Winter has arrived in Vancouver, and it has brought a bunch of great events to enjoy without breaking the bank. Here’s our rundown of 24 free and inexpensive events you’ll want to check out this season around Metro Vancouver! Family Day, Japanese New Year, and more. Be sure to check out our for more fantastic things happening around town. PuSh International Performing Arts Festival is back for another groundbreaking year this winter, and it promises a lineup of works for every type of live arts enthusiast. Highlights include the return of Dances for a Small Stage, Dune Wars Kiki Ball, and the popular Club Push. January 23 to February 9, 2025 Various times Various venues Various prices including several free events. Purchase Winter has arrived in Vancouver and it has brought a bunch of great events you can enjoy without breaking the bank. Here is our rundown of 24 free and inexpensive events you’ll want to check out this season around Metro Vancouver! Family Day, Japanese New Year, and more. And for more great events happening around town, be sure to check out our . Music on Main, Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre, and Zonzo Compagnie are teaming up for the inaugural Big Bang Festival, a day of musical adventure for children ages five and up. The immersive festival will be a journey through music and sound art, with mini-concerts, interactive activities, and surprise performances throughout the day. Featuring performances by Belgian singer Naomi Beeldens, Vancouver musicians Dailin Hsieh and Saina Khaledi, and more. February 16, 2025 Doors at 11:30 am, festival starts at 1:30 pm Roundhouse Community Centre, Vancouver Free and ticketed events. Purchase Calling all whimsical winter lovers! The Robson Square Ice Rink is open for the new skating season and all ages are invited to hit the ice. Located under the covered outdoor plaza at Robson Square, the rink operates seasonally when temperatures begin to dip. Skating is free, and those without skates can rent them on-site for a fee. Helmets are mandatory for anyone under the age of 12. The downtown Vancouver wintry tradition will operate until the end of February. Open daily until February 28, 2025 9 am to 9 pm (holiday hours apply on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day) Robson Square — 800 Robson Street, Vancouver; beneath Robson Street and Howe Street Free for all ages if you bring your skates. Skate rentals are also available for a fee. Car lovers, start your engines! The Vancouver International Auto Show is making its highly anticipated return to the Vancouver Convention Centre from March 19 to 23, 2025 The 2025 Auto Show will feature displays of the latest vehicles, test drive opportunities, and insights into electric and hybrid technologies from top automotive manufacturers as well as local BC dealerships. March 19 to 23, 2025 12 to 9 pm (Wednesday), 10 am to 9 pm (Thursday to Saturday), 10 am to 6 pm (Sunday) Vancouver Convention Centre West — 1055 Canada Place $19 to $21 for general admission | $14 to $15 for students and seniors | $6 for kids | $38 to $53 for a family pass. Purchase Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre invites guests to begin 2025 with free Japanese New Year Celebrations. Guests can take part in free calligraphy lessons. You can also learn how to play Shogi, a popular mind sport from Japan, try Japanese tea, and join a free Hawaiian Hula dance class. January 4, 2025 10 am to 3 pm Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre – 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby Free Gingerbread Lane, the sweetest street in Vancouver, is back for its 32nd year as the Hyatt Regency once again plays host to the popular festive tradition. Now until December 27, 2024 Regular hotel hours Hyatt Regency Vancouver — 655 Burrard Street, Vancouver Free Head to VIFF Centre – Vancity Theatre for the latest Wallace & Gromit classic, Various dates until January 2, 2025 Various times. See the full schedule VIFF Centre – 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver Various prices, including $10 for youth under 18, $11 for students and accessible patron, $14 for seniors, and $16 for adults. Purchase New Year’s Eve is just around the corner, and if you’re looking to welcome 2025 with a bang, Whistler Blackcomb’s Fire and Ice is the perfect event for you. North America’s largest ski resort is bringing back its popular outdoor winter event starting on Tuesday, December 31, at 8:30 pm. The free signature event features exciting performances, freestyle skiing and riding, and a stunning pyrotechnics display for all ages. December 31, 2024, then every Sunday from January 5 to March 9, 2025 8:30 pm (New Year’s Eve), 7:30 pm (January 5 to March 9, 2024) Skiers Plaza at Whistler Village base between Whistler and Excalibur Gondolas Free Place des Arts invites guests of all ages to immerse themselves in art. Tour the not-for-profit arts education centre, then take part in the drop-in style activities inspired by the content and/or mediums in the current exhibitions. : February 4, 2025 1 to 3 pm : Place des Arts – 1120 Brunette Avenue, Coquitlam Free, register Heritage Christmas and the Burnaby Village Museum are truly where history comes alive. Enjoy the magical atmosphere of festive lights and traditional decorations in this 1920s-era village. There will also be seasonal entertainment, demonstrations and activities, and delicious food served up at Heritage Christmas. Keep an eye out for the historic streetcar on your way to the old-timey ice cream parlour. Now until January 3, 2025 Various times Burnaby Village Museum — 6501 Deer Lake Avenue Free; Carousel rides $2.62 plus tax or a Baker’s Dozen (13 rides) for $31.45 plus tax The Vancouver Polar Bear Swim returns to English Bay on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, and you’re going to want to bring your warmest towel. Start off the new year the right way by plunging into the Pacific Ocean during the frigid 105th event. The chilly event takes place from noon to 4 pm, with the program starting at 2 pm and the official swim happening at 2:30 pm. Those who register for the event online can also receive a