought more information about Justice Department and congressional investigations into sex trafficking allegations involving underage girls, which Gaetz has denied. Meanwhile, Justice Department lawyers were taken aback by the pick of a partisan lawmaker with limited legal experience who has echoed Trump's claims of a weaponized criminal justice system. As Gaetz sought to lock down Senate support, concern over the sex trafficking allegations showed no signs of abating. In recent days, an attorney for two women said his clients told House Ethics Committee investigators that Gaetz paid them for sex on multiple occasions beginning in 2017, when Gaetz was a Florida congressman. One of the women testified she saw Gaetz having sex with a 17-year-old at a party in Florida in 2017, according to the attorney, Joel Leppard. Leppard has said that his client testified she didn’t think Gaetz knew the girl was underage, stopped their relationship when he found out and did not resume it until after she turned 18. The age of consent in Florida is 18. "They’re grateful for the opportunity to move forward with their lives,” Leppard said Thursday of his clients. “They’re hoping that this brings final closure for all the parties involved.” Gaetz has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. The Justice Department’s investigation ended last year with no charges against him. Gaetz’s political future is uncertain. He had abruptly resigned his congressional seat upon being selected as attorney general, a move seen as a way to shut down the ethics investigation into sexual misconduct allegations. He did win reelection in November for the new Congress, which convenes Jan. 3, 2025, but he said in his resignation letter last week to House Speaker Mike Johnson that he did not intend to take the oath of office. He transmitted a similar letter to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as the state launched a special election process to fill the vacancy. Republicans on the House Ethics Committee declined this week to release the panel's findings, over objections from Democrats in a split vote. But the committee did agree to finish its work and is scheduled to meet again Dec. 5 to discuss the matter. As word of Gaetz's decision spread across the Capitol, Republican senators seemed divided. Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin, who served with Gaetz in the House, called it a “positive move." Maine Sen. Susan Collins said Gaetz “put country first and I am pleased with his decision.” Others said they had hoped Gaetz could have overhauled the department. Florida Sen. Rick Scott, a close ally of Trump, said he was “disappointed. I like Matt and I think he would have changed the way DOJ is run.” Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul said he hoped that Trump will pick someone “equally as tenacious and equally as committed to rooting out and eliminating bias and politicization at the DOJ.” Gaetz is not the only Trump pick facing congressional scrutiny over past allegations. A detailed investigative police report made public Wednesday shows that a woman told police that she was sexually assaulted in 2017 by Hegseth, the former Fox News host now tapped to lead the Pentagon, after he took her phone, blocked the door to a California hotel room and refused to let her leave. “The matter was fully investigated and I was completely cleared,” Hegseth told reporters Thursday at the Capitol, where he was meeting with senators to build support for his nomination. Associated Press writers Michelle L. Price, Lisa Mascaro, Mary Clare Jalonick and Adriana Gomez Licon contributed to this report.

50 Cent Suggests Jay-Z Could Be Dropped By NFL As Producer Of Super Bowl Halftime Show After Rape Allegations‘Let’s do this’: Crowsnest Pass mayor wants proposed coal mine sooner than laterOnline auction of confiscated booze features hard-to-find bottles of Kentucky bourbons

GIG HARBOR, Wash., Nov. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Heritage Distilling Holding Company Inc. (“Heritage” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: CASK), a leading craft distiller of innovative premium brands, including whiskeys, vodkas, gins, rums and ready-to-drink canned cocktails, today announced the closing of its initial public offering of 1,687,500 shares of common stock at an initial public offering price of $4.00 per share, for gross proceeds of approximately $6.75 million, before deducting underwriting discounts and offering expenses. In addition, Heritage has granted the underwriters a 30-day over-allotment option to purchase up to an additional 253,125 shares of common stock at the initial public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions. The shares began trading on Nasdaq on November 22, 2024 under the symbol “CASK.” Newbridge Securities Corporation acted as the sole