demo slots free Kilkenny is lighting up this holiday season with the launch of Festive Fridays a Night Time Economy and Shop Kilkenny Initiative . Every Friday of Yulefest, the city will host an array of festive activities designed to bring the community together, support local businesses, and create a vibrant night time atmosphere for both residents and visitors alike. From magical Christmas trails to live entertainment, Festive Fridays at Yulefest Kilkenny promises an unforgettable holiday experience for everyone. Yulefest Christmas Trail: A Journey of Holiday Magic The heart of Festive Fridays lies in the Yulefest Christmas Trail , an experience that invites visitors to explore Kilkenny's historic streets, uncover hidden gems, and participate in an exciting interactive quiz. Christmas Trail Maps are available for collection at the Yulefest HQ (located at the corner of Rose Inn Street and the Parade — Eircode: R95Y672) or local shops. An interactive family friendly trail around Kilkenny city, the trail takes in the city’s Christmas Lights, Christmas Trees and historical areas while ‘reindeer spotting’, answering questions and solving puzzles. A magical way to spend an evening with the family in the beautiful medieval city of Kilkenny this festive season! The trail is a self-guided free activity on public streets. Follow the map to get to every stop and answer the questions and puzzles as you go. Once you’ve completed the trail you can submit your answer sheet in the Yulefest postbox to be in with a chance of winning weekly Shop Kilkenny vouchers! The Yulefest Christmas Trail is live throughout the festival, so you can pick a time that suits you, although we highly recommend the evenings when the lights shine their brightest. A highlight of the trail, as mentioned above, includes: Reindeer Garden at Rothe House Visit this beautiful Kilkenny treasure with a festive twist and come see the Yulefest display of reindeer in the beautiful Rothe House Garden. The garden can be visited from 3pm-6pm throughout December will late opening on Fridays and Saturday till 8pm. Stop in while you’re on the Yulefest Christmas Trail . The retail shop will be open during the garden opening times, selling local crafts and Irish products. An easy place to pick up some gifts while you are here! KCLR Battle of the Buskers This December we’re bringing live entertainment to the streets of Kilkenny! Feel the energy of local talent as Kilkenny's buskers battle it out each week for the chance to win a €500 cash prize, together with recording time in studio and airplay on KCLR 96fm! Featuring a lively blend of musicians performing holiday classics and original tunes, providing the perfect soundtrack to the Christmas festivities. Come out Friday 6th, 13th, 20th December from 6pm, visit all 4 buskers and vote for your favourite! Yulefest Festive Fridays: An Interactive Experience! Launch Celebration: Lights, Music, and Community Spirit The festivities kicked off in grand style on Saturday November 30 with Santa’s arrival to the city and the official launch of Yulefest Kilkenny 2024. Santa took to the River Nore by boat before travelling around Kilkenny’s medieval streets by Steam Train. A spectacular site to behold! Santa and his elves were overwhelmed with the welcome they received at Canal Square and he was delighted to see all of the children and families who came out to see him. Kilkenny’s Mayor Andrew McGuinness had the honor of switching on the city’s Christmas lights alongside Santa himself and Cathaoirleach Michael McCarthy, which filled the streets with a magical glow. The moment was made even more special by a stunning performance from Enya Cox , a talented singer from Castlecomer and finalist on The Voice Kids . Enya's beautiful rendition of ‘Oh, Holy Night’ and ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ provided the perfect soundtrack as the lights illuminated the city, signaling the start of a magical season. Festive Fridays and the Night Time Economy Initiative The Night Time Economy Initiative , in partnership with Shop Kilkenny, is a key part of this year’s Yulefest