kkjili com app download Re-runs of Friends breed 'laziness' and 'mediocrity' in US culture, says Trump cost-cutter Vivek Ramaswamy By FRANCINE WOLFISZ Published: 17:11, 28 December 2024 | Updated: 17:12, 28 December 2024 e-mail View comments An entrepreneur-turned-politician set to co-lead Donald Trump's cost-cutting drive has claimed repeats of TV shows like Friends have bred 'laziness' and 'mediocrity'. His outlandish attack also featured former GOP presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy taking aim at a host of other beloved 90s sitcoms, as he made a point around 'fixing the problem' of what he perceives to be wrong with American culture today. In a long post to X, he said: 'Our American culture has venerated mediocrity over excellence for way too long (at least since the 90s and likely longer). 'That doesn't start in college, it starts YOUNG. 'A culture that celebrates the prom queen over the math olympiad champ, or the jock over the valedictorian, will not produce the best engineers. 'A culture that venerates Cory from "Boy Meets World," or Zach & Slater over Screech in "Saved by the Bell," or "Stefan" over Steve Urkel in "Family Matters," will not produce the best engineers. 'More movies like Whiplash, fewer reruns of "Friends." 'More math tutoring, fewer sleepovers. More weekend science competitions, fewer Saturday morning cartoons. Trump advisor Vivek Ramaswamy has claimed repeats of TV shows like Friends have bred 'laziness' and 'mediocrity' Former GOP presidential hopeful Ramaswamy took aim at a host of other beloved 90s sitcoms, as he made a point around 'fixing the problem' of what he perceives to be wrong with American culture today Ramaswamy ignited the controversy with a lengthy and provocative post on X 'More books, less TV. More creating, less 'chillin.' More extracurriculars, less "hanging out at the mall." Ramaswamy, who was recently named co-chief of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) alongside Elon Musk , sparked a furore on Thursday after suggesting US tech firms prefer to hire foreigners because they had a better work ethic. In his message, he voiced strong support for bringing 'highly skilled' foreign workers to the US, even as MAGA voters and Trump himself have championed stricter immigration policies. 'The reason top tech companies often hire foreign-born & first-generation engineers over 'native' Americans isn't because of an innate American IQ deficit (a lazy & wrong explanation),' Ramaswamy wrote. 'A key part of it comes down to the c-word: culture. Tough questions demand tough answers & if we're really serious about fixing the problem, we have to confront the TRUTH: Our American culture has venerated mediocrity over excellence for way too long.' He continued: 'If you grow up aspiring to normalcy, normalcy is what you will achieve.' Ramaswamy went on to say that he remains hopeful for the future 'only if our culture fully wakes up'. He said: 'This can be our Sputnik moment. We’ve awaken from slumber before & we can do it again. Ramaswamy was recently named co-chief of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) alongside Elon Musk Vivek Ramaswamy , a former GOP presidential hopeful and Trump appointee, has been outspoken in his defense of the H-1B visa program which allows U.S. companies to hire highly skilled foreign workers Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, who positioned herself as a moderate during the 2024 Republican primaries, offered a biting response Nikki Haley cast herself as a moderate Republican when she launched a primary campaign against Trump in the 2024 presidential cycle Ramaswamy's post and subsequent follow-ups drew immediate criticism from Trump supporters who back the president-elect's hardline immigration stance 'Trump’s election hopefully marks the beginning of a new golden era in America, but only if our culture fully wakes up. 'A culture that once again prioritizes achievement over normalcy; excellence over mediocrity; nerdiness over conformity; hard work over laziness. The MAGA movement, long united under its 'America First' banner, is facing a deepening schism as an intense online battle over the H-1B visa programme engulfs its ranks. The programme, which allows US companies to hire highly skilled foreign workers, has become a lightning rod for controversy within President-elect Donald Trump 's ranks. Not all within the party were happy however to support Ramaswamy's provocative views. Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley , who positioned herself as a moderate during the 2024 Republican primaries, offered a biting response. 'There is nothing wrong with American workers or American culture,' Haley declared. 