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Tag: worlds

  • World’s largest sovereign wealth fund reports $222 billion profit


    Nicolai Tangen, CEO of Norges Bank Investment Management, during a news conference in Oslo, Norway, on Jan. 29, 2025. 

    Naina Helén Jåma | Bloomberg | Getty Images

    Norway’s sovereign wealth fund — the largest of its kind in the world — posted full-year profit of 2.5 trillion kroner ($222.4 billion) on Wednesday, fueled by a tech rally.

    The fund’s 2024 profit surpassed the record set a year earlier, when it achieved full-year profit of 2.22 trillion kroner.

    The Government Pension Global Fund was valued at 19.7 trillion kroner at the end of 2024, Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM) said in an earnings report. The fund’s return on investment came in at 13% for the year, 45 basis points lower than the return on its benchmark index.

    “The fund achieved very good returns in 2024, as a result of a very strong stock market. The American technology stocks in particular performed very well”, Norges Bank Investment Management CEO Nicolai Tangen said in a statement.

    Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, NBIM Deputy CEO Trond Grande described a “very, very strong year for equities” as the biggest driver of the fund’s return in 2024.

    More specifically, he noted returns had been driven by certain sectors, particularly as a result of a boom in tech stocks.

    “Tech [has been] really strong, driven by AI, and also financials due to interest rates being higher for longer,” he said.

    NBIM manages the fund on behalf of the Norwegian population. Set up in the 1990s to invest excess revenues from Norway’s oil and gas industry, the fund is currently an investor in more than 8,000 companies across 63 countries.

    The fund is a shareholder in global companies including tech giants Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia and Amazon, with 70% of its benchmark index comprised of equities.

    The sovereign wealth fund also invests in fixed income, including government and corporate bonds, as well as in real estate and renewable energy infrastructure.

    DeepSeek impact

    U.S. tech stocks have been volatile this week, after Chinese AI lab DeepSeek released a free, open-source large language model that it said was quicker and cheaper to produce than those of its major rivals.

    The developments sparked a tech sell-off on Wall Street, with AI darling stock Nvidia — in which the Norwegian sovereign wealth fund holds a 1.3% stake — dropping almost 17% on Monday.

    Tangen touched on the emergence of DeepSeek during the Wednesday press conference.

    “The fact that there are now cheaper language models available is positive, it’s positive for the democratization of artificial intelligence,” he said. “So you should get more penetration of that technology around the world when the cost is lower, so that’s a general positive.”

    Tangen admitted that he did not know whether the recent tech sell-off was a blip or would become a long-term trend.

    “We have had a small underweight in the large technology companies, it’s not very large, but we have not made any major changes following Monday,” he said.

    “I think [the DeepSeek development] came as a surprise to the whole world or you would not have seen those market reactions,” he said, noting that people he had spoken to had believed China was around two years behind the U.S. on AI developments.



    The world’s largest sovereign wealth fund, Norway’s Government Pension Fund Global, has reported a staggering $222 billion profit for the year. This massive profit comes as a result of strong returns on the fund’s investments in global markets.

    The fund, which was established in 1990 to invest Norway’s oil revenues for future generations, now boasts assets worth over $1.3 trillion. This latest profit is a testament to the fund’s successful investment strategy and solid management.

    The fund’s CEO, Yngve Slyngstad, credited the strong performance to a diversified portfolio and a long-term investment horizon. He also highlighted the fund’s commitment to responsible and sustainable investing, which has helped it weather market volatility and uncertainty.

    The Government Pension Fund Global’s impressive profit is good news for Norway and its citizens, as it ensures that future generations will benefit from the country’s oil wealth. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of prudent financial management and strategic investing in securing a prosperous future.

    Tags:

    1. Sovereign wealth fund
    2. Profit report
    3. Investment news
    4. Financial growth
    5. Global finance
    6. Sovereign wealth management
    7. Economic success
    8. Wealth fund performance
    9. Financial markets update
    10. Sovereign wealth fund profits

    #Worlds #largest #sovereign #wealth #fund #reports #billion #profit

  • Cook’s, Organic Vanilla Powder, World’s Finest Gourmet Fresh Premium Vanilla, 4.5 oz


    Price: $14.50
    (as of Jan 31,2025 14:36:06 UTC – Details)



    Organic sucrose and organic vanilla bean extractives.
    Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
    Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.06 x 2.36 x 2.32 inches; 4.5 ounces
    UPC ‏ : ‎ 036006045202
    Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Cook Flavoring Co.
    ASIN ‏ : ‎ B005ZXMRXK

    Cook’s Vanilla Powder is a revolutionary vanilla created by Cook’s as the first real alternative to liquid pure vanilla extracts.
    4.5oz. Resealable Plastic Jar for Safe & Convenient Storage
    All Natural, Gluten-Free, Alcohol-Free, Vegan & Kosher
    Certified Organic by CCOF
    Available in a variety of sizes, from 4.5oz to 5lb.