celebrations, designed to encourage people to experience Kilkenny’s vibrant Christmas scene after dark. By supporting local businesses, the initiative aims to boost the local economy while providing a safe, welcoming, and fun environment for everyone to enjoy the holiday season. Festive Fridays will run from 5 PM to 9 PM, with a host of events, activities, and live performances, ensuring the city remains lively well into the evening. Event Information: When: Every Friday in December, from 5pm to 9pm Where: Kilkenny City Centre Start: Yulefest HQ (Corner of Rose Inn Street and the Parade – Eircode R95Y672) Full Event Details: www.yulefestkilkenny.ie Whether you're here to explore the Christmas trail, enjoy a live performance, or simply soak in the festive atmosphere, Yulefest Kilkenny 2024 offers something for everyone. Don’t miss out on this magical holiday celebration— Kilkenny is waiting to be explored under the stars! Yulefest Kilkenny celebrates Christmas in Kilkenny and runs until December 22. Featuring the Yulefest Christmas Market, live music on the Yulefest Live Music Stage, and family entertainment each weekend plus a range of festive events each week! For more information and the full event schedule, visit www.yulefestkilkenny.ie or follow on social media at @YulefestKilkenny .The GPD WIN4 runs on a customized version of Windows, providing access to a wide range of games and applications from the Microsoft Store and other platforms. With the ability to install and run PC games, emulators, and productivity apps, the GPD WIN4 offers versatility beyond traditional handheld gaming consoles. Whether you're gaming, working, or streaming content, the GPD WIN4 has the capabilities to meet your needs.The decision to transform Master Chief into Dr. Jones demonstrates Halo's commitment to innovation and storytelling, pushing the boundaries of traditional gaming experiences. By blending elements of exploration and adventure into the Halo universe, players will be taken on a thrilling and immersive journey unlike anything they have experienced before.

Reaching 600 Appearances in Serie A: A Feat of Endurance and LegacyAnd as they bask in the glory of their hard-earned victory, one thing is clear – the Fearless Covenant Ant Esports National Challenge has not just crowned a champion, but has also ignited a spark of inspiration and excitement in the hearts of gamers everywhere. It is a moment that will be remembered and cherished for years to come, a moment that will forever be etched in the annals of esports history.

NEW YORK — I’ll get you, my pretty! And your little pygmy hippo, too! Forgive us the shameless attempt to link the fantasy hit “Wicked” to the delightful Moo Deng. But, hear us out — there’s something the two have in common as the year draws to a close. Escapism. Whether we found it on the yellow brick road, or in videos from a Thailand zoo, or perhaps in unlikely Olympic heroes, we gravitated toward fantasy and feel-good pop culture moments this year. There were new trends, as always. “Brat summer” became a thing, as did “demure, mindful.” And for some inexplicable reason, we became obsessed with celebrity lookalike contests. There were breakups — Bennifer is, again, a thing of the past — and reunions: Oasis, please try to stay together for the tour. Yet some things stayed, remarkably, the same: Taylor Swift and Beyoncé kept on breaking records and making history. So, after a year where much changed but some things held steady, here’s our annual, very selective trip down pop culture memory lane: It starts as a cheery tweet from a beloved “Sesame Street” figure: “ELMO is just checking in! How is everybody doing?” The answers hint at something deeper and more worrisome. “Not great, Elmo. Not great,” says one milder reply. Doing much better is the viral phenomenon called “BARBENHEIMER,” which makes its awards season debut at the GOLDEN GLOBES. But perhaps the most poignant moment comes from neither film: LILY GLADSTONE, first Indigenous winner of best actress in a drama for “Killers of the Flower Moon,” begins her remarks in the language of her tribe, Blackfeet