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casino games vegas In the intense world of professional basketball, every player strives to reach the pinnacle of success through hard work, determination, and teamwork. Recently, the NBA has been abuzz with discussions surrounding Denver Nuggets' star player, Nikola Jokic, and his remarkable performance of scoring 104 points in just 48 hours. While many may see this as an extraordinary feat, veteran players like Huo Nan have expressed concerns about the long-term implications of such high-scoring performances.Moreover, the decision to increase deposit rates also reflects these banks' confidence in their financial strength and stability. By signaling to customers that they are willing to offer competitive rates, they are sending a strong message that they are well-capitalized and capable of weathering economic uncertainties.

Set near Calne in an “idyllic position... with stunning views over neighbouring countryside” this sounds more like a resort than a house in the West Country. The four-bedroom house has been put up for sale by Strakers for £700,000. (Image: Strakers) Not only would it be great for a holiday, but imagine how this house with its garden office could change your work-from-home life - walking from your desk in your lunch break, across “large gardens” to take a dip. The house itself is described as a “spacious, beautifully presented, semi-detached house with large, well-maintained gardens”. The house is open-plan with “large” French doors opening onto the swimming pool and deck area with an outdoor dining table. (Image: Strakers) This outdoor table is protected from the elements by a wood-panelled canopy with skylights to avoid it being gloomy. This would be perfect for summer storms, sitting watching the rain fall while enjoying a drink in the dry. The agent is particularly keen on the gardens. They write: “One of the outstanding features of this impressive property is large, mature garden which is incredibly private and sides onto a field. (Image: Strakers) “The garden is divided into a number of sections including a superb, raised paved patio seating area with glass balustrade, extensive lawned area, well-stocked beds and ornamental bushes.” According to estate agent Strutt and Parker, a third of Brits want an indoor swimming pool - topping the list of features that people want in their own homes. Research from Ocean Finance reveals that 36 per cent of homeowners, or over 18 million people, crave an indoor swimming pool which they can call their own. (Image: Strakers) Meanwhile, 23 per cent of people want a jacuzzi or hot tub in their dream house. The house is located in the hamlet of Studley between Chippenham and Calne. The neighbouring village of Derry Hill offers a primary school, post office shop, church and the Lansdowne Arms pub. The pub is “a gabled, rural stone inn with 2 gardens and valley views”, according to its website, with strong reviews. The house was last listed for sale in 2012 for £395,000 when it looked radically different inside, but much the same outside with its pool. Help support trusted local news Sign up for a digital subscription now: https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/subscribe/ As a digital subscriber, you will get:

Directed by Yang Yu, Ne Zha 2 continues the story of the rebellious and mischievous young hero Ne Zha, who must once again face powerful enemies and challenging obstacles to protect his family and the world. The film is set to be an exciting blend of action, humor, and heartwarming moments that made the original Ne Zha a massive success.

Pala: The Mythical Beast Announces Participation in TGA with Exciting New RevelationsAirports and highways are expected to be jam-packed during Thanksgiving week, a holiday period likely to end with another record day for air travel in the United States. AAA predicts that nearly 80 million Americans will venture at least 50 miles from home between Tuesday and next Monday, most of them by car. However, travelers could be impacted by ongoing weather challenges and those flying to their destinations could be grounded by delays brought on by airline staffing shortages and an airport service workers strike . Here's the latest: 2.2 billion packages are expected to ship between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve U.S. airlines are preparing for a Thanksgiving holiday rush, and so are the U.S. Postal Service, United Parcel Service and FedEx. Shipping companies will deliver about 2.2 billion packages to homes and businesses across the U.S. from Thanksgiving to Dec. 31, said Satish Jindel, a shipping and logistics expert and president of ShipMatrix. That’s down from 2.3 billion packages last year. Because the shopping period is a week shorter than in 2023, consumers are shopping further ahead of Black Friday and more purchases are taking place in physical stores, he said. The number of holiday package shipments grew 27% in 2020 and by more than 3% the following year during the pandemic. The numbers have been falling since then, with a projected decline of about 6% this holiday season. Does your airport offer therapy dogs? Looking to de-stress while waiting for your flight? Many airports have a fleet of therapy dogs — designated fidos and puppers that are eager to receive pets and snuggles from weary travelers. Rules and schedules vary from airport to airport, but the group AirportTherapyDogs uses online crowdsourcing to share the locations of therapy dogs across its various social media accounts. Today, Gracie, a toy Australian shepherd, and Budge, an English bulldog, wandered the concourses at Denver International Airport, and an American Staffordshire Terrier named Hugo greeted travelers at Punta Gorda Airport in Florida. Some airports even feature other therapy pals. San Francisco International Airport’s fleet of animals includes a Flemish Giant rabbit and a hypoallergenic pig. What the striking airport workers