The news of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu being issued an arrest warrant for Israeli crimes against Palestinian civilians has echoed like a thunderclap. For many, it represents a milestone in pursuing justice and officially acknowledging Palestinian sorrow. However, this development raises numerous concerns. Does this warrant a meaningful step toward ending impunity, or is it merely a symbolic gesture? Why does this question arise? Just imagine... It feels like a game where the referee consistently blows the whistle in favor of the same team. The rules are well known but seem to exist only for appearances. This is the impression international justice sometimes conveys. Today, Netanyahu is in the spotlight with an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC). But this raises another pressing question: will he truly be held accountable, or is this just another symbolic gesture? The ICC was founded with a noble mission: prosecuting war criminals without distinction. However, its track record often resembles a chronicle of unmet promises. The court's history is filled with arrest warrants issued against high-ranking leaders, frequently celebrated as symbolic victories for international justice. Yet, how many of these warrants have been successfully enforced? For instance, the case of former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, who was subject to an ICC arrest warrant yet continued to travel freely, was welcomed by several states that, in theory, were obligated to detain him. It was not the ICC but a popular uprising in Sudan in 2019 that ultimately led to his deposition and arrest by his own people. Similarly, while warrants have been issued for African militia leaders and actors in conflicts in Eastern Europe, many of these individuals remain at large. The case of Jean-Pierre Bemba of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is equally revealing. After a decade of detention, he was ultimately acquitted, a reversal that left a bitter taste for those who had hoped for impartial justice. These precedents illustrate that while the issuance of an arrest warrant is significant, it does not guarantee that justice will be delivered. As part of Israel's alleged genocide against the Palestinians, Netanyahu now faces international justice on war crimes charges. For many, this mandate represents a glimmer of hope – a signal that international justice might also scrutinize the powerful allies of great nations. But let’s be realistic: how many Western leaders or strategic allies of the West have ever been brought before the ICC? This glaring disparity has led to frequent criticism of the institution for its apparent bias in selecting the cases it prosecutes. The figures speak for themselves: of the dozens of cases prosecuted by the ICC, the majority target African leaders, creating the impression of a selective geography in international justice. Meanwhile, leaders involved in equally violent conflicts often enjoy near-total impunity. The ICC seems to wear two faces: a strict enforcer for some and a passive observer for others. What explains these double standards? The answer is simple: politics. Despite its professed independence, the ICC is frequently swayed by geopolitical dynamics. Prosecuting an African or Middle Eastern leader without significant international backing is possible. But holding leaders shielded by powerful alliances accountable is an entirely different matter. Take, for example, the case of Russian President Vladimir Putin. A warrant has been issued for what has been labeled "his crimes in Ukraine," but who is actually going to arrest him? While Putin may not be on the best terms with Western leaders, one thing is clear: Russia remains a military superpower. Now, consider Israel, a strategic ally of the United States and several European powers. This relationship complicates the likelihood of this mandate being enforced. In fact, in response to the arrest warrant, White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre rejected the validity of the warrants, emphasizing that the ICC was not competent in this matter since Israel is a non-member state of the ICC. We can also point to Western military actions in the Middle East, particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan. Accusations of war crimes have been made against American and British authorities for abuses in these countries; however, no warrants have been issued to date. Why have the violations committed in Yemen, often with the implicit or explicit support of Western powers, not been subject to similar prosecutions? Why not? The answer is simple again: the powerful do not hold each other accountable. The least that can be said is that international justice appears to wear very selective blinders. These double standards strengthen the perception that international justice is only a political weapon used to serve geostrategic goals. For the Palestinians and several other individuals seeking justice worldwide, this arrest warrant signifies the long-overdue acknowledgment of their suffering. They are more aware than anybody else, nevertheless, that symbolic declarations are insufficient. They suffer the daily effects of