play slots game online Hello Kitty is famously the height of just five apples. But these days, the more striking statistic is that she’s worth more than ¥1 trillion — or $6.5 billion. Stock in Japan’s Sanrio Co. hit that milestone for the first time recently, just weeks before the company’s feline star turned 50. Kitty White was born on Nov. 1, 1974, when she first appeared on a vinyl coin purse that quickly helped her became a national sensation in Japan. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.:Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were highlighted as essential tools for governance, sustainable development, and societal progress during the International GIS Day celebrations held at the Institution of Engineers, on Wednesday. Experts discussed how GIS technology could transform decision-making, planning, and education, emphasising its role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Dr B. Janardhan Reddy, a former IAS official, explained how spatial data was crucial for effective governance. He urged educators to incorporate GIS into teaching to prepare students for future challenges and aid decision-makers in using maps for informed planning. Dr Gangadhar Rao, president of the Economic Committee, spoke on GIS applications across sectors, including urban planning, disaster management, and infrastructure development, enabled by its integration with GPS technology. The event also traced the contributions of GeoMap Society since its inception in 1992. Maj. Shiva Kiran from GeoMap highlighted the visionary efforts of figures like G.S. Kumar, former director of the Survey of India, and Dr D.P. Rao, former director of National Remote Sensing Agency, in promoting mapping and GIS. He noted that over 3,000 students are participating in the upcoming GeoMap Quiz 2024. Teachers from institutions like Oxford Grammar School, Nasr School, and TNR Excellencia were recognised for their efforts in promoting GIS and map awareness. Dr G. Venkata Subbaiah, Chairman of IoE Telangana State Centre, called GIS an imperative technology for India’s global aspirations.

Luanda — The President of the United States, Joe Biden, arrived in Luanda on Monday afternoon for a three-day state visit, focused on consolidating the strategic partnership. The official 'Air Force One' plane, the mythical blue and white 747 that carries the US President, landed at 5:30 pm at February 4 International Airport. Joe Biden, who is in Angola at the invitation of his counterpart João Lourenço, was received at the Presidential Complex of the 04 de Fevereiro International Airport by the Angolan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Téte António. The reception committee included the Chargé d'Affaires and Acting Ambassador of the United States to Angola, James Story, the Angolan Ambassador to the United States, Agostinho Van-Dúnem, among other personalities from the Angolan Government and the American administration. The visit of the US President recognizes Angola's role as a regional leader and will reaffirm the true transformation of the relationship between both states. The two countries work together to address pressing and critical challenges, such as improving infrastructure in Africa and enhancing economic opportunities and sustainable development on the continent. The expansion of technologies and scientific cooperation, the strengthening of peace and security, and the strengthening of food security are also other priorities defined by the parties in their strategic relationship. With this visit, they will have the opportunity to assess the effectiveness of existing agreements and to project new areas of investment, involving the private sector in particular. During the three-day visit, the highlight will be a meeting with the Angolan Head of State, João Lourenço, on Tuesday, to address the future strategy of bilateral cooperation relations. On the same day, Biden is going to visit the Museum of Slavery, where he will deliver a speech to highlight the enduring strength and relevance of U.S. relations with Angola and Africa, overall, in addressing a wide range of global challenges. Located in Morro da Cruz, in the city of Luanda, the National Museum of Slavery is an important cultural heritage of Angola that is dedicated to the preservation of the collective memory of the 500 years of slavery to which Angolans were subjected. Inaugurated in 1997, this important information system is filled with artifacts of high historical value that preserve and report the long history of slavery in Angolan territory. On Wednesday, Joe Biden will travel to the province of Benguela, where he will learn about the Grupo Cart factory, as well as visit the Port of Lobito, an important infrastructure of the Lobito Corridor. Founded on March 24, 1928, the Porto is one of the largest seaport compounds in the country. The Port is the head of the Benguela Railway, which brings cargo from the city of Tenque, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. President Joe Biden's agenda in Benguela also includes participation in the Angola/US Business Forum. The US President leaves the country on Wednesday, from Catumbela airport, in Benguela province. Angola and the US are strategic partners, with political-diplomatic and cooperation relations that have increased significantly for 30 years, leading to the signing of several legal instruments in the social, commercial and business fields. The rapprochement with the Americans has made Angola the third largest creditor of the US with a debt that has grown by 223 percent in the last seven years. The arrival of João Lourenço to the Government in 2017 led to a redefinition of the country's priorities in terms of relations with the main world powers, with a more open approach to the United States of America (USA). Therefore, Joe Biden's visit is a new window for attracting new American investors, who can take advantage of the improved business environment in Angola to diversify their investments. It is hoped that with this State mission, the two countries will find platforms of understanding adjusted to the reality of their respective peoples, capable of providing mutual advantages and diversifying existing cooperation. Currently, the cooperation relations between the two countries have their legal framework based on a General Agreement that operates in the most varied areas of the country's economic and social life, with a strong presence in the areas of infrastructure, trade, industry, agriculture, health, media, transport, food security, among others. DC/ART/DOJ

Seahawks have taken a bumpy path to first place in the NFC WestSocial media influencers have become a source of news for a significant number of Americans, especially when it comes to politics. But many don't find facts to back up their content.

Reports: Kings fire coach Mike BrownThe stage is set for a historic clash in the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs as the New York Red Bulls take on New York City FC at Citi Field on Saturday, November 23rd. Kickoff is at 5:30 PM ET , and the match will be streamed live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV in both English and Spanish. Both teams boast passionate fanbases and a fierce competitive spirit, making this a must-watch encounter for any Major League Soccer fan. This highly-anticipated matchup marks the first-ever playoff edition of the iconic Hudson River Derby. The Red Bulls , hungry for their first MLS Cup title since 2018, are riding high after defeating the defending champions, Columbus Crew , in a thrilling penalty shootout victory after Round One. NYCFC, meanwhile, look to continue their dominance over their crosstown rivals, having already secured a season sweep against them in the regular season. How to subscribe to MLS Season Pass to watch the NYC FC vs. New York RB matchup Where can I watch MLS Season Pass? MLS Season Pass, your gateway to every Major League Soccer match, is available on the Apple TV app. Watch live games, replays, highlights, and exclusive content across a wide range of devices, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, smart TVs, streaming devices, game consoles, and cable set-top boxes. Additionally, you can access MLS Season Pass on the web at tv.apple.com/sports , expanding your viewing options to Android and Chrome OS devices. Note: Content availability may vary depending on your location. If you’re having trouble finding MLS Season Pass, ensure your device has the latest software update. How much is MLS Season Pass? Watch the race for the 2024 MLS Cup for only $9.99. If you are subscribed to Apple TV+, you will get it for free! Renews at full price in 2025. New York City FC vs. New York Red Bulls matchup info Tune in to MLS Season Pass on Apple TV at 5:30 PM ET for comprehensive coverage of the NYCFC vs. New York RB matchup. Enjoy expert commentary from Steve Cangialosi and Danny Higginbotham (English) and Bruno Vain and Andres Agulla (Spanish). Get ready for in-depth analysis and live action, with the pre-game show, Countdown to Kickoff, starting at 5 PM ET on New York Red Bulls Radio. Estudió Ciencias de la Comunicación en la Universidad San Martín de Porres y ejerce el periodismo desde hace 10 años en las ediciones web de varios medios nacionales. Actualmente se desempeña como Analista SEO del Núcleo de Audiencias del Grupo El Comercio.

Emily Calandrelli, the Netflix and YouTube host and MIT engineer known as the "Space Gal," was overwhelmed with tears as she witnessed Earth from space on a recent Blue Origin flight — and she's not apologizing to any online trolls trying to "belittle" her for it. The astronaut, who became the 100th woman in space, wrote on on Nov. 24 that a video showing her emotional reaction during the roughly 10-minute flight was taken down "across all platforms" due to a host of negative comments. TODAY has reached out to Blue Origin for comment. Calandrelli wrote that she watched “hoards of men sexualize” her reaction to viewing Earth from space “because being a woman achieving something monumental means expecting men to try to humiliate her.” Calandrelli was one of six space tourists on the Nov. 22 flight from Blue Origin's site in Texas. Calandrelli described her dismay at seeing some of the comments on the video. "This all happened as I was flying home after experiencing the most perfect, wonderful dream-achieving experience of my life," she wrote in the caption on Instagram. "And instead of being on cloud nine, I’m crying in my seat staring out the window. Because of course this happened. Of course I should have expected this." She said she texted fellow "space sisters" for advice on how to handle the ugly reaction. "But I refuse to give much time to the small men on the internet," she wrote. "I feel experiences in my soul. It’s a trait I got from my father. We feel every emotion deeply and what a beautiful way that is to experience life. This joy is tattooed on my heart. "I will not apologize or feel weird about my reaction. It’s wholly mine and I love it." Calandrelli said she received words of encouragement following her journey. "As I left the flight, the Southwest stewardess who recognized me, and I suspect could see that I had been crying, whispered as I walked off the plane 'don’t let them dull your shine,'" she wrote. "And I felt an immediate sense of camaraderie with her, with all women." Calandrelli mentioned to her followers, “When I can, I’ll reshare it myself with all of you.” She also received supportive comments on Instagram. "I thought your emotional reaction was beautiful," one commenter wrote. "I haven’t been to space or had a baby but I immediately understood the parallel you made. My hope is that in a month or whenever the weird creeps’ reaction just fades into the ether." "Your reaction gave me the chills," another wrote. "I can only imagine the absolutely pure and raw emotion I’d experience seeing a view like that. Thank you for letting us experience that with you. You should be so proud." "I can’t stop crying!!" another person commented. "Watching you live the dreams you worked so hard for is incredibly empowering and so beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!" The next day, on Nov. 25, Calandrelli shared an of her reaction to seeing Earth and space, as she looked out of the window while overcome with awe. “That’s our planet,” she says as her voice cracks. “Oh my God, that’s space.” “I’m here. I did it,” she says later in the video. “We are in space right now. Oh my goodness.” In her caption, she expressed her gratitude for Blue Origin and being able to witness Earth from space. "Our planet 🥺 I left her. I saw her," she wrote. "A dream decades in the making. The only thing I can compare it to was holding my babies for the first time after they were born. Like knowing someone for a long time, loving someone for a while, but seeing them with your own eyes for the very first time. "It hit me in the soul and is tattooed on my heart forever," she continued. "How lucky I am to be one of 100 women to experience this view. I don’t take it for granted and I plan to share this awe with as many as I can." Scott Stump is a trending reporter and the writer of the daily newsletter This is TODAY (which you should ) that brings the day's news, health tips, parenting stories, recipes and a daily delight right to your inbox. He has been a regular contributor for TODAY.com since 2011, producing features and news for pop culture, parents, politics, health, style, food and pretty much everything else.

NICEVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Aaliyah Nye scored 15 points and No. 23 Alabama coasted to an 83-33 win over Alabama State on Monday at the Emerald Coast Classic. Sarah Ashlee Barker and Karly Weathers both added 12 points for the Crimson Tide (7-0). Zaay Green had 11. Barker, Weathers and Green combined to go 12 of 16 from the field as Alabama shot 51% and made 23 of 34 free throws.

NBC may be forced to swallow triple the yearly fees it has been paying to hold onto the broadcast rights for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, according to a report. The Comcast-owned network – which has had the broadcast rights to the holiday TV staple since 1953 – is currently trying to nail a new deal to keep the festive event for the next decade, according to The Wall Street Journal . To continue airing the parade in all its Christmas glory, NBC may have to fork out an average annual fee of more than $60 million — up from around $20 million under the current contract, sources familiar with the terms told the Journal. The deal would also include other Macy’s events, like the Fourth of July fireworks over the Hudson River. The nearly century-old parade — with its floats and giant balloons, school marching bands, famous stars, the Rockettes and Santa Claus himself — is one of the few television events able to get Americans to click away from streaming services. Nearly 30 million viewers tuned in last year. The parade has held onto fan-favorite balloons, like Snoopy and SpongeBob SquarePants, while continuing to keep up with the fads each year , adding a “Wednesday”-themed balloon this year inspired by the Netflix show. As the parade, and other events like football games and award shows, become more rare in their ability to bring in an audience, they have also grown more valuable. Disney, for example, reportedly paid a 20% premium to steal the Grammy Awards out from CBS last month, according to the Journal. NBC raked in $52 million in advertising last year for the flashy holiday event. The average commercial cost $865,000, according to advertising research firm Guideline. This year, the average ad will cost companies a whopping $900,000. Production costs have soared from under $4 million a few years ago to nearly $7 million this year as celebrities hike their fees for parade appearances. “The National Dog Show” immediately follows the parade on NBC, and the puppy bowl has surged in popularity – totaling 11 million viewers last year. The dog show – which costs less than the parade and is particularly lucrative for NBC – earned $14 million in advertising revenue last year, with a commercial slot selling for $372,000, according to Guideline. Macy’s hired talent agency WME to handle negotiations with NBC instead of bargaining for itself, according to the Journal. NBCUniversal Media Group Chairman Mark Lazarus is involved in the negotiations. The parade would be a big loss for NBC, since it kickstarts the channel’s holiday programming. The network recently bought the rights to Christmas classics like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Frosty the Snowman,” which previously belonged to CBS.Jones, Mellott help Montana State run over Montana 34-11

Should the U.S. increase immigration levels for highly skilled workers?