    Customers say

    Customers enjoy the product’s quality and flavor. They mention it works well in recipes and is natural, not artificial. However, some are disappointed with the sugar content, as it contains mostly powdered sugar and sucrose, a processed sweetener. There are mixed opinions on taste, vanilla content, and value for money.

    AI-generated from the text of customer reviews


    Introducing Cook’s Organic Vanilla Powder: The World’s Finest Gourmet Fresh Premium Vanilla, 4.5 oz

    Are you looking for the highest quality vanilla powder to elevate your baking and cooking recipes? Look no further than Cook’s Organic Vanilla Powder. This premium vanilla powder is made from the finest organic vanilla beans, sourced from around the world to bring you the most authentic and rich vanilla flavor.

    Each 4.5 oz jar of Cook’s Organic Vanilla Powder is carefully crafted to ensure maximum freshness and flavor. The powder is easy to use and can be added to a variety of recipes, from cakes and cookies to smoothies and cocktails. With its intense and aromatic vanilla taste, this powder will take your culinary creations to the next level.

    Experience the difference that Cook’s Organic Vanilla Powder can make in your kitchen. Order your jar today and taste the world’s finest gourmet fresh premium vanilla for yourself.
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  • World’s Toughest Test’ Recruit Opens Up About Shocking Exit


    [Warning: The below contains spoilers for Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test Season 3 Episode 6, “Terror and Brotherhood.”]

    This season, the grueling Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test has already claimed half the recruits. With eight remaining going into Wednesday’s (January 29) episode, the Directing Staff (DS) took the famous faces even further out of their comfort zones with a focus on duty and resilience. The fourth week began with a search and hostage rescue course. During the simulated mission, their job was to save innocent civilians in mortal danger. 

    From there, the recruits faced a high-wire traverse followed by a dead hand over a 300-foot drop. Just when the exhausted group thought they were done for the day, the DS weren’t done. They endured a “bee sting” punishment after Christy Carlson Romano failed to maintain weight within her Burgen backpack earlier in the day. They were called into a muddy and wet obstacle course that ended with the shocking elimination of Carey Hart. The motocross legend was medically withdrawn from injuries to his ankle and wrist suffered during a fall. 

    The favorite wasn’t the only one who went home. During Day 8, a three-stage endurance test in mountainous terrain pushed actress Kyla Pratt to her breaking point. Fellow Disney Channel alum Romano followed not long after when it was decided she couldn’t keep up. 

    Here Hart opens up about what he got out of the experience, what his wife Pink thought of his efforts, and more. 

    Carey Hart

    Pete Dadds / Fox

    How frustrating was it for you to have been through all the other challenges and done so well, but then be taken out by that one obstacle course at the compound? 

    Carey Hart: It was definitely frustrating, but truthfully it was my own fault. You really have to pay attention to the details and information the DS gives you. As the show and challenges were going on, they got a little more complicated. I think a good example of that was the gas mask situation with Cam Newton. You think you’re going in this situation with this mask on, then throw you a curveball. Mask is off and you still have to complete your challenge. Where I screwed up and got hurt was the second or third circuit we had to do because it was the quickest eliminated. 

    Typically we would do two laps on that square around the compound and go back to the square. This time DS said for us to run it back again around the compound and back into the square, I didn’t pay attention that it was one lap. Me and most of the other people did two laps. Had I paid attention, I wouldn’t have been in that situation. 

    You talked about on the show how physically drained you were at this point. Do you think you would have been able to make it to the end had the injury not taken place? 

    Truthfully, I’m pretty stubborn. I have a pretty high suffering rate. I think, again I wasn’t in the moment, but I think I would have had it to make it to the end. Had it just been my wrist, because I tweaked my wrist when I hit the ground, and not the ankle? If it was just the wrist, I could have taped it up and moved on. As grueling as that whole program is, especially with the old ankle I have that is getting fused next year, I had to be smart and tap out. 

    What were those next days after like as you looked back? 

    Going into the show, I have so many injuries and issues with my body. And it’s all self-inflicted, so I don’t complain about it. I went there to take it day by day. Literally, there were five things that could have happened in the first two days that could have taken me out of the whole situation. I could have rolled an ankle on a rock hiking through one of the challenges. I was happy, but also obviously disappointed because I was so close to the end. I think it was like 48 hours left. I was really happy with my showing and how I held up through the whole program. I definitely left with my head held high. 

    How did your wife respond after you spoke to her following the medical withdrawal? 