'All you have to do is look at the border and see how many want what we have. We should be investing and prioritizing in Americans, not foreign workers.' Musk is the incoming co-chief of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) working alongside Vivek Ramaswamy Right-wing provocateur Mike Cernovich also weighed in, lambasting Ramaswamy's comments as dismissive of America's storied history of innovation. 'The Woodstock generation managed to build out aerospace, the one before went to the moon,' he wrote. 'Underlying your post is that we were all living in squalor until being rescued by H-1B's. Then why did everyone want to come here?' Ramaswamy responded: 'That version of America, the one that used to embody unbridled exceptionalism, is exactly what we want to return to. That's a point about culture, not immigration policy.' Even MAGA influencers like Jack Posobiec joined the fray, questioning why America would seek foreign workers instead of nurturing domestic talent. 'Imagine how many more JD Vances are out there,' Posobiec argued, referencing the MAGA-aligned senator known for his rags-to-riches story. Far-right commentator Laura Loomer took an even harsher stance, accusing Ramaswamy of undermining MAGA's original agenda. Her incendiary post referred to the H-1B visa program as part of a 'Great Replacement' conspiracy theory, highlighting growing fears within Trump's base about the erosion of traditional American identity. Trump allies Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy say Big Tech needs foreign workers because there aren't enough 'motivated' Americans to fill the jobs The debate has underscored some of the broader anxieties about the direction of Trump's second term. During his first administration, Trump made significant cuts to the H-1B visa program , a move applauded by his anti-immigration allies, but his current stance remains unclear, leaving immigrant communities and tech industry leaders bracing for potential shifts in policy. Critics warn that rolling back the program could harm U.S. competitiveness, particularly in sectors like technology and healthcare. However, MAGA supporters argue that limiting foreign labor would force companies to invest in training American workers. Vivek Ramaswamy Donald Trump Friends Reunion Share or comment on this article: Re-runs of Friends breed 'laziness' and 'mediocrity' in US culture, says Trump cost-cutter Vivek Ramaswamy e-mail Add commentJamaica has been selected to be the pilot for the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Just Transition Project, aimed at highlighting the impacts of climate change on workers, and strategies to protect and empower them. The Jamaica Just Transition Project will be launched on November 27, during the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s (MLSS) Regional Labour Talk Roadshow, at the Holiday Haven Condo Resort, in St. Ann. Director of the ILO, Decent Work Caribbean Team, Dr. Joni Musabayana, told a JIS Think Tank, today (November 26), that the Project highlights the significant impact climate crises have on workers and the urgent need for inclusive strategies that protect and empower all categories of workers, as the world transitions to a green economy. “Our mandate is the labour market, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that climate change poses profound challenges not just to the environment, but to the livelihoods of workers across the region. We aim to explore how the effects of climate change—like hurricanes—disrupt both homes and workplaces, and how we can work together to mitigate these impacts,” the Director said. He pointed out that the project will focus on three key areas. Firstly, collaborating with national policymakers to embed climate considerations within labour market policies, and to look at comprehensive strategies that address both climate change and its effects on the world of work. Secondly, the project will facilitate discussions to identify pathways for transitioning to a green economy without leaving any worker behind; and thirdly, to assess and propose social protection measures that can be implemented to minimise the adverse effects of climate change on vulnerable worker categories, ensuring their resilience in times of crisis. The Just Transition Project builds on previous work conducted in Jamaica through the Green Jobs Assessment Model, which explored potential employment opportunities aligned with sustainable environmental practices. Several Government officials, led by the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., ILO representative; representatives from the Trade Unions; employers and workers will be in attendance. The day’s event, which is scheduled to start at 9:00 a.m., will take the format of panel discussions, presentations and information sessions.