commemorative certificate. January 1, 2025 Noon to 4 pm; official swim at 2:30 pm English Bay Beach – Beach Avenue between Gilford Street and Bidwell Street Free. Participants are encouraged to There is plenty of family fun and holiday cheer in Stanley Park throughout the festive season, even with the . Guests will be treated to stunning light displays during their visit to the Train Plaza, including returning favourites like the giant red reindeer, a vintage fire truck, and the tunnel of lights in the plaza. The event is also in support of the Burn Fund. Now until January 4, 2025 (closed on December 25) 4 to 10 pm Pipeline Road in Stanley Park, via the West Georgia Street park entrance Free to visit the holiday lights display and festive activities in the plaza Lights at Lafarge, Metro Vancouver’s largest free outdoor winter lights display, is back again for another holiday season. The annual tradition will illuminate Lafarge Lake in Coquitlam throughout the season, with over 100,000 twinkling lights to enjoy until the end of February. Guests of all ages can explore the outdoor display that wraps its way entirely around the lake, leading them on a 1.2 km loop through themed zones. Now until February 2025 Nightly from 4 to 11 pm Town Centre Park – 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam Free Help remove invasive plants and clean up litter at various parks in Surrey this winter. Tools and training will be provided, and all ages are welcome. Nature Work Parties are drop-in, rain or shine, though events may be cancelled in high winds or extreme weather conditions. Participants are also asked to wear appropriate clothing for outdoor winter activities. Various dates 10 am and 10:30 am staggered start times Various parks in Surrey Free The City of North Vancouver’s free is welcoming skaters until March 2025. Skaters of all ages can glide on the approximately 12,000 sq ft surface daily from noon to 8 pm. And fun can be had no matter the weather – the Shipyards Skate Plaza is covered by a retractable roof. Now until March 2025 Noon to 8 pm The Shipyards Commons, North Vancouver Free. Skate rentals are available for $7 for adults and $5 for children (quantities are limited) The Bill Reid Gallery is named after the renowned Haida artist and is the only public gallery dedicated to contemporary Indigenous Art of the Northwest Coast in the country. The gallery is home to the Simon Fraser University Bill Reid Collection and also hosts a variety of special exhibitions, workshops, panel discussions, and more. Guests can visit the Bill Reid Gallery for free from 2 to 5 pm on the first Friday of each month. The first Friday of every month 2 to 5 pm 639 Hornby Street, Vancouver By donation Vancouver Public Library hosts a variety of movie screenings for the public at its branches throughout the winter, and the best part is they are free to check out. Upcoming movie screenings include , Window, and Various dates Various times Various VPL Branches Free The Vancouver Art Gallery was founded in 1931 and is renowned as one of North America’s leading visual arts institutions. The largest public art museum in Western Canada currently has a variety of exhibitions on display, and you can check them out for free during the Free First Friday Nights events. The first Friday of every month 4 to 8 pm 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver Free Learn about Chinatown’s heritage and culture through hands-on activities during Family Saturdays at the Chinatown Storytelling Centre. The event happens on the third Saturday of each month from 11 am to 1 pm and includes guided tours, prizes, special offers from neighbouring restaurants, and free admission for youth 17 years and under. The third Saturday of each month 11 am to 1 pm (Centre is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm) 168 East Pender Street, Vancouver Free for youth 17 and under; an adult must accompany guests under 12. Admission is $10-$12; purchase The Improv Centre welcomes performers of all levels to get up onstage with professionally trained improvisers at its free monthly community jam. The 18+ event features theatre exercises, improv games, and more during the fun, interactive jam. The last Saturday of every month 3:30 to 5:30 pm The Improv Centre — 1502 Duranleau Street, Vancouver Free Visitors will find over 85 farms and producers and a selection of food and coffee trucks. Shop for fruits and veggies, eggs and dairy, meat, prepared food, craft beverages, craft items, and more. Every Saturday until March 29, 2025 10 am to 2 pm 50 E 30th Avenue and Ontario Street, Vancouver Kitsilano Farmers’ Market takes place on Sundays in the parking lot of the Community Centre and offers a good selection of fresh local produce and gourmet treats to stock up on the week. There are also a number of artisan vendors and food trucks to check out at the market. : Every Sunday until April 27, 2025 10 am to 2 pm : West 10th Avenue and Trafalgar Street, Vancouver You can shop at the Granville Island Public Market year-round. It’s indoors, so it’s a great option on a rainy day. This place is loved by locals and tourists alike. Shop for all your basics and extras here and grab lunch from some of the city’s best eats. Every day 9 am to 6 pm Granville Island – 1661 Duranleau Street, Vancouver Established in 2008, the Port Moody Winter Farmers’ Market began as a bi-weekly market in the lobby and courtyard of the Port Moody Rec Centre. Now a weekly market, shoppers can stop by every Sunday for local BC produce, artisan crafts, and delicious baked goods. Every Sunday until April 2025 10 am to 2 pm Port Moody Recreation Complex – 300 Ioco Road, Port Moodylucky zodiac signs in 2024 。