    There was initially no communication, but she knew the length of the time of the show. I’m sure for her, in the back of her mind, if she heard from me any time before the tenth day, there would probably be an injury. I got injured about midnight that night. By the time I got back to my phone, it was like 2 or 3 a.m. I got her on FaceTime, her eyes are wide and face is kind of pale because she was waiting for me to tell her I have a bone sticking out. I let her off pretty easily as it was just a couple of sprains. 

    So she was more, “What? Just a few sprains. You can go back out there!”

    She knows me. Normally, I would have pushed through, but in that situation, there was no way I could get through with an ankle injury. 

    How would you describe the dynamic of the group from your perspective? Anyone you are particularly close to now? 

    Honestly, it’s great. I think Cam Newton said it best that this was a trauma bond, especially with the last eight of us. We were really a solid group and created that trauma bond. We still have a group chat going. We all individually talk quite a bit. I would say I really connected well with Cam, Golden [Tate], Kyla, Kayla [Nicole], everybody. Actually, Brody [Jenner] is coming up tomorrow to ride some motocross with me at the house. I’m definitely keeping up with everybody.

    Special Forces Toughest Test

    Pete Dadds / Fox

    This seems like such a physical and emotionally impactful show to be on. What do you think you got from this experience? 

    I think it was just how I can challenge myself. I didn’t have some romantic idea where I was searching for myself through this show. No disrespect to those who were doing those things for that reason. For me at age 48 and the professional career I’ve had, which isn’t your average career, I just wanted to feel that endorphin dump again. I wanted to feel that rush. For me, I accomplished what I wanted. Every day I was there was an accomplishment. I left with my head held high. It was a great experience. 

    What would you say was the hardest part of this, the mental or physical? 

    It was 100 percent mental. It wasn’t just so much in the challenges we had to do. The most mentally draining part for me was you just don’t know when the day is over. You can be completely soak and wet at 10 at night with your kit sitting at the edge of your bunk. You don’t know if you can put on dry clothes or if you’re going to get called back out again. That element of not knowing, you’re always idling at eight and willing to jump at 10. 

    Is there someone in mind from your circle you think would be good to go through this? 

    I can think of 50 people, but it would be hard to say one person. I think it would be good for someone who wants to compare themselves to that world of people. You are kind of control your own life and control your own career path. A lot of times you have someone work with you or for you. To relinquish all your power and name where you’re just a number, to have to just fall in and give a hundred percent no matter what, it’s a pretty humbling and eye-opening experience. There are a lot of benefits that can come up from this. 

    What’s next for you now that you’ve had this experience? Are you looking to tackle any more reality TV? 

    For me, that was truly for the experience. When I was younger, I dipped a toe into the reality TV world with the show about my tattoo shop and some other things. I saw this as just the challenge to test my old body. I still compete. I still do motocross. I still do freestyle motocross at a very old age, but still do it and build these Indian motorcycles I have. This is going to be a great experience for me because now when I go to rallies and press things, it will give people something new to talk about versus my first backflip and old stuff from my motocross career. 

    What is the future of this sport in your eyes? 

    I think the sky’s the limit. I think the athletes are getting that much better and much more intense. I think the promotions are really good. I think what is being done in Supercross is awesome. The sky’s the limit. I hope to see it continue to grow. It’s a machine heavily dependent on sponsor dollars, but I think with the viewership the races are getting now, I hope the sport grows. It’s fun. I just took my family to Anaheim too for Supercross over the weekend. It’s fun being a fan again and not a team owner. 

    Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, Wednesdays, 8/7c, Fox





    In a recent interview, former contestant on the reality TV show “World’s Toughest Test” opened up about their shocking exit from the competition. The contestant, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that they had to leave the show due to a serious injury sustained during a grueling challenge.

    The contestant explained that they had been determined to push through the pain and continue competing, but ultimately had to bow out for their own safety. They expressed disappointment at having to leave the competition, but acknowledged that their health had to come first.

    Despite their early exit, the contestant had nothing but praise for the intense challenges and high stakes of the show. They described the experience as incredibly challenging but also extremely rewarding, and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to test their limits in such a unique and demanding environment.

    Fans of “World’s Toughest Test” were shocked to see the contestant leave so suddenly, but many applauded their decision to prioritize their well-being. The contestant’s story serves as a reminder of the physical and mental toll that reality TV competitions can take on participants, and highlights the importance of listening to one’s body and knowing when to step back.

    As the competition continues with fewer contestants, viewers can expect even more drama, intensity, and unexpected twists as the remaining recruits battle it out to be crowned the ultimate champion of the “World’s Toughest Test.”