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. — A collision between a high-speed passenger train and a fire truck on Saturday morning in Florida left three firefighters and multiple train passengers injured, authorities said. The crash happened at 10:45 a.m. in crowded downtown Delray Beach, multiple news outlets reported. The Brightline train was stopped on the tracks, its front destroyed about a block away from the Delray Beach Fire Rescue truck, its ladder ripped off and strewn in the grass several yards away, The Sun-Sentinel reported. The Delray Beach Fire Rescue said in a social media post that three Delray Beach firefighters were in stable condition at a local hospital. Palm Beach County Fire Rescue transported 12 people from the train to the hospital with minor injuries. Brightline officials didn’t immediately respond to an email inquiry Saturday afternoon. A spokesperson for the National Transportation Safety Board said that agency is still gathering information about Saturday’s Brightline crash and hasn’t decided yet whether it will investigate. The NTSB is already investigating two crashes involving Brightline’s high speed trains that killed three people at the same crossing early this year along the railroad’s route between Miami and Orlando. More than 100 people have died after being hit by trains since Brightline began operations in July 2017 — giving the railroad the worst death rate in the nation. But most of those deaths have been either suicides, pedestrians who tried to run across the tracks ahead of the train or drivers who went around crossing gates instead of waiting for a train to pass. Brightline hasn’t been found to be at fault in those previous deaths. Railroad safety has been a concern since a Norfolk Southern train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, in February 2023, spilling toxic chemicals that caught fire. Regulators urged the industry to improve safety and members of Congress proposed a package of reforms, but railroads haven’t made many major changes to their operations and the bill has stalled.The Week 12 NFL schedule includes multiple divisional matchups like Cowboys vs. Commanders (-10.5, 45), Broncos vs. Raiders (+6, 41) and Cardinals vs. Seahawks (+1, 47.5). These rivalry games can end up closer than expected, one of the NFL betting trends to keep in mind when making your Week 12 NFL bets. Packers vs. 49ers (+2.5) will take place on Sunday, and 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has been limited in practice all week with a shoulder injury. There's another type of rivalry that will take place on Monday Night Football, a sibling rivalry. The Harbaughs will be on opposing sidelines, as the Ravens are 3-point favorites over the Chargers in the Week 12 NFL odds , one of the slimmest NFL spreads of the week. The over-under for that game is 51, up four from the opener. John and Jim Harbaugh have faced off twice before, including infamously in Super Bowl XLVII. John's Ravens won and covered in both previous encounters. Should what happened over a decade ago affect your Week 12 NFL predictions? All of the updated Week 12 NFL lines are listed below, and SportsLine's advanced computer model has all the NFL betting advice and NFL predictions you need to make the best Week 12 NFL picks now . The model, which simulates every NFL game 10,000 times, is up well over $7,000 for $100 players on top-rated NFL picks since its inception. The model entered Week 12 of the 2024 NFL season on an incredible 20-8 betting hot streak on top-rated NFL picks this year. Longer term, it is on a 200-136 roll on top-rated NFL picks that dates back to the 2017 season and a 54-29 roll on top-rated NFL picks since Week 7 of 2022. The model also ranked in the top 10 on NFLPickWatch four of the past six years on straight-up NFL picks and beat more than 94% of CBS Sports Football Pick'em players four times during that span. Anyone following at sportsbooks and on betting apps has seen strong returns. Now, it has turned its attention to the latest Week 12 NFL odds and NFL betting lines and locked in betting picks for every NFL matchup. Head here to see every pick . We can tell you one of the model's strongest Week 12 NFL picks is that the Bears (+3.5, 39.5) cover the spread at home versus the Vikings . No team has a better spread record versus the Bears at home (4-1), and this isn't a one-year thing. Chicago has the best against-the-spread home record (8-3-2) since the start of last season. Meanwhile, the Vikings have failed to cover in two of their last three road games. Additionally, after starting the year a perfect 5-0 against the spread (ATS), the Vikings are just 2-3 ATS over their last five games overall. The Bears' offense showed new life under a new offensive coordinator in Sunday's loss to Green Bay as Chicago scored 19 points, after averaging just nine points over its previous three games. On defense, the Bears could also take advantage of a sloppy Vikings offense