OTTAWA - Canada’s premiers are asking Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to hold an urgent first ministers’ meeting ahead of the return to office of president-elect Donald Trump. The re-election of the often unpredictable and protectionist former president has spooked a number of countries as they wait to see if he makes good on promises of mass deportation of undocumented residents and across-the-board import tariffs. Premier Doug Ford, who chairs the premiers’ association known as the Council of the Federation, tells Trudeau in a letter today that premiers want to be part of a “Team Canada” approach to everything from trade and secure borders to energy, defence and cross-border supply chains. He says they also want clarity on how Ottawa will engage with them about the upcoming review of the North American free trade agreement, which has to happen in 2026. The federal cabinet committee on Canada-U.S. relations that was restored earlier this month after the U.S. election is meeting this afternoon. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 25, 2024.None

Quanterix Corporation Announcement: If You Have Suffered Losses In Quanterix Corporation (NASDAQ: QTRX), You Are Encouraged To Contact The Rosen Law Firm About Your RightsKraken is one of the top-performing CEXs (centralized exchanges) in the world. This massively popular trading platform enables new and experienced users to buy, sell, and trade +185 cryptocurrencies across 7 fiat currencies. Since its launch, Kraken has pioneered efforts to drive mainstream adoption. As such, demand for Kraken stocks remains high. While Kraken hasn’t officially announced plans to go public, it has been rumored that its executives are considering the decision. If Kraken did announce plans to host an IPO, most analysts agree that it would be met with strong investor support. The company has a proven track record, innovative features, and educational aspects that add to its value. Currently, Kraken remains private, meaning you would need to acquire pre-IPO shares to hold Kraken stock. Here is how you can get your hands on some pre-IPO Kraken shares. What is Kraken? Kraken was first introduced in 2011 by founder Jesse Powell. In September 2013, Kraken officially launched out of San Francisco. Its goal was to provide users with secure and easy Bitcoin and Litecoin trading options. Shortly after its launch, the exchange began to add other popular cryptocurrencies such as Ethereum. In 2021, Kraken expanded its operations further with its mobile trading app. This mobile solution helped propel the CEX into the spotlight. The mobile app and desktop platform included features still new to the crypto market, such as margin trading, staking, advanced ordering, and more. The mobile app streamlined access and simplified the onboarding process, driving user numbers above +10M. Since then, the CEX has continued its pioneering efforts, including the introduction of its in-house wallet that serves 8 popular blockchain networks. The wallet allows users to seamlessly leverage their digital assets across the Kraken ecosystem, enabling users to generate revenue from the security of their wallet. This year, the Kraken NFT (non-fungible token) marketplace officially opened. Notably, users can create, trade, review, and collect digital assets directly using their Kraken wallet via the NFT marketplace, further enhancing security and reducing technical barriers. Kraken's decision to support NFT trading was a smart pivot as the NFT market remains a fast-growing sector. Historical Funding Rounds Summary of Kraken Funding: Funding Rounds Breakdown: Key Investors: Kraken has backing from prominent investors, including RIT Capital Partners, MoneyPartners Group, SBI Group, Hummingbird Ventures, Evolution VC Partners, ADS Ventures, and many more. Funding Data Sourced from Tracxn Why Invest in Kraken? The main reason for investing in Kraken is that it’s a global leader in the competitive CEX market. The firm currently ranks 4th among +3700 competitors, according to Traxn. This dominant position was earned through a combination of providing stability, security, and ease of use. Kraken has international notoriety and services available in 190 countries. The exchange lists $207B in quarterly trading volume and has recently made a pivot towards institutional clientele with the opening of Kraken Institutional, which focuses on helping big businesses enter the digital asset economy. Kraken Smart Acquisitions Another key point that investors shouldn’t neglect is that the Kraken management team is an expert at acquiring firms to expand their operations. For example, in 2016, Kraken purchased NY-based exchanges Coinsetter and Cavirtex. A year later, the exchange acquired a charting software platform called Cryptowatch. In 2019, the firm entered the derivatives trading market with the acquisition of the British exchange Crypto facilities. Each acquisition strengthened the exchange's market positioning and improved consumer confidence. In 2023, the company acquired a Virtual Asset Service Provider license in Spain, Italy, and Ireland, expanding its EU operations and opening the door for more Euro trading activity. Kraken Security Kraken provides enterprise-level security to its users. As part of this approach, the company earned an ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification, demonstrating the platform's commitment to upholding international security standards. Additionally, it's never been successfully hacked, adding to its reputation as a reliable trading option. Interestingly, it was the Kraken Exchange team that figured out who had hacked the FTX exchange, which resulted in billions in losses. It turned out the hacker moved some of the funds from a Kraken wallet to the same wallet in which he stored the stolen FTX funds, allowing investigators to reveal his identity. Kraken Transparency Kraken provides a high level of transparency to the market. The company has a proof of reserves protocol that utilizes third-party auditors to inform the community about the true state of the Exchange's reserves. Additionally, it has built many vital partnerships with dominant banking institutions as part of its regulatory-friendly approach. How to Buy Kraken Pre-IPO Shares The hope remains high that Kraken will go public after a few more private funding rounds. However, no exact date has been given. As such, Kraken remains a privately held company, meaning that you will need to utilize a specialized approach to get access to shares. Here is what you need to consider. 