Some tech industry leaders are pushing the incoming Trump administration to from other nations. The heart of the argument is, for America to remain competitive, the country needs to expand the number of skilled visas it gives out. The previous Trump administration did not increase the skilled visa program, instead clamping down on visas for students and educated workers, increasing denial rates. Not everyone in corporate America thinks the skilled worker program is great. Former workers at IT company Cognizant that said the company favored Indian employees over Americans from 2013 to 2022. A found Cognizant, and other similar outsourcing companies, mainly used its skilled work visas for lower-level positions. Workers alleged Cognizant preferred Indian workers because they could be paid less and were more willing to accept inconvenient or less-favorable assignments. Innovation is our superpower and it relies on people. Sourcing talent from 8 billion people in the world instead of 330 million here makes sense. Nearly half our Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children. Growing them also relies on expanding our skilled workforce. The cap on skilled-worker visas has hardly changed since the computer age started. With AI on the horizon, attracting and building talent is more important than ever. After years of openly allowing millions of undocumented entrants into the country, why is there controversy over legally increasing somewhat the number having desirable skills? Undocumented immigration significantly impacts lower skill level jobs and wages competing with domestic workers at every skill level. Why should special cases be made against those having higher skills? Could they just not walk across the border anyway, why make it more inconvenient to those with desirable skills? Knowledge and technology are key drivers of the U.S. economy. Students come from all over the world to learn at U.S. universities, and their spending contributed $50 billion to U.S. exports last year. Technological advantage is what keeps us ahead of the rest of the world. Highly skilled immigrants contribute much more in taxes than they receive in public benefits. The skills immigrants bring to America can make us all better off. According to Forbes, the majority of billion-dollar startups were founded by foreigners. I’ve interviewed dozens of data analysts and programmers from Berkeley, UCSD, USD and a few other schools and 75% of them are foreign. There simply are not enough American graduates to fill the AI and data mining related jobs now exploding in the U.S. If we wish to remain a competitive economy, we need highly skilled and bright immigrants to come here and stay. Being able to employ highly skilled workers from a larger pool of candidates would strengthen the competitiveness of U.S. companies by increasing their capacity to perform research and innovate. This would boost the country’s economic output. Skilled workers from other nations that cannot remain in the U.S. will find jobs working for foreign rivals. The demand for H-1B visas far exceeds the current cap of 85,000, demonstrating a need to modify this program. Every country needs skilled workers, at all levels, to grow its economy. We should take advantage of the opportunity these workers provide our employers who need these skills. It should be blended into our immigration policies allowing for both short and long term visas. San Diego is a premiere example of how highly skilled workers from around the globe enrich a community and its regional economy. Of course Visa levels need to be increased. But let’s go further. Tie visas and immigration with a provision that those who are admitted and educated at a U.S. university be incentivized, or even required, to be employed in the U.S. in exchange for their admittance. While attracting high-skilled immigrants can fill critical gaps in sectors like technology, health care and advanced manufacturing, increasing high-skilled immigration could displace American workers and drive down wages in certain industries. There are already many qualified American workers available for some of these jobs. We should balance the need for specialized skills with the impact on the domestic workforce. I believe we can begin to increase the number of visas after a careful review of abuse. We should expand skilled visas to drive innovation and economic growth. Individuals who perform high-skilled work in labor-restricted industries or graduate from respected colleges with relevant degrees should be prioritized for naturalization. We depend on immigration for GDP growth, tax revenue, research, and so much more. Despite the abhorrent rhetoric and curtailing of visas in the first term, I hope the incoming administration can be persuaded to enact positive changes to a clearly flawed system. But it should be based upon need, not politics. There are several industries that have or could have skilled workforce shortages, especially if the next administration tightens immigration as promised and expected. Over the years, there have been nursing shortages that have been met partially by trained and skilled nurses from other countries. The physician shortage is expected to get worse in the years to come. So, this visa program may very well be needed. While skilled immigration could boost our economy and competitiveness, the U.S. should prioritize developing our domestic workforce. Hiring foreign nationals in sensitive industries or government-related work, especially in advanced technology or defense, raises security concerns. A balanced approach could involve targeted increases in non-sensitive high-demand fields coupled with investment in domestic STEM education and training programs. This could address immediate needs while strengthening the long-term STEM capabilities of the American workforce. Alan Gin, University of San DiegoHaney Hong, San Diego County Taxpayers AssociationRay Major, economistTrump's Republican Party is increasingly winning union voters. It's a shift seen in his labor pick