Nation. Valentine’s Day — a perfect time to settle into a sweet love saga via TikTok. Only that’s not quite what we get with “Who TF Did I Marry?,” REESA TEESA’s depressing, fascinating, 50-part account of her disastrous marriage with a man who lied about absolutely everything. Meanwhile, if you're looking for a single week that encapsulates peak SWIFT cultural dominance, try this: she begins with the Grammys in Los Angeles (becoming the first artist to win album of the year four times AND announcing a new album), then heads to Tokyo for four tour dates, then jets back just in time for the Super Bowl in Las Vegas — where she shares a passionate smooch with boyfriend TRAVIS KELCE on the field of victory. “What was I made for?” BILLIE EILISH sings at the OSCARS, channeling BARBIE. And what was KEN made for? Not entirely clear — but it's clear RYAN GOSLING was made to play him. His singalong version of “I’m Just Ken” is one of the most entertaining Oscar musical moments in years. Still, Christopher Nolan's “OPPENHEIMER” prevails, a rare case of the top prize going to a blockbuster studio film. Will it happen again in 2025? CYNTHIA ERIVO and ARIANA GRANDE sure hope so; as presenters, they make a sly reference to their upcoming juggernaut, “WICKED.” Speaking of marketing, people are obsessed with that bizarre “DUNE” popcorn bucket. And BEYONCÉ carves her space in country music with “Act II: Cowboy Carter,” which will make her the first Black woman to top the Billboard country chart. Tennis, anyone? The game’s been around for centuries, but it’s having a cultural moment right now, helped mightily by “CHALLENGERS,” the sweaty romance triangle starring ZENDAYA, MIKE FAIST and JOSH O'CONNOR (40-love? More like 40-sex.) Elsewhere, a new era dawns: At midnight, SWIFT drops “THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT," then drops another 15 songs two hours later. The fascinating and disturbing “BABY REINDEER,” the story of a struggling comedian’s extended encounter with a stalker, debuts on Netflix. It’s MET GALA time — or as it's known in 2024, another early marketing moment for “WICKED.” ERIVO and GRANDE make fashion waves on the carpet and then musical ones at dinner, with a soulful performance of “When You Believe.” If the “Wicked” tour is in full force, another one stops in its tracks: JENNIFER LOPEZ cancels her summer tour amid reports of both poor ticket sales and trouble in her marriage to BEN AFFLECK. It’s been an eventful year for J.Lo, who's released an album and movie called “THIS IS ME ... NOW" — both reflections on her renewed love with Affleck. Welcome to BRAT SUMMER! CHARLI XCX releases her hit “Brat” album, with its lime green cover, and launches a thousand memes. Collins Dictionary defines “brat,” its word of the year, as “characterized by a confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude.” At the celeb-heavy SWIFT shows in London, we see PRINCE WILLIAM shaking it off, which is either charming or cringe, you decide. Even better: KELCE dons a top hat and tux and performs for one night. At another stadium across the pond, METS infielder JOSE IGLESIAS delights the crowd with his cheery number “OMG.” Bonjour, it’s OLYMPICS time! In Paris! An audacious opening ceremony along the Seine is punctuated by a fabulous CELINE DION, perched on the EIFFEL TOWER, singing her heart out — in the rain, too. Controversy swirls over a scene critics feel mocks Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” (organizers say it does not). Olympic stars are born — including French swimming superstar LEON MARCHAND, rugby player ILONA MAHER, and bespectacled “Pommel Horse Guy” gymnast STEPHEN NEDOROSCIK, who nets two bronze medals and comparisons to Clark Kent. Also capturing hearts: yep, MOO DENG, born this month. Her name means “bouncy pork.” This is them ... now: BENNIFER is no more. After two decades, two engagements and two weddings, J.Lo files for divorce. One union dissolves, another returns: OASIS announces a reunion tour. Everyone seems to want to get in on TikToker JOOLS LEBRON's “DEMURE, MINDFUL” act — even the WHITE HOUSE press