With rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. flashing promise, don't count on the Atlanta Falcons keeping Kirk Cousins for much longer. Before their Week 16 home game against the New York Giants (2-13), the Falcons benched Cousins in favor of Penix. The eighth overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft completed 18-of-27 passes for 202 yards and tossed one interception in a 34-7 blowout. If Penix improves over the Falcons' last two regular-season games, they will likely release or trade Cousins in 2025. "He would have a [trade] market," an executive told The Athletic's Jeff Howe in his Tuesday QB stock report. "However, the contract is what will hold it back. The compensation would depend on how much Atlanta would eat or if he would rework the contract." Cousins signed a four-year, $180M contract this past offseason, which includes a potential out in 2026. The deal also has a no-trade clause, but the QB would probably be willing to waive it. His salary in 2025 ($27.5M) is fully guaranteed, and his 2026 roster bonus ($10M) activates if he's on a team on the fifth day of the league year in March. This would detract potential trade suitors. Even if the Falcons absorb some of his salary, they won't receive a massive package for Cousins, who has thrown a career-high 16 interceptions in 14 starts. Seven executives and coaches told Howe Atlanta wouldn't get more than a day-three draft pick for the 36-year-old. Releasing him would leave Atlanta with sizeable cap charges. The Falcons would incur $40M in dead cap in 2025 and $25M in 2026 if they cut Cousins with a post-June 1 designation, per Spotrac. The Falcons should still try to find potential trade partners. A QB-needy team (Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders?) may be desperate enough to take a risk on him. Plus, Penix could prove he's the future of the franchise if he leads the Falcons (8-7) to the playoffs. Atlanta clinches the NFC South with a road win over the Washington Commanders (10-5) and a Tampa Bay Buccaneers loss in Week 17.Evans 1-7 1-2 3, Diakhate 2-6 0-0 4, Avinger 2-7 1-3 5, Flournoy 3-13 0-0 8, Makolo 2-7 0-0 4, Verse 1-3 2-4 4, Summer Davis 2-5 0-0 4, Indya Davis 0-0 0-0 0, Turner 6-16 0-0 15, Totals 19-64 4-9 47 Hall 2-7 0-0 4, Merkle 6-11 0-0 12, Campbell 7-11 0-0 14, Murray 8-16 1-1 24, Oden 1-6 1-2 3, Johnson 1-4 1-1 3, Elliott 3-8 1-1 7, Jekot 0-0 0-0 0, Walker 0-0 0-0 0, Totals 28-63 4-5 67 3-Point Goals_Georgia 5-18 (Avinger 0-2, Flournoy 2-6, Makolo 0-1, S.Davis 0-2, Turner 3-7), Penn St. 7-17 (Murray 7-14, Oden 0-1, Johnson 0-1, Elliott 0-1). Assists_Georgia 11 (Avinger 5), Penn St. 20 (Campbell 7). Fouled Out_Georgia Turner. Rebounds_Georgia 38 (Verse 9), Penn St. 45 (Merkle 11). Total Fouls_Georgia 17, Penn St. 13. Technical Fouls_Georgia Turner 1, Verse 1, Penn St. Johnson 1, Oden 1. A_735.Online brokerage platform Zerodha's co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Nithin Kamath, cautioned investors via a social media post on platform X on Saturday, December 7, about the most certain way to lose money in the markets. The post highlighted two recent scams in which the Securities and Exchanges Board of India (SEBI) passed an order. Kamath focused on investors' choices and said that if something is too good to be true, it usually is. He also said that taking shortcuts is the most certain way to lose money in the financial markets . “If something is too good to be true, it almost always is. Taking shortcuts to make a quick buck is the surest way to lose money in the markets,” said Nithin Kamath, highlighting an old saying that cautions investors against scams. What were the two scams? Along with his take on the issue, Kamath also shared Zerodha's Daily Brief link with his audience, explaining the two scams SEBI recently passed an order on. Mint reported earlier that the securities market regulator, on December 3, cancelled the listing of Trafiksol ITS Technologies Ltd after investigations and ordered the company to refund ₹ 45 crore of investor money within one week. SEBI also instructed the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) to oversee the refund process. The concerns were raised against the third-party vendor (Trafiksol), which was supposed to supply the integrated command control centre software (IC) to the company for ₹ 17.7 crore, a crucial technology for running smart cities that are typically imported from international vendors. The investigations revealed that Trafiksol, the third-party provider, is a “shell company.” Fraudulent documentations were submitted by a ‘questionable TPV’ to justify the ₹ 17.7 crore earmarked for software procurement in its draft prospectus. The company failed to provide a single credible justification for engaging such an entity in the first place, as per the earlier report. Another financial scam was carried out by a financial influencer or finfluencer named “ Baap of Chart ”, who promised investors sky-high returns. According to the SEBI investigation, the individual was running an unauthorized investment advisory service and collecting huge sums of money from investors. Offering investment advice hidden in “educational courses” on stock market trading, Baap of Chart and his team provided direct buy or sell stock recommendations to their clients in exchange for a fee. Over some time, the individual and his associates gathered ₹ 17.2 crore in fees. After months of investigation into the issue, the securities market regulator banned him from the stock market for a year and ordered him to refund ₹ 17.2 crore collected via fees from clients, along with monetary penalties. “If someone promises “guaranteed” stock market returns, run the other way. As SEBI tightens its grip on these so-called financial influencers, it’s a reminder to always verify credentials and think twice before following the hype,” said Zerodha in its Daily Brief post on December 5.