are saying “We cannot live on the wages that we are being paid,” ABM cabin cleaner Priscilla Hoyle said at a rally earlier Monday. “I can honestly say it’s hard every single day with my children, working a full-time job but having to look my kids in the eyes and sit there and say, ‘I don’t know if we’re going to have a home today.’” Timothy Lowe II, a wheelchair attendant, said he has to figure out where to spend the night because he doesn’t make enough for a deposit on a home. “We just want to be able to have everything that’s a necessity paid for by the job that hired us to do a great job so they can make billions,” he said. ABM said it is “committed to addressing concerns swiftly” and that there are avenues for employees to communicate issues, including a national hotline and a “general open door policy for managers at our worksite.” What are striking Charlotte airport workers’ demands? Employees of ABM and Prospect Airport Services cast ballots Friday to authorize the work stoppage at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, a hub for American Airlines. They described living paycheck to paycheck while performing jobs that keep planes running on schedule. Most of them earn $12.50 to $19 an hour, union officials said. Rev. Glencie Rhedrick of Charlotte Clergy Coalition for Justice said those workers should make $22 to $25 an hour. The strike is expected to last 24 hours. Several hundred workers participated in the work stoppage. US flights are running normally Forty-four fights have been canceled today and nearly 1,900 were delayed by midday on the East Coast, according to FlightAware . According to the organization’s cheekily named MiseryMap , San Francisco International Airport is having the most hiccups right now, with 53 delays and three cancellations between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. EST. While that might sound like a lot of delays, they might not be so bad compared to last Friday when the airport suffered 671 delays and 69 cancellations. Cutting in line? American Airlines’ new boarding tech might stop you now at over 100 airports In an apparent effort to reduce the headaches caused by airport line cutting, American Airlines has rolled out boarding technology that alerts gate agents with an audible sound if a passenger tries to scan a ticket ahead of their assigned group. This new software won’t accept a boarding pass before the group it’s assigned to is called, so customers who get to the gate prematurely will be asked to go back and wait their turn. As of Wednesday, the airline announced, the technology is now being used in more than 100 U.S. airports that American flies out of. The official expansion arrives after successful tests in three of these locations — Albuquerque International Sunport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Tucson International Airport. ▶ Read more about American Airlines’ new boarding technology Tips to make holiday travel a bit easier Travel can be stressful in the best of times. Now add in the high-level anxiety that seems to be baked into every holiday season and it’s clear travelers could use some help calming frazzled nerves. Here are a few ways to make your holiday journey a little less stressful: 1. Make a checklist of what you need to do and what you need to bring 2. Carry your comfort with you — think noise-canceling headphones, cozy clothes, snacks and extra medication 3. Stay hydrated 4. Keep up to date on delays, gate changes and cancellations with your airline’s app ▶ Read more tips about staying grounded during holiday travel The timing of this year’s holiday shapes travel patterns Thanksgiving Day takes place late this year, with the fourth Thursday of November falling on Nov. 28. That shortens the traditional shopping season and changes the rhythm of holiday travel. With more time before the holiday , people tend to spread out their outbound travel over more days, but everyone returns at the same time, said Andrew Watterson, the chief operating officer of Southwest Airlines . “A late Thanksgiving leads to a big crush at the end,” Watterson said. “The Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday after Thanksgiving are usually very busy with Thanksgiving this late.” Airlines did a relatively good job of handling holiday crowds last year, when the weather was mild in most of the country. Fewer than 400 U.S. flights were canceled during Thanksgiving week in 2023 — about one out of every 450 flights. So far in 2024, airlines have canceled about 1.3% of all flights. Advice for drivers Drivers should know that Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons will be the worst times to travel by car, but it should be smooth sailing on freeways come Thanksgiving Day, according to transportation analytics company INRIX. On the return home, the best travel times for motorists are before 1 p.m. on Sunday, and before 8 a.m. or after 7 p.m. on Monday, the company said. In metropolitan areas like Boston, Los Angeles, New York, Seattle and Washington, “traffic is expected to be more than double what it typically is on a normal day,” INRIX transportation analyst Bob Pishue said. FAA staffing shortage could cause flight delays Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Mike Whitaker said last week that he expects his agency to use special measures at some facilities to deal with an ongoing shortage of air traffic controllers. In the past, those facilities have included airports in New York City and Florida. “If we are short on staff, we will slow traffic as needed to keep the system safe,” Whitaker said. The FAA has long struggled with a shortage of controllers that airline officials expect will last for years, despite the agency’s lofty hiring goals. Thanksgiving travel, b y the numbers 5. Auto club and insurance company AAA predicts that nearly 80 million Americans will venture at least 50 miles from home between Tuesday and next Monday. Most of them will travel by car. 6. Drivers should get a slight break on gas prices . The nationwide average price for gasoline was $3.06 a gallon on Sunday, down from $3.27 at this time last year. 7. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen 18.3 million people at U.S. airports during the same seven-day stretch. That would be 6% more than during the corresponding days last year but fit a pattern set throughout 2024. 8. The TSA predicts that 3 million people will pass through airport security checkpoints on Sunday; more than that could break the record of 3.01 million set on the Sunday after the July Fourth holiday. Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to be the next busiest air travel days of Thanksgiving week. ▶ Read more about Thanksgiving travel across the U.S. Charlotte airport workers strike over low wages Workers who clean airplanes, remove trash and help with wheelchairs at Charlotte’s airport, one of the nation’s busiest, went on strike Monday to demand higher wages. The Service Employees International Union announced the strike in a statement early Monday, saying the workers would demand “an end to poverty wages and respect on the job during the holiday travel season.” The strike was expected to last 24 hours, said union spokesperson Sean Keady. Employees of ABM and Prospect Airport Services cast ballots Friday to authorize the work stoppage at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, a hub for American Airlines. The two companies contract with American, one of the world’s biggest carriers, to provide services such as cleaning airplane interiors, removing trash and escorting passengers in wheelchairs. ▶ Read more about the Charlotte airport workers’ strike Northeast should get needed precipitation Parts of the Midwest and East Coast can expect to see heavy rain into Thanksgiving, and there’s potential for snow in Northeastern states. A storm last week brought rain to New York and New Jersey, where wildfires have raged in recent weeks, and heavy snow to northeastern Pennsylvania. The precipitation was expected to help ease drought conditions after an exceptionally dry fall. Heavy snow fell in northeastern Pennsylvania, including the Pocono Mountains. Higher elevations reported up to 17 inches (43 centimeters), with lesser accumulations in valley cities including Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. Around 35,000 customers in 10 counties were still without power, down from 80,000 a day ago. In the Catskills region of New York, nearly 10,000 people remained without power Sunday morning, two days after a storm dumped heavy snow on parts of the region. Precipitation in West Virginia helped put a dent in the state’s worst drought in at least two decades and boosted ski resorts as they prepare to open in the weeks ahead. ▶ Read more about Thanksgiving week weather forecasts More rain expected after deadly ‘bomb cyclone’ on West Coast Two people died in the Pacific Northwest after a rapidly intensifying “ bomb cyclone ” hit the West Coast last Tuesday, bringing fierce winds that toppled trees and power lines and damaged homes and cars. Hundreds of thousands lost electricity in Washington state before powerful gusts and record rains moved into Northern California. Forecasters said the risk of flooding and mudslides remained as the region will get more rain starting Sunday. But the latest storm won’t be as intense as last week’s atmospheric river , a long plume of moisture that forms over an ocean and flows over land. “However, there’s still threats, smaller threats, and not as significant in terms of magnitude, that are still going to exist across the West Coast for the next two or three days,” weather service forecaster Rich Otto said. As the rain moves east throughout the week, Otto said, there’s a potential for heavy snowfall at higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada, as well as portions of Utah and Colorado. California’s Mammoth Mountain, which received 2 feet (0.6 meters) of fresh snow in the recent storm, could get another 4 feet (1.2 meters) before the newest system clears out Wednesday, the resort said. Forecasts warn of possible winter storms across US during Thanksgiving week Another round of wintry weather could complicate travel leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday, according to forecasts across the U.S., while California and Washington state continue to recover from storm damage and power outages. In California, where two people were found dead in floodwaters on Saturday, authorities braced for more rain while grappling with flooding and small landslides from a previous storm . Here’s a look at some of the regional forecasts: 9. Sierra Nevada: The National Weather Service office issued a winter storm warning through Tuesday, with heavy snow expected at higher elevations and wind gusts potentially reaching 55 mph (88 kph). Total snowfall of roughly 4 feet (1.2 meters) was forecast, with the heaviest accumulations expected Monday and Tuesday. 10. Midwest and Great Lakes: The Midwest and Great Lakes regions will see rain and snow Monday and the East Coast will be the most impacted on Thanksgiving and Black Friday, forecasters said. 11. East Coast: A low pressure system is forecast to bring rain to the Southeast early Thursday before heading to the Northeast. Areas from Boston to New York could see rain and breezy conditions, with snowfall possible in parts of northern New Hampshire, northern Maine and the Adirondacks. If the system tracks further inland, there could be less snow and more rain in the mountains, forecasters said. ▶ Read more about Thanksgiving week weather forecasts The Associated PressNe Zha 2's decision to release on Chinese New Year is a strategic move to attract a large audience and compete for the coveted Spring Festival box office. The timing of the release ensures that the film will be in the spotlight during a period when many people have time off work and are looking for entertainment options.

