Recall Goes to the Theater (Premium)ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST ANNOUNCES CONVERSION OF LE PAVILLON NEW ORLEANS TO MARRIOTT'S TRIBUTE PORTFOLIO

At 58, Gong Li has defied societal norms and stereotypes associated with aging. Rather than conforming to the idea that one's energy and vitality diminish with age, Gong Li has proven that age is just a number. Her dedication to staying active and healthy shines through in her late-night badminton game, where she displayed agility, strength, and determination that would give many younger individuals a run for their money.PLATINUM EQUITY INVESTS IN HVAC/R DISTRIBUTOR GLOBAL, THE SOURCEThe Ivy and Elif have recently opened in Liverpool Liverpool has a thriving food and drink scene, with exciting new venues opening up on a regular basis. And 2024 has been a bumper year for openings, with new concepts arriving in the city as well as old favourites launching new locations. While there have sadly been quite a few closures this year in Liverpool's hospitality scene, some exciting new venues have opened their doors. From fine-dining restaurants to karaoke bars, there are still plenty of options for those wanting to dine and drink. The fallout from rising energy costs and the cost-of-living crisis has decimated a large portion of the country's bars and restaurants, and Liverpool is no different. Long-established and reputable businesses such as Roski have been forced to shut down. But the currently adverse hospitality environment hasn't deterred some daring entrepreneurs from bringing something new to the city. The ECHO has put together a list of some of the new bars and restaurants in Liverpool so far this year. Elif Elif opened its newest location in July following a major refurbishment of the Grade-II* listed Parr Bank building on Castle Street. The building was previously home to NatWest Bank but was left derelict from 2017 until earlier this year. A towering botanical feature acts as the venue's centrepiece, surrounded by leather chairs and marble tables, while several delicate hanging lights decorate the overhead dining area. Elif, which has a branch on Bold Street as well as sites on Lark Lane and near Childwall Fiveways, is known for its extensive menu featuring a variety of hot and cold mezzes and starters, authentic dishes like biber kozleme, kebabs, guvec, Turkish moussaka, fish options, mixed grill and vegetarian selection. Penelope's Penelope's opened a new location on Rotten Row, Southport , in July. Penelope's is a sister site to popular foodie spots Emily's Formby and Liverpool city centre's Brunch and Cocktail Club. It came after Emily's Formby became a breakfast and brunch hotspot in north Merseyside, with rave reviews flooding in for the venue on Brows Lane. After opening its booking page, the team behind the venue said how the website for the restaurant and bar had crashed in the process. Penelope's has a botanical theme with what it describes as "wild and exotic" plant life. Pastille Independent business Pastille Bakery opened on Gibraltar Row in May and often welcomes lengthy queues of pastry fans. Pastille Bakery was set up in the kitchen of founder Jamie Heffey's home. With the help of his partner and mum, the three took their baked goods to markets and pop-ups where they noticed demand was high. Pastille Bakery opened its first city centre shop shortly after. The Hightown Inn The Hightown Inn recently reopened after being taken over by one of the region's most respected chefs. The Hightown Pub has been rebranded as The Hightown Inn following its purchase by Graffiti Spirits Group after its sudden closure earlier this year. The pub, on Lower Alt Road, bid farewell with "a heavy heart" on Friday, March 8, after its owners said they were forced to close due to the worsening climate of the hospitality industry and the cost of living crisis. However, GSG, the team behind Duke Street Market and NORD, has now taken over and put its Executive Chef Daniel Heffy at the helm. Following news of the pub's comeback, Daniel spoke to the ECHO in June. He said: "[The founders of GSG] have always dreamed of adding an elevated pub establishment to their portfolio. When the opportunity to acquire the Hightown Pub arose, it was the perfect location to turn that dream into a reality!" The Hightown Inn's menu features seasonal dishes that celebrate fresh, local ingredients, accompanied by simple, well-crafted cocktails. Derek's A popular New York-inspired sandwich shop with sites on Allerton Road and in Crosby launched a new location earlier this month. Derek's launched its latest venue on Berry Street in Liverpool city centre on November 11. The lunch spot was first opened by friends Ethan Woodroofe and Adam Taylor after the former visited the Big Apple and felt that "there was nowhere in Liverpool to get a