winph4 Erik and Lyle Menendez don't appear to be getting out of prison before the holidays ... because their upcoming resentencing hearing has been delayed. The Menendez Brothers joined a status hearing Monday in Van Nuys from the San Diego area prison where they are serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole. They tried to join by video, but encountered technical issues and had to listen in over the phone ... but never spoke. Still, it was their first time in court in decades. Judge Michael V. Jesic considered a habeas corpus petition filed last year by Erik and Lyle's legal team ... the brothers are arguing two new pieces of evidence not presented during their trials support their claim that their father was sexually abusing them before they killed him. Among the evidence ... a letter Erik sent to his cousin in 1988 -- about 8 months before the brothers killed their parents with shotguns -- that appears to corroborate the abuse claims ... and a declaration from former Menudo member Roy Rossello , who claims Jose raped him. The Menendez brothers' attorney, Mark Geragos , called a couple witnesses to testify ... two aunts who said the brothers should come home ASAP. The judge also heard the response from outgoing Los Angeles County District George Gascón , who wants to resentence the brothers and make them eligible for parole. During their trials, prosecutors argued Erik and Lyle were motivated by greed when they killed their parents ... but the brothers claimed they were acting in self-defense after years of sexual abuse at home ... an argument they claim this new evidence backs up. Erik and Lyle have been behind bars for over three decades but now they have a couple paths to freedom ... resentencing leading to parole, clemency or having their convictions changed to manslaughter and walking free based on time served. Erik and Lyle had their resentencing hearing set for next month, but it was pushed from Dec. 11 to January 30-31 to give incoming D.A. Nathan Hochman more time to evaluate the case. Lyle just posted about the hearing on his social media, and it doesn't sound like he's too pleased with the outcome.None

MANY companies are perpetually transforming to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced business environment. To navigate the complexity, fatigue, and risk that often accompany these efforts, organizations are increasingly turning to managed services. In fact, according to the KPMG and HFS Research Managed Services Outlook, this operating model accounts for more than half of service delivery across most business functions, and usage is expected to increase on average by 10 percent in the next one to two years. But what exactly is managed services? This type of outsourcing can often be seen as the Wild West, with a market that includes tech firms, management consultants, staffing agencies, specialty vendors, and legacy offshore players focusing on labor arbitrage for back-office work. Managed services goals, likewise, can range from tactical targets like error rates and response times to strategic outcomes like resilience, trust, and growth. WITH most companies using the terms outsourcing and managed services interchangeably, the joint market study shows that perceptions of managed services are changing. More than 80 percent-up from 62 percent last year—see modern managed services as the delivery of key processes or sub-processes on an outcome-based, as-a-service subscription, in contrast to more piecemeal outsourcing. As companies navigate a crowded managed services market, they continue to seek a new kind of managed services provider; one that goes beyond the transactional activities that keep the lights on. They also want to shine a new light on the future – with proactive collaboration that enables ongoing, accelerated transformation. PERFORMANCE improvement is usually about increasing productivity in existing processes: doing them faster, better, and with less labor where possible. A transformation, by contrast, is a fundamental change in a process, operating model, or business model that delivers significant impact throughout an organization—from enabling new-market expansion to reimagining stakeholders’ experience. And in a world of constant flux, transformation is not a one-time event. Progressive companies strive to continually transform, with flexible operating models that keep evolving. “Organizations are increasingly turning to managed services for their ability to go beyond small improvements and take on crucial and knowledge-intensive processes. By leveraging advanced technology, expertise, data-driven insights and leading practices, managed services enable organizations to unlock transformative outcomes,” said R.G. Manabat & Co. Technology Consulting Director Kirby O. Caliao. MANY organizations are redefining managed services by prioritizing factors beyond cost reduction and generic process capability, which have been the focus of traditional models. Ninety-three percent of respondents agree that a modern managed service requires embedded process and tech proficiency to enable ongoing transformation. Because processes can change significantly from one sector to the next, a key component of domain expertise is deep industry experience – cited by 87 percent of respondents as a defining ingredient of managed services. WHEN it comes to the selection of managed services providers, buyers point to the following as the most essential criteria: – Access to advanced technology – Access to global talent; Predictable costs – Multi-year contract Interestingly, regarding access to talent, respondents plan to focus more on capability than cost in the next two years, as only 19 percent intend to utilize low-cost talent as part of their future managed services delivery, compared with 42 percent today. This indicates that the market is shedding its ‘your-mess-for-less’ perceptions about managed services. Instead, companies are focusing their managed services talent profile in the next two years on these hard-to-find roles: – Technical experts – Data and analytics experts – Process/domain experts – Creative problem solvers MODERN managed services combine Al and other sophisticated technologies with embedded domain expertise, sector-specific knowledge, consulting capabilities, and proactive collaboration—all packaged in a multi-year, as-a-service subscription with predictable costs. These services are typically delivered remotely and take responsibility for knowledge-intensive processes in the front, middle, and back office. In addition to reducing costs, transformational managed services drive enterprise outcomes such as accelerated innovation, accurate forecasting, regulatory risk management, stakeholder trust, and agile adaption to market change. KPMG professionals believe that business transformation is now a necessity—and that successful transformation requires the right tech and best processes with people whose insights are as broad as they are deep. KPMG firms have worked at the heart of global businesses for many decades, helping clients realize the full potential of their people and technology, and working together to achieve real-world outcomes. Because when people and technology are in harmony, great things happen. This excerpt was taken from the KPMG Thought Leadership publication: https://kpmg.com/xx/en/our-insights/transformation/accelerating-business-transformation.html . © 2024 R.G. Manabat & Co., a Philippine partnership and a member firm of the KPMG global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved. For more information, you may reach out through ph-kpmgmla@kpmg.com, social media or visit www.home.kpmg/ph . This article is for general information purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice to a specific issue or entity. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the BusinessMirror , KPMG International or R.G. Manabat & Co.Iowa attorney general warns of sweepstakes scams after helping couple save $16,000What Is 'Enshittification,' Australia's Word of the Year?

The rise of social media influencers has revolutionized marketing strategies across numerous industries. In online gambling, this trend is no different, with platforms increasingly turning to influencers to reach potential audiences. As digital marketing evolves, understanding how influencers are affecting online gambling is essential for anyone interested in this rapidly growing sector. Social media influencers have become a cornerstone of modern marketing, transforming the way brands connect with consumers. In the online gambling industry, this shift towards influencer-driven campaigns has become particularly pronounced. With traditional advertising avenues facing restrictions, sites are exploring innovative methods to engage users through digital spaces. This article delves into the mechanics of influencer marketing within online gambling, uncovering its benefits and challenges while spotlighting successful strategies. Platforms are increasingly turning to sites such as Wildz to leverage influencer partnerships effectively. Influencer marketing involves leveraging individuals with significant followings on social media to promote products or services. These influencers can create authentic connections with their audience, making them powerful tools for brands seeking to increase their visibility. By partnering with influencers who align with their values and target demographics, companies can effectively reach niche markets that might be inaccessible through conventional advertising. This approach has proven effective across various sectors due to its ability to deliver messages through trusted voices. In practice, influencer marketing operates by tapping into the established rapport between influencers and their followers. Brands collaborate with influencers to craft compelling content that highlights their offerings while blending seamlessly into the influencer’s usual posts or stories. This method not only captures attention but also enhances credibility by associating products with personalities already respected by potential customers. The success of influencer campaigns often hinges on finding the right match between brand and influencer, ensuring authenticity remains at the forefront. Within the online gambling industry, influencer marketing has gained traction as a strategic tool for attracting new players and retaining existing ones. Platforms utilize influencers to showcase games, offer promotions, and share personal experiences that resonate with their audiences. Gaming influencers, in particular, are highly effective in this domain due to their deep understanding of both gaming culture and audience preferences. Lifestyle influencers also contribute significantly by presenting online gambling as an exciting aspect of modern entertainment. By capitalizing on these relationships, online gambling companies can reach broader audiences while maintaining a personalized touch in their promotional efforts. The use of interactive content like live streams allows influencers to demonstrate games in real-time, fostering engagement and sparking interest among viewers. This strategy not only aids in customer acquisition but also strengthens brand loyalty by keeping audiences informed and entertained through relatable personalities they trust. The strategies employed by influencers within online gambling often involve a mix of engaging content and interactive experiences designed to captivate viewers. Common tactics include creating visually appealing social media posts that highlight gaming features or promotions unique to certain platforms. Influencers may also host live streams where they play games while interacting with their audience, providing insights and answering questions in real-time. Exclusive promotional codes are another popular strategy, offering followers special bonuses or discounts when signing up through an influencer’s unique link. These incentives can drive significant traffic to online gambling sites while providing measurable results for both parties involved. Successful campaigns often blend creativity with strategic planning, allowing influencers to authentically present gambling as an enjoyable pastime rather than a hard sell. The integration of influencer marketing into online gambling comes with several benefits and challenges worth considering. On one hand, partnering with influencers allows platforms to enhance brand visibility and foster genuine connections with potential customers. The dynamic nature of social media ensures that messages spread quickly across networks, amplifying reach far beyond traditional methods. However, navigating regulatory landscapes presents challenges that must be carefully managed to ensure compliance with advertising standards. Additionally, maintaining responsible marketing practices is crucial in promoting safe gambling behaviors and preventing potential harm among audiences exposed to these campaigns. Striking the right balance between engaging content and ethical considerations remains a key focus for many in the industry as they seek sustainable growth through influencer collaborations. As you explore how influencers drive traffic to online gambling platforms, it becomes clear that their role is both transformative and complex. The ability to connect with audiences on a personal level makes influencers invaluable partners for brands navigating this competitive space. Their impact extends beyond mere promotion; they serve as cultural touchpoints that drive conversations around modern entertainment trends. Looking ahead, the future potential of influencer marketing within online gambling appears promising as platforms continue refining strategies based on evolving consumer behaviors and technological advancements. Staying informed about these developments will be essential for stakeholders seeking success in an industry poised for continued growth driven by innovative digital engagement techniques.