book-running manager for the offering. In addition to the shares being sold in the initial public offering, Heritage also closed on the sale of common warrants to purchase an aggregate of 382,205 additional shares of its common stock in a concurrent private placement to certain existing security holders. The common warrants have an exercise price equal to $0.01 per share and were sold for a price per common warrant equal to $3.99, the price per share at which the common stock was sold in the initial public offering less $0.01. The sale of the common warrants were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and as such, the shares issuable upon exercise of the common warrants may not be offered or sold absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration. The gross proceeds to Heritage from the initial public offering and the concurrent private placement, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering and private placement expenses payable by Heritage, were $8,250,000, excluding any exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of common stock. A registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-279382) relating to the common stock offered and sold in the initial public offering was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and became effective on November 12, 2024. Copies of the registration statement can be accessed through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. This initial public offering was made only by means of a prospectus forming part of the registration statement relating to the common stock, which was filed on November 25, 2024 and is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov, or may be obtained from Newbridge Securities Corporation, Attn: Equity Syndicate Department, 1200 North Federal Highway, Suite 400, Boca Raton, FL 33432, by email at syndicate@newbridgesecurities.com or by telephone at (877) 447-9625. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. About Heritage Heritage is among the premier independent craft distilleries in the United States offering a variety of whiskeys, vodkas, gins, rums and ready-to-drink canned cocktails. Heritage has been the most awarded craft distillery in North America by the American Distilling Institute for ten years in a row out of the more than 2,600 craft producers, plus numerous other Best of Class, Double Gold, and Gold medals from multiple national and international spirits competitions. It is one of the largest craft spirits producers on the West Coast based on revenues and is developing a national reach in the U.S. through traditional sales channels (wholesale, on-premises, and e-commerce) and its unique and recently-developed Tribal Beverage Network (“TBN”) sales channel, which is collaborating with Native American tribes to develop Heritage-branded distilleries, brands, and tasting rooms and to develop brands unique to the tribes, to serve patrons of tribal casinos and entertainment venues, creating compelling social and economic benefits for participating tribal communities while allowing the tribes another channel through which to exercise tribal sovereignty. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by words such as "aims," "anticipates," "believes," "could," "estimates," "expects," "forecasts," "goal," "intends," "may," "plans," "possible," "potential," "seeks," "will," and variations of these words or similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Any such statements in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements in this press release are based on Heritage’s current expectations, estimates and projections only as of the date of this release and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those set forth in or implied by such forward-looking statements. These and other risks concerning Heritage’s programs and operations are described in additional detail in its registration statement on Form S-1, which is on file with the SEC. Heritage explicitly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except to the extent required by law. CONTACTS: Investors Scott Eckstein heritage@kcsa.com (212) 896 1210 Media Molly Crawford mcrawford@kcsa.com (408) 768 6974Nebraska plans not to get caught sleeping vs. South Dakota