1. Pre-IPO Secondary Marketplace Secondary markets are purpose-built exchanges that connect pre-IPO shareholders with potential investors. These marketplaces can offer these assets because they work closely with employees, early-stage investors, and venture capitalists, which are crucial to the company's pre-IPO growth. Investing in pre-IPO shares for Kraken could open the door for additional ROIs if the company's valuation is less than when its IPO launches. It's common for company valuations to increase following an IPO. As such, it makes sense to add pre-IPO shares to your portfolio before the firm announces plans to go public. Secondary marketplaces have many requirements. Here are some concerns you should be made aware of: Eligibility : Notably, this approach requires you to be an accredited investor, meaning you will have to show at least $1M in liquid assets to qualify. Liquidity : Pre-IPO shares can't be traded like regular shares. They often include some lockup restrictions that prevent you from trading them before the IPO. Some firms have permanent “no sell” clauses that prevent any transfer of the shares following your investment. Linqto is a reputable investment platform that connects accredited investors with pre-IPO shareholders in a secure manner. The network streamlines pre-IPO investing via an easy-to-navigate interface that provides access to all relevant data at a glance. Accredited investors seeking pre-IPO shares in Kraken should consider Linqto. Visit Linqto → 2. Private Equity Firms Private equity firms gain access to pre-IPO shares during investment rounds. They then offer these shares to high-net-worth accredited investors with a commission. Notably, private equity firms are known to have extra stipulations, including blocking the sale of shares for years in some cases. 3. Employee Equity Sales Many consider employee equity sales as the best way to acquire pre-IPO shares in Kraken. This method of acquiring pre-IPO shares requires you to connect with former employees. It's common for companies to issue shares as part of an incentive package. Notably, this profit-sharing method has become more popular, leading to more pre-IPO share opportunities for investors. Private Transactions: there are a lot of hoops you will need to jump through to complete a private pre-IPO transaction, including creating specific legal agreements, conducting valuations, and setting in place any limitations on the transfer of the asset. Brokerage : Brokers will take a lot of the confusion out of the pre-IPO process. These professionals can guide you through each step, ensuring full compliance and avoiding common errors untrained professionals make. There are several risks that you should consider before jumping into the pre-IPO shares investment arena. Here are the top concerns: Liquidity Risk If you are looking for an asset that you can sell right away, pre-IPO shares are not the best option. These investments can include sales and transfer clauses that prevent the transfer of the asset until certain criteria, such as the IPO's completion. It's even common for pre-IPO shares to require you to wait years before gaining the ability to sell your assets. Regulatory Risk of Investing in Kraken Pre-IPO Shares The blockchain market has seen considerable scrutiny from regulators and lawmakers. While the technology is far better understood than in its early days, there are still many lawmakers who see it as a threat to the traditional financial system. As such, you need to always consider how new regulations could affect the value of your pre-IPO shares. Market Risk Purchasing pre-IPO shares in Kraken means that you stand behind the project and its team. The company has secured a reputation for excellence and has previously expressed a desire to go public. However, no concrete data has been provided yet. As such, it's vital to understand that the blockchain market is an active space that experiences strong fluctuations that could result in a different share value between now and any future IPO launch. Valuation of Kraken and Future IPO Kraken earned a valuation of $10B in 2023. The company secured this valuation due to its regulatory-friendly approach, high-security standards, and easy-to-navigate mobile app that includes a plethora of DeFi options. All of these factors have helped Kraken become a go-to exchange for business and personal users. In June 2024, it was reported in Bloomberg that Kraken wanted to secure +100M in funding before it would announce an IPO date, which many expect to be in 2025. If Kraken did move forward with its plans to secure another $100M and then host an IPO, the investor community would support the maneuver. Kraken is a top-performing CEX in a very competitive marketplace. The company has consistently ranked among the top 10 in this sector for a decade, cementing its position as a secure and reliable trading option for business, governments, and personal use. Its IPO would reflect its dominant position and open the door for future growth. Investing in Pre-IPO Kraken Stocks Conclusion Those seeking to invest in pre-IPO shares of Kraken could gain upside exposure. Kraken's ecosystem spans the digital asset industry including support for institutional investors, NFT collectors, crypto traders, and DeFi users. This flexibility, coupled with its strong partnerships, and regulatory certifications, make Kraken a smart addition to most people's portfolios. Before investing in pre-IPO shares of Kraken, you must conduct an in-depth financial analysis of the exchange. Investing in pre-IPO shares carries extra risks that don't exist in a traditional IPO investment scenario, such as lockup periods. Always consult a financial expert before making any pre-IPO stock purchases to ensure that you remain within your risk appetite. For traders who have done their homework and are ready to secure Kraken Pre-IPO shares, there is a lot of upside potential here. Learn about Other Pre-IPO Opportunities Now Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Pre-IPO shares are typically available only to accredited investors and carry significant risk. Always perform thorough due diligence and consult a financial advisor or legal expert before making investment decisions.