Will Kirill Kaprizov Score a Goal Against the Flames on November 23?Senior Syracuse Orange quarterback Kyle McCord getting honored for Senior Day before the Syracuse Orange clashed with the University of Connecticut Huskies at JMA Wireless Dome Saturday, November 23, 2024. (N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com) N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com Chris Carlson | ccarlson@syracuse.com Syracuse, N.Y. -- Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord continued to make the most out of his one year in Central New York on Saturday, lifting the Orange to a win over UConn and continuing his summit of the most prestigious one-year passing records in program history. One week after setting the school record for completions in a single season, the Ohio State transfer set a new school mark for passing yards. He’ll need one touchdown next week to break a tie with Ryan Nassib in that category too, giving him the holy trio of single-season passing records. The quarterback has been one of the best stories in college sports this year after leaving one of the pinnacles of the sport at Ohio State and joining forces with a new coach to re-energize the Syracuse football program. “It was the best decision that I’ve ever made in my life,” McCord said after the Orange’s 31-24 win over UConn on Saturday. “I think the people I’ve met and relationships I’ve created will go a lot further than wins, losses and records. I grew as a player and person more than I could have imagined. It was exactly what Coach Fran told me it was going to be but 10-11 months later to see it all play out, it was a great decision to come here.” Brown said one concern he had after landing McCord in the transfer portal was whether he would be a good enough coach to maximize the quarterback’s gifts. “He’s always had a high standard for himself,” Brown said. “I was more worried about how good he was and was I going to be a good enough coach to coach the kid and relate to him the right way. I knew he was a good player. .... I wanted to make sure we would fit. A lot of time coaches don’t fit with players.” Brown said the pair talk for an hour each week, starting with life items and eventually moving onto football, as part of the effort to build that communication. Brown said that McCord’s impact on the Syracuse program will go beyond this season, giving him an idea of where he should set expectations for professionalism for every Syracuse quarterback who enters the program. “The quarterback is No. 2 in the organization,” Brown said. “Now I have a standard of what the quarterback needs to look like being here. Not necessarily statistically because that’s hard. But how you prep, game preparation. I think he eliminates the (possibility) of not doing well because he prepares so much.” McCord’s preparation -- as well as that of his teammates, was on display against UConn, when the Orange offense lost its receptions leaders before halftime (Trebor Pena) and still went the length of the field for a touchdown in the fourth quarter to secure the win. Wide receiver Darrell Gill Jr. earned more snaps with Pena’s absence and showed minimal drop-off, catching nine passes for a team-high 177 yards. It was the type of result that only happens when a quarterback takes each moment of practice seriously, building connections with players down the roster just in case they become needed. McCord said it was a product of the time the pair have spent working together in practice that he was able to step in seamlessly. Gill’s previous career-high was four catches for 55 yards. “He’s done a great job when he’s gotten in the game in the past,” McCord said. “Obviously his volume isn’t as high as the other guys. But he practices his butt off, going 110 percent every rep. It gives me confidence when he’s in the game that he’s going to come down with it. Volume, of course, is no issue for McCord. He completed 37 of 47 throws for 470 yards and two touchdowns. He crossed the 300-yard threshold for the 10th time in 11 games. He will enter next week’s game with a chance to lead the country in passing, with one of his biggest threats on the opposing sideline with Miami. With one game remaining, McCord has 3,946 passing yards for the season, moving past Ryan Nassib’s 3,749 and positioning himself to become the program’s first 4,000-yard passer. “It’s a blessing,” McCord said. “To come here and take a leap of faith ... to have the year I had so far, I think it says a lot about the coaches and teammates around me. To hold that record is pretty sweet.” Contact Chris Carlson anytime: Email | Twitter | 315-382-7932 Fans can stream Syracuse football all season on fuboTV , and get cheap tickets to see the Orange from SeatGeek . Fanatics has a full collection of Syracuse Orange gear to shop online More Orange Football What led to Darrell Gill Jr.’s huge game? Fran Brown says WR does everything right: ‘He’s never on any lists’ What was attendance for Syracuse-UConn football? It marked a season low Fran Brown calls out ESPN’s ‘College GameDay’ to come for Syracuse-Miami game: ‘No better place to be’ Syracuse football handles UConn. Now it can spoil Miami’s season (Axe’s quick takes) Syracuse football box score vs. UConn