    Tags:

    1. World’s Toughest Test
    2. Recruitment Process
    3. Shocking Exit
    4. Recruitment Insider
    5. Inside Look
    6. Test Challenges
    7. Career Insights
    8. Test Experiences
    9. Recruitment Revealed
    10. Test Failures

    #Worlds #Toughest #Test #Recruit #Opens #Shocking #Exit

  • World’s biggest iceberg could be on collision course with Antarctic penguin island: “Game of Thrones-esque”


    The world’s biggest iceberg — three time the size of New York City — could drift towards a remote island where a scientist warns it risks disrupting feeding for baby penguins and seals.

    The gigantic wall of ice is moving slowly from Antarctica on a potential collision course with South Georgia, a crucial wildlife breeding ground in the South Atlantic.

    Satellite imagery suggested that unlike previous “megabergs,” this rogue was not crumbling into smaller chunks as it plodded through the Southern Ocean, Andrew Meijers, a physical oceanographer at the British Antarctic Survey, told AFP on Friday.

    He said predicting its exact course was difficult but prevailing currents suggested the colossus would reach the shallow continental shelf around South Georgia in two to four weeks.

    But what might happen next is anyone’s guess, he said.

    It could avoid the shelf and get carried into open water beyond South Georgia, a British overseas territory some 870 miles east of the Falkland Islands.

    Or it could strike the sloping bottom and get stuck for months or break up into pieces.

    A23a iceberg headed toward collision with South Georgia
    An infographic titled “A23a iceberg headed toward collision with South Georgia” created in Ankara, Turkiye on January 23, 2025. 

    Omar Zaghloul/Anadolu via Getty Images


    Meijers said this scenario could seriously impede seals and penguins trying to feed and raise their young on the island. The island hosts 1.3 million pairs of Chinstrap penguins — one of the world’s largest colonies — about 5 million seals, and 65 million breeding birds. 

    “Icebergs have grounded there in the past and that has caused significant mortality to penguin chicks and seal pups,” he said.

    Roughly 1,550 square miles across, the world’s biggest and oldest iceberg, known as A23a, calved from the Antarctic shelf in 1986. Before its calving in 1986, the colossal iceberg hosted a Soviet research station. falley

    It remained stuck for over 30 years before finally breaking free in 2020, its lumbering journey north sometimes delayed by ocean forces that kept it spinning in place. In 2023, the British Antarctic Survey posted a time-lapse of satellite imagery, showing the iceberg’s movement.

    “Game of Thrones-esque” iceberg 

    Meijers — who encountered the iceberg face to face while leading a scientific mission in late 2023 — described “a huge white cliff, 40 or 50 meters high, that stretches from horizon to horizon”.

    “It’s just like this white wall. It’s very sort of Game of Thrones-esque, actually,” he said, referring to the dark fantasy series.

    A23a has followed roughly the same path as previous massive icebergs, passing the east side of the Antarctica Peninsula through the Weddell Sea along a route called “iceberg alley.” That is the same current of water that famed explorer Ernest Shackleton used in 1916 to make his storied escape from Antarctica after losing his ship, the Endurance. The legendary shipwreck was discovered off the coast of Antarctica in 2022.

    Weighing a little under a trillion tons, this monster block of freshwater was being whisked along by the world’s most powerful ocean “jet stream” — the Antarctic Circumpolar Current.

    Raul Cordero from Chile’s University of Santiago, who is also part of the National Antarctic Research Committee, said he was confident the iceberg would sidestep South Georgia.

    Britain Antarctica Iceberg
    In this handout photo provided by the British Antarctic Survey, a view of the A23a iceberg is seen from the RRS Sir David Attenborough, Antarctica, Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. 

    Andrew Meijers / AP


    “The island acts as an obstacle for ocean currents and therefore usually diverts the water long before it reaches the island,” he said.

    “The iceberg is moved by that water flow, so the chances of it hitting are not that high,” though chunks could, he said.

    Another scientist, glaciologist Soledad Tiranti currently on an Argentinian exploration voyage in the Antarctic, said that icebergs such as A23a “are so deep that before reaching an island or mainland they generally get stuck” on the seabed.

    It is summer in South Georgia and resident penguins and seals along its southern coastline are foraging in the frosty waters to bring back food to fatten their young.

    “If the iceberg parks there, it’ll either block physically where they feed from, or they’ll have to go around it,” said Meijers.

    “That burns a huge amount of extra energy for them, so that’s less energy for the pups and chicks, which causes increased mortality.”

    The seal and penguin populations on South Georgia have already been having a “bad season” with an outbreak of bird flu “and that (iceberg) would make it significantly worse,” he said.

    As A23a ultimately melted it could seed the water with nutrients that encourage phytoplankton growth, feeding whales and other species, and allowing scientists to study how such blooms absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

    While icebergs are natural phenomena, Meijers said the rate at which they were being lost from Antarctica was increasing, likely due to human induced climate change.