Penn State notes: Linemen Anthony Donkoh, Alonzo Ford Jr. suffer long-term injuriesIt's time for the holidays, which means robust family conversations and seemingly never-ending courses of food. But for the more tech-savvy among us, the journey home could also mean we'll be called on to provide a backlog of tech support to parents, grandparents and other family members. And with generative AI being used to supercharge some major cyber scams this year, it's also a good time to teach and not just fix. Here are some tips on how to manage your tech encounters this holiday season: Set devices up for automatic updates Whether it's Windows, macOS, iOS or Android, simply keeping your operating system and apps up-to-date will help protect your family's computers and devices against a surprising number of security threats, such as malware, viruses and exploits. Most operating systems, especially those for mobile devices and their app stores, typically have auto-updates turned on by default. Be sure to double-check the device to make sure it has enough storage space to carry out the update. (More on this below.) Keeping apps updated may also reduce the number of "Why isn't this app working?" type of questions from your relatives. Freeing up storage space Chances are someone in your family is going to have a completely full mobile device. So full, in fact, that they can no longer update their phone or tablet without having to purge something first. There are many approaches to freeing up space. Here are a few you can easily take without having to triage data or apps. What's my password? According to some admittedly unscientific studies, the average person has hundreds of passwords. That's a lot to remember. So as you help your relatives reset some of theirs, you may be tempted to recycle some to keep things simple for them. But that's one of the bad password habits that cybersecurity experts warn against. Instead, try introducing your forgetful family member to a password manager. They're useful tools for simplifying and keeping track of logins. And if you want to impress a more tech-savvy cousin or auntie, you could suggest switching to a more secure digital authentication method: passkeys. Educate your loved ones about the latest scams As scammers find new ways to steal money and personal information, you and your family should be more vigilant about who to trust. Artificial intelligence and other technologies are giving bad actors craftier tools to work with online. A quick way to remember what to do when you think you're getting scammed is to think about the three S's, said Alissa Abdullah, also known as Dr. Jay, Mastercard's deputy chief security officer "Stay suspicious, stop for a second (and think about it) and stay protected," she said. Simply being aware of typical scams can help, experts say. Robocalls frequently target vulnerable individuals like seniors, people with disabilities, and people with debt. So-called romance scams target lonely and isolated individuals. Quiz scams target those who spend a lot of time on social media. Check our AP guide on the latest scams and what to do when you're victimized. How fast is their WiFi? Home internet speeds are getting faster, so you want to make sure your family members are getting a high-speed connection if they've paid for one. Run a broadband speed test on your home network if they're still rocking an aging modem and router.