real sandwich packed with proper ingredients like we’d had in New York". Using what little savings the pair had, they launched their first shop in March 2021. Ethan said: "The first day we naively predicted 30 customers, if we were lucky. Cut to 11am on opening day and over 100 turned up to support us and queued down the road whilst we tried to keep a brave face and act like we had it all under control. "The next day we got in at 5am and cut enough pickles and cold cuts to feed a village. Since that first day, [our customers have] supported us unconditionally, waited in the long queues, had the sad Derek’s moment when their favourite hoagie has sold out, been excited for new subs, worn our merch with pride and told friends about us." St Peters Tavern The former Alma De Cuba venue recently reopened as St Peter's Tavern. The Seel Street site was closed for months after The 1936 Pub Company announced it was taking the site over. The business is now operating as a "great big pub" offering a range of cask ales, craft beers and stouts, along with hot and cold pies. The venue is split over four levels boasting three bars. St Peter's Tavern also includes two beer gardens and TVs for broadcasting live sporting events. Mary Jane King, speaking for the pub company, said: "The response to our renovations of The Vines and most recently The Monro on Duke Street has been hugely gratifying. We embarked on our pub ‘mission’ over two years ago with the establishment of the Red Lion on Slater Street and then The Green Man on Lark Lane. "People seemed very happy with what we were attempting to do - put pubs back as front and central as the essential social spaces in an historic city. Brewers, local and beyond, have also been delighted that we played such a significant role in reviving cask ale in Liverpool." Mary Jane added: "The early success of our pub project gave us the confidence to open The White Hart and Engineer pubs on Hope Street and has ultimately brought us to the point where we can take on our greatest challenge to date - the revival of the former Alma de Cuba, at the site if the 250-year-old St Peter’s Church." St Peter's Taven opens daily from Wednesday, November 13. Take a first look inside the pub below. "People seemed very happy with what we were attempting to do - put pubs back as front and central as the essential social spaces in an historic city. Brewers, local and beyond, have also been delighted that we played such a significant role in reviving cask ale in Liverpool." Mary Jane added: "The early success of our pub project gave us the confidence to open The White Hart and Engineer pubs on Hope Street and has ultimately brought us to the point where we can take on our greatest challenge to date - the revival of the former Alma de Cuba, at the site if the 250-year-old St Peter’s Church." St Peter's Taven opens daily from Wednesday, November 13. Take a first look inside the pub below. Vetch Great British Menu winning chef Dan McGeorge opened Vetch on Liverpool's Hope Street back in spring. Now, the restaurant has earned national recognition, having been awarded two AA rosettes for culinary excellence. Despite this, Dan says he "is not content" with two and wants to be "even better". Twenty-six-seat fine-dining restaurant Vetch offers a variety of seasonally inspired menus which showcase modern British cooking with a mix of Nordic and Asian flavours. Each dish is created using ingredients from small-scale artisan producers in the North West. The AA Rosette scheme, first introduced in 1956, is a nationwide programme that assesses the quality of food served in restaurants and hotels. Its aim is to celebrate successful cooking at different levels across the UK, championing culinary excellence and rewarding commitment to high-quality customer experience. Every year, the AA's inspectors travel around the UK tasting food before confirming their Rosette recommendations which are usually announced twice a year in January and September. Since the Rosette scheme was established, it has celebrated successful cooking at different levels across the UK. Only about 10% of restaurants nationwide meet the standard required to receive one Rosette or more. Pixel Bar An empty city centre building has been transformed into a brand new bar. Pixel Bar, on Wood Street, was previously home to Belgica, a Belgian beer bar. Opening in late 2021 , the venue was split across two floors, aiming to emulate the relaxed feel of Brussels beer bar upstairs, with a mediaeval atmosphere downstairs. However, it closed in April 2023. Pixel, a brand new video game bar has taken over the space. The owners want the new concept to appeal to everyone from die-hard gamers to complete novices. Inside there is a strong neon colour scheme, with video game consoles centred within booths for customers to play on. Pixel