Utah Hockey Club walks to arena after bus gets stuck in Toronto trafficThe Delhi government’s vigilance department has asked the Public Works Department (PWD) to submit a report on the allegations of irregularities in the procurement of “lavish items” and fixtures, and violation of protocol in the renovation of 6, Flag Staff Road bungalow — the former official residence of then chief minister Arvind Kejriwal — officials aware of the development said on Thursday. PWD has been asked to submit within five days the report on these allegations, said leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta. The action came following orders from lieutenant governor VK Saxena after the BJP leader on November 20 had sought a high-level inquiry into the matter. The AAP maintained that the allegations were false. In a December 19 letter to principal secretary, PWD, the directorate of vigilance sought details about “the identity of the individuals or organisation that provided the lavish items to the chief minister’s bungalow”, “whether any financial transactions or benefits were made in exchange for these items”; “the possible impact on public funds and whether there was any violation of government protocols in the process” and “other relevant information that could help clarify the circumstances surrounding these items.” The LG on December 6 had written to the vigilance department for the examination of these allegations in detail and taking appropriate action, it said in the letter. HT has seen copy of the letter. PWD did not respond to HT’s queries for a comment on the status of the report. Kejriwal’s former Flag Staff Road bungalow, which he vacated this October after stepping down as the CM, has been at the centre of controversy since 2023 when allegations over expenses incurred on its renovation in the previous years surfaced. The issue has come to the fore again ahead of the crucial assembly elections due early next year, where the former CM is eyeing a return even as a chunk of allegations related to financial irregularities surround him and other AAP leaders. According to the BJP, the Arvind Kejriwal government had spent ₹ 45 crore in renovating the house. It has alleged that “extravagant items”, “luxurious fixtures” like “gold plated toilets”, “carpets worth over ₹ 50 lakh”, and expensive chandeliers among other things were procured and installed at Kejriwal’s former official residence. Gupta had also alleged that discrepancies were found between the items provided by PWD to Kejriwal’s residence in 2022, when he assumed office as the chief minister for the second time, and the items left behind by him after stepping down in 2024. “PWD provided certain furniture and amenities in 2022, an inventory check conducted by PWD after Kejriwal vacated the bungalow in 2024 revealed the presence of many additional luxurious items not supplied by the department. These included luxury toilet seats, expensive wash basins, reclining sofas, costly curtains, premium carpets, high-value TV sets, and refrigerators,” Gupta said. In response, the AAP said in a statement: “The BJP neither has a credible face for Delhi, nor a vision, nor any planning, their sole agenda is to hurl abuses at Arvind Kejriwal...Let them conduct as many investigations as they want—so far, they’ve filed over 200 cases against us, and we’ve been acquitted in almost all of them, and we’ll ultimately be acquitted in the remaining ones as well. The BJP has engaged in nothing but negative politics: filing false cases, and using ED and CBI to topple governments. But nothing will stop Arvind Kejriwal from working for the citizens of Delhi.”Report: Iowa CB Jermari Harris opts out of rest of seasonIn conclusion, BeRight China's achievement of surpassing one billion registered users represents a significant milestone in the evolution of remote connectivity and enterprise services. By harnessing the power of BeRight's platform, businesses can unlock a world of possibilities and drive growth, innovation, and collaboration in the digital age. As a leader in the field of remote connection, BeRight China is well-positioned to guide businesses towards success in the new era of enterprise services.

