Category: Articles

Thailand’s National Herbal Policy Committee has approved a plan to elevate the local herbal industry to the international level and develop the health economy and medical services.
Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand’s National Herbal Policy Committee has approved a plan to elevate the local herbal industry to the international level and develop the health economy and medical services.

As reported by the Thai English-language news site The Nation, Thai Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Chantraruangthong, chairman of the committee, said six key ministries of Public Health, Commerce, Industry, Agriculture and Cooperatives, Interior and Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation will implement the integrated programme. The main goal is to develop the herbal industry throughout the entire value chain, including cultivation and management, research and innovation, processing, value-adding, marketing promotion, and establishing Thai herbal branding in the global market.

The “Herb of the Year” initiative for 2025–2027 focuses on promoting turmeric as a flagship herb. Relevant agencies will collaborate to enhance the value of turmeric products, such as medicines, cosmetics, dietary supplements, and exports, to generate significant economic impact.

In the first year of the plan, priority will be given to registering turmeric-based products, developing marketing channels domestically and internationally, adding value to local herbs, and supporting comprehensive industrial development.

Dr Somruek Chungsaman, Director-General of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, explained that turmeric was chosen as the highlight herb due to its high global market potential. According to Transparency Market Research, the global turmeric market value is projected to increase from 7.83 billion THB in 2024 to 28.85 billion THB in 2034, with an annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.9%.

In Thailand, the turmeric market is valued at 262.24 million THB in 2024, accounting for 3.3% of the global market. It is expected to grow to 770.14 million THB by 2034, particularly in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries, which are witnessing continuous growth./.
The activities conducted by the Vietnam Trade Office in Thailand in 2024 have enriched the trade and investment relations between the two countries, contributing to helping Thailand maintain its position as Vietnam’s largest trading partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), according to Le Huu Phuc, Vietnam’s Trade Counsellor in Thailand.
Thailand is expected to apply a minimum corporate tax rate of 15% on big international companies from 2025 in an effort to attract more foreign investment.
Thai Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has announced a plan to accelerate work on the second phase of the country’s railway system upgrade, which will cover six double-track railway projects with an investment of 300 billion THB (8.8 billion USD) next year.
Copyright, VietnamPlus, Vietnam News Agency (VNA)
Editor-in-chief, Mr. Tran Tien Duan.
Licence No. 1374/GP-BTTTT dated September 11, 2008 by the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Tel: (+84 24) 3941.1349, Fax: (+84 24) 3941.1348
Email: vietnamplus@vnanet.vn
© Copyright belongs to VietnamPlus, VNA. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without written consent.

source

Forgot your password?

Third-year University of Notre Dame law student Nicolas Munsen has racked up a great deal of real-world legal exploring while studying a very specialized corner of jurisprudence.
He’s signed on with the Lindsay and Matt Moroun Religious Liberty Clinic, a teaching law practice whose mission is to promote religious freedom for individuals and groups of all belief systems, both in the U.S. and worldwide.
“I’ve worked in both the litigation world and the transactional world,” Munsen said. “On the litigation side, I worked on a case for an organization called Apache Stronghold, which was about protecting the religious freedom of the Apache tribe when the federal government sold a sacred site that belonged to the tribe so that it could be turned into a copper mine.”
Roughly two dozen law students participate in the program at any given time. The Religious Liberty Clinic was founded in 2020 by the Notre Dame School of Law and serves as a teaching law practice that actively participates in myriad religious liberty cases, offering its expertise and services in litigation, transactional advising and in cases involving religious persecution and immigration.

“We’re effectively a small teaching law firm, as all clinics are,” said John Meiser, director of the Religious Liberty Clinic. “Our first mission is to educate Notre Dame law students and give them opportunities to become lawyers by working for real clients in the service of religious liberty, religious organizations and believers.”
The clinic offers the usual classroom work, discussions and lectures. But its unique specialty offers students plenty of chances for hands-on training.
“In addition to what you might think of as your more typical educational environment, the real heart of the clinic is the legal work the students do for the clients,” Meiser said.
The caseload is both varied and exotic, because the clinic doesn’t confine itself to Catholic or even Christian causes. Its collection of clients includes everything from the aforementioned Apache Stronghold case to religious schools in conflict with state and local governments to prisoners of various faiths who believe they have been prevented from worshiping as they see fit.
Meiser said that while many students are attracted to the clinic’s offerings because they’re interested in religious freedom cases, they also appreciate the practical training.
“I think that many of our students are drawn to the really high-level legal experiences we offer,” he said. “There’s not many places in law school where you get the chance to work on a brief that will be filed in the U.S. Supreme Court or at a federal court of appeals. It’s an experience students are drawn to, because it looks different than sitting in a typical lecture-based classroom every day.”
Though law school clinics are a well-worn concept, the idea of dedicating one to religious liberty cases is fairly new — and still fairly rare. Stanford Law School has maintained one for more than a decade, and a handful of others have come into being over the last few years, including at Harvard, Yale and the University of Texas.
“I think it’s a growing community of religious liberty clinics and law schools around the country, but there still aren’t a ton of them,” Meiser said. “But we’re seeing over the last several years that law students around the country are drawn to this opportunity to develop their legal skills in what are not only really important areas of religious freedom, but really fascinating and intellectually engaging areas.”
To call the mix of cases “eclectic” would be an understatement.

“It does sort of run the gamut,” said clinic staff attorney Meredith Holland Kessler, who supervises students in the program’s litigation section. “We do a good amount of work in the education field, working with religious schools who wish to participate in various programs and have been denied the ability to do so because of their particular religious faith.”
The clinic also sees lots of cases involving zoning and land use, ranging from the aforementioned Apache Stronghold case to an amicus brief the clinic filed with the Kentucky Supreme Court in support of the Missionaries of Saint John the Baptist, who sought to build a small grotto similar to the one honoring the Virgin Mary in Lourdes, France. The county zoning board initially approved the plan to build the shrine, but a reviewing court reversed the decision. Apparently neighbors of the grotto raised concerns about high traffic in the area — especially if there was an actual sighting of Virgin Mary or a miracle happened there.
“That’s what I mean when I talk about how fascinating some of this stuff can be,” Meiser said. “You don’t expect to see that in your standard federal litigation.”
The methods used by the clinic to find new clients are equally varied. In some instances the staff may hear about an interesting case and offer their services. In others an organization that needs help, or a legal professional who knows about the clinic, may email them out of the blue.
“We of course have a pretty vast network of lawyers and organizations who travel in similar circles in promotion of religious freedom,” Meiser said. “We often refer things to each other. And we’ll often find something through our own research, and we’ll reach out and say, ‘Hey we saw this case you’re working on. Let us know if there’s any way we can help.’”
That assistance can take many forms, from filing amicus briefs on behalf of a client, to serving as co-counsel for attorneys who may lack expertise in the religious issues they’re dealing with in court.
Though he hesitates to list the types of cases the clinic sees the most, Meiser said many come down to matters of fairness and equality — and the right not to be discriminated against simply because of one’s religious beliefs.

“Another one that we participate in a lot, and unfortunately is really needed, is religious exercise in prisons,” he said. “If you are incarcerated, if you’re in prison or a jail, all of your freedoms, not just your religious freedom but all of your freedoms are essentially at the total control of the government.”
For instance, the cinic filed several amicus briefs in the case of an incarcerated Rastafarian man whose dreadlocks were forcibly shaved off by prison staff. The prisoner is in the midst of an ongoing attempt to seek monetary damages, which as of May of this year culminated in a petition for a U.S. Supreme Court review — a petition supported by another amicus brief from the Clinic.
“I think we also see a lot of things that are about what I could call conscience rights,” Meiser said. “The right to say that there are times when people should not be coerced into performing actions that violate their core religious beliefs. And if religious freedom means anything, it means the freedom to abstain from certain conduct.”
For instance, roughly 18 months ago the clinic led a federal appeal in Georgia for a man who was excluded from a volunteer prison ministry program because the local sheriff disagreed with his interpretation of Biblical scripture. Specifically, about whether it was necessary to be baptized.
“The sheriff wrote him a letter saying, ‘You’ve interpreted the Bible wrong,’” Meiser said. “He filed a lawsuit with some lawyers down in Georgia, and it was dismissed, so he appealed. His lawyers reached out to us and asked if we’d be interested in helping lead the appeal. So that’s exactly what we did.”
Though the clinic indeed sees a lot of cases, there’s probably not enough of them out there for young attorneys (or at the very least, a lot of young attorneys) to specialize in the field once admitted to the bar.
“We certainly hope that the experience in our clinic would help students who are really interested in specializing in this to gain the experience and knowledge that will increase the likelihood that they can do it at some point in their career,” Meiser said. “But most of our students will likely not become specialized religious liberty lawyers. It’s not a huge area of legal practice.”
Kessler said the clinic encourages its students to develop a mindfulness about such issues so they can help whenever legal conflicts over religion happen to arise.
“So I do think many of our students will go on to do this work in some capacity,” Kessler said.•
Please enable JavaScript to view this content.

source

Cats are the new pigs? Study warns these cute and fluffy pets could spark the next pandemic  Hindustan Times
source

Earning a trip Jerry's World, also known as AT&T Stadium in Arlington, will be down to four quarters this week for Texas high school football. 
Much like the semifinal games last week, the slate of games this week features a mix of school names that people across the country know. There is also a fair mix of programs that are making the first-ever trip to a state finals or some with only one trip under their belt.
All games will be held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, and the action starts at 11 a.m. on Wednesday.
Texas high school football UIL state championship schedule (dates, time, location)

We posted an 8-5 mark last week picking games, which included losing both of the Class 6A Division I games.
Texas High School Football Finals Predictions
Jayton Jaybirds (14-0) vs. Oakwood Panthers (9-5), 11 a.m., Wednesday
Jayton enters the state finals as probably one of the hottest offenses in the state regardless of classification. The Jaybirds beat Benjamin, 100-50, in the quarterfinals and beat Lamesa Klondike, 90-48, in the semifinals.
There are also eight players on the Jaybirds’ football roster that helped the school win the Class 1A basketball title in March. 
Bode Ham had 5 TDs in the win vs. Klondike but also hurt his shoulder, according to the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.
Oakwood bounced back after a 1-3 start and enters the finals winners of seven in a row. The Panthers are back to the state title game for the first time since 1991 and only the second time in school history. 
Prediction: Jayton 80, Oakwood 36
Class 1A Division I 
Whiteface Antelopes (14-0) vs. Gordon Longhorns (14-0), 2 p.m., Wednesday
Gordon will look to repeat as the Division I state champions and add the school’s fourth state title. 
The Longhorns were in unchartered territory in the semifinal win playing four quarters for the first time this season — eventually beating Abbott, 77-36. Stryker ‘Ry’ Reed ran for six touchdowns and passed for three more in the semifinal win. 
The Longhorns have outscored opponents 798-84 this year.
Prior to this season, Whiteface had a losing record in four previous playoff trips — 1-4 — and hadn’t played more than two postseason games ever. All-state running back Ethan Kauffman had 5 TDs on the ground, while Jeremiah Rendon had five total touchdowns between rushing and passing in a 74-54 victory over Water Valley.
Prediction: Gordon 60, Whiteface 14
Muenster Hornets (13-2) vs. Shiner Comanches (12-3), 7 p.m., Wednesday
Muenster is riding an 11-game winning streak heading into the finals — the school’s second-ever trip. The Hornets went to the 2A Division II finals in 2017, beating Tenaha. QB Casen Carney has thrown for 2,990 yards and 34 TDs, while running for 1,446 yards and 28 scores on the ground. RBs Nolan Peel (17 TDs) and Legend Bounds (16) are also part of a rushing attack that has racked up 3,743 yards and 66 TDs.
Shiner features a run-heavy offense with RB Quincy Jones leading the ground attack with 965 yards and 13 TDS. QB Carson Schuette had 747 yards and 13 TDs. Schuette has also passed for 906 yards and 12 scores. 
Shiner won state titles in 2004, 2020, and 2021 and was a runner-up in 2013.
Prediction: Muenster 42, Shiner 24
Stamford Bulldogs (15-0) vs. Ganado Indians (14-1), 11 a.m., Thursday
Stamford, a program that dates back to 1913, will be playing in its eighth state title in school history. The Bulldogs won titles in 1955, 1956, 1958, 2004, 2012, 2013 and was a runner-up in 2011. They also won the 1959 4A title but later forfeited it.
Stamford punched the ticket to state with a 28-13 win over Hamilton — a win that was not locked up until late in the game. RB Christain Duran scored with 1:32 left to ice the victory.
Ganado has won 11 in a row and has dominated foes in four of the five postseason games — the exception was a close 14-6 win against Refugio in the third round. The Indians dispatched Joaquin, the last No. 4 seed in the playoffs, 35-14 last week. Ganado QB Bryce Ullman ran for a score and threw two scores to Cain Hayden. 
Ganado is in the UIL finals for the first time after losing five previous semifinal games — including last year to eventual state champion Timpson.
Prediction: Stamford 35, Ganado 14
Gunter Tigers (13-2) vs. Woodville Eagles (13-2), 3 p.m., Thursday
This game features one of the biggest discrepancies when it comes to postseason experience.
Gunter is 71-27 in postseason play and Woodville was 9-25 going into this season — but since then the Eagles have reached the third round for the first time. Then the fourth round for the first time and then … the fifth round for the first time. Now, Woodville is in the finals for the first time ever.
Gunter won the past two state titles and before that, won in 2016 and 2019. This will be the seventh trip to the finals.
The Tigers have won 12 straight since losing to Celina — a Class 4A Division I finalist — in Week 3. That included a come-from-behind win against Wall in the semifinals. Preston Tarpley kicked two field goals and threw three touchdowns in the 42-32 win — rattling off 25 straight points for the win.
Woodville got to the finals by beating El Maton Tidehaven, preventing a rematch of last year’s title game. QB Luke Babin threw his only touchdown pass of the game to Dustin Barlow with 1:59 left to secure a 28-21 win.
Prediction: Gunter 49, Woodville 7
Malakoff Tigers (15-0) vs. Columbus Cardinals (14-1), 7 p.m., Thursday
For the second year in a row and for the third time in program history, Malakoff is in the finals. 
The Tigers won the state title last year with a 14-7 win against Franklin and enter this game winners of 31 in a row. 
In seven of the team’s 15 wins, the Tigers’ defense has allowed a touchdown or less with five shutouts. LB Parker Poteete has 145 tackles.
On offense, QB Mike Jones has completed 70% of his passes with 2,537 yards and 38 TDs. He’s also ran for 1,080 yards and 11 TDs. RB Jason Tennyson has 1,748 yards and 25 scores on the ground for Malakoff.
The Cardinals are making their debut in the state finals after winning its first semifinal game in its third try — a 49-6 romp over Edna.
Columbus features a pair of Division I players in QB Adam Schobel and RB Grayson Rigdon. The latter is a two-spot signee at Wyoming, who helped Benjamin win a 6-man title last year. Rigdon ran for four scores in the semifinal win. Schobel, a TCU signee, had three touchdown passes in the semifinal game.
Prediction: Columbus 35, Malakoff 28
Carthage Bulldogs (14-1) vs. Waco La Vega Pirates (12-3), 11 a.m., Friday
Carthage is one win away from a milestone victory for the program. With 5 wins this postseason, the Bulldogs now have 99 wins dating back to the first playoff trip in 1943. This will be state trip No. 11 for Carthage — the first coming in 1991. 
Carthage won its first title was part of a three-peat, winning Class 4A Division II in 2008, 2009 and 2010. The Bulldogs have 9 state titles and will look for No. 10 against Waco La Vega. 
The two have history in the postseason — as the Bulldogs won 42-27 in the 2019 Class 4A Division I finals. Carthage is 2-1 in the postseason against the Pirates, dating back to 2015.
The Tigers posted a 45-17 win over Brock in the semifinals last Friday behind a pair of touchdown runs from Benny Smith, who had the share of the carries in the second half. Four-star recruit KJ Edwards scored a rushing touchdown but did not play in the second half.
La Vega is in the finals for the sixth time in program history and the fourth time since 2015. The Pirates won titles in 2015 and 2018.
The Pirates scored at least two touchdowns in each quarter in its 62-35 win against Wimberley. QB Kourtney Parr threw three touchdowns and ran for another, while RB Bryson Roland ran for 189 yards and 3 TDs.
The offense is slightly leaning toward running with nearly 3,000 yards as a team and 2,703 passing. Roland, an uncommitted senior, has 2,045 yards, 30 touchdowns and 10 games with 100 yards or more this season.
Prediction: Carthage 35, La Vega 31 
Celina Bobcats (15-0) vs. Kilgore Bulldogs (13-2), 3 p.m., Friday
Depending on the outcome of the Class 4A Division II finals, Celina will have a chance to move into a tie for second place or a tie for third for all-time UIL wins. Celina has won eight state titles and currently sit in third place overall among UIL teams — trailing Aledo (12) and Carthage, (9) Katy (9). So by the time the Bobcats play, Carthage will still be at nine or a win would give them sole second place.
Celina had to rally late to keep the undefeated season and title hopes alive last week, beating Amarillo West Plains, 43-36. RB Harrison Williams scored on a 22-yard run with 1:34 left to account for the final points. It marked the first time in the postseason that Celina hadn’t led at halftime.
Bobcats QB Bowe Bentley, who recently picked up offers from Duke and Cal, ran for 154 yards and three touchdowns in the win. 
Kilgore has won nine in a row heading into the finals. This will be the Bulldogs’ third finals game with a win in 2OT against Dallas Lincoln in 2004 and a loss to Carthage in 2013. 
Isaiah Watters ran for two scores and Michigan signee Jayden Sanders also scored for Kilgore in the 31-7 win over La Vernia.
Prediction: Celina 42, Kilgore 28
Dallas South Oak Cliff Golden Bears (13-2) vs. Richmond Randle Lions (15-0), 7 p.m., Friday
In what is almost a fall tradition, South Oak Cliff is back in the state title game. The Dallas ISD school is in the finals for the fourth straight year following a 37-3 romp over Argyle last week in the semifinals. Jayden Shelton, an Arkansas signee, returned an interception for a score — one of three turnovers the Golden Bears’ defense generated. Argyle gained only 98 yards of total offense.
Randle, a third-year varsity program, is in the finals for the first time. Last week, the Lions turned a 14-7 halftime lead into a 42-7 win over Boerne.
QB Tyler Skrabanek completed 18 of 27 passes for 224 yards and a pair of scores in the win. ATH Keilan Sweeny did a little bit of everything with a 4-yard TD run, caught a touchdown and threw a 30-yard score to Mason Mixon. His rushing score and passing touchdown in the third made it 28-7.
Prediction: South Oak Cliff 27, Randle 14
Dallas Highland Park Scots (14-1) vs. Spring Branch Smithson Valley Rangers (13-2), 11 a.m., Saturday
This game will feature two of the winningest coaches in UIL history. Highland Park’s Randy Allen has 460 wins and is second all-time, behind Phil Danaher’s 488 wins. Larry Hill is 9th all-time and is fourth among active coaches with 324 wins heading into this game.
Smithson Valley is in the finals for the second year in a row and fifth time overall. The Rangers won its only title in 2004.
The Rangers beat Angleton, 21-14, on Saturday to earn the return trip. Up 14-0 in the fourth, Smithson Valley saw the lead evaporate with 5:08 left. QB Cade Spradling scored the game-winner on a 41-yard run with 2:56 left.
Highland Park, likewise, had a close game in the semifinals. The Scots posted a 24-21 win over Denton Ryan.
WR Cannon Bozman had eight catches for 145 yards — including an 80-yard score. Sutton Stock hit a 28-yard field goal to win it with 6 seconds left.
This is the Scots’ 10th title berth — the first since winning 2016, 2017 and 2018 — all three of those title runs featured wins over Denton Ryan.
Prediction: Highland Park 24, Smithson Valley 21
Southlake Carroll Dragons (15-0) vs. Austin Vandegrift (13-2), 3 p.m., Saturday
Southlake, one of the traditional powers, is back in the state finals for the 11th time in school history.
The Dragons are currently tied for third all-time in UIL history with eight state titles — matching the totals of Celina and Mart. Southlake lost 52-34 to Austin Westlake in the 6A Division I finals in 2020. The last of the state titles came in 2011 with a win over Fort Bend Hightower.
Southlake secured a 20-17 win over Longview on Saturday at SMU — a week after Longview dispatched defending two-time state champion DeSoto. Gavin Strange booted a 36-yard field goal at the buzzer — after a penalty negated his first attempt — a miss. RB Christian Glenn had 127 yards and the team’s first points on a 35-yard TD run in the first quarter. 
Carroll moved into the national SB Live/SI Top 25 poll this week at No. 23.
Vandegrift knocked off Humble Summer Creek to reach the state title game for the second in school history. The Vipers lost 42-17 to DeSoto in 2022 in the 6A Division II finals.
Vandegrift enters the finals on a 13-game winning streak and beat Humble Creek, 34-31, in a back-and-forth semifinal in Waco. Jack Rudberg caught a 57-yard TD pass from Miles Teodecki early in the fourth for the game-deciding points. 
Safety Hollister Stephens has been a tackling machine in the postseason and has 104 heading into the finals. He ended the regular season with 62. He posted 19 tackles in the win against Summer Creek, a season-high.
Prediction: Southlake Carroll 20, Vandegrift 14
Fort Worth North Crowley Panthers (15-0) vs. Austin Westlake Chaparrals (14-1), 7 p.m., Saturday
The other Class 6A finals pits a blue-blood program against an up-and-coming North Crowley team.
North Crowley is coming off a 36-34 win over Duncanville on Saturday and moved up to No. 4 in the latest national SB LIVE/SI Top 25 football rankings. Westlake, meanwhile, moved up from No. 10 to No. 6 — making it the marquee game across the country Saturday night.
North Crowley is looking to become the first school in Fort Worth to win a title in UIL’s largest classification since Arlington Heights won in 1948.
The Panthers got four touchdown passes from North Texas signee Chris Jimerson Jr. to knock off previously unbeaten Duncanville. In the semifinals last year, Duncanville posted a 52-10 win over North Crowley.
The win vaulted North Crowley into the finals for the second time in school history. The Panthers won the Class 4A Division I title in 2003 — the school’s first-ever trip to the playoffs. 
Westlake enters this game as a four-time champion — which includes three straight titles from 2018 to 2020 in Class 6A Division I or II.
The Chaparrals knocked off Galena Park North Shore to prevent a fourth straight year of Duncanville vs. North Shore for the state title. Reese Wise threw a pair of touchdowns and ran for another. Payton Luther added a pick-6 to help seal the 35-10 win over North Shore.
Westlake has won 14 games for the third straight year.
Prediction: Westlake 35, North Crowley 31
Cody Thorn is a veteran journalist who covers high school sports across the state of Texas and Missouri. He is based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and has covered sports and news since 1999.
© 2024 ABG-SI LLC – SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC. – All Rights Reserved. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. Betting and gambling content is intended for individuals 21+ and is based on individual commentators' opinions and not that of Sports Illustrated or its affiliates, licensees and related brands. All picks and predictions are suggestions only and not a guarantee of success or profit. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.