Bar’s other two sites, located in Leeds and Manchester, offer customers gaming-themed cocktails as well as the opportunity to compete against friends at games such as Mario Kart, Mortal Kombat and many more. Gloria's A new retro disco club named Gloria's opened earlier this year on Back Berry Street. Launching in September, Gloria's wants to be the city's "hotspot of all things disco and pop". Gloria's moved into the premises which was previously the late-night cocktail and rock and roll bar MOJO. Guests can first enjoy drinks in the cocktail lounge before Gloria's transforms into what owners consider to be "Liverpool’s best dance club" in the evening. The venue includes a bright pink floor, a large central DJ stage and an "immersive light-up bar". The club's "throwback" aesthetic is complete with striking colours, neon lights and disco balls hanging above the dancefloor. The venue is open weekly every Wednesday to Sunday until late, and until 5am at weekends. The Ivy The Ivy Liverpool Brasserie has now opened on Castle Street. The former Bank of England building has been fully renovated with gold bar tops, emerald floors and plants in every corner. The entrance sports a grand foyer with an open brickwork garden area and trees as its centrepiece. The venue is decorated floor to ceiling with framed artwork, plant-printed wallpaper, hanging glass chandeliers, ornate lamps and fauna perched on covings. The Ivy Liverpool Brasserie houses a private dining room seating 14, while the main restaurant will have the capacity to welcome more than 180 diners. The owners say the venue will offer diners something unique every day of the week, from lobster linguine to classic steak cuts. Gran Cafe Authentic Italian coffee shop Gran Caffè opened a south Liverpool site on Lark Lane this year. The business venture is the brainchild of brothers Paolo and Donato Cillo . Renowned as a pasticceria - which translates to cake and pastry shop - Gran Caffè has been serving its delicacies, including its speciality croissants and doughnuts, to the people of Merseyside for over 10 years. Voyagers Voyagers Restaurant and Bar quickly became one of the top-rated venues in Liverpool. The business opened on the ground floor of Parr Street's Halyard Hotel in April. In September, Voyagers set a goal to break into the top 100 of Tripadvisor's top-reviewed restaurants, as it was rated in 187th place. The venue is now listed 11th out of 1,820 venues across the city region with 74 five-star 'excellent' reviews and five four-star 'very good' reviews. A recent review from Tripadvisor user LorraineL8974QS said: "Great food loved the small plates which we shared on the table. Relaxed environment, and the staff were friendly and knowledgeable. Fab night and many thanks to Oliver for the attentive service!" Daffodil A new floating restaurant, Daffodil, has arrived on the waterfront. The new dining space exists within a former Mersey ferry that has undergone a drastic refurbishment. For more than six decades, the MV Royal Daffodil took thousands of passengers across the river separating Liverpool and the Wirral before being decommissioned and falling into disrepair. The Daffodil has arrived at its mooring point within Canning Dock, leased from Canal and River Trust. The ship's focal point, a 126-cover restaurant, is located on the vessel's main deck. The Promenade bar area, which has been completely refurbished, remains on the upper deck. The team has also confirmed a Wheelhouse mini-museum exhibit, dedicated to the history of the Mersey Ferries, is still in the pipeline, pending funding. Daffodil's restaurant and bar opens on December 9. Small Town Boy A cosy little coffee shop which recently opened in Liverpool city centre might just be one of Merseyside's smallest cafes - and customers are loving the quirky new venue. Small Town Boy on Maryland Street in the Georgian Quarter is run by neighbouring restaurant Free State Kitchen (FSK), a city centre institution which has been delighting diners for years. And FSK's excellent reputation for food and drinks has made it's way over to the opposite side of the street in newly opened Small Town Boy. The shop only opened its doors last month but it's already getting a lot of attention on social media for its speciality coffee and mouth-watering pastries, which have seen it branded one of the city's most exciting new openings. The premises where Small Town Boy is based was formerly The Coach House pub, which took the site over after the closure of another pub called Hard Times and Misery. Formerly known as Liverpool's 'smallest' pub , the unique little building is a tiny gem located just off the bustling Hope Street. Set over two storeys, the capacity inside is limited, which gives it an especially cosy atmosphere. With a fire welcoming coffee fans on the first floor, it's