ET Leadership Dialogues: 'Family-run businesses must adapt, reinvent to stay ahead'

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The juxtaposition of Li Xiang's extravagant purchase and Wang Shilong's journey to independence created a buzz on social media, with netizens showering the mother-daughter duo with admiration and envy. Li Xiang's Rolls-Royce Phantom symbolized luxury and success, while Wang Shilong's pursuit of her driver's license represented ambition and resilience.

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India, Kuwait elevate ties to strategic partnership; Sign defence MoUSpoilers ahead for Wicked , the Broadway musical, film adaptation, and original novel. If somehow you’ve remained unaware that the movie version of Wicked tells only half a story, you’re forgiven — the trailers have done a decent job of hiding that the film ends with a cliffhanger. The two-hour-and-40-minute film is an adaptation of the first act of Wicked the stage musical, with Wicked: Part Two — based on the second act — hitting theaters November 21, 2025. That may qualify the next 12 months as the longest intermission in history. Not since the conclusion of Kevin Costner’s Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1 have audiences been left in such suspense. To its credit, Wicked manages to feel like a complete movie, even with so much story left to be told. And we’re not exactly in the dark about what’s coming next, thanks to the long-running Broadway musical and Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West , on which the show is based. To help you get through the long year ahead, we’ve broken down the ending of the first movie, and what you can expect to see in the next one. In the song “The Wizard and I,” Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo, lets us know that she’s been waiting to meet the Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum) since birth, but shortly after she and her roommate, Glinda, played by Ariana Grande, arrive in the Emerald City, they discover that he’s just a guy. The Wizard and Shiz University headmistress Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) convince Elphaba to read from the Grimmerie, the ancient book of spells, and her incantation inadvertently creates an army of flying-monkey spies. She realizes that she’s been used — and that the Wizard is a fraud without any real power. Elphaba refuses to join forces with the Wizard and Madame Morrible, who are leading the persecution of animals to manipulate the masses and gain power. Elphaba runs off with the Grimmerie, and the Wizard sends the palace guards to capture her. Meanwhile, Morrible announces to all of Oz that Elphaba is a dangerous enemy who must be stopped and brands her a Wicked Witch. Glinda catches up with Elphaba and tries to convince her to apologize to the Wizard and join him. Elphaba has seen too much and no longer wants that. Something has changed within her! Something is not the same! Elphaba casts a spell to try to give herself wings, succeeding only in enchanting a broomstick to fly — good enough to make her escape. She nearly convinces Glinda to join her, but Glinda can’t do it, instead giving her former friend a very fetching cape. As the palace guards arrive, Elphaba flies out the window (well, falls, then flies), evading the flying monkeys, performing “Defying Gravity,” and promising that “no Wizard that there is or was is ever gonna bring me down.” Madame Morrible’s words have a profound effect on the Ozians, who now see Elphaba as a terrifying threat. Elphaba’s sister Nessarose (Marissa Bode) is horrified, but not as much as their father (Andy Nyman), who seems to drop dead in shock. Back at the Wizard’s palace, Morrible tells the palace guards to let Glinda go — and despite everything Glinda has seen, she and Morrible embrace. High above them, Elphaba sounds her battle cry and flies off into the distance. No. Thank goodness. We can probably assume Wicked: Part Two will follow the second act of the musical closely. The first film, while drawn out considerably with some character additions, is a very faithful adaptation of the source material. The second movie may add more material: Act Two is shorter and likely needs more beefing up, which may explain why composer Stephen Schwartz previously revealed that there will be at least two new songs . Plot-wise, however, the musical can give us a clear picture of what we’ll be seeing a year from now. Assuming there aren’t any major deviations, Wicked: Part Two should pick up with Glinda now rebranded Glinda the Good and promoting positive vibes among Ozians, even as the Wizard and his press secretary, Madame Morrible, continue to spread lies about the Wicked Witch of the West. Glinda has willed herself into an engagement to Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey), who serves as captain of the guard for the Wizard despite still being loyal to Elphaba. He’s not exactly thrilled to learn he’s marrying Glinda, and runs off to find the witch he really loves. Elphaba’s sister Nessa needs to make something of an abrupt heel turn for her transformation into the Wicked Witch of the East — and here’s hoping Wicked: Part Two adds a little bit of nuance. In the musical, she’s now governor of Munchkinland following her father’s death, and has prevented