that has committed the fifth-most giveaways this season. Chicago has gone three straight games without turning the ball over and ranks third in the all-important stat of turnover differential (plus-nine). The advanced model from SportsLine has the Bears (+3.5) covering almost 60% of the time. See which other teams to pick here . Another one of its Week 12 NFL predictions: the Eagles (-3, 49) cover on the road versus the Rams on Sunday Night Football. Philadelphia has won seven of the last eight meetings with the Rams, and Philly rolls into this matchup with five straight road victories against the Rams. This season, Philadelphia boasts the best ATS road record in the league (5-1), its on a six-game winning streak straight-up, and the Eagles have covered in four of their last five games. After having the second-worst pass defense last season, the Eagles have made a 180 and now are second-best in defending thru the air. That will make it tough for Los Angeles to move the ball because L.A. already ranks 30th in yards per rushing attempt and doesn't figure to find much success in the passing game versus Philly's stout defense. The Rams are also in the bottom eight in both third-down conversion percentage and redzone scoring. With these factors, the Eagles (-3) are forecasted to cover in well over 50% of simulations, with the model also saying the Under (48) hits over 50% of the time. See which other teams to pick here . The model has also made the call on who wins and covers in every other game on the Week 12 NFL schedule and just revealed three coveted A-rated picks against the spread, potentially giving you a huge payday. You can only get every pick for every game at SportsLine . So what NFL picks can you make with confidence, and which three A-rated picks should you lock in now? Check out the latest NFL odds below, then visit SportsLine to see which teams win and cover the spread, all from a proven computer model that has returned well over $7,000 , and find out. Get Week 12 NFL picks at SportsLine

Nebraska football's nostalgic — and pricey — bowl history in New YorkUConn announced a two-year contract extension for head football coach Jim Mora on Saturday, just before the team took the field for the Fenway Bowl against North Carolina. Mora’s contract extension will run through 2028 and will pay him $10 million through the remaining four years, with the opportunity to earn more in incentives. The 63-year-old coach is set to make $1.7 million next season, $1.9 million in 2026 and $2.3 and $2.4 million in 2027 and 2028, respectively. UConn then went out and thrashed North Carolina, 27-14, in a game that wasn’t as close as the score indicated. “I am forever grateful. I’m grateful to (athletic director) David (Benedict) and (school president) Radenka (Maric) and the Board of Trustees, but this is about what the (UConn players) did today,” Mora said when asked about the extension in the postgame press conference. People are also reading... In a statement released by UConn ahead of the game, Mora said: “I’d like to thank David Benedict, Radenka Maric and the University of Connecticut leadership for their trust in me and their commitment to our football program. When I first got here, I talked about where we wanted this program to go and we have shown great progress but we still have plenty of work to do. The commitment and dedication from the university and the athletic department has me excited about the future for our football team.” “Three years ago, I tasked Jim Mora with the challenge of leading our football team back to success and through his experience, energy and leadership he has done just that,” UConn athletic director David Benedict said in a statement. “He has taken our program to post season bowl games twice and just guided our team to one of the best seasons in UConn football history, building a momentum to keep this program moving forward. I look forward to his leadership of our football team in the years ahead.” Mora is coming off one of the most successful seasons in UConn football history, having led the team to an 8-4 record and an appearance in the Fenway Bowl. It’s the Huskies’ second bowl appearance in three years. UConn’s eight wins is the most for the program since 2010, and the Huskies had their first winning season since that year, too. A win Saturday would give UConn nine wins for just the third time in program history, with the last two such seasons coming in 2003 and 2007. Robbins heading to Tulsa UConn quarterbacks coach Brad Robbins is heading to Tulsa as an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, according to a report from CBS Sports. Robbins was part of a coaching staff that helped the offense produce its most prolific attack since the 2009 season and fifth-most in program history (32.3 points per game). Robbins worked at FCS Tennessee Tech and Division II North Greenville before joining Jim Mora’s staff in spring 2023. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!