    In January 2023,  a massive piece of Antarctica’s Brunt Ice Shelf — a chunk about the size of two New York Cities — broke free.  The Brunt Ice Shelf lies across the Weddell Sea from the site of the Larsen C ice shelf on the Antarctic Peninsula. In 2022, the Larsen C ice shelf — which was roughly the size of New York City and was long considered to be stable — collapsed into the sea. 



    In a scenario straight out of a Game of Thrones episode, the world’s largest iceberg is on a collision course with a tiny Antarctic penguin island. Scientists are monitoring the massive iceberg, which is roughly the size of the state of Delaware, as it drifts ominously closer to the island.

    The iceberg, named A68a, broke off from the Larsen C ice shelf in 2017 and has been slowly drifting towards the island ever since. If it continues on its current path, it could potentially wreak havoc on the island’s fragile ecosystem, home to thousands of penguins and other wildlife.

    Experts are scrambling to come up with a plan to mitigate the potential disaster, whether it be towing the iceberg away or creating barriers to protect the island. The fate of the penguins hangs in the balance as they face the looming threat of a catastrophic collision.

    As the world watches and waits to see how this real-life Game of Thrones-esque drama unfolds, one thing is certain: the stakes couldn’t be higher for the adorable inhabitants of this remote Antarctic island.

    Tags:

    1. Antarctic penguin island
    2. World’s biggest iceberg
    3. Collision course
    4. Game of Thrones-esque
    5. Iceberg collision
    6. Penguin habitat at risk
    7. Climate change impact
    8. Environmental threat
    9. Antarctic wildlife endangerment
    10. Iceberg danger zone

    #Worlds #biggest #iceberg #collision #Antarctic #penguin #island #Game #Thronesesque

  • The world’s largest iceberg is on a collision course with vital penguin sanctuary


    After breaking free in December, it’s now traveling along the Antarctic circumpolar current. “It’s the strongest current on Earth,” says Meijers.

    “It’s going to head more or less straight towards [South Georgia],” says Meijers. This wildlife haven is home to fur seals, albatrosses, gentoo penguins, and more. 

    On its current trajectory, A23a will reach a sharp turn in the current. “The iceberg weighs a trillion tons so it’s not turning on a dime,” he says. If it overshoots, it could run aground in shallow waters until it melts enough to keep moving or break up. “It’s anyone’s guess what it might do,” he says.

    The threat to South Georgia’s wildlife

    Grounding near the shallow continental shelf close to South Georgia could block off routes between feeding and breeding areas for many penguin and seal colonies. This disruption “forces the adults to swim further, burn more energy and, basically, bring back less,” says Meijers, resulting in higher mortality and potentially worsening the impact of bird flu on both seals and penguins

    Timing is important. “In October, the penguins decide where they’re going to nest,” says Maria Vernet, a marine ecologist at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego. An enormous, steep iceberg that’s “more like an apartment building,” is a bigger threat when the eggs and chicks are in the nest and utterly dependent on their parents.





    In a concerning turn of events, the world’s largest iceberg is currently on a collision course with a vital penguin sanctuary. The iceberg, known as A68a, broke off from the Larsen C ice shelf in Antarctica in 2017 and has been drifting towards the South Georgia Island in the South Atlantic Ocean.

    The sanctuary, home to over 1.5 million penguins, is at risk of being severely impacted by the collision. The iceberg, which is roughly the size of the island itself, could disrupt the penguins’ habitat, block their access to food sources, and potentially cause widespread devastation to the population.

    Scientists and conservationists are closely monitoring the situation and are exploring potential solutions to mitigate the impact of the collision. However, the sheer size and trajectory of the iceberg make it a challenging and urgent situation.

    Efforts are being made to track the movement of the iceberg and assess the potential risks to the penguin sanctuary. It is crucial that immediate action is taken to protect this vital ecosystem and ensure the safety and well-being of the penguin population. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

    Tags:

    1. World’s largest iceberg
    2. Collision course
    3. Penguin sanctuary
    4. Climate change
    5. Environmental impact
    6. Antarctic iceberg
    7. Wildlife preservation
    8. Global warming
    9. Iceberg collision
    10. Environmental crisis

    #worlds #largest #iceberg #collision #vital #penguin #sanctuary

  • World’s Biggest Iceberg Headed Toward Penguins




    Attention all penguin lovers and environmental enthusiasts! A massive iceberg, dubbed the world’s biggest, is currently on a collision course with a penguin habitat in Antarctica. The iceberg, measuring over 4,320 square miles, is drifting rapidly towards the area where a large colony of penguins reside.