occupation, forced relocation and brutality. There needs to be tangible action taken in response to the arrest warrant against Netanyahu. Pointing the finger of blame is insufficient if nothing is done to apprehend him, hold him accountable, and consider restitution. Beyond rhetoric, the international community must strive for the actual implementation of international law. A world where the rules apply to everyone, without exception, shall not be a utopia. Regrettably, Netanyahu's situation also draws attention to the systemic flaws in the international legal system. As a sitting head of state, he can invoke diplomatic immunity, an argument often used to protect leaders from prosecution. What's more, Israel, like other powers, has never signed up to the Rome Statute on which the ICC is founded, which further complicates prosecutions. This impasse reveals a wider problem: international justice lacks coercive means. International institutions cannot function effectively if they depend on the goodwill of states to implement their decisions. Several changes are needed for the ICC to become a genuine instrument of justice. Initially, it is necessary to fortify its autonomy. This entails safeguarding the court from economic and political pressure. Subsequently, it is imperative to establish an international cooperation mechanism in which member states pledge to execute warrants without exception. An equitable and consistent approach must also be adopted by the international community. Justice cannot function with a variable geometry. Every war crime and every human rights violation must be treated with the same rigor, regardless of the country concerned or the status of the leader involved. It is time for the international community to move from words to deeds. Justice devoid of complacency should transcend mere rhetoric and manifest as a tangible reality. The Netanyahu case presents a significant occasion for the ICC to demonstrate its capacity for decisive action rather than mere rhetoric. Ultimately, justice that selectively overlooks circumstances cannot be deemed true justice. It is merely a construct of perception. The world is watching. The ICC has an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to its stated mission. However, to achieve this, it must demonstrate that no leader, regardless of their power, is exempt from the law. International justice must not persist as a stage where solely the vulnerable face scrutiny. It should evolve into a steadfast foundation, an emblem of equity and veracity. Otherwise, this warrant against Netanyahu will merely represent yet another installment in a protracted narrative of unfulfilled commitments.Regional Cooperation Urged to Strengthen Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Safeguards2kbet 。

How major US stock indexes fared Friday, 12/6/2024Top war-crimes court issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu and others in Israel-Hamas fighting

Indiana should be able to breathe easy this week. It has very little chance of making it into the Big Ten championship game. On the other hand, Georgia's spot in the Southeastern Conference title game is so risky that if the Bulldogs lose they might have been better off sitting it out. Over the next two weeks, the warm familiarity of conference championship games, which began in 1992 thanks to the SEC, could run into the cold reality that comes with the first 12-team College Football Playoff. League title games give the nation's top contenders a chance to hang a banner and impress the CFP committee, but more than ever, the bragging rights come with the risk of a season-wrecking loss — even with an expanded field. “I just don’t think it’s a quality conversation,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart said last week, sticking with the time-honored cliche of looking no further than the next weekend's opponent. Those who want to have that talk, though, already know where Georgia stands. The Bulldogs (9-2) are ranked sixth in this week's AP Top 25 and projected somewhere near that in the next set of CFP rankings that come out Tuesday. They already have two losses and will have to beat No. 3 Texas or No. 20 Texas A&M in the SEC title game on Dec. 7 to avoid a third. How bad would a third loss hurt? The chairman of the selection committee insists that a team making a conference title game shouldn't count against it. What that really means won't be known until the games are played and the pairings come out on Dec. 8. "We're going to let the season play out," Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said. “But I think teams who make that championship game, the committee looks at them and puts them in high esteem." All of which could be good news for Indiana in the unlikely event the Hoosiers find themselves playing for the Big Ten title. IU is coming off a flop in its first major test of the season, a 38-15 loss to Ohio State last weekend. After his team's first loss of the season, coach Curt Cignetti took offense to being asked whether the Hoosiers were still a playoff-caliber team. “Is that a serious question?” he asked. “I’m not even gonna answer that. The answer is so obvious.” What might hurt Indiana, which dropped five spots to No. 