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Georgia Southern 26, Coastal Carolina 6

The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense was dormant until the fourth quarter of their win over the Cleveland Browns. Until they scored a touchdown in the fourth quarter, it had been seven quarters since the Steelers scored a touchdown. For the team, that is just about rock bottom, even if they sustained drives and have continued to sustain drives at a much higher clip this year than last season. The last time that Pittsburgh did not score a touchdown for over seven quarters was in 2018 and 2019 to round out that season. Between the end of their 2018 season and the start of their 2019 season, it took them over six quarters to get the ball into the end zone. During that stretch, Matt McCrane and Chris Boswell hit field goals. Pittsburgh would take until the next week to scratch that trend against the Seattle Seahawks. The Steelers waited over 100 minutes before scoring two touchdowns in just over a minute of game time in the fourth quarter against the Browns. They will have to hope that sparks them to wins, especially as the schedule gets even more daunting throughout the rest of the season. BETTING: Check out our guide to the best PA sportsbooks , where our team of sports betting experts has reviewed the experience, payout speed, parlay options and quality of odds for multiple sportsbooks. More Pittsburgh Steelers News NFL admits referees made correct call on controversial ruling in Steelers' loss to Browns Browns social media account takes shot at T.J. Watt after Steelers loss Pittsburgh Steelers' Justin Fields package has cloudy future in offense Super Bowl Champion rips Steelers’ Justin Fields package: ‘I don’t like it’ Former Pittsburgh Steelers first-round pick gets revenge in Browns winANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Ryan Strome scored with 2:36 remaining as the Anaheim Ducks rallied from a two-goal deficit in the second period to defeat the Edmonton Oilers 5-3 on Sunday. Strome's goal, his sixth of the season, originally wasn't called, but it was reversed after a review. Strome's shot was entirely over the goal line before Edmonton goalie Calvin Pickard could stop it with his skate. Mason McTavish added an empty-net goal. It is the first time since March 30, 2019, the Ducks have defeated the Oilers by more than one goal. Cutter Gauthier, McTavish and Robby Fabbri each had a goal and an assist. Drew Helleson also scored for Anaheim, which snapped a seven-game losing streak to Edmonton. Lukas Dostal made 20 saves. Leon Draisaitl had two goals and Connor McDavid two assists for the Oilers, who were 3-0-1 in their past four. Evan Bouchard also tallied a goal and Pickard stopped 27 shots. Oilers: Draisaitl became the fourth player with at least 120 regular-season points in the calendar year. The forward has 50 goals and 71 assists in 2024. The last calendar year to feature as many NHL skaters with 120-plus points was 1993. Ducks: Anaheim had a 32-23 advantage in shots on goal and has won four of its last seven. Fabbri tied it at 3-all with 2:27 remaining on a snap shot from the right faceoff circle after getting the pass from McTavish. Fabbri has seven points (three goals, four assists) in eight games since returning from a knee injury. McDavid has a 14-game point streak against the Ducks (11 goals, 23 assists). The only teams he has a longer active point streak against are Nashville and New Jersey at 15 games. Both teams have home games on Tuesday. The Oilers face Utah while the Ducks take on New Jersey. AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Lea en español For many people, this time of year is all about the shopping. And there's a fair chance many feel less than joyful about the prospect. If fulfilling your lengthy list feels overwhelming, learning what brain science and evolutionary psychology say about shopping and gift-giving might help you understand exactly why you're stressed – and even point you toward a healthier, happier holiday season. Our reactions are encoded into our nervous system, said Dr. Beth Frates, a part-time associate professor in the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School in Boston. "By understanding these brain responses, people can develop strategies to manage stress better, such as setting realistic expectations, focusing on mindfulness and simplifying holiday preparations," said Frates, who also is the immediate past president of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. The idea of exchanging gifts at this time of year can be traced back to pagan solstice celebrations. But the drive to share with another is as old as humanity itself, said Dr. Diego Guevara Beltran, a postdoctoral fellow in psychology at the University of Arizona in Tucson who studies cooperation and generosity. The science of generosity is more about survival than stocking stuffers, Guevara Beltran said. Sharing food gave early humans an evolutionary advantage. "Generosity is just one of the ways by which we can accumulate resources, be it wealth itself or friendships or work partners or more attractive, more intelligent mates," he said. Sharing with other people, Guevara Beltran said, is "a signal that communicates how much you value them, their welfare, your relationship with them." Research has shown that helping people makes us feel good. Part of that, he said, is because when someone is part of a community, they feel protected. One way this manifests is through the act of giving gifts. But to derive happiness from gift-giving, the giver needs to feel both that it was not an obligation and that it was effective, according to the 2019 World Happiness Report . That means it could be stressful to be in a culture where gift-giving feels mandatory, or if we can't see