Major poll puts Ireland’s lead parties near neck-and-neckTitle: A Tale of Two Faces: Ma Yun and Fan Luyuan, the A and B sides of the "Ali Flavor" at the Power Plant
Today’s news headlines and Thought for the Day for school assembly: 4 December 2024WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Trump transition team said it can begin submitting names of officials and nominees for background checks and security clearances after it signed an agreement with the Justice Department. The FBI plays a key role in the transition from one administration to the next, conducting background checks and processing security clearances for intended nominees and the transition officials, known as landing teams, who go into agencies before the inauguration to get ready. "Ultimately, this will afford the transition process additional insights, and it facilitates our agency landing teams gaining access to the information they need to prepare for leadership of the federal agencies and departments," the transition team said in a statement. The transition team missed an Oct. 1 deadline to sign an agreement with the White House to provide for landing teams to begin meeting with departments and agencies. It ultimately signed that agreement on Nov. 26. But team members need security clearances to gain access to classified information. The delays in signing the memoranda of understanding had raised concerns that the Trump team would bypass FBI background checks that have long been a requirement for Senate confirmations. President-elect Donald Trump hasn't been shy about his distrust of the Justice Department and the FBI. He's already announced his pick for FBI director , indicating he plans to fire the current head. The transition team opted against signing a third agreement with the General Services Administration (GSA) that would provide funding, office space and technology. That agreement would have required an ethics agreement. Instead, the Trump team said it would use "an existing ethics plan" for its team, and agreed to post it on the GSA website .Recent innovations, such as virtual reality with PlayStation VR, have further expanded Sony's gaming offerings and demonstrated the company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and gameplay.When asked about his decision to join Manchester United, the young midfielder revealed that it was a dream come true for him to sign for the club he has always admired. He expressed his excitement to work with the coaching staff and players at United, and to continue his development under the guidance of one of the biggest clubs in world football.
Her transformation from a celebrated actress to a destitute beggar was a poignant reflection of the darker side of fame. The public's fascination with celebrity often overshadowed the humanity behind the glamorous facade, and Lin's plight served as a sobering wake-up call for those who idolized her.
NoneThe village committee also emphasizes the importance of public safety and reassures residents that all necessary precautions will be taken to prevent any future accidents or disruptions during community events. The committee is committed to working closely with event organizers, technology experts, and regulatory bodies to ensure the safe and successful execution of future celebrations and activities.AP Sports SummaryBrief at 6:57 p.m. EST
The upcoming adjustment in interest rates is set to impact new housing loans, with the rate poised to reach 3.1%. This represents a notable increase from the rates previously offered to borrowers in Qingdao. The move is attributed to a variety of factors, including changes in the overall economic landscape, market conditions, and the policies of financial institutions.Cylindrical Lithium-Ion Battery Market to Grow by USD 11.61 Billion (2024-2028), Driven by Automotive Shift to EVs, with AI Impacting Market Trends - Technavio
One of the best ways we can reduce our household’s carbon footprint is to repair things instead of throwing them away. But it’s also a way of life for many people. “Seems I’ve spent most of my life fixing stuff because I was brought up that way,” observes Phil, from Bedfordshire. “I look at everything that comes my way as potentially useful and more often than not, it is,” writes Richard, a designer from Essex. Sometimes, as Stew from London notes, “repair is about purchasing choices as well as deciding to do the work”. From practical items such as appliances to the more sentimental objects we’re reluctant to part with, Guardian readers share some of their repair success stories, and offer tips for those wondering where to start. My Dualit toaster is getting on for 30 years old. It’s had a new element costing about £5 and is as good as new. It was easy to fix. They aren’t cheap to buy but they are massive value as every part can be replaced easily and cheaply. – Sarah, Somerset The locking mechanism on the plastic door handle of my washing machine broke. I eventually found a YouTube video showing how to replace it. I had nothing to lose so gave it a go, taking the door off the machine and then stripping it down to reveal the locking mechanism. £30 for the parts but it saved me buying a new