CHRISTMAS was once cancelled in England – and it wasn’t by the Grinch. It sounds like a nightmare – no mince pies, no carols, not even a Christmas tree in sight – but for almost 20 years in England, festive cheer was illegal. 5 Shopkeepers on Canterbury High Street rebelled against the ban on Christmas Credit: Paul Lawrenson/Alamy Live News 5 In Canterbury (pictured), when one shopkeeper refused to open on Christmas Day, locals took to the streets in what became known as the Plum Pudding Riot Credit: Sipa US/Alamy Live News The holiday was officially cancelled in the 1640's. MP Oliver Cromwell and his Puritan supporters launched a brutal crackdown on Christmas. They didn’t just frown upon celebrations; they outright banned them, from feasting to decorations. A December 1643, a law passed which demanded the holiday be marked with “solemn humiliation” rather than joy. Read more on christmas JINGLE BELLES Shoppers run to Primark to nab new Christmas jumpers & prices start from £11 BARGAIN BUYS Tesco's best Black Friday deals including Baileys bargain and £4.50 chocs Parties and holiday cheer were strictly off the table. By 1644, the restrictions only intensified – Christmas was to be treated like any other day. Festive classics like mince pies and plum puddings were banned outright. According to Historic England: "Shops and markets were told to stay open on 25 December. Most read in The Sun RANGERS RAGE Gers slam SFA over 'serious concerns' as final VAR officials return to action IN THE MARKET Aberdeen 'submit transfer offer' for 37-times capped international captain POISON PEN I got death threats from Rangers fans says ex-SPFL star, it wasn't just one IN THE RED Ex-Dundee United chairman's debts revealed as he's officially declared bankrupt "And in the City of London soldiers were ordered to patrol the streets, seizing any food they discovered being prepared for Christmas celebrations." But enforcing the ban was far from smooth sailing. Vogue Williams leaves fans gushing as she shares sweet video from festive day out with hubby Spencer and kids In Canterbury, when one shopkeeper refused to open on Christmas Day, locals took to the streets in what became known as the Plum Pudding Riot. Angry crowds smashed windows, tore up the mayor’s robes, and even forced him to flee. This rebellion sparked a wave of protests in cities like London, Norwich, and Ipswich, and sailors in Kent laid siege to ports. Yet Cromwell’s ban stayed in place for years. Christmas wasn’t restored until 1660, when the monarchy returned and the Puritans lost power. Though Cromwell’s efforts ultimately failed, the impact of his crackdown lingered – even across the Atlantic, where the Pilgrims adopted a similar Christmas ban in America’s colonies. While Cromwell tried to cancel Christmas, Dutch settlers in America were celebrating their own version of the holiday with Sinterklaas – who would eventually evolve into Santa Claus. Over time, Santa found his way back to England, blending with Father Christmas to become the jolly figure we know today. It’s hard to imagine Christmas without carols and treats, if it weren't for Canterbury’s spark of rebellion our festive traditions could have looked very different. Read more on the Scottish Sun SHOCK SWOOP Former Celtic boss 'lines up shock January transfer swoop for Kyogo Furuhashi' MAKE THE YULETIDE GREY White Christmas update for Scots as snow & 80mph winds wreak chaos Meanwhile, Brits can enjoy the Christmas cheer in the top most festive cities in England . Or for those looking to get away for Christmas break, we've revealed the best Christmas markets to visit in Europe . TOP 10 MOST FESTIVE PLACES IN ENGLAND According to number of “Christmas” mentions per head in historic newspaper articles 1. Durham: 1.00 2. Cambridge: 0.95 3. York: 0.8 4. Ely: 0.70 5. Oxford: 0.69 6. Lincoln: 0.69 7. Salisbury: 0.67 8. Derby: 0.58 9. Bath: 0.54 10. Exeter: 0.54 5 MP Oliver Cromwell banned Christmas in the 1640s Credit: Amazon 5 Canterbury High Street, pictured above, remains festive as ever in 2024 Credit: Krisztian Elek/SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire 5 Christmas was banned for 20 years (stock image) Credit: GettyRe: The Interfaith Voices column of Dec. 21, "This will not end with immigrants": This feature has been my refuge from the political screeds that have dominated letters to the editor and the As I See It columns — thoughtful and thought-provoking insights offered in calm, considerate voices from all faiths. Today’s screed, hypocritically wrapped in Scripture and biblical references is a travesty. Compare it to other recent offerings that invite the reader in, offering thoughts and experiences that induce one to sit back, look out a window and contemplate how it all fits in one’s own life. Very reminiscent of Father Neville’s calm, considerate and uplifting voice. We don’t need more diatribe. Not in Interfaith Voices, our one holy refuge in our paper. William Buckley Corvallis Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly!None