that a gift helped someone, Guevara Beltran speculated. It also might be stressful if gift-giving becomes a competition to show that you care about somebody more than the others around them. Our brains on shopping Stressful shopping can cause several physiological responses to kick in, Frates said. First is the "fight or flight" reaction that comes with stress. The release of chemicals that increase our heart rate, raise our blood pressure and intensify our breathing evolved to give us bursts of energy to escape danger. Frates said that while holiday stressors are not life-threatening, they can still trigger the stress response. The pressure to stay within budget could create a sense of scarcity, she said. "This taps into an evolutionary response, where the fear of losing resources like money can feel urgent and distressing." The holiday season also involves a lot of choices. "The brain has limited capacity for decision-making, and making multiple decisions can lead to decision fatigue," Frates said. "This fatigue reduces the ability to self-regulate and cope, which can lead to heightened stress responses when confronted with even minor setbacks, like a long line or out-of-stock item." The stress of needing to complete tasks within a limited time can intensify the fight-or-flight response, she said, as the brain interprets the ticking clock as a sense of urgency or threat. Meanwhile, Frates said, holiday shopping can also trigger brain chemicals that affect our feelings. "Dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, is released when we anticipate something exciting or enjoyable, like finding a great gift or finding a good deal," she said. "This anticipation can feel rewarding even before any actual purchase is made." For some people, this dopamine boost can make shopping a relaxing experience. "It provides a temporary distraction from other stressors and allows them to focus on something positive, creating a 'holiday high,'" Frates said. For some people, that can be problematic. "When shopping becomes a way to chase that next dopamine hit, it can lead to excessive spending or impulsive purchases," she said. "This can become a trap, particularly during the holidays, when deals, sales and gift-giving pressures are everywhere." Understanding how all these processes work can help people recognize why they feel the way they do and adopt strategies to cope, Frates said. Here are some of her suggestions. 1. Start with self-care before shopping Prioritizing self-care means people can be their best selves and make good decisions, Frates said. So, "eat food that is delicious and nutritious. Get seven to nine hours of sleep. Make sure to enjoy physical activity. Take walks when you can and invite friends along. Practice stress reduction like meditation or yoga to help you calm your body and mind." Before going shopping, try taking deep breaths using stress-relieving techniques such as 4-7-8 breathing (inhale through your nose for four counts, hold for seven counts, and exhale through your mouth for eight) or box breathing (inhale through the nose for four counts, hold your breath for four, exhale for four, then hold for four). 2. Be strategic Don't shop when you're hungry, tired, lonely or stressed, Frates said. And don't start shopping 15 minutes before a store closes or a website's online deals end, she said. That's setting yourself up for triggering the fight-or-flight response. 3. Be mindful Before making a purchase, take a moment to consider whether it's truly needed or whether it's an impulsive choice. To avoid overindulging, set a specific budget or limit yourself to a couple of hours or specific shopping days. "This keeps dopamine-driven spending in check while still allowing for the enjoyable aspects of holiday shopping," Frates said. Look for post-shopping activities that provide rewards without the financial cost. That can satisfy your brain's desire for more dopamine in a healthier way. "Plan enjoyable, stress-relieving activities after shopping, like going for a walk, spending time with friends or indulging in a hobby," she said. 4. Bring a friend Not only does this support healthy social connections, Frates said, but if things start feeling stressful, "you have a buddy, and you have a support system right there for you." 5. Rethink the focus of the season "With gift-giving, we need to change mindsets in order to be able to manage the stress," Frates said. The holidays could be used to emphasize social connections, she said. "Thinking about the connection with the person and making gift-giving more about deepening the connection than anything else, I think, will really help to reduce the stress around the process," she said. So instead of scouring shops and websites for the "perfect" gift, think about making a meaningful and personal one, she suggested. It could be a poem, a painting, a song or a framed photograph that captured a special time. 6. Lessons for children It's easy to get caught up in the hunt for a hard-to-get item, Frates said. But ask yourself what the holiday means in your family's traditions. "Is it about getting that perfect gift for the child? Or is it about celebrating the meaning of that holiday?" So instead of having children ask for one specific toy, or a specific brand of clothing, teach them to leave a little leeway on their lists. "It is a good reminder to express to children that this season is about giving and sharing what we can in the best way that we can," she said, "and sometimes the exact gift is not available." Encouraging such an attitude can be a tall order, Frates said, but it's a place to start. "A simple mindset shift could be the difference between a stressful holiday shopping season or a joyful journey to find meaningful gifts for people you care about." American Heart Association News covers