NoneGuwahati, Dec 29 (IANS): The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), which operates in the northeastern states and in seven districts of West Bengal and five districts of north Bihar, would soon integrate ‘Kavach 4.0’ to improve train operations, officials said here on Sunday. NFR Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said that a 1,966 route kilometre length from Malda town (in West Bengal) to Dibrugarh (in Assam) has been identified for implementation of Kavach. "NFR, being a part of the nation’s railway connectivity system, would be integrating this advanced technological system ‘Kavach 4.0’ soon, providing safer, more reliable, and efficient rail services within its jurisdiction," he said. The CPRO said that the Indian Railways is speeding up to deploy advanced Kavach 4.0 - automatic train protection system across its key routes. According to Sharma, the Kavach 4.0 is an enhanced comprehensive, technology-driven solution developed by Indian Railways to prevent accidents and ensure the smooth operation of trains, providing an additional layer of safety and control. All the locomotives where lower versions of Kavach were installed will be replaced with the upgraded Kavach 4.0, he said. The implementation of Kavach 4.0 by Indian Railways across its key routes is a broader initiative to modernise its infrastructure and improve safety standards. The NFR CPRO said that by leveraging technology such as Kavach 4.0, the connectivity system would ensure smoother operations, minimising human error, and most importantly, preventing accidents. The Kavach 4.0 system is built upon several critical technological components, including Station Kavach, which receives information from Loco Kavach and signalling systems to guide the locomotive and RFID tags, which are installed along the tracks at regular intervals and signal point to monitor the train’s location and direction. Over the past period, Indian Railways has been taking several steps to cut down train accidents. By rolling out Kavach 4.0, Indian Railways is committed to making rail travel even safer for passengers. This step is part of a larger plan to strengthen the railway network and boost safety measures across the rail network of the country, Sharma said. The system is capable of automatically applying brakes if the loco pilot fails to do so, as it displays real-time line-side signals in the driver’s cab, and provides continuous movement authority updates through radio-based communication, he pointed out. Other key features of the “Kavach 4.0” include automatic whistling at level crossing gates, direct locomotive-to-locomotive communication to prevent collisions, and an SOS function to alert authorities in case of emergencies.Oprah was right: Gratitude rules . In an effort to take stock of this last year in theater, I ended up not with a “best-of” list (too subjective by a mile) so much as a retroactive gratitude journal for all the good work done in 2024. Combing through my Leaning Tower of Programs, I reflected on how much I’d seen (and even more that I missed — forgive me, time is a finite resource). While not every show hit every mark, focusing on the following highlights reminded me why I love what I do. Here’s a look back at my 12 favorite Seattle-area theatrical experiences of the last year. Let’s start with the individual performances that have stuck with me for months. As part of a tight ensemble cast that passed their show’s central role like a baton, MJ Sieber delivered a ferocious, bewildered performance in The Feast’s fall production of “ The Adding Machine ,” which incorporated AI into Elmer Rice’s 1923 play about a man being rendered obsolete by technology. (As a bonus favorite, Sieber was also excellent as an equally bewildered divorced dad in “The Bed Trick” at Seattle Shakespeare Company , which leaned more into his always-impressive comedy chops.) Alexander Kilian stopped my heart in its rhythm as the desperate, overburdened student Moritz in “ Spring Awakening” at The 5th Avenue Theatre . Not only did his anguished, hopeful performance spark like a downed power line onstage, he nailed both the gawky physicality of a teenager and the difficult articulations in the rock score by Duncan Sheik. At the much smaller-scale Theatre Off Jackson, Jessie Selleck sang like a baseball-playing angel in the gender-swapped lead role of Joe Hardy in September’s “Damn Yankees” by Reboot Theatre Company . She’s a performer I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for in the future. On an even smaller scale, we had Mary Ewald’s “Ages of Being,” an evening of Shakespeare sonnets and speeches created in concert with her husband and director John Kazanjian, and performed in spring in their Capitol Hill home for an audience of a dozen. Grounded, honest and simple in her performance, Ewald created a sublimely intimate experience for those lucky enough to witness it. Sometimes an entire cast shines brighter than any individual performer, and such was the case for Eboni Booth’s 2024 Pulitzer-winning play “Primary Trust,” at Seattle Rep , directed by Kaytlin McIntyre. Though led by the excellent Stephen Tyrone Williams as Kenneth, a man with a traumatic history and an imaginary friend, Williams was ably aided by co-stars Andrew Lee Creech, Rob Burgess and Allyson Lee Brown, with Justin Huertas as an anonymous musician who shows up throughout the play. (This last one was kind of a mystifying choice, because why use Huertas without using Huertas, you know? But still, the ensemble was outstanding.) While a two-hander doesn’t exactly have an ensemble, the duo in Samuel D. Hunter’s “A Case for the Existence of God” deserves laurels for both individual performances and their palpable connection as a pair. Conner Neddersen and Nathaniel Tenenbaum both delivered complex, emotionally detailed portrayals of two unlikely friends who bond over the complications of mortgages and parenthood. Then there are the excellent shows that you cannot separate into component parts. I left Sanaz Toossi’s “English” at ArtsWest , a coproduction with Seda Iranian Theatre Ensemble, floating on air and filled with curiosity. Toossi’s 2023 Pulitzer Prize-winning play centers on a group of students in Tehran studying for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). When a production encourages you to think about your place in the world and expands your thinking about the