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Hitachi Rail Invests C$100m+ In Next Gen Urban Rail Signalling Technology7 of our best science-based tips for mental and cognitive healthWith more than half of the 16 teams still mathematically alive to make the conference championship game, the Big 12 will command a lot of attention in the final week of the regular season. No. 14 Arizona State and No. 17 Iowa State would play for the Big 12 title and likely College Football Playoff spot on Dec. 7 if they both win Saturday and there's a four-way tie for first place. There are seven other teams that begin this week with hopes, slim in most cases, of getting into the game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Last week it was No. 19 BYU and No. 23 Colorado that had the inside track to the championship game. Arizona State beat the Cougars and Kansas knocked off the Buffaloes, and here we are. "Everybody counted us out, I think, two weeks ago," Iowa State coach Matt Campbell said after his team beat Utah 31-28. "We didn't flinch. We didn't waver. And we just keep fighting." The Cyclones were national darlings the first half of the season as they won seven straight games to match the best start in program history. Back-to-back losses to Texas Tech and Kansas followed. Now they've won two straight heading into "Farmageddon," their rivalry game against Kansas State at home. "Right now they've got the pen and they continue to write the story," Campbell said of his players, "and I hope they will continue to write it the way they've got the ability to write it. Unwavering. Tough, mentally tough, physically tough. This group has stood for it every step of the way." Arizona State has been an even better story than the Cyclones. The Sun Devils have six more wins than they did last season, when they went 3-9. They were picked to finish last in their first year in the Big 12. They'll go for their fifth straight victory when they play at Arizona on Saturday. "These guys came off no momentum and everybody doubting them, and everybody is still doubting them. That's what makes this special," second-year coach Kenny Dillingham said. "Hopefully the expectations become higher. I don't know if there's a way we can exceed expectations more than we're exceeding them right now." Checking in on five of the Top 25: The Ducks were idle Saturday after clinching a spot in the Big Ten championship game with their win at Wisconsin on Nov. 16. Oregon can go 12-0 in the regular season for the first time since 2010 if it beats Washington at home this week. Oregon's only two losses last season came against the Huskies, both decided by three points. The first was a top-10 matchup in the regular season and the second was a top-five matchup in the Pac-12 championship game. The Ducks are 19 1/2-point favorites this time, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. The Buckeyes' showdown with upstart Indiana combined with Michigan's dropoff after winning the national championship have lowered the volume on this week's meeting with the Wolverines at the Horseshoe. If Michigan beats Ohio State a fourth straight time and it keeps the Buckeyes out of the Big Ten championship game and playoff ... well, there'll be lots of noise in Columbus then. The Lone Star Showdown returns to the gridiron for the first time since 2011, when Texas and Texas A&M were in the Big 12. The Longhorns head to No. 20 Texas A&M on a four-game win streak. The Aggies have lost two of three after Saturday's four-overtime loss at Auburn. The winner advances to the Southeastern Conference championship game against Georgia. The Broncos are tied with Notre Dame for the second-longest active win streak, at nine games, and they seem to have adopted a survive-and-advance mantra. They trailed 23-point underdog Wyoming in the fourth quarter before winning 17-13 and clinching a spot in the Mountain West championship game. They won their previous game, 42-21 against San Jose State, but didn't pull away until the fourth quarter. Two weeks ago they beat a three-win Nevada team 28-21. Just when you think Illinois is about to cash in for the season, they do what they did against Rutgers. The Illini were down 31-30 when they lined up for a 58-yard field goal with 14 seconds left. Ethan Moczulski missed. But wait. Rutgers called timeout before the snap, and Bret Bielema thought better of trying another kick and sent his offense back on the field. Luke Altmyer passed to Pat Bryant for the winning 40-yard touchdown. The Illini won't play for the Big Ten title, but they have a chance for nine wins and a nice bowl. Ohio State played in three of the five regular-season top-five matchups and won three of them. The Buckeyes lost to Oregon and beat Penn State and Indiana. ... Kansas' 37-21 win over Colorado made the Jayhawks the first FBS team with a losing record to beat three straight Top 25 opponents. The Jayhawks, who were 2-6 a month ago, will be bowl eligible if they win at Baylor. ... Nebraska ended the longest power conference bowl drought with its 44-25 win over Wisconsin. The Cornhuskers haven't played in a bowl since 2016. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Warm greetings to all citizens, visitors, and members of The Barbados Police Service. As the Christmas season approaches, it brings with it the perfect opportunity to express gratitude for the blessings received throughout the year. It is a time for reflection, renewal, and fostering hope for continued growth – both professionally and personally – in the year ahead. The season also calls us to cherish moments with family, friends, and loved ones, while holding in our hearts the memories of those who have passed. This year has presented significant challenges for the Police Service. Chief among them were the increases in firearm-related incidents, particularly those resulting in violent crimes, especially those which resulted in the loss of life. The proliferation of firearms has deeply impacted our collective efforts in crime prevention, public safety, and fostering trust in our ability to address these critical issues. In response, police officers demonstrated unwavering commitment, even sacrificing days off to strengthen our presence in areas deemed to be hotspots for criminal activity. Amid these challenges, there have also been positive developments. To enhance efficiency within the service, we implemented a new policy on September 15, 2024, which limits police involvement in minor vehicular accidents unless specific criteria are met. This initiative has already shown promising results. Before the enactment of the new policy, up to the end of November in 2023, 4 397 accidents were recorded. When compared to the same period in 2024, 4 197 accidents were recorded, which shows a decrease of five per cent in reported accidents. Furthermore, between September 15 and November 30 in 2023, 1 439 accidents were recorded and when compared to the same period in 2024, 244 were reported, which shows a significant reduction of 83 per cent in accidents reported. While these results are encouraging, I urge all road users to exercise vigilance and sound judgement. Recent hit-and-run accidents, including two tragic fatalities, remind us of the far-reaching consequences of reckless actions. Let us all recommit to prioritising safety and accountability on our roads. Notably, we continued the use of technological solutions to enhance efficiencies in our duties. The deployment of body-worn cameras and cameras mounted on the dashboard of vehicles has provided us with greater capacity for patrol operations, improving accountability and transparency in our interactions with the public. These tools ensure that our officers are better equipped to meet the demands of modern policing. Furthermore, we remain focused on delivering a more efficient customer service experience. By leveraging data-driven, evidence-based policing, we can provide up-to-date information, optimise our operations, and make informed decisions. The use of databases, drones, and other emerging policing technologies has significantly improved our ability to monitor, respond to, and address criminal activities effectively. These advancements support our vision of creating safer communities while enhancing public confidence in our service. The year 2024 also brought significant events requiring extensive police involvement. From the Tradewinds military exercise and Cricket World Cup to various conferences and the vibrant Crop Over season, the demands for security were immense. Despite these pressures, our officers rose to the occasion, employing incident command systems to ensure seamless operations. Thanks to these efforts, these events were executed without major disruptions, even amidst the challenges of the hurricane season. I extend heartfelt gratitude to the public for their partnership throughout the year. Your cooperation in identifying offenders and supporting our work has been invaluable. To those contemplating actions outside the law, I appeal to your better judgement: consider the consequences of your choices and the impact they have on our society. Together, we can strengthen the moral and social fabric of our nation. The festive season offers countless opportunities for celebration. As you gather with loved ones, I urge you to make responsible decisions to ensure your safety. If your celebrations involve alcohol, please enjoy responsibly and in moderation to guarantee a joyful and incident-free holiday. To the dedicated members of The Barbados Police Service, I express my profound appreciation for your tireless efforts and unwavering dedication. Your commitment to our motto, delivering “the highest quality police service,” has been evident in your sacrifices and achievements. Let us continue to build on our partnerships with the public as we work to reduce crime and enhance community trust. In closing, I wish you and your families a safe and joyous Christmas season. May the new year bring peace, prosperity, and renewed purpose to us all.AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Any Texas or Texas A&M player has heard the lore of the rivalry between the two schools, a grudge match that dates to 1894. But for more than a decade — two generations of college football players — that's all it has been: Ghostly memories of great games and great plays made by heroes of the distant past. That changes this week when one of college football's great rivalries is reborn. Third-ranked Texas (10-1, 6-1) and No. 20 Texas A&M (8-3, 5-2) meet Saturday night for the first time since 2011, with a berth in the Southeastern Conference championship game on the line . “Guys that have been in my position and bleed burnt orange, they have not gotten to play this game,” said Texas fourth-year junior safety Michael Taaffe, who grew up in Austin. “Remember them when you step on Kyle Field.” For Aggies fans, who have carried the misery of Texas' 27-25 win in 2011, getting the Longhorns back in front of a frenzied crowd in College Station is a chance for some serious payback. “I was born and raised an Aggie, so I’ve been dreaming about playing in this game my whole life,” Texas A&M offensive lineman Trey Zuhn III said. Zuhn played high school football in Colorado, but his parents and grandparents attended A&M. At SEC media days back in August, Zuhn said his family would turn Texas gear upside down in stores. He keeps a picture of a longhorn in his room, hanging upside down, of course. “It should be the most amazing atmosphere that I’ve ever experienced,” Zuhn said. "I can’t wait for that, and I feel bad for Texas having to play in that." Texas players said they are ready. “That place is going to be rocking,” Texas senior cornerback Jahdae Barron said. “It's good to go on the road and play in hostile environments.” The Longhorns have overcome big and loud road crowds before. They won at Alabama in 2023. They won at Michigan and Arkansas, another old rival, this year. The Longhorns have won 10 in a row on an opponent’s home field. “When the hate is on us, we love it. We enjoy it,” Taaffe said. But some former Texas players say the current group has faced nothing like what awaits them in College Station. Playing at Texas A&M is more than just noise and a lot of “Horns down” hand signals. The “Aggie War Hymn” fight song calls for Aggies to “Saw varsity’s horns off." Beating Texas is their passion, said former Longhorns All-American offensive lineman Dan Neil, who won at Texas A&M in in 1995. He calls that win one of the best of his career. “I was done showering and getting ready to leave, and their fans were still standing outside the locker room screaming and throwing things,” he said. “The (Texas) players have no idea what they are walking into. They have no clue. No one on that team has walked into that stadium in burnt orange.” The rivalry broke up when Texas A&M left the Big 12 for the SEC in 2012. The Aggies have twice finished tied for second but have otherwise found little success there. Texas is in its first year in the SEC and has smashed its way to the top. Texas is the only SEC team with one loss this late in the season, which would make beating Texas that much sweeter for A&M. “The hype is definitely saying it's a rivalry. History says it's a rivalry, but for us, it's the football game we have this week,” Texas senior center Jake Majors said. “It's important for us to not let the environment, the game, get the best of us. ... I get to go out there and play not only for me and my team, but for the guys who came before me, so that's a true honor to have.” Even though the game hasn't been played since 2011, there has always been an element of the rivalry simmering under the surface, Texas A&M coach Mike Elko said. Elko is in his first year as the Aggies' coach, but he was the Texas A&M defensive coordinator under Jimbo Fisher from 2018-2021. “Even though it hasn’t been played, it just doesn’t feel like it’s ever really left the fabric. I really don’t think it’s as removed from the psyche as maybe it feels,” Elko said. “I think our kids are very much aware of what this is all about.” Rieken reported from College Station, Texas. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