heart and brain health. Not all views expressed in this story reflect the official position of the American Heart Association. Copyright is owned or held by the American Heart Association, Inc., and all rights are reserved. Sign up here to get the latest health & fitness updates in your inbox every week!A grand opening was hosted on November 22 for the new permanent location of the Martensville-Warman Early Years Family Resource Centre (MWEYFRC) – a safe, welcoming space offering free programming and supports to families with children under the age of six. Representatives from the various partners involved in the creation and operation of the MWEYFRC gathered at 7 Centennial Drive North in Martensville for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. In truth, the centre has already been offering programming in the area since spring, but the staff lacked a permanent space; as such, they operated out of the Warman High School and ran programs in different city parks. The permanent location, a former Credit Union in close proximity to local parks, was only secured this fall, and the public has been able to access the centre’s services since early October. “In the short amount of time that we’ve been in our permanent location, we’ve seen an infinite amount of smiles and joy when families come to the centre, whether it’s for drop-in play or our most popular program, our Sip n’ Chat,” said centre co-ordinator Emily Martens. The YMCA of Saskatoon is the main operating partner of the centre, in collaboration with Prairie Spirit School Division. DeAnn Mercier, CEO of the Saskatoon YMCA, said they also operate two other Early Years Family Resource Centres in the city: one location in Fairhaven that has been open since 2020, and another in Brighton that opened in 2024. “These locations have since welcomed over 31,000 visiting families through their doors, and we know the centre in Martensville will be just as successful,” said Mercier. While it is not a daycare, Mercier summarized the centre’s purpose as being “a space to play with your child, meet people and get advice from early childhood professionals, all for free.” The services provided are guided by four program pillars of early learning, parent education, family wellness and community information and referrals. Mercier noted the value of just being able to hear from other people that what you are going through as a new parent is normal, and it’s OK for your child to make a mess. “Sometimes you just need to hear someone else say that, and you need a third space where you can get out of your house with your kids,” she said. Funding for the MWEYFRC is provided through the provincial Ministry of Education’s Early Years Branch. Warman MLA Terry Jenson, who brought greetings on behalf of Education Minister Everett Hindley, said the provincial government has opened a total of 21 such centres in 19 communities, including Saskatoon and Regina, Prince Albert, Estevan and the Battlefords. “The work done here ... and at all the Saskatchewan Early Years Family Resource Centres are making tremendous impacts on families throughout the province,” he said. “I’m a parent, so I can relate. We didn’t have a facility like this when my kids were young. So it’s going to be a very, very beneficial space.” As a lifelong educator, a parent and an uncle, Martensville Mayor Kent Muench indicated he was aware of how vital this type of support is for young children, not just in terms of their graduation rates from school but also in terms of their future success. He added that in the communities of Martensville and Warman, “we really value a place that is safe and provides opportunities for families.” Warman Mayor Gary Philipchuk also commented that as a teacher and former vice principal at Warman High School, he understood and personally witnessed the value of a solid early learning foundation and providing access to resources to families with young children. He said he wished his parents had access to a centre like this when he had been younger. “Being a parent and not having relatives close by can be scary, and something that we need support with. The Early Years Centre brings together parents who might be in similar situations, and the benefits of having them are immeasurable,” he said. Neda Wilson of the Prairie Spirit School Division, who co-chairs the management committee that oversees the centre, said the division serves as the dedicated accountability partner, helping to oversee the centre’s development. This includes engaging in community planning, advising on the budget and helping shape the strategic direction of the centre, as well as managing service agreements and securing funding when needed. All of this is “critical” to ensuring the centre’s sustainability and impact, she added. Wilson said the management committee includes not just the division and the cities of Martensville and Warman, but also agencies like Regional Kids First, the Ministry of Social Services and the Saskatchewan Health Authority. “This centre is not just a building. It’s a symbol of our shared commitment to children and families, fostering a brighter future for our communities,” Wilson said. The grand opening ceremony was concluded by Martens sharing a story about the impact of the centre: the story of a family who had brought their child to one of their painting programs, which was the child’s first experience with “messy play.” She said, “The parent was filled with joy as they saw their child experimenting with paint, and how focused he had become.” The next day, the family had bought paint for the child, and it had a noticeable effect on his behaviour and engagement with activities. “This is just one of many positive stories we receive from families and the benefits they take with them when they leave the centre,” Martens said.