establishing itself as an ideal autumn haunt for chilly mornings. Flight Club Flight Club opened in August in Liverpool ONE's Chavasse Park. The venue is based around darts with "immersive games" and technology that automatically scores by tracking every dart. Flight Club moved into the 11,000 sq ft space formerly home to pink paradise restaurant Boujee, holding a total guest capacity of 400. The venue boasts 16 semi-private oches arranged over two floors, two bars, a ground-floor outdoor terrace, a mezzanine seating area overlooking all the action below and a first-floor balcony looking out towards Chavasse Park. Lost Opening in the summer on Seel Street, "Lost" is the sister bar of Lost in Lark Lane. Inside, however, the new venue has a different vibe with Moroccan and European inspired décor and a mix of a sports bar and live lounge feel. Manager Hannah told the ECHO : "It's a beautifully decorated bar which we specifically created so it offered people somewhere to go where they can chill out, put their feet up and have a good time whether that's just soaking up the atmosphere, sports and music offerings." The bar also has a licence to open until 5am. Lost offers live sports and live music from local talent, aiming to give those starting out in the industry a stage to perform on for free. Petit Cafe Petit Café opened on Lark Lane this year, serving everything from coffee and cocktails to cheese and wine, as well as live jazz from Wednesday-Sunday every week. Situated on the corner of Lucerne Street and Lark Lane, the new bar has a green and gold frontage that's become synonymous with Petit's other venues on Berry Street and Allerton Road. The new venue opened its doors for the first time at 6.30pm on Thursday, April 25, just six weeks after it announced it was taking over the former home of Bistro Noir on the street. Petit Café Du Coin first opened on Berry Street in 2017 and has established itself as a popular bar in the city. The bar's social media manager Alex Simpkins said Petit hopes to bring a "cosy Parisian atmosphere" to Lark Lane with their new "neighbourhood café", which is open from 12pm-12am Sunday-Thursday and 12pm-1am on Friday and Saturday. The White Hart and The Engineer Back at the beginning of 2024, a new venue inspired by the "golden era" of pubs opened on Hope Street. The White Hart took more than 10 weeks to complete, transforming the building into a "Dickensian snug pub", with a range of taxidermy animals displayed around the venue including ferrets, goats and deer heads. The venue is connected to another pub, The Engineer, which visitors can also access via Arrad Street. It opts for a "post-apocalyptic" aesthetic set in the mid-20th century, with exposed brickwork, worn woodwork, decorative items from that period and a dark, cold interior made with intent. BOXPARK BOXPARK Liverpool opened in the Baltic Triangle in April, with a full-blown festival launch. The historic Canning Hall has been transformed into a dining hall and events space set over the 21,000 sq. ft ground floor, a small internal mezzanine, and a 5,500 sq. ft external terrace. The project cost £5m and acts as the first BOXPARK to open outside of London. Focussing on emerging and independent street food businesses from Liverpool and the surrounding areas, the eight kitchens and one kiosk at BOXPARK Liverpool offer an array of cuisines from across the globe.Standing in the middle of a vast, sun-drenched desert, surrounded by towering windmills, yet shivering in the cold, reflects our country’s energy predicament. Blessed with abundant renewable resources, Pakistan continues to suffer through energy crises. Load shedding, or planned power outages, has become a common occurrence, incapacitating industries and disrupting daily lives. With a heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels, the country struggles with price fluctuations and supply disruptions. According to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority’s (NEPRA) 2022 yearly report , Pakistan’s total installed power generation capacity is 43,775 MW, and 59 percent of energy comes from thermal energy sources (fossil fuels). The overdependence on fossil fuels has caused numerous challenges: high costs, energy insecurity and environmental degradation. The country’s energy crisis is further exacerbated by outdated infrastructure and insufficient natural gas supplies. The solution lies in embracing renewable energy sources rather than clinging to the false vestiges of fossil fuels. Pakistan’s energy crisis can be addressed through the multifarious solutions of renewable energy, taking a page out of the books of Morocco, Brazil and India, all of whom have successfully leveraged multiple renewable sources to reform their energy landscapes, promoting economic growth. Pakistan has an abundance of natural resources which can be harnessed: wind, solar, hydro and biomass. Pakistan is ideally situated to harness solar energy with an average of over 300 sunny days per year. The country has a noteworthy solar energy flair, estimated at around 2.9 million MW. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) , the country receives solar radiation equivalent to 1,700-2,300 kWh/m2 annually, surpassing global averages. This vast potential, paired with increasing energy demands and environmental concerns, has led to the prominence of solar power development, the World Bank confirming this potential. The Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) of Pakistan, a promoter of renewable energy, has set aspiring targets for solar generation, aiming to achieve 30 percent of the country’s power from renewable sources by 2030. Yet, solar energy’s contribution to the country’s national grid remains negligible. Morocco’s Noor Solar Complex offers a prime example of how leveraging international funding and public-private partnerships can unlatch a country’s solar prospects. According to the World Bank , this is the world’s largest concentrated solar power plant and has not only boosted Morocco’s energy production but has also spurred economic growth by creating jobs. Furthermore, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) , Pakistan’s coastal regions and wind corridors, particularly in Sindh and Balochistan, are capable of generating 50,000 MW of electricity annually. The Jhimpir Wind Corridor alone could meet a major portion of the country’s demand, as the wind corridor has a gross wind power capacity of 50,000 MW. Currently, it provides over 70 percent of Pakistan’s total wind power generation . Additionally, there are over 20 operational wind farms in the JWC, with more in the development phase. The average speed is over 7 meters per second, making it an ideal location for wind power generation. Pakistan’s total electricity demand is around 30,000 MW . With the potential to generate 50,000 MW, the JWC alone could, theoretically, exceed this demand. A case in point is Denmark’s remarkable journey in wind energy, which serves as a riveting model for Pakistan. In 2019, wind power contributed a sizable 47 percent of Denmark’s electricity supply, a testament to decades of strategic policy-making, technological innovation, and unwavering commitment to renewable energy. The country implemented policies like feed-in tariffs and tax incentives to encourage investment and development. Vestas, a Danish company, has a become global leader in manufacturing turbine technology. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that Denmark has the highest share of wind power in its electricity mix among OECD countries. Moreover, the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) data shows Denmark’s impressive contribution to global wind power capacity and its leadership in wind turbine manufacturing. A paper by The University of Leeds on Agricultural Waste Biomass Energy Potential In Pakistan , reports that agriculture alone contributes over 20 percent to Pakistan’s GDP, generating ample biomass waste. This waste could be converted into biogas and bioenergy, providing sustainable energy sources while addressing waste management issues. However, the country has made negligible progress in harnessing this resource. One noteworthy initiative is Pakistan Environment Trust (PET)’s BioVentures project , which promises to reduce emissions and improve AQI by making use of biomass energy. The project Net Zero Pakistan initiative (NZP), focuses on sustainability and aims to establish a national-level supply chain, while Zarea , Pakistan’s largest B2B commodities platform, plays a central role in connecting industries with high-quality biomass products. Zarea provides access to locally sourced biomass materials like bagasse, rice husk, and corn cobs helping businesses transition to greener, more cost-effective energy sources. However, as Pakistan’s biomass generation is low, in terms of global standards, the amount of waste produced can be easily repurposed, Brazil is an example of successful biomass integration, as, according to a report, Implementation of Bioenergy in Brazil 2021 Update by the IEA, biomass contributes approximately 8.4 percent to the total energy supply. In 2022, Pakistan’s hydropower generation reached an astounding 34.58 billion kilowatt hours , demonstrating the substantial contribution of this renewable energy source to the country’s energy production. The hydropower capacity stood at 10.83 million kilowatts , adorning the existing infrastructure’s capacity to tackle water resources for energy production. Moreover, the total potential for hydropower in Pakistan is estimated to be around 60,000 megawatts , stipulating valuable room for growth and development in this sector which have been halted by issues such as inefficiencies, political delays and a lack of funding. China’s Three Gorges Dam is a prime example of the potential of large-scale hydroelectric projects. It produces 22,500 MW of power, significantly contributing to China’s energy. Its installed capacity of 22,500 MW illustrates the ability of hydropower to meet energy demands sustainably, producing 101.6 TWh in 2018. The construction cost of this project was $31.765 billion, a testament to the investment required for such infrastructure, but its contribution to total energy supply justifies the cost and the challenges associated with acquiring such a budget. Pakistan’s move to renewable energy sources has been fraught with obstacles: political instability, infrastructural deficiencies and financial constraints, with the high public debt-to-GDP ratio, reaching 73.5 percent in FY22 limiting the government’s ability to allocate sufficient funds towards the promotion of sustainable energy without highlighting it’s debt. With the debt-to-GDP ratio increasing, the reliance on borrowing makes it impossible to set aside funds for such projects. Short-term gains and personal interests have further affected Pakistan’s policymaking, with fossil fuel lobbies hindering the progress of renewable energy initiatives, as such was evident in 2021 when the government moved to shelve these projects in favour of coal power plants. The decision was driven by political pressure which argued that coal was a more reliable, immediate solution. This not only delayed renewable energy projects, but also exacerbated environmental concerns and the financial burden of importing said fossil fuels. Outdated grid infrastructures pose significant challenges to the efficient integration of renewable energy sources. A case in point is the NTDC-Jhimpir Battery Energy Storage System , a 20,000 kW project in Sindh, which sheds light on the nascent stage of energy storage solutions in the country and how a lack of smart grids worsens these issues. The absence of transmission lines coupled with a lack of smart grids hampers progress, as chronic under-investment has left many areas underserved, with a majority of the population lacking reliable access to electricity, highlighting the importance of modernisation and targetted investments needed to harness the full potential of these resources. Countries such as Morocco serve as examples of how international funding can be secured for renewable energy projects, with schemes like carbon trading and green bonds attracting institutions such as the World Bank, ADB and UNDP. Reformation of rules is also necessary, as India’s National Solar Mission shows how incentives, information and consistency promote renewable energy expansion. By enacting tax incentives and subsidies, Pakistan can improve its relationship with private investors and grid infrastructure. Supporting decentralised energy solutions like microgrids and rooftop solar panels, as done in Germany’s Energiewende policy, can integrate renewable energy within the country, making it easier to access in remote areas. Renewable energy projects could aid economic growth, creating jobs in manufacturing, installation and maintenance, while reducing dependency on imported fossil fuels and reducing environmental degradation. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) , solar PV creates twice as many jobs per MW compared to fossil fuels. Iceland generates 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources, which keeps it at a strategic advantage. Then, if policies are devised clearly, it can position Pakistan as an attractive destination for green investors. India’s renewable energy sector attracted $11 billion in 2022 , which denotes that the country has the potential of a well-regulated market. In addition to all of this, the cost of renewable energy technologies, especially wind and solar, has drastically decreased. By switching to these sources, electricity costs can be reduced, relieving financial strain on businesses and households. Pakistan stands at a crossroads, facing the dual crises of energy scarcity and environmental degradation. The shift to renewable energy is not just a choice but an imperative for sustainable development. The time for half-measures has long passed. The question still stands as to whether the state will rise to the challenge or let the opportunity slip away, leaving future generations to pay the price. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );

In a shocking turn of events, the Beijing basketball team's recent loss has brought to light a glaring weakness in their lineup – the softest center in the league. After a disappointing performance on the court, it became clear that Beijing's center was not up to the task, leading to a 13-point deficit in the game.