Surgical Table Market Poised for Tremendous Growth from 2024 to 2032 12-19-2024 08:25 PM CET | Health & Medicine Press release from: Cognate Insights Surgical Table Market Latest Market Overview The global surgical table market is poised to reach USD 1.7 billion by 2024, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% from 2024 to 2032. Surgical tables are essential in providing optimal positioning for patients during surgeries, enabling better accessibility and visibility for surgeons. The market is driven by the increasing number of surgical procedures, rising healthcare expenditure, and advancements in surgical table technologies that improve patient comfort and procedural efficiency. The demand for multifunctional, adjustable, and specialized surgical tables is growing as the healthcare sector continues to adopt advanced technologies in operating rooms. The Surgical Table Market has experienced steady growth in recent years and is expected to continue expanding at a strong pace from 2024 to 2032. This analysis offers a comprehensive overview, providing valuable insights into key trends and developments within the Surgical Table industry. These findings equip business leaders with the necessary knowledge to devise more effective strategies and enhance profitability. Furthermore, the report serves as a useful resource for new and emerging businesses, helping them make informed decisions as they navigate the market and seek growth opportunities. Major Players of Surgical Table Market are: Getinge AB (Sweden) - Revenue: USD 3.7 billion STERIS plc (USA) - Revenue: USD 4.5 billion Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. (USA) - Revenue: USD 2.9 billion Skytron LLC (USA) - Revenue: USD 1.2 billion Stryker Corporation (USA) - Revenue: USD 17.1 billion Get Latest PDF Sample Report @ https://www.cognateinsights.com/request-sample/surgical-table-market-research Our Report covers global as well as regional markets and provides an in-depth analysis of the overall growth prospects of the market. Global market trend analysis including historical data, estimates to 2024, and compound annual growth rate (CAGR) forecast to 2032 is given based on qualitative and quantitative analysis of the market segments involving economic and non-economic factors. Furthermore, it reveals the comprehensive competitive landscape of the global market, the current and future market prospects of the industry, and the growth opportunities and drivers as well as challenges and constraints in emerging and emerging markets. Global Surgical Table Market Landscape and Future Pathways: North America: United States Canada Europe: Germany France U.K. Italy Russia Asia-Pacific: China Japan South Korea India Australia China Taiwan Indonesia Thailand Malaysia Latin America: Mexico Brazil Argentina Korea Colombia Middle East & Africa: Turkey Saudi Arabia UAE Korea Speak to Our Analyst for A Discussion on The Above Findings, And Ask for A Discount on The Report @ https://www.cognateinsights.com/check-discount/surgical-table-market-research Key drivers and challenges influencing the Surgical Table market: Regional Analysis: The report involves examining the Surgical Table market at a regional or national level. Report analyses regional factors such as government incentives, infrastructure development, economic conditions, and consumer behaviour to identify variations and opportunities within different markets. Market Projections: Report covers the gathered data and analysis to make future projections and forecasts for the Surgical Table market. This may include estimating market growth rates, predicting market demand, and identifying emerging trends. Company Analysis: Report covers individual Surgical Table manufacturers, suppliers, and other relevant industry players. This analysis includes studying their financial performance, market positioning, product portfolios, partnerships, and strategies. Consumer Analysis: Report covers data on consumer behaviour, preferences, and attitudes towards Surgical Table This may involve surveys, interviews, and analysis of consumer reviews and feedback from different by Application. Technology Analysis: Report covers specific technologies relevant to Surgical Table. It assesses the current state, advancements, and potential future developments in Surgical Table areas. Reason to Buy this Report: -Analysis of the impact of technological advancements on the market and the emerging trends shaping the industry in the coming years. -Examination of the regulatory and policy changes affecting the market and the implications of these changes for market participants. -Overview of the competitive landscape in the Surgical Table market, including profiles of the key players, their market share, and strategies for growth. -Identification of the major challenges facing the market, such as supply chain disruptions, environmental concerns, and changing consumer preferences, and analysis of how these challenges will affect market growth. -Evaluation of the potential of new products and applications in the market, and analysis of the investment opportunities for market participants. For In-Depth Competitive Analysis - Purchase this Report now at @ https://www.cognateinsights.com/purchase-report/surgical-table-market-research Contact Us: Cognate Insights Web: www.cognateinsights.com Email: info@cognateinsights.com Phone: +91 8424946476 About Us: We are leaders in market analytics, business research, and consulting services for Fortune 500 companies, start-ups, financial & government institutions. Since we understand the criticality of data and insights, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. To be at our client's disposal whenever they need help on market research and consulting services. We also aim to be their business partners when it comes to making critical business decisions around new market entry, M&A, competitive Intelligence and strategy. This release was published on openPR.
AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 21, 2024-- Keller Williams Realty, Inc. (KW), the world’s largest real estate franchise by agent count, announces the appointment of Shanan Steere as Director of Growth Operations. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241121483685/en/ Shanan Steere, Director of Growth Operations, KW (Photo: Business Wire) “As we continue to invest deeply into providing our KW-affiliated brokerages support for the development of their team leaders (TL) and operating principals (OP), we are excited to welcome Shanan, who will spearhead those efforts,” said Mark Willis, President and CEO, KW. “An exceptional talent and an amazing contributor, Shanan will ensure our core brokerage leaders remain equipped to fuel further expansion and build on our already strong culture," said Willis. In her new strategic role, Steere will reimagine core market center leadership training, lead masterminds with KW-affiliated brokerage TLs and OPs, and helm renewed holistic efforts to help those brokerages attract the next generation of TLs. "I am honored to be home at Keller Williams and a part of a mission-focused team that truly prioritizes agents and their success,” said Steere. “I fell in love with leadership and coaching many years ago, and it's why I launched my first market center with Keller Williams in 2005.” In 1997, Steere began her real estate career as an agent. She first joined a KW-affiliated brokerage in 2004. A year later, she launched a KW franchise in Shawnee, Kansas, which was recognized as the “Launch of the Year” for the Greater Heartland Region of KW. “I firmly believe that KW is the best company for agents and leaders in this industry,” said Steere. “It’s an immense opportunity every day for our leaders to invite others to participate in our incredible training, coaching, and consulting – all powered by amazing technology.” Within the KW ecosystem, Steere has served in various top KW-affiliated brokerage leadership roles, including TL, OP, KW MAPS Coach, and a Business Objective: A Life by Design (BOLD) instructor. “Team leaders are the cornerstones of our market centers,” said Steere. “They provide the best opportunity to positively change the lives of agents, succeeding through others and helping them achieve extraordinary results.” A John Maxwell Certified coach and 12 Week Year trainer, Steere is the owner and CEO of the Shanan Steere Group, an Olathe, Kansas-based real estate team affiliated with KW Overland Park. About Keller Williams Austin, Texas-based Keller Williams is the world’s largest real estate franchise by agent count. It has more than 1,000 market center offices and 170,000 agents. The franchise is No. 1 in units and sales volume in the U.S. Since 1983, the company has cultivated an agent-centric, technology-driven, and education-based culture that rewards affiliated agents. For more information, visit kwri.kw.com . View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241121483685/en/ CONTACT: Darryl G. Frost Director of Public Relations and Media Relations darryl.frost@kw.com / 254-466-3627 KEYWORD: TEXAS UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: RESIDENTIAL BUILDING & REAL ESTATE COMMERCIAL BUILDING & REAL ESTATE CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY REIT SOURCE: Keller Williams Realty, Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 11/21/2024 03:45 PM/DISC: 11/21/2024 03:47 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241121483685/en
Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bullish stance on Barrick Gold . Looking at options history for Barrick Gold GOLD we detected 13 trades. If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 38% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 30% with bearish. From the overall spotted trades, 9 are puts, for a total amount of $416,469 and 4, calls, for a total amount of $361,745. Expected Price Movements Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $10.0 to $22.0 for Barrick Gold over the recent three months. Volume & Open Interest Development Looking at the volume and open interest is an insightful way to conduct due diligence on a stock. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Barrick Gold's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Barrick Gold's whale activity within a strike price range from $10.0 to $22.0 in the last 30 days. Barrick Gold 30-Day Option Volume & Interest Snapshot Largest Options Trades Observed: Symbol PUT/CALL Trade Type Sentiment Exp. Date Ask Bid Price Strike Price Total Trade Price Open Interest Volume GOLD CALL TRADE NEUTRAL 01/15/27 $6.55 $5.55 $6.13 $13.00 $254.3K 975 0 GOLD PUT SWEEP NEUTRAL 01/17/25 $4.55 $4.45 $4.5 $22.00 $72.0K 2.7K 160 GOLD PUT SWEEP BULLISH 04/17/25 $3.9 $3.8 $3.8 $21.00 $69.9K 866 184 GOLD PUT TRADE BEARISH 06/20/25 $4.7 $4.65 $4.7 $22.00 $66.7K 1.9K 142 GOLD PUT SWEEP NEUTRAL 06/20/25 $3.2 $3.05 $3.08 $20.00 $44.4K 15.4K 143 About Barrick Gold Based in Toronto, Barrick Gold is one of the world's largest gold miners. In 2023, the firm produced nearly 4.1 million attributable ounces of gold and about 420 million pounds of copper. At year-end 2023, Barrick had about two decades of gold reserves along with significant copper reserves. After buying Randgold in 2019 and combining its Nevada mines in a joint venture with competitor Newmont later that year, it operates mines in 19 countries in the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The company also has growing copper exposure. Its potential Reko Diq project in Pakistan, if developed, could double copper production by the end of the decade. Having examined the options trading patterns of Barrick Gold, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance Where Is Barrick Gold Standing Right Now? Currently trading with a volume of 12,746,649, the GOLD's price is down by -3.56%, now at $17.57. RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be oversold. Anticipated earnings release is in 79 days. What Analysts Are Saying About Barrick Gold A total of 3 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $23.666666666666668. Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. Click here for access .* Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Raymond James continues to hold a Outperform rating for Barrick Gold, targeting a price of $25. * An analyst from Scotiabank persists with their Sector Outperform rating on Barrick Gold, maintaining a target price of $24. * Reflecting concerns, an analyst from UBS lowers its rating to Neutral with a new price target of $22. Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest Barrick Gold options trades with real-time alerts from Benzinga Pro . © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
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DEEP in the ancient burial grounds of China’s first emperor, archaeologists made a discovery that could rewrite the story of one of the world’s most enigmatic military forces. Hidden among the famed Terracotta Army, this rare find is unlike anything seen in decades, shedding new light on the organisation and leadership of an army frozen in time for over two millennia. 3 A rare terracotta warrior commander was unearthed after 30 years of digging Credit: Bill Dickinson / Flickr 3 Among the 2,000 terracotta figurines unearthed to date, only 10 have been identified as high-ranking officers Credit: Getty 3 The warriors were crafted with incredible attention to detail and equipped with weapons Credit: Getty The breakthrough came in Pit Two of the sprawling mausoleum in Shaanxi province, where researchers unearthed a life-sized statue believed to depict a high-ranking general. Distinguished by its ornate armour, elaborate headdress, and distinctive posture, the figure is only the 10th officer found since the Terracotta Army was first discovered in 1974. “Based on its location, we believe this figure was likely the highest-ranking military commander of this unit," said Zhu Sihong, head of the excavation project. Accompanying the general were two chariots, three clay horses, and two additional figurines. Read more on ancient finds SNAKE FIND Archaeologists unearth rare serpent carvings depicting 'powerful snake dynasty' ANCIENT SECRETS Archaeologists find ancient Middle Kingdom tomb with 11 sealed burials "The arrangement of the high-ranking officers in the military formation reflected the military strategy, such as [the] commanding system in the Qin dynasty," said Xiuzhen Janice Li, an archaeologist from the University of Oxford. These artefacts offer a rare glimpse into the strategic formations and command structure of the Qin dynasty’s military, believed to have been created to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. The Terracotta Army, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, has long been one of the most iconic archaeological discoveries of modern times. Originally stumbled upon by local farmers digging a well, the site has since revealed over 2,000 life-size statues, with experts estimating as many as 8,000 remain buried. Most read in Science STAR GONE Music producer behind You’re so Vain song dies at 82 as Rod Stewart pays tribute FATAL SHOOTING Xmas Eve horror as knifeman is shot dead by cops after five-hour standoff XMAS DISASTER Moment plane with 67 onboard crashes in fireball with 35 feared dead CHRISTMAS IN A CELL Inside 'CEO killer's life' in hellhole jail he shares with Diddy Each figure is unique, reflecting the diversity of the emperor’s army. ‘Mouth of Hell’ spits out 'world's best' ancient baby woolly mammoth remains...& mummy's so intact we KNOW what killed her From infantry soldiers to cavalry and crossbowmen, the warriors were crafted with meticulous attention to detail and equipped with weapons such as swords and spears. "These adornments on the high-ranking officers indicate how special they are," Li said. "The style and colour of the adornments featured the aesthetic taste and social status symbols [of the time.]" The excavation of Pit Two began in earnest in 1994, with formal digs resuming in 2015. This latest discovery comes as the Terracotta Warriors mark 50 years since their initial unearthing, underscoring the site’s enduring capacity to yield new treasures. Restoration of the newly discovered figurine is already underway. Experts are carefully cleaning and reassembling the general, a process that will precede detailed analysis and eventual public display. Despite the progress, many mysteries linger. Read more on the Scottish Sun OFF THE SHELVES Warning to Scots as Tesco, Aldi & Morrisons recall Xmas dinner favourites FESTIVE FLURRIES Scotland blanketed by snow as skiers hit slopes in winter wonderland "The major question is who is the top general to control the whole Terracotta Army?", Li said. As archaeologists continue their work, the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang remains a glimpse into the complexity of China’s ancient past and of the emperor’s vision for immortality. What are the Terracotta Warriors? THE Terracotta Warriors are a collection of life-sized clay statues that were created to accompany Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, in his mausoleum. These figures, buried over 2,000 years ago, are part of a vast funerary complex in Xi’an, Shaanxi province, constructed to protect the emperor in the afterlife. Discovered in 1974 by local farmers digging a well, the warriors are considered one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. They are arranged in military formations across three large pits and represent the emperor's army. Archaeologists have excavated over 2,000 figures, but it is estimated there could be as many as 8,000 still buried. The army includes infantry soldiers, archers, cavalry, charioteers, and generals, as well as horses and chariots. Each warrior is unique, with individualised facial features, hairstyles, and expressions. They were originally painted in vibrant colours, though much of the paint has faded over time. The figures were equipped with real weapons, such as swords, spears, and crossbows. Many of these weapons were advanced for their time, showcasing the sophistication of Qin dynasty military technology. The statues were crafted using a combination of molds and hand sculpting. They were made in pieces and then assembled, standing approximately 6 feet tall and weighing hundreds of pounds each. The Terracotta Army was intended to be a guardian force to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife and ensure his continued dominance even after death. The site, now part of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and continues to be an active archaeological excavation, with new discoveries still being made.Special counsel moves to dismiss election interference and classified documents cases against Trump
An Ontario court has sided with media commentators who suggested the Canadian Union of Postal Workers was a terrorist sympathizer for participating in a protest a decade ago in Ottawa that featured a Hamas flag. “Their belief that CUPW supports Hamas, a terrorist organisation, is, in my view, honestly held based on proven facts. It does not have to be a reasonable belief. But it must be an honest one,” concluded Justice Graeme Mew of the Superior Court of Ontario. The case, which has as much to do with journalistic ethics as it does with the fraught politics of the Middle East, dates back to a July 2014 march organized by the Association of Palestinian Canadians, which was joined by some postal workers who had been invited by their union. But, it only resolved on Thursday. The defendants in the case were Jerry Agar, then a host on the now-defunct Sun News Network and a freelance columnist for the Toronto Sun, then owned by Quebecor but now owned by Postmedia, the same company that owns National Post, and Avi Benlolo, at the time the president and CEO of the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies and now CEO of the Abraham Global Peace Initiative and a columnist for National Post. “This is an important vindication of the right to engage in debate and express honestly held views,” said Benlolo in a statement. “This is an important victory for me and one that will be meaningful for the Jewish community.” The Ottawa Citizen, another Postmedia newspaper, covered the protest at the time and interviewed Adam John, the man who was