source

As we head into the final stretch of 2024, altcoins are catching the eye of savvy investors looking for the next big breakout. With market sentiment showing signs of bullish movement, many tokens are poised for explosive growth. But with so many options available, it’s tough to know which ones to pick. The key to making smart investments this month lies in knowing which projects have the potential to skyrocket—and we’ve narrowed it down to four standout altcoins that are catching the attention of the crypto world.

In particular, Qubetics ($TICS) is grabbing headlines as one of the best altcoins to join in December 2024. With its innovative approach to tokenized marketplaces, transparency, and liquidity, this coin is proving to be one of the most exciting presale projects right now. Analysts are betting on its ability to solve real-world problems that have kept other coins from reaching their full potential. We’ll dive into why Qubetics is the frontrunner and why other coins like Ethereum, Solana, and Cardano deserve a spot on your watchlist.
When it comes to altcoins ready to explode, Qubetics is at the top of the list. The platform is solving some of the biggest challenges in the crypto space, including liquidity, transparency, and regulatory compliance. These are the pain points that have held back countless projects, but Qubetics is tackling them head-on.
The focus of Qubetics is its revolutionary approach to tokenized marketplaces. Tokenizing real-world assets has been the dream for many crypto enthusiasts, but it’s faced significant hurdles. Assets like real estate, art, and collectibles have been challenging to tokenize and trade in a seamless, transparent way. That’s where Qubetics comes in—offering a platform that ensures liquidity and makes these high-value assets more accessible to a wider audience.
Qubetics doesn’t just stop there. The platform also places a heavy emphasis on regulatory compliance, which is essential in today’s increasingly regulated environment. By making sure that all transactions are compliant, it ensures businesses can operate without the fear of legal issues, making it an attractive option for enterprises.
Why did this coin make it to this list? Qubetics is on track to redefine the way tokenized assets are traded. With over $6.9 million raised in presale and more than 350 million tokens sold, the momentum is undeniable. If you’re looking for one of the best altcoins to join in December 2024, $TICS is where you should be putting your money.
Ethereum has been around for quite some time, but it’s still one of the most important altcoins on the market, especially as we head into December 2024. Known for its smart contract functionality, Ethereum is the backbone of the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem. With Ethereum 2.0’s upgrade, the network has addressed key issues like scalability and energy efficiency, positioning itself for long-term growth.
The Ethereum 2.0 upgrade has successfully transitioned the network from a proof-of-work (PoW) consensus mechanism to proof-of-stake (PoS). This shift has made Ethereum not only more environmentally friendly but also faster and cheaper to use. With lower transaction fees and increased scalability, Ethereum is solidifying its role as the go-to platform for decentralized applications (dApps).
Why did this coin make it to this list? Ethereum’s dominant position in the crypto space is backed by its continuous improvements and growing ecosystem. As more developers choose Ethereum to build their applications, its value is only set to increase, making it one of the best altcoins to join in December 2024.
If you’re looking for an altcoin that’s gaining major traction due to its incredible speed and scalability, Solana (SOL) should be on your radar. Known as one of the fastest blockchains out there, Solana uses its innovative Proof of History (PoH) consensus mechanism to process thousands of transactions per second—far outpacing competitors like Ethereum.
The real draw of Solana lies in its low transaction costs. With its speed and scalability, Solana is attracting developers building decentralized applications (dApps) and decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms. In fact, many DeFi platforms have been migrating to Solana due to its ability to handle high transaction volumes at a fraction of the cost of Ethereum.
However, Solana hasn’t been without its challenges. There have been a few network outages in the past, but the team has worked tirelessly to resolve those issues and improve the network. These improvements have made Solana even more reliable, leading to its increasing adoption.
Why did this coin make it to this list? Solana’s ultra-fast transaction speeds, low fees, and growing ecosystem make it a solid bet for investors in December 2024. It’s a blockchain designed for scale, and with continued development, its value is likely to soar.
Cardano has long been considered one of the more “academic” projects in the crypto space, with a focus on peer-reviewed research and a unique Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism. While Cardano might not have the same level of mainstream attention as Ethereum, it is making significant strides with its Alonzo upgrade, which has introduced smart contracts to the platform. This move opens the door for developers to build decentralized applications (dApps) on Cardano, further expanding its use cases.
What sets Cardano apart from other projects is its emphasis on sustainability and scalability. The project has been particularly focused on solving real-world problems in developing countries, aiming to bring financial services to the unbanked. The platform is also working on creating blockchain solutions for sectors like agriculture and education, further cementing its long-term potential.
Cardano’s commitment to scientific research and a thorough, methodical approach to development ensures that its upgrades and improvements are always well thought out, which adds to its reliability and long-term viability.
Why did this coin make it to this list? Cardano’s focus on sustainability and real-world impact makes it a unique player in the blockchain space. With growing adoption and an increasing number of use cases, Cardano is poised for significant growth, making it one of the best altcoins to join in December 2024.

As we head into December 2024, the crypto market is ready for some serious movement, and these four altcoins are well-positioned to explode in value. Qubetics ($TICS) leads the pack, offering innovative solutions for tokenized marketplaces and regulatory compliance, setting it apart from the competition.
Whether you’re looking at Ethereum’s continued dominance, Solana’s speed, or Cardano’s long-term vision, these altcoins have the potential to deliver massive returns. But Qubetics is especially exciting, as it’s addressing real-world challenges that other projects have yet to tackle.
If you’re serious about your crypto investments, you’ll want to grab these tokens before they take off. With the right timing, these altcoins could deliver massive gains, and Qubetics might just be the key to unlocking even greater opportunities. Don’t wait—now is the time to act and make sure you’re holding the best altcoins to join in December 2024!

Qubetics: https://qubetics.com/
Telegram: https://t.me/qubetics 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/qubetics 
Meet Alex, a distinguished writer and researcher specializing in the dynamic world of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. With a wealth of experience and an unyielding passion for staying at the forefront of this ever-evolving industry, Alex is your trusted guide in navigating the complex terrain of digital assets and blockchain innovation. Alex holds a Ph.D. in Blockchain Development, a testament to his unparalleled expertise in this field. His educational journey, combined with his multifaceted perspective, allows him to excel in dissecting the geographical and economic factors shaping the cryptocurrency market, providing insights that delve beyond the surface. What sets Alex apart is not just his professional expertise, but his personal dedication to the transformative potential of blockchain technologies. His keen research skills ensure that he remains a reliable source for industry trends and insights, helping you make informed decisions in the world of cryptocurrencies. Join Alex on this exciting journey through the crypto realm, where knowledge meets innovation, and discover the possibilities that lie within the blockchain revolution. Business Email: info@crypto-news-flash.com Phone: +49 160 92211628
About us
Contact us
Editorial Guidelines
Terms of Use
Legals
Data protection policy
Cookie Policy
*= Affiliate-Link
Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

source

It’s probably not surprising that a new study has linked added sugar consumption to an increased risk of heart disease, but a less expected discovery is that those who have an occasional sweet treat appear to be at a reduced risk of cardiovascular problems.
Eating a pastry, cake, or chocolate bar every so often may be better for your heart than a ‘zero-sugar’ diet, according to the research team from Lund University in Sweden. However, this relationship doesn’t hold for other types of sugar consumption, like fizzy drinks or sweet toppings.
“The most striking finding from our study is the divergent relationship between different sources of added sugar and cardiovascular disease risk,” says epidemiologist Suzanne Janzi.
“This surprising contrast highlights the importance of considering not just the amount of sugar consumed, but its source and context.”
The researchers looked at records of 69,705 people in Swedish public health databases. The participants, aged between 45 and 83, were quizzed on their diet and lifestyle in 1997 and 2009, then tracked up to 2019.
Sugar intake was grouped into three categories: sugary toppings (like honey), sweet treats (like pastries and sweets), and sweetened beverages (like fizzy drinks).
Type of added sugar consumed was then cross-referenced against seven types of cardiovascular diseases, including strokes and heart attacks, with several other risk factors (such as smoking) accounted for.
The associations varied between sugar type and heart disease type; for example, sweet toppings were linked to an increased risk of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (bulges in blood vessels). Overall though, the lowest risks across all cardiovascular diseases were found in those who limited themselves to a sweet treat every now and again.
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to the different ways in which we get our sugar: what other foods and drinks we have with the sugar, for example, as well as how regularly we include added sugar in our diet.
“Liquid sugars, found in sweetened beverages, typically provide less satiety than solid forms – they make you feel less full – potentially leading to overconsumption,” says Janzi.
“Context also matters – treats are often enjoyed in social settings or special occasions, while sweetened beverages might be consumed more regularly.”
Bear in mind that these findings hint at relationships, rather than proving cause and effect. They also don’t factor in other health consequences – like damage to teeth for example – and need to be taken in context with what we already know about sugar.
The researchers suggest future studies could look in more detail at associations between sugar, heart disease, and obesity, for example.
Cultural factors also need to be considered: in Sweden, where these study participants were from, there’s a well-established custom of getting together for coffee and pastry breaks known as ‘fika’, which may have some bearing on the results.
Studies on how loneliness and stress impact our health indicate there’s potential heart benefits to this tradition – regular social interaction and taking time to relax.
“While our observational study cannot establish causation, these findings suggest that extremely low sugar intake may not be necessary or beneficial for cardiovascular health,” says Janzi.
The research has been published in Frontiers in Public Health.

source

Like what you just read? Support Flagpole by making a donation today. Every dollar you give helps fund our ongoing mission to provide Athens with quality, independent journalism.

source

Founded | 2022
Headquarters | Florida
Products | Health and Wellness
Top Executive | Ben Glinsky, CEO
Ben Glinsky was done with direct sales. After two decades of success at every level of leadership, he was frustrated enough with what he saw in the industry that he was done.
“After having built, owned and run some of the most successful network marketing companies over the last 20 years, I completely walked away in 2019,” he shared.
Studying the statistics of what was happening in the industry, Ben saw two fundamental problems: only a small percentage of the field was making real money, and customers weren’t staying on the product long enough to attain any benefit because of the cost.
“My good friend and business partner Nauder Khazan and I have had this idea of a ‘Costco model’ for network marketing for about 7 years,” he explained. “What if we could bring people high quality products for a few dollars above cost and do a membership model like Costco, so people could get healthy; stay healthy; and do it in an affordable way.”
Together, they studied economic trends from both inside and outside the industry, watching consumer trends continually shift toward affordability and value and away from expensive, overpriced products. They noted public companies within the industry losing volume due to these trends, and not adapting to what the consumer was doing— shopping for VALUE.
Teaming up with Nauder, along with wellness superstars husband/wife team Dr. Ryan and Lisa Goodkin, Ben launched LiveGood in 2022.
With a Doctorate in Pharmacology and an undergraduate degree in Science and Nutrition, Dr. Ryan formulates all of the LiveGood line of nutritional supplements that includes multivitamins, superfood and protein powders as well as amino acid and anti-inflammatory products. LiveGood also offers a weight management coffee, essential oils, skincare products and CBD oils.
Just like Ben and Nauder’s original dream, LiveGood’s membership model is like a wholesale club. Members join at a very low monthly or yearly price to access the complete catalog of LiveGood products at significant member discounts. If they choose, members can become affiliates for $40 and take advantage of the company’s compensation plan as well. But, just like LiveGood has upended the traditional direct sales model for selling products, there are significant differences in LiveGood’s affiliate plan as well.
As Ben explained, “At LiveGood, we focus on the end consumers,” he said. “That’s why, while most companies see only a small percentage of people making money, at LiveGood, over 30 percent of our affiliates are in profit—and many more than that if you count how much people are saving on our amazing products. Additionally, we allow our affiliates to work other home businesses. When a large percentage of people in network marketing are making no money, it’s not fair to not allow them to do so elsewhere. That’s why we have a lot of affiliates who are also involved in other programs who are buying their products from LiveGood and telling their friends to do the same, even if it’s not their main focus. It just makes sense. If you can get high quality products at LiveGood at low prices, why would you buy them anywhere else?”
With over one million members accessing high quality, affordable products and hundreds of thousands of affiliates sharing, the LiveGood team is proving that when you align with trends and provide significant value, people want to be a part of it.
“We’re doing something right, something that no other company is doing,” Ben shared. “We believe that everybody needs LiveGood. We offer high quality products at low prices, all backed by our 90-day empty bottle money back guarantee. The world is as unhealthy as it’s ever been. If you’re tired of not being at your best level of health, it’s time for LiveGood!”
From the May 2024 issue of Direct Selling News magazine.
Breaking global news, emerging trends and powerful stories conveniently curated to help direct selling executives stay informed, engaged and a step ahead.

source

Coin Master Free Spin Links: Tested and Working – December 2024 (Updated)  EGamersWorld
source

By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Welcome to IndieWire After Dark, where we pick a new theme for our midnight movie programming every month!
Join us on Friday nights (and special occasions!) to explore some of the strangest fringe films available at any hour in the Streaming Age.
The lights are twinkling and the temperature is dropping. But in December 2024, the merry-making vibes are distinctly and resolutely… off. Lean into that discomfort with some Holiday Midnight Movie (and TV!) Madness as we celebrate a weird year.
After several particularly stressful months in current events, the pre-Christmas season feels oddly foreboding. That might be a welcome reprieve for those of us who are usually glum during the holidays (just me?), but the blues can sneak up on anyone. Whether you’re battling a bickering family or dealing with loneliness, weirdo cinema has the power to fight your funk with more funk.

Related Stories

2025 Oscar Craft Shortlists: The Big Winners Are ‘Wicked,’ ‘Emilia Pérez,’ ‘Dune: Part 2,’ ‘Gladiator II,’ ‘Alien: Romulus’

2025 Oscars: Best Documentary Feature Predictions

When in doubt, clown it out! Feeling sad? Watch something bad! Seriously, skip this year’s viewing of “It’s a Wonderful Life” — and go full-send into something like 1978’s “The Silent Partner” (a sincerely excellent crime thriller!) or MTV’s single Christmas-themed episode of “Jackass” (it’s a lot of sledding on… skin). For our lineup, we’ve strung a bunch of wackiness together to create a tonally jarring garland as crunchy and sour as popcorn and cranberries.
All of these titles go for broke with ridiculous core story concepts, and each will leave you with a completely different feeling. Only have 30 minutes to soothe your rage before family dinner? There’s an animated alien invasion for that. Looking for a family-friendly rom-com that will fundamentally change how you see a Christmas pop hit? Emilia Clarke has you covered. Want thrills? Try the below 1984 sci-fi hidden gem. Need more chills? OK, “Better Watch Out.”
IndieWire After Dark publishes new midnight movie and cult film recommendations (that’s THE BAIT)… and our spoiler-filled reactions to them (that’s THE BITE)… late on Friday nights.
Happy Holidays, genre fans! Here’s what we’re watching in December 2024:
Descend into madness with this stand-out Christmas special from an especially weird time in animation. “The Most Horrible X-Mas Ever” was the last installment of the gone-too-soon “Invader Zim” to premiere on Nickelodeon before its sudden cancelation — and everything in this “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” redux rings true to what made the original show great. From an anti-capitalist kicker that’s still pretty funny to the priceless promise of Gir in an elf suit, this impromptu finale doubles as an oddly perfect swan song. Using a misnomer like “worst” here seems nearly as criminal as the world-domination/Santa impersonation plot at the center of Zim’s increasingly bizarre holiday episode.

Feeling Cynical at the Holidays? Try Nickelodeon’s ‘Invader Zim’ and ‘The Most Horrible X-Mas Ever’
Delightfully schlocky and strange — not to mention the start of a franchise! — “Trancers” is an off-the-beaten-path pick that lets Christmas play out in the background of a perfectly chunky B-movie. Also known as “Future Cop,” Tim Thomerson stars as Trooper Jack Deth (yes, that’s “Deth” — no “a”) in this action film about the evil psychic Whistler (Michael Stefani) and his growing legion of mind-controlled zombie henchmen known as “trancers.” Deth will travel back in time to the 1980s to head off Whistler’s attempts to assassinate futuristic officials via the butterfly effect… by transporting his consciousness into the body of an ancestor and partying with a totally punk-rock Helen Hunt.
Celebrate the fifth anniversary of one of cinema’s greatest-ever tributes to taking a preposterous idea way, way too far with the overly literal “Last Christmas.” Starring Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding (when she was exiting “Game of Thrones” and he had just broken out with “Crazy Rich Asians”), this fizzy and flirty descent into madness centers the London-set love story of Kate — a retail clerk who spends her days dressed as an elf — and Tom — a charitable man hiding a tragic, Wham!-related secret. (Yes, Wham!) Written by Bryony Kimmings and Emma Thompson, who also appears as Kate’s mother, this astoundingly dark rom-com is so startling it will snap even the most heartbroken among us back to reality.

The scariest entry in our December lineup by far, “Better Watch Out” is another movie with a solid surprise — but that reveal comes early on. It’s everything after that makes this script truly terrifying, culminating in a singular “Home Alone” homage you’ll never unsee. Going in, all you need to know is that a babysitter (Olivia DeJonge), her nerdy 12-year-old client (Levi Miller), and his goofy friend (Ed Oxenbould) are working through some awkward crush-related tension when an intruder threatens to ruin their cozy Christmas night. Think “Halloween” meets “You’re Next” with a black-comic “Scream” center. This bleak selection isn’t for everyone, but it’s sure to send shivers down your spine.
Craving more recommendations? Try our holiday picks from December 2023:
By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

source