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Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. Has $281,000 Stock Holdings in Darling Ingredients Inc. (NYSE:DAR)The match began with both players showing their class and technical prowess on the baize. Zhang Anda, known for his precise potting and strategic play, took an early lead with a series of impressive breaks and tactical safety shots. However, his opponent fought back fiercely, showcasing his years of experience and knowledge of the game to level the match and force it into a decider.(NAPSI)—The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, but when the average American is spending nearly $1,000 on gifts, food, and decorations, they can also be the most stressful. For many, the pressure to create a picture-perfect holiday can stretch budgets a bit too far. Many of today’s shoppers seek advice from their favorite online influencers, sourcing creative hacks, recipes, DIY projects, and tips to keep the holidays magical without overspending. In fact, 69% of consumers say they value and actively seek out influencer recommendations. Now, questions don’t need to get buried in the comments. This December, TextNow is flipping the script on holiday stress by introducing the Holiday Hotline , a free resource to help you navigate the season, with advice a mere text away. Whether it’s finding affordable gifts, creating a festive dinner on a budget, or even learning how to save on your monthly bills, the Holiday Hotline can make things simpler, cheaper, and—perhaps most importantly—more joyful. TextNow Holiday Hotline: Expert Advice at Your Fingertips From December 5–10, TextNow’s Holiday Hotline connects you with relatable experts (aka some of your favorite influencers including social media creator and podcast host Remi Cruz, Kayla Savings, and Melissa Weiss) who will share their go-to tips for a budget-friendly holiday. Here’s what you can expect: • Holiday Budgeting 101: Learn simple ways to stretch every dollar and avoid those dreaded post-holiday bills. • Affordable Gift-Giving Ideas: Thoughtful, creative gifts that won’t break the bank. • Festive Decorating on a Dime: Transform your home into a holiday wonderland with budget-friendly hacks. • Stress-Free Holiday Cooking: Recipes and meal-planning tips to impress your guests. Need more advice? Just text the hotline at 310-299-3584, and you’ll get personalized, practical tips sent straight to your phone. Win $1,000 for Your Holiday Dinner As if free expert advice wasn’t enough, TextNow is also giving you the chance to win big this holiday season. Enter the $1,000 Dinner Giveaway for a shot at a $1,000 gift card to cover your holiday expenses—whether it’s for food, gifts, travel, or whatever else makes your season special. Entering is simple: 1.Head to TextNow’s Instagram . 2.Like the giveaway post. 3.Share your best holiday tip in the comments (bonus: share the post to your story for an extra entry). 4.The giveaway runs from December 5-12, with winners announced from December 13-16. Save More This Holiday Season TextNow is more than just a phone service—it’s a way to take control of your budget, not just during the holidays but year-round. • Free Phone Service: Unlimited calling and texting on the nation’s largest 5G network free. No gimmicks, no contracts. • Free Essential Data: Get free data for such essential apps as maps, rideshare, and email when you activate your SIM card. • Additional Flexible Data Plans: Add extra data only when you need it, with hourly, daily, or monthly passes. Getting started with TextNow is easy. Download the app to call and text for free over Wi-Fi or unlock free cellular service with a $4.99 SIM card. Learn More For more details, visit www.TextNow.com . Word Count: 491

Death Count Rises As Sectarian Violence Continues In Northwest PakistanMedicare's $2,000 prescription drug cap expected to bring major relief to cancer patients

In conclusion, "Ming Dynasty: Feathers of Abyss" promises to be a cinematic experience like no other, combining stunning visuals, exhilarating action, and captivating storytelling to create a film that will leave a lasting impression on audiences around the globe. With its overseas promotion campaign in full swing, the film is poised to make a splash on the international stage, introducing the mesmerizing world of the Ming Dynasty to a whole new generation of moviegoers. Get ready to be swept away on a thrilling journey of discovery and danger with "Ming Dynasty: Feathers of Abyss" - a film that is sure to captivate audiences and leave them clamoring for more.