carrying a Hamas flag, who said that while a connection could be made between the flag and the terror group, it was meant to be supportive of Islam in general not Hamas in particular. The presence of the flag, and the long history of CUPW activism on Gaza, formed the backdrop of the commentary that followed, and the lawsuit. Agar, wrote in the Sun: “Would you want a terrorist sympathizer coming to your door every day?” On the Sun News broadcast, where Agar was filling in for the regular host on The Source, a current affairs program, Benlolo, who had been booked as a guest, said the CUPW leadership “has a history of partnering up with hate groups, anti-Israel groups” and said it was “shocking” that the union “should be so political and siding and partnering up with a hate group like Hamas.” CUPW sued, arguing that Agar and Benlolo argued, essentially, that the union and its members were terrorist sympathizers, that CUPW supports Hamas and was not at the rally to support “ordinary Palestinians” and that this was defamatory. It also argued that Agar’s Toronto Sun opinion piece was libellous. The postal union has long taken a strong stance on the conflict between Israel and Palestinians, with its official policy on peace and disarmament stating that “the occupation of the West Bank and siege on Gaza are major obstacles to justice and a lasting peace,” and expressing support for the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement. Its policies have been heavily criticized in newspaper columns and were once criticized, the court ruling says, by Bob Rae, then a Liberal member of Parliament. “I continue to be astonished by the extent to which ideas which should be on the ‘loony tunes’ margins of politics have now been adopted by a union which represents thousands of members,” Rae previously said, according to the ruling. The court ended up siding with Agar and Benlolo. “We are disappointed with the outcome,” said an email from CUPW media relations. “We will reach out when we have more to say.” At issue was not just CUPW’s history and expressed political views surrounding Gaza and Israel. The ruling also dealt with an emailed statement, sent by a CUPW spokesperson, to journalists who had asked whether the union supported Hamas. The spokesperson did not explicitly disavow that, and that served as a key bit of evidence in the judge’s decision. Benlolo, however, attempted to use a truth defence in court — typically the hardest-to-use defence against accusations of libel or defamation. Although the court noted that when Sun Media contacted the postal union for comment, it “did not take the opportunity to distance itself” from any association with the Hamas flag, and that it supported the Canadian Boat to Gaza initiative, a 2011 push for a flotilla to take humanitarian aid past an Israeli blockade to Palestinians in Gaza, this was not evidence enough that CUPW knowingly marched with Hamas supporters or supports Hamas, or that mail carriers are terrorist sympathizers. That defence failed. The two men also defended their statements as “fair comment,” a popular legal defence against allegations of defamation or libel. It requires, however, that the defendant make his or her statements without malice and that they have some grounding in fact. Again, the judge took up the issue of CUPW’s failure to disavow Hamas when reached for comment. “A plausible interpretation of CUPW’s unwillingness to address the question ... is that CUPW wanted to avoid directly answering the question,” Mew wrote. “While I am not suggesting that CUPW’s failure to take the opportunity to deny its support for Hamas could reasonably be construed as an acknowledgment that it did, in fact, support Hamas, it nevertheless left the door open for Mr. Agar and Mr. Benlolo to make the comments that are the subject of this action.”‘ The judge concluded that a banner that ran during the conversation — “Supporting Hamas?” — was a question, not a statement of fact. CUPW, in attempting to counter the defence of fair comment, noted that it “repeatedly denounced violence, terrorism, racism, and all that Hamas stands for (albeit without specifically mentioning Hamas),” the judge wrote, which was ignored by the defendants, and that the support for BDS or the presence of a Hamas flag of which organizers were unaware were “incapable of forming a factual basis for the assertion” that CUPW was a Hamas sympathizer. The judge disagreed, finding that CUPW’s long history of activism provided enough factual basis for the opinions expressed. “Comment does not have to be reasonable. It can even be farfetched or extreme,” the judge wrote. “The necessary factual substratum for the opinions expressed by the defendants has been adequately demonstrated.” He also found that Agar and Benlolo acted without malice and honestly believe what they said. National Post was unable to reach Agar for comment. 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