team. Back at the Olympics, in the new sport of breaking, we meet Australia’s RAYGUN, arguably neither demure nor mindful with her “kangaroo” move. Cute animal alert: SHOHEI OHTANI’s perky pooch DECOY does a great “first pitch” in his Major League Baseball debut. One of the year’s biggest breakout artists, CHAPPELL ROAN, withdraws from a music festival after speaking out about frightening fan interactions. And more on the price of fame: In an excruciating moment, “Bachelorette” JENN TRAN, the franchise’s first Asian American lead, is forced to sit through a painful viewing of her proposal to her chosen suitor, after tearfully explaining how he’d later dumped her over the phone. Tran is keeping busy though — she’s announced as part of the new “Dancing with the Stars” lineup. Also on the list: rugby player Maher, and Pommel Horse Guy! Also, ANNA SOROKIN, dancing with an ankle monitor. Online fandom, meanwhile, is shaken when X is temporarily suspended in Brazil and celebrity stan accounts post tearful farewells, revealing to many across the globe that their favorite accounts are run by Brazilians. “Dune” Chalamets! “Wonka” Chalamets! Thousands gather in Manhattan for a TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET lookalike contest, and things really get interesting when Chalamet himself shows up. He doesn’t enter the contest, though, and with his mustache, he may not even have won. The trend continues with contests for JEREMY ALLEN WHITE, ZAYN MALIK and — in a very Washington version — Kennedy scion JACK SCHLOSSBERG, who's been gathering a following with some interesting social media posts. Turning to basketball, who’s that dancing with USHER? Why it’s ELLIE THE ELEPHANT, the now-viral NEW YORK LIBERTY mascot. MAYA RUDOLPH does a pretty good KAMALA HARRIS laugh on “Saturday Night Live,” but you know who does it better? HARRIS herself. The Democratic candidate makes a surprise cameo three days before the U.S. presidential election, following in the footsteps of HILLARY CLINTON, SARAH PALIN and others. Elsewhere in television, Bravo announces that “VANDERPUMP RULES,” the Emmy-nominated reality show that has lived through countless scandals, is entirely recasting its 12th season — apart from namesake LISA VANDERPUMP. As for MOO DENG, she doesn't have her own TV series yet, but our favorite pygmy hippo is generating plenty of merch. And THAT brings us back to ... “WICKED”! Director JON M. CHU’s emerald-hued fantasy remains very very popular, to quote one of its buzzy show tunes, dancing through life and defying gravity at the multiplex. Moviegoers also come for “GLADIATOR II” and, in a veritable tidal wave, Disney's “MOANA 2,” which beckons us back to the seas of Oceania. Once again, 2024 seems to be telling us: Give people some whimsy, a place to escape, maybe some catchy tunes — and no one knows how far they’ll go.Yuelingxi AI Releases Version 2.5, Pushing Boundaries in Technological Innovation and Application CapabilitiesIn conclusion, the DJI Flip drone by DJI has been stolen by Amazon, revealing its lightweight design and advanced features to the public ahead of its official launch. Despite the controversy surrounding the leak, the DJI Flip is poised to make a significant impact in the drone industry with its innovative design, high-quality camera, and intelligent flight modes. As the tech world eagerly anticipates the release of the DJI Flip, it remains to be seen how DJI will navigate the challenges posed by the leak and maintain its position as a leader in the drone market.

As the world eagerly anticipates the inaugural Old Wa Cup, a new era of competitive gaming is about to begin. With the rise of esports and online gaming, events like the Old Wa Cup are gaining unprecedented popularity and attracting a global audience. In anticipation of this groundbreaking tournament, Chen Menglu, a renowned video creator, has released a video providing insights and exciting glimpses into what we can expect from the upcoming competition. Join me as we delve into the world of the Old Wa Cup and share the excitement for what promises to be a thrilling experience.