world around you, what more could you want? Similarly thought-provoking was the drag-theater “Threesome” at Sodo auto shop Repair Revolution , featuring Cherdonna Shinatra, Martha Graham Cracker and Jarbeaux. Together these three top-tier performers pushed themselves into new artistic territory, and the end result was a glittery, emotional and entirely unexpected evening of music, dance, drag and performance art. And finally, we have those unique individual elements or experiences that don’t fit neatly into any category. Immersive and/or interactive theater is a kind of third rail — when done well it’s an incredible experience but when it’s bad, it is skin-crawling bad. Pony World Theatre’s interactive preshow fun for “Edgar & Annabel” integrated interaction expertly. The play, about political revolutionaries living under the radar, lent itself well to the (totally optional) audience activities: sifting through evidence, listening to audio recordings, spotting anomalies on the kitchen-sink set. It was a genuine value-add to the experience of the show, and prepped the audience for a more lighthearted time than otherwise expected. One of my most heartening days this year was spent at ACT Contemporary Theatre’s annual stage management camp , which trains young people in the ways of an absolutely essential role in the live performing arts. Without stage managers, the show cannot go on. Rebuild that talent pipeline, baby! Speaking of heartening: Did you hear that Book-It is back ? After the emotional loss of the theater company in 2023 , it was a joy to hear from co-founders Jane Jones and Myra Platt about their return to creating the work they love, and the logistical morass that many overhead-burdened theaters find themselves in, at the expense of their art. Designers rarely get much space in reviews, but scenic designer Stephanie Kerley Schwartz’s work on “The Skin of our Teeth” at Seattle Rep stood out in the best way. Realistic with touches of the cartoonish, evoking both cosmic expansiveness and workaday human intimacy, Schwartz’s work elevated Thornton Wilder’s complex, time-hopping play to satisfying heights. Making art is hard, and being an artist is arguably harder , but our lives are all so much richer for the work that they do. In this last year, I’ve seen plays I’ve loved and plays I’ve hated, but I haven’t seen much that made me feel nothing . So yes, I am grateful. And until we dive headfirst into the new year, I’m going to appreciate that.From Miles Davis to Carmen McRae, Gerry Mulligan, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra and Phineas Newborn Jr. When it comes to music – or indeed any of the arts, we, each one of us has our own lot of favorites. We seek out these recordings whenever we pause to listen. A bit like reaching out to comfort food, our . When we get a bit adventurous and wish to explore sounds beyond our usual orbit, we might seek a list of what is considered the best in class for the genre. In jazz, though there is an ocean of music, a huge mountain of choices available and even the most erudite of compilers of “Jazz greats” will only skim off the top for the most popular of recordings. That leaves us with a large selection of brilliant recordings that haven’t made most lists or rankings. There are so many brilliant artists and inspired recording sessions that may have gone beneath the radar but in fact, are just as thrilling and exciting as those ranked as supreme. For example, when Miles Davis’ top acoustic albums are evaluated, and perhaps are considered for top ranking for most “best of” lists. His album , which is equally exciting, may not even make the shortlist. We decided to delve into some of these sub-radar masterpieces and to try and compile a list from our experience. Again, we choose from a huge stock of delicious recordings! This exercise cannot be completed with just one list. So we have decided to do it in installments. Here goes the first lot, in no particular order: The brilliant jazz pianist, Phineas Newborn Jr. has himself been relatively unknown and under the radar. His playing is superb – he is equally good on ballads and bebop – and we are featuring his 1962 album here. The trio has been competed by Paul Chambers (bass) and Philly Joe Jones (drums) on four tracks and by Sam Jones (bass) and Louis Hayes (drums) on the other two. We rate this album highly. Our favorite piece on this album is “Manteca.” This is a 1970 album re-released in 2002. This is one of the finest-ever jazz orchestras helmed by Thad Jones (trumpet) and Mel Lewis (drums). This band was famous for its Monday Night live performances at New York’s jazz club The Village Vanguard for several years. This album was nominated for a Grammy in 1970 for the best jazz performance by a large group. Our favorite track on this album is “A Child is Born” by Thad Jones. This is one of the most cool and sophisticated ever jazz albums and it does not seem to age at all. First released in 1963, has a star-studded lineup with the leader Gerry Mulligan playing baritone saxophone, Art Farmer on trumpet, Bob Brookmeyer on valve trombone and Jim Hall on guitar. Our personal favorite track here is “Morning of the Carnival.” A live album from 1972, this is easily one of the most listenable vocal jazz albums ever. Carmen McRae has a most compelling voice and style of delivery which are especially highlighted in her live recordings. In this album, McRae is backed by a quartet which includes Joe Pass on acoustic guitar and Jimmy Rowles on piano. A most enjoyable listen – even for listeners not into jazz. Our favorite track here is “Satin Doll.” Having mentioned this twin album earlier in this piece, we were not going to relegate it from this list! These are two separate sessions recorded live on a Friday and a Saturday performance by the Miles Davis Quintet at the jazz club Blackhawk in San Francisco. Miles’ band had just concluded its association with the legendary saxophonists John Coltrane and Julian ‘Cannonball’ Adderley and this band had a couple of new faces. On this live recording are heard Hank Mobley on tenor saxophone and Wynton Kelly on piano, both in scintillating form. From an array of fine performances, we pick “On Green Dolphin Street” as our favorite. As we said at the outset, there is an ocean of unexplored great jazz recordings out there. We shall continue the quest again for more unheralded great albums the next time.