washing machine, and gave me a lot of satisfaction. – Hitesh, Warrington We had a Bosch dishwasher that I replaced the pump on (burnt out when blocked, £39), the manifold (hard water damaged, similar price) and finally the input water pipe (mouse nibbled). All done with YouTube videos and standard toolbox and no prior repairing experience. Extended its life to 13 years. – Ian, Derbyshire Espresso coffee machine. Luckily the Italian machine included a wiring diagram in the instruction booklet. I have found a small workshop that sells generic spare parts for coffee machines and have conducted “open heart surgery” several times. Failed thermostats, coils, valve internals, seals – all tackled. It is now 22 years old. Very satisfying. I will always have a go at fixing anything. I always keep bits “just in case”. – John, Netherlands Our front loading washing machine had been leaving shreds of white plastic in the completed wash for some months before we noticed a small puddle of water on the floor under it. Upon investigation, I found a 22min video on YouTube made by someone who had had the same issue – one of the 3 legs of the aluminium frame holding the drum had broken after which the drum had rested on the plastic tub that holds the water and worn a hole in it as it ran. The first part of the video listed the tools required and suggested I make a cup of tea before starting the disassembly! Once apart, I ordered a few spare parts (about half the cost of a new machine) and then put it back together for another 5 years reliable operation. – Harry, Melbourne I had a fishing rod given to me by my nan and grandad in 1972 when I was 10. A short, hefty, fibreglass boat rod. It got used but over the years it sat in the garage rafters and the rings went rusty and came undone, the whipping rotted, and the wooden grips came loose. It had mould on it, and the paint peeled off it. About 10 years ago I stripped it down, sprayed it, re-ringed it with new rings and smart new blue and white whipping, I varnished the wooden grips and epoxied them firmly into place. It looked as good as new. Once done, I took this rod with me every time I took my boat out even though I used a more modern one when out on the water. It didn’t matter. I know how my nan and grandad would have felt when they gave it to me, and I know how they would feel if they knew that I had restored it exactly to how it was when they first gave it to me as a 10 year old boy, on my birthday over 50 years ago. – Mark, Bournemouth Because a lovely person at the Blairgowrie & Rattray Repair Cafe soldered one of the whisks on my hand-held mixer back together, my 44-year-old family heirloom is good for a few more decades! It was a present from my mother when I went off to university. I have never owned any other mixer. Repair Cafe impact: 36g whisk repaired, 1.345kg of waste avoided, and endless memories retained. – Gina, Blairgowrie My parents bought a sideboard circa 1965-68. It is beautiful 1960s craftsmanship. In the late 80s the end door, a drop-down flap as opposed to the other 3 side-hinged doors below the draws broke, at first it was the part that held it horizontal but later the large hinge failed. I at first tried to replace the hinge but replacing a 12-16” hinge proved difficult partly as the wood would not easily take a new hinge and the bracket had failed. Finally in the early 2010s, after a decade or so of an open gash where the door had been, I took on the challenge and with some lovely brass hinges mated the door again but in the same alignment as the other doors and fitted a catch mechanism to keep it closed. As a total amateur I am so proud to have this beautiful cabinetry returned to full function even if the door no longer drops down as originally. – Mark, Preston, UK Our local library network offers access to basic 3D printers for use by patrons. I’ve 3D-printed all kinds of small plastic parts that have broken through use or accident – clips on the inside of bathroom exhaust covers, anchors for the little wheels that fridge drawers run on, bike computer clips, slots for the legs of a board game tile holder, dish-drying rack parts, even little hinges and cupboard doorstops. Mostly I try to model the part in SketchUp from scratch, because there is often nothing available on the internet, although Thingiverse is not bad for stand-alone items. Sometimes it’s hit and miss with my own models/redesigns, but the library only charges for material, not time, and I enjoy the challenge of remaking a small something that can save a bigger item. Sadly, libraries with 3D printers seem far less common in England than in Canada. – Anon, Kelowna, CanadaSaanich police warn residents of scammers, thieves ahead of the holidays
In conclusion, the launch of the "Fight Fight Fight" perfume by Donald Trump is a testament to the enduring spirit of perseverance and triumph. With its bold and empowering aroma, the fragrance captures the essence of victory and inspires all who wear it to never give up on their dreams. As the world awaits the arrival of this symbolic scent, one thing is certain - with "Fight Fight Fight" in hand, the path to success is paved with determination and strength.
Arsenal's performance in recent matches has raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike. While they have shown flashes of brilliance in certain games, their overall goal-scoring record from open play leaves much to be desired. This lack of offensive prowess has not only resulted in dropped points but has also raised questions about the team's ability to compete at the highest level.
At the same time, regulatory changes and technological advancements have further complicated the landscape for private banks. Stricter regulations have increased compliance costs and put additional pressure on profitability, while the rise of digital banking and fintech startups has challenged traditional banking models. Private banks have had to invest heavily in technology and innovation to stay competitive, further straining their resources and capabilities.If Barcelona fail to register Dembele before the transfer deadline, he will be free to negotiate with other clubs and potentially leave on a free transfer in the summer. This would be a major blow for the Catalan giants, who have invested significant resources in developing the young winger. Losing Dembele for nothing would not only dent Barcelona's reputation but also leave a void in their attacking lineup that would be difficult to fill.
Rodgers says he'll enjoy the rest of the Jets' season and 'let the future take care of itself'Marlos, the 33-year-old Brazilian winger, suffered a severe injury during training, which will require an extended period of recovery. The setback comes as a blow to Shakhtar Donetsk, as Marlos has been a pivotal player for the team, known for his flair, creativity, and scoring prowess. His absence will undoubtedly be felt on the pitch, and the club will have to find alternative ways to fill the void left by his absence.Title: Rare Adjustment in Monetary Policy Tone! Mortgage Rates May Dip Below 3% Next Year, Deposit Rates May Also DeclineTitle: Gunman on the Hunt for Firepower, Targeting Brazilian National Team Player to Strengthen Central Attack
As the football world eagerly anticipates the outcome of these transfer rumors, one thing is certain – Liverpool FC is not taking any chances when it comes to securing the future of their squad. Whether Arnold and Salah stay or go, the addition of Flimpong and K77 could mark the beginning of a new era for the club, filled with excitement and promise.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and other top leaders are reportedly convening an annual central economic work conference this week to discuss economic policies and growth target for the year ahead. Market participants will watch the events this week for clues on how policymakers plan to steer the world's second-largest economy through entrenched deflation and looming U.S. tariffs. While the specific numbers will not be announced until March, it is widely expected that Beijing will keep its next year's GDP growth target at "around 5", if not slightly lower. Chinese President Xi Jinping and other top leaders are gearing up for the annual central economic work conference, reportedly set to take place this week, as Beijing strives to boost growth. While an official date for the two-day conclave has yet to be announced, Bloomberg has reported that the closed-door meeting will be held from Dec. 11 to 12. Usually, the annual conference is preceded by the high-profile gathering of the Politburo, the top decision making body led by president Xi. During both meetings, top policymakers will review economic performance and policy implementation in the current year, while setting priorities for the following year, economists at Goldman Sachs said. The central government will also discuss its growth target and budget for 2025, partly to give local governments a guidance for setting their own targets ahead of the annual parliament session early next year, according to Goldman Sachs. While the specific numbers will not be announced until March, it is widely expected that Beijing will keep its next year's GDP growth target at "around 5" — same as the current year — if not slightly lower. "If history is any guide, policymakers may leave the 2025 growth target unchanged at around 5% or lower it to 4.5-5%, said Larry Hu, chief China economist at Macquarie, adding that Chinese policymakers have never lowered target by more than 0.5 percentage points in the past. China's government has rarely failed to meet its growth targets, with only two exceptions where growth fell significantly short of the target, in 1990 and 2022, according to Lynn Song, chief economist at ING. While China's economy is on track to achieve this year's growth target of "around 5%," it is still contending with several longer-term problems, including a prolonged housing downturn, tepid domestic consumption and escalation in trade tensions with the U.S. as Donald Trump returns to the White House. Chinese officials have ramped up stimulus announcements since late Septembe r, including several interest rate cuts, looser property purchase rules, and liquidity support for stock markets. Recent data indicated that existing stimulus measures have worked to lift some aspects of the economy, but were still not enough to offset persistent deflationary pressures. In November the country's already near-zero consumer price inflation fell to a five-month low , and a deflation in wholesale prices deepened further, with the producer price index falling for the 26th straight month, data on Monday showed. The country's persistent consumption slowdown traces back to the country's real estate slump and its deep ties to local government finances. Last month, Chinese Minister of Finance announced a $1.4 trillion package to alleviate the local governments' debt crisis. The authorities need to further expand the scale of the debt swap program, economists at Morgan Stanley said in a note, given that local government financial vehicle debt was at nearly half of the country's GDP. Beijing is also expected to widen its fiscal deficit by 1.4 percentage point, which would allow more central government borrowing to shore up the economy, according to Morgan Stanley. Even as the fiscal deficit widened to 3.8% in Oct. 2023 with the issuance of special bonds, authorities in March reverted to their deficit target of 3% . In the face of additional tariffs, the Chinese leadership may consider larger fiscal packages next year "in a multiple stage fashion" as it monitors and reacts to U.S. policy, economists from Barclays said in a note. Trump, who takes office in January 2025, has said he will impose an additional 10% tariffs on Chinese goods unless Beijing does more to stop the trafficking of the highly addictive narcotic fentanyl. He had also threatened to impose tariffs in excess of 60% on Chinese goods during his election campaign trial. The latest tariff threat is likely a "tactic to push China to the negotiation table," Barclays economists said, predicting the president-elect would eventually only deliver 30% additional tariffs. That, still, could create a drag of up to 1-percentage-point in China's GDP, they added. "A policy bazooka could arrive if the Trump tariffs hit China's exports hard," Macquarie's Hu said, adding that Beijing will have to stimulate domestic demand to achieve its growth target. Exports and manufacturing sectors can no longer power the economy to achieve annual growth of 4% to 5% in the next decade, Hu added, "they have simply become too large to drive growth in the long run" and exports face more risks from trade tensions. China needs to boost consumption to be the main growth driver, Hu stressed, by tackling unemployment and raising labor income, as well as providing more for the low-income groups. "A reasonable target is for household consumption to reach 50% of GDP," Hu said. China's government bonds have been on a tear amid expectations of further interest rate cuts and weak economic fundamentals. The 10-year yields recently dropped below the psychological benchmark of 2% to hit a multi-decade low. Chinese government has attempted to stem the bond rally, fueled by pessimism about its economy and a lack of attractive investment options. "The market is still pricing in some fiscal stimulus support early next year," said Edmund Goh, investment director at abrdn. Despite some encouraging signs of recovery in China's property market, "we didn't see any improvement in domestic economic data in the last few months," Goh added. On the equities front, Barry Gill, head of investment at UBS Asset Management said China is still his "top pick" given cheap valuations and "the most potential to surprise investors" on numerous fronts compared with other markets. Chinese benchmark CSI 300 was down 0.5% Monday after jumping 1.3% last Friday to its highest level in two weeks, as some traders positioned for further stimulus at this week's policy meeting. "A more decisive stimulus response and a turnaround for the markets in the next 12-18 months could be in the cards," the UBS asset management team said in an email. — CNBC's Evelyn Cheng contributed to this report.In response to these incidents, the local government in Zhengzhou has launched an investigation to determine the source of the carbon monoxide leakage and to ensure that all bathhouses in the area are in compliance with safety regulations. It is imperative for businesses to prioritize the safety of their customers and employees by taking proactive measures to prevent the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