As the game continues to dominate the gaming scene on Bilibili, many players are now asking themselves, "Are you updating yet?" The competitive nature of online gaming means that staying ahead of the curve is crucial, and players are eager to dive into the latest updates and experiences that "Black Myth: Wukong" has to offer.AzmanL Investment Thesis Recently, Sensata Technologies ( NYSE: ST ) announced the appointment of Stephan von Schuckmann as its new Chief Executive Officer starting from Jan 1st, 2025. It is undergoing a transition in the face of significant industrial challenges Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of ST either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

The 27-year-old Guinea international joined Liverpool in 2018 from RB Leipzig for a reported fee of £52.75 million. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, Keita has struggled with injuries and inconsistency during his time at Anfield. With fierce competition for midfield places at Liverpool, the club has opted to loan him out to gain valuable experience and game time.Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. Slippers are the unsung heroes of the winter months. When measly socks don’t do the trick against cold hardwood floors, slippers always save the day with blissful warmth and plush comfort. It’s almost like having your feet swaddled by a fuzzy fur throw blanket . But, trendy slipper styles on the market can run you a pretty penny. Walmart’s Hometop Cozy Memory Foam Loafer Slippers are just $17 right now, and they just so happen to look like a popular style from Bombas that cost $85. Although slippers are a well-worthy daily luxury, you don’t have to pay high prices for a “toasty warm” pair to last you through the season. Hometop Cozy Memory Foam Loafer Slippers, $17 (was $19) at Walmart Courtesy of Walmart Hometop’s slippers are already a bargain at $19, but you can snag them today at an even better $2 price drop. They’re available in women’s sizes from 5 to 12 and offer a wider color selection with eight chic options, including a snowy white, wine red, soft pink, and classic black. The style features unique polar fleece insoles and comfy memory foam EVA footbeds, which not only mold to the shape of your feet with regular wear, but also provide soft arch support for those who deal with foot pain. Underfoot, the style has a non-slip rubber sole for stability on slick surfaces that’s durable enough to hold up outdoors. No need to swap shoes when you’re grabbing the mail or walking your pooch! The snug loafer silhouette makes these slippers a lot more functional too. It’ll keep your entire foot nice and warm while reducing the risk of your foot slipping out. Plus, “[the] toe area is slightly tipped up to help prevent tripping,” said one shopper, who deems them “superior quality.” Over 902 Walmart shoppers are singing the praises of these cozy steppers, saying they “Feel like you’re walking on clouds,” and are “so good for the price.” They’re a fraction of the cost of Bombas’ Sunday Slippers with nearly identical aesthetics and functionality, so we recommend saving your cash for your Black Friday shopping spree. Bombas Sunday Slippers, $85 at Bombas Courtesy of Bombas You might as well stock up on a few pairs for holiday gifting while sizes are in stock, too — considering you can buy five for the price of one Bombas pair. We’re willing to bet your loved one will slip these puppies on as they’re unwrapped on Christmas morning.Sylvester: Ronaldo Could Achieve 1000-Goal Milestone and Play Beyond 45In a viral video circulating on Chinese social media platforms, a woman can be seen riding an electric scooter with her father sitting awkwardly on the back. However, as she tries to move forward, the unexpected happens – the scooter lifts off the ground and hovers in the air for a few seconds before crashing back down. Netizens were quick to comment on the incident, with many joking that it was not due to the driver's lack of skills, but rather the fact that the father was simply too heavy.

In the latest update of the popular mobile game "Dark Myth," players are in for a treat as the fearsome Raid Boss "Tiger Vanguard" introduces new moves that will keep even the most seasoned players on their toes. The addition of these fresh skills not only adds an exciting challenge to the gameplay but also showcases the game's dedication to constantly evolving and providing a thrilling experience for its players.

The distribution of refunds to affected players sends a clear message that the FTC is dedicated to protecting consumers from deceptive marketing practices, particularly in the gaming industry where young audiences are often the target. It also serves as a warning to other companies that engaging in misleading advertising tactics will not be tolerated and will result in financial penalties.