Percentages: FG .303, FT .643. 3-Point Goals: 1-12, .083 (T.Johnson 1-5, Corrigan 0-1, Crews 0-1, Joppy 0-1, Newman 0-1, Bratcher 0-3). Team Rebounds: 5. Team Turnovers: None. Blocked Shots: 2 (Corrigan, T.Johnson). Turnovers: 7 (Bratcher 2, Corrigan 2, T.Johnson 2, Newman). Steals: 6 (Bratcher 2, Corrigan, Joppy, Newman, T.Johnson). Technical Fouls: None. Percentages: FG .514, FT .737. 3-Point Goals: 15-38, .395 (Atwell 5-10, Giles 4-9, Polite 2-5, Bailey 1-2, Ahemed 1-3, Davis 1-4, Saizonou 1-4, Reath 0-1). Team Rebounds: 4. Team Turnovers: None. Blocked Shots: 6 (Davis 2, Reath 2, Giles, Kauzonas). Turnovers: 6 (Breath 2, Ahemed, Henry, Polite, Webb). Steals: 3 (Breath 2, Atwell). Technical Fouls: None. A_462 (23,500).NEW YORK — Department store retailer Kohl's Inc. says Michaels CEO and retail veteran Ashley Buchanan will take over its top job, effective January 15. Buchanan succeeds Tom Kingsbury, who will stay as an adviser to the new CEO and retain his position on Kohl’s board until his retirement in May 2025. Kingsbury served as Kohl's interim CEO in December 2022 and was named its permanent leader in February 2023. Buchanan will assume the leadership of Kohl's at a time when the retailer has wrestled with sluggish sales. Its middle income shoppers have pulled back on discretionary spending in the face of still high prices for necessities. Like other department stores, it's also faced stiff competition from Walmart and Amazon, which have been improving their fashion offerings at affordable prices. Wisconsin-based Kohl's has around 1,600 locations across the U.S. Buchanan has been CEO of the arts and crafts retailer Michaels Cos. since 2020 and, prior to that, he has held a variety of senior executive roles at Walmart and Sam’s Club during his 13 years at the company. Stay in the know on jobs, retail and all things business across Long Island. By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy . Buchanan significantly expanded Michaels' digital business and grew its small format stores, and simplified its merchandise strategy. At Walmart, Buchanan held positions including chief merchandising and chief operating officer for Walmart's U.S. e-commerce division. Before that, he was chief merchant at Sam’s Club where he led merchandising strategy, private brands, pricing, global sourcing, packaging and the supply network. Buchanan joined Walmart from Dell where he held a variety of positions in finance, and Accenture, where he focused on the retail industry. Kohl's shares fell nearly 5%, or 84 cents, to $17.50 in after market trading on Monday when the announcement was made. The company's stock was up nearly 8%, or $1.31 per share, to $18.34 in regular trading.

NoneMaking spiking a specific offence is about making sure the law is up to date to deal with it as a crime, justice minister Alex Davies-Jones has said. Labour plans to make spiking a specific offence and has laid out plans for venue staff to be trained in relation to spiking, with a pilot to begin within weeks before a wider rollout next year. Ms Davies-Jones, asked about why it was worthwhile to make spiking a new offence when it is already illegal, said: “Spiking is a crime already. “A lot of people don’t realise that it is a crime already, which is part of the problem.” She said there were around 6,000 reports of spiking last year but that because it is an underreported crime, it is not clear how big of a problem it is. 'Legislation won't fix this on its own...this is about a culture shift' @SophyRidgeSky challenges Minister for Victims @AlexDaviesJones on the govt plan to change the spiking law even though it is already a criminal offence. #PoliticsHub https://t.co/GlTNastFii 📺 Sky 501 pic.twitter.com/Zb65c6KnOM — Politics Hub with Sophy Ridge (@SkyPoliticsHub) November 25, 2024 “Part of the problem we’ve got is around the data collection, so you don’t know if you’ve been spiked with a drink, a needle, a vape, for example,” she told Politics Hub on Sky News. Modernising the offence and giving police the tools to get accurate data allows a clearer picture of where, how and how often spiking is happening, she said. It is about “clarifying it, modernising it, making sure that people know exactly what this is...the law isn’t quite, it isn’t up to date. “It isn’t modern enough.” Sir Keir Starmer earlier said he hopes the change will give people “the confidence to come forward”, in a meeting of police bosses, transport figures and hospitality executives in Downing Street. Spiking will be made a criminal offence. My government was elected to take back our streets, central to this mission is making sure women and girls can feel safe at night. Perpetrators of spiking will feel the full force of the law. — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) November 25, 2024 Ms Davies-Jones and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper were among the attendees at the round-table discussion on Monday morning. Labour pledged in its manifesto to introduce a new offence for spiking, but there was no detail in the King’s Speech this year about a specific crime, though it promised to ensure an improved police response to cases. According to information published by the Metropolitan Police, spiking offences are currently covered by more than one law, but most come under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861. Sir Keir told the meeting: “There are a number of measures that we are setting out this morning – we want to talk it through with you. “The first is to make spiking a specific offence so that it counts, it’s reported.” He said that such a measure would mean that it “enables everybody to have the confidence to come forward” and also “it allows perpetrators to know that it’s a specific offence”. Detailing the training scheme, he went on: “We’re beginning the piloting of training for staff in venues.” He said the scheme would be “partly to spot what’s happening, but also to know what to do in the event that there is an incident in a venue”. “That will start in December with a pilot then it will be rolled out from March of next year,” Sir Keir added. He also said that the “final” point of discussion for the morning was “police indexing – (the) way that we count it across different police forces”. Sir Keir added: “At the moment it’s quite hard to get your arms around the pure numbers.” Plain clothes officers are being deployed in areas around bars and clubs to spot predatory behaviour. The text-to-report number, 61016, that allows women to contact British Transport Police to report harassment on the train, is due to be relaunched. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “Spiking is a disturbing and serious crime which can have a damaging and long-lasting impact on victims. “That’s why today we are taking decisive action to prevent this devastating crime and to crack down on perpetrators, by introducing a new criminal offence for spiking and launching specialist training for thousands of bar staff nationwide. “People shouldn’t have to worry about the safety of their drinks on a night out. “These changes are about giving victims greater confidence to come forward, and ensuring that there is a robust response from the police whenever these appalling crimes take place.”