10 in the AP poll, would be another drubbing. The Hoosiers would be at least a two-touchdown underdog in a title-game matchup against top-ranked Oregon. The odds of that happening, however, are slim. It would take a Michigan upset over No. 2 Ohio State on Saturday, combined with a Maryland upset over No. 4 Penn State and, of course, an Indiana win over Purdue (1-10). Because this is the first year of the 12-team playoff, there's no perfect comparison to make. For instance, this is the first time Power Four conference champions are guaranteed a spot in the playoff. But 2017 provides a textbook example of how a team losing its conference title game suffered. That year, Alabama had one loss (to Auburn) and didn't play in the SEC title game, but made the four-team field ahead of Wisconsin, which was 12-1 after a loss to Ohio State in the Big Ten championship game. Ohio State didn't make it either — two losses didn't get teams into a four-team field. Neither did undefeated UCF. Saturday's results made things a little more clear for the rest of the conferences: — In the Big 12, winning the title game will probably be the only way for Arizona State (9-2), BYU (9-2), Iowa State (9-2), Colorado (8-3) or anyone else to earn a spot in the 12-team playoff. None are ranked higher than 14th in the AP poll. — The Atlantic Coast Conference could get multiple bids. Miami (10-1), SMU (10-1) and Clemson (9-2) all finished in the top 12 of this week's AP poll. They were cheering the loudest when both Alabama and Ole Miss suffered their third losses of the season. — The Mountain West would be a one-bid conference, but that's only a sure thing if Boise State wins. A loss by the Broncos could open the CFP for Tulane or Army of the American Athletic. Both the MWC and AAC title games take place at 8 p.m. on Dec. 6. — Where the committee places Alabama and Ole Miss on Tuesday will be an indicator of what it thinks of teams with three losses that played very strong schedules. — It could also set the stakes for Georgia, which faces the prospect of loss No. 3 in the Dec. 7 title game, assuming the Bulldogs beat rival Georgia Tech this week. — Clemson has been steadily climbing. Its 34-3 loss to Georgia came on Aug. 31. Is it ancient history to the committee, though? — Indiana's status as a playoff team — in, out, nervous? — will become apparent. The Ohio State game was Indiana's first against a top-flight opponent. Then again, it is the Hoosiers' only loss and their weak Big Ten schedule is not their fault. 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-footballWhite House defends Biden's Hunter pardon as criticism mounts

Brainrot, brat, extreme weather, midwest nice and weird round out the shortlist SAN MATEO, Calif. , Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Dictionary.com , the world's leading digital dictionary, today announced its 2024 Word of the Year: demure . Traditionally used to describe reserved or modest individuals, demure has taken on an expanded meaning this year to signify refined and sophisticated appearances or behaviors. "As remote work fades and in-person experiences become the norm again, the subtle art of personal presentation has taken on renewed importance," said Steve Johnson , Curriculum Design Manager of the Dictionary Media Group at IXL Learning . " Demure captures this cultural shift with a modern twist: a word that once carried traditional, often limiting connotations has been reimagined to celebrate understated elegance and suavity. Its evolving meaning gives people a way to express quiet confidence—embracing modesty and charm as intentional, empowering choices . " In making the annual selection, Dictionary.com 's lexicographers analyzed a wealth of data—including newsworthy headlines, search engine results and social media trends—to identify words that captured pivotal moments in 2024. The word demure dominated the cultural zeitgeist, with its usage in digital media surging a remarkable 1,200% between January and August. This meteoric rise is largely attributed to Jools Lebron, a content creator who popularized the phrase "very demure, very mindful" in a series of TikTok videos illustrating how to embody the term in professional, travel and social settings. The social media buzz surrounding demure sparked a similar spike in search interest. In the 11 months before Lebron's videos, there was no notable trend in Google searches for the term, but interest surged 14-fold by August 2024 . At its peak, searches for demure on Dictionary.com were 200 times greater than their previous rate. While the initial trend has cooled, the word remains five times more popular on Dictionary.com than it was before its breakout moment. Alongside demure, Dictionary.com 's lexicographers identified five additional words that shaped the cultural conversation in 2024, rounding out this year's shortlist. Read more about Dictionary.com 's 2024 Word of the Year at http://dictionary.com/e/word-of-the-year/ . About Dictionary.com Words define every aspect of our lives, from our ideas to our identities. Dictionary.com aspires to empower people to express themselves, make connections and find opportunities through the power and joy of language. With 96 million visitors each month, Dictionary.com is the premier destination to learn, discover and have fun with the limitless world of words and meanings. The brand helps you make sense of the ever-evolving English language so you can put your ideas into words—and your words into action. Press Contact Joslyn Chesson IXL Learning press@ixl.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dictionarycom-names-demure-as-the-2024-word-of-the-year-302315735.html SOURCE IXL Learning