Chinese Man Gets Death Sentence For Ramming Car Into Crowd, Killing 35LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Nov, 2024) The fifth session of the 18th Youth (YPP) was successfully convened by the PILDAT at the old hall of the of . The two sittings of the session focused on empowering the youth to become active champions of peace and resilience. Around 75 members of the YPP attended the session while more than 100 joined online. They represented of , in addition to Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Overseas Pakistanis, according to a press release issued here on Saturday. This activity marks a significant milestone of project of CPTP (Countering and Preventing Terrorism in ). Funded by the EU, led by NACTA and executed by the UNODC with its partner organization, PILDAT. The project aims at empowering community resilience against violent extremism and acts of violence via a three-pronged strategy. The key strategy/components include: strengthen the capacity of criminal justice institutions; strengthen victim support through an effective legal system; and foster community engagement via developing sustainable networks. The fifth session was inaugurated by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan who welcomed the members of the YPP to the House. In his address, he discussed an important role of the youth in preventing violent extremism and lamented the detrimental psychological effects of terrorism on people. He stated that engagement with the youth was immensely important to him as ’s population comprises of more than 60 per cent youth, and future of the country depends on them. Prior to the commencement of the session, the members of the YPP also took part in a comprehensive study to the neighbouring new building of the for firsthand exposure to the legislative processes in . These interactions aided citizen-state engagement which is key to preventing alienation amongst vulnerable youth. The session then continued with a parliamentary style debate on the role of youth in preventing violent extremism in . The 5th session of the YPP also featured Ms Mahreen Maqsood, Director, PVE at NACTA, who gave a presentation on “How to Prevent Violent Extremism (PVE) in Pakistan?” emphasising the myths and common perception that revolve around the topic. She discussed different types of violence, including direct, structural and cultural violent extremism. She emphasized the role of and youth in tackling this complex issue, emphasizing that people should play their part through social campaigns and by creating awareness in society. While, the second sitting of the fifth session commenced with a policy dialogue where prominent legislators Ms Sonia Ashir, MPA and Parliamentary Secretary, Human Rights & Minorities Affairs, Chaudhry Javed Ahmed, MPA, and Ms Faiza Ahmad Malik, former MPA, engaged with MYPs on the need for PVE policies at a national and provincial level. They identified a wide range of public policy areas, including , inequality, and civil rights, that must be covered in a PVE policy. The discussion particularly focused on curriculum development, rights and the balance of power amongst institutions. The MYPs questioned the legislators regarding unions, population control, resource scarcity and extremism incidents currently happening in and .A veteran state Nationals leader has stepped down to make way for new blood as the party begins preparations for an election in 2026. or signup to continue reading Peter Walsh has resigned as leader of the Victorian Nationals, with Gippsland South MP Danny O'Brien elected unopposed as his replacement on Monday night. The 70-year-old has been a fixture of Victorian parliament since 2002, leader since December 2014, and will continue as the MP for Murray Plains. Mr O'Brien described his elevation to the top job as the greatest honour of his life. "I entered politics because I have always believed rural and regional people get a raw deal," he said. "As leader of our great party, I will fight every day for country people to get a fair go." Lowan MP Emma Kealy will remain the state party's deputy leader. It is unclear whether Mr Walsh will retire from politics or remain on the back bench until the next state election in 2026. Treasurer Tim Pallas said he had great respect for Mr Walsh and he deserved enormous credit. "Whatever he decides to do, he goes knowing that he's made a great contribution to the state," he told reporters. Mr Walsh helped his party net an extra three seats at the 2022 election, giving the Nationals nine of the 88 seats in the Legislative Assembly. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. 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Montrealer starts sumo wrestling club to share his love for the sport
Penn St. 85, Fordham 66