    Scientists and conservationists are closely monitoring the situation and are working to assess the potential impact on the penguin population. If the iceberg were to reach the habitat, it could cause significant disruptions to the penguins’ breeding and feeding grounds.

    Efforts are being made to come up with a plan to potentially divert the iceberg away from the penguin habitat, but time is of the essence. The fate of these adorable creatures hangs in the balance as we wait to see how this monumental natural event unfolds.

    Stay tuned for updates on the world’s biggest iceberg and its journey towards the penguins. Let’s hope for a positive outcome for these beloved Antarctic residents! #SaveThePenguins #IcebergAlert

    Tags:

    1. World’s Biggest Iceberg
    2. Iceberg Headed Toward Penguins
    3. Penguin Habitat Threatened
    4. Climate Change Impact
    5. Antarctic Wildlife at Risk
    6. Massive Iceberg Drifting
    7. Environmental Crisis Alert
    8. Wildlife Conservation Concerns
    9. Iceberg Threatens Penguin Colony
    10. Global Warming Effects on Wildlife

    #Worlds #Biggest #Iceberg #Headed #Penguins

  • U.S. Figure Skating Championships: Amber Glenn, Ilia Malinin shine ahead of worlds, en route to 2026 Olympics


    With the world figure skating championships in Boston at the end of March, the Americans are hoping to use their home ice advantage to find some spots on the podium. The U.S. worlds team was chosen during the U.S. national championships in Wichita over the weekend, but skaters weren’t just competing for a spot on the world team for Boston — they were also starting to put together their resume for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics next February, making this an incredibly important year for the national championships.

    Here are the biggest takeaways from a dazzling competition.

    Earlier this season, Glenn won every Grand Prix competition she entered, including the Grand Prix Final. With a winning streak like that, defending her national title would be easy, right? Well, this is figure skating, and nothing is easy or guaranteed.

    After her short program landed her in third, Glenn fought through her free program, beautifully landing her triple Axel and recovering well from a fall late in the skate. It was not her best, but it was enough to win her second consecutive national championship, and a spot on the world team headed to Boston.

    “Coming into these nationals, I wasn’t feeling my absolute best,” Glenn told reporters after her win. “Today being able to not fully lock in but for the most part get into the zone I needed to, and I’m very proud of my mental fortitude and the progress I’ve made.”

    Alysa Liu becomes a thrilling comeback story at just 19 years old

    After the 2022 season, where Liu took sixth at the Olympics and third at the world championships, she retired. Three seasons later, at the ripe old age of 19, Liu decided to return to the ice. Liu has always excelled as a jumper, and that hasn’t changed. What has changed is the joy she’s found on the ice this time around. Liu skated a memorable, emotional short program, and finished second overall. Three years later, she’s back on the world team.

    “It feels really crazy to me,” she said. “I really didn’t have any expectations for myself placement wise, just program wise. It felt really good throughout this entire experience.”

    Seventeen-year-old Isabeau Levito, who won silver at the 2024 Worlds, was the third member named to the team, pending return-to-play protocol. She missed the U.S. Championships with a foot injury.

    Even those who aren’t the biggest fans of figure skating know about Madison Chock and Evan Bates. The ice dancing pair, who began skating together in 2011 and were married last summer, have been on every U.S. championships podium since 2013. Chock and Bates have been to three Olympics together, securing a gold medal in the team event in 2022. They won the last two world championships, too, and have shown no sign of slowing down. Their jazz-themed free skate brought down the house in Wichita. Expectations for the pair are high as they head into Boston.

    They will be joined by ice dancers Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko, and Caroline Green and Michael Parsons.

    Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov haven’t been skating together long. Efimova, who previously skated for Russia, was looking for a new partner in 2023 when Mitrofanov sent her a message on Instagram. The tryout worked well, and they started training in Massachusetts. Just two years later, the two won the U.S. title and will lead the pairs delegation. Even better, they get to compete a short drive from their rink in Norwood, Massachussets.

    “While growing up, I watched pairs and when I was skating singles, I never thought I would do pairs,” Mitrofanov said. “But when I switched, I would watch all the big names, and it was always a dream of mine to stand on the podium. It’s very surreal.”

    Defending world champion Ilia Malinin again treated fans to a skate packed with quadruple jumps. During Sunday’s free skate, Malinin threw seven quad jumps, with a fall on one. The jumps included a quadruple Axel, a jump few will even attempt, much less land.

    While his jumps are fantastic and rack up points, Malinin, 20, has shown consistent growth in how he’s managed the skating between his jumps. His artistry has started to catch up with his technical ability, making Malinin a terrifying opponent for his competitors in Boston.