NEW DELHI: The food processing industry is expected to double in size by 2025-26, driving hiring in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. A report by TeamLease EdTech shows that hiring intent for freshers increased to 32 per cent in the second half of 2024, compared to 27 per cent in the first half of the year. The growth in hiring is linked to the expansion of the food processing industry, which is projected to grow from $ 263 billion in 2019-20 to $ 535 billion by 2025-26, with an annual growth rate of 12.6 per cent. IPL 2025 mega auction IPL Auction Live: Pant, Iyer, Arshdeep enter in marquee list CSK need Dhoni; Gaikwad still new to captaincy - says Raina How and where to watch Indian Premier League mega auction This growth has enabled deeper penetration into rural and semi-urban markets. The report highlights that key product segments including dairy, RTE foods, frozen meat, and snacks are generating employment opportunities, particularly in supply chain and market research sectors. "The rise in demand for fresh talent in FMCG can clearly be attributed to deeper expansion in rural and semi-urban markets, fueled by the rapid growth of India's food processing industry," Shantanu Rooj, founder and CEO, TeamLease Edtech, was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. The report also highlights that FMCG companies are focusing on hiring freshers with expertise in market insights, retail distribution, and regional consumer behavior to support their expansion into untapped markets. Specific job roles are seeing high hiring intent in various cities. Food engineers have a hiring intent of 41 per cent in Bengaluru, logistics coordinators 39 per cent in Delhi, supply and distribution chain positions 37 per cent in Hyderabad, and brand management trainees 34 per cent in Bengaluru. The survey was conducted across 526 small, medium, and large companies in 18 industries and covered 14 geographical areas, including metros, tier-1, and tier-2 cities. Ready to Master Stock Valuation? ET's Workshop is just around the corner!

When the bowl games were announced on Dec. 8, the matchup in the Holiday Bowl between Washington State and Syracuse looked enticing. Two teams that were ranked at one point throughout the season with explosive offenses were set to make their way to Snapdragon Stadium for the Dec. 27 bowl game. The bowl game will look a lot different now however, with many changes coming to the product on the field, in particular with Washington State. Since the regular season has ended, the Cougars have lost their head coach Jake Dickert, who took the same position with Wake Forest. On top of that, starting quarterback John Mateer announced he will transfer to Oklahoma. Both the coach and quarterback will not be with the team for the Holiday Bowl. When Mateer announced his entrance to the transfer portal, an immediate connection with Oklahoma was made, due to both offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and quarterbacks coach John Kuceyeski making the move to coach the Sooners next season. We have launched our year-end campaign. Our goal: Raise $50,000 by Dec. 31. Help us get there. Times of San Diego is devoted to producing timely, comprehensive news about San Diego County. Your donation helps keep our work free-to-read, funds reporters who cover local issues and allows us to write stories that hold public officials accountable. Join the growing list of donors investing in our community's long-term future. On top of that, over 11 starters from WSU announced their intention to enter the portal, further putting into doubt what the 8-4 Cougars will see in San Diego Friday. In a release from Washington State it was announced assistant head coach and defensive tackles coach Pete Kaligis will assume the interim head coach role for the bowl game. Wide receivers coach Nick Edwards will call offensive plays. On the other sideline, Syracuse has not seen nearly as many changes to their team. Their starting quarterback Kyle McCord will play, as rumors circle on whether or not he will remain with the team heading into 2025. The 2024 Holiday Bowl is set to kick off Dec. 27 at 5 p.m. PST on FOX. Get Our Free Daily Email Newsletter Get the latest local and California news from Times of San Diego delivered to your inbox at 8 a.m. daily. Sign up for our free email newsletter and be fully informed of the most important developments. Sign Up (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

‘Absolutely loved that tour’: The Aussie conquest Ashwin holds ‘dearly’ and his ‘one regret’On average, General Mills sold more than 1,400 boxes of cereal per minute at U.S. retailers over the past year. That was more than enough to retain the crown as the nation’s top cereal producer ahead of rival Kellogg. With $3.4 billion in sales over the past 12 months, according to Circana data, General Mills now sells 31% of all cereal in stores around the country. Yet that prime position has eroded in recent years as higher prices for cereal and just about everything else turn more consumers toward cheaper knockoffs. All major cereal companies are losing market share to store brands and private labels, which now accounts for 9% of all cereal sold at retailers in the U.S., according to Circana, a Chicago-based market research firm. In 2021 generics had just a 5.6% market share. And upstarts like Purely Elizabeth and Seven Sundays are also growing, capitalizing on strong consumer spending on products with a health and wellness focus. The cereal executives in Golden Valley know they can’t take their hard-won leadership position for granted. “We’re the leader of the category. We have to behave