New coach Chris Holtmann has been tasked with rebuilding DePaul to the point where it can return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2004. Northern Illinois coach Rashon Burno knows what it takes to steer DePaul to the NCAAs because he was the starting point guard on the 2000 team that made the tournament -- the Blue Demons' only other NCAA appearance since 1992. Perhaps they can compare notes Saturday afternoon when Burno leads the Huskies (2-3) back to his alma mater as DePaul (5-0) hosts its sixth straight home game in Chicago. Last season, Burno's NIU squad helped accelerate DePaul's need for a new coach -- as the Huskies waltzed into Wintrust Arena and owned Tony Stubblefield's Blue Demons by an 89-79 score on Nov. 25. The Huskies built a 24-point second-half lead before coasting to the finish line. Can history repeat for NIU? There's just one problem with using last year's game as a potential barometer for Saturday's rematch: Almost no players on this year's teams were part of last year's squads. At DePaul, only assistant coach Paris Parham remains as Holtmann had the green light to bring in an all-new roster. UIC graduate transfer Isaiah Rivera (16.0 ppg, .485 3-point rate) and Coastal Carolina transfer Jacob Meyer (15.4 ppg, .406 on 3s) lead a balanced attack that focuses on getting half its shots from beyond the arc. At NIU, Burno retained only two players who competed against DePaul last year -- Ethan Butler and Oluwasegun Durosinmi -- and they combined for three points in 26 minutes in that game. The Huskies' main players used the transfer portal to join such programs as Kansas, Wisconsin, Penn State, Colorado State, James Madison, Georgia State and Niagara. With every starting job open, Butler has jumped into the lineup and produced 11.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.4 steals per game. Transfers Quentin Jones (Cal Poly) and James Dent (Western Illinois) pace the Huskies with 14.4 and 14.0 points per game. NIU is on a two-game losing streak, most recently a 75-48 home defeat at the hands of Elon on Wednesday. Holtmann hopes to have Arkansas transfer Layden Blocker for Saturday's game. Blocker missed Tuesday's 78-69 win over Eastern Illinois with a quad injury. With the combo guard unavailable, point guard Conor Enright handed out a career-high 11 assists in a season-high 38 minutes. "We need (Blocker)," Holtmann said. "I don't want to play Conor 38 minutes." --Field Level Media
Did y’all see the most athletic thing anyone has done on an NFL field this year in Sunday night’s game between the Bucs and the Cowboys? Vita Vea brought the BOOM : #TBvsDAL on NBC/Peacock : Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/tfwR1lOS0Z In a game that finished with a flurry of just the most incredible moments, this moment by Vea stands out. The Bucs are down two and it’s 3rd and 6 with two minutes left in the game. Because Tampa has one timeout, if Dallas gets this first down the game is essentially over. Tampa brings a simulated pressure, but Dallas beats it (a trend from Sunday night) with a quick throw to TE Jake Ferguson in the flat. Most times, this play ends in a first down and the game is over. BUT NOT ON VITA VEA’S WATCH. Vita Vea. Athlete. pic.twitter.com/l1NXc5JlbQ This is the most incredible play you’ll see in the NFL this year. Vea is listed at 347 pounds, and he’s coming from the other side of the field to make this play. I repeat. 347 POUNDS. FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FIELD. The play is even crazier in the All-22! The Bucs have seven potential blitzers lined up at or near the line of scrimmage, but with Dallas in a 3x1 formation to the left, if the Bucs are blitzing, someone is going to have to come from the other side of the field. Tampa drops both Vea and EDGE Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, but JTS has to get under a potential CeeDee Lamb route from the single receiver side. This leaves Vea in the middle of the field, and this is a great call by Dallas. The quick throw to the flat gets the ball out of the QBs hands vs the pressure, and Ferguson makes the first man miss! But Vea has other plans, and decides to end this play by doing something that not even Isaac Newton believed was possible. Vea reached 14.91 miles per hour on this tackle, which is an ungodly amount considering he’s at least 100 pounds heavier than 95% of the people on the field. He hits Ferguson like a tsunami on this play, which could’ve been the play that the Bucs used to win the game. It’s another reminder that the greatest athletes in the world are the defensive and offensive linemen, because they do things that no other human should be able to do on a down to down basis. This isn’t even the first time Vea has dropped into coverage in his career! Because of all the wonky pressures Bowles will send, Vea will drop into underneath areas and do shit like this: This is insane: 350-pound NT Vita Vea *drops into coverage* and forces an Aaron Jones fumble on the 1-yard line to prevent a TD. Elite athlete. ( : @NFL ) pic.twitter.com/bNV3sCW0RV Cherish these moments from Vita Vea, one of the most unique athletes we’ll see in the NFL.The 10 most bizarre celebrity Christmas traditions: From Chrissy Teigen's annual McDonald's to the Royal Family's time out at breakfast Have YOU got a story? Email tips@dailymail.com By CAROLINE PEACOCK Published: 19:58, 24 December 2024 | Updated: 20:12, 24 December 2024 e-mail 5 shares View comments Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year - but not everyone celebrates it the same way. When you think of festive traditions, it's hard not to picture the classics: a turkey with all the trimmings, a singalong at the local carol service, and a cheeky glass of mulled wine with mince pies. Families across the world love these staples, but not everyone sticks to the traditional script - especially in the world of celebs. The stars are known for doing things their own way, and Christmas is no exception. Forget the glitz and glam, some of your favourite celebs have surprisingly quirky ways of marking the big day. From unusual rituals to over-the-top extravagance, MailOnline reveals the famous faces who like to do something a little bit different from the norm. Chrissy Teigen and John Legend With Chrissy Teigen famed for her cooking, you might expect her to be stuck in the kitchen over the festive period, yet instead she orders McDonald's for her family With Chrissy Teigen famed for her cooking, you might expect her to be stuck in the kitchen over the festive period. The social media savvy stunner has authored cookbooks including 2018's Cravings: Hungry for More: A Cookbook and Cravings: Recipes for All the Food You Want to Eat: A Cookbook,. Yet when it comes to food at the festive period, Chrissy's husband John Legend revealed it's the time of year they treat themselves to a fast food delivery. John explained that for several years now, the family has ordered McDonald's on Christmas Eve as a late-night snack. 'It's a Chrissy tradition, for sure,' John told Postmate's The Receipt. He then added: 'We've decided that Beef Wellington is our go-to Christmas main dish from now on.' Mariah Carey Mariah Carey heads to Aspen with her twins where they get 'one or two horse-drawn sleighs, and we bundle up and go riding in the snow under the stars' She's unofficially known as the Queen Of Christmas, with her hit All I Want for Christmas Is You - the bestselling Christmas song of all-time in the US. So it's unsurprising that Mariah Carey pulls out all the stops in December. Mariah - who famously kicks off the festive season by 'defrosting' and warbling 'It's tiiiiiime' in honor of her festive hit - lost her trademark battle to officially own the phrase Queen Of Christmas, but still goes all out. She usually heads to Aspen with her twins Morocco and Monroe and explained: 'Depending on how many of us are up in [Aspen], we get one or two horse-drawn sleighs, and we bundle up and go riding in the snow under the stars.' But her OTT festivities don't stop there, with the singer adding: 'We always drink cocoa with butterscotch schnapps to keep warm, and we sing at the top of our lungs.' Kate Middleton According to Royal insiders, the women and the men of the Royal Family spend breakfast time apart and only unite to go to Church later in the day (pictured: Kate Middleton) While many families will wake up on Christmas morning surrounded by their loved ones - the same can't be said for Kate Middleton and Prince William. According to Royal insiders, the women and the men of the family spend breakfast time apart and only unite to go to Church later in the day. Former Royal chef Darren McGrady explained: 'On Christmas Day, the ladies generally opt for a light breakfast of sliced fruit, half a grapefruit, toast, and coffee delivered to their rooms.' He added to the Daily Mail back in 2017: 'The male royals, meanwhile, come downstairs to the dining room for a hearty breakfast at 8:30 am, with eggs, bacon and mushrooms, kippers, and grilled kidneys, to set them up for the 11:00 a.m. church service at St Mary Magdalene.' The Jonas Brothers Many mark Christmas morning with a hearty feast of eggs, bacon, toast or biscuits for their festive breakfast - but not the Jonas family, who enjoy tamales Many mark Christmas morning with a hearty feast of eggs, bacon, toast or biscuits for their festive breakfast - but not the Jonas family. The boy band likes to treat themselves to a Mexican tradition in the morning and will scoff at hot tamales before opening their presents. Speaking to InStyle, Nick, 32, admitted: 'Every year we eat tamales on Christmas morning and it's pretty awesome,' He went on to reveal: 'My mom started it and I think it's special because we've grown up doing it and it's very like us to have tamales on Christmas.' A tamale is a traditional Mesoamerican dish made of masa, a dough made from nixtamalized corn, which is then steamed in a corn husk or banana leaves. Julia Roberts Julia Roberts revealed she and husband Danny Moder don't allow anyone into the living room on Christmas Day alone, and they have to enter as a family Julia Roberts, 57, has a number of holiday traditions she can't wait to get stuck into. The star previously gave a glimpse of how she, her husband Danny Moder and their three kids celebrate Christmas. The actress shared that she loved waking up on Christmas morning, saying her family had a tradition where 'nobody goes into the living room until everybody goes into the living room.' The mother of three said the holidays wouldn't be complete without 'a good hearty Christmas dinner' as well as figuring out just how much to feed everyone before the festive meal. 