any Munchkins from leaving so she can keep Boq (Ethan Slater) at her side as a servant. Elphaba arrives with the Grimmerie in tow, and magics Nessa’s shoes so she can walk (the movie may want to tweak this plot point as well). When Boq announces he’s leaving to confess his love to Glinda, Nessa tries to do a spell of her own and ends up destroying his heart, so Elphaba is forced to turn him into a tin man. (The first movie gives Boq the last name “Woodsman,” making this development not much of a surprise.) Elphaba and Fiyero finally get together, but their very sexy duet is interrupted when Elphaba realizes a flying house has put Nessa in danger. Madame Morrible wants to use Nessa’s death to force Elphaba out of hiding, so she’s created a cyclone to bring Dorothy Gale to Oz and — well, if you’ve seen The Wizard of Oz , you know how that turns out for the Wicked Witch of the East. When Elphaba arrives at the site of her house-crushed sister, she and Glinda finally cross paths again. The two fight over Fiyero and the fact that Glinda has handed over Nessa’s enchanted shoes to Dorothy before sending the girl off down the yellow brick road. As we know, the whole thing is a trap, and Elphaba is nearly captured until Fiyero reveals himself as a double agent and helps her escape. He’s taken away, and Elphaba does a spell to protect him while singing “No Good Deed,” a bitter “breaking bad” showstopper that’s one of the major selling points of Act Two. At the same time, an angry mob of Ozians is very much ready for the Wicked Witch of the West to be destroyed. Dorothy’s friends have personal vendettas against her. The Tin Woodman formerly known as Boq wants revenge against Elphaba for what she turned him into — even if it was to save his life — and the Cowardly Lion somehow blames Elphaba for him being cowardly, since he’s a grown-up version of the Lion that Elphaba and Fiyero rescue in Wicked. Elphaba and Glinda do make peace in the end, with Glinda offering to tell everyone the truth about the so-called Wicked Witch of the West. Elphaba urges her not to, saying it would just make the Ozians turn on Glinda, too. The onetime besties sing “For Good,” which is the other major selling point of Act Two, assuming you’re someone who appreciates impeccable harmonizing and crying about friendship. Glinda watches in horror as Dorothy throws water on Elphaba, which seems to melt her — but Wicked has a happier ending, and we should expect the same from the movie. After Glinda has Morrible arrested, she delivers Elphaba’s green glass bottle to the Wizard, who finally understands that he’s orchestrated the death of his biological daughter. Of course, Elphaba has only faked her death for a life of freedom with Fiyero, transformed by her spell into the Scarecrow — with Glinda never knowing their true fates. If the second Wicked movie wants to expand on material from Act Two of the musical, there are certainly plenty of opportunities for extra context, added scenes, and new characters. They have to fit the two new songs in somewhere! One possible source for these additions is Maguire’s original novel, which served as a loose inspiration for the musical. (Winnie Holzman, who wrote the book of Wicked the musical, collaborated on the screenplay for the films with Dana Fox.) The challenge here is that Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West is a much darker and more complex version of the story, with more intricate politics, brutal violence, and kinky sex that could ever be included in a family-friendly musical — or a PG-rated film. Aside from its content appropriateness, Wicked: Part Two would have to veer far from the musical to pull from the novel. It’s unlikely, for example, that Fiyero will end up in an arranged marriage (not with Glinda) and having an affair with Elphaba. With that in mind, we probably won’t get to meet Elphaba’s son, Liir — unless the filmmakers are eager to adapt more of Maguire’s novels. Liir is the protagonist of his first Wicked sequel, the incredibly titled Son of a Witch . Much of the novel Wicked takes place in Fiyero’s castle of Kiamo Ko, where Elphaba and Liir live with Fiyero’s widow, Sarima. (While book Elphaba fantasizes about the Scarecrow secretly being Fiyero in disguise, he’s actually dead.) Sarima is a fascinating character, but one we likely won’t see in Part Two . Assuming the film wants to maintain the PG rating of the first movie — and keep Elphaba less morally gray than she is in the book — we also probably won’t get her inadvertent assassination of a chef with bees (don’t ask) or her bludgeoning of an already dead Madame Morrible. The one area where Part Two seems most likely to draw from Maguire’s novel is in scenes featuring Elphaba and Dorothy. Dorothy is only really alluded to in the musical (she’s either just off-stage or seen in shadow), but she plays a larger role in the book — including a pivotal scene where she reveals she only wants Elphaba’s forgiveness for killing Nessarose. The first Wicked movie borrowed heavily from The Wizard of Oz with multiple Easter eggs and allusions to the 1939 film, so the second part may want to do a little more with Dorothy and her friends. Incorporating a bit of Maguire’s Dorothy scenes could help deepen one of Wicked ’s most important themes: good and evil being a matter of perspective.