like the leader,” Dana McNabb, president of North American retail at General Mills, said during a call with analysts last week. “What we’re learning is that when we get on our front foot and do what we’re good at, we see growth.” That means partnering with the NFL’s Kelce brothers for advertising and a new mashup cereal , keeping Chex stocked for holiday mixes and developing high-protein Cheerios, which will be released next month. With a focus on value and “remarkability,” McNabb said, “I think we will continue to see progress in our market share.” Cereal remains the single largest category for the company’s U.S. retail business. A Jeffries analysis pegs it at nearly 20% of domestic retail sales. Selling more cereal, then, is essential. But it’s no easy task. As the major sales boost during the pandemic fades and price increases have reached their limit, the industry is back to the pre-pandemic norm of steady decline or tepid growth at best. Piper Sandler analyst Michael Lavery says General Mills is “focused on making the right adjustments to promotion to help hold and grow market share and remain competitive.” The company is already discounting products at its highest rate in five years, and General Mills expects to trade short-term profit growth to keep the deals coming in order to get in more homes and build long-term momentum. ‘Flattish’ growth is here Honey Nut Cheerios remains the best selling brand in the U.S., followed by Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes and Honey Bunches of Oats from Lakeville-based Post Consumer Brands. Compared to General Mills, cereal is even more important for Post, as it accounts for nearly half of its domestic retail sales. Post Holdings CEO Rob Vitale told investors last month cereal is returning to “flattish” growth, which is precisely what happened this year. Total retail cereal sales grew 0.2% through the 12 months ending Dec. 1, according to Circana, and that growth was driven by modest price increases. The actual number of boxes and bags of cereal sold declined 1.3%. “We can’t shrink our business to prosperity,” Vitale said. “Our branded portfolio outperformed the category, and private label continued to grow.” Private label cereal grew 9% this year to a $1 billion business, a benefit to Post, which produces many store brand varieties. Kellogg also sees “stable” cereal sales on the horizon. Last year the company split up into the cereal-focused W.K. Kellogg Co. and snack-focused Kellanova, maker of Pop-Tarts and Cheez-it crackers. Compared to its Minnesota competitors, “all we do is think about cereal,” Kellogg CEO Gary Pilnick said at an investor conference earlier this month. Among the 10 top-selling cereal brands this year, most of which saw sales declines, Frosted Flakes grew the most, both in dollars and in units sold. “Cereal is undefeated. We haven’t lost a debate yet about where to invest our money because everything we do is about cereal,” Pilnick said. “We know we’ll drive the business.” Doing well at school Retail store sales aren’t the whole cereal story, however — General Mills and others sell tons of cereal to schools, hotels and other foodservice venues. “Our market share in schools more than twice what it is in retail,” General Mills CEO Jeff Harmening said in an interview last week. That gives Lucky Charms and other brands a dominant position with kids, building brand affinity from a young age. Which pays dividends down the line, as McNabb said nostalgia is a key strategy for connecting with cereal consumers. Harmening said as more schools offer breakfast, they tend to go with General Mills for cereal. “One of the reasons we’ve been able to be so successful is that we keep enhancing the nutritional profiles of our cereals,” he said. “Our kids will be better off and better positioned to learn, and we do better, too, but so are the kids, and so we feel great about that” Harmening said acting like the cereal leader means “delivering for consumers what they’re looking for.” “I feel good about our cereal business, in both what you see at the grocery store every day and what we’re selling through schools.”

Oklahoma State's 3-point accuracy sends Miami to defeatWHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W. Va. (AP) — Jordan Sears scored 25 points, Jalen Reed had 21 points and 13 rebounds, and LSU defeated UCF 109-102 in triple overtime on Sunday to take third place at the Greenbrier Tip-Off. LSU trailed by 18 points early in the second half, then failed to hold a lead at the end of regulation and each of the first two overtime periods. The Tigers went up by five with a minute to go in the third overtime. UCF cut it to three, then Vyctorius Miller made a driving layup, Jordan Sears followed with a dunk and the Tigers were able to hold on when leading by seven. Cam Carter scored 20 points, Miller had 16 and Dji Bailey 14 for LSU (5-1). Darius Johnson had 25 points, eight assists and six rebounds for UCF (4-2). Keyshawn Hall had 21 points and 10 rebounds, and Jordan Ivy-Curry scored 20. South Florida led by 15 points at halftime and maintained a double-digit lead for all but a few possessions in the first 11 1/2 minutes of the second half. UCF led 62-48 with 8 1/2 minutes remaining but Sears hit three 3-pointers and LSU drew to within 64-59 with 6 minutes to go. The Tigers scored the last six points of regulation to force overtime. In the first half, LSU led 15-13 about eight minutes into the game but the Tigers missed 15 of 16 shots while being outscored 25-3 over the next 10 minutes. South Florida led 40-25 at halftime after shooting 46% to 25% for LSU. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball