Day: December 25, 2024

Sheffield United lead a north-facing battle to go up while Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney are in the trenches
Chris Wilder could not contain the excitement in his voice. “It feels imminent,” said Sheffield United’s manager. “It’s getting pretty close.”
Wilder was referring to his club’s protracted takeover by American consortium, COH Sports. At long last that particular saga has reached a conclusion, with the two key investors, Steven Rosen and Helmy Eltoukhy, joining United’s board as co-chairmen after the buyout of Prince Abdullah bin Mosa’ad’s United World Group was confirmed on Monday.
As Wilder aims to reinforce his team’s position at the top of the Championship while retaining his best players, most notably the widely-coveted midfielder Gustavo Hamer, the new owners are arriving at an opportune moment. “I do think we need to strengthen in January,” said Wilder as he seeks to lead United to a third promotion in six years. But the manager is conscious that a team that began the season with a two-point deduction for defaulted transfer payments faces some potentially challenging festive fixtures, starting with Burnley’s visit on Boxing Day. Scott Parker’s side sit third, four points behind Wilder’s and one in arrears of second-place Leeds. “It’s a huge game for us,” said the former England midfielder, whose team are unbeaten in their past nine games. “But we’re on a very good run.”
How Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard must wish they could say the same. The one time England teammates meet at Coventry where the recently installed Lampard is charged with improving on his team’s 17th position and Rooney aims to lift Plymouth off the bottom of the table.
Lampard was given a “clear picture” of the size of the task at Coventry by Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at Portsmouth. “For sure, we’ll be under pressure against Plymouth but that’s the beauty of football,” said Lampard. “It’s a good pressure because we have to stand up to it. So, yes, bring on Boxing Day when we have to show up.”
Rooney branded his injury-hit Plymouth side “naive” after they conceded a late equaliser in Saturday’s 3-3 draw with a Middlesbrough team managed by his old Manchester United and England teammate Michael Carrick. On those days when Hayden Hackney illuminates midfield and Emmanuel Latte Lath remembers his shooting boots, a sweet passing if wildly-inconsistent Middlesbrough look the second tier’s most sophisticated team. Carrick’s problem is that, at other times, his defence springs alarming leaks.
Boro’s Boxing Day fixture at home to a Sheffield Wednesday side harbouring serious playoff ambitions of their own offers Hackney and friends a chance to keep West Brom, Watford and Wednesday at bay by consolidating sixth place and perhaps even leapfrogging Blackburn into fifth. It is anyone’s guess whether they will take it.
Blackburn’s manager, John Eustace, is impressing at Ewood Park, but a litmus test awaits as Jobe Bellingham, Chris Rigg and the rest of Régis Le Bris’s precocious fourth-placed Sunderland side visit east Lancashire on Thursday. Unlike, Rooney, Lampard and Carrick, the cerebral Le Bris didn’t hit many heights during a short playing career as a defender with Rennes. Instead the 49-year-old gained a doctorate in sports physiology and biomechanics followed by a further diploma in the mental training of elite athletes before spending years as a youth coach at Lorient where, among other players who have gone on to better things, he mentored the Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier.
Indeed, Le Bris only took charge of Lorient’s first team in 2022, coincidentally the year he also started learning English. These days he speaks his second language with such fluency and nuance that he talks about “the lucidity” of Sunderland’s passing as they endeavour to close the five-point gap on Sheffield United. Despite the north-east’s new year public transport shutdown allied to an 8pm kick-off, a crowd of around 45,000 is expected at the Stadium of Light when Wilder’s side visit Wearside on New Year’s Day for a match that could exert a significant bearing on the race for automatic promotion.
Like Leeds, Sunderland are frequently described as a Premier League club in waiting, but Le Bris knows he could do with not merely fending off those elite rivals queuing up to poach Bellingham and Rigg but also finding a reliable goalscorer. A new striker is needed to ease the stress on the Zenit St Petersburg loanee Wilson Isidor who travels to Blackburn on Thursday seeking his first goal in eight games.
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The Leeds manager, Daniel Farke, remains adamant that had his No 9, Patrick Bamford, not sustained a knee injury late last season his team would have been promoted then. The difference now is that a revamped starting XI featuring the Japan midfielder Ao Tanaka’s excellence have evolved to the point where a fit Bamford appears superglued to the substitutes’ bench. Yet if Le Bris, Carrick and co will be aware of his subtly-frustrated body language amid talk of an impending January loan exit, Leeds are unlikely to trade with a promotion rival.
Boxing Day sees Leeds visit Stoke in another impractical 8pm kick-off featuring a home team without a win in eight games and their increasingly beleaguered manager, Narcis Pelach, struggling to keep his job. The 36-year-old Spaniard is under considerable pressure in the Potteries and probably watched videos of Leeds’ 4-0 demolition of Oxford at Elland Road on Saturday through his fingers. As Craig Short, Oxford’s caretaker coach, reflected: “Leeds are the best team in the Championship by a long way. Their athleticism and physicality sets them apart.”
With the top-tier currently containing only five northern clubs, a levelling-up project seems necessary. The good news is that Sheffield United, Leeds, Burnley, Sunderland, Blackburn and Middlesbrough are jostling to make that a springtime reality.

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Nagarjuna reveals he has known Sobhita Dhulipala longer than Chay; calls his son and bahu’s relationship ‘healthy’  Hindustan Times
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Dec 25, 2024
There are very few animals whose names start with ‘X’, and even few that are known to humans. Here we mention 8 animals who name, common or scientific, beings with the letter ‘X’.
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The Xerus is a type of ground squirrel found in Africa, and can be spotted in the dry savannas and grasslands. They are small, social animals, have sharp, digging claws, and live in burrows throughout their life.
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Xenopus are a kind of aquatic frog native to sub-Saharan Africa. These frogs have flat bodies, webbed feet, and clawed toes. And unlike other frogs, the Xenopus spend their entire life in water.
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Xenarthra is not a single animal, but a superorder of mammals that includes sloths, anteaters, and armadillos.
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The Xenops is a small bird native to the forests of Central and South America. It has a classic brown-block colour on the body and feathers, and has a short tail and slim beak.
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Xiphias is the scientific name for Swordfish, a large fish known for its long, sting-like beak, and is one of the most agile swimmers too.
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Xantus’s hummingbird is a colourful bird native to Mexico. They are tiny, energetic birds, and are known for their shiny-coloured feathers.
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The Xingu river ray is a freshwater stingray, and is usually spotted in the seascapes of Brazil. They have a black and white body, with dominant black colour and spots of white all over its wings and tail.
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Xenotarsosaurus, an extinct genus of dinosaur, existed in the Late Cretaceous period.
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Hyderabad most booked city in 2024; Puri, Varanasi top spiritual destinations  India Today
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Christians in Gaza mark a sombre Christmas as Israeli attacks continue to inflict death and destruction across the war-torn Strip.
Global monitor says famine likely unfolding in north Gaza
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On the 47th anniversary of his death, we remember Charles Spencer Chaplin, a figure whose name became synonymous with the iconic character “Charlot.” A British filmmaker, actor, writer, composer, editor and comedian, Chaplin revolutionized cinema and continues to be celebrated for his significant contributions to the silent film era.
Chaplin was born on April 16, 1889, in London, U.K. His father, Charles, was a vocalist and actor, while his mother, Hannah, was an actress and singer. Growing up in a family involved in the performing arts, Chaplin was introduced to dancing and singing at a young age. By the time he was 5, he had already appeared in a small role alongside his mother. However, tragedy struck early: Chaplin's father passed away and his mother became ill, forcing Chaplin and his brother to fend for themselves in challenging circumstances.

Growing up in one of London's poorest neighborhoods, Chaplin began his professional career as a member of a theatrical troupe known as “The Eight Lancashire Lads,” gaining popularity as a dancer. In the 1910s, Chaplin moved to the United States, where he started his film career.
His first film, “Making A Living (1914),” marked the beginning of Chaplin’s cinematic journey. However, it was his next film, Kid Auto Races in Venice (1914), that introduced the world to his iconic “Charlot” character: a clumsy, bowler-hat-wearing man with oversized pants, large shoes and a constant reliance on his cane for balance. This slapstick character, known for his exaggerated physical comedy, would become central to Chaplin's comedic persona.

Chaplin's big break came when he was discovered by Mack Sennett, a producer at Keystone Film Company, during his time performing in the U.S. With Sennett's help, Chaplin signed with the Keystone company in 1913, starring in over 35 short films, mostly in the comedy genre, which quickly made him famous.
Not only was he an actor, but Chaplin also became known as a talented musician. Seeking more creative freedom and spare time, he decided to become an independent producer. Chaplin founded his own studio in Hollywood and took on multiple roles in his films: he wrote, directed, acted and composed music. Many of the musical scores in his films were his own compositions, showcasing his versatility as a musician.
Chaplin's notable films include “The Tramp (1915),” a silent film he both wrote and directed and which further solidified his “Little Tramp” persona. Over the years, Chaplin starred in numerous classic films such as “The Immigrant (1917),” “The Adventurer (1917)” and “A Dog's Life (1918).” His career soon transitioned to feature-length films, including masterpieces like “The Gold Rush,” “City Lights,” “Modern Times,” “The Great Dictator,” “The Circus” and “Limelight.”
Beyond his work as an actor and filmmaker, Chaplin also authored several books, including “My Trip Abroad, A Comedian Sees the World,” “My Autobiography,” and “My Life in Pictures.” He composed various songs, including “Smile,” “Eternally” and “This Is My Song,” along with numerous compositions for his films.

Chaplin was one of the rare comedians who served as the writer, actor, director and composer for his films, which allowed him to maintain creative control. His films often critiqued societal issues and the struggles of the working class, particularly during Europe's difficult economic periods. His work in “City Lights” and “Modern Times” remained rooted in the silent film tradition, even during the early years of sound films and used only effects and music to tell their stories.
Chaplin's work earned him numerous accolades, though some of them came late. His film Limelight (1952), for instance, was not released in Los Angeles until 1972, twenty years after its completion. That same year, Chaplin won the Academy Award for Best Original Score for the film. Chaplin received two Academy Awards – one for Best Original Screenplay and another for Best Actor – across different films. He was also nominated for Best Actor for his role in “The Great Dictator” (1940).
In 1964, Chaplin published his autobiography and in 1966, he wrote the screenplay for “A Countess from Hong Kong,” starring Marlon Brando and Sophia Loren, marking his return to the public eye in a small acting role. Chaplin was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1975, at the age of 86, in recognition of his remarkable contributions to the arts.
On Dec. 25, 1977, Chaplin passed away in Switzerland at the age of 88. Over his more than 40-year career, he made more than 70 films. Known for his unique ability to combine satire and comedy, Chaplin’s work has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. He remains one of the most influential figures in the history of film, admired not only for his innovative use of physical comedy but also for his deep social commentary and ability to connect with audiences worldwide.
Chaplin's legacy continues to inspire filmmakers, musicians and comedians, ensuring that his influence will never be forgotten.

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Mustafa has been writing about Blockchain and crypto since many years. He has previous trading experience and has been working in the Fintech industry since 2017.
Bithumb listing drives PENGU’s market cap to $2.2 billion, boosting trading volume 161%.
Pudgy Penguins NFT sales jump 40%, contributing to PENGU’s 24% price rise.
PENGU token surges 602% in one month, with analysts optimistic about further gains.
The PENGU token, the official currency of the Pudgy Penguins NFT collection, has seen a huge increase in value. In just one month, it surged by 602%, reaching $0.03531, with a 13% rise in just the last 24 hours. This big jump follows the highly awaited airdrop of the Pudgy Penguins token, which has drawn lots of attention from traders and investors.
A key reason behind PENGU’s rise is its recent listing on Bithumb, one of South Korea’s top crypto exchanges. This has given the token even more exposure, helping its market cap grow to $2.2 billion. Perhaps the token’s 24-hour trading volume reached $1.54 billion, which is a 161% increase from the previous day. 
Although the token saw some early selling pressure, it quickly rebounded, hitting an all-time high of $0.06989 before settling around $0.03745. This surge is a clear reflection of growing investor confidence.
On December 24, 2024, PENGU saw another boost, rising 24% after Pudgy Penguins NFT sales jumped by 40%, reaching $1.38 million. Large whales have also been accumulating more PENGU tokens, helping to push the price higher.

Recently, crypto analytics firm Lookonchain reported that one whale made a massive $8.4 million in profits in just 20 minutes by trading PENGU.
Meanwhile, to keep the momentum going, Bithumb is planning an airdrop for PENGU traders, offering 88,888,888 tokens to those who traded the tokens before December 25, 2024. The airdrop will be distributed on January 9, 2024.
Despite its bullish movement, PENGU is facing some resistance, particularly with the continued selling pressure from early airdrop recipients. The token has dropped almost 44% from its all-time high but is still maintaining a positive trend. 
Key indicators show that PENGU is approaching critical resistance levels, and if it breaks through, it could see further gains, with analysts eyeing the psychological $0.04 level as the next milestone.

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Generally cloudy. High 37F. Winds light and variable..
Cloudy. Low 31F. Winds light and variable.
Updated: December 25, 2024 @ 3:19 am

Representatives of the Chagrin Valley Islamic Center first came before the city to approve a temporary religious use in the commercial zoning district. Last week, they returned to city council with words of thanks.
Masroor Malik, a Solon resident, opened with an Arabic greeting often used by Muslims: “Asalam-o-Alaikum,” which means “peace be on to you.”
Mr. Malik thanked council for granting the Islamic center’s request for the variance to use the Station Street property as its temporary headquarters. The center is leasing the building at 33725 Station St. until funds are raised to build a mosque on vacant land on Liberty Road.
“We are so proud to be part of the Solon community,” he said. “We feel that Solon is one of the most diverse and engaging communities in Northeast Ohio.”
Mr. Malik noted Councilman Edward H. Kraus’ comments following the meeting, where approval was granted, as he welcomed the Islamic center that the city is known and celebrated for its diversity.
“Those words really resonate with us as an organization and as community members,” he said. “We are honored to be a part of this great city for the past few decades, and we are excited to see the support of the city council.”
In speaking of members of the center, many of whom reside in Solon, Mr. Malik said, “as individual citizens, we have always contributed to the betterment of our city and schools, and now as an organization, we bring diversity, loyalty and good citizenship. We are law-abiding citizens who appreciate the city’s support of our patriotic right to free assembly and our right to religious freedom.”
The support from council “revives our faith in this great country’s democratic process, and we really appreciate that our views were not only heard, but that our variance was also approved,” he said.
The center’s approval had contingencies that addressed some of nearby businesses’ concerns regarding parking and trash.
“Our moral and religious teachings guide us to always be kind, considerate and compassionate to others, especially our neighbors,” Mr. Malik said. “Although it will be a hardship on our CVIC members, we have made all the necessary arrangements to comply with the contingencies put into place.”
Mr. Malik reminded council that the center has moved its Friday prayers out of the Station Street location to Signature of Solon’s clubhouse. Additionally, the landlord has been asked to provide an outside, dedicated trash container.
“We hope that our neighbors will be welcoming to us as we strive to build strong relationships with them,” he said.
As the center takes steps toward building its permanent site on Liberty Road, “We are looking forward to strengthening our ties to the great City of Solon and increasing our working relationship with the council,” he said. “We are enthusiastic and eager about our future endeavors together.”
Councilman Richard A. Bell thanked Mr. Malik for his comments and the center’s members for their “patience and your good will.”
“I appreciate how you explained yourself so professionally and calmly,” Mr. Bell said. “You are gentlemen.”
“We work as a team,” Mr. Kraus said, “and we welcome you to the team.”