In conclusion, Tencent's "Wilderness Action" has made a significant impact in the gaming world with over 1.5 million pre-orders and a promising partnership with Sony. With its innovative gameplay, stunning graphics, and strategic combat, the game has captured the hearts of gamers everywhere and set a new standard for mobile gaming. The future looks bright for "Wilderness Action" and the exciting opportunities that await in the ever-evolving world of mobile gaming.Gan Zhiou Appointed as Vice Governor of Shanxi Province as Alternate Central Committee Member

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Bank of Canada’s interest rate cuts. TD Bank’s anti-money-laundering saga. Ottawa’s immigration target cuts. Donald Trump’s proposed 25-per-cent tariffs on Canadian goods. It’s safe to say that there has been no shortage of news this year. In the final weekly digest of 2024, we’re taking a look back at The Globe’s most-read business and investing stories of the entire year. Get caught up on the biggest stories that resonated with readers on a variety of topics from immigration, capital gains taxes, affordability and more. Tens of thousands of international students are out of options International students have been feeling the effects of Ottawa’s shifting approach to immigration this year, specifically a series of policy changes that aims to cap the number of temporary residents and low-wage foreign workers in the country. Tens of thousands of temporary residents who came to Canada as international students might be forced to return to their home countries in the next year. Policy experts estimate that between 70,000 and 130,000 international students holding postgraduation work permits have visas that expire in 2024 and 2025. Most, they predict, will not receive extensions or an invitation to apply for permanent residency. Vanmala Subramaniam spoke to a group of community members who are calling for longer post-graduate work permits for international students and better pathways to permanent residency. Dharminder Singh is part of a small group of workers, international students and community members who have kept a protest-encampment on the side of a busy road in Brampton, Ont. Sammy Kogan/The Globe and Mail TD Bank’s dirty laundry: Inside the cultural shift that seeded a money-laundering crisis In 2012, Toronto-Dominion Bank wanted to infiltrate New York City with the idea to build out a branch network brick by brick until the streets of all five of the city’s boroughs were flooded with TD green. Against all odds, it worked. TD muscled its way to a top-three market share for retail banking, and the strategy became the stuff of internal lore. But a decade in, the conquest has come back to haunt the bank. The bank faced a lengthy probe by U.S. regulators and law enforcement agencies into the lender’s anti-money-laundering practices, and pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges in October. It has also agreed to pay more than US$3-billion in penalties. Tim Kiladze, Rita Trichur and James Bradshaw and Stefanie Marotta spent the last year investigating the TD Bank scandal and spoke to more than 30 sources – and reported that “a troubling picture has emerged: TD’s problems run much deeper than some rogue employees in Queens.” A TD Bank branch at 38-19 Main St. in the heart of the Flushing neighborhood in Queens, New York City, in August, 2024. Stephanie Keith/The Globe and Mail ‘It’s chaos’: Cottage owners rush to sell ahead of capital gains tax changes Back in April, well before Chrystia Freeland’s abrupt resignation in mid-December, the former finance minister unveiled the 2024 federal budget . One of the biggest surprises was an increase in the inclusion rate on some capital gains . The government had said that it would only affect the wealthiest of Canadians. But it received much criticism from several groups, including business owners , doctors and people who own cottages . For example, individuals who sold a second property such as a cottage would pay tax on a higher portion of the capital gains. Jenna Legge spoke to several cottage owners scrambling to sell before the new rules took effect on June 25. “It’s chaos,” realtor Barb Williams said, adding that a number of clients told her the changes had upended their financial plans. Ottawa's increase in the inclusion rate on some capital gains has received much criticism from several groups, including business owners, doctors and even people who own cottages. J.P. MOCZULSKI/The Globe and Mail The 100 most livable cities in Canada for 2024 The Globe and Mail has brought back its Most Livable Cities ranking . This year, the ranking evaluated 448 communities across the country and considered factors that often define a city – from transportation, to amenities, to the local economy, to housing. One of the newest categories is climate, which was added after readers pointed out that last year’s ranking didn’t consider the effect that climate change might have on a city’s long-term livability. Reporters Chen Wang and Mahima Singh also designed subrankings to help people find the best city for them based on