Velus Jones Jr.'s Bears Belongings Show Up at Goodwill

Wolfspeed ( WOLF 31.06% ) stock posted explosive gains in Friday's trading. The company's share price ended the day's trading up 31% and had been up as much as 35.4% earlier in the daily session. Wolfspeed stock gained ground in conjunction with news about the compensation for executive chairman Thomas Werner and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) showing that insiders had recently acquired shares. In addition to these catalysts, the company's share price also appears to have benefited from a surge of bullish momentum for meme stocks . Wolfspeed insiders are building positions in the stock Earlier this week, Wolfspeed announced that its CEO, Gregg Lowe, would be stepping back from the role this month and also departing from the company's board of directors. In conjunction with the announcement, the company stated that board chairman Thomas Werner would also step into the executive chairman role as the tech specialist works to select its next CEO. In a filing with the SEC yesterday, details about Werner's compensation as executive chairman were shared. Werner is scheduled to receive $150,000 in cash on a monthly basis in addition to $250,000 worth of restricted stock units. The executive chairman acquired 37,500 shares on Nov. 20. In addition to details about Werner's pay package and acquisition filing, filings with the SEC also showed that other members of the company's board of directors had acquired significant amounts of stock the same day. Board member Duy-Loan T. Le acquired 20,000 shares on Nov. 20. Meanwhile, Darren Jackson acquired 36,795 shares, and Stacy Smith acquired 30,376 shares. What's next for Wolfspeed stock? With board members moving to acquire shares and receiving stock as a substantial component of their compensation packages, investors are seeing signs that company insiders are bullish on Wolfspeed's future. As famous investor Peter Lynch once said, "Insiders might sell their shares for any number of reasons, but they buy them for only one: They think the price will rise." Recent share acquisitions by board members are a positive indicator for the shareholder base at large. On the other hand, Wolfspeed's explosive stock growth also appears to have been aided by a broader rally for meme stocks. Even after today's big pop, the company's share price is still down 81% year to date. While the stock could continue to enjoy a comeback rally in the near term, there hasn't been any news about the core business to propel the recent rally -- and that opens the door for volatile trading if more substantive bullish catalysts aren't forthcoming.

In the fast-paced world of technology stocks, SoundHound AI has grabbed significant attention, witnessing a stunning 870% increase in share value this year. This surge is driven by rising anticipation around its cutting-edge AI solutions, which many believe could trigger prolonged growth in the sector. Conversational AI Pioneer SoundHound AI is at the forefront of conversational intelligence, a realm of artificial intelligence that excels in understanding and generating human-like dialogue. Its prominence stems from its advanced platform, which is rapidly expanding across various sectors. Initially marking its success through collaborations with major automakers, SoundHound’s voice-assisted and generative AI capabilities are now finding broader applications. The company is upbeat about its customer service AI, enabling sophisticated, conversational interactions across numerous industries. The company’s CEO emphasizes that AI customer service will soon be as indispensable to businesses as Wi-Fi. This transformative potential underpins the current fervor for the company’s stock. Impressive Financial Trajectory SoundHound AI’s financials reflect its robust growth, reporting $25.1 million in third-quarter revenue—a notable 89% rise. Serving over 200 enterprise clients, the company expects its yearly revenue to reach $84 million, representing an 83% year-over-year growth. For 2025, SoundHound AI forecasts revenue between $155 million and $175 million, with aspirations of achieving positive adjusted EBITDA by year’s end. Investor Caution in Sky-High Valuation Despite its meteoric rise, SoundHound AI’s valuation is drawing scrutiny. With a market cap of $9 billion, its shares command a high 90x forward P/S ratio. Compared to profitable peers like Nvidia and Palantir, this presents a concern for investors weighing long-term potential against immediate financial metrics. In this evolving AI arena, SoundHound AI’s future remains both promising and uncertain, posing questions about sustainability and competition. Is SoundHound AI the Next Big Thing in Conversational Technology? SoundHound AI, a