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IS it Beyonce? Or could it be Shakira? Or might it even be a rediscovered picture of Jodie Marsh, circa 2003? No. This blonde bombshell, looking markedly more tanned than usual, is Kim Kardashian. You know, the American-Armenian reality star whose signature look is long, raven hair. In the latest promotional for her Skims underwear brand, the 44-year-old wears a teeny-weeny fur bikini from the Winter Heat collection, which goes on sale today. But it seems the sexy picture is getting less attention for the clothes — or lack of — and more for Kim looking unrecognisable. Fans posted on social media that they “thought it was Beyonce”, “It’s giving Shakira” and “Award for the Best Supporting Actor goes to the wig.” One fan wrote: “Why are you dressed up like Beyonce, lol.” The mum-of-four posted several pictures of herself wearing the knitwear-heavy range including a cream cami with cable-knit trousers and a blue bralette. Whether Kim intentionally dressed up as her old pal and pop star Beyonce , 43, for the photoshoot is uncertain. But the age-defying snaps prove Kim is the ultimate chameleon. Over the past two decades, she has gone from Paris Hilton’s stylist to a billionaire businesswoman, and Kim has reinvented her look more times than we can count. She has experimented with pink and platinum blonde hair and has been accused of cultural appropriation for wearing braids. But her risk-taking paid off as she has been given one of the most coveted spots in the industry — the cover of American Vogue — three times. In 2022, Balenciaga creative director Demna Gvasalia said: “I think for many, many years, there hasn’t been anyone who has redefined the standards of beauty as much as Kim has. “She did something that is very similar to what Marilyn Monroe did back in the day. “She redefined our understanding of what beauty is.” Kim has previously discussed the unnerving lengths to which she would go to remain looking youthful. She said: “I was kind of joking, but now that I think about it, I would probably eat s*** if someone told me, ‘If you eat this bowl of poop every single day, you’ll look younger’.” On the topic of cosmetic surgery, for which her honesty has always been admirable, she said: “I always want to look appropriate. There does come a point when you’ve taken it too far — overfilled, too tight, too much cosmetic work.” She added, without irony: “There’s nothing worse.” In another interview that year, she revealed: “I really genuinely care about looking good. "I probably care more than 90 per cent of the people on this planet. It’s not easy when you’re a mum and you’re exhausted at the end of the day or you’re in school, and I’m all of the above. I do my beauty treatments usually late at night. “After everyone’s in bed, I’m doing laser treatments.” Kim, who has almost had as many careers as she has changing faces, more recently took up acting with a role as a ruthless publicist in the 12th series of American Horror Story. On The Kardashians, she said: “I can do a movie a year. I’ve got about ten years where I still look good. That’s all I’ve got in me then I’ll take some time off.” Maybe then we will get to see the real au naturel Kim . . .Jammu, Nov 26: Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Science and Technology and ARI & Trainings, Satish Sharma, today flagged off Constitution Day Padyatra rally. The rally was organised by Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, J&K, under the aegis of MY Bharat to commemorate the 75th Constitution Day, celebrating the adoption of Indian Constitution on November 26, 1949. Present on the occasion were Director General, Youth Services & Sports Department, Rajinder Singh Tara, Transport Commissioner, Bhawani Rakwal, State Director, Nisar Ahmed Batt, RTO, Pankaj Bagotra and Principal GCW Parade, Ravinder Kumar Tickoo. The Minister administered the “Read the Preamble” pledge to the participants before the flag off ceremony. The rally commenced from Government College for Women Parade and proceeded towards Ambedkar Chowk through Parade Chownk, Indira Chowk and Gumat before culminating at Govt MAM College, covering a distance of more than 7 km. It was attended by more than 1000 participants including MY Bharat Volunteers, students, sportspersons and staff. The Minister paid floral tributes to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on the occasion. The Padyatra then proceeded towards Government MAM College where it was received by Bharat Anand, Principal MAM College and others. A cultural bonanza was also presented by the students of Government MAM College. While speaking on the occasion, the Minister lauded the efforts of NYKS, YSS Department, NSS, Colleges and Education Department in successfully holding the mega padyatra. Satish Sharma urged the youth to stay away from drugs while asking them to bring to his notice the incidents of drug abuse in their surroundings. The Minister said that B.R Ambedkar being the Chairman of the Drafting Committee was successful in drafting the longest written constitution of the world. Satish Sharma, while highlighting government endeavours towards welfare and development of youth in J&K, said that enhanced facilities would be ensured for the sportspersons and students. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Principal MAM College. The proceedings of the valedictory ceremony were conducted by Dr Gurpreet Kaur, PO NSS GCW Parade.