Wu Yingjie's case is particularly noteworthy given his extensive experience and seniority within the political landscape of China. As a respected figure in the field of culture, history, and education, his downfall sends shockwaves through the political establishment and raises questions about the prevalence and persistence of corruption within the ranks of the CPC.In just a few months, floods devastated both northern and southern Thailand, revealing a troubling truth: the country's disaster response system is failing, and climate change is making it worse. Thailand's weak disaster management -- from poor warnings to inadequate rescues -- turns emergencies into preventable tragedies. As climate change worsens storms and floods, the damage will grow unless action is taken now to fix the broken system. The dangers are real. From 2000 to 2019, Thailand faced 146 natural disasters, killing an average of 138 people each year and costing $7.7 billion (277.2 billion baht) -- nearly 1% of the country's GDP. Floods are the most destructive. Over two decades, they killed more than 2,000 people and caused damage totalling $59 billion (2.124 trillion baht). The recent northern floods were the worst in 80 years, causing damage of up to 60 billion baht and ranking among Thailand's 10 costliest disasters. A month later, the South faced its worst flooding in decades, displacing thousands as waters continued to rise. These disasters keep happening because Thailand lacks effective preventive measures to stop weather emergencies from becoming full-blown crises. As southern Thailand struggles with catastrophic flooding, questions linger: Why does this keep occurring? Deep-rooted problems Thailand's flood problems stem from three main issues: centralised policies with poor coordination on the ground, outdated early warning systems, and insufficient funding with misplaced priorities. Water management in Thailand is split between 48 agencies across 13 ministries, but their roles often overlap. For instance, both the National Water Resources Committee and the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Committee deal with floods, yet they rarely work together. As a result of no clear leader in charge, inefficiency reigns during crises. Thailand's warning system is also unreliable. It lacks critical data on topography and land use, which are essential for flood prevention. Nearly half of the weather monitoring equipment fails to function consistently, and 96% has failed to fully report weather measurement results for at least one day. Flood forecasts are only 33% accurate a day in advance, leaving communities vulnerable and unprepared. In many areas, warnings fail to reach residents because the SMS alert system is underdeveloped, and nearly half of the communication equipment doesn't work. State investment in risk reduction is poorly directed. Even though early warning systems can deliver a return of nine times the investment, most of the 2023 flood management budget was spent on building dams and drainage systems. Very little was allocated to improving warning systems or using data to prevent floods. Lessons from Japan Japan provides valuable solutions for overcoming these challenges. The country's disaster management uses decentralised decision-making, inter-agency collaboration, integrated data systems, and a focus on prevention. Local governments manage smaller emergencies, while the central government handles national crises. Both work under the same framework to ensure smooth coordination. Apart from using cutting-edge digital technology such as virtual city models to assess and predict risks, Japan also has effective early warning systems like J-Alert that can notify the public in seconds through multiple channels, from loudspeakers, television, radio, email, and mobile phones. Comprehensive early warnings, especially when issued at least 24 hours in advance, can reduce disaster damage by 30%. It's a clear example of how proactive measures save lives and minimise losses. Public education on disaster preparedness is also a priority in Japan. Regular drills and school programmes, including online classes and special courses for children, teach citizens how to respond in emergencies because preparation saves lives. Thailand has its own example of effective flood management in the City of Hat Yai. Once a disaster hotspot, the city suffered devastating floods every decade. Today, it's a success story, thanks to a mix of science, teamwork, and preparation. Local success Hat Yai's Disaster Research Centre at Prince of Songkla University uses advanced models to assess risks and predict floods. Meanwhile, its disaster response working group manages early warnings, risk plans, and coordination with state agencies and local communities. Reporting directly to the governor, the working group acts as an effective decision support system, which enables timely and accurate responses to flood risks. This collaborative approach, supported by committed volunteers and strong leadership, has saved lives and reduced damages. Hat Yai proves that preparation works. Despite its success, even Hat Yai's model has limits. Without consistent long-term funding, the research centre struggles with inadequate equipment and outdated data. Frequent staff turnover due to limited career opportunities also threatens the continuity of the working group, as does the regular transfer of governors. Expanding this approach across the country will need more resources and long-term support from the government. Breaking the cycle To break the cycle of flooding disasters, Thailand must shift its focus from reacting to crises to preventing them. This means improving coordination between national and local agencies and stopping unregulated land use in high-risk areas, which worsens