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Fun-loving and cheerful, a passionate blockchain and crypto writer who knows no boundary…connect if you share the same passion. With 10+ years of writing experience, I am a Crypto Journalist by chance, exploring, and learning all the dynamics of the sci-fi action-filled crypto world. Currently, focusing on cryptocurrency news and price data. With a passion for research and challenging my capabilities, I am slowly getting into the crypto arena to bring new insights every day.
Altcoin Daily explores the recent crypto news and how they are going to change the crypto game in 2025. Recently, Donald Trump’s appointment of Bo Hines as Executive Director of the U.S. Crypto Council signaled a major crypto push. Hines will collaborate with David Sachs to foster innovation in the digital asset space, aiming to position the U.S. as a global leader. Analysts speculate this aligns with plans for a U.S. Bitcoin Reserve to tackle national debt and boost Bitcoin adoption.
Let’s jump in. 
The current political scenario is building the crypto momentum and 2025 will be the year of Bitcoin as suggested by many analysts. 
Among all Crypto coins analysts are more focused on Bitcoin and speculate a hike in its adoption as a strategic reserve asset could push the U.S. to a global crypto leader. Its capped supply of 21 million coins, growing institutional interest via ETFs, and potential regulatory tailwinds in 2025 make it a cornerstone for long-term investors.
Next up is Ethereum though its ETF records are not impressive yet it is expected to jump the ladder and become a leader for the next altcoin season. Since DeFi and NFTs may see some actions in Trump’s leadership. Its transition to proof-of-stake enhances energy efficiency and scalability, attracting institutional and real-world adoption. 
Solana, known for its blazing speed and low costs, is gaining traction in gaming and NFTs despite occasional setbacks. Solana is also buzzing as analysts are expecting an ETF approval once Gary Gensler steps down. At present Solana is up 6% indicating that SOL has seen more capital increase than Bitcoin and Ethereum.
With regulatory activity at ease, Cardano is also back in the game. Despite the recent drops due to the wide market crypto dump the coins are gaining investor’s interest. The market is bullish on Cardano after Trump’s win with expectations of a 4000% rise next year it is indeed a hot crypto asset. 
Last but the least is the memecoin sector which sees a potential breakout chance as investors may divert their assets to memes for quick gain. Trump’s favorite Dogecoin (DOGE) has broken the myth of meme failure with an impressive 350% surge in 2024 due to its robust community. It is also supported by Elon Musk making it even more popular. 
Well, that’s a question that is on everyone’s mind right now, Altcoin Daily believes an altcoin season will happen when there is wider crypto adoption in all sectors be it altcoins, stablecoins, or meme coins. Apart from other sectors, Stablecoins are gaining traction as a tool for global transactions, with companies like SpaceX leveraging them for seamless cross-border payments. This highlights how stablecoin growth could fuel capital inflows into altcoins.
Plus, regulatory clarity expected in 2025, and rising institutional interest in digital assets like Bitcoin could create a domino effect, benefiting altcoins. 

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Stay on top of Russia-Ukraine war 12-25-2024 developments on the ground with KyivPost fact-based news, exclusive video footage, photos and updated war maps.
Tranches from the IMF, EU, US and other countries have kept flowing to cover Ukraine’s social wages, budget deficit and to add to the central bank’s international reserves.
In December 2024, Ukraine signed memorandums to receive tranches of a loan backed by Russian immobilized assets (ERA loan) and received financial aid from the EU, IMF and the US through the World Bank.
Kyiv Post has made a list of tranches Ukraine has received during December 2024.

Air raid sirens rang out over Ukraine on Christmas morning, while the air force reported Russian Kalibr cruise missiles had been launched from the Black Sea
Russian missiles killed at least one person and damaged energy infrastructure across Ukraine, according to officials, who reported a massive Christmas attack.
Air raid sirens rang out over Ukraine on Wednesday morning, while the air force reported Russian Kalibr cruise missiles had been launched from the Black Sea.  