'I do enjoy the practical challenge of Christmas morning mealtime because you don't want too much, you don't want to spoil them off the bat,' she explained. 'You want to keep a steady blood level going where you don't get crazy before the big meal.' Reese Witherspoon Hollywood star Reese Witherspoon, 48, has revealed she gets her Academy Award involved in the Christmas celebrations Hollywood star Reese Witherspoon, 48, has revealed she gets her Academy Award involved in the Christmas celebrations. As well as lavishly decorating her home, Reese previously confessed that her statuette gets a little bit of festive love. The mum-of-three revealed that the Best Actress Oscar, which she took home back in 2006 for her role in Walk the Line, looks completely different on the big day. And that's all thanks to her children Ava, Deacon and Tennessee. 'At Christmastime, they put a little hat on him and a little scarf, so he doesn't get cold,' The Morning Show actress previously said in an interview. Stacey Solomon Stacey Solomon whips up an unusual breakfast on Christmas for her husband and children Stacey Solomon has very much become the epitome of Mrs Christmas herself. While she gets into the spirit nice and early, the British TV star, who is married to Joe Swash and has five children, likes to go against the grain on Christmas. Rather than tucking into a full English, the 35-year-old presenter rustles up a very different morning meal, which even she has admitted is rather strange. 'This is going to sound really weird... my mum every Christmas morning used to cut a grapefruit in half, put some sugar on it and that was our breakfast,' Stacey revealed. 'None of my kids will eat it, Joe won't eat it, it's not even that great, but I just have to every single Christmas.' She added on an episode of Loose Women: 'I don't eat grapefruit all year but on Christmas morning, I sit there with my half a grapefruit and sugar and I really enjoy it.' Peter and Emily Andre Emily Andre makes stockings from cutting up old tights (pictured with husband Peter) Peter Andre and his wife Emily are set to have a magical Christmas as they prepare to celebrate with their newest addition, baby Arabella, who was born this April. While discussing her family Christmas traditions, Emily revealed that her favourite festive custom involves cutting up old tights - a quirky tradition passed down from her parents, Rebecca and Ruaraidh. 'It's my favourite tradition, we do weird stockings, stockings in tights,' she told OK! Magazine . 'We cut tights in half and fill them. We've always done it since I was a child – no idea why, but we love it.' Chrissy Teigen Kate Middleton Joe Jonas Share or comment on this article: The 10 most bizarre celebrity Christmas traditions: From Chrissy Teigen's annual McDonald's to the Royal Family's time out at breakfast e-mail 5 shares Add comment
The National Book Awards, established in 1950, celebrate the finest achievements in American literature. Managed by the National Book Foundation, these prestigious awards recognize exceptional works across categories like Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Young People’s Literature, and Translation. Each year, the winners are chosen by panels of distinguished authors, critics, and literary experts. The awards aim to showcase diverse voices which are shaping the contemporary literature landscape. The 2024 winners were announced on November 21 in New York City. Percival Everett’s reimagines offering a fresh perspective on the classic tale while searching for deeper themes. In the book Everett examines identity, freedom, and moral complexity through a modern lens. It’s a testament to Everett’s craft that he strikes a balance between paying homage to Mark Twain and creating a powerful, standalone narrative. Anthropologist Jason De León’s is an empathetic exploration of human smuggling. It’s clear that De León drew on his academic background as is deeply researched and draws on firsthand accounts and years of fieldwork. De León illuminates the dangers, resilience, and human cost within the shadow world of migration. His book challenges readers to confront the moral dilemmas and look at the systemic failures underpinning these narratives, making it a standout in the field of nonfiction. Shifa Saltagi Safadi’s offers a heartfelt and insightful portrayal of identity, belonging, and the complexities of growing up. Following a young boy navigating his bicultural identity, the book resonates with readers of all ages. Safadi’s voice is a fresh, funny and vital addition to the canon of children’s literature, advocating for representation and understanding. In , Lena Khalaf Tuffaha uses powerful and moving poetry to reflect on the joys and struggles of being human. Her poetry weaves personal and political threads, drawing on her Arab-American heritage. She addresses several themes in her work, including exile, love, and survival. Tuffaha’s work is a testament to poetry’s ability to distill profound truths in simple language. Yáng Shuāng-zǐ’s , translated by Lin King, offers a vivid and intimate glimpse into Taiwan’s landscapes, cultures, and histories. King’s translation is about to capture the lyrical beauty of the original text while still making it accessible to a global