powerhouse in the technology sector, has been making waves with its remarkable 870% increase in share value this year. This surge is fueled by the company’s innovative AI solutions, which many believe could lead to sustained growth in the industry. A Leader in Conversational AI At the forefront of conversational intelligence, SoundHound AI specializes in understanding and generating human-like dialogue. The company’s cutting-edge platform is quickly becoming a cornerstone in various sectors, with initial success rooted in partnerships with major automakers. SoundHound’s voice-assisted and generative AI capabilities have now broadened their reach, impacting industries beyond automotive. A significant focus is on its advanced AI customer service solutions, which promise to revolutionize business communications by offering seamless, conversational interactions across multiple sectors. Financial Success and Projections SoundHound AI’s financial performance underscores its rapid expansion. The company reported third-quarter revenue of $25.1 million, marking an 89% increase. With a clientele exceeding 200 enterprises, SoundHound AI anticipates annual revenue to reach $84 million for the current year, illustrating an 83% growth compared to the previous year. Projects for 2025 set revenue expectations between $155 million and $175 million, with goals to achieve positive adjusted EBITDA by year-end. Balancing Valuation and Growth While SoundHound AI’s stock performance has been impressive, its valuation raises questions among investors. A market capitalization of $9 billion and a forward price-to-sales (P/S) ratio nearing 90x place its shares in a high-risk category when compared to profitable competitors such as Nvidia and Palantir. This discrepancy necessitates careful consideration for those evaluating long-term value versus immediate financial outcomes. Exploring Trends and Innovations SoundHound AI’s trajectory aligns with growing trends in AI enhancements and innovations, particularly in conversational and generative AI applications. As industries increasingly adopt these technologies for improved customer interactions and operational efficiencies, SoundHound AI’s offerings are positioned competitively to lead market advancements. Challenges and Future Predictions Challenges remain as SoundHound AI navigates a competitive landscape saturated with incumbents and new entrants. The company’s promising future hinges on sustaining its technological lead and proving the viability and sustainability of its business model. The ongoing evolution within AI highlights the necessity for continuous innovation and strategic positioning to secure its place as an industry leader. SoundHound AI’s growth story reflects both the opportunities and uncertainties embedded in the burgeoning AI landscape. Insightful predictions focus on how the company will harness its technological edge to maintain its momentum amidst ever-changing market conditions. For more information on SoundHound’s offerings and vision, visit the SoundHound website .

Bionomics Reminds Shareholders to Cast their Vote for Re-Domiciliation from Australia to the United StatesNoneIf you're not familiar with the Costco Guys, well, good for you. You're not missing out on much. But to those who are familiar with them, we have some unfortunate news to share regarding A.J. A.J., the patriarch of the Costco Guys family, has been getting into the wrestling world. He and his son, Big Justice, who went viral on TikTok and Instagram for their reels about their love for Costco , made an appearance at AEW Full Gear over the weekend. A.J., who told TMZ Sports prior to this weekend that he was hoping to get more into wrestling, suffered a serious injury during his appearance. The father of the Costco Guys family suffered a serious injury while inside the ring. Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images The wrestling company announced on Monday that A.J. suffered a broken foot at some point during his match. "AEW looks forward to welcoming Big BOOM! A.J., Big Justice and the whole Costco Guys crew back anytime, and we wish him a speedy recovery," the promotion said. SUPERPLEX FROM BIG BOOM AJ! Order #AEWFullGear on PPV right now! https://t.co/JlBXZPLNGj @QTMarshall | @ajbefumo | #BigJustice pic.twitter.com/gn4iRdrNWY TMZ Sports had more: Overall, it seemed like the collab between the AEW and the Costco-verse was a success. The entire pre-show for Full Gear amassed 381k views, with a separate upload of the match earning 70k clicks in under 24 hours. A.J. himself has yet to comment on the injury, but his opponent had some words ... saying he was the one who hurt the TikTok star -- and that he would have won if it wasn't for that meddling kid, Big Justice! QT Marshall is taunting the Costco Guys family on social media on Monday. "Just tell the truth AEW...I hurt him and if it wasn’t for Big Justice, I would have put him down for the count with the newly named “Doom Cutter”!" he wrote. Just tell the truth AEW...I hurt him and if it wasn’t for Big Justice, I would have put him down for the count with the newly named “Doom Cutter”! https://t.co/dAyxEfat0V Hopefully, this wasn't the last time we'll see Big A.J. in the wrestling ring.