The UK is no stranger to scrutiny over large-scale donations to political parties, but the prospect of Elon Musk’s contribution to far-right Reform UK raises deeper concerns.
The prospect of Elon Musk donating a colossal sum to Nigel Farage’s party, Reform UK, has understandably raised alarm bells about the broader implications of outside money pouring into British politics. 
Estimates of up to £78 million (over $100 million) for a single donation are staggering. Yet, the recent focus on Musk’s high-profile potential contribution may obscure the reality that numerous smaller, less publicized donations, sometimes channeled through obscure or shell companies, have already been influencing policy directions in Westminster – including the UK’s stance towards Russia and Ukraine. 

Santa Claus is the symbol of Christmas, his red suit and white beard a global icon, but each country has its own unique name and tradition for the figure who spreads joy and delivers gifts worldwide.
USA: Santa Claus
The name “Santa Claus” originates from the Dutch “Sinterklaas,” a variation of St. Nicholas. The modern American image of Santa began to take shape in the 19th century, thanks to Clement Clarke Moore’s famous poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” It was here that Santa first appeared as a jolly, plump man bearing a sack full of gifts.

It has become a tradition on high days and holidays for the statues of the children that represent the founders of Kyiv to be dressed in appropriate costumes.
Kyivans have begun a tradition of marking holidays by dressing up the sculptures of the four children on Poshtova (Post Office) Square on the edge of the historical Podil district on special days. The statues which represent the founders of Kyiv – the brothers Kyi, Shchek, and Khoryv with their sister Lybid sitting on a nearby bench, were positioned in and around the fountain on the newly refurbished square in 2017.
This year’s motif sees the Kyi, Khoryv and Lybid dressed in traditional Ukrainian costumes, while Shchek, is dressed in a military uniform bearing the badges of the units in which the brothers of the makers of the sculptures serve.

Kyiv Post was able to see how preparations to celebrate did not stand in the way of saving lives in a visit to a front-line medical stabilization point in eastern Ukraine.
A female military cook whose unusual hairstyle and large glasses – which really suited her call sign of “Owl” – prepares her version of traditional Ukrainian Christmas dishes: kutia made from wheat grains and nuts in syrup, dumplings with potatoes and mushroom gravy, meat, salads, uzvar made from dried pears, citrus fruits, and apples, as well as sweets.
This is how the medics of the 12th Azov Brigade of the National Guard celebrated Christmas on the frontline, with the line of contact is just a few kilometers away.

“What?! There’s no such thing as Santa Clause! All the gifts you ever got were from your dad and me, not some make-believe character in a cartoon!”
On Christmas Day as a boy, I always woke up before my parents, trying to wrangle them out of bed before sunrise. I got up one Christmas morning at about 5:30 am when I was six years old, almost 7; my birthday is in early January. My mom had been up until about 3 a.m. making cinnamon rolls for the holiday morning. She was always up late on Christmas Eve. 
I was the second wave family for my parents. My sister and brother were already out of the house when I came along. They each had an oldest child less than two years younger than me.

Zelensky promises to seek peace in 2025; Ukrainian families celebrate Christmas at the cemetery; and inside the war-time legacy of ‘Shchedryk’ and ‘Carol of the Bells,’ from Pokrovsk to the world.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky tells religious leaders that peace is on the agenda for 2025, as Ukrainians across the country celebrate Christmas for the second year on Dec. 25 after policymakers voted to change the official date last year in a snub to Russia. Cemeteries were full over the holiday as families sought to visit loved ones lost in the war, and the cultural diplomacy of Ukraine’s famed ‘Shchedryk’ and ‘Carol of the Bells’ remains strong.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had a call with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on Christmas Eve to assure the religious leader that Ukraine is working toward making 2025 a peaceful year for Ukraine and the world as a whole. 

In war-torn Vovchansk, Father Igor leads a dwindling congregation in prayer, embodying resilience and faith as they cope with loss and destruction from relentless Russian shelling.
Vovchansk’s copper-domed basilica was always packed at feasts like Easter, with worshippers overflowing out into the Ukrainian city’s central square.
But Father Igor Klymenko’s displaced congregation – forced from their homes by a Russian onslaught that has pounded their border city to dust – was reduced to just nine on the autumn morning AFP caught up with them in the nearest big city, Kharkiv.

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