audience. Barbara Kingsolver, known for monumental works like and , was honored for her contributions to fiction and advocacy for environmental and social justice. W. Paul Coates, founder of Black Classic Press, was also recognized for his championing of the preservation and dissemination of African American literature. The 2024 National Book Awards serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of literature, offering both solace and challenge in our rapidly evolving world. Each of these winners has prodoundly contributed to the literary landscape, inviting reflect, questioning, and connection. An avid book reader and proud library card holder, Angela is new to the world of e-Readers. She has a background in education, emergency response, fitness, loves to be in nature, traveling and exploring. With an honours science degree in anthropology, Angela also studied writing after graduation. She has contributed work to The London Free Press, The Gazette, The Londoner, Best Version Media, Lifeliner, and Citymedia.ca.PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron expressed “gratitude” Saturday to those who saved, helped and rebuilt Notre Dame Cathedral. “I stand before you ... to express the gratitude of the French nation,” Macron said at the reopening ceremony. “Tonight, the bells of Notre Dame are ringing again. And in a moment, the organ will awaken,” sending the “music of hope” to Parisians, France and the world. Macron spoke in front of 1,500 guests invited to celebrate the restoration of Paris’ 12th-century cathedral which was nearly destroyed by a fire in 2019. They included world leaders like President-elect Donald Trump , U.S. first lady Jill Biden, Britain’s Prince William and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. PARIS (AP) — Howling winds couldn’t stop Notre Dame Cathedral ’s heart from beating again. With three resounding knocks on its doors by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, wielding a specially designed crosier carved from fire-scorched beams, the monument roared back to life Saturday evening. For the first time since a devastating blaze nearly destroyed it in 2019, the towering Gothic masterpiece reopened for worship, its rebirth marked by song, prayer, and awe beneath its soaring arches. The ceremony, initially planned to begin on the forecourt, was moved entirely inside due to unusually fierce December winds sweeping across the Île de la Cité, flanked by the River Seine. Yet the occasion lost none of its splendor. Inside the luminous nave, choirs sang psalms, and the cathedral’s mighty organ, silent for nearly five years, thundered to life in a triumphant interplay of melodies. The restoration, a spectacular achievement in just five years for a structure that took nearly two centuries to build, is seen as a moment of triumph for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline — and a welcome respite from his domestic political woes . The evening’s celebration, attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, Britain’s Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscored Notre Dame’s enduring role as both a spiritual and cultural beacon. Observers see the event as Macron's, and his intention to pivot it into a fully fledged diplomatic gathering, while highlighting France’s ability to unite on the global stage despite internal political crises. Monumental feats of restoration Inside, 42,000 square meters of stonework — an area equal to six soccer pitches — were meticulously cleaned, revealing luminous limestone and intricate carvings. Overhead, 2,000 oak beams, nicknamed “the forest,” were used to rebuild the spire and roof, restoring the cathedral’s iconic silhouette. The thunderous great organ, with 7,952 pipes ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide, resounded for the first time since the fire. Its newly renovated console, boasting five keyboards, 115 stops, and 30 foot pedals, was a marvel of restoration, reawakening a cornerstone of Notre Dame’s identity. Guests gradually filing into the cathedral for the evening reopening ceremonies were awestruck by the renovated interiors, many whipping out cellphones to capture the moment. “It’s a sense of perfection,” said François Le Page of the Notre Dame Foundation, which raised nearly half of the €900 million ($950 million) in donations for the restoration. He last visited in 2021, when the cathedral was cloaked in scaffolding. “It was somber,” he said. “It’s night and day.” The Rev. Andriy Morkvas, a Ukrainian pastor who leads the Volodymyr Le Grand church in Paris, reflected on his first visit to Notre Dame in over a decade. “I didn’t recognize it,” he said. “God is very powerful; He can change things.” He expressed hope that the cathedral’s revival could inspire peace in his homeland, drawing strength from the presence of Ukraine’s president. “I think that will have a big impact,” he said. “I hope Notre Dame and Mary will help us resolve this conflict.” The reopening of Notre Dame comes at a time of profound global unrest, with wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East. For Catholics, Notre Dame’s rector said the cathedral “carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.