SALT LAKE CITY, Dec. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Myriad Genetics, Inc . MYGN , a leader in genetic testing and precision medicine, announced it will present new data at the 2024 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium ® (SABCS), including a spotlight presentation on a breast cancer risk assessment tool that combines a polygenic score for all ancestries. Additional new data will show how Myriad's second-generation tumor-informed molecular residual disease (MRD) assay demonstrated high sensitivity, specificity and measurement accuracy, which, together, will facilitate improved resolution in residual-disease detection and extend lead times in recurrence detection. "We are very excited to share validation data of our MRD assay. SABCS gives us the opportunity to showcase our clinical expertise in the prevention and treatment of early and advanced breast cancer," said George Daneker, MD, President and Chief Clinical Officer, Oncology, Myriad Genetics. "Myriad is one of the only labs that can offer germline and tumor genomic testing, combined with customizable workflow solutions and point-of-care patient education sessions. Our test results are supported by treatment-focused reporting, concordance checks between germline and tumor genomic results, and a summary sheet designed to help oncologists and breast surgeons interpret actionable insights more effectively." Myriad Genetics Data Presentations Spotlight Presentation: Session 16, PS16-01: Polygenic Risk Date: Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, 5:30-7:00 pm (CST), Hemisfair Ballroom 3 Presenter: Timothy Simmons, PhD, Biostatistician III, Myriad Genetics The presentation will share longitudinal validation in the UK Biobank of a breast cancer risk assessment tool that combines a polygenic score for all ancestries with traditional risk factors. Rapid-Fire Presentation: RF1-06 Date: Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, 12:00-12:50 pm (CST), Hall 1 Presenter: Katie Johansen Taber, PhD, Vice President, Clinical Product Research & Partnerships, Myriad Genetics Dr. Johansen Taber will share data detailing the association of polygenic-based breast cancer risk prediction with patient management. Poster Presentation: P2-04-23 Date: Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, 5:30-7:00 pm (CST), Halls 2-3 Presenter: Ashley Acevedo, PhD, Staff Computational Scientist, Myriad Genetics This poster shares the analytical validation of a high-definition tumor-informed Molecular Residual Disease (MRD) assay to demonstrate robust detection at low-tumor fractions, which are common in breast cancer. Poster Presentation: P3-02-10 Date: Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, 12:30-2:00 pm (CST), Halls 2-3 Presenter: Holly Pederson, MD, Cleveland Clinic Dr. Pederson will share her evaluation of a polygenic risk score as a predictor of breast cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, and early-onset disease in Hispanic women. In addition to data presentations, Myriad will welcome attendees to its booth (#1327) during exhibition hours. Among the Myriad products highlighted in the company's SABCS exhibit are: MyRisk ® Hereditary Cancer Test evaluates 48 genes to help healthcare providers identify their patients' risk of developing 11 different types of hereditary cancer. MyRisk's clear, actionable results are the foundation for personalized care plans to help patients make confident, informed decisions about medical management. MyRisk with RiskScore ® provides unaffected patients with a comprehensive, personalized assessment of the five-year risk and remaining lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. Precise Tumor ® Molecular Profile Test is a pan-cancer solid tumor comprehensive genomic profiling test that helps clinicians with straightforward interpretations, prioritization of therapies, and the next steps specific to each patient's genomic result. MyChoice ® CDx is one of the most comprehensive homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) tests available, enabling physicians to identify patients with tumors that have lost the ability to repair double-stranded DNA breaks, resulting in increased susceptibility to DNA-damaging drugs such as platinum drugs or PARP inhibitors. The MyChoice test comprises tumor sequencing of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes and a composite of three proprietary technologies (loss of heterozygosity, telomeric allelic imbalance and large-scale state transitions). EndoPredict ® Breast Cancer Prognostic Test is for patients with ER+ , HER2- , node negative or node positive breast cancer. The test provides three individualized results used to help determine the most appropriate breast cancer treatment. About Myriad Genetics Myriad Genetics is a leading genetic testing and precision medicine company dedicated to advancing health and well-being for all. Myriad develops and offers genetic tests that help assess the risk of developing disease or disease progression and guide treatment decisions across medical specialties where genetic insights can significantly improve patient care and lower healthcare costs. For more information, visit www.myriad.com . Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including that the company will present new data at SABCS and that the company's new data that will be shared at SABCS will show how the company's second-generation tumor-informed MRD assay demonstrated high sensitivity, specificity and measurement accuracy, which, together, will facilitate improved resolution in residual-disease detection and extend lead times in recurrence detection. These "forward-looking statements" are management's expectations of future events as of the date hereof and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, conditions, and events to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated. Such factors include those risks described in the company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2024, as well as any updates to those risk factors filed from time to time in the company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K. Myriad is not under any obligation, and it expressly disclaims any obligation, to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as required by law. Investor Contact Matt Scalo (801) 584-3532 IR@myriad.com Media Contact Glenn Farrell (385) 318-3718 PR@myriad.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Man City stumble again while Arsenal and Bayern Munich earn dominant wins