    “Looking back after that performance, I felt that it was a pretty good performance and I definitely have improved a lot since Grand Prix Final,” Malinin said. “I’m definitely very happy with all the progress that I made at this competition, but now I can use the time to take everything that I’ve learned from my performances and really try to develop them and get them as perfect as I can before Worlds.”

    He will be joined in Boston by Andrew Torgashev, who took second on Sunday, and two-time Olympian Jason Brown, who won bronze in the team event in the 2014 Sochi Games. Like Levito, Brown missed nationals and will need to follow return-to-play protocol. Brown, 30, said he had been dealing with a series of challenges heading into nationals. If he cannot compete, Camden Pulkinen will take the spot as the first alternate. Pulkinen finished third in Wichita.



    The U.S. Figure Skating Championships recently concluded with Amber Glenn and Ilia Malinin emerging as two of the brightest stars in the sport. With their impressive performances, both skaters have solidified their spots on the world stage and are now on their way to the 2026 Olympics.

    Amber Glenn wowed the crowd with her technical skill and artistic flair, earning top scores in both the short program and free skate. Her graceful movements and powerful jumps showcased her dedication and talent, leaving no doubt that she is a force to be reckoned with in the figure skating world.

    On the men’s side, Ilia Malinin proved to be a formidable competitor, delivering flawless performances and demonstrating his versatility on the ice. His precision and athleticism were on full display, earning him a well-deserved spot on the podium.

    As both skaters look ahead to the upcoming world championships and ultimately the 2026 Olympics, they are sure to be ones to watch. With their determination and skill, Amber Glenn and Ilia Malinin are poised to make a lasting impact on the figure skating world and inspire a new generation of athletes.

    Tags:

    1. U.S. Figure Skating Championships
    2. Amber Glenn
    3. Ilia Malinin
    4. 2026 Olympics
    5. Figure Skating
    6. Championships
    7. Skating competition
    8. Olympic hopefuls
    9. World championships
    10. Skating stars

    #U.S #Figure #Skating #Championships #Amber #Glenn #Ilia #Malinin #shine #ahead #worlds #route #Olympics

  • ‘My team-mate is world’s second-best player – only Messi is better’ | Football | Sport


    Barcelona midfielder Gavi believes his team-mate Lamine Yamal is one of the world’s best players, placing him just behind the legendary Lionel Messi. The teenage winger enjoyed a breakout summer at Euro 2024 and has continued to shine for the Catalan club.

    Despite Barcelona’s shaky league form since November, which sees them sitting third in La Liga, they’ve been formidable in cup competitions. Hansi Flick’s team are second in the Champions League table and stormed into the Copa del Rey quarter-finals with a 5-1 thrashing of Real Betis.

    While Barcelona’s attack boasts names like Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, Yamal has been turning heads with his performances. After winning the Euros with Spain, the 17-year-old has notched nine goals and 12 assists in 27 appearances for Barcelona. Following his scintillating performance against Betis, Gavi couldn’t help but mention club legend Messi.

    “For me, he is the best in the world, second only to Messi,” Gavi told Sport, yet he was quick to dismiss any direct comparisons. “Lamine is very good, the best at the moment. But it’s silly to compare him with Messi because there will only be one.

    “Messi is unique. Just like there will only be one Xavi, one Iniesta or one Busquets. We have to make our own way. Lamine is the best right now, and I hope he continues like that.”

    Yamal’s career seems to be on an unstoppable upward trajectory, confirmed by Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi, who added: “I have enjoyed Lamine for many years, and now everyone is enjoying him.”

    The connection between Yamal and Messi is seemingly inescapable. From posing in a photo shoot with Messi as an infant to taking over his iconic no. 10 jersey, Yamal’s footsteps trace those of the fellow La Masia graduate. Messi himself has recognised the resemblance, professing that Yamal is the footballer who most mirrors his younger self.

    “There’s a very good generation of young footballers who have many years ahead of them,” he said in December. “If I have to choose someone, because of the age and because of the future that he has, I’ve heard that they have chosen Lamine Yamal and without doubt [it’s him] for me, too.

    “I agree it depends on him and many things because that’s how soccer is, but he’s the present and without a doubt has a huge future.”



    In the world of football, having a talented team-mate can make all the difference in a game. And for me, I am fortunate enough to play alongside the world’s second-best player – only Lionel Messi is better.

    Having such a skilled player on my team is truly a blessing. Their ability to dribble past defenders with ease, score goals with precision, and create opportunities for their teammates is unparalleled. Every time they step onto the field, you know that something magical is about to happen.

    Playing alongside the world’s second-best player has pushed me to elevate my own game. Their work ethic, determination, and passion for the sport serve as an inspiration to me and the rest of the team. We all strive to match their level of excellence and contribute to the team’s success.