′′ “It is a magnificent symbol of unity,” Dumas said. “Notre Dame is not just a French monument—it is a magnificent sign of hope.” The international range of dignitaries coming to Paris underline the cathedral’s significance as a symbol of shared heritage and peace. Canadian visitor Noelle Alexandria, who had traveled to Paris for the reopening, was struck by the cathedral’s ability to inspire. “She’s been nearly ruined before, but she always comes back,” Alexandria said. “Not many of us could say the same after such tragedy, but Notre Dame can.” Historical details enrich the occasion Guests entered through Notre Dame’s iconic western façade, whose arched portals adorned with biblical carvings were once a visual guide for medieval believers. Above the central Portal of the Last Judgment, the Archangel Michael is depicted weighing souls, as demons attempt to tip the scales. These stone figures, designed to inspire both awe and fear, set the stage for a ceremony steeped in history. Inside, the hum of hundreds of guests awaiting the service filled the cathedral with human sounds once more — a stark contrast to the construction din that echoed there for years. Tuners restoring the great organ often worked through the night to find the silence needed to perfect its 7,952 pipes, ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide. Notre Dame echoed to the sound of a sustained standing ovation after the showing of a short movie that documented the gargantuan rebuilding effort. Outside, the word “MERCI” — thank you — was projected against the cathedral’s iconic western facade. The movie showed the terrible wounds left by the inferno — the gaping holes torn into its vaulted ceilings and the burned roof. But that was followed by images of all types of artisans, many using traditional handicraft techniques, who collectively restored Notre Dame to look better now than ever. "We went from night to light," said one of the workers in the movie. Macron's political woes The celebration is expected to give a much-needed boost to embattled Macron, whose prime minister was ousted this week , plunging the nation’s politics into more turmoil. The French president, who has called Notre Dame's reopening “a jolt of hope,” will address the gathering. He had hoped the occasion would briefly silence his critics and showcase France’s unity and resilience under his leadership. Macron's presidency now faces its gravest crisis after the government's collapse this week in a historic no-confidence vote that toppled Prime Minister Michel Barnier. The vote followed months of political gridlock after snap elections in June. Calls are now growing louder from opposition forces for Macron to resign. But he vowed Thursday to remain in office until the end of his term in 2027, and said he'll name a new prime minister within days. As France struggles with economic woes and social unrest, Notre Dame's rebirth celebrations form a stark contrast. Security is tight for this global event Security will be high through the weekend, echoing measures taken during the Paris Olympics earlier this year. The Île de la Cité — the small island in the River Seine that is home to Notre Dame and the historic heart of Paris— is closed to tourists and non-residents. Police vans and barriers blocked cobblestoned streets in a large perimeter around the island, while soldiers in thick body armor and sniffer dogs patrolled embankments. A special security detail is following Trump. Public viewing areas along the Seine’s southern bank will accommodate 40,000 spectators, who can follow the celebrations on large screens. For many, Notre Dame’s rebirth is not just a French achievement but a global one — after the reopening, the cathedral is set to welcome 15 million visitors annually, up from 12 million before the fire. ___ Sylvie Corbet, Yesica Brumec, Marine Lesprit and Mark Carlson in Paris contributed. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through The AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. Thomas Adamson And John Leicester, The Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George has a bone bruise on his left knee and will miss two games, the team said Thursday. The 76ers said George did not suffer any structural damage when he injured the same knee that he hyperextended during the preseason in Wednesday night's loss at Memphis. The game marked the first time this season the All-Star trio of George, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey started a game together. George will miss home games Friday against Brooklyn and Sunday against the Los Angeles Clippers, his former team. A nine-time All-Star, the 34-year-old George will be evaluated again on Monday. Wednesday's 117-111 loss to the Grizzlies dropped the Sixers to 2-12, the worst record in the NBA headed into Thursday night's games. George signed a four-year, $212 million contract with Philadelphia after five seasons with the Clippers. He has averaged 14.9 points in eight games this season. Embiid has been out with injuries, load management rest and a suspension, while Maxey was sidelined with a hamstring injury. An expected contender in the Eastern Conference, the Sixers haven't won since an overtime victory against Charlotte on Nov. 10. AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nbaThe Rule of $1,000: Is This Retirement Rule Right for You?