Sanctuary Advisors LLC Trims Position in UDR, Inc. (NYSE:UDR)

LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Arsenal defender Gabriel kept Viktor Gyokeres quiet — then had the audacity to steal the in-demand Sporting Lisbon striker's trademark goal celebration. After heading in Arsenal's third first-half goal in the Champions League on Tuesday, Gabriel linked the fingers of his hands and placed them over his eyes, before laughing with his teammates. It was most likely a dig at Gyokeres, the Sweden striker who has quickly become one of European soccer's hottest properties . That is how Gyokeres celebrates his goals — and he has scored plenty of those this season. Gyokeres has scored 24 goals for Sporting in all competitions and was coming off netting four for Sweden in a Nations League match against Azerbaijan. Earlier in the first half, Gabriel had enjoyed tackling and dispossessing Gyokeres near the Arsenal area — waving both his arms in a gesture to the crowd. Gabriel's goal made it 3-0 to Arsenal at halftime and the English team went on to win 5-1, with Gyokeres failing to score. He did hit the post with a shot late in the game, however — after Gabriel had gone off with an injury. ___ AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer The Associated PressHockey fans believe Zayne Parekh and Carter Yakemchuk took shots at Team Canada after yesterday’s loss at the World Juniors. The Canadians fell to Latvia in rather shocking fashion last night, losing 3-2 in a shootout. The biggest culprit was their lack of scoring, as they struggled to find goals in regulation and went 0-8 in the shootout. To no surprise, many fans took to social media to suggest Canada made some mistakes in selecting their team, leaving too many offensive weapons at home. It appears that two players may agree, as fans quickly noticed both Calgary Flames prospect Parekh and Ottawa Senators prospect Yakemchuk like an Instagram post showing the box score of yesterday’s game. That wasn’t all fans seemed to notice, either. Many posted screenshots of Zayne Parekh’s X account, on which he retweeted highlights of Quinn Hughes and Cale Makar. The posts have since been removed from his page, but several who got the screenshots believe it may have been a slight at Canada for leaving him off the roster. Though both defencemen, Parekh and Yakemchuk are very offensively gifted. Parekh has 11 goals and 36 points in 28 games with the Saginaw Spirit this season, while Yakemchuk has 12 goals and 29 points in 26 outings with the Calgary Hitmen. They were far from the only snubs on this team, either. Many were surprised to see players like Andrew Cristall, Beckett Sennecke, Michael Hage, and Michael Misa left off the team. All are highly-skilled offensive talents and may very well have been able to help lift Canada over Latvia last night. This will all be forgotten about if Canada is able to turn things around and win the tournament. Despite yesterday’s frustrating loss, they were able to defeat Finland by a 4-0 final two days prior. They’ll look to pick things back up tomorrow versus Germany.chaofann The REIT ( VNQ ) market is vast and versatile with over 1,000 companies worldwide, investing in over 30 different countries and 20 different property sectors. Therefore, there is truly something for everyone. Some REITs like Realty Income ( O If you want full access to our Portfolio and all our current Top Picks, feel free to join us at High Yield Landlord for a 2-week free trial. We are the largest and best-rated real estate investor community on Seeking Alpha with 2,000+ members on board and a 4.9 /5 rating from 500+ reviews: You won't be charged a penny during the free trial, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Start Your 2-Week Free Trial Today! Jussi Askola is the President of Leonberg Capital, a value-oriented investment boutique that consults hedge funds, family offices, and private equity firms on REIT investing. He has authored award-winning academic papers on REIT investing, has passed all three CFA exams, and has built relationships with many top REIT executives. High Yield Landlord Learn more Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of NNN; CCI; EPRT; ADC 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.

Man City crisis continues as Feyenoord come from three down to draw