    While Messi may be considered the best player in the world, having the second-best player on my team is something truly special. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from them, compete alongside them, and witness their greatness on a daily basis. Together, we make a formidable duo that strikes fear into our opponents.

    I am proud to call them my team-mate and honored to share the field with such a talented individual. With their skills and leadership, I have no doubt that we can achieve great things in the world of football.

    Tags:

    1. Football
    2. Sport
    3. Team-mate
    4. Player
    5. Messi
    6. World’s best
    7. Soccer
    8. Athlete
    9. Team
    10. Competition

    #teammate #worlds #secondbest #player #Messi #Football #Sport

  • Monster Hunter Wilds lead was also crushed by Monster Hunter World’s brutal decoration RNG: “I ended up finishing the game without having completed my build”


    Monster Hunter World was notoriously stingy with its gem-like socketed decorations, especially with rarer ones that could easily unlock essential skills that otherwise required specific armor pieces. Bad luck could make your dream build much harder to craft. Thankfully, Monster Hunter Wilds uses a similar gearing system but ensures decorations can be crafted to guarantee key skills, which is good news for the countless folks who got burned in World, including Monster Hunter Wilds art and executive director Kaname Fujioka, who directed the original Monster Hunter and has been with the series ever since.

    Fujioka, with Wilds director Yuya Tokuda, spoke to IGN about the decoration system in Wilds. As we previously saw firsthand, Wilds largely splits offensive and defensive skills between weapons and armor respectively, so slotting in the right decorations to round out your setup will be even more important than in previous games.



    Monster Hunter Wilds Lead was also crushed by Monster Hunter World’s brutal decoration RNG

    As a dedicated Monster Hunter player, I was beyond excited when Monster Hunter World was released. I dove headfirst into the game, eager to hunt down monsters and craft the perfect armor and weapons for my character.

    But as I delved deeper into the game, I quickly realized that the brutal decoration RNG was going to be my downfall. Despite countless hours spent hunting monsters and grinding for decorations, I just couldn’t seem to get the ones I needed to complete my build.

    I watched as my friends effortlessly crafted their perfect sets, while I struggled to even come close. It was frustrating and disheartening, knowing that I was missing out on the full potential of my character because of a cruel game mechanic.

    In the end, I had to make do with what I had. I finished the game without completing my build, feeling a sense of disappointment and regret. But I also felt a sense of accomplishment, knowing that I had persevered despite the odds stacked against me.

    Monster Hunter World may have crushed my dreams of a perfect build, but it also taught me valuable lessons about resilience and determination. And who knows, maybe one day I’ll finally get those elusive decorations and truly become the ultimate hunter. Until then, I’ll keep on hunting, never giving up on my quest for perfection.

    Tags:

    1. Monster Hunter Wilds
    2. Monster Hunter World
    3. Decoration RNG
    4. Build completion
    5. Monster Hunter game frustration
    6. RNG in gaming
    7. Monster Hunter Wilds vs Monster Hunter World
    8. Monster Hunter build progress
    9. Gaming disappointment
    10. Monster Hunter RNG struggles

    #Monster #Hunter #Wilds #lead #crushed #Monster #Hunter #Worlds #brutal #decoration #RNG #ended #finishing #game #completed #build

  • Worlds AR Gun Blaster Augmented Reality Bluetooth Game Controller Smarthphone WL



    Worlds AR Gun Blaster Augmented Reality Bluetooth Game Controller Smarthphone WL

    Price : 17.99

    Ends on : N/A

    View on eBay
    Introducing the Worlds AR Gun Blaster – The Ultimate Augmented Reality Bluetooth Game Controller for Your Smartphone!

    Are you ready to take your mobile gaming experience to the next level? Look no further than the Worlds AR Gun Blaster! This innovative game controller combines augmented reality technology with Bluetooth connectivity to bring you an immersive and interactive gaming experience like never before.

    Simply download the Worlds AR Gun Blaster app on your smartphone, connect the controller via Bluetooth, and start blasting your way through virtual worlds and battles. With 360-degree shooting capabilities, realistic sound effects, and haptic feedback, you’ll feel like you’re right in the middle of the action.

    Whether you’re a casual gamer looking for some fun or a serious gamer looking for a competitive edge, the Worlds AR Gun Blaster has something for everyone. So why settle for ordinary mobile gaming when you can elevate your experience with the Worlds AR Gun Blaster?

    Get your hands on this cutting-edge game controller today and prepare to be blown away by the endless possibilities of augmented reality gaming. Get ready to level up your gaming experience with the Worlds AR Gun Blaster!
    #Worlds #Gun #Blaster #Augmented #Reality #Bluetooth #Game #Controller #Smarthphone,worlds ar augmented reality gaming

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