5 Best Smartphones Under Rs 20000 With AMOLED Display'Fatally wrong': Musk causes uproar for backing Germany's far-right partyWhen night falls in the Australian Outback, the hunt begins. The prey: kangaroos roaming – hopping – in the wild. Rifle shots ring out, killing them by the millions, including hundreds of thousands of female roos, some with tiny joeys in their pouches. This is the stark reality explored in the Oscar-shortlisted documentary Chasing Roo , directed by two-time Oscar nominee Skye Fitzgerald ( Hunger Ward , Lifeboat ). “I wanted to do something about this ascendancy that we assume over animals, writ large,” Fitzgerald tells Deadline. “I thought, what better way to do it than through the lens of this lovable animal, the kangaroo, the national symbol of Australia. And when I learned that the culling of kangaroos in Australia is the largest commercial killing of a land-based animal in the world, I thought this is the way, this is how I want to tell this story.” The film begins with a scene in the interior of a darkened truck, where lifeless kangaroos hang from hooks. “That shot was from where they load the roos in at the end of a hunt, and then they’re stored in that refrigerated box for up to a week before another truck comes around to collect them and bring them to the abattoir where they’re processed,” Fitzgerald explains. “That’s a weekly event where that truck comes around. We witnessed a number of those times — the transferring of the carcasses from that refrigerator box to the truck. And it’s sobering.” Kangaroo meat is processed into pet food, and the animals’ hides are turned into leather goods – jackets, purses, hats, gloves, and even soccer cleats. The meat is also consumed by humans, packaged in grocery stores as steaks, in minced form like ground beef, and as sausages – known as “kanga bangas.” “When you see the commercialization of a body, that distance between that package of protein in the supermarket and where it came from is completely evaporated, and it makes you think on a fundamental level about what you’re doing to another creature on this planet,” the director observes. “I mean, what gives us the right to eat another creature’s body? We have these hands and this brain, I guess, but I wanted in the film, not explicitly, but to sort of implicitly question and confront that.” Fitzgerald has been a vegetarian for various stretches in his life. But he doesn’t approach his subject from a doctrinaire perspective. “One of my intents with the film was to try to create a story that created empathy for both the hunted as well as the hunters,” he says. “I felt like it was really important to not immediately just demonize and tell the audience how to feel about this because it’s far more complex than that.” The film spends time with caregivers at Western QLD Wildlife Rehabilitation who rescue orphaned joeys, wallabies and other creatures. But it also follows a father and his teenage son – David “Cujo” Coulton and Darby Coulton – who hunt kangaroos and feral pigs in the vicinity of tiny Aramac, Queensland, a dusty outpost of about 200 people where there are few ways to make a living. “One of my intents was to sort of embrace the cognitive dissonance involved in the kangaroo harvest,” Fitzgerald says. “Cujo, the primary shooter with his son Darby, he worships the kangaroo — he said this multiple times. He has a tattoo of a kangaroo on his torso, and he says really clearly that this is the animal which has allowed him to raise his family and that he loves them. And yet at the same time, he kills hundreds of them every year.” Fitzgerald adds, “These competing realities of economically downtrodden communities that rely on the kangaroo harvest to make a living are in coexistence with these carer communities... that raise the juveniles that are orphaned. They’re both equally true and authentic. I wanted that cognitive dissonance to be at play in the film rather than provide an easy out or an answer for the audience.” The Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water in 2024 estimated the kangaroo population in five of Australia’s six states at 35.3 million. It authorized a cull of almost 5 million roos, or 14 percent of the population. The government calls that hunting figure “sustainable,” but whether that’s an accurate assessment or a sop to ranching interests remains a matter of dispute. “The government’s in a tough spot. The grazers — those who own most of the land and raise the sheep and cows — have a pretty strong set of rhetoric, and they use terms like ‘Roos are in plague proportions,’ that’s a phrase you hear a lot,” Fitzgerald notes. “The grazers have so much political power that they’ve convinced the government that the roos are in plague proportions because they don’t want the roos to compete for grass, grazeland and water with their sheep and cattle, which aren’t even indigenous animals, because they’re much more profitable, the cattle and sheep. So, they’ve built up this set of rhetoric over a long period of time, which has sort of been canonized now in the political speak. That’s really what’s at play here.” The ethical question of whether it’s proper to kill so many kangaroos extends beyond Australia to countries that import kangaroo products, including the United States. In 2021, the U.S. Congress voted down the Kangaroo Protection Act, which would have banned the sale and importation of such products (California has banned those imports since 1971). Meanwhile, the culling continues, with a discernible impact on kangaroos. The film notes the remaining roo population is shrinking – not in numbers necessarily, but in size of individual animals. There’s a simple explanation why, Fitzgerald says: hunters train their gunsights on the largest roos; the bigger the roo, the more money it will yield at harvest. “As they kill off the alpha males,” the filmmaker says, “it’s actually changing the gene pool so that as the alpha males are killed, it’s the juveniles who are reproducing, which is making smaller sizes for the kangaroos.” Fitzgerald shot footage in slaughterhouses where kangaroos are processed but ultimately chose to leave that out of the documentary. Still, there are plenty of bracing images in Chasing Roo . “Instead of intellectualizing the issue,” he says his purpose was to “bring the viewer into this world that’s so hard to access... I wanted to do it in a way where it sort of hit you in the gut where you bear witness, literally, to how we as human beings treat animals.”Memphis beats No. 2 UConn 99-97 in overtime to tipoff Maui Invitational