the problem. Following the Hat Yai model, flood-prone areas should work with local universities to establish disaster research centres. These centres can collect land use and topography data, analyse risks, and use advanced tools like virtual city models to plan preventive strategies. Learning from past mistakes will also help improve preparedness for future disasters. Meanwhile, disaster response centres should take charge of risk plans, organise regular drills, invest in critical infrastructure, involve communities, implement effective warning systems, and manage evacuation, rescue, and recovery efforts. At the national level, inter-agency coordination is lacking. Committees for water management and disaster prevention don't work full-time or collaborate effectively, and no operational centre enforces their mandates. The government, therefore, must create full-time professional teams to oversee river basin management and support universities in setting up disaster research centres. International partnerships can also help improve warning systems and forecasts. Passing laws to empower governors is equally important. Currently, governors lack the authority to coordinate all state agencies in their provinces, making disaster prevention and response difficult. Upgrading governors to "super CEOs" with greater authority and power would ensure more effective leadership. The government must also address land use in flood-prone areas by regulating new developments, limiting existing ones, and removing structures with fair compensation. Proper zoning and planning can significantly reduce vulnerabilities. "We cannot eliminate disasters, but we can mitigate risk. We can reduce damage. We can save more lives," said Ban Ki-moon, former UN Secretary-General. This is true for Thailand, which has seen the devastating impact of floods -- lives lost, homes destroyed, and billions wasted. Yet, examples like Hat Yai and Japan show that preparation and coordination save lives and reduce losses. Floods are inevitable, but their destruction doesn't have to be. Thailand must act decisively to end its cycle of inefficiency and prepare for the next storm. The question is, will it be ready? Saowaruj Rattanakhamfu, PhD, is research director and Nuthasid Rukkiatwong is senior researcher at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI). This article is adapted from the authors' presentation on "Disaster Preparedness: Managing Natural Disaster Crises" at the 2024 TDRI Annual Public Conference on October 30, 2024. Policy analyses from the TDRI appear in the 'Bangkok Post' on alternate Wednesdays.

Furthermore, the Golan Heights is of immense historical and biblical significance to the Jewish people. It is home to ancient Jewish settlements and holds deep cultural and religious connections for Israelis. The region also plays a central role in Israel's national identity and heritage, making it an integral part of the country's historical narrative.

Victor Wembanyama and Anthony Edwards will play Christmas Day games for the first time on Wednesday as the NBA delivers its 77th year of contests on the holiday. French centre Wembanyama, last season's NBA Rookie of the Year, will lead the San Antonio Spurs into New York to face the Knicks, who have the league's longest holiday history. The Knicks have played the most Christmas games of any NBA club at 56 entering this year, the first coming in 1947, the year the first NBA Christmas game was played. Wembanyama, a 20-year-old who stands 7-foot-3 (2.21m), averages 24.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 4.0 blocked shots a game for the Spurs, who return to the Christmas lineup for the first time in eight years. "Very excited just about spending Christmas in New York," Wembanyama said. "Going to be like the movies I hope, maybe get a little snow. "I'll approach it just like any other game. We've got to learn about their team, scout them and apply it for sure. I'm sure it's going to be special. I'm sure the league is going to make it something special that we're going to be able to feel." Edwards, a two-time NBA All-Star guard who helped the United States capture gold at the Paris Olympics, will try to spark the Minnesota Timberwolves on a holiday road trip to Dallas in a rematch of last season's Western Conference finals. "Ant-Man" leads the T-Wolves with 25.3 points a game and also has 5.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.4 steals a contest this season. The league's past three champions will also take the court on Wednesday with the defending champion Boston Celtics playing host to Philadelphia, the 2022 trophy-lifting Golden State Warriors playing host to the Los Angeles Lakers and the 2023 winner Denver Nuggets on the road at Phoenix. Lakers star LeBron James, who turns 40 next Monday, is the NBA career leader in points on Christmas with 476 in a record 18 games on December 25. He and former Miami teammate Dwyane Wade share the lead in wins by a player on Christmas with 10. The Lakers and Knicks share the NBA record for Christmas wins by a team with 24 for each. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Bernard King scoring 60 points, the highest NBA total on Christmas Day. Three other players -- Rick Barry, Wilt Chamberlain and Slovenian Luka Doncic -- have scored 50 or more in a game on the holiday. Dallas guard Doncic joined the club with a 50-point effort last year. The Lakers (16-13) and Golden State (15-13) are fighting for seventh in the Western Conference just ahead of San Antonio (15-14) and Minnesota and Phoenix, both 14-14. Dallas is fourth in the West at 19-10, just ahead of Denver 16-11. The Celtics are second in the Eastern Conference at 22-7, ahead of New York (19-10) while Philadelphia has struggled to a 10-17 start, 12th in the East. js/pb