their stage of life – from young professionals to newcomers to families to those embracing retirement and more. The No. 1 spot on the Most Livable Cities list this year went to North Vancouver – which came as little surprise to locals who love its natural beauty. Illustration by Kathleen Fu Why some are leaving Canada for more affordable countries Some Canadians are making the difficult decision to move to more affordable countries amid the affordability crisis. The high cost of housing and other essentials such as food are among the factors prompting people to seek to live somewhere where their money goes further. Saira Peesker spoke to a couple who moved to Portugal, where the housing, food and cellphone service costs were much lower: “I am very much looking forward to being able to try new things, set different priorities, and hopefully not feel like all I’m doing, day in and day out, is working and paying bills.” It was a combination of work-related burnout, watching their friends leave Toronto in droves, and knowing they’d never be able to afford a house that led Slawko Waschuk, 49, and Pedro José-Marcellino, 45, to move to Portugal. Supplied How this retired military member built up an $883,500 TFSA This year we launched TFSA Trouncers , a new series that profiles Canadian investors who’ve accomplished incredible feats with their tax-free savings accounts. In one of the first installments, Darcy Keith profiled a retired military member who opened a TFSA as soon as the investment vehicle was created in 2009. He grew his TFSA by using a dividend strategy, then redeploying the funds into a growth stock. Today, it is worth $883,500 – and generates about $11,000 a month in tax-free income. We have also profiled a Toronto massage therapist who grew his TFSA to $1.8-million, a couple who guided their TFSAs to $2-million and an engineer had a $1.7-million TFSA – until his Tesla shares took a beating. If you have grown your TFSA to half a million dollars or more, send us an e-mail at dakeith@globeandmail.com , or fill out this form . wenmei Zhou/iStockPhoto / Getty Images a. $20-billion. Ms. Freeland had promised to keep the deficit for the 2023-24 fiscal year to $40.1-billion. It came in at $61.9-billion. Get the rest of the questions from the weekly business and investing news quiz here , and prepare for the week ahead with The Globe’s investing calendar .

Chiefs earned a rest after their third win in 11 days. For some, the rest could be 24 daysIn a CBA matchup between Zhejiang Lions and Guangzhou Loong Lions, Zhejiang claimed a dominant victory with a final score of 126-107. The standout performance of the game came from Zhejiang's star player, Wu Qian, who recorded an impressive stat line of 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, despite committing 7 turnovers.

NoneThe Brazilian full-back was known for his energy and tenacity during his time at Manchester United. After stints with Lyon and İstanbul Başakşehir, Rafael now plays for İstanbulspor in the Turkish second division.

As the release date for "Final Destination 6" draws near, fans are counting down the days until they can once again experience the thrill of facing death head-on in this adrenaline-pumping horror franchise. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the series or a newcomer looking for a scare, "Final Destination 6" promises to deliver a spine-chilling, pulse-pounding experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.In the end, Lily's story is not just about a girl with uremia, but about the power of love to conquer all. It is a story of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion. It is a story of three lives intertwined, bound by the threads of love and hope. And it is a story that will echo through the ages, a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit.What is radiative cooling and how does it work The magical ingredient What is the sunscreen made of? The formula unveiled The TOI Lifestyle Desk is a dynamic team of dedicated journalists who, with unwavering passion and commitment, sift through the pulse of the nation to curate a vibrant tapestry of lifestyle news for The Times of India readers. At the TOI Lifestyle Desk, we go beyond the obvious, delving into the extraordinary. Consider us your lifestyle companion, providing a daily dose of inspiration and information. Whether you're seeking the latest fashion trends, travel escapades, culinary delights, or wellness tips, the TOI Lifestyle Desk is your one-stop destination for an enriching lifestyle experience. Read More Malavika Mohanan redefines elegance in a timeless red chiffon saree 9 morning habits to get rid of stomach discomfort 9 popular Korean desserts to try before 2024 ends Inside Alia Bhatt's love-filled Christmas celebration with Ranbir Kapoor, Raha and family 10 perfect baby names for kids born on a Thursday 10 countries with most cancer rates, see where India stands 10 things true friends don't do New Year dishes traditionally prepared in various Indian states